Up in Flames

By all accounts, things in the Free Marches were getting dire.  Bethany had been doing her best to track the unnatural heat wave, to dispatch mages gifted with hydromancy to populated areas in danger of losing their water, but it wasn't enough.  There simply wasn't enough water left to do more than gather a few drops at a time in some places, leaving swaths of the population in danger of dying of thirst.  Not to mention the danger posed by the sun itself - just minutes unprotected could have dire consequences.  The areas worst off were evacuating to places not quite as deadly - as far as Ferelden in some cases.  It made her heart ache; so many people had resettled in the Marches, only to be forced out once again by a disaster that no one could foresee.

The former Circle building was holding up a little better than most due to the rich weave of enchantments that had been laid in its stones over the ages, but it was far from immune.  For now, though, it was the best place to sort through all the information they'd been gathering.  She'd taken a map and overlaid the information they'd gathered, and the pattern became clear fairly quickly.  Honestly, she hadn't been able to hold back a bitter laugh when she'd seen it: Kirkwall, once again, was at the center of things.  The heat, the drought, the fires - everything got worse closer to Kirkwall.  It made her wonder how Kirkwall could even still be standing - Merrill must be working miracles to keep it from melting into the ground.

She looked at her sister and Sebastian, a weariness apparent in her stance and gaze she expected they felt as well.  They had to figure this out or the entirety of the Free Marches would be scorched beyond repair.  "I've looked through the records the mages kept and nothing talks about anything like this, or how to combat it.  If it was a natural occurrence, I would have expected to see something." She wasn't going to pretend their records were complete by any means, or that there weren't other sources of information.  "Maybe the Chantry has a record of something like this?  Or the Dalish?"  Or maybe Kirkwall is just truly cursed.

Frustration buzzed through Sebastian's entire body. From the moment reports started pouring in, seeing there was next to nothing that he could really do left him annoyed and frustrated. A dour mood hung around him as he tried to offer what little he could. Strategy and decisions on where to send resources, but it was constant arguments. What could any of them really do?

They'd not gotten nearly enough lyrium from Garryn's dwarves to be able to keep up with what the mages needed. They also didn't have nearly enough mages to be able to aid in the issues going on. Resources were limited and spread thin, and Sebastian himself felt utterly useless. He was no mage, he could not lend his own strength. Instead he had to sit and dictate who did or didn't get the limited support they could offer.

He knew they couldn't just sit in place, though. They'd need to either go find answers or at least try to move more and more people into the cities that did have the resources to help. Sebastian had dug out pieces of his old armor, the white something he hoped would help ease the heavy heat that hung in the area. Something light to reflect the sunlight.

Sebastian listened as Bethany spoke, trying not to let the feelings of frustration play too much across his face. He wasn't upset with her, not in the least, she'd done wonderfully with what resources they had. But the irritation at the situation as a whole was hard to hide completely. The strain weighing heavily on him.

The Chantry has nothing. He replied, voice a little curt. He sighed after a moment, shaking his head. Forgive me, I've grown weary of having no answers. We should go to Kirkwall. Merrill would know of anything the Dalish might be aware of. Or perhaps she'll have another solution.

He glanced over at Aoife, then back to Bethany. If nothing else, we need to bring people here and to Tantervale. They cannot stay in Kirkwall under these conditions.

[font=Arial, serif]Aoife had never missed Ferelden winters, they were bitter, unyielding in rain, snow and wind. It had been the most miserable feeling during those cold months, until recently. Gods how she wished for a cold snap, if only to provide water to sate the ever thirst at the back of her throat. The brief respite in the night was that, incredibly brief and even with the sun setting, the temperature remained a constant level, just without the orbiting daylight. Everyone was suffering, but the poor and the desperate most of all. Unrest was growing, but there was little more they could do than endure and maintain what lines of defence they had. Shelter and shade. Water management and fire management. It was a miracle Kirkwall was even still standing given the reports. A soft smile crept across her face. Merrill. She was hanging in there. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]As her sister explained, Leaf’s smile slowly disappeared. The map, the fact things were progressively worsening the closer to the ill-fated City, it all brought back all her efforts in the past. All their efforts. There was something in her face at the thought of going to Kirkwall, but… a shithole or not, people needed their help. Merrill needed their help. Blue orbs glazed over for a moment as she leaned against the stone, her concentration struggling between the frustration and exhausting heat.[/font]

[color=#c14700][font=Arial, serif]We’ll go and bask in the fire. Perhaps finish what the apostate started and burn it to the ground finally?[/font][/color]

[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]Yes. I mean no... Shut up. [/font][/color]

[color=#c14700][font=Arial, serif]Yes. You should listen to the man sweating across from you, and not, how you've been dreaming, over you. [/font][/color]

[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]Ohmygod. SHUT. IT. [/font][/color]

[font=Arial, serif]Her hands flexed against her crossed arms, eyes catching sight of Seb’s before she suddenly straightened.[color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif] “None of this is natural. It’s Kirkwall, it might as well have a welcoming sign to the weird and fucked-up shit of Thedas.”[/font][/color] There was a bitterness to the chuckle that followed. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“But yes, we should evacuate as many as we can, the fires are bad here. I can't imagine what Merrill has had to deal with.”[/font][/color][/font]

Bethany waved off Sebastian's apology.  None of them were at their best in this heat, and even the most even tempered of them was prone to snap at some point.  Tempting as it was to summon a cool breeze, she held back knowing that any relief would be fleeting at best and taunting at worst.

She couldn't help but agree with Leaf's assessment of Kirkwall, and it showed on her face.  That place had left its mark on them as much as they'd marked it, and honestly it was something of a relief not to be living there anymore.

But that didn't mean they could escape it all together.  "Alright.  I'll have someone get the school prepped as a waypoint for people evacuating this way through the Eluvians, and I can send word to Tantervale to do the same.  Do you want to head out this evening?"  There didn't seem to be any sense in putting it off, and at least if the sun was down it would be moderately more tolerable to go hunting around for whatever could cause this.

Sebastian couldn't help but give a bitter chuckle at Aoife's commentary. Of course Kirkwall always seemed to be a beacon. But, perhaps, it was nice to know it was the city and note her that drew the insanity in. Maybe that meant after all this shit was passed them, things could become some semblance of normal? Maker, he could only hope.

He looked to Bethany when she spoke up and nodded. Then, after a pause of thought, he let out a weary sigh. No, we should leave now. We cannot delay; for the sake of the people there. It would be miserable for the three of them, but what would waiting accomplish? The heat changed little even as the sun went down.

Scratching his chin a moment, he continued. Perhaps if we could get Merrill's eluvian to darktown and funnel the people through that, it would be just a little less miserable. It was the best he could think of. Darktown was a hellhole normally, but right about now it might be the only bearable place from the heat.

[font=Arial, serif]Kirkwall itself, the buildings and structures meant little to her. She had done what she could for the benefit of the people with what resources available at the time. Admittedly it hadn’t been much at the time, so Merrill was in a better spot than Hawke had been, but this was beyond the scope of anything anyone should or could handle. Tempers were fraying. Her own volatile nature hampered even more by the demon courting her every nerve to its last strand. People snapped, yes. Aoife snapped and around her a newly formed crater opened up in the earth. Keeping herself busy was the only true respite. [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Another was hearing, even if slight, a sound of amusement from Sebastian during all this. Few and far between, but those moments gave her the closest thing to a refreshing change in air. Nodding with the decision made, Leaf gave out a deep sigh. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“Alright, sooner the better. Every bit of this is going to suck ass, but the longer we delay, the more people suffer needlessly.”[/font][/color] What was a few hours of comfort when others, less fortunate, endured further suffering? [/font]

[font=Arial, serif]Sebastian’s idea though, was quite astute. Fondness slipped into her smile as she nodded. [color=#0074d9][font=Arial, serif]“It’s a good idea, it’ll help protect those who’ve not adequate cover. Should we send a runner ahead to have Merrill do that first, or .. I can move it when we get there?” [/font][/color][/font]

Bethany found herself in agreement with the sentiments expressed - the sooner they were able to act the better for everyone even if it would be a bit more uncomfortable beginning the process during the daytime hours.  The idea of moving the Eluvian was a good one, but the logistics of that could be tricky.

She found herself quickly nixing the idea of a runner with a shake of her head.  "I think it might be best for us to do it ourselves.  This is Kirkwall, after all," she said ruefully.  "No slight meant to Merrill, of course, but we know how things tend to go there. Especially when magic is involved."  They all had enough experience with that to know just how true that statement was.

"I trust us more than I trust anyone else with something so precious."  Knowing their luck even in the middle of the city positively melting into the ground some hitherto unknown arm of the Coterie or Carta or what-have-you would see it as the perfect time to steal it, or break it, or whatnot.

Sebastian listened, allowing Bethany to respond to Aoife's ideas before he spoke up. And when she did, he nodded in agreement. Your sister's correct, we should handle that ourselves. After a moment of pause, he continued: Aoife, you should find Merrill when we arrive and have her aide you in moving it. Bethany and I can coordinate moving the people. Perhaps with assistance from the guard.

He hadn't exactly kept up with Aveline, but if she was still in a position of power, well... she'd likely be more keen on working with Bethany than himself. They'd never gotten along particularly well. Similar ideas shared, perhaps, but never the same approach and it sent head's butting. He also was keenly aware the guard had been upset about his choice to annex Kirkwall.

Any last thoughts before we depart?

Sebastian wanted to be certain they'd thought of everything, covered everything, before leaving. In the literal heat of the coming moments, it would be best to know the plan.

[color=#c14700]I bet he wants you to move that magic door, just to see you exert yourself. Get all nice and sweaty for him. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]You… are ridiculous. I’m already sweating like a pig at this very moment. We all are. [/color]

[color=#c14700]Oooooh, or, perhaps he wants to spend time with your little sibling? Some of you mortals are into that, no?[/color]

[color=#0074d9]…. Oh. MY. GOD. ShutthefuckUP.[/color]

The demon chuckled. The sensation echoed into the background of her thoughts. Maintaining her neutral façade faltered, her hand clenched tightly into a fist which found a hiding place behind her. The bastard. There were more important things to be dwelling on the confusing, messy web of feelings rattling around. Their plan made, the group soon set on their way through the Eluvian.

Only Kirkwall wasn’t boiling it was the very opposite. Leaf had never seen such torrents and unending downpour of water. Within minutes of their arrival, her robes were completely sodden and weighing her down as she tried to trudge through the thigh-high rivers quickly replacing the city’s streets. The extreme flip to poor weather had taken all by surprise, people slipping, struggling to navigate the rising waters or trapped by the sudden deluge.

Using her staff as a guide - because falling down a shaft or drain and drowning was not about to happen on an already disastrous day - Aoife scouted the street ahead. Perhaps creating some sort of dam would slow the submergence of Lowtown?

[color=#0074d9]“Beth?! I hope you’ve brushed up on your earth magic.” [/color]

Bethany noticed how Leaf clenched her fist despite the fact she was trying to hide it.  There had been a couple times where her usual façade had slipped for a second, and given what they were dealing with anyone would think that it was just due to what they were dealing with.  But Beth knew her sister, and there were particular ticks that seemed more distracted than anything else.

But that was something she could watch for now and follow up with Leaf about afterwards.  There was plenty to do before they set off, and once they arrived the situation had changed entirely.

"Maker's breath, this is not what I was wishing for when I asked for rain," she muttered as she was quickly drenched.  This was not what she had dressed for and she felt like she was wading through a river - which was what Lowtown was awfully close to becoming.  Hightown would be draining into it - they'd ultimately be fine - but she hated to think of the mess Darktown would be dealing with too.

"I guess we'll find out, won't we?"  She kept up with it well enough, probably enough to do what she expected her sister had in mind.  "Dams, you think?  Force it to drain out the docks?"  They'd need to clear the path, but that would keep the worst of it along a prescribed path.

The sight of Kirkwall was not as expected. Not even the opposite, more-so completely out of nowhere. From sweltering heat to... this? Maker, this was worse. So much worse. At least in the heat they had a plan, they could get the people out and to safety. The bones of the city would remain intact for folk to return as the nature cooperated again.

This, though? This would destroy lives as much as fire.

And he, unlike the sisters, had no magic at his disposal to help. There really was little he could do except try not to get swept away in the torrent of water. His armor heavy as he tried to wade forward, bow in hand now as he looked around for some other way to pass.

Sebastian did not interrupt as Aoife and Bethany formed a plan. They'd be able to handle it better than he could.

I'll make my way to Darktown, see if I can aid anyone there to higher ground. Feeling around in his pack, he dug out rope. While the first instinct might have been to try and combine it with an arrow and be able to loose the arrow into a solid surface, he knew better.

Making his way away from his friends, he tried his best to keep footing as he made his way down the flooded streets of Lowtown. He'd find somewhere to secure one end of the room near a descent before heading down to see who or what he could find.

Her own doubts needn’t be fuelled further by the demon sharing her flesh. A reaction was the creature’s aim. To unsettle her, break her concentration, control, enough to let him do as he pleased. Aoife envied mages, like her sister, who had reached a compromise. Korr seemed uninterested, lending his power and knowledge only when he felt inclined, though continually denied by the Champion.

The switch in extremes caught Korr off-guard, his jovial mood plummeting to irritation. It perked up Leaf’s mood until trudging through the deluge quickly drowned all amusement. Leaf chuckled between shivers in the cold water, also not dressed for the sudden shift in weather, joking, [color=#0074d9]“And we hadn’t even pulled out the Rain Dance gear.”[/color]

As her eyes followed the water's direction, her face became increasingly grimmer. The water draining into the shafts of darktown would quickly cut off escape for many and Beth’s idea would surely buy them time. Leaf nodded, [color=#0074d9]“If we direct the flow of water away from Darktown, we can buy folks time to get to higher ground.”[/color]

Catching a look at Seb, her head nodded, though more stiffly. [color=#0074d9]“Be careful. Once we get these levies up, Beth will join you. I’ll give you all the time I can, but don’t do anything fucking stupid.” [/color]Blue eyes narrowed sharply before remembering herself to add, [color=#0074d9]“or it’ll be my head back in Starky and I just started enjoying it!”[/color]

She didn't exactly like the idea of splitting up, but there were only three of them and a lot of ground to cover.  As her sister had already told the Prince to be careful, she didn't need to repeat it, nodded her agreement with the sentiment.

With that, she turned her attention to the ground beneath them.  She reached out, finding the pockets of solid ground beneath their feet.  Much of it was firmly packed down from being trod on day in and out that it had hardly absorbed anything, and much of the rest had been so parched that it washed away in the deluge rather than absorbing it.

So in the end it wasn't so much earth that she started to shape into place, but what rock and stone she could pull together.  It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to begin routing the worst of it toward the docks and hopefully out to sea.

[color=#419dc1]"What do you mean by buying us time?"[/color] Beth asked suspiciously once she could split her attention between casting and her sister.  [color=#419dc1]"You don't need to do things by yourself, you know."[/color]  Just because she'd been given some title years ago didn't mean she had to take everything on herself.

Splitting up always meant someone was going to be dealt the short stick. Aoife had no worries about herself or Bethany being able to handle themselves, they had magic. But Sebastian? He was strong, ready and abled, but if cornered by torrents, so easily washed away. It caused her chest to tighten painfully, but the two sisters had a task to do, Leaf’s faith in him had to be enough to see her through.

While Bethany surveyed the grounds, Leaf was already plotting, looking between various buildings.[color=#0074d9] “Oh I can’t do it alone, at least not in the beginning,”[/color] she began, turning to point at two tenements. [color=#0074d9]“That. We’re gonna collapse that and use it to hold back some of this.”[/color] Obviously they’d search it thoroughly beforehand, but Leaf continued speaking as she made to move in the building's direction.

[color=#0074d9]“Then I’ll stay, to maintain it,”[/color] her face hardened like she wouldn’t be argued with. She emphasised her next words, this plan hinged on her being swift about the task. [color=#0074d9]“While you make a clear path. I don’t care how you make it, what you have to use, just get it done fast. You’re the quickest at casting. I’m better at shouldering shit, maintaining the spell for however long is my job.” [/color]

Bethany almost pouted.  Almost.  Her sister had the right of it - Beth was the faster caster, and Leaf had the raw power to hold things in place as she worked her way down to the docks, or whatever outlet presented itself.  They were all going to end up going in separate directions then, but there wasn't time to argue about it.  Leaf had the right of it, and Beth knew when to pick her battles.

[color=#68c4e8]"Got it.  Well, let's get people out of the way then."[/color]  Not that that would be easy, no one wanted to leave their home.  They really didn't have a choice though - there wouldn't be enough raw material to make this work without the building.

[color=#68c4e8]"I can give your voice a boost if you want to order them out.  They'll probably take it better from you."[/color]  A little air magic could carry it far and wide.  Regardless of how anyone might feel about Aoife's journey to becoming the Champion of this city, her voice held weight here that Beth's would not.  They needed people to listen quickly - Leaf could do that better than she.