(no subject)

Who: Everyone
When: July 1 and onward. See this post for info.
Where: Kauto + Chioni + Ingress Complex
Warnings: Potential violence. Please label warn-worthy content in your subject headers.

There's a burst of light in the sky when the Ingress breaks, a final flare followed by a shuddering that only those in the facility can feel. A flurry of panicked activity in the complex follows, ushering new arrivals to where they need to go in a hurry, with little time to give them the needed information, much less answer questions. The lights remain on, but dimmer now, life functions still operating but little else. On Kauto and Chioni below, the sky fades into an early twilight, followed by night, and day does not come again.

nerds save the world

Before the end of the day, all TABs receive an emergency broadcast notification outlining the situation. The speaker, a lead Savriite Ingress technician, does not invite panic but nor does he mince words. The Ingress is broken; their best efforts have failed to restore it. The time has come to turn to anyone who can help: scientists, engineers, those who have worked with advanced technology on any world. Formal qualifications don't matter when it could be the end of everything.

"Help us. Before it is too late."

Those who come will have the run of the complex and full access to the Ingress, as well as whatever tools are available and as much coffee as they can drink. People are encouraged to work in groups and share ideas, and a small number of young and nervous technical assistants will be on hand.

the land below

As Thisavrou is denied light and warmth, the weather becomes brisk and descends into bitter cold. Chioni is evacuated due to the effects on the already-harsh weather cycles there, although a skeleton crew of scientists remain behind. On Kauto, the arboreal Region Three and pastoral Region Two suffer the most from the temperatures and the snow that eventually begins to fall. Many crops are frozen over, and refugee citizens are driven from their homes to the Regions One and Five, where stored energy will keep dwellings warm. Save for those who choose to leave the underwater facilities, Region Four remains largely unchanged, but there are unverified accounts of strange aquatic animal behavior near the surface.

Overcrowding, limited supplies and a pervasive fear presents the opportunity for both heroism and foul deeds. Many come together to share resources, supplies and fellowship in what could be the end of worlds, while others take what they can from the unwilling or exploit the desperate. Sentient evacuees are followed by fauna from Region Three and unsettled lands beyond, in search of warmth or food or merely confused by the change in habitat. Some are unthreatening herbivores, while tanglesnakes and clownbees are more troublesome. Others are poisonous hunters, while still others are small, but dangerous when faced as a pack.

Just when all seems lost, light returns to the sky. The Ingress begins to function once more.

the coming days

As the temperatures rise, many demand answers, but most turn to the rebuilding of their lives first. Damage has been done that isn't so easily fixed, and even in the least-affected areas, remnants of the crisis show in the lack of fresh food, in the increased signs of criminal activity. Those who can help others through their own efforts of by organizing assistance are needed, but those with impure intentions are more likely to go unnoticed.

Eavesdropping on the streets may reveal a desire for vengeance. "Those intruders from last week. They're responsible for this, aren't they? What's being done?" But don't listen too closely, or a suspicious eye may be turned on you. "Aren't you one of the refugees from the Midway Hub? You should return to where you came from! All the trouble began when your people showed up!"

Life goes on. But life does not go on unchanged.

[quick ooc note: the Region 4 search & retrieval mission/RNG fight will be posted in a separate log.]

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[ The apothecary is to Dorian as the armory is to Venom: on the latter's part, he knows he wouldn't appreciate anyone without extensive experience fooling around with things that could potentially kill them, so his curiosity is confined to the subtle swivel of his head. A once-over that circles the room, trying to attribute a name and a purpose to all of the items that are sitting on the shelves around them.

He largely fails, so he casts his gaze back towards Dorian again. Something that actually makes sense to him, mercifully. ]

...A 'silly sausage'. [ THIS FIRST. Venom raises a brow, caught between bemused and amused; he's never gotten this before????? ] But this isn't about me.

[ As flattering as it is to hear that Dorian thinks that Venom is worth respecting, he's more concerned with making sure that Dorian isn't being a sucker for punishment, so—

—he tips his head at the bottles being passed his way, and turns one over in his head before nodding to his companion to drink. ]

Go ahead.

Was silly sausage a little too harsh? [Dorian was grinning, if Venom was going to chide him about his physical well being, Dorian would have to return the favor when it came to those, implied, self-defeating thoughts.] Ah, right, this is about my favorite subject -- me. I do like discussing myself, but I happen to come with an impressive repertoire of flattering comments as well.

[It's part of the package in its way, Dorian is an irrepressible flirt, but that doesn't make him insincere. He believes everything he's said about Venom and if he didn't have such a difficult time with his own rebellious tendencies he'd probably follow him around as well. As it stands he finds himself doing what the man requests at the drop of a hat, he's simply not aware of it, not always, but he is starting to.

And that's why he tips the potion back, drinking it as if it were some kind of thick, bitter, cough syrup that smelled like cod liver oil and tasted like green death. Still one could see instant results as his flash seemed to stitch itself back together seamlessly.

It doesn't stop him from drinking it quickly and making a face and a reflexive coughing noise, he has to down this stuff quick in a battle, but his taste for it hasn't been altered.]

Far from being strawberry champagne.

[Dorian glances up at Venom, he can't bring himself to smile yet, he's too busy trying not to look like he just drank tar.]

You're good, you know...you're very good.

No. I'm surprised you're pulling your punches.

[ Venom can think of worse things to be called than 'silly sausage', all of them well-deserved. But he leaves the comment about flattery well enough alone, given that he's never been particularly good at accepting them; he is the way he is, and the issue of his selfhood is always something that gives him pause.

Still, he doesn't frown. He just turns his brows down slightly in an expression that may have been fond exasperation in another life, and watches Dorian drink with a vague sense of vindication. In every universe, the medicines that are the best for you also taste the most like shit.

(Good to know.)

He reaches for the canteen he has strapped to his hip (he still does this occasionally, as if going out is akin to fieldwork), and offers Dorian some water. ]

Good at what I do. [ Is his correction. ] The rest is up for debate.

I've no need to hit you as hard as I can, figuratively speaking of course.

[Because Dorian gets the impression that Venom does enough of that on his own, he certain that the man doesn't need Dorian's help, not that Dorian has an unkind word for him. Venom has been good to him, a point the mage hopes he's driven home on more than one occasion, and this was in addition to being patient with Dorian especially when he can sense the mild exasperation from time to time. He's well aware that he can touch nerves and exhaust people by virtue of being himself, it was his curse.

Dorian gratefully takes the water muttering a quick "thank you" before washing the taste out of his mouth as best as he could manage. He doesn't ask why the man is carrying a canteen filled with water, only that he's grateful to dilute the taste in his mouth with something rather than waiting until he got home to do it.]

If what you do has people following your directive whether they know they're doing it or not, then that's precisely what I mean. You've a way about you...it's different from the Inquisitor, he's good at it too, but it's...different.

[For starters, he's not a military leader.]

[ A gentle upquirk of his brow at that first bit. ]

You should know by now that I can take it.

[ Honest opinion is important, positive or negative. He's pretty sure that Dorian isn't being insincere when he levels his compliments, though, which is difficult to handle— people thinking positively of him is fine, but there's still a level of guilt that comes along for the ride.

Tucking his half-empty canteen back at his hip, Venom sits back in his chair and watches Dorian. Any sign of change in his demeanor, he wants to pick up on: those are the cues that he reads best. ]

—So you're calling me bossy.

[ Just to keep this lighthearted. He's sure Dorian's had enough of people being doom-and-gloom. ]

Yes, you do have a rather tough exterior that I can greatly appreciate, Venom, but the truth is: I have no unfavorable opinions of you...well aside from this trait that you seem to share with Kazuhira. You're both rarely gentle with yourselves, or perhaps I'm just too easy on myself. I have a different low from most people, so unless you're a double-dealing tyrant, with five ways to sell someone out, who burns down dormitories filled with children for laughs, and engages in sacrificial blood rituals...and I know none of these things...then it may be a different story.

[Which is always a possibility, people are going to be flawed after all and Dorian admits that, as far as being a person there are certainly much better. He'd be the first to admit that he's not a nice man and that's not untrue, some outrageous things go on in his head, and he's selfish as well. Still, he's always giving himself a break, no one else will thank him whatever he does, so why not?

Not that he thinks awfully hard about it, thinking too hard on his own flaws and he would burn right out, but what he said was true enough. There weren't any real negative opinions he could apply and nothing that he knew of to form one. Granted he could tease Venom about superficial things, but he already does that.

Leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes briefly, Dorian allows himself one of those rich laughs.]

From my elevated and elitist perspective, it's more like insolence for daring to tell an Altus what's what, unheard of. [A brief pause and then he added:] I like it.

[Dorian's tastes were strange in that regard, probably because he was bossy too when he wanted to be.]

[ Again, Venom is a hypocrite: for every rigid standard he holds himself to, he wants the opposite for the people around him. He always has. Being gentle with himself has never been much of an option, because the world will keep turning with or without him to mediate its chaos— he'd rather be working than not, rather feel the strain in his bones than not.

With his head tipped and his jaw slanted, he watches Dorian carefully before gesturing for him to come closer. ]

Mm. You're right—

—I wouldn't laugh.

[ Re: the burning down buildings full of innocents thing. He's been there, though.

He's not a good person: he's killed in cold blood, dressed up the murder or his own men and women in the name of mercy killing. But that's his truth, and Dorian's truth is different. Reality is a malleable construct, and he's not here to debate what people think of him.

So he gestures again. Come closer. ]

You're gonna have to put up with the fact that I've never met nobility before, too.

[ Aristocrats??? He's not even sure if he even knows how to be reverent towards them, really. ]

[Taking the hint he leaned in closer, assuming that Venom wanted to get a better look at his healed wounds, most people who'd never experienced a healing potion before were often curious and so he was quite accommodating.]

Well that is something we have in common...neither would I.

[Dorian had his imperfections too that he would never admit to unless pushed to do it, he knew, for instance, that his best friend Felix, was a better person than he was. He was cheeky and vain, excessive and elitist, and at one point he never would have found fault with slavery because of his very abstract views of it. Never having owned one or interacted with them, it's just what it was in the Imperium and he equated it with being poor as he realized that the poor in the South had absolutely no way out, and Alienages could be awful places. So even he had his areas of gray that had to be reasoned with, but that was one of his better traits, his mind wasn't closed. He had to think about things sometimes if they went against what was burned into his bones, but he didn't close the door on discourse. He was also an alcoholic, but he hid it brilliantly.

Ah Tevinter, no reserves in anything, not in love and not in war, which Dorian could also compartmentalize, having lived in a country that has been at war on and off for 200 years. Things were never black and white, which was why most of his judgments tended to be about clothing style and wine choice, it was difficult to determine when Dorian ever really disapproved of anything unless it was very obvious.

Grinning to himself as he gestured once more Dorian was close to invading Venom's personal space, not that he minded it much, but he was curious.]

Any closer and we'll be joined at the hip.

[He chuckled a bit as Venom mentioned he's never met nobility before.]

Ah, well, now you have...and you will hardly do much better than I. I do have fond memories of lying on a bed of silk while gold shit down on me, miss the gold shitting from time to time, but I could teach you some things: you know, poisonous courtly intrigue, dining etiquette, ten different ways to shock and offend your peers.

[He doubted sincerely that Venom wanted to learn any of that, but he couldn't resist his own musings.]

[ If Dorian were ever to judge Venom based on clothing style and wine choice, he'd find Venom to be an abominable mess— what sort of heathen would be satisfied with box wine??? What kind of complacent gremlin would willingly drink a 6-dollar bottle of vinegar-sour Merlot????

Truly, Venom Snake is a demon. Still, he's a demon with gentle hands and attentive fingers, the latter of which mirror the movements he'd made earlier over Dorian's bruised cheekbone and nose. A careful rake of calluses over miraculously-mended skin.

Damn, magic is convenient. ]

Don't trip.

[ With Dorian craned over him while Venom is sitting, that's prime position for a backwards fall and a potential concussion. Good thing they're surrounded by things that could probably fix that up, huh.

Once he's satisfied that everything seems to have healed, Venom gives Dorian a light nod. All clear. ]

...And only ten, huh.

[ Honestly, Dorian? He would've expected thirty. ]

[It's the very reason Dorian ought to take him shopping for clothing, introduce him to Sun Blonde Vint-1, a drink strong enough to fluster even Venom, Dorian is certain of it...or finer wines. Granted Dorian's not above drinking beer...good beer. Although anything accompanied by the word vinegar is bound to get a funny look from Dorian. Especially since that's what it appeared they had been drinking in Skyhold, because the quartermaster was a sadistic little man who wanted to kill them all.

One thing he couldn't fault Venom on was his careful hands, his face didn't hurt anymore, so it wasn't unpleasant. Well the struggle he was having trying to keep his eyes open as though he were a cat being soothed was an indication that it was the furthest thing from unpleasant.

If only more people could see magic for its positive points.]

Ahah...I've the strangest feeling my head wouldn't get the opportunity to hit the floor.

[But Dorian is careful anyway when Venom seems to be finished, he reclines back in his own seat, propping one foot up on his knee, his hands resting on the arm of the chair.]

Well, I could probably come up with more, but if you're a beginner it's best to take it a few steps at a time.

[ Get Venom drunk, and Dorian can unlock a new achievement award: "Punished the Venom Snake". Take a man of moderation and see him tip over the weight of his own feet— that's something the mage would be able to brag about.

That said, it takes more than teasing to make those surgically-precise touches falter. When Dorian's lashes flutter in a measure of comfort, Venom takes note of the exact spot that'd garnered that reaction, brushes against it one last time as the other man pulls away. It's meant to be a comfort.

He doesn't waste his breath to say that he'd catch his companion before he falls. That's a given. ]

Your mistake is thinking I'm a beginner.

[ Venom's not exactly conventionally straight-laced; he's not innocent, nor is he especially pure of heart. Still, Dorian's faith in him is kind. ]

...You're good? [ "Not tired"? ]

[Well now Dorian just had to get Venom drunk, what sort of personality would come out of the man, would alcohol really be the catalyst to bring out an aspect of the man rarely seen?

Dorian can still feel Venom's comforting gesture on his skin, it was probably god that he took that opportunity to sit back. Comforting as it was, it was also pleasant, and he didn't need to get cozy with such gestures, if for no other reason to avoid complications and trying to explain himself.

Fortunately they fall back into the more easy going banter and Dorian has to resist a bark of laughter, the sound coming up as an undignified snort instead.]

It's so rare that I make a mistake I have a difficult time recognizing it...and here I am thinking you're too sweet to be little more than a fever dream.

[Venom was stern when he had to be, but Dorian thought he was very generous.]

Yes, I feel good at the moment, thank you for taking care of me and...walking me here...and talking to me, making sure I'm comfortable. [Dorian smiled fondly at Venom, all of his concern focused on the mage.] What about you? Taking good care of yourself? Eating, drinking plenty, sleeping?

[ Bets are that he'd smile and laugh more if he were drunk. Incredible, huh.

Venom shifts in his seat, languid and leonine. He's somewhat out of place here, crisp corners and a dearth of colors; like a black-and-gray shadow congealed on one of Dorian's nice chairs.

Still, his single eye warms when Dorian snorts. That's a marked improvement from the distant chill he'd found his companion in before. ]

Ask Kaz. He'd tell you that I'm a pain in the ass.

[ And doesn't Venom know it. Still, that's said in good humor. ]

—But, good. [ If Dorian is in better shape, Venom's done his job. ] Nothing out of the ordinary, on my end. Some complications, but that's expected.

[Now that's something the mage would have to take pictures of, otherwise he wouldn't believe it himself.

Dorian is in much better spirits though and, honestly, it's the hostility and less the injuries, that are starting to drag down his mood. It's amazing how easily a friendly presence could change his attitude.]

Truly? And here I thought that between the two of us I was the pain in the ass. Am I being usurped?

[Well, if Venom was the man in charge it wouldn't surprise Dorian that he'd be something of a pain in the ass. He just had difficulty seeing it given that he was very good at the art himself.]

Some complications? From the natives you mean? [Of course he's certain Venom could handle it without burning off anyone's face.]

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