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[Shoved under Loki's door is a packet of papers with a handwritten (distinctly lovely handwriting at that) questionnaire. The following instructions are pinned to its cover: 'Welcome to Riftwatch! Please fill out the following survey to the best of your ability and return it to the Project Felandaris offices, to the attention of Madame Wysteria de FoncΓ©. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out for clarification. Best Wishes, W.A. de FoncΓ©, Research Division.'
The following survey is...expansive.]
The following survey is...expansive.]
Questionnaire Section A
Of and Relating Specifically to the Rifter Population in the Gallows (Kirkwall, The Free Marches, 9:47)
Question 1A. Conceptually, how familiar are the Fade and the Veil to you? Are there similar phenomena (however minor the resemblance) in the place from which you came?
Question 2A. If yes, is energy drawn and/or emitted from or through it? Do cognizant beings (spirits, full bodied manifestations similar to a Rifter, and so on) pass through it?
Question 3A. Does "magic" exist in your world?Question 3A.(i). If "magic" exists in your world, is it somehow tied to or sustained by this other space?
Question 3A.(ii). If "magic" exists in your world and there is no such alternative dimension as referenced in Question 1A., from where does it originate?Question 4A. Given the opportunity to objectively estimate your own physical conformation and comeliness against the general populace of the world from which you came, where on a scale of one through ten might you be ranked (for the purposes of this survey, please consider the numerical score of five (5) as average for your home world)?Disregard. This question has been deemed inessential.Questionnaire Section B
Rift Anchors, with Respect to All Who Presently Possess ThemQuestion 5B. How long have you had your rift shard?Irrelevant; it is assumed you received it upon arrival through the Rift. However, you are welcome to detail any notes you may have on it here.Question 6B. Are you able to perform any supernatural acts with the power of your rift shard beyond closing Rifts? If yes, please detail these abilities. Irrelevant; recorded with your personnel file. Please update W.A. de FoncΓ© should your rift anchor develop any additional effects.
Question 7B. Do you have any other abilities, such as mage talent? If so, has the presence of the rift shard or your time in Thedas affected your ability whatsoever (please note whether this is a negative or a positive effect)?
Question 8B. At what point would you take surgical measures to rid yourself of your anchor shard?Question 8B.(i). Would you permit scientific observation of the process?
Question 8B.(ii). Would you permit samples to be taken from the limb?
(PLEASE NOTE that the authors of this survey do not advocate for preemptive amputation unless strictly recommended by a trusted medical professional.)
Edited 2021-08-02 07:56 (UTC)
[ Loki's handwriting is very neat and precise. It would seem that he either has experience writing with a quill or practiced before finishing this survey to turn back in to Wysteria. It is folded neatly within a wax-sealed envelope that has been placed in her inbox. ]
While I have been doing some reading on the Veil and the Fade of Thedas, there is only the understanding that energy (or consciousness) is compelled to move along to a different realm of reality after the body has died. It does not have a physical presence in the world I am from as the Fade does in this one.
Not that I am aware of but there is a great deal I am learning I am not aware of, so it is not impossible by any standard.
Yes, definitely.
As in the separation between free consciousness and those that are imprisoned within a body? I don't know.
There are a number of theories about where magic comes from, including but not limited to magical objects themselves, one's own sense of self and ability, and the heart of various stars.
My time in Thedas thus far has dictated that I relearn many of my magical capabilities, while others remain out of reach and inaccessible to me at this time. Overall this is a negative effect.
At the point in which the anchor shard posed a real and present threat to my life.
No.
Definitely not.
Question 1A. Conceptually, how familiar are the Fade and the Veil to you? Are there similar phenomena (however minor the resemblance) in the place from which you came?
While I have been doing some reading on the Veil and the Fade of Thedas, there is only the understanding that energy (or consciousness) is compelled to move along to a different realm of reality after the body has died. It does not have a physical presence in the world I am from as the Fade does in this one.
Question 2A. If yes, is energy drawn and/or emitted from or through it? Do cognizant beings (spirits, full bodied manifestations similar to a Rifter, and so on) pass through it?
Not that I am aware of but there is a great deal I am learning I am not aware of, so it is not impossible by any standard.
Question 3A. Does "magic" exist in your world?
Yes, definitely.
Question 3A.(i). If "magic" exists in your world, is it somehow tied to or sustained by this other space?
As in the separation between free consciousness and those that are imprisoned within a body? I don't know.
Question 3A.(ii). If "magic" exists in your world and there is no such alternative dimension as referenced in Question 1A., from where does it originate?
There are a number of theories about where magic comes from, including but not limited to magical objects themselves, one's own sense of self and ability, and the heart of various stars.
Question 7B. Do you have any other abilities, such as mage talent? If so, has the presence of the rift shard or your time in Thedas affected your ability whatsoever (please note whether this is a negative or a positive effect)?
My time in Thedas thus far has dictated that I relearn many of my magical capabilities, while others remain out of reach and inaccessible to me at this time. Overall this is a negative effect.
Question 8B. At what point would you take surgical measures to rid yourself of your anchor shard?
At the point in which the anchor shard posed a real and present threat to my life.
Question 8B.(i). Would you permit scientific observation of the process?
No.
Question 8B.(ii). Would you permit samples to be taken from the limb?
Definitely not.
At some point after Holden's return from the newly besieged Tantervale, from the dark caverns where Astarion and Barrow and Tiffany had been hiding β
Loki will find a stack of books outside his door. They're fairly dry basic histories of Orlais, and Ferelden, a primer on the Chant for children. With them comes a note:
Loki will find a stack of books outside his door. They're fairly dry basic histories of Orlais, and Ferelden, a primer on the Chant for children. With them comes a note:
There are some books I've found helpful for getting up to speed around here. When you're done with them, you can drop them off at my room on the fifth floor of the old mage tower.
β Jim
[ Loki is gone to Antiva City immediately following Holden's bestowment of books; so it's a few weeks before Loki can read through them, much less return them.
He does eventually do the latter, climbing the many stairs (mentally grumbling all the while) to the fifth floor and carrying a box wrapped in paper on top of the stack of books.
His ass is going to look fantastic by the end of the year. Not that it didn't already, but. Still.
The books, and the box with it's contents are set down on the floor in front of Holden's door; Loki knocks, but if no one answers after the count of twenty he's heading back down. ]
He does eventually do the latter, climbing the many stairs (mentally grumbling all the while) to the fifth floor and carrying a box wrapped in paper on top of the stack of books.
His ass is going to look fantastic by the end of the year. Not that it didn't already, but. Still.
The books, and the box with it's contents are set down on the floor in front of Holden's door; Loki knocks, but if no one answers after the count of twenty he's heading back down. ]
[A few days later, a follow up note appears in the mail cubby assigned to Loki. It readsβ]
Dear Sir,
I wished to extent my thanks for your answer to the survey. I have just a brief note of clarification which I would like to discuss regarding your answer to question 7B, to which you wrote: 'My time in Thedas thus far has dictated that I relearn many of my magical capabilities, while others remain out of reach and inaccessible to me at this time. Overall this is a negative effect.'
Have you perceived any natural division or ordering between the abilities which you must relearn versus what seems completely inaccessible to you? I should be very interested if there was a way to categorize what the realm of Thedas allows to function, as it were, versus what it does not.
Please feel free to return your answer to either the office of Project Felandaris or to my own mailbox in the dining hall.
Regards,
Wysteria de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Dear Madame,
I have not perceived a 'natural' division or ordering between what I am able to do now and what I have been able to do for centuries. The spells I learned earliest still work, to varying degrees. I am sorry that I do not have more information for you at this time; should my answer change, I will be certain to let you know.
Sincerely,
Loki Laufeyson
[ there's a muffled "just a minute," and then the sound of some movement, the scrape of a chair being pushed back, and nearing footfalls. when he opens the door, his hair is damp, tunic wrinkled in the way of being recently tossed on. he usually uses the baths downstairs for the access to hot water, but in the warmer months, it's convenient to just use the tub in his room. ]
Can I help you?
[ the funny thing about the crystals, the number of people coming and going lately, is that he can know someone by the sound of their voice but not on sight. ]
Can I help you?
[ the funny thing about the crystals, the number of people coming and going lately, is that he can know someone by the sound of their voice but not on sight. ]
[ The voice matches, so Loki makes a very small bow while balancing books and boxes. ]
James Holden? Loki Laufeyson. I wanted to thank you for the books, [ thus the box, clearly, ] and several of the kitchen staff mentioned that you enjoy coffee. Sorry if I disturbed you.
James Holden? Loki Laufeyson. I wanted to thank you for the books, [ thus the box, clearly, ] and several of the kitchen staff mentioned that you enjoy coffee. Sorry if I disturbed you.
Mister Laufeyson,
Thank you sincerely for the offer to keep me informed on your progress. I would be delighted to hear of it should your circumstances alter, and would strongly encourage you to make a thorough account of your present abilities so that it will be easiest to track any future changes. I have often regretted not taking a more rigorous record of my early days in Thedas, for is it not always so much more difficult to recall what was true in hindsight?
I wish you the best with your progress, and once more extend a welcome to Riftwatch. Should you find yourself with any questions in the future, you are most welcome to submit them to me and I will do my best to fetch you an answer.
Kind Regards,
Wysteria de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Thank you sincerely for the offer to keep me informed on your progress. I would be delighted to hear of it should your circumstances alter, and would strongly encourage you to make a thorough account of your present abilities so that it will be easiest to track any future changes. I have often regretted not taking a more rigorous record of my early days in Thedas, for is it not always so much more difficult to recall what was true in hindsight?
I wish you the best with your progress, and once more extend a welcome to Riftwatch. Should you find yourself with any questions in the future, you are most welcome to submit them to me and I will do my best to fetch you an answer.
Kind Regards,
Wysteria de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
[ it's a strange thing.
tony told him about the invasion of new york last winter, had mentioned asgardians for the first time back then. the revelation that loki had been at the root of it all β and an alien, on top of that β had made jim's mental image of him feel
larger than life. menacing. not the polite man in front of him who's returned his books and is apparently gifting him with something coffee-related. it'd be so easy to like him. ]
It's okay. Come in, [ he says, opening the door wider.
there's some seating available by a dormant fireplace, a desk off to the side, a bed clearly in use and one that isn't. a lot of free surfaces are taken up by books and papers, which probably answers why he's lending out books in the first place. ]
Now what's this about coffee?
[ he has priorities. ]
tony told him about the invasion of new york last winter, had mentioned asgardians for the first time back then. the revelation that loki had been at the root of it all β and an alien, on top of that β had made jim's mental image of him feel
larger than life. menacing. not the polite man in front of him who's returned his books and is apparently gifting him with something coffee-related. it'd be so easy to like him. ]
It's okay. Come in, [ he says, opening the door wider.
there's some seating available by a dormant fireplace, a desk off to the side, a bed clearly in use and one that isn't. a lot of free surfaces are taken up by books and papers, which probably answers why he's lending out books in the first place. ]
Now what's this about coffee?
[ he has priorities. ]
Coffee itself, it would seem, is rather expensive here in Kirkwall. In Thedas in general? [ Loki gives a one-shouldered shrug as he enters the room, taking in the sheer number of books and papers and just... the amount of lived-in the space possesses. ] Either way, it is beyond my means at the current moment.
So I got you a mug. [ He spins in place slowly until he's facing Holden again. ] With a lid. It's well-made, at least, and should keep your coffee warm. As a thank-you. For the books.
So I got you a mug. [ He spins in place slowly until he's facing Holden again. ] With a lid. It's well-made, at least, and should keep your coffee warm. As a thank-you. For the books.
The war can make trade difficult.
[ he says by way of agreement. prices have jumped again recently, and he doesn't see that changing for the immediate future. luckily he's gotten into the habit of buying and holding onto more than he needs just for his personal stash, so he hasn't had to worry about his coffee addiction outstripping his means. as of yet, anyway. ]
That's nice of you, [ he says, bemused as much as sincere, as he accepts the box. the books, he indicates with a wave of his hand, can be set down on any flat surface. ] You didn't have to. I remember what arriving here was like, and I didn't have to worry about alternate versions of myself influencing people's opinions of me.
[ at least, if there is some theodosian native james holden out there, he hopes their paths never cross. ]
[ he says by way of agreement. prices have jumped again recently, and he doesn't see that changing for the immediate future. luckily he's gotten into the habit of buying and holding onto more than he needs just for his personal stash, so he hasn't had to worry about his coffee addiction outstripping his means. as of yet, anyway. ]
That's nice of you, [ he says, bemused as much as sincere, as he accepts the box. the books, he indicates with a wave of his hand, can be set down on any flat surface. ] You didn't have to. I remember what arriving here was like, and I didn't have to worry about alternate versions of myself influencing people's opinions of me.
[ at least, if there is some theodosian native james holden out there, he hopes their paths never cross. ]
So I've gathered.
[ Loki frowns a little at the gesture, mostly because there's so much stuff in this room already and he feels some kind of way about contributing to its clutter. But, it's not his room so he gets over it in about a second and finds somewhere to stack them. And then straightens the stack next to it. And then stops that. ]
Well, [ is all he has to say about his alternate. ] Provost Stark's dislike of me has nothing to do with other versions, I'm sorry to say.
[ Loki frowns a little at the gesture, mostly because there's so much stuff in this room already and he feels some kind of way about contributing to its clutter. But, it's not his room so he gets over it in about a second and finds somewhere to stack them. And then straightens the stack next to it. And then stops that. ]
Well, [ is all he has to say about his alternate. ] Provost Stark's dislike of me has nothing to do with other versions, I'm sorry to say.
I'm sorry about the mess, [ he adds belatedly, watching loki's consternation over his books, and other stacks. feeling uncomfortably like one of his parents, ] I wasn't expecting visitors.
[ but loki's last admission makes him sigh, shake his head. ]
I was afraid you'd say that. He's told me a thing or two about you, and most of it before you got here.
[ loyally, lest loki think tony's been going around badmouthing him. which isn't impossible, but yk. if the man in front of him is even half as dangerous as tony's made him sound, this could be a dangerous admission; but jim's willing to take the chance. he crosses his arms, goes on, ]
But I'm hoping your world domination days really are behind you, if I'm being honest.
[ but loki's last admission makes him sigh, shake his head. ]
I was afraid you'd say that. He's told me a thing or two about you, and most of it before you got here.
[ loyally, lest loki think tony's been going around badmouthing him. which isn't impossible, but yk. if the man in front of him is even half as dangerous as tony's made him sound, this could be a dangerous admission; but jim's willing to take the chance. he crosses his arms, goes on, ]
But I'm hoping your world domination days really are behind you, if I'm being honest.
Edited 2021-08-22 22:01 (UTC)
They are, [ Loki says easily, but there's a little petulance underneath all of that. Is it so strange that he could have changed? He knows he hasn't changed much in his many years amongst the Nine Realms and now Thedas but. Still. ]
For one thing, it wasn't truly about ruling Midgard. Not entirely. That was supposed to be a nice side effect, and possibly a way to convince the Mad Titan to ignore the planet once I got for him what he'd demanded of me. [ Loki shrugs, leaning casually against one of the tables. ] For another it wouldn't have gotten me what I actually wanted in the first place, which is neither here nor there.
For one thing, it wasn't truly about ruling Midgard. Not entirely. That was supposed to be a nice side effect, and possibly a way to convince the Mad Titan to ignore the planet once I got for him what he'd demanded of me. [ Loki shrugs, leaning casually against one of the tables. ] For another it wouldn't have gotten me what I actually wanted in the first place, which is neither here nor there.
[ it feels like a fair question!!!
also a way to convince the mad titan to ignore the planet is like. there is so much he hates about that sentence. why does this happen every time he talks to loki. ]
So, in the absence of other murder aliens, [ he concludes, bemused, and why the fuck is it always murder aliens, ] no problems here then.
also a way to convince the mad titan to ignore the planet is like. there is so much he hates about that sentence. why does this happen every time he talks to loki. ]
So, in the absence of other murder aliens, [ he concludes, bemused, and why the fuck is it always murder aliens, ] no problems here then.
Trust me, none of us want Thanos here.
[ Period, point-blank. Loki would probably have to kill the man if he did appear, just on principle.
He'd definitely have to be talked out of trying, that's for certain. ]
How many 'murder aliens' [ air quotes and all ] are you familiar with?
[ Period, point-blank. Loki would probably have to kill the man if he did appear, just on principle.
He'd definitely have to be talked out of trying, that's for certain. ]
How many 'murder aliens' [ air quotes and all ] are you familiar with?
[ thanos. that's a name he files away to be remembered, good as it is to hear that they've apparently got a common enemy there.
he breathes out a sigh at the question, though, frowning before he's even formed an answer. ]
Personally? Only a couple. [ mostly you, actually. ] As a general thing, too damn many.
he breathes out a sigh at the question, though, frowning before he's even formed an answer. ]
Personally? Only a couple. [ mostly you, actually. ] As a general thing, too damn many.
[ this is approaching topics he isn't too comfortable with sharing. especially in a second conversation with someone. especially when that someone is, in fact, an alien with a history of murder. the shift in his attitude has to be palpable to loki; holden isn't much for subtlety, especially to more discerning eyes. ]
First contact came and went, [ he says, ] but that was pretty recently, all things considered. We're still finding out how big the universe is.
First contact came and went, [ he says, ] but that was pretty recently, all things considered. We're still finding out how big the universe is.
[ Loki picks up on Holden's discomfort with the way the conversation is going and decides not to press. He's curious, sure, but he's not going to learn any specifics this way.
He'll just have to be patient. (Great.)
So he shrugs a little. ] The universe is pretty big in any timeline, I'm certain.
He'll just have to be patient. (Great.)
So he shrugs a little. ] The universe is pretty big in any timeline, I'm certain.
[ that takes him a second to think over, eyebrows lifting slightly as he does. ]
Jesus, [ he concludes first, before going on, ] Close to a year now. Though I know rifters who've been here for plenty longer than that. I'd get comfortable, if I were you.
Jesus, [ he concludes first, before going on, ] Close to a year now. Though I know rifters who've been here for plenty longer than that. I'd get comfortable, if I were you.
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