What We Once Lost[OPEN]

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

The tower that had once loomed over the city, known as the White Spire, gleamed vainly in the shadow of Val Royeaux's beauty. The tower had crashed down on the city after being felled by the armies of Gespard de Chalons, the Emperor of Orlais, an usurper to the throne, after a great rock from a siege catapult had crashed through the lower parts of the tower.

Lord Seeker Lambert carried on in his thoughts, suddenly feeling a cold breeze brush his back, sending chills up his spine. Once again he was forced to realize his age, that the inevitable was coming nearer each day, and that he perhaps would not live to see his plans fulfilled. There was still duty, and duty carried him through the endless struggle that was life. Only duty, yet somehow it seemed like the world's problems were piled on his shoulders and he the forced carrier of this heavy burden, destined to complete victory or death.

Something in that tugged at him in the back of his head, but when he turned to examine it, it vanished. He carefully placed his fingers on the smooth stone railing as he descended the stairs from the Royal Palace, deliberately humming light tones whenever anyone was close enough to hear. It always paid off to let the others think he was in a good mood, or otherwise simply leave them unaware of his emotions, as if they never existed. Truth be told, he did feel, more than he wanted to - pain, vengeance, sorrow, but never fear. He did not remember how fear even felt like, although a faint memory remained in the corner of his head; his first battle, where magic was used against him. That he had categorized and locked away long ago, though.

Light reflected from the sun and the eye embroidered on his coat, making them both glow in gold and silver, and from the smaller golden eye above the two. He wore little to distuinguish himself from a regular Seeker - in a way he still thought of himself as a Seeker of Truth - and sometimes liked to wear garments that specifically marked him as a Seeker, but for this day he wore the Lord Seeker's mark, the small golden eye, on his coat. The Order still held a special place in his heart, but he seldom let it overcome his rational way of thinking. Allowing emotions to overcome one as he is making decisions can only lead to disaster.

He quickly moved from the palace district to oversee the constuctions, where a great mob had already gathered to see the White Spire erected again. Lambert doubted that many of them liked templars, but that most would still see the necessity of their actions. Surely, they had to.

The Lord Seeker was noted as just another Seeker to come oversee the constructions, but it stirred more than a little twitching and mumbling amongst the watchers when he climbed onto the speakers' platform, low enough for a tall man to jump on it, finally waving the crowd to quiet down. It was not completely sure that those in the very back of the crowd would hear all of what he said, but he was sure that his words would be spread by word-of-mouth, gossip and rumours.

"Citizens of Orlais, I address you here, on this very day, when the rebuilding of the White Spire begins."

Some cheered at the notion of rebuilding the White Spire, but most only goggled at him, some not so full of awe at the sight of a Seeker. That would have to change soon enough; the masses must be aware of the Order.

"I, Lambert Van Reeves, address you today. Hear me and mark my words!"

This time his words were greeted with silence too plain to be mistaken for anything else than doubt. Lambert straightened his coat casually, revealing the small golden eye above the regular Sun and the Eye, this time greeted by more than a silence - small gasps ran across the crowd, some threatening to fall over from the shock. Only some handful remained erect, calm, scattered across the crowd like small bastions of human intelligence. Oddly, when he examined one from the corner of his eye, he did not seem bothered by the crowd around him by the slightest, instead fixing his gaze on him as intently as a wild cat watching a bird.

"The White Spire will be rebuilt, restoring the Chantry influence to Val Royeaux, restoring what we once lost."

Of course Chantry influence meant Templar influence, ultimately ending up as his influence. His plan was going well.

"I ask your support to this cause, citizens of Val Royeaux, and more importantly, Orlais. I ask your support, because I know that you are the true power behind our success, the people."

That came nowhere near the truth, of course. He heard several cheers, perhaps even half of the crowd, though he also saw some watchers wearing deep scowls, some others barely managing to hold them back.

Abruptly someone from the crowd lunged forward, giving a loud cry in the process, and hurled himself at the Lord Seeker. Lambert could hear a faint "No!" somewhere from the crowd as the man - desperately, it seemed - landed on top of him, running his fingers across his neck and torso.

Quickly, determinedly.

Too determinedly for someone to have acted just out of an emotional outburst.

Without thought reached out for his belt knife. Why had he not acted earlier? What had gotten into him? He felt inside his belt, only to find it empty, and the killer on top of him raised his hand violently. Suddenly he felt fear. It was the only word to describe it... fear. He had never feared so much in his life, not even when fighting for his life in a battle. This was different.

Sacrifices had to be made, and this situation seemed no different. With all his strength, he quickly pulled the man closer to him, grabbing his both arms vigorously. They struggled for a moment, but then he felt something crashing onto his head, and immediately the killer broke free from his clutch, the knife lunging at his heart...

Abruptly the knife stopped mid-air, not a hair away from where his heart lay, and just as suddenly the knife was snatched from his hands. From the ground he could hear a loud crack, and then he was pulled on his feet by two men in commoners' clothes, the other short and slim, the other broad and tall, and the slim one holding a bloody rock in his till trembling hands.

The Lord Seeker, one of the most powerful men in the world, was for once confused, although he looked like it only for a flashing moment, from where his face could've as well been stone. Suddenly six guards came trotting from the construction site, two taking hold of the unconscious killer and four moving inbetween Lambert and the two commoners. He told the guards off impatiently, assuring them that the danger was over and that their duty now was to jail the killer for future trial.

As the six guards departed with the killer, Lambert turned his attention onto the two commoners who, most conveniently, had just saved him. The two apparently had little idea of what they had just put their noses into, but after that performance he would not let go of them anymore. He would find a place for them, now.

"I owe you for your timely rescue. Might I invite you to my apartments for tea and proper introductions?"

He had guessed right; the two beamed in excitement, both voicing out their approval in turns. It took a few soothing words from Lambert to calm the pair down, but when it was done, he said farewell to the crowd and immediately departed back towards the palace district and his own, temporary apartments that had been lended to him for his short visit. These two would learn of the Lord Seeker and be bound to him for their lives.

[Arley Voegeli]

((I am going to be one of the two "commoners" though not in commoner clothing.))

Arley had acted like he was excited to have audience with the Lord Seeker, but it would be good to get some recon on the most powerful Templar on Thedas. Not that he would share anything, maybe he could overhear some suff. He had never actually met a Seeker, well atleast not in this type of manner, usually he was killing a Seeker, but he wasn't known in Orlais so he didn't have to let that information out in the open. But he was still a Grey Warden, and he heard some bad stuff about the Seekers in general, and he didn't feel perfectly comfortable walking with the Templar. The other man with them looked like any good samaritan, happy to have been of service to his country, and saving someone who was so high-profile. Though it didn't matter to Arley, he had a bad feeling about this man, he had a look, he was uncertian what it was, but it was a menacing look to say the least.

Arley was suprised that the Seeker couldn't recognize the Griffon crest etched into his black armor. Not that it was noticeable, he seemed one of those who would see smaller details, but it was good. Thats why Arley even etched it in; you can only see it if you really look, or saw it in a good light. Plus, back in Ferelden if something like this happened the gaurds would escort the saved and the saviors to another place, introduce themselves and the saved would pay them accordingly. Orlais was a beautiful place, but he wasn't used to the people here, they were different than Fereldans. Everyone was quite snobbish, dressed in nice clothes, even the commoners dressed nicer than in Ferelden. It was strange to him.

The city of Val Royeux was beautiful, sprawling and easy to get lost in, but also easy to escape if needed. Arley was very good at running in cities and climbing buildings, but this his first time ever in Orlais so he would have to see whats in store for him, if it comes to that of course. The Lord Seeker looked like a dreadful man, very serious, and strict person.

Arley thought being in his presence was unplesant, he was very droll, even if he was being nice it didn't seem like it. But it just goes to show, that most Fereldans were right: Orlesians were very different, almost strange. Val Royeux didn't seem like it was reality, it had its bad spots, but seems to be very wealthy, in finances and culture, it was truly a wonder to behold.

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

Being a sunny day, soon the Seeker emblem on his coat shone with gold and silver as if gold was being melted on his chest, the fiery glow enveloping the Sun and the Eye of his Order. A few templars began the work of scattering the crowd as they departed the small plaza. It did not take long for them to reach the Palace. Several nobles looked askance at the Lord Seeker and his odd entourage, but no comments were made. He should've masked the two, somehow, but what was done, was done. He turned to speak to the two commoners in a faked tone of warmth.

"A very hot day, my friends. I will lead you to my apartments deeper in the Palace, where there will be cool air for you to breathe and spiced wine for you to drink."

As he led them deeper through the corridors, a door suddenly opened, revealing a storm of servants scuttering out, carrying towels, trays full of wine and food, and some other things the Palace needed. One of them followed him with a tray filled with wine goblets and small cheese pasties, all prepared by the head cook of Val Royeaux's palace for the Lord Seeker's honour. Of course it was Gespard's idea to have the head cook serve him his dinners, perhaps to have control over what he ate, or perhaps to simply please him. He had accomplished neither of those, as a matter of fact - he did not trust anybody in the Palace despite showing warm smiles and trustful gestures to anybody who even came near to him.

Finally they arrived at the door, dark willow that slid open softly without making any sound.

The room was lit up by several oil lamps on the walls. The servant laid the silver tray on an elegant wooden table with four seats around it and hurried off. Some paintings hung on the sides, but a great flag of the Seekers dominated the room with its presence - the flaring Sun and the Eye on black silk, it truly was a magnificent piece of art. This one was here from his own arrangements. Snapping back from his thoughts, he turned to face his saviors. His tone mirrored the coolness of his apartments - it was merely chilly in a refreshing type of way.

"Here we are, messeurs-dames. Shall we have spiced wine and discuss the day?"

[Rashalle Ellwood]

It was a rare event indeed for one of the Dalish to be in a human city. Most were content to remain with their clan and stay in the forests, never venturing into the shemlen lands. Rashalle was mainly in this city because the clan's craftsman needed some materials for one of his latest projects that were easiest to get here in a shemlen city, and she had to admit, she was rather curious about how the shemlen lived. Now that she had gotten them, she knew that her clan would want her to head strait back. After all, it was not in the Dalish's nature to trust shemlens, and she herself was no great fighter. If something did happen, she likely wouldn't be able to defend herself. Her family knew this of course, and had sent two of the clan's huntsmen with her as a precaution. She was about to head back when she saw a crowd gathered. Stopping to listen for a moment she heard a man speaking to them.

"The White Spire will be rebuilt, restoring the Chantry influence to Val Royeaux, restoring what we once lost."

The White Spire... She didn't know what that was, but the restoration of Chantry influence to Val Royeaux was not something she particularly cared about. The clan had run into a few of the Chantry's representatives over the years, who had tried to convert them to the Andrastian religion. Of course, their efforts had been in vain. The Dalish had always believed in the Creators, and they likely always would. As the man spoke to the people of Orlais she glanced back at the two hunters behind her, who were glancing about, distrustful of the shemlen, and pleading her with their eyes to leave this strange place.

She turned back to the man startled when she heard someone cry "No!". It seemed that someone had charged at the speaker in hopes of killing him. It didn't look like they would be unsuccessful either. She frowned with a worried look on her face. It was true that her people were not fond of shemlen, but could she really just stand by as someone was killed? She decided she couldn't and picked up a rock as she strode toward the fighters. Still frowning, she thrust the rock downward onto the head of the speaker's attacker. Thankfully, she did not have to do more than that, as the speaker had been knocked unconsious and the attack had been halted. With a small smile on her face she dropped the rock and helped the speaker to his feet with the help of a man who bore the symbol of the Grey Wardens on his chest.

She had thought that would be the end of it, especially when the guards came up and tried to get in between her and the speaker. She was quickly surprised though when he invited them to his apartments. Should she go? She did not know much about these people's customs, but she was fairly certain that refusing the invitation here in front of so many people would be impoliete. Besides, she had wanted to see how the shemlen lived, this was her chance. She glanced at the two young hunters who had come with her. She knew she would not be able to convince them to go back to the clan, if she tried they would simply follow her regardless. She doubted the shemlen would let her friends into his home, but she supposed they could wait outside if they wished.

She agreed to follow the man with a nod and together the three of them set off down the unfamiliar streets. When they reached the Palace she couldn't keep a look of surprise from her face. Shemlen lived here? She knew that places like this were likely only owned by very important people, judging by how fancy it was, but lovely as it seemed she could not picture any of her family in such a place. It just seemed...wrong. As they walked down to the man's rooms she took off the cowl she had previously been wearing, which concealed nearly all of her face except her eyes. The keeper, ever distrustful of the shemlens, had convinced her to wear it when she came to the city today. When they entered the man's room her eyes darted around curiously, lingering on a flag which somehow seemed more important than most of the other trinkets. What an odd emblem. She refocused her attention on the man who lead them here as he spoke and raised an eyebrow. "What do you wish to discuss?" She asked him, glancing briefly at the Grey Warden beside her.

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

The Lord Seeker glanced at the banner hanging on the wall before turning to answer her question. He needed just a small moment to clear the shock of discovering that one of the people that had saved him was not only a woman, but a Dalish woman. It was not quite unheard of, though. Some Seekers were elves, truth be told, but there had never really been any Dalish seekers. He intended to change it, though.

"In truth, your behavior impressed me. You deserve a reward, of course, but I would like you to introduce yourselves to me before we go any further," he said, turning his cold eyes to meet theirs. He could feel the intensivity of his own gaze in his head. "And you, my other savior. Don't think I didn't notice the emblem on your coat, Grey Warden," he continued with an amused tone, gesturing with his arms towards the wine.

Lifting his goblet from the table and hovering it just beneath his chin, he gestured the others to follow his example. "We shall drink, and if it pleases you and the Light, you will tell me your names." Even if he would've wanted his voice to sound warm, he couldn't have been able to. His voice was refreshing, still, but colder in tone than before. Now it resembled cold, hard ice rather than refreshing spring rain.

And then we will speak of your rewards," he finished, intertwining his hands beneath hi chn after taking a sip from the goblet and placing it back on to the table.

[Arley Voegeli]

He was suprised to see a Dalish elf step in to help a human, it was something to see, thats for sure. He looked at the Elf, then to the Seeker. He had killed Seekers before, and was getting uncomfortable as he proceeded, but if he played it right he would have no issues...He hoped anyway. The palace was beautiful, the architecture was flawless, Orleasians were great at building things. "Yes I am a Grey Warden, I am not suprised you noticed." said Arley picking up the goblet and taking a sip of the wine, he suffered through it with a blank face and set the cup down.

Shifting in his seat he sat up right, "I am Arley Voegeli, Lord Seeker." He almost couldn't believe he was here with the Lord Seeker, he was lucky that he wasn't known here in Orlais. Nobody knows him here. It was best for him to keep a low-profile, "I am from Ferelden, and you said something about a reward. I don't need one, but thank you for your kindness." Arley said kindly with a smile, noticing the change in his voice. He had to be skilled, but if he didn't intend on letting Arley go he was making a big mistake.

Now he just wanted to leave, the stone cold face of this man made him uneasy to say the least. The only reason he came to Orlais was to go to Montsimmard, but he found himself here somehow, with the leader of one of his worst enemies. He was ment to kill darkspawn, but he always found himself around a group of dead templars.

[Rashalle Ellwood]

This man was colder than anyone Rashalle had encountered in her life. The words he spoke were friendly enough, but the tone he said them with reminded her of the Frostback Mountains in wintertime. Nonetheless, he had been rather polite thus far, and it would be a bad reflection on her people if she were not the same. "I am Rashalle." She told him softly when he asked for their names. She found herself puzzled when he mentioned the light, was this some sort of shemlen saying? Well if it was important, he was bound to mention it again. Perhaps he would go into more detail then. She turned her attention to the Grey Warden when she heard him introduce himself. "It is a pleasure to meet you Monsieur Voegeli. I am sure the Grey Wardens are proud to have you in their ranks." She said with a small smile. The Grey Wardens were indeed an honorable order, and she was pleased to be in the presence of one of them.

When the other man spoke of rewards she nodded in agreement with Arley's response. "I did not assist you for a reward monsieur, but thank you all the same." She told him. The more time went by, the more she wished that her clan mates had entered this strange place with her. It was quite off-putting to be surrounded by shemlen she did not know. Truth be told, she did not trust whatever reward the man in front of them planned on giving them. When he mentioned a reward his tone became even colder than before, and she was sure the Grey Warden had noticed this as well. The man in front of them did not seem like someone you should relax around. As she watched him she realized she still did not know his name. The Warden had called him Lord Seeker, but that was a title, not a name. "It seems you have us at a disadvantage monsieur. You know our names, but we do not know yours." She said softly, waiting to see what he would do next.

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

The Lord Seeker turned his cold, hard gaze at the woman as she asked for his name. Who did the woman think she was? Then again, it was probably just plain ignorance. His tone became harder as he speaked, though.

"And might I remind you that you are still in no position to ask me of my name, my visitors," he whispered softly, barely on a tone that could be heard, but somehow his words seemed to resonate from the walls. The barely noticeable hardness vanished from his voice as he continued, almost like a trickle of water escaping your fingers. "But you have deserved the right, honoured guests. I am called Lambert van Reeves, and as for my titles, you know them already."

He leaned back on his chair, settling himself comfortably as though he was a storyteller preparing to tell one of his many stories. "I am going to be blunt with you. I can trust you; you have saved my life. At least one of you will receive his or her reward, and that reward will be a promotion to the rank of Seeker and a place as one of my personal assistant. I will accept nothing less," he said firmly, eyeing them casually over his intertwined hands. He could not help but to notice the aged wrinkles already visible on them. How many years did he have left now? How many before he would die?

That, however, left him with little more to do than waiting. He was good at waiting, just as good as he was with speaking.

[Arley Voegeli]

As Arley looked at him he saw him say something under his breath, though he couldn't hear what it was then he truned his cold glare to the Elf, was he offended? He had nothing to be offended of. It didn't matter, he did not trust this man, nor would he let his guard down. The man had told them his name was Lambert van Reeves, the Lord Seeker, he also noticed that his tone changed. This man is either very bold or just completely out of his mind, he was not very good at rewarding people obviously. Arley was a Grey Warden, what business did he have demanding he become a Seeker.

Arley scoffed and anger flared up inside him, "What business do you have demanding that we become Seekers? Remember Templar, We saved your life, not the other way around, as it stands, we owe you nothing," Arley said bluntly, he could see now that this man was not playing games, he was in a position of power and was good at getting what he wanted, but Arley was no fool. He would not let this man control him, nor would he stand to let him take the Elf either, he was making a big mistake. "I am sorry but on behalf of both of us, we decline. Sorry for the dissapointment," "My, Lord," Arley said semi-sarcasticly. He was not happy with this situation, he should have just let the man die.

Then he looked over to the Elf, "I assume you decline also my Dalish friend?" Arley smiled at her.

[Rashalle Ellwood]

Rashalle's eyes narrowed as she heard his response. Really? They were in no position to ask him his name, were they? Well, maybe we should have just let that man kill you, then your name would be of no importance! She thought, feeling oddly angry. Usually Rashalle was a very calm person, but this shemlen really got on her nerves. Who was he to insinuate that they were so far below him they were not even worthy of knowing his name? Her frown deepened when she heard his reward. Really? This vile little man had the nerve to demand she just leave her clan, her family behind to become his personally assistant? Just who did this Lambert van Reeves think he was?

She watched the Grey Warden scoffed in outrage at the 'suggestion'. He it seemed, was just as displeased by this as she was. She raised her eyebrow slightly as he declined the proposition for her. She was not going to accept it, but she did not like others speaking for her either, especially people she had just met. The other man meant well though, and she could not be angry with him for it. She nodded when Arley turned to her before looking back at the Lord Seeker. "I must concur with Monsieur Voegeli, and I do indeed decline. I do not know what gave you the idea that I would leave my family for such a position Lambert van Reeves, but I assure you, you have reached the wrong conclusion. So, I am sorry, but you will simply have to accept something less." She told him with a smile that said she wasn't sorry at all. Honestly, what did he think he would accomplish with an attitude like that? Creators, what a foolish shem.

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

Lambert realized his mistake a few seconds too late as she... answered his indirect question. He adjusted his tone to a milder, more negotiative one, his expression staying unchanged through the whole process.

"I was a fool to expect that, of course," he said, and a slightly apologetic tone flowed into the deep currents of his voice, "but I do have my reasons. Whoever planned this assassination attempts will want you two dead, for one thing - don't think that he or she would hesitate one bit in giving the order - and for the second, that someone must be someone very powerful. You would not escape his or her notice long, not even a Dalish," he continued, flashing an indifferent stare at Rashalle as he mentioned her origin.

"It would be a shame if my saviors died for saving me," he said, and sympathy entered his voice deftly as though woven into a greater pattern.

He didn't think he needed more - he was not threatening them, because there really was the possibility that whoever planned the attempt was on the lookout for his saviors - but rather overexaggerating the details to his favor. The Grey Warden was particularly interesting. There were reports of templar killings, and by some witnesses they had carried the Grey Warden emblems on their clothes. Although there was no way of knowing which of the reports were true, a Grey Warden was still an... useful lever to have close to hand, ready to be pulled. His eyes flashed briefly at Arley's direction, but no more signs of his thoughts were visible. Waiting for a reply, he peered down at his wine cup.

[Arley Voegeli]

He heard once again as the Lord Seeker changed his tone, what was his game? What was he getting at, surely he wasn't trying to demand that a Grey Warden become one of his lackeys? "They may want to kill us also, but I do not need protection, I am not helpless. I do not have to escape their notice, I am a Grey Warden, I am used to someone trying to kill me." Arley said dryly, he kept a stern expression on his face, he was not going to let his guard down for one minute.

"Really? A shame huh? You are the Lord Seeker, you basically have control of most of this city or country I'm sure, it shouldn't be a big problem for you. I have heard that the Chantry pretty much rules Orlais, or well more like what happens in it." This man was very strange, and he seemed to be shady...But still Arley didn't know what he was thinking so he could not accuse him of anything out of the ordinary.

He looked down at the Seeker, "Is there something specific that you want? You wanted to reward us by becoming Templars, since we declined your offer, do you want our services? Or will you let us leave?" Arley asked calmly, he was ready to leave this place and get out of this dreaded Templar-infested city.

[Rashalle Ellwood]

Rashalle did not believe, as many of her clan did, that all shemlen were bad people. Her instincts told her though, that she could not trust the man in front of her. She did not know much about Lord Seeker Lambert, as he was apparently called, but the longer she was around him, the more untrustworthy he seemed. She listened as he explained that someone might want to kill them for interfering with his assassination, but while she recognized this was a problem, she wasn't worried enough to reconsider her decision. "I am sure you have good intentions, but I must still decline your offer. I shall return to my clan, and we shall continue wandering the lands, as we have done for many generations. If this person wishes to kill me, they will find themselves at the end of our bows." She said calmly. Resourceful as this person may be, Rashalle had faith that her clan could defeat them.

The Grey Warden was getting agitated. He did not seem to want to stay here much longer either. It was still puzzling to Rashalle why Lambert had asked her to become a Seeker. After all, from what she knew of the Seeker order, which admittedly was not much, they were overseers of the Templars. Why would she want to be a part of an organization that imprisoned mages? That would mean supporting the imprisonment of two of her clan members, and many more of the Dalish besides. What a horrible idea!

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

"Very well. I will accept you refusing my offer, my lord, my lady," he intoned formally, "And I will keep my word. If you wish, you can receive gold from my secretary for saving my life, but that is all I can do for you... unless you truly do not want any other favor. I only want to help."

He rose from his seat inclined his head slightly, but suddenly someone pushed the door open so suddenly that Lambert glanced at the doorway before realizing it was just one of the Seekers, Langwin from Val Chevin. Even Seekers didn't just enter his apartments like that, however.

"Why are you here?" he asked formally, but inside he was slightly angry. If it was just another problem with the sewers...

It's... something very, very bad, Lord Seeker," Langwin said, his usually calm tone ruffled by shock. What shook him, made most others tremble on their feet.

"What exactly is it? he asked.

"I.. a dragon."

"A dragon, you say?"

"Yes, a Dragon, Lord Seeker! It passed over Val Roeyaux... the people are in panic... it went towards some of the villages to the east."

Lambert thumbed his lip for a moment, suddenly feeling cold from the inside. The last time a dragon had ravaged the lands, it very nearly destroyed nations.

"You may leave, Seeker." he said formally. "Be strong," he added as the Seeker began to turn. He just nodded, but seemed a little more heartened than before.

The Lord Seeker turned to face his two visitors.

"As for you. You may still leave, but the Dragon poses a threat to everyone. I trust that you will be out there to hunt it. I will allow you this one benefit of knowledge - I will be out there. Farewell," he said, his voice marred by a shockingly rash tone. He seemed hurried.