There's no Adventure without Risk!

❝Hm, well, I am going to remain a mystery to you, lad, though I find your observations interesting. Figuring out who and what I am, it could be quite the puzzle. It wouldn’t be fair or polite if I didn’t give you my name, however. It is Loghain, and who is this future famous explorer that I speak to?❞

Almost does he smile at the spirited words spoken to him. Reckless and overly idealistic they could be, the redhead is still the recipient of some respect. He has a goal – a decent one – and there isn’t anything wrong about trying to achieve your dreams. As someone born a peasant, Loghain can appreciate that.

❝Ahh, so that’s it. I must confess that those words confounded me when I first arrived, as well.❞ A slight exaggeration, but at least he felt his sympathies. Of course, now would be the difficult part– bearing bad news.

❝We have been… brought here, against our will, on the part of an experiment. A social experiment. Inescapable test subjects we are, forced to live a life in this metropolis, with whatever abilities and weapons you once had stripped from you. Sounds terrible, doesn’t it?❞

“Loghain, huh - I’m gonna remember that, solving puzzle can come from even small hints like that! My name’s Randall Ascot - it’s a pleasure ta be properly introduced!” At that, the redhead would offer a (rather dusty) hand in anticipation of a handshake to the other, despite the fact the other had fancy armor and towered over him in height? He didn’t show a shred of fear.

Hey, it was a bit comforting to know he wasn’t the only one to get super confused by those white coats’s long words. To have the truth explained to him in words he could understand, though - his eyes widened, and the smile flickered on his face.

“What...? Haha....that’s a joke, right? No place has absolutely no exits - maybe the exit here’s just a puzzle to solve, too, right...? Then again...ya don’t look like you’re joking...oh man...why the bloody heck would those white coats try and nab me, of all the folk? I mean, if I’d ACTUALLY suceeded and found that awesome treasure that I was headed for before I came here, I’d understand...but...”

Still aiming the weapon toward, she cracked a grin. “The human body is delicate. Easily destroyed.” She spun it once, swift as the wind. “A simple strike to the temple with sufficient force may cause unconsciousness,” And she emphasized this by tapping her own temple with the tip. “Or death. Any spot is vital. I don’t think I’d need a proper sword to kill someone.” Not that she would, not that she ever wanted to. “I also don’t think I’d need a weapon in the first place. A hand is just as lethal as any other weapon. One hook punch to the front side of one’s jaw may snap one’s neck.” She’s done with her silly game. She’d already heard what she wanted to hear from him and for that, she found him worthy to be a company.

“I guess compared to a lot of other species out there, we are pretty lousy at defenses - but the Azrans, an ancient civilization, were much better. There’s heavy evidence through the ruins they had they somehow found the key to everlasting life itself....but something found a way to destroy their entire civilization anyway, so take that with a grain of salt. The whole thriving population - gone like that.”

A snap of his fingers, there. It really is a fascinating mystery to him...to try and figure out what happened to this long-lost civilization. Hopefully the Mask of Chaos he has helps him to find this out.

“I’m kinda rambling, though, but it’s very fascinating! Still, I guess if humans were invincible, that’d take the fun and excitement from explorations a little - what’s life without risk, right? You’re right in saying a fist could hit just as hard as a weapon, but, y’know...unless this place gets really bonkers, I don’t think you’d have to go that far with defending yourself, right?”

Huh, wait...this girl wasn’t human?

“Really? I’ve never met a different kind of species before - how brill! Are you like, a super-powerful alien from a far-off planet who observes Earth or something?!” Your imagination is certainly strong, Randlal...but no. “Nah, I ain’t scared. I mean, I’ve come close to certain danger and death when facing those traps before, you saying truthful statements about humans don’t scare me none. It’s truth, right? Hey, but you can at least say despite us not being physically strong, us humans are very strong in determination!”

❝I suppose that is one way to approach things. Personally, I don’t find issue in approaching others and asking questions. It saves me from nasty surprises, and there are plenty of those here.❞ Dear Maker, it is almost like speaking to Cailan again! Cailan. At that thought, he swallows a lump in his throat and forces down his memories. ❝And please, I do not believe you’d bore him – or me with any questions.❞

Surprisingly soothing, though no less stoic in his demeanor, Loghain offers his assistance. Working doubly to not only explain his nature and mask that unpleasant little thought that sprang up unbidden, it is more than a little pleasant at having the subject changed. Even if the lad still doesn’t quite get it, and even if it continues to shed light upon his past, Loghain nearly sighs in relief.

“Really? Oh man, I’ll haveta remember to ask any questions that come to my mind when I meet him, too! Thanks for the heads up!” Reasurred by the more soothing tone the other took there, it seemed like the other had been something of a guard figure at one point, but was not any more. However, he still kept the armor due to a need to partake in battle. “Hm hm - okay then. So you’re either a retired solider or had a higher up sort of rank before being dragged here? I guess you’re gonna keep mum about the specifics of that, too, though, if you’re so private about your armor: but that’s cool! A mystery just makes me all the more excited! Man, I wish I had an aura of mystery like that that drew people in.”

He adjusted his glasses in thought, before saying: “One day I’ll be a famous enough explorer to do that, I’m sure! First important task of exploration, though? Is finding out more about this weird place, because I don’t know bugger all right now. Whatever those fancy guys in white coats said was too lengthy and fancy-worded for me to make much sense of it.”

Odd name to match the odd face ( as if she could see him ) and archae—? The nun shrugged in confusion yet her expression didn’t waver in the slightest. She couldn’t made out what that word exactly meant. As usual, she’d rather pretend she knew of the world and its way of functioning than hurt her pride and ask. The woman was recognized by her inferiors and admirers as someone who knew of everything after all so it would be a bluffing shame if she’s to reveal her ugly flaws ( which is limited in numbers ) quite early.

She had no other choice if she wanted information she would never get in a normal conversation. With that in mind, she secured the position of her fellow and tapped his chin with the ( irritatingly ) less sturdy weapon. “It is Galatea and you will talk about this trap of yours.”

Except, he didn’t quite expect for the other to move closer and suddenly raise the weapon in question, tapping his chin in evident readiness to strike if need be. “Woah, woah - jeez, hold your horses there! Is asking about weapons that bad? Look, I don’t mind having a bit of fisticuffs with a fencing match, but it seems in pretty bad taste to do it right now given neither of us even have decent weapons....”

Strange, for someone who just had a weapon lowered into his face, he didn’t seem too afraid - this sort of thing must happen a lot.

“Trap? Look, I didn’t set any traps up here, if that’s what you’re askin’! No, usually, back home - I explore ruins of places lost to time. Grand temples and buildings steeped in history, brimming with human history and amazing discoveries - and treasure!! Of course, places like that don’t give up their history without a fight, so they often have traps set up in those places: those traps being the ones I was saying I set off a lotta the time.”

Adjusting his spectacles, the ginger fellow managed a sheepish grin, despite the wooden item in his face.

“That’s what an archaeologist does - finds things and discovers items related to human history. That’s also why I’m so interested in your sword - an important part of human history is the weapons we use over time, righto?”

Certainly, he is more baffled than angry, so the younger’s words are accepted, albeit begrudgingly. He exhales a breath that he didn’t realise he held, before words desiring to explain themselves take hold. He is careful not to be too telling about himself, but chooses upon a degree of honesty.

❝It is not that spectacular of a discovery, if it could even be called that. Be here long enough and you will realise that.❞

He almost smiles at his suspicions being made correct, though it isn’t a surprise by any stretch of the imagination. He prepares himself for the inevitable reveal of bad news, but it does not yet come. Instead of wondering so much about his current predicament, the boy just answers Loghain’s deductions. The Warden wonders idly if the correct course of action should be to just explain where he’s from, at the risk of sounding like a lunatic to the other gentleman. At first, however, he speaks at ease.

❝I see. Yes, I thought as much. I have a – friend who could tell you stories of the things he’s discovered, I’m sure,❞ Admittedly, his first thought is of the Hero of Ferelden as he knew her, spending so much of her time unearthing discoveries by accident, and of course he thinks again of Daylen Amell. ❝I am not an explorer like you, however–❞

❝I wear this armor because it is a necessity where I am from. I keep it in good shape because it is needed and it has seen many battles because I have.❞

Well, it was up to the other to decide if he wanted to tell the truth or not, but it may well come as more than a surprise.

“A friend? Heh, thanks for the tip - I’m gonna haveta look them out and ask ‘em a few things, because this place still seems pretty big and confusing to me! Not too much, mind - the excitement in exploring a new place on your own merit, maybe discovering things nobody has found before if you’re lucky. I’m more a guy of words and acting on feelings than sticking around boring anyone with too many questions, hehe!”

That explained why the ginger hadn’t bothered worrying too much about the predicament, too - because he evidently found it as a waste of energy, and that getting to know this strange place and the people in it was a far better use of time.

Randall’s brows rose in evident surprise to hear the other was not an archaeologist, however.

“Oh? So...wait! Ohhh, I get it! You must be like a royal guard to a Queen or King somewhere, like the guys with super fluffy hats in London? Only you wear old-fashioned armor instead of a uniform?”

          Breathing silently, she felt not a soul around. In this very instance did the Claymore reveal the sword that was hidden beside her leg just moments ago. While it would not be able to cut and slice an intruder or one with intentions as ill as the void, it was sturdy enough to knock some sense. Its harming prowess would be dependent on the arm that was about to wield it. She humbly prayed to the God of Rabona that it wouldn’t be used for another mistake.

          Polishing her instrument with basil leaves she had picked at the side of the tree stump, a call urged her to move her head and follow. Blindness wasn’t a problem. She could hear even the tiniest sway of dried leaves and the trickling of the river from miles away. The nun wouldn’t think she was the subject if not for the obviousness. There was no one else in the vicinity who was carrying a wooden sword!

Shrugging that off, he shook his head at the suggestion of thievery. “I get into enough trouble setting off ruins traps and the like, I really don’t wanna get into trouble by stealing, too! Besides that, this town’s probably got super powerful people guarding weapons and stuff like that, right? Oh well! Every puzzle has an answer; and I’m sure that I’ll find a solution to this too! Oh, but wait--”

Something occurred to him: in all his enthused energy, he totally hadn’t introduced himself! “I should introduce myself properly to a lady, though, shouldn’t I? Oops! My name’s Randall - Randall Ascot, awesome archaeologist-to-be! Hey, it’s awesome to meet someone who knows about swordplay - yeah, yours ain’t too fancy, I can note that, but it looks like it used to be pretty cool before the scientists made it wooden an’ all that...can I ask what kinda sword it was, or is that prying too much?”

He isn’t sure whether he should feel like he’s been taking too much lyrium or not – not when the young man speaks, that is. Sturdy, light, his armor is indeed comfortable. He plans on investing in the clothes of ‘this day an’ age’ as the lad puts it, but in this moment, protection seems more important than comfort. Perhaps it would be best to blend in? The scientists have provided him with decent wear, at least.

Thoughts are snapped out of when the question is poised. So innocent, yet unintentionally invasive, he has already vowed to keep as much as his past locked up. He has let little things slip by, but the nature of his armor is personal to put it lightly.

❝Where I obtain my clothing is my own business,❞ He is the kind of man who can command the attention of an entire room, and somehow it shows. But, despite his powerful words, he is immediately chastised, quickly holding up a gloved hand in a peaceful gesture. ❝I apologise, but this is a personal matter. I hope you are not offended by my desire to refrain from properly answering.❞

Perhaps now is an opportune moment to be a good man, and inquire what the other knows about their current location. His upbeat personality is refreshing, that is true, but Loghain can’t say that he can imagine the lad living on the streets. A hand extended in good will would dampen his initial sour attitude, he hopes.

“Alright, alright - if you don’t want other people lessening the awesomeness of your discovery, that’s fine an’ dandy, but ya don’t need to be as blunt as that about it, golly gee!”

It seemed, perhaps, the man felt a little bad for the forthrightness of that statement, however, judging by the speed in which he amicably rose a hand and offered sincere apologies, and hoped he was not offended by the secret he wished to keep.

“Nah, it takes more than that to get a adventurer like me down! I mean, your powerful words did surprise me, but, it’s all hunky-dory now!” Not exactly willing to say to a complete stranger his father had used powerful words much worse than that on a daily basis on him, and that he was more used to it than he wished he was.

Huh, was the fact he was totally new to this place really that obvious, though? Well, to be fair - he had been actively searching for Hershel, so people would have evidently noticed that, even though this place seemed too big to let everyone know of every single new person that was dragged here.

“Yes, I am new to this place - but that’s not the reason I’m so curious. To explain better what I said before - I’m an explorer of ruins and collector of artifacts, so of course interesting armor like that’d catch my eye. Especially when this sort of stuff’s evidently got a lot’a history behind it - I can tell you take care of it really well by the appearance of it, but it’s also seen many a battle - that’s so exciting!!”