OPEN LOG: Establishing a Base in Kirkwall

[faderifting]

WHO: Many People
WHAT: Cleaning up Kirkwall
WHEN: Cloudreach 1-21
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: This log post is for characters who go early to Kirkwall to assist in preparing it for the rest of those assigned there. We strongly encourage IC discussion of things left to character discretion—someone should definitely do a crystal post to discuss what to do with the personal belongings left behind in the Gallows or what new form the statues should take!

Kirkwall once lived on the edge of the Tevinter Imperium and was home to nearly a million slaves. Stolen from elven lands or shipped from across the sea, all slaves fed the Imperium's unquenchable thirst for expansion. They worked in massive quarries and sweltering foundries that produced stone and steel for the Empire.

The city's complicated past is not easy to forget, history having earmarked many corners of the stone city. A ship approaching the harbor spots the city's namesake: an imposing black wall. It is visible for miles, and carved into the cliff side are a pantheon of vile guardians representing the Old Gods. Over the years, the Chantry has effaced many of these profane sentinels, but it will take many more years to erase them all.

Also carved into the cliff is a channel that permits ships into the city's interior. Flanking the channel are two massive bronze statues—the Twins of Kirkwall. The statues have a practical use. Kirkwall sits next to the narrowest point of the Waking Sea, and a massive chain net can be erected between the statues and the lighthouse, closing off the only narrow navigable lane. This stranglehold on sea traffic is jealously guarded by the ever-changing rulers of the city as the net trolls taxes, tolls, and extortions in from the sea.

—From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi

---

Establishing a presence in Kirkwall is a delicate matter. First, there's Provisional Viscount Bran Cavin—a man so used to batting back friendly offers of entirely harmless occupation of the battered city-state that his first three responses to the Inquisition's leadership appeared to be slightly personalized form letters. Proving that the Inquisition is here to work and not to conquer will be a process. The first step in that process is the second reason the move is delicate: the only building the Provisional Viscount is willing to part with is the Gallows, left quarantined and unoccupied since Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard's famous crystallization into red lyrium in the courtyard. The Gallows have since overgrown with red lyrium. If anyone is going to live and work there, there's a lot of work to do.

↠ Cloudreach 1-3: The Journey There
↠ Cloudreach 3-4: Arrival
↠ Cloudreach 4-14: Haunted
↠ Cloudreach 14-21: Spring Cleaning

Comments

The Docks... Cleaning and Healing

[theexile]

Cleaning

Kattrin had basically let herself settle in to work at the docks since arriving. It had been a hard journey but she was Avvar and hard was something she was actually rather used to. It didn't bother her in the slightest to be helping to clean various locations. Particularly places that people of the Inquisition could live in. Since she'd heard more would be arriving she wanted to be sure that there would be space for them. Of course there were times when she got strange looks for being the Avvar woman to have suddenly arrived among the Inquisition so she didn't bother to speak with the natives. She doubted they would approve of anything she had to say anyway.

And as she worked a little fennec was following her around. He seemed to be curious about everything she did but would dodge out of the way before he could be stepped on. Or perhaps caught if someone thought he was going to be food. He wasn't, thank you very much.

She did notice when someone joined her in her work though and looked up with a tilt of her head to see if she was getting help or being told to move away.

Healing

Whether it was from the statues not that long ago or some incident while cleaning, there were probably some people who had been injured. She was there to offer some healing. For those not comfortable with her Avvar healing magic, she had plenty of herbs and potions that she'd created to help tend to injuries. It possibly helped that she didn't really ask questions about where an injury came from as well. She was there to help rather than to judge someone for how they ended up getting hurt.

And so it was easy enough to find her since it wasn't like people could help themselves about talking about the Avvar woman healing at the docks. Rumors spread fast, especially with how busy things were currently. Of course what also helped was the fact that plenty were sure to mention her pet fennec as well.

Though should anyone call the fennec with her a pet then she had words for them...

Healing

[gatheringstorm]

For Korrin, it was less one particular incident and more the fact that she had been working long hours, with perhaps less care than she should have taken. While there are no bruises and cuts on her body, nor anything broken, eventually her work had resulted in some pulled muscles and a lot of pain as she hobbled over to wherever the medics had set up. This is definitely one of those times where Korrin regrets not learning even the basics of healing magic.

"Fuck that hurts. I need a little help here...or someone to put me out of my misery." So dramatic. Thanks to being distracted, Korrin hasn't absorbed rumors about an Avvar in Kirkwall but being right there, face-to-face gives her pause amidst her complaining. "...Kattrin?"

[theexile]

It was the voice that had caused her to respond before anyone else. She knew this woman, like it had been another lifetime ago. Then again among her people it would be. And then again she knew she should stop calling them her people even in her own head.

"Korrin." Yes, she remembered this Qunari woman who had visited her former hold. Back when she'd been married and learning to become a spiritual leader. But that time was gone now and in this moment Korrin needed healing.

"Sit." The fennec at her feet came to sniff the Qunari then danced away to jump into Kattrin's bag instead. "It has been a season since I last saw you. What ails you?"

[gatheringstorm]

"Let me guess, I've grown since then." Korrin manages a wry grin that turns into a wince. "Pulled a muscle in my back and I still haven't gotten the time or talent to learn how to fix it with magic. Believe me, I'm rethinking my life choices about now. It almost feels as though my nuggalope trampled me."

[theexile]

Kattrin gave her an amused sort of look before giving a wave to have her lay down instead. "In that case on your stomach." She wouldn't need those clothes off if it was just a strain but better access to the injured area certainly wouldn't harm anything. And once she had Korrin like that, she was softly murmuring a prayer to her gods so that she could use them to heal this woman. Her own skills were impressive but she always felt most comfortable with the spirits guiding her.

[gatheringstorm]

Not about to make a fuss, Korrin complies and lays down as instructed. As Kattrin gets to work, she less out a quiet sigh of relief. "That...helps...." The intense throbbing of that pulled muscle begins to subside, giving her pain-fogged mind a chance to clear.

Docks

[circleprodigy]

Inessa's work at the Gallows kept her from visiting the docks that often, but when Garahel became restless, she decided on a change of pace. A day spent helping elsewhere wouldn't hinder there efforts, would it? No, she couldn't imagine such.

So it is that the small, slight elven woman and her much more solid mabari companion are going where they must, either energizing objects as needed or offering water to those who seemed to need it. Given that she remains clad in her Grey Warden attire, there's no mistaking her for a servant.

Upon realizing they have company, Garahel approaches first and wags his tail, ever-hopeful about receiving petting or praise. The fennec will have his curiosity, too, and he tries to get close enough to sniff at it. "Garahel, behave. You don't want to scare the poor thing. Sorry about that." Inessa offers a slight smile to the Avvar woman. "He can be too curious for his own good, at times."

[theexile]

The dog caught her attention and she remembered something about a lowlander custom of keeping them as companions. It was strange to her but the creature obviously had freedom. Plus the fennec didn't seem to be in danger. That gave her time to take in the woman instead.

Warden by outfit. Elf by body. She found herself curious to say the least. An elf with freedom was rare in these days but to see one with it pleased her.

"The little one may know he is not in danger and has claimed my bag as his hole should be wish to hide." Since that was his will she allowed it obviously. "Garahel is the name?"

[circleprodigy]

Garahel responds with a happy bark, always glad to get a little attention though he soon turns it to the fennec. Large and muscular though he is, the mabari seems to restrain some of that boisterousness for the sake of not harming the fennec, sniffing at it before plopping down by its side. If the fennec wants to climb Mount Mabari, there he is.

Glancing over briefly, Inessa looks back with a smile and nod. "Yes, that's right. There is no danger, however. He knows to be gentle with those smaller than himself; if he didn't, I would have suffocated long ago." There's no point in being sensitive about her not-at-all impressive height, so she might as well find humor in it. "I'm Inessa. Was I right in hearing that you are Avvar?"

[theexile]

"I am though I have no hold now. I am Kattrin the Exile." The Kattrin she had been before was dead now as far as she or her people could be concerned. Perhaps it was better that way and it was something she was at peace with. The only part that tore her apart now was the guilt of breaking her oath in order to become exiled as she was.

"Word travels fast in this place for I have not been here. But a short time after the Inquisition arrived it would seem." Honestly she thanked the gods for aiding her with that particular timing so she could help with this transition as best as she could.

[circleprodigy]

"One of the Avvar folk wasn't quite unusual when we resided solely in the Frostbacks, but now, in the Free Marches...you stand out." Inessa's smile is sympathetic, as between those pointed ears and the staff in hand, she knows something about standing out as well.

"You aren't unwelcome, though. Far from it, your healing skills have been mentioned and we are always in need, in that respect." Her gaze shifts to the fennec, fond and curious. "What is the fennec's name?"

{ healing }

[aceso]

Christine knows most of the healers in the Inquisition. Those who choose to work alongside Anders are usually less known to her, since she keeps a wide radius between them at all times. But she's heard people speak of the Avvar healer and her curiosity leads her over to the area that's set up once she's sure there's no Anders in sight.

She doesn't intrude while the woman has a patient, but once they're sent on their way, Christine approaches. She doesn't think this woman is from Asher's hold, so she isn't sure how she is around strangers. At Honey-Badger hold they're used to visits from mercenaries and are so welcoming too.

"Hello," she starts. "I'm Christine, a healer too." And the staff on her back answers what kind of healer, she's sure. "We see few Avvar outside their holds. Are you much of a traveler?"

[theexile]

There were enough here that let her treat then that she was able to do plenty. Though she wasn't expecting conversation with another healer once she finished with someone she was helping. Blinking a little, she tilted her head and noted the staff. A mage. Magical healing then.

"I am Kattrin. I would say all Avvar are travelers though I would also say I have no hold." She was as exile now, after all. "You are Inquisition?"

A fair enough assumption she figured.

[aceso]

"Oh, I see." How surprising! She knows Asher's mother left the hold, but most Avvar don't, or there wouldn't be any left now, would there? "I am. I have been with the organization for well over a year. I could most likely help you, if you have any questions about us or with healing here in particular."

[theexile]

That last part gave her pause. With healing here in particular? She wasn't sure what to make of that but she certainly wasn't going to be doing any of the odd Circle practices for magic if that was what she meant. In fact she was pretty sure she couldn't learn that now.

"I am already learned in healing. I would need no teaching past what my teacher gave to me."

[aceso]

"Oh, I did not mean to imply I would be teaching you," she begins. "I know an augur myself and know how Avvar mages are trained. I do not doubt your skills. I simply meant if you had questions about our supplies, or the general... atmosphere within the Inquisition." She clasps her hands together and leans in a little, lowering her voice. "Some people refuse magical healing, and are quite vocal about it."

Cleaning

[justice_is_blond]

The woman and her fennec had been distantly noted. Distant, as everything was, because he was rather stuck in his own thoughts and stresses as he worked. She did get a nod, at least. He knew she was there and he didn't want to be an ass, but he wanted to just work and distract himself.

That was working fine until Purrelden climbed out of his belt pouch and started stalking the fennec. They got the warning of a hiss before she was leaping, which lead to Anders leaping to try to get her off the smaller animal as claws flailed around.

[theexile]

Her head shot up from her work in time to see the fennec jump away from the cat to bounce into her bag. It was the hole he'd made his own now and since that was his choice she'd allowed it. Of course that meant she was pushing her bag behind her now as she pulled out a small piece of dried fish that she waved before the nose of the cat as a distraction.

She meant no harm to the cat for acting on instinct. But she still wished to protect this fennec that had chosen her for whatever reason.

"Shhh. Shhh." No anger. Just a calm offering.

[justice_is_blond]

Purrelden is instantly distracted, latching her paws around the fish and turning her head sideways to gnaw at it. Anders breathes out and nods to the woman.

"Thank you. I'm sorry about her." Judging by how she'd had no problem with the fennec darting into her bag, Anders is guessing the creature's with her. "I've trained her to take on threats, but she's also playful. As any cat, really." By now Purrelden's back to calm again, though she looks like she might be looking around for where the fennec went.

[theexile]

"It is but her nature and I will not fault her for it." Kattrin offered a gentle look so she could let the man know that she was not bothered by it. The Avvar were aware that animals were not people and were more prone to instinct. Such a thing should be respected rather than feared or looked on with concern.

As for the fennec, he'd decided he would just stay in the bag where it was safe. Probably for the best really if one were to be honest. "She has a strong spirit to her."

[justice_is_blond]

His expression turns into a smile that's both thankful and fond.

"She does. I'm rather proud of her." There's no sign of the fennec so Purrelden settles down in Anders' arms and starts to bathe herself. "Would you like to pet her? She loves attention."

healing;

[inagutterson]

Eventually it was bound to happen; Yngvi works with sharp things for a living, his hands bear the brunt of it and they're not exactly working in clean places. Not that he really knew about cleanliness in the first place because he's not some noble but his hand is hurting enough that he's been badgered into finding someone to help.

Someone that won't wiggle their fingers and toss halla piss at him then charge him for the privilege.

"I got bit." The opening words for his interruption into Kattrin's life as he trips over the fennec with the grace you'd expect of a dwarf with four nugs in attendance. "Someone said you could fix it better than the other lot."

[theexile]

Well this was not where she expected things to go today. A rather filthy dwarf with a bite injury. Still, the Avvar woman was not about to turn him away. One because he needed help and two because she wasn't bothered by the filth.

"Sit. What bit you?" He didn't seem poisoned but best to be sure as rolled up the sleeves of her animal hides. At some point she knew she should change into lowlander clothes but some things were harder for her to let go of. Besides, she had no money anyway.

Getting a bucket with some water in it and a clean cloth, she explained her actions. "I will need to clean the bite so it will heal well."

Yes magic could just heal but it could always do so better with help. Especially when dwarves had that built in resistance to magic.

(At least the fennec had the grace to leap away and watch from a distance.)

[inagutterson]

This is vaguely clean for him. On account of having actual family and vaguely familial associates in unavoidable close contact for the first time in years.

"Half a jaw." Instead of what might be expected - if one ever expects to be told that half a jaw just bit someone but firstly this is Kirkwall and secondly he's been helping to clear the Gallows out from the start - when someone says that, he doesn't use his uninjured hand to indicate if it was the top or bottom jaw. No. It's one half of a face. The left half. Why was the left half of a face lying around well he'd say ask the person that killed them but he's pretty sure that corpse was there too.

"Clean it? Thought you put stuff in it. Mashed up elfroot someone chewed. Shove it all in there with some sort of piss. Ram piss maybe, I hear good things about rams."

[theexile]

Ah. A fight then. No poison but certainly enough to lead to quite the wound if it wasn't taken care of. Kattrin lifted a brow but otherwise didn't question matters as she held out a hand for his. Only to look somewhat amused actually.

"Oh? I am not so certain that would offer you much aid. A good sting to your hand though. That liquid has more bite to it than fire." She was not going to use ram piss on his wound though. Nor would she be doing any sort of weird thing like he was suggesting in that moment. "If you find discomfort in magic then I can use herbs. If you do not then I am familiar with the resistance the dwarves have to magic so I can heal you. The wound will still need cleaning."

Because clean wounds were better than dirty ones for healing.