faderift | [ OPEN ] We shift and turn and swear and yearn

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[ OPEN ] We shift and turn and swear and yearn

WHO: Adelaide & you
WHAT: Catch All for the month
WHEN: June/Justinian
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Wine, swearing, PUPPIES, allusions to demonic violence. Prose or Brackets are fine, roll with what you like most. If you want a specific prompt hit me up on plurk @ here!

[ Courtyard -> Stables ]

When her sister wrote 'their arrival is imminent' Adelaide had not quite considered how imminent Juliette meant. Perhaps she might have been better prepared for signing off with the courier when they herd the rather rambunctious litter of several month old mabari pups to one of the few empty stalls in the barn. Playful things that they are- Dennet is a horse master not a hound master and it will be some time before the appropriate point of authority finds their way down to check on the five puppies ready for imprinting or...whatever it is these dogs do- but they will need minding until they are handed off and as she'd had the fortune to sign for them- Adelaide finds herself sitting in the barn, trying to keep the dogs from gnawing on one another, on her, or on anything valuable. Moments like this are a thorough reminder as to why she is a cat person.

[ Library ]

She can be found, as ever, at her table tucked into one of the unoccupied nooks of the library- a cold cup of tea at her elbow, a sheaf of notes she writes and reorganizes- a quill on occasion hovering over a sheet of blank paper and mimicking her notes stroke for stroke so she might produce them in duplicate. So long as she remembers exactly how she's laid out the paper, it works well enough. For questions, comments, concerns, condemnations or complications that have arisen during research she has made herself thoroughly available.

[ Return of the Attache ]

"No." That is all she has to say. No. She won't bother to stop or listen, she won't bother to mind him in the slightest- that same family attache doggedly tails Adelaide about the hold, hovering just behind with a leatherbound sheaf of papers in his hand while he awaits for some sign that she'll take them or at least listen. He spends the bulk of his time holding the odd extra book or pen or, in a singularly distressing moment, a pad of gauze against a seeping wound as she mends a patient in the healing tents. He's a step down from a personal valet- he is not meant to be dealing with literal bloody commoners and yet- this is his life. Someone please help him convince Adelaide to at least take the papers and look at them.

AFTER JUSTINIAN 19th

[ Stairs ]

After the final ritual is all said, done, and finished Adelaide finds she has a wealth of extra time due to no longer needing to spend several hours picking apart what went wrong with the last and what could go wrong with the next- and at least a few hours extra that she'd otherwise spend training with Martel in the evenings due to the incontinence that is her leg. Magic, even hers, can only do so much and the nasty break in that last fight leaves her less walking with the calm poise she's known for and more hobbling from place to place, staff less an afterthought and more a requirement for keeping her weight off her leg. At the moment she's glowering at the stones underfoot as she takes one slow, shuffling step up the stairs at a time. Her research is in the library- and eventually she would make her way there. Just- give her some time.

[ Healing Tents ]

Here, at least, there are fewer stairs. Adelaide splits her time between minding patients and beginning new notations on old research she'd set aside- tending to those she could while moving as little as possible for the first few days. Her humor is...subdued, somewhat, but that is easily explained by the weight of her work of the past months finally catching up now that she is forced to spend less time on her feet. Now and then she might be caught dozing, chin tipped to her chest, fingers still holding the page of her book in place.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sadira had heard of the rumors here and there while out in the boondocks trying to hide from Templar wrath. Now that she was in Skyhold, there were more rumors, but she didn't know if it was wishful thinking from the mage rebellion, or if it was something true.

Naturally she turned her head to look at Adelaide, a mixed expression of disbelief and growing dread showed across her face. Not the most likely reaction expected from a fellow mage.

"Why would anyone research that?"

"Because I have proven that it is in some highly dangerous way possible to remove a spirit from a possessed mage and cure them of their being an abomination and thought to myself 'what other impossible thing might I work at now?' So. The Tranquil." Her voice was terribly wry if strained- pain made her more sarcastic it seemed. Not all of them chose it. Knowing those that asked for such a fate from those that were punished- those that truly deserved it from those that needed to brand to save themselves and those around them-

Such things would come later. Right now? The work was all theoretical. As much humor as she might have found in the circumstance, her eyes darken somewhat at the next thought. "Besides. I would like to know if there was some truth to what we were being killed over in the Spire."

Sadira bowed her head, focusing on the steps before them as she worked through the information. Becoming possessed was a very real fear of any mage-- and for her in particular. Although she'd had passed her harrowing, there were still nights where she lay awake wondering if she shouldn't have been made tranquil instead.

Mention of the White Spire made her shudder involuntarily. Arriving in Val Royeaux just a few days before what had happened with the conclave there had not been one of Sadira's fondest memories.

"It was a bad time then. I had no idea that was the reason mages fled the circle. I just remember being told that the Templars had gone mad."

She twitched her shoulders as if trying to shrug off that memory. That was the past. It was the future everyone needed to look towards. And now that her initial shock over Adelaide's research was fading, more questions about the research were bubbling up.

"Were you really able to cure someone of possession?"

"Violence came from both sides. Mage, templar- we both bleed the same- but that the Templars at least began to heighten the tension to the point of violence goes without saying." As they were ordered to do- as some did. As most did. What were they supposed to do? Ignore the direct order of the Lord Seeker? Question his authority? Question why they were to cut down mages that had followed every letter, every rule laid out before them?

Tension knotted in Adelaide's shoulders- though that could be easily blamed on the pain. It was what it was. All she and anyone else could do was move forward. "After a fashion. The usual means is to enter the fade, kill the demon or spirit, yes? The intent behind the ritual was to separate them amicably- which...became a problem when the spirit no longer wished to leave. It skewed our results somewhat."

But she could safely and honestly say that Anders was no longer possessed and what they did saw it so. "But it is not as though that is something we might test a second time- and I am frankly glad for it."

Sadira nodded mute agreement. She didn't hold the mages above escalating tensions either. it was a reason why she supported the idea of the Circles still. After all where else could mages learn and be held accountable?

Feeling the tension in the other woman, she raised her head up counting the spiraling steps as best she could to get an idea of how much further they had to go. Either half way there or near enough. Puffing out her cheeks, she huffed softly, wondering if there was a polite way convince Adeleiade to rest if she needed it.

"I've never studied more than the basics of the fade, nor that of spirits much. I haven't the skill for it, so I will take your word that doing so can save the person possessed. Even with skewed results, you still managed it and the person survived intact?"

"The mage, yes. The spirit...as I said, he did not wish to leave. He became fully corrupted by his desire to remain and that, in short, is how I broke my leg." Which tended to happen when one was tossed about like a ragdoll by a demon. Such was life.

"As best I can tell the mage in question is recovering well. Or. As well as one could hope- it is no simple thing, being possessed. Let alone for as long as he had been." She made a mental note to check in on Anders- make certain he wasn't a complete mess after what they'd done. "He may not sleep well for some time but that is the way of things for most mages when they have been particularly stressed, yes? We do not sleep."

Again a shudder rippled through Sadira at the thought of possession. "The poor mage... I am sorry your leg was broken, but I am glad you got results." She, of course, had no idea they were talking of Anders, nor would she know how to feel should she find out.

The comment about not sleeping won Adelaide a wry smile as she nodded in agreement, "There should be a class teaching about coping with sleepless nights. Teaching young mages about teas to drink or chants to recite. Maybe even ways to try and manage stress."

Adelaide actually came to a full stop, blinking into the middle distance. "...I cannot believe it never occurred to me to arrange that. Such information is passed about informally but- how comfortable are you with instructing?"

She would do it had she the time- but she unfortunately does not have quite so much time. But if she could find someone that might handle the instruction for her- "I will have to speak with the rest of the Council of this- we have done what we can to make life easier for the mages of the inquisition but not one of us thought for a moment to simply create an informative class for them."

Adelaide stopping made her stop, staggering slightly back a step, so her foot landed heavily on the stair below her. Thankfully she kept her balance easily, despite the question that suddenly popped up.

"I-- ah, I've been helping rifters with the chant of light, teaching them the words." That, of course, was haphazard and nothing at all like teaching a real class, "I've never done any formal instruction."

"The nature of this class would be terribly informal- I think that would be to it's credit. one cannot rely purely on academia to teach someone to relax and find rest. But- if I found someone to teach this with you- would you consider it? Or at the very least would you be willing to make note of what you would find most useful yourself so we might incorporate it?" One more project for the pile but this? Is simple enough to delegate once the initial paperwork is roughed out.

Not so terrible an outcome for tackling the stairs, all told.

An informal class was far less terrifying than a lecture at the circle which had immediately sprung to mind. Informal classes could take place anywhere. Already her mind was mulling this over, weighing if this was something she was willing to do. The idea was appealing at least, having a group for combating stress and possibly fears as well.

"I think I would... Yes. Some initial help might be appreciated, especially from someone who has more experience in organizing something such as this. At the very least a pooling of ideas will help, and not just mages either."

"Excellent." Having at least one volunteer on hand will make arranging the class that much simpler. A few more steps and oh, the top is within sight. Praise Andraste. "Opening it to anyone that has need of such things could also gain us ground with those that are afraid to keep such close quarters. I shall need your name for when I put this forward to the Council."

Perhaps when they finally reach the top she might remember manners enough to offer her own.

Even though Sadira was used to a little exertion, she was just as happy that top of the stairs would soon be reached.

"I am Sadira, of... well I guess it doesn't matter now does it?" the Circles were gone, saying she was from Ostwick wasn't going to mean much. "If I may, Who is it that I am helping up the stairs?"

"It matters if you wish it to matter- context informs a great deal. Knowing where you are from can tell me much." Only a few more steps- "Adelaide LeBlanc, formerly of the White Spire, currently of Skyhold's Council of Magi."

It can say much- where one was from, where one is going. "And thank you for your assistance, Sadrina. Truly."

"I had not thought of it that way. I assumed that all my fellow mages would eschew who and what they were in favor of a bold new future. It is nice to meet you, Adelaide, even if the circumstances were unfortunate to allow it."

She smiled towards the other mage, actually looking a little better. Since the circles had fallen, she'd been adrift without any real sense of purpose or identity. She was a long way off yet from being satisfied with who and what she was, but this was a small step in the right direction.

"I'm formerly of Ostwick."

"No matter what the future holds for mages- where we are is as important as where we might go...especially considering what has happened during the course of the war." All of the Circles were shaken in their own way. Some more violently than others. Not everyone chose this- Adelaide herself, at the time? Had not.

"Allow me to welcome to the Inquisition, and perhaps ask what it was you were studying in Ostwick? We have no Circle here but we do have classes. Whatever you know or would wish to now? Can be arranged provided we've someone teaching it. And if we do not? Clearly it is a void that needs filling."

"Thank you. It feels good to be part of something again, even if I have only bene part of something for a little while now." Even before the fall of the circles, she'd felt displaced trying to find her way, but back then it had at least been good to be a part of something.

"As for my studies, I was never much good at anything but storm magic. And I don't mean the make it rain kind either. But I was on my way to Montsimmard to start training as a Knight-Enchanter when things..." she made a helpless gesture with her free hand and shrugged slightly. It still hurt to actually say what happened. It conjured dark memories and bad dreams, botht hings she wanted to avoid.

"Ah, I shall have to refer you to Councilor Ataash. She is an apostate but has a way with storm magic I have never seen in the circles; perhaps you might learn from one another in this. Likewise she is training as a Knight-Enchanter under Councilor Vivienne." Twice as much reason to speak to her, with a warning. "She is...impassioned and opinionated, is Korrin. Particularly on the subject of Circles. Do not take what she says personally unless you feel she has truly crossed a line- inform her or myself as such and I will see to getting the matter settled."

At last, the top of the stairs. Adelaide sighs with relief, shifting her grip on her staff so she might hobble to her table in the corner without troubling Sadrina further.

At once she was both excited and a little hesitant to meet with someone else. Storm magic was.. temperamental and while she had control over it, she didn't know if she wished to learn to manipulate it even more. Hearing that Korrin was a Knight-Enchanter however quickly pushed aside any misgivings she had-- at least until the word of caution was given.

"I'll try not take what she says to heart. I know there are few from outside the Circles who viewed them with anything other than contempt and fear..." Never mind the number of people who felt the same way within as well. "Thank you for the referral, and if you need anything, please feel free to ask it of me. Having more things to do would be welcome."

"There can be value in different perspectives, but after a point it simply becomes a question of 'is this of value or is this a diatribe brought on by anger and ignorance' which it can be across the board. Those in the circle feel strongly about apostates, apostates about the circle, and everyone has an opinion on the Templars and their place in our future." Adelaide shrugs. "It is, simply put, a hot mess."

One that is doubly messy for the heat of the arguments within. "But we are making do and, I should hope, learning from one another. Every perspective has value- unless someone is simply being an ass."

In which case, nothing is lost or gained by their contributions. "If you've interest in any particular branch of research or projects you would wish to assist I think we've a list of what is being worked on...somewhere. It may be the bulletin board or in a ledger in the Vault."

There is a snort of agreement at the words a hot mess. That seems to sum up perfectly the state of the world and everything in it. Even if the Inquisition was only making do, it was at least doing something, which is why she'd decided to come here. That and because it accepted mages and she was tired of living in fear as an apostate as she had been for the last year or so.

"I'll check both... once I find the vault. This place is not a maze, though it comes close with all its passages and levels. Something like a vault just has to be at the lowest secure point, or very nearly so."

She'd know if she hit the jail cells that she'd gone in the wrong direction.

"I think there is a Dalish mage that actually keeps a ball of twine on hand in case she gets lost. I have not seen her, honestly, but I have almost tripped over the yarn in the hallways." As much as it probably worked- it was terribly inconvenient and not at all safe for anyone else trying to find their way through the Hold.

Despite herself, a small laugh slipped out, followed by a guilty glance around, hoping she had not disturbed anyone. "I can see how that would work and also be highly inconvenient." She shook her head slightly. Then, added a little more softly, "It would be easier to navigate I think if I wasn't afraid of offending someone or feeling like I was under constant scrutiny."

"Why is it you feel like that? Are the guards following you? The templars? They know they are not to trouble mages that do not request their presence specifically-" Adelaide pivots on her heel to face Sadrina abruptly, humor dropped in favor of a stern chill. "If I must have words with them- or with any of our mages- they ought to know better by now, we have been with the Inquisition for months-"

When Adeliade turned to face her, she quickly held up her hands trying to forestall any outrage from the other woman. "No one has given me cause for alarm or made me feel unwelcome. It's me! I am not used to it." She was embarrassed now, hoping that Adelaide hadn't done any harm to herself. Dropping her hands, she spoke in a quieter tones, all the while blushing more and more because she was certain how she felt was stupid, "I got used to avoiding everyone, especially anyone I thought might do me harm if they found out I was a mage. I think it will take awhile for this fear of mine to vanish."

[ OPEN ] We shift and turn and swear and yearn

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