Open Log

[circleprodigy]

WHO: Inessa, Garahel (her mabari) and OPEN to anyone.
WHAT: A new Warden arrives.
WHEN: Beginning to mid-Solace.
WHERE: Camp Shady, Skyhold. Specifics in prompts.
NOTES: I'll match formats!

Mabari nonsense included at all stages. Weisshaupt and what went on there will likely be referenced, so blood magic/demon-summoning/coup warnings in effect.

I. Camp Shady

There's a new arrival at the Grey Warden camp below Skyhold...well, actually two. Inessa arrives mid-morning, a pale, petite elven woman with a staff on her back and clad in what is unmistakably Grey Warden battlemage attire. Sometimes at her side is an adult mabari who in all honesty isn't that much shorter and considerably more muscled, adorned with kaddis markings. Faced with new surroundings and new people, he's regularly running off to have a look around but always returns to his mistress, perhaps with a new friend?

After setting up her tent wherever there's space (and perhaps double-checking to ensure that particular space won't be needed), Inessa could rest...but she's not going to. Instead, the young woman can be found looking for the nearest campfire to join or starting her own, just wanting to sit down and relax with Garahel and perhaps catch up on recent events. Or she can be found wherever the griffons are kept, observing them with quiet awe. Having seen them at Weisshaupt, they're not exactly a new sight and yet she can still scarcely believe they're real. A small smile forms on her lips as she looks them over, mindful not to get too close or make sudden movements. "Hello again. My, you've grown...."

II. Rotunda library and frescoes

The Grey Warden camp is nice, but there's one thing it doesn't have; stacks upon stacks of books. Inessa's a devoted Warden, but she was also raised in the Circle and if there's one thing she misses, it's the library at her tower. For the first time in over a year and a half, she actually has the time and opportunity to indulge, so she does...with Garahel in tow, of course. Having been instructed previously, the mabari actually behaves himself in this area, no running or barking or running over to harass the ravens in the rookery. Instead, he plops down somewhere reasonably out of the way to nap while Inessa inspects the stacks. No one topic is off limits to her, and soon she accumulates a sizable crooked tower at her table. Much of it involves magical theory or history, but lighter subjects are definitely possible. Varric's books were known even in the Circle.

At some point, because of her petite stature and a dearth of ladders, she'll swallow her pride and look over to the nearest (undoubtedly taller, unless they're a dwarf) person, and smile apologetically. "Excuse me, but could I borrow you for a moment? I need a longer pair of arms to reach a book for me."

Some time later, Inessa descends with a sated mind and a lighter heart. Upon reaching the rotunda below the library, she pauses to inspect the frescoes painted there. They had been noted before, but now that her greatest priority has been tended to, she can spare a little time for such things. The Siege of Adamant Fortress particularly captures her attention, unsurprisingly, and she lingers there, gazing solemnly upward.

III. Battlements

In what will become part of her routine, Inessa takes to strolling the battlements with Garahel before heading back to the Grey Warden encampment. It's a chance to savor the mountain view and stretch her legs, and let her attention-needy mabari get some petting from friendly soldiers and scouts. The direction isn't important, just the chance to clear her head and enjoy the brisk winds, a sharp contrast from the oppressive heat of the Western Approach.

IV. Wildcard

Catch her nearly anywhere. Perhaps she's discovered the vault library (and Garahel abandons her for the kitchen, since he can't fit) or is getting treats for Garahel at the kitchen. Curious Warden is curious and will want to see everything Skyhold has to offer that's not off-limits.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

"That one, there. Thank you." Inessa points up to Fade and Spirits Mysterious. "It must be a newer work, I don't recall seeing it back in Kinloch Hold." If it had been there, she would have committed it to memory, like almost everything else Genitivi has written.

The other woman's pile gets a glance from her, always curious as to what other people seek at the library, and she smiles upon spotting one particular tome. "Is it true that Varric Tethras himself is here? I wonder if he signs copies...."

[fledglingenchanter]

Shifting her books under her arm, Sadira scans the op shelf looking for the indicated book, and also glancing at the other titles out of habit. The requested tome was one she vaguely recalled seeing before but never reading. Prying it from its home nestled among the other books, she handed it to Inessa looking slightly thoughtful.

"I haven't had the chance to meet them if he is. From what I hear, I think he would, however." She gestured slightly with the arm holding the books as she held out her other hand towards Inessa, "I'm just glad he is still writing. I am a little behind in his latest works."

[circleprodigy]

The book is high up but fortunately not a doorstopper, so when Inessa takes hold of it she's not stumbling back. As it is, she knows it will be difficult to part with her tower of books and will likely take notes on how to find them again. Because now that she has access to a library once more, she's not going to waste the opportunity.

"As am I. Grey Warden work has largely kept me away from libraries, and the one at Weisshaupt sadly didn't carry any of his works." Her eyes darken a little at mention of the stronghold, but now is not the time to dwell on such dark events, so she tries to push past them. "I'm Inessa, and my companion over there is Garahel. We're newly arrived from the Western Approach."

Hearing his name, the mabari lifts his head and lets out a drowsy wuff.

[fledglingenchanter]

Relieved of the tome she had been holding, Sadira quickly rearranges the books under arm, shifting them to a more comfortable position. Her eyebrows, however, shoot up nearly into her dark locks when she hears that Inessa is a Grey Warden. There had been rumors and the like floating around about regarding them and what had occurred in Weisshaupt and the Western Approach.

A thousand questions danced on the tip of her tongue-- but she swallowed them, keeping them thoroughly in check. Here and now was not the time to pester the newly met elf.

"Greetings to you then Inessa and to your dog. I'm Sadira, it's a pleasure to meet you." Aware she sounded dreadfully formal, she cracked a small smile, "I am fond of Brother Genitivi myself, though I will admit this is not one of his works I have read either. You'll have to tell me if it's worth the read." Who was she kidding? It was a book and therefore totally worth reading.

[circleprodigy]

The raised eyebrows are noticed, and honestly Inessa's not terribly surprised. She can only guess what people were told about Weisshaupt, and that's not even taking into account the Wardens' removal from Skyhold proper. But still tired and overwhelmed, she's rather grateful not to have to recount the entire bloody affair at that moment.

The formality doesn't bother her, and she echoes the small smile. "I can do that, though thus far, I've yet to read a tome of his that isn't worthwhile. It'll be interesting to see how much can be applied to the current situation. He couldn't have accounted for the Breach, or rifts, but even so...."

[fledglingenchanter]

There is a nod of agreement from Sadira as she grins even more, "That is quite true, about him being interesting at least." She shrugs lightly, "He may not have known about the breach or rifts when he wrote this book, but the fade has long been a thing that we still barely understand to this day." Even if mentioning the breach dredged up a few unpleasant memories for her, this conversation was surprisingly plesant. It almost reminded her of one she might of had back in the Circle if things had been different.

It was then that Sadira recalled Inessa mentioning Kinloch Hold. She didn't know all the circles of Thedas as there were quite a few, but the name at least sounded familiar. "Were you originally part of a Circle before joining the wardens?"

[circleprodigy]

The hours of reading and discussing -or debating- is all coming back to Inessa as well and for a moment, there's a surge of nostalgia. She doesn't regret actually being out in the world, putting that knowledge to use, but it's a little bittersweet to realize that such moments will be much rarer now. That question prompts a nod, as her eyes momentarily stray to her slumbering pet.

"Yes, I had lived in the Circle for most of my life. I had passed my Harrowing not more than a year before war came to us, and after that I sought out the Grey Wardens. I can't say it's a safe life, but they offered me a purpose." And she felt she owed them, but thinking about what lead to that isn't something she wants to dwell on at the moment. "Which Circle do you come from?"

[fledglingenchanter]

The brief mention of the Harrowing made Sadira think of hers. It had not been all that long ago so lingered there in the back of her mind. She'd passed it to be sure, but it had been an experience that still haunted her dreams making it hard for her to sleep occasionally. Mentally stepping back from her memories, she sighed, hugging her two books to her.

"It must be a good feeling knowing your life has purpose and meaning. Even... now Wardens are still heralded as heroes by many. I'll admit my life lacks such a defining feature." Feeling a growing melancholy over what had been lost, she forced a smile, "I am from the Ostwick circle myself, in the Free Marches."

[circleprodigy]

"Ah, Ostwick. I had a teacher who transferred from there, though that's my only connection to it. I have never visited the Free Marches." There's a flicker of sympathy in Inessa's gaze, as mention of her Harrowing provokes a reaction. Every mage has their own story to tell about it, likely traumatic or at least tense. She has yet to speak of her own other than to say it happened, so she can't blame Sadira for holding back.

"You could always join the Wardens, though given recent events, that might be more trouble than it's worth." A wry smile forms as she thinks to the Grey Wardens' reputation. "I admit, I'm surprised to hear such words about my order of late. I'm aware that the actions of some within it have soured the view of many. But there are those of us who resisted such actions, and I hope that will be seen as well."

[fledglingenchanter]

A low chuckle followed the suggestion to join the Wardens. It was not a life Sadira fathom herself enjoying. However, she kept her thoughts to herself until Inessa finished speaking, having no desire to be rude to someone she felt a kinship to.

When she finally spoke, it was with a gentle shake of her head, "Forgive me but I fear I would not do well as a warden-- not because of their recent actions, but because I do not know if I am selfless enough to sacrifice my life for their cause." She sighed a little, looking down towards the wooden floor of the library, "I'm not sure I even have the strength of character required to pursue my dream of becoming a Knight-Enchanter."

[circleprodigy]

"No offense taken, I know it's not a life for everyone." And outside a Blight, it must not seem necessary for many. That Inessa feels differently doesn't mean she'd tell another what they must do. Besides, mention of that Knight-Enchnater aspiration has her perking up.

"A Knight-Enchanter? I remember being told of their discipline, and how they can turn the tide on a battlefield. I know that role isn't mine, I have no place on the front lines, but if you have the chance, it sounds like a worthy goal."

[fledglingenchanter]

A look of relief flashes across her face as she looks up once more at Inessa , glad to have not upset her. "I think the wardens will always be needed, blight or no. They are a part of Thedas. As for being a Knight-Enchanter, only time will tell." She shrugged lightly, again twitching the corner of her mouth up into an almost grin, "What of you? As a mage you must have some area of speciality in terms of magic."

[circleprodigy]

Hearing that first part, about the Wardens, brings forth a warm smile to Inessa's lips. "Thank you, it helps to hear that. I'm aware the order has much to atone for, but I believe in its core purpose. I won't abandon it."

As the book is starting to feel heavy in her arms, she places it atop her tower, carefully so as not to knock it over. "Mostly, I concentrate in ice and spirit magic, though I have some minor skill in healing and hexes. I've heard that there are many trainers here, and thus more options to develop further. I'm not certain where I should go from there, but I'm glad there's opportunity to consider it."