faderift | Open Log

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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."

"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."

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."

"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."

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."

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."

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