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

"Indeed it is. Well said," He agrees with a serious nod.

"You'll find that most people here aren't the sort to judge a person too quickly. My guess is that most people here see the Inquisition as something of a second -or third or fourth- chance. I don't think anyone will be too harsh on you. And if they are, we can always help you beat them up," He says with a wink.

"Ah. So you knew Anders before all... the... possession," He clears his throat, obviously not sure how to really talk about this.

Garahel barks and wags his tail enthusiastically, in hearty agreement with Blackwall's idea.

"Barely, but yes. Mostly, I just learned about all his escape attempts second-hand." Inessa shrugs, not about to pretend they were great comrades when she was just a small child at the time, busy with her lessons. Mention of possession has her tensing up, though it's not a surprise. As with everyone else in Thedas (or just about), she's read Varric's book. "In light of possession, I can't fault the Inquisition for taking precautions. I hope there haven't been incidents." Though her tone is wary; once spirits take over, anything is possible and none of it good. She's seen that much.

He nods grimly, "I really can't fault them either. I wasn't around when the decision to harbor him was made. I certainly don't envy the Warden, or maybe it was Wardens, who made that call."

He hadn't given it much thought until now. Demons, obviously, were dangerous as were the possessed. Considering his rather unique position among the Wardens, he probably would have opted to help the mage out. His goal, after all, was to attempt to dislodge and be rid of the spirit.

Which reminded him, "I believe he managed a ritual that cured the possession. I know he was trying. So there is that."

That gets her full attention. Inessa's eyes widen, for a moment disbelieving what she's hearing. Mages have debated on how -and even if- possession could be cured since the dawn of time, it seemed. That one would be found now...well. That's far more than she could ever have hoped to hear. "Wait, what? A cure, for possession? How is that even possible?"

"Ehhhh, cure might not be the best word? I... I honestly have no idea. I wasn't involved at all. Last I spoke with Anders, he said they'd found a handful of rituals they were going to try. Apparently, one worked," He's genuinely sorry he can't offer her any more than that. "He's probably the one you'd be wanting to speak to about that, though I know he mentioned a few others who were helping him. Audelia maybe? Or Adelaide."

Inessa commits both names to memory, remembering to seek out information later, when time and curiosity permit. "I'll ask him myself, or learn of them at another time. There is no urgency on my part, but I admit, I find the concept amazing. If one can be freed of a spirit, then there might be hope for others, assuming it can be repeated."

Blackwall holds his hands up and shakes his head. He understands what she's saying, but he doesn't know the first thing about possessions or what Anders did to kick his own spirit.

"Hopefully, they'll be willing to tell you more about it. I would if I could," Just from his brief chat with Anders, he was pretty sure he'd be happy to talk to Inessa about it. He seemed like the sort who was eager to help others, especially his fellow mages.

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