faderift | Open Log

Entry tags:

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

Did I? Oh, I... didn't notice. [He looks a bit moody and disappointed about that being pointed out.] I figured if I give in and admit defeat... it'll all only become worse... [So he's 'fine' all the time, even when he's not.]

Anyway, who's to say we aren't all revived on other worlds? [That's his belief these days, death has no meaning. So he's really not too bothered about the possibility of dying soon enough. Who knows what may come of him next?] Who knows? I know what I experienced in the gods' war. I wish some of the others ended up here with me, they could support my claim.

Perhaps they will. I don't mean to seem disrespectful, but I've had little exposure to rifters until now, let alone know much about their origins. I would be happy to correct this.

[But she still looks rather skeptical at the notion of everyone being revived elsewhere. She'll stick with the Chant of Light.]

There's no shame in admitting you need assistance or time to recover. The better soldiers of my order are those who accept that and don't endanger themselves or others through denial.

Well, I don't know how many others are also dead where they came from, I've not thought to ask. Between that and the dragons, it's not something that's easily brought up.

[He doesn't know where he'd expected to end up after he faded away... but... not in another world entirely, like this. It was a lot to take in and he's still processing it in many ways.]

I'm not used to asking others for assistance. Nor comfortable with it. I've always done things on my own... But what you're saying reminds me of things the white mages always would tell me, back home.

No, I imagine it's not a polite topic of conversation.

[The image of asking someone if they'd ever died is too lucidrous for Inessa to contemplate.]

...white mages? Those are your healers?

[Her brow furrows, wondering where the color designation comes from.]

None of it is. It's hard enough being from some other world...

[Everything is so different and yet similar from what he knows, it's always been an odd mix of that. But he's never felt more like an outsider as he does around this world sometimes.]

They are. We've different forms of magic where I'm from. Black magic is usually offensive, much of it draws from the elements like a lot of your magic here. White magic tends toward the defensive and healing. There's also summoning, which isn't what it sounds like at all, there are no demons involved, only Eidolons.

Eidolons? Those are spirits?

[Inessa's still a little wary, knowing that working with spirits can still be dangerous if one isn't careful.]

It doesn't sound that different to me, at least those forms of magic. The names, yes, but I know elemental magic and healing magic alike. Granted, the latter is not my forte.

They're more like... magical beasts, intelligent ones who have their own underworld beneath ours. They can be called upon to fight beside summoners in battle. They can be tough and require summoners to prove themselves by fighting them... But there's nothing malicious about them, unless the summoner themselves is that way.

[With Rydia here he really feels like he has to defend the Eidolons a little bit.]

They appear very similar to me as well, but that's as someone who has no skill in magic whatsoever.

They sound interesting, though I don't know if I would be able to let down my guard around them. As you say, their summoner can determine their hostility. At any rate, summoning them here would be highly unwise. Even mages might assume they are some new form of demon.

Undoubtedly, they would. I've explained about them to a few others and anyone native to this world has expressed those same reservations about them.

[He sighs, taking a moment to catch his breath again, grimacing until the latest wave of pain is over.]

But as far as I can tell, that connection isn't possible here, at least according to the summoner who's here from my world.

[That gets her attention and she raises an eyebrow.]

Oh, they're actually here? I would be interested in conversing with them sometime, then. Comparing and contrasting magic across the world would be very enlightening.

[Garahel doesn't care about that, though, and noses at Kain with a soft, sympathetic huff.]

Yes, her name is Rydia... she has green hair, so she's hard to miss. I'm sure she'd be interested in talking about magic with yourself and others here.

[Kain feels the same way about dragons, after all, and is always eager to hear about those of other worlds. He looks toward Garahel, reaching over slowly to pet him.]

...green hair. [Says the young woman with completely white hair, yes, but in Thedas that's not unknown among the elves. However, the shade Kain speaks of is anything but, for any race.] She'll be easy to find, at least.

I should depart and let you rest, if you will attempt to do so.

Yes. It's unusual where I'm from as well... a summoner trait, I suppose. I'm sure she'll be interested in speaking with you, too.

[Rydia is far friendlier than he is, anyway, that much is certain. Not that he minds talking with Inessa, despite the situation. He sighs, frowning a little at mention of resting. He very much has a 'do I have to" look for a moment, but finally, reluctantly nods.]

Unfortunately, it seems I can do little else at the moment. So... I guess I will... [But he doesn't have to be entirely happy about that fact, ok?]

[Inessa smiles in sympathy.]

I can bring you books from the library, if that would help? Something more to do than stare at tent walls, if you can't sleep.

It would... I can hardly spend the entire time asleep, after all. If... you could find some on dragons in particular, I'd appreciate that.

[Kain realizes this means he has to be resigned to staying here, but it can't be helped, can it? Sigh. Oh, well, at least occupying his mind might help, even if his body isn't in such great shape at the moment.]

[She nods thoughtfully.]

I believe there were works on draconology, both prior to their 'extinction' and after their resurgence. Garahel and I will bring what we can.

[The mabari barks and wags his tail, always ready to help.]

There certainly are. I'd looked through a couple so far, but there seemed to be so much more there... Anything from any era will suffice.

[He looks toward the mabari. What a good companion that must be to have at one's side. Not that he can complain of course, he has a faithful dracolisk and... Bastard. Yes.]

Thank you. To both of you. I appreciate it...

You can make it up to him later with belly rubs.

[Inessa quirks a smile, planning not to let Garahel attempt to cash in on that until the dragoon is entirely better.]

Come, Garahel. Let's be off.

I'll be sure to... I give my word.

[Kain at least can keep that... or try his best to. He's not exactly sure he wants to stay around here anymore, the Fade and these injuries have all taken their toll on him. He glances at them both. At least for now, Kain doesn't appear to be about to get up anytime soon... he's worn himself out with the one escape attempt.]

My thanks again, even if... I wasn't so thankful at the time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Open Log

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject