faderift | Open Log

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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.

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[It took him a long time to make it out here, but he finally had, taking several long pauses along the way, careful to only do this when the healers are changing shifts. Kain is clearly not up for this, but he's outside now and he's going to make the most of it before he's caught again. He takes a deep breath of the fresh air, another step forward... and then he collapses to a half-crouching position, dizzy and pained and breathing unevenly.]

[Hopefully no one actually sees this happening, right?]

Ellana spends quite a bit of time down at the Warden camp, and the new arrival does not go unnoticed. It's hard to miss a fellow elf, especially one with such a large companion by her side. The corner of Ellana's mouth lifts in amusement, because the mabari looks so inquisitive and friendly, but she knows better than to reach out and pet him just yet. Right now, she sits near the fire, her lute in her lap. She strums the strings absently, not sure what she should play. The truth is, she knows few songs and can play even less well. Subjecting the Wardens to the same songs over and over again seems like it could classify as some form of torture, so for the moment, she's improvising.

"Hello," she greets both dog and elf as they get closer. "Are you a new arrival?"

The Dalish woman is noted with some curiosity, as exposure to them beyond books or at a distance hasn't been a thing for Inessa until now. She's also been told that they likely wouldn't care for her, a city elf and a Circle-raised one at that. Any initial hesitation fades at the greeting, and it's enough to encourage her to settle in by the fire as well, personal space respected of course. Nodding politely, she manages a tired but genuine smile. Her accent, what there is of it, is unsurprisingly Fereldan.

"Extremely new, yes. We just arrived this morning, in fact. I'm Inessa, one of the Wardens rescued at Weisshaupt. My companion is Garahel." Upon hearing his name, the mabari perks up and wags his tail hopefully. She'll pet him, right?

[Inessa enters the courtyard from the main hall, heading down the stairs. She hasn't decided what to explore next, but Garahel seems to decide for her. Evidently spotting something, he takes off and she's forced to follow. Sighing, she wonders if luring him back with the promise of treats will have any effect.

...and then she spots her mabari by the half-collapsed man, whining and nudging him gently to accept his support. That gets her rushing forward.]

Garahel! What happened here...ser, what's wrong?

Sadira had acquired her own small pile of books, most of which she was now putting back, save for two that she had tucked under her arm. Admittedly one was a Hard in Hightown novel and the other appeared to be a book on the night sky with an emphasis on constellations.

By now Sadira was at least passably used to people parading around Skyhold with a Mabari in tow, so she paid the dog no mind while moved next to the elf, slipping the last borrowed tome into its place in the stacks. The question when it came was not at all a surprise, given their height differences and it was something that she at least was familiar with having helped someone else reach the books before.

"Certainly. What book did you need help with?" She asked glancing towards her fellow Library go-er with an open, friendly, smile.

"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...."

Edited 2016-07-08 16:57 (UTC)

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."

Whoever has claimed this room, or at least spends time doing these wall-high artworks, they aren't here, so Rachette has herself settled on top of the desk in the middle of the room, sat cross-legged and her chin perched in her hands.

"Surfacer art is strange," she notes at the footsteps, not taking time to see who it is, because honestly, she can't care right now. People are in and out all over the place to go up to the library and that place where the messenger ravens perch, neither of which are of any use to someone who can't read. Art you just look at, though.

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.

Turning her gaze away from the siege at Adamant, Inessa glances over. Finally, someone who doesn't tower over her, or at least she wouldn't were they both standing. Perking up, her mabari heads over to the desk and tags his tail hopefully, giving a friendly wuff to the dwarven woman as his elven mistress watches to be sure he's behaving himself and not being a nuisance.

"I think Garahel agrees with you. Do you know who painted these? Strange or not, it's talented work." And it must be fairly recent, given circumstances. She almost reaches out to touch it, but holds back, remembering her manners.

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.

The smell of mabari assaults her nose first when she enters the library to once again find a few new books for Kieran and for herself; since Leliana's illness the pair of them have been in need of distractions, and Morrigan is seizing the chance to push him further through some of his studies when she's with him. Soon he'll want to be with his friends again but right now it's comforting to pretend that once again their world is only just the two of them between adventures.

Stepping around the dog, she tuts at the stack of books as she hopes there won't be a repeat of what happened to a young lad she met here previously. The question makes her smile when she hears it, setting her burden down on an empty table as she nods.

"Certainly, what do you wish of me?" She asks, turning to face the young elven woman. Kieran is growing like a weed but he still can't reach an awful lot of things he'd like to reach on his own without her help after all.

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...."

"That one, Fade and Spirits Mysterious--" And then that familiar voice since in and Inessa looks up, eyes widening as recognition filling them. It was a long time ago, the blight still raging and herself just a child apprentice, but she could not forget such a striking woman. Especially one who had aided in the saving of her tower.

"Lady Morrigan!" Forgetting the book and her calm for a moment, Inessa clasps her hands together to keep them steady. "It's an honor to see you again. I--you wouldn't remember me, it's been far too long. Inessa, formerly of Kinloch Hold." And now a Grey Warden, given her attire.

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?"

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?"

"Ah, good. Looks like you've found yourself a spot," Blackwall says with an approving nod as he looks over her tent. He'd been told Wardens would most likely be trickling in from Weisshaupt, each new face was an anxiety attack waiting to happen.

He offers her a guarded smile though and extends a gloved hand to her.

"Warden Blackwall. Welcome to our humble little camp. If you've any concerns, Warden Skraedder is the woman to see. She's our liaison to the Inquisition. 'Course if there's anything you need, feel free to ask any of us."

The name is recognized, and Inessa stands up a bit straighter, not that it makes much of a difference given her petite frame. She meets his hand with her own, her smile tired but genuine. "Warden Blackwall, it's an honor. I'm Warden Serra from Weisshaupt...and Ferelden, as you see."

The mabari does make it obvious, after all. "His name is Garahel." Upon hearing his name, the mabari eagerly heads over, sniffing at Blackwall and wagging his tail excitedly. Please pet him, or he might explode.

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."

[Suddenly he's greeted by... canine nudging!? Kain doesn't have much choice, if he doesn't get support, he's going to fall flat over. So he leans heavily on the mabari, murmuring thanks to him. He glances over at he elf woman rushing in.]

It's... ah... ow, it's all right. Just injuries. This happened a while ago... [Long enough that he stubbornly thinks he should be better, grrrr.] I'll... be fine... [Owwww, and he's getting lightheaded, stupid chest wound and making it painful and hard still sometimes to breathe.]

Garahel disagrees.

[Frowning intently as she looks him over, Inessa ignores those words and casts a Heal spell. Given that the wounds were made some time ago, she isn't sure that they'll solve the issue...but at the very least, it can provide some relief.]

"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."

"Oh, then it's good to see you both here, safe and sound!" Ellana knows that she probably doesn't know even half of what went on at Weisshaupt, and that town criers aren't to be trusted (especially when two give completely opposite accounts), but she knows it was a bad time.

"I'm Ellana," she adds, lifting her hand and smiling at the dog. "Do you want pets? You're in luck, because I love petting dogs." So come on into her space and she'll give you all you can handle.

"I'm not a Warden myself, but I do spend a great deal of time here."

Wow. That is...that is a big dog. She's seen some--what are they called...mabari, that's it. Some mabari around. They're getting more popular, or more people with them are coming to Skyhold. From her perch, she isn't dwarfed (heh) by the dog and feels free to give him a pat on the head.

"I don't know. I don't get around here often. Do you know what it's about? I think...that it looks kind of like a history, like a scroll, but I don't know what it all means." When she finally glances at her company, she sits up a little straighter. There's a question on her lips that she'll...probably eventually ask, but not directly.

Yay, attention! Garahel is greatly appeased by that head-patting, always happy to encounter a friendly person. In a place with so many Orlesians liable to look down on 'dog lords', that's not always possible.

Inessa peers around at all the frescoes and nods at the dwarven woman's assessment. "I am fairly new here, but it would seem that way. It would be the history of the Inquisition, wouldn't it? This one, with the Grey Warden badge...I assume it must refer to matters at the Western Approach. Or Weisshaupt, but...no, I would guess the former." Weisshaupt didn't include the full might of the Inquisition, and besides, if any frescoes detailed that, she would hope actual griffon renderings would be included. She'll take a closer look at the others shortly, but given her armor it's not wonder where her interest lies.

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Page 1 of 7

Open Log

Wildcard | around the healer tents area | mid-solace

camp

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Rotunda Library

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frescoes

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ii;

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Camp Shady Welcoming Committee

YAAAAY

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