Open -- Every rose has it's thorn

[marilaine]

WHO: Marilaine and OTA
WHAT: Catchall
WHEN: Throughout August
WHERE: Skyold/ Sending Crystal
NOTES: Nothing expected? Will update if it become relevant.

I.The garden
Marilaine looked around the enclosed space of the garden, surveying the well-tended courtyard with an air of satisfaction. The people tending to it had done good work here, and the plants looked healthy, even well loved. She was here to make sure that this continued. Standing with her hands on her hips, a rare smile appeared on her scarred face. Unfortunately, Marilaine was unaware that she was blocking one of the entrances into the covered walkway that surrounded the garden. There are options to go around her of course: going the long way around to the next opening, scaling the low wall (it's only hip high at most). . . Or you could ask her to move.

II.Hot springs
Hot water was a luxury to someone who spent countless days out in the wilderness. Having enough hot water to be submerged in was a luxury that Marilaine attributed only to the wealthy who could afford wood to spare for such, or had the servants to cart hot water to a bath. It was with a sense of glee and reckless abandon that she stripped down, divesting herself of her travel-worn clothes. Kicking them off to one side, she all but pranced in place before testing the waters with a toe.

“Magnifique!”

III.Healing Tents
Marilaine wasn't a healer. Or more to the point, she wasn't one of the Spirit Healers or surgeons that frequented the tents. What little creation magic she did possess was her personal secret used on no one but herself. Marilaine however, was a skilled gardener and passably good at basic alchemy. She had with her a selection of healing plants, tinctures, medicament and poultices and was going from tent to tent offering them up to the healers within and occasionally a patient if it is something she actually can diagnose and has on hand (mostly things for fevers or low to moderate pain).


IV.Around Skyhold
Marilaine isn't just restricted to Skyhold proper. More than once she can be found trekking out over the surrounding areas looking for local herbs. Sometimes she comes back with nothing but a few dirt smears across her brow. Other times, she brings back small cuttings of wildflowers or elfroot. And once she was carrying a flower that looked suspiciously like Crystal Grace. Where does she go? Well, that is something she does her best to keep her little secret.


V.Sending crystal
[The voice that speaks has a decidedly Orlesian sound to it. To rifters familiar with earth, it sounds like someone speaking with a French accent.]

Inquisition, I am certain this request has been made before, but I wish to ask it again. If in your travels you come across any useful plants or seeds that you send them back to Skyhold. I assure you, I will make good use of them. I wish to ensure Skyhold's garden remains healthy and our supplies well stocked. I will take any and all herbs listed in The Botanical Compendium. If you are unfamiliar with the plants but still wish to help, you may stop by the garden, and I will show you anything you need to know. Just ask for Marilaine.

VI.Wildcard
If any of the above prompts doesn't work for you, feel free to pm me or contact me at burningbrightly for a custom starter or feel free to make your own! I am very flexible.

I am a huge nerd who loves prose, but will match brackets, no problem.

Comments

V.

[circleprodigy]

It's good to hear from you, Marilaine. I'm currently in Halamshiral, with the Inquisition forces there. If there are any herbs in the general area that might interest you, I'd gladly remain alert for them.

[marilaine]

[Marilaine's tone brightens slightly recognizing Inessa's voice.]

Ma chère! I am sorry you are not in Skyhold, But I heard the merchants there might have Crystal Grace. Beyond that perhaps Arbor Blessing might grow near by. Rashvine too... though I think that might be found in more remote places... No. Best if it also comes from a merchant. If finances are an issue, I am happy to extend a line of my personal credit.

[Her finances were meagre, but when you spent most of your time being a vagabond, it was hard to spend coin willy-nilly.]

[circleprodigy]

Crystal Grace...that would be a lovely sight in the garden. I haven't seen any growing in the countryside, but then I wasn't necessarily looking before. I'll see what we can manage. You're right about Arbor Blessing, though, that won't be an issue.

Finances will likely not be an issue. My expenses are mostly mabari-related.

[marilaine]

Crystal Grace is hard to come by. I have only ever seen it grow in a few locations in the wilds of the Dales. Otherwise, you can sometimes find it blooming in the gardens of the affluent.

[Not that she would ever condone ripping up someone's garden Inessa... Does Garahel like to dig?]

How is your furry companion?

[circleprodigy]

There might be some in this estate's extensive gardens. If so, I'll see if the staff can be negotiated with. Perhaps they would listen if I say it's for the 'Inquisiton's morale' or somesuch.

He is well, very happy now that we've convinced the local children that all he wants are belly rubs. Getting out into the countryside every day gives him plenty of exercise as well. I don't have to wonder how I'll wear him out for the day.

III

[gatheringstorm]

The healing tents have an extra occupant these days. The qunari woman isn't a patient, but she's often visiting one, an Avvar warrior whose health is steadily declining. It's common knowledge by this point that he's going to die soon, probably within days. As such, she only rarely slips out, either to bring back some food or drink from the kitchen for him or his often-present crew. While he's awake, she seems to have tunnel-vision and speaks just with him, but when he lapses into rest, she'll either step outside the tent for a breather or fall asleep in an awkward position by the bed or on the chair.

[marilaine]

Due to the number of people standing around one tent, she was hesitant to approach and disturb someone. It has all the hallmarks of a group waiting for someone t either die or by some miracle get better. Marilaine witnessed such events often enough with the Comtesse from her previous employ. That woman had knocked on death's door more than once and if not for Solemn's aide, she might well have perished by now.

Thinking of the Estate brings a sudden pang to MArilaine's chest. There were times she missed her old life, even if it had been a harder one than the life she now lived. At least there had been a roof over her head, food always on the table... Perhaps the nostalgia is what draws her in closer, or the air of concern that permeates the area. She has no doubts that whatever effects the person in the tent is fatal, that much is clear if all the healers, apothecaries, and alchemists in the surrounding area can do no more. The people waiting, however, those at least she can help, even if there are some frighteningly large people included in the masses.
When Korrin steps out, MArilaine is there, noting the drawn look about her of someone waiting for the inevitable. That she is Qunari doesn't even phase Marilaine-- at least not much that is visible. Canting her head upwards, and even leaning back some to look the woman in the eye, she nods to her slightly while holding her basket of goods out before her.

"I cannot help but notice you seem weary. The Deathwatch is never easy. I doubt I can do much for the person who suffers that other healers have already done, but perhaps I can offer you something?"

[gatheringstorm]

Wrapped in her own personal fog, Korrin wasn't expecting anyone to approach her. Upon hearing Marilaine's voice, she snaps out of her dismal thoughts, surprised as she looks from the elf to the basket. There's an instant shedding of tension as Marilaine knows the reason for her presence; not that it's difficult to see the reason behind it, but Korrin's not in the mood to explain the current situation. There's a flicker of a smile, and some warmth surfaces in her eyes, dark with grief.

"How thoughtful. Thank you. My appetite's been hit-or-miss, but it's probably been a while since I had anything that wasn't tea." Tea, tea and more tea, all to aid in remaining awake for Asher, not that she could really sleep to begin with. But the last thing she wants to happen is to black out, only for him to need her...or worse, be beyond any need when she awakens.

[marilaine]

Seeing the miasma of grief surrounding the woman and the others gathered there, it was understandable that Korrin might not be in the right frame of mind. Shifting her grip on the basket nods, momentarily causing the long fringe along the left side of her face to also bob with the action.

"I do not have much in the way of food, but I can run and get you some if you are willing to watch the basket for me?" Normally, she did not do such things as they were beneath her, but in these moments of sorrow, she could set aside her dignity. After all, the offer of help was genuine.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin hesitates, not just because she doesn't want an elf thinking that she'd treat them as someone to be ordered around, servant or not, but also due to her independent streak. She's used to caring for herself, and it's not easy to let that go. But she also doesn't dare leave for the kitchen herself, just in case. "That's kind of you to offer. I...alright, as long as you're getting something for yourself, too. Don't do it just for me, not when I might not finish what I start. Like I said, it's hit-or-miss. But if they have leftover banana bread or hearth cakes or something like that, I'll give it a shot."

She'll hold out her hand for the basket, hoping that her mental fog won't cause her to forget her manners later.

V.

[mythalenaste]

I've got rose hips and prophet's laurel. I'll send them back with the next supply run.

[marilaine]

Rose Hips. I have not tended to roses for an age. It will be a pleasure to work with them again. Might I have a name so I know who to thank?

[mythalenaste]

Pel.

[marilaine]

Thank you, Pel on behalf of Skyhold's gardens.

[mythalenaste]

I'm sure they are very grateful. The. Plants.

IV

[sistertohermen]

There's more than just herbs and dirt in the areas. Rachette likes to help out in her own way sometimes, grabbing rabbit or other small game, enough for a few pots of stew or enough to feed some of the growing Inquisition at mealtime. For now, she waits perched on a rock, playing the waiting game for some hapless animal to wander in, but instead? An elf is making her way into her little hunting area.

"Watch your step!" She'll have to set up elsewhere now; that probably scared plenty of game away. "I've laid traps!"

[marilaine]

Marilaine froze as soon as the word trap was mentioned. Balancing with one foot raised on uneven ground was not the easiest thing to do so slowly she placed her foot back, trying to aim for where she'd stepped just before.

"I was not aware anyone was hunting on these slopes." Which was self-evident by her blundering. Balanced once more, she looked up peering around for the source of the warning. "It makes sense, the Inquisition is not small." The tent cities in the valley below were evidence enough of that.

[sistertohermen]

Chette slid down the smoother side of the boulder and practically danced around a few of her traps in the dirt. By no means was she the most skilled hunter or trapper, having lived most of her life below the surface--not nearly the same as her elven counterparts, the Dalish anyway--but she put what skills she had to use where she could.

"You probably would have seen them before stepping in, but better safe than breaking a leg or worse. I only have two more scattered that way," she added with a motion, coming to a stop by Marilaine. "So you can just go wide and come back down over where those trees start to clear. I take it you're not doing any hunting. Gathering?" Something else Rachette did on occasion, but she knew less of the safe or useful herbs and berries than she did of game.

[marilaine]

Marilaine watched her movements, noting the path she took just to be certain about where she could tread. "Normally I have more care not to get in the way of hunters, but I am new to Skyhold and do not yet know those little details."

It felt strange talking to someone who was shorter than her for once. Marilaine was not usually in the habit of looking down to address someone. "I was. Picking herbs and hunting for wildflowers for the Garden. Though it is late in the season for planting, I did find a few which will be good for next season."

Marilaine gestured to the surrounding area where the traps were laid out. Now that they'd been pointed out, it was impossible to miss them. "what were you hoping on catching?"

[sistertohermen]

"I don't really have a set routine or anything... I might actually be on someone else's turf, but nobody's come at me waving an arrow and yelling at me yet, so." Shrug! "I figure unless there are buildings on it, all the land around here's Inquisition land and therefore open to everyone. If anyone's got a problem with that, they can take it up with me." Hint: taking it up with her may become violent. (No, she'll just move to another location. Possibly very nearby in a petty way.)

"Even in the mountains and definitely in the Hinterlands, it's summer. There will be plenty of rabbit out grazing, squirrels, always plenty of nugs--if I'm very lucky, I could nab a deer unlucky enough to not pay attention. There's only two beartraps out there right now, and I'm not sure they're actually enough to trap...bears." Have you seen those things? Massive. Not as massive as a dragon, but... "A druffalo would be wicked. But I'm just looking for the small things. Imagine me trying to drag a druffalo back."

It's honestly probably the most chatty she's been since Hercules. The sting is still there, settled deep, but talking about being out here mostly alone with nature that she's still mostly getting used to, the fresh air, it's invigorating. "So what did you pick out for the garden?" She knows even less about plants on the surface than the animals.

i

[inuko]

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" Not much of a statement if he'd wanted her to move, but plenty of statement to a young man taking a moment to pause and admire the gardens and the people who moved through them. He knew Hamaji would appreciate it all more than he did. The practical aspects of the garden were sensible, but his eyes were invariably drawn toward its beauties as well as its functionality.

Truly, for a garden maintained in a fortress this high into the mountains, he's downright impressed. "The gardens here are more diverse than I was expecting."

He wondered if anyone in the region practiced hot house plant growing or not. Or if there was much interest for such things outside the major cities, wherever they lay on the continent.

[marilaine]

Marilaine turned to face him with a small smile. She had done nothing really to the garden yet, aside from poke at it here and there, but she was proud of it. By the time she was done, it would be both beautiful and with luck, able to sustain a good supply of rarer and harder to come by plants as well. "It is quite elegant, yes. It is not the estate I am used to working with but it is a start." Not that she wanted to tend such a large garden again or to the exacting standards of the noble family she worked under.

"It 's nice to see you again Shino-kun. How are your halls? Are you managing to keep them clean?" It was light teasing given how they'd met, but it was also in the hopes of seeing if their earlier camaraderie still lingered.

[inuko]

He snorted, rubbing the back of his head as he sighed. "Cleaner than they could be for the moment, Marilaine-chan." His smile was quick and spontaneous, reaching his eyes for the moment where he was looking back at her. "It probably won't last long."

Unsurprising, and he'd known as much from the start. It'd still been a good way of getting his head cleared and focused at the time. "You worked on an estate before this place?" He smile softened into a curious look, head canting to the side while his hands were shoved into his pockets. He had little understanding of how things worked here in Thedas as a whole, and honestly, even back home he had little concept of what was or wasn't part of any estate. He's presuming some here have functional gardens, not simply ornamental ones, but he lacked any context either way.

[marilaine]

She smirked slightly, glad that he was able to keep them even remotely clean. Come winter; he might give in when the snow and mud made the courtyards into mud wallows. "Most likely not, but your efforts are appreciated."

Since he was here, she shifted her position, giving him room to stand beside her on the stairs and also so that they both were not completely in the way. "Comte Du Marchand's estate, yes. He and the Comtesse had expansive grounds. Their garden was the pride of the Dales even before I started tending to them." She wasn't boasting, but there was a certain pride in her voice as she spoke of the gardens.

"But you did not come to hear me talk about what was before. I do believe you were curious to learn about the plants that are native here? At least the ones I would find useful."

[inuko]

None of the titles sounded familiar. He didn't find himself overly surprised, though he turned the words over in his mind just to familiarise with the terms. His attention was diverted away from strange titles for indications of rank that he didn't personally care about by her bringing up his curiosity from before.

"I was. There's a number of them growing here already?" He glanced around, moving to stand beside her and allow for people to more easily pass by. "Is there a great deal grown here that's more domesticated than wild?"