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.

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]

[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.]

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[marilaine]

I like to think so. Gardening is an art form. The other gardeners are good, but I will make Skyhold great.

[mythalenaste]

[That makes Pel bristle a little. Sina is no slouch at keeping the gardens.] They'll be relieved when you tell them.

[marilaine]

[She pauses picking up a little on Pel's tone.]

Everyone has their skill ma chere, mine is gardening.

[mythalenaste]

Mm. [Well, this one's Orlesian all right. Like that architect. Difference is, the architect wasn't stepping on a friend's talent. Of course he would if he had the opportunity, but Val is at least sort of delightful in his terribleness.] And you think you're the first person to take their gardening skill to Skyhold.

[marilaine]

[Now she is getting annoyed as her tone turns sharper.]

No? Did I not say the other gardeners did well? I am just going to improve upon what was already done.

[mythalenaste]

No, you said you were better than the other gardeners. Who still work here, by the by, and can hear you.

[marilaine]

What is wrong with admitting my skill? Should I be cowed because someone else might hear me be confident? If someone is better than me, I encourage them to prove it. Until then I refuse to be some... some... rabbit unnoticed or acknowledged for my skill.

[mythalenaste]

[A brief pause. That word creates such revulsion in Pel now that it has actually been used against her. She's angry now, where she was irritated before. Angry that it's okay for someone to use that word on themselves. But she's not going to get entangled in this woman's emotional issues, as Pel doesn't want a stranger entangled in her own. She's not going to argue about whether that word should come out of her mouth. She hears it more than Pel does, and is the better judge.]

I'm referring to an elf. [Her tone is steady, less irritated, almost supportive.]

[marilaine]

[Marilaine snorts softly, trying to calm down. She hated the word rabbit. And was more than a little upset she'd even said it.]

As am I. One who is unrepentant.

[mythalenaste]

[It seems to Pel that the woman is so accustomed to being attacked that she's fighting back without having an adversary.] I'm Dalish. I'm the very last person who could possibly suggest anyone repent of being an elf with any leg to stand on.