A bottle of white, a bottle of red

[fleurdesel]

WHO: Open to anyone that wants wine and warmth and a little company.
WHAT: Wine and no whining.
WHEN: After the mage meeting wraps up.
WHERE: Close to the healing tents, specifically the Orlesian section.
NOTES: There will be wine, drinking, unwinding, and nibbles.

The meeting had been stressful for just about everyone involved. Tempers had flared, opinions made known, a few rounds of confetti and arguing before some manner of accord. Whether it would last or however long it might? No one could truly say. In the interest of being quite done with the stress and headaches such debate brought on the Orlesian healing tents clearing out the potions, bandages, and poultices in favor of what cushions and braziers they had on hand for light and for heat. The space was open, warm, and inviting with an odd assortment of tin mugs or clay glasses set around flat side tables propped up with stones to keep them from wobbling and tipping the whole mass onto the ground. There are some dried fruits and hard cheeses, dried meat and hard crusted bread- whatever scraps they could scavenge or spare and a few bottles of wine or brandy. Across the entrance to the tents there was a sign:

Bring a bottle or food to share for entry.

Tacked below was a list of rules:

• Everyone is welcome, don't make a fuss
• Don't hog the wine
• Don't hog the food
• Don't fight or argue
• If you finish a bottle open a new one, don't recork it for someone else to find
• Clean up after yourselves

Comments

[gatheringstorm]

After that meeting, Korrin is just as drained as everyone else...perhaps among those who were just a little more so, given how irate and vocal she was during a good portion of it. She has no regrets in standing up for herself or anyone else not interested in the Circles, but the list of rules is taken to heart as she arrives with a couple of bottles of West Hill Brandy. If she's given people headaches, it's the least she can do to make it up to them, right?

She'll plop down wherever seems comfortable, close to the tables, snagging a mug instead of being rude and drinking straight from the bottle. Whenever company approaches, she'll flash them a tired smile and pour them a mug as well. "Here, go ahead. For Ferelden stuff, it's not bad."

[aceso]

On spotting the qunari (or Tal Vashoth, or whatever word she prefers to use) sitting there, Christine has to come over, because that had been quite a debate back there, and this woman had pulled no punches. She lifts a brow at the comment, but takes the offered mug.

"I am Orlesian, so I must be extra harsh on Ferelden wine." She takes a sip and, all right, it isn't as bad as she expected. "I wished to say that you brought up good points at the meeting, and I am pleased you made your voice heard."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin chuckles at that reaction to the wine, knowing Orlesians and their standards by now. "I was thinking about getting some of that spiced wine instead, if that better suits you."

She could use some herself, though is at least trying to pace herself, not wanting to collapse before speaking to all that are on her mental list, including Christine. "Thanks for that. I admit, I was worried going in there about how non-Circle mages would be perceived. I almost walked out...but I'm glad I stayed."

Her smile grows warmer. "You helped with that. I know my temper was getting the better of me, but at least there were some voices of reason to balance me out."

[aceso]

"Oh, don't go searching on my account," she says, waving a hand while the other tilts the cup to drink more. One might mistake her for liking the wine of the dog-lords. Blasphemy, she'd say. "In the Circle, we were taught not to be wasteful." And so she'll drink this wine instead of letting it go to waste.

"That would not have surprised me. You were very passionate." A smile briefly touches her lips. "I tried to be, at least. I'll admit, I have a bias against Templars, but I cannot be blind to the good they are meant to do. And that some have done. Ah, but we probably shouldn't be going through all this talk again. Forgive me. Your name is Korrin, yes? Where are you from originally?"

[gatheringstorm]

"I won't tell, if you won't. And I'm from the Free Marches...more or less. I've lived all over, minus Qunari lands and Tevinter, but that's where I've spent more of my time. It'll do." Korrin's accent definitely leans toward those lands, rather different from those from Par Vollen or Seheron. And she likes the independent Marcher attitude, so she'll gladly claim a general affiliation to them.

"I have the distinct feeling that nothing of what's around us will be wasted, not tonight." She waves a hand around at the bottles already uncorked. "If this doesn't end with someone's smallclothes pinned to the bulletin board or something else along that line, I'll be much surprised."

[aceso]

Christine snickers behind her hand. "I wonder whose smallclothes it will be." Her gaze wanders to find some likely candidates, then she gives a subtle nod of her head. "Oh, that one, definitely. His back teeth are floating by now."

The person in question is singing along -- badly -- to the hired bard. She winces.

"Maker, he should spare our poor ears. Anyway, you are quite well traveled. Was that because of family or career?"

[gatheringstorm]

That terrible singing earns a snicker, then a thoughtful look. "I could introduce him to qunari-brew? That'd knock him out fast. Though he'd really hate himself in the morning, afterward."

Right, anyway. "It was both. My parents are mercenaries, too. After they left the Qun, there weren't many other opportunities for them out there. It's a common thing, among Tal-Vashoth. Too many see them as 'savage' and therefore not fit for most occupations. If I'd wanted something else I might have striven for it, but I didn't. It's what I know, and I'm good at it and I get to see the world. Not a bad life, all things considered."

[aceso]

Mercenaries are something Christine only knows of from gossip and books, but she supposes that's a common thing and not simply a lack of knowledge from being brought up in the Circle. How many average people run into mercenaries on a daily basis?

"I confess, I never considered what role a mage might play in a mercenary group. They seem to be filled with the stealthy and the strong. Or at least that is what books would have me believe."

[gatheringstorm]

That makes her chuckle, as she grows increasingly mellow from alcohol. Such a wonderful solution to the headache that was building during that meeting. Or rather, the meeting that almost became a brawl.

"I'm not at all stealthy, but my magic is well-suited to the battlefield. There's always a need for barriers or bolts of lightning or freezing someone in place. Most targets react to that just as well as they do to any sword or dagger. My leader wanted variety, so that we'd be able to face whatever came at us. I'm no healer, though, that role went to someone else."

[aceso]

"I am the opposite way: a healer, but a poor fighter. Still, here is a place where I can learn the latter, if I need it. I would rather not inflict harm, but I know that sometimes there is no other way." It would be slow going, but she wants to have all her bases covered. She knows the spells, it's just facing off against enemies that she has little experience with.

"Do you know any specialized spells?"

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin doesn't seem to scorn the lack of battle magic on Christine's part. If anything, mention of her as a healer earns her a nod of respect. Anyone who can keep people from dying is worthy of that, and a good person to know.

"No, I don't. Not yet, anyway. I'm interested learning more, though, and I've thought that perhaps being here in Skyhold where so many mages gather would give me that chance. As long as I'm not required to sacrifice any freedom to do it, of course. What about you, are you one of those Spirit Healers then?"

[aceso]

"Not yet for me either, but I am hoping to learn. It would help more patients with greater efficiency than I have now." And one couldn't ask for a better mentor than Adelaide. "I feel the Inquisition can accomplish great things. It's just we all have to find common ground first."

[gatheringstorm]

She nods thoughtfully to that, taking another sip. "That's the hard part, finding that common ground. But what we did is a start. I'll take it, and hope that something good can come from it. Truth be told, I was always a little interested in those Knight-Enchanters. The way they're able to fight up close as though they're warriors is...well, it's impressive to see in action."

[arlathvhen]

"I normally would never consider lowering myself to anything that didn't have grapes plucked before the first blight, but under the extenuating circumstances, I'll make an allowance." Beleth smiled wryly as she took the offered mug, sitting neatly down on the ground. Of course, that's not how wine actually works, but shhhhh. She took a cautious sip, and restrained herself from making a face, before chugging back a decent gulp. It's better if you don't let it touch your tongue, she decides.

"That was sure interesting. I thought I was going to have to jump down and challenge someone for Pel's honor." She muttered this next bit a little quieter, lest any of the people in question be listening. "I might tell Merrick on them, anyway. Haven't decided."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin lowers her voice as well, at least just enough not to draw attention. She can be on the quieter side when need be. Having plenty of alcohol while in a more mellow state actually helps with that. She takes a gulp from her own mug, smirking as she contemplates that.

"I wouldn't blame you if you did. And if you did, I have absolutely no idea who would do such a thing. The confetti was a nice touch, by the way. I wish I'd been in a state to appreciate it more, towards the end."

But--well, Beleth was there, she saw what that Senior Enchanter was like. Ugh. Just for that, she needs another gulp.

[el_tybs]

"Why are we whispering?" he asks just as quietly as the other two, poking his head in between the two of them. After a moment he smiles and stands up straight, raising his brows at the two women.

"I heard something about jumping and confetti." Taking a drink from his mug, Sam pointedly looks at Beleth from over the rim. "Were you the master mind behind that, or just happened to be there?" He had a pretty good idea who had done it, but he wasn't going to start saying names just yet.

[arlathvhen]

"Krem had the better timi--" She started when Sam popped up, even if he'd been quiet, nearly sloshing her drink out of the mug. For a few minutes, she didn't reply, too busy coughing as she tried valiantly to get wine out of her lungs. After a few moments, she was ready to reply, turning to Korrin first. "I was the paper when Pel told that shem bitch off--No offense, Sam--" Shit. Right, human. Switch to human-friendly words.

"A mysterious man that I have never seen in my life ran into the library, threw it, and left as quickly as he'd come." She told them, a little smile playing across her face. "All I know about him is that he had the better timing. A pity Daylen didn't go try to chase the person down, I had this entire speech in Elvhen prepared..." She shrugged. Ah, well. Another time, maybe.

"...I was talking about jumping, because some of the people were getting mouthy with my First." She gave Sam a measured glance, and another shrug. "If they had tried to escalate, it'd be my duty to step in. With arrows. Poisoned arrows."

[gatheringstorm]

Sam's entrance startles Korrin as well, who thankfully hadn't been mid-sip at the time. She spills some brandy, but that's all, and makes ready to pat Beleth on the back if she needs it. As that doesn't seem to be needed, she settles back and flashes a smile at Sam, not minding his joining them at all.

"We're whispering so we don't get kicked out...or trying. Venting is nice, but I don't want to give up booze for it." She glances back to Beleth after taking another, belated sip. "It was good timing, either way. I'm glad your First was there, Beleth. She was amazing, and I loved having someone there who more or less said exactly what was on my mind." In Dalish terms, but still. Non-Circle mages must stick together.

[el_tybs]

Sometimes it was a little bit too easy to sneak up on people. It was certainly amusing to see Korrin startled, though thankful that didn't land him a punch. Beleth concerned him with the coughing, but it seemed she was not at all bothered by his sudden appearance. Hearing 'shem' does make his raise a brow however, but he merely shrugs one shoulder. "Think the fact you're saying bitch is more curious then me being called a 'shem' again."

He also doesn't buy the whole 'mysterious man' thing. Yeah, ah huh. That had obviously been Krem. Speaking of whom, he did not see, which he honestly found a bit unusual. There was beer and wine for the taking.

"So you two are talking about Pel?" Taking another drink he then tilts his head. "She certainly was holding her own out that. You as well Korrin." At that point Sam gives Beleth a look. "Don't be shooting arrows, poisoned or other."

[arlathvhen]

"I've played nice for worst things than alcohol." She agreed, turning to Korrin, and taking a drink of said alcohol. It was a little odd still, but the more she drank, the better it tasted. "You're both right--Pel is pretty much amazing. Everything you'd want out of a First." Out of a First, out of a daughter, out of a mage. Beleth glanced over at her, and felt that familiar strange mix of great pride and bitter jealousy. "She's the pride of our Keeper, really. And you saw why."

Then she turned to Korrin, and nodded as Sam spoke. "You did a good job, too. I'm glad that there were other non-Circle mages there to argue against templars. And not just make it an elf thing. We'll never allow the templars, of course. It's just as Pel said--Never again shall we submit."

At Sam's remark, she glanced to him, and tilted her head, expression calm. "I don't just use arrows willy nilly, I only do it..." Still looking at him, she took a long sip of her drink, before finishing her words. "...If I deem it necessary." A beat more of looking at Sam, and she turns to Korrin again.

"Anyway. I've spent my life worrying the templars were going to take my twin away. I'll be damned if we have to listen to them now."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin smiles warmly and actually blushes at the compliments. She does whatever she feels is necessary, but it's still nice to be appreciated for it. "Thank you both for that. I know I must have caused some headaches, but to be fair, I was getting one as well. It's the gift that keeps on giving, hm?"

She stretches out a little and glances to Beleth, raising her mug to that last part. "Oh, I understand. I've never heard of a Vashoth in a Circle, but I'll be damned if I start a trend. Between that and the Qun, it's a fucking mindfield of people who want to take my freedom away. No, thanks. So I'll gladly stand with the Dalish and anyone else who wants to make sure their voice isn't drowned out."

Her gaze slides over to Sam and she realizes how that last part might sound, though. "No offense. It's not Circle mages in general I dislike, as long as I can live my life without bending to those rules. I bet that Senior Enchanter thinks otherwise, but fuck her."

[el_tybs]

Sam frowns slightly behind his mug, simply listening to the two of them, much like he had done during the meeting. A lot of strong opinions with a lot of merit, but at the same time very exclusive. He understood not needing or wanting Templars involved, but at the same time, if they kept up this whole idea that they all had to be separate... the Inquisition wasn't going to be very unified. At least hey had taken a step forward in including Mages from different backgrounds.

Keeping his eyes to his drink, Sam gives another shrug, having been apologized to once again. First it was being called a 'shem' and then the whole thing about Circle mages. In this group it seemed he was the odd one out in a way. "None taken?" Another shrug and he takes another drink. "Not like I chose to be a Circle mage. You're both right that taking away someone's freedom is a terrible thing. But despite the bad things I did learn to use my magic. That was the only good thing about being put in one. Outside of it I didn't have anyone to learn from."

Taking another drink Sam glances at both ladies, judging their reactions. He honestly didn't want to talk about this subject more tonight, but it looks like it was going to happen anyways. "I don't want Circles reinstated, but having a place to learn is important. Course there isn't one way to learn something, but learning with others is better than on your own I would think."

[arlathvhen]

Beleth ducked her head, beginning to suspect that Sam probably wasn't enjoying the way they were picking at various people, who all belonged to his demographic--Well, he was a lot nicer than most of the people in that demographic, but still. Maybe she should just...change the subject. Talk with Korrin about these humans and their Circles another time, when they didn't have...a human Circle mage right there.

"I don't think anyone would argue against it being imperative that a mage gets trained," She gave a small shrug. "The last thing we need is even more abominations running around Thedas." And then she pauses, as she tries to decide just how to change the subject without it being totally weird.

"I wonder if the templars will have a similar meeting any time soon? I might have to eavesdrop on that meeting, too. It'd be pretty important to see how they arrange their order. I met one of the leaders--That Alayre fellow over there, he's decent enough." She jerked her head in the man in question's direction. "If they keep people like him in charge, they'll do alright." She sips on her drink for a few moments, watching him.

"Did he bring a bard to get people to dance? Maybe I'll take him up on it." She flicks her eyes over to Sam for a moment, as if expecting some kind of reaction out of him at that, then turns to Korrin, as if that were totally normal. "For the templar meeting, I might have to hold on the confetti."

[gatheringstorm]

"I've never learned with others, not like this. If most of the attitudes are like yours...I can see why there would be benefits, though. I'm not closed to the idea."

Glancing at Sam and then Beleth, Korrin rather belatedly (maybe thanks to that alcohol, but who knows) realizes their talk isn't exactly the most inclusive and as she rather likes Sam, that has to change. Which isn't to say that she won't be all about picking on humans and Circles later, when the time and situation permit. She's also not needing to relive every moment of that gathering, so it's just as well that the subject changes.

...though she's still not fond of Templars, even that one. Korrin barely spares a glance his way before shrugging. "At least he's not like that other jackass with his announcement, though that's not setting the bar very high." He might be as decent as Beleth says, but her wariness remains.

Still, the music is an...acceptable addition. And her lips twitch at Beleth's last comment. "If you do, I want details. And reactions."

[el_tybs]

Despite how Sam might appear or act he is rather perceptive of what people are saying. Or rather not saying. He doesn't miss the looks that Beleth or Korrin are giving each other, or the way Beleth seems to kind of shy away and purposely changes the subject. So he was making this weird. He could just... walk away so they could go back to the subject, but he had been looking forward to talking to them. So addressing the issue it was. "You two don't have to stop talking about it you know. Just because I was in the Cirlce doesn't mean I'm going to take offense to what you want to say - you have very valid points from your own experiences. Just figured that after all that we'd get away from that subject for the night."

For a moment Sam hides behind his mug, taking another drink, wondering if that had just made the conversation even weirder. At some point his eyes do move towards Alayre, raising a brow at the bard. "You plan on dancing with Alayre? Why not?" He looks at Beleth, tilting his head. Well that would be interesting. "I've talked with him a few times at length. He's a very good man. Dealing with a lot though with everything going on. Though I don't know if the Templars will have a meeting. They actually have a chain of command even outside the Circles."