[closed-ish] revelations come at last

[eolasemah]

WHO: Sina and anyone who wants a starter
WHAT: The diplomacy mission did not agree well with her.
WHEN: Some backdated to Harvestmere 4th/5th, some current.
WHERE: The healing tents or Sina's tent in the garden.
NOTES: Warning for some icky injuries and pretty severe downers!

"Adelaide," comes a cry from the gates, and the newly-conscious Sina removes herself from Herian's horse to stumble towards the healing tents, the darkness staved off by her glimmering shard, which is definitely brighter than the last time anyone here saw it.
"Adelaide," she wheezes again, her voice thin and desperate, an injured fawn bleating for its mother; but with this part of the courtyard filled with only unfamiliar faces, she finds she's not strong enough to keep looking. Sina drops to her knees and hugs herself, keeping the palms of her hands away from her arms in strange clawlike poses. "Ghi'lan," she sobs, her voice growing quieter.

This is only the beginning of a long month in which few hear from or see her, as Sina is spending it curled up in a ball on her bedroll. She resists eating, won't talk to anyone without persistence on their part, and ultimately seems at a total loss of spirit.

[If you'd like a starter, hit me up!]

Comments

[justice_is_blond]

Anders quietly brings over a tray around lunchtime, setting it down along with cutlery and taking a seat near her. A moment later he's clicking his tongue and a familiar cat hops up near Sina to sit and purr. Maybe Purrelden isn't doing so well as a warrior cat, but she's learning how to help people. In a way, that might be more important.

"Sina." His voice is gentle and quiet. "You don't have to look at me, but I need you to either take the fork or allow me to feed you, please."

[eolasemah]

Sina isn't really used to cats the way they're kept around Skyhold-- her clan has no need for them, as they rarely stay in one place long enough for vermin to become a problem. But she'd been somewhat adopted by Buttercup when he was around, so when Purrelden hops up beside her, she actually stirs and timidly holds out a hand to her.
She doesn't answer Anders right away, still collecting herself as she lightly pets the cat. If she turns toward him, he'll see how weak she is.

[justice_is_blond]

At least she's petting the cat. That's something to be glad of. For a few moments, he lets that suffice. Purrelden knows her secondary job, she can give Sina a little comfort. After that passes, though, Anders takes a breath and scoops some food up on the fork.

"It's time to eat, Sina. You can continue to pet her if you'd like during, but I know you're weak."

[eolasemah]

Resting for several moments with her face nuzzled against the purring cat's side, Sina waits before answering. When she does, it's with a look that verges on guilty: an admission from one healer to another that she isn't taking care of herself, and isn't sure that she can.
"I'm not hungry," she says in a shaky voice, her eyelids fluttering as though she's about to cry again, which she likely would if she weren't so dehydrated.

[justice_is_blond]

He exhales slowly, putting the fork down.

"Soup, then. You have to be thirsty. I'll be right back. Purrelden, stay." Sometimes the command doesn't work, but this time it seems like the cat either wants to listen or cares enough about the elf to stay put. Anders leaves for a few moments, taking the tray with him, and returns with a bowl of soup before sitting back down next to Sina.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to take no for an answer." He gets a little of the liquid in the spoon and holds it up for her, sympathy in his voice and expression. "You're weak. You've not eaten much at all and your voice is trembling. Please don't make me force this down your throat."

[eolasemah]

Normally Sina isn't too easily bossed around, but she doesn't seem to mind it now-- she trusts Anders, and knows she's being foolish. As far as she's concerned, there isn't a bone in her body that isn't foolish, not a single breath or tear. She carefully receives the spoon, at least taking it in her own hand before she sips from it, her eyes downcast and ashamed. She remains aware of the cat's heat and comforting vibration, the only things making life bearable at the moment.

[justice_is_blond]

He holds the bowl close when she takes the spoon, in easy reach so she can keep eating, before looping his now-freed arm around her shoulders gently.

"You're not alone, Sina. You've people who care, who aren't willing to let you slip away." Maybe she's not going to really hear what he's saying, but he knows that voices can help when someone's withdrawn from the world around them. To that end his is gentle and calm, low and careful.

"We're here for you. And we're not about to run out of soup, just as Purrelden isn't about to run out of purring."