01 | Open | General introduction and foundation building

[kartereo]

WHO: Waver
WHAT: Waver getting to grips with surroundings
WHEN: Post inital arrival on 8 Firstfall-End of th month
WHERE: Location
NOTES: Content warnings, OOC notes, links to other relevant posts, etc.

I. Stables
Staying near the stables so much isn't exactly a good choice, Waver knew. It meant he smelled like horse constantly, and the smell lingered in his hair most of all. Lingering also made him look just as much as a fish out of water as he felt, but such things weren't quite as important as why he insisted on frequenting the area so much: horses meant fast transport. Fast transport meant greater paths to learning outside of the immediate area. And being thrown into another world entirely, Waver wanted to learn everything he could as quickly as he could. He was at a disadvantage now, and he disliked it intensely.

So he stayed, watching tack go on and off the horses, memorizing the order of events. Observing horses and their personalities, so that he knew which ones might eventually accommodate someone who had never rode a horse before. Trying to figure out who to approach for lessons with minimizing awkwardness or needing to take up more of Iskandar's time. It was a delicate balance of observation, and one that got involving after some time. Enough involvement to ignore the rest of his surroundings, and for him to become more obvious than he'd like.

Then again, it was fairly hard to miss a strange tall man in a red coat, looking at horses like he was going to write a book on them.

II. Outside
One thing that Waver had insisted on doing, was adamant about doing, was trying to keep himself doing was walking the grounds and trying to learn them as quickly as possible. Certainty staying with and near Iskandar would be safe enough for his untrained self whose primary form of self defense was starting to dwindle, but on the off chance of something going wrong or else getting separated, Waver wanted to have some routes available to him.

But he was informed by his desire for safety as he was by Iskandar's preference for staying outside of the primary buildings, sleeping in a stable or a tent like the man was on one of his legendary campaigns. Waver had to admit, perhaps there was something there, but not something he wanted to dwell on.

So he simply walked time and again, retracing paths, a cigar sticking out of his mouth and the smoke billowing ahead of him, the acrid smell announcing his approach. From time to time, he took the thing out and examined it, before muttering, "Where can I get a steady supply of these anyway? I'm nearly out."

III. Additional
For additional prompts in and around the location!

Comments

I

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin is often at the stables these days, but her reason for visiting isn't the horses. Instead, she's drawn to the nuggalopes and hers in particular. Asher isn't an excessively needy sort, but she enjoys spending time with him and making sure he's comfortable. The dry mountain air tends to demand that he have horn balm, so she'll take care of that for them both, one after the other.

It's when she's busy working on Asher's horns that she notices a new individual nearby. As Korrin herself is about Iskandar's height, he's naturally short to her. "Never seen a horse before, huh? What do you ride instead?"

[kartereo]

"It's less never seen a horse and more no idea how to ride one," was the automatic response, before Waver even turned to meet Korrin's eyes. Looking up was, admittedly, natural to him these days in a way it hadn't been for a very long time, and the horns were now within the realm of normal. He'd seen so much variation these days that he felt unphased by everything. Everything except the nuggalope, which was where his eyes rested.

"And living in a city, there's no need to own my own transportation." He paused, then admitted the obvious. "Also, that's clearly not a horse but I do not know what to call it instead."

[gatheringstorm]

That gets a grin from Korrin, who pats her new mount on the muzzle. "No, it's not. He's a nuggalope, a large rideable breed that's related to the common nug but infinitely more awesome because...well, horns. Not many people knew about them, either. They've been pretty reclusive, but I had some help luring them out into the open, so now the Inquisition has their aid. Their hands are pretty well-suited to the mountain paths around here."

Yes, hands. Asher is currently resting on his knuckles, grunting at Korrin when she pauses her work to chat. "Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten you. Hush, Asher."

[kartereo]

Waver committed the creature's name to memory, although he imagined it'd be hard to forget such a memorable appearance and name. The mention of horns provoked a small smile from him, before his eyes flicked down to observe the nuggalope's build.

"No kidding. Reminds me of some of the draft horses I've seen back home."

Seen back home in pictures, admittedly, but Korrin didn't need to know that part. Besides, and more importantly, this was a chance for conversation. "Do you want any help?"

[gatheringstorm]

"They're a bit sturdier than draft horses, though perhaps slightly slower. I think they more than make up for it, though." Having tried horses, Korrin doesn't mind them but nor has she really bonded with them, either. This is a nice change of pace.

At the question, she lifts up the horn balm for him to take some. "Sure, if you want. I haven't gotten to the other horn yet. It's just the base of it where it's needed; that tends to get itchy in the dry mountain air, as I know from personal experience. Better this than him destroying the stables to get some relief." Resuming her work, she's rewarded with content grunts from Asher, who closes his eyes a little.

II

[conqueredhearts]

One large hand came down to rest on Waver's shoulder as Iskandar came up behind him. He hadn't specifically been looking for him but now that he'd located him, he was more than ready to spend some time with him. Perhaps more so because it was time for a meal and he wasn't so sure that the man had truly been taking care of himself. Grinning at him, he looked as if he hadn't just possibly come up seemingly out of nowhere.

For a large man he could have some stealth about him if he wished it.

"Boy! Let us go and have a meal together!" Did Waver have a choice? Not really. Iskandar was already using the hand on his shoulder to guide him towards the tavern.

[kartereo]

Waver nearly jumped out of his skin as Iskandar's large hand clamped down on his shoulder, arms flailing and cigar nearly coming out of his mouth. It was by the grace of God that he prevented the latter, and that was driven by the fear of the smouldering end catching something and causing a fire.

"Would you just warn me before you come out of no where?!" he snapped, putting on a show of huffiness that was far more for anyone else that might've seen that display. Waver's stomach took that moment as the ideal one to let out an unhappy noise, meaning that any anger was immaterial to actual hunger.

"And you know I can walk there by myself you don't have to steer me like one of the bulls."

[conqueredhearts]

"Hm? I wasn't even invisible." He was also enormous. Perhaps the mage simply hadn't been paying attention. That was entirely possible. He stroked his chin a bit then smiled again as he continued to lead him around like it was just no big deal at all.

"You have not eaten yet, yes?"

Because what was paying attention to Waver not wanting to be pushed around. He always pushed him around. That was just the way their relationship was obviously.

[kartereo]

"No you weren't but--" Waver trailed off, realizing that Rider was right. Waver had been too self involved in his own thoughts to hear the other man coming up behind him.

"And no, I haven't," he admitted, knowing it was folly to try and get Rider to not push him about. Besides, he had missed it. He just didn't want Rider to know. "I kind of forgot."

[conqueredhearts]

"Boy, this is why you are like a leaf that will blow away with the wind! We must feed you more regularly so you can put on some weight!" Yes it meant he was nagging him a bit about this but not much was going to stop him from doing that. It was really just a part of his nature.

Or maybe it was a Greek thing. Hard to tell.

"There is a hearty stew being served and that should help to put some meat on those bones of yours!"

ii

[justice_is_blond]

"And here I thought anyone smoking those things was trying to be rid of them." His voice is dryly amused as he looks up from the notes he's paging through, sitting on a log down in the Warden camp.

"Let me see it?" As much as he doesn't care for the smell, Anders holds his hand out. He might be able to help, he might not. It's worth a try, though.

[kartereo]

"Let me hand you one that's not lit," Waver replied, pausing to rifle through his pockets. There were cigars that were marred with magecraft, his own little defense to put up defense barriers, and a few that had not recieved such treatment. He had actually just bought them in London, prior to showing up in Thedas, and hadn't had the time to do the spellwork.

Finally, he produced a case, made of simple black letter and bearing no insigna, and took one out.

"Here," he said, handing it over to Anders.

[justice_is_blond]

He took it, having watched the man search for them. That many pockets seemed rather useful, truth be told, though he liked having several belt pouches. They were easier to replace. After a few sniffs trying to determine what plant's being used, Anders has to shake his head.

"I don't know. I'm not familiar with whatever it is that's in these, and I'm going to guess it's from where you are." The outfit made it obvious this man was a Rifter, beyond the question. "Often you'll find people smoking elfroot here, and I can direct you to a source of those, or I can recommend someone who may be a little better at identifying what it is you have there because he smokes things."

[kartereo]

"Tobacco is the plant," Waver said, by way of the most simple and straight forward explanation. He couldn't say he was surprised by the fact it might not exist here, but it was slightly annoying. His smoking habit wasn't just for the sake of it.

"But if it doesn't exist here, then I need something else. Does elfroot have any extra properties to it?"

[justice_is_blond]

"Oh. The name I know. It's not useful in other ways which is why... Never mind." He waves a hand as he ends his own rabbit trail.

"There's a merchant who passes through Skyhold every three or so weeks, I'd say. He should be due in another week or so, and he carries that along with a few other things. Check by the stables, that's where he sets up. And yes. Elfroot has a great many properties, some of them medicinal." Anders holds the thing back out to the man. "If you want more precise dates as to when the merchant's likely to arrive, I'd ask Nathaniel Howe. He uses the things."

I

[el_tybs]

It was indeed pretty hard not to miss the man in the red coat, what with how often Sam was at the stables himself. Not just to check up on Conan, but Boggy and a few of the others from time to time. At first Sam just left the man to his own devices, looking as if he was trying to figure something out on his own.

After a while Sam found himself watching the stranger in return. He looked as if he was quite invested in the horses, but couldn't bring himself to get too close.

"You know if you had any questions about the horses you could talk to Master Dennet."

[kartereo]

Waver hadn't realized he was being watched - a bad thing in and of itself - but he managed not to jump out of his skin when Sam addressed him. There was no hiding the twinge of red in his cheeks though, which refused to fade even as Waver offered a reply.

"I'd prefer to come at him with a decent list of questions only after enough observation. There's nothing like wasting a man's time by coming back with tiny question after tiny question."

[el_tybs]

"It's much easier to come up with more tiny questions after you've gotten the first one down." Sam grins slightly, amused by the obvious shyness the stranger is displaying despite how collected he's trying to be.

"You've been staring at the horses for a while. First time seeing them?"

[kartereo]

"Not at all. First time being in a society where they're the primary mode of transportation though," Waver admitted. At least he was an obvious rifter, and that would at least make conversation about the novelty of having to use a horse easier.

"I've mostly been trying to observe all of the intricacies of gear required for heading out on one. And get an idea of the animals' personalities."

[el_tybs]

"And in your society what is the main transportation?" Obviously not the first time he's talked to a Rifter since the statement doesn't seem to phase him all that much.

"Planning on taking a trip already?" Being a new face the man must have been from the recent group that came in. "Have to say, you're not going to get it all just by looking. Saddling a horse needs a hands on approach. Same with their personalities. Not all of them act the same with everyone."

I

[universal_charm]

A rather large dapple gray horse suddenly appeared around the corner, saddle still one, but bridle removed and only a halter. Ears pricked forward as the creature that looked more at home on a farm than in a war camp plodded towards the stables, clearly aiming for a stall in particular.

Not to far behind was a man with golden hair coming after him, bridle over his shoulder. "Hey! Just where do you think you're going, Atlas?"

Atlas, presumably the horse, merely snorted and stepped into the stall before turning to look out, ears pricked forward from upon his lofty height. Well? He's waiting, Kirk.

[kartereo]

"--Good question," Waver said in response, offering the words with a gesture towards the wall behind him. "This is a dead end, and there aren't even any other horses to investigate. They're all out, from the looks of it."

Waver returned his hand to the pocket of his coat, his gaze moving from the horses to Kirk, looking apologetic. "Unless I'm the source of curiosity, and in that case I'll help get your friend back to where he ought to be if he's going to be following me about."

[universal_charm]

"No, it's all right. I think he gets confused still around here - hasn't quite learned the barn yet," Kirk shook his head and came up to take up the lead in his hand once more, which Atlas seemed to accept with grace for such a large animal.

Kirk sighed and glanced over at the other man, offering him an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I hope he didn't end up bothering you. I bet he was probably just in search of a treat or something. He can be terribly pushy like that." He clucked his tongue and patted Atlas' neck endearingly anyways.

[kartereo]

Waver gave Atlas a polite nod hello, watching as Kirk came to retrieve the horse. He was only truly familiar with Iskandar's ride, but it seemed that affection for the horse you had was a universal thing.

"Don't worry about it," Waver replied, holding up a hand with an open palm. "You'd know if it was a bother, although I'm afraid to disappoint your fried by revealing that I have no food in my pockets."

[universal_charm]

Well, it seemed appropriate to like whatever animal you were going to spend a good deal of time with, wasn't it? Personally Kirk was working both on his riding skills and getting the other used to the Bog Unicorn, whom he rather liked even if the creature couldn't mingle with the others. Still, he thought it would be nice if one animal enjoyed the unicorn's company besides himself.

He laughed at the mention of treats. "I am sure he will live, somehow." He glanced towards the other again. "Haven't seen you around before. Did you just arrive in Skyhold?"