(open) our memory will be my lullaby

[sulena]

WHO: Ciri, Saoirse and OPEN
WHAT: Arrivals, settling and a general catch-all for both of mine throughout the month.
WHEN: Post-Winter Palace.
WHERE: Skyhold.
NOTES: Starters in the comments if you're interested in a certain starter with either of mine, feel free to hit me up through PM or on plurk.

Comments

[sulena]

"I think it would be best if we can bring them to the tents. We've been on the road for some time now and I am sure they would appreciate the chance to leave the wagon."

As she speaks, Saoirse is already turning and heading back toward the wagon. She tries to appear strong but it is hard for some relief not to spill out after such a hard time since they had set out.

"Will you ride with us?"

[aceso]

"Of course." Her long strides have her catching up in only two steps and she walks alongside her back to the wagon. "My name is Christine. I am a Spirit Healer, but I can also use non-magical techniques if anyone is not comfortable with magic being used on them." She always gives her patients the choice if they are conscious and able to decide.

[sulena]

Climbing back into her seat at the head of the wagon, she dips her head in greeting and offers a tired smile. "Tapadh leibh, Christine. My name Saoirse."

Quietly, she cannot but thank the Maker that she so easily found a Spirit Healer. She would be able to offer much more help than Saoirse had been able to with her own less than brilliant healing spells. Once the fellow mage is on the wagon, she sets off toward the fortress itself but quietly glances over her shoulder and into the wagon where her friends rest.

"They are fine with magic. I have used my own to keep them stable on our journey but little else," She says, sighing. "Creation spells were never my strong suit, sadly."

[aceso]

She'll assume that's either a greeting or a thank you, but she's more concerned with the refugees at the moment to ask for clarification. Climbing up next to Saoirse, Christine twists around to check on the people in the back.

"Mmm, the creation and spirit schools always came to me most naturally. More so than the primal school." Using the elements in battle has never been something that felt as easy as breathing, but now she's rather proficient in the winter tree.

[sulena]

"On now, Ceiteag! Muireall!"

With a flick of the reigns, the horses snort and start up the worn path to the fortress. The pace is eased to keep from rocking the wagon too much which allows Saoirse the chance to glance back and smile softly at the four still resting.

"It was always the entropy school that came most easily for me." There was primal, of course or at least the lightning tree of spells.

"But, most importantly, these four are who I managed to save from a destroyed village in northern Orlais. The Red Templars had separated them into groups, it seems. Those used to grow the red lyrium inside them and the others to mine it as it spread. They were all miners."

She sighs, her grip tightening slightly and she shakes her head. "There was more but they all slowly passed away despite everything I tried. I couldn't give up though and so, upon hearing about the talented healers here, I decided to bring them here."

[aceso]

Christine doesn't comment on Saoirse's proficiency at entropy spells. To her, a mage who is good at destruction of the body and mind could be a cause for worry. It comes from the fact that she heals; she mends. But she could be wrong. Who can say? Instead she reaches out a hand to rest on the forehead of one of the refugees, trying to get a sense of what ails them.

"Red Templars," she says with disgust, placing a rejuvenation spell on one refugee to help rally them as they approach Skyhold. "They are vile creatures now. I have been studying their red lyrium in the hopes of finding a way to combat their power."

[sulena]

Long ago, the same thought had bothered her as well. What sort of person was she supposed to be specializing in such destructive spells? Saoirse remembers nights working under her legs would collapse under her to try mending more than basic cuts or bruises. It took a long time for her to realize that the Maker had give her this gift, led her powers down this path and there must be a realize.

She might not realize it now but one day, she would.

"I was in Kirkwall when the Rebellion begun," she says in a quiet murmur. "I never thought I would find something so terrible, if not more terrible as what I saw in those days when I first encountered red lyrium. I am glad they will have your assistance, they are all very strong but this journey has been long and they are very tired."

[aceso]

Of course Christine has heard the story -- everyone has. And she has additional information on red lyrium from Varric himself. But she doesn't know many here who were in Kirkwall at the time. Her gaze shifts to the slight elf and there's a stirring of pity within her. She knows many don't wish for pity, but Christine has always had a compassionate heart, if not a prickly exterior at times. She couldn't be such a proficient healer if she didn't care about innocent people.

"Here they will find rest. And you as well. You must take care of yourself now. I see you have been strong for their sake, but now you can relax in safety."

[sulena]

And in one moment, it seems as though all the tension in the woman's body seem to melt away. Saoirse's shoulders drop slightly and, for a moment, she seems even smaller under her heavy cloak. Everything has been so tiring since this journey began but she stayed strong for the people in her care so the thought of finally being able to relax a little?

Well... it was a nice change of pace.

"Yes, of course. It will be nice to rest the whole night without worrying about wild animals or strange rift demons."

[aceso]

"Indeed." Christine notes the change her words have brought to the elf, and she's glad for it. She well knows how hard it is to stay strong and the tension that builds up just waiting for a release. Saoirse deserves a break.

"Well, your charges will be well looked after at the healers' tents. You are free to stay there too, if you desire it. But there are plenty of spots to bunk for the night beyond there as well."

[sulena]

It is still hard to relax her mind, relax her worries for the four that are resting barely a foot away. They were strong but this journey had been so very long and she knows they are growing weaker. Thankfully, they are here and the healers here would care for them as she wished she could.

"That will be best for now, I think." She says lightly. "At least for a night or two if that is okay."

[aceso]

"Of course. There are cots and bed rolls for whomever needs them." And Christine herself spends a great deal of the day at the healers' tent, so she's happy to take charge of this little group's care.