[Open]

[lyriumcarved]

WHO: Fenris and YOU!
WHAT: Fenris is back around Skyhold, catch-all prompts for the month!
WHEN: March/Drakonis
WHERE: Around Skyhold
NOTES: No warnings likely, just the occasional grumping from a certain elf here.

Herald's Rest

Not long after he returns to Skyhold, Fenris inevitably ends up in the tavern. He's been exhaustively busy over the time that he's been away… so of course some drinks are in order. His own stash is largely depleted, and who knows when he’ll next get a chance to replenish it? He orders a bottle of wine, but refrains from using the glass that he’s given. Nope, this is one of those times. Fenris simply grabs the bottle and starts drinking it down…

Stables

At the moment, Fenris isn’t really planning to get a mount. It’s something he may consider if he does stay longer at Skyhold, however, because it could come in handy for getting around the expanse of Ferelden or Orlais, for that matter. Who knows where the Inquisition may take him? Not that he's planning to be anything more than loosely affiliated with it. It's his choice to be here and it'll be his choice if he wants to leave again. That's essential for him to keep in mind. He'll always make sure to have an escape route, when it comes to this sort of thing.

So he’s wandering through the stables, glancing curiously at what’s there. The nuggalopes get particular attention, since they’re totally new to him. "Imagine that… Giant nug-beasts."

Gardens

“I still don’t trust that demons or spirits cannot listen in on this thing…”

He mutters to himself as he’s settled in the garden, staring intently at his Crystal as he looks through the most recent messages. He’d rather not speak into it, at least for now, so instead, he’s just getting himself caught up. Sure, nothing bad has come of it so far, and it didn’t before… but he still doesn’t entirely like it.

Wandering: Wildcard Location!

At some point, Fenris decides to get a look around, mostly to see if anything has changed. But he’s actually quietly trying to see who's still around that he recognizes, too. There are people he’d like to see if possible… and also people he’d like to avoid if he can. He’s not one for formally announcing his presence, preferring to remain down low about being around. Like a ghost or a stray, he’s kind of just slipped back into life here without making a big deal of it.

So he’s on the prowl, so to speak, looking for familiar faces all over Skyhold. He’ll drop by most anywhere, approaching those he knows, and eventually interrupting whatever they’re doing. “It’s been a while.”

Comments

Garden

[blessedmaiden]

"Then the solution is simple, sir..."

Rydia didn't mean to spy on him or anything, she was just sitting not too far from Fenris, intent in reading a book yet aware of her surroundings. People.. really love to overcomplicate things, don't they?

"... just don't share sensible informations with it. Or pick a code with those you trust the most and make sure to change it on regular basis. I mean, what demon would suspect you're asking your allies to proceed with the mission when you say The chicken is ready, are you coming for dinner or not?"

[lyriumcarved]

Fenris looks up as the woman approaches. His expression looks very uncertain, and maybe a bit questioning, as he sees her overall look. That green hair of hers... that's very unnatural in look. Clearly she has to be a rifter. There's something overall exotic enough in her appearance that he's convinced of it.

Still, with a sigh, he realizes, she... kind of has a good point there. "Clever idea. That's a good enough thought for trying to throw our other enemies off our trail as well, in case they intercept anything... let alone any stray spirits who could be listening in." He really doesn't want to deal with spirits and demons hearing his every word. "That still doesn't make me fond of carrying it around at all times." He'll do it, as he did before, but it doesn't make him like it.

[blessedmaiden]

Oh, he's the one who thinks she looks exotic, mh? Rydia has never seen white tattooes like his, that's quite unique as well. The woman closes her tome, looking up at him and smiling.

"Then don't do it. I'm not completely sure but they're somehow recent inventions, aren't they? Normal communications may occur through normal messages pidgeons, whatever your people use." You 'people of Thedas' not 'you elves' "you could keep your crystal in a 'safe' spot and use it only for emergencies. Or when you need to deceive potential listeners. It's up to you to choose how to approach new, possibly dangerous things."

[lyriumcarved]

Green hair is definitely a novelty in Thedas. He's fairly sure that look hasn't caught on in even Orlais, though they'd be the ones to start such a trend. He isn't too weirded out by her other than her appearance, at least. He's long since decided to make the effort not to dismiss all rifters as demons.

"Yes, it's my understanding they aren't 'activated' unless we wish it to be so... even then, I worry they may pick up what's said here and transmit it through to the Fade..." But, well, he's here and if he's really going to stick around he has to get used to certain things about the Inquisition. "Though I may be overly cautious. Those in charge of this Inquisition aren't complete fools, they must know what they're doing by using these."

Maybe a little foolish, giving mages so much free reign, but in other respects they seem to be making progress in their war.

Stables

[gatheringstorm]

"I know, right?" Korrin grins, then beckons Fenris over to where she's tending her own nuggalope mount. "Come meet Asher the Second. He's the best riding buddy I could ask for, isn't that right?" She reaches up to scratch him behind an ear, prompting a contented grunt.

[lyriumcarved]

Fenris wanders over toward where Korrin is gesturing, looking at the one she's with, fascinated still by its appearance. "Truly fearsome... I wonder how these came to be? Did a nug breed with a horse?" The second part is only meant in jest, as impossible as it is, but he can't help but be curious... and those horns... they make for quite the intimidating-looking mount. "He looks strong... what's their temperament generally like?"

[gatheringstorm]

Asher the nuggalope partially answers that when Fenris is close enough, approaching and curiously sniffing at him. Perhaps he's looking for food or just wondering about the strange elf? Either way, he huffs and gently presses his muzzle against this new person.

"As you see, they're normally pretty damn mellow. You'd think they might be skittish, since only the Avvar rode them up to this point and only infrequently, but they've settled in pretty well. They're sturdier mounts than horses, too, and those hands allow them to take advantage of the terrain in ways other mounts just can't." Plus, those horns man.

Great Hall

[circleprodigy]

Inessa is seated at end of one of those long tables, staring off at nothing in particular while she cradles a cup of tea in her hands. Garahel is curled up on the floor by her side, dozing. Snapping back to the present, she perks up a little upon recognizing Fenris and nods politely with a small smile.

"It certainly has. Not since Tevinter, I believe." That mission had her on edge from the moment she had crossed the border, knowing how little an elf's life was worth there. But Fenris' advice, however bluntly given, gave her what she needed to cope. "How have you been, Fenris?"

Garahel yawns and looks up, tail wagging when he recognizes the other elf. He stands, knowing better than to jump but happily leaning against him, hoping for petting.

[lyriumcarved]

Ah, yes, Inessa. He hadn't gotten to know her that well but they'd shared that mission together, and to his least favorite place and home in all of Thedas at that. She's always seemed to be... very level-headed despite being a mage, readily and calmly taking any advice he'd given. She's a lot like Bethany, in that way, really. One of the mages who aren't weak-willed.

"I've been well... or as well as can be expected. I've kept myself busy enough. How about yourself?" He glances down as Garahel comes over, even managing to smile slightly at him before reaching toward him for petting. He's always admired mabari like Hawke's, and Garahel as well. Such intelligent, loyal creatures. "I see that you're better than ever, Garahel..."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel rumbles contently in agreement, eagerly soaking up the attention as though Inessa never gives him any. This is markedly similar to his routine of 'she never feeds me and I'm starving' despite obvious evidence to the contrary. Some things never change, and a mabari reverting from war hound to silly pet in an instant is one of them.

"I've been likewise occupied, though thankfully away from the Winter Palace. I'm certain you've heard all about the events by now. Gaspard executed, an elven Marquise...peace reigns, as much as it can ever be found in the Game." Her tone, though mostly neutral, has a slight bitter tinge at that, though she interrupts herself with a sip from her tea. "I can imagine how you've kept busy; has your work been so successful that you are free to rejoin us in the south, or have you followed it here? Are we to assist?"

Herald's Rest

[not_the_question]

Since his return to the proper time, the Doctor has spent time mostly alone. That's not to say he would not speak to others at all, but he hadn't really thought he belonged here before, now he's been reminded of just how much he doesn't belong here.

Today, though... He was missing River. Missing her enough that he could actually think her name for once. And he was missing the TARDIS.

He had learned that the stout here left a great deal to be desired. The wine was decent enough. Though, he still had it in mind to find a place to sink a well for some proper water. Because, nothing beats a proper glass of water. In the absence of water, he was going to drink wine.

That was when he saw the elf nursing his own bottle. Looked like a good enough idea to him. And misery loves company, so he took up his own bottle and then sat across from the elf - because if people truly wanted to drink alone, they wouldn't do it in a public place.

"Rough day?"

[lyriumcarved]

It's quite true. Fenris has the same thought in mind... maybe he'd wanted some sort of distraction. After all, he's quite the expert at keeping to himself when he wants it that way. Maybe Varric had rubbed off on him more than he'd thought, after all those evenings spent in the Hanged Man.

He glances over as the other man joins him. "You could say that, though I might extend it to 'rough year'..." Or life, he thinks, but that part's better kept to himself. He nods over to the man. "You look as if you could use several drinks yourself. Their wine selection isn't bad here."

[not_the_question]

"'Isn't bad' isn't quite the same as 'good', though."

The Doctor could sense the 'rough life' bit. If only because he could say the same.

"I've had worse. This one just feels worse."

But he tilts the bottle toward the other man in a sort of salute or toast.

Garden

[meds4sale]

For a man who walked around in wooden sandals and dressed like a rainbow, the Medicine Seller had a bizarre habit of turning up seemingly out of nowhere.

Which was, of course, ridiculous. He'd just come through the side door and had overheard Fenris's grumbling.

"If you speak so closely to it, then the words will enter their ears whether they like it or not."

[lyriumcarved]

Fenris looks up abruptly, taken aback by the presence of the other man's approach. He stares at him curiously for a moment... after all, that's not how most anyone normally dresses around here, except quite possibly the Orlesians.

"I'll keep that in mind," he says dryly, not entirely fond of the notion, whether or not he was actually serious. "And what do you know of these things? All magic has the potential to be corrupted, after all..."

[meds4sale]

"The hearts of the people who hold them are far easier to sway than the stones themselves," he said impassively.

"Other than that, they are convenient for those who like to talk."

Certainly less cumbersome than a telegram machine, but those did not appear to exist in this world and he did not feel like coming across as a bit touched in the head by mentioning what would sound like nonsense.

Stabley stables

[amygdalae]

While Fenris has his eyes on the nuggalopes, another creature lurks close by, ready to strike. It waits for the opportune moment, until when Fenris is totally distracted by the sight of the nuggalope doing something does it move in for the kill, as it were.

One moment Fenris is alone, and in the next there is the snout of a dracolisk pressed at the back of his neck, and the creature snorts aloud into his hair.

In the distance, there's probably a shout from somebody, though its too far to be intelligible in any manner.

[lyriumcarved]

What!?!? One moment, he's studying the peculiar beast closely, marveling over the thought of nugs actually growing that large, the next... something is touching him, what is it!? It immediately activates his flight or flight instincts, which are always already on the verge of erupting, anytime. He turns and immediately takes a defensive stance, his lyrium-brands already glowing, an eerie bluish-white color...

Oh.

Oh.

The tension gradually leaves Fenris and the glowing starts to dim as he realizes he'd... overreacted. "What are you doing out? Might someone be looking for you." He puts it together, based on the shout he'd heard.

[amygdalae]

Fenris doesn't need to wait for long to find the answer; a few more moments is all he needs before Bruce stumbles to a stop in front of him, looking like he had just run across all of Skyhold chasing after something.

"Finally," Bruce huffs out in between gasps, trying to catch his breath and not look so harried as he glares at Fenris - or rather the dracolisk that was now trying to hide right behind him (not that it really worked, since even while small for its standards it was still much bigger than Fenris). "I already told you to stop stealing things from the patients. Now return to me what you stole or I'll tell the horsemaster to not feed you tonight."

WIL!DCARD - outside in the early spring sunshine

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Oh!"

It's honestly the most surprising noise Bethany Hawke can make, her hands flying up as she drops the sheath of silk from her hands, her needle and silken thread falling down with it. Darkspawn can't get a hundred yards from her without her noticing -- but an elven warrior from Tevinter? He can just come up to her elbow without her knowing it at all.

That's not to say she's angry. In fact, Fenris, you get a brilliant dimpled smile as she turns around and throws her arms around you in a fierce hug, "Fenris! You're back!"

[lyriumcarved]

It really says something about how well he'd gotten to like his old companions... well, a select few of them... certain ones like Bethany. Fenris isn't completely surprised by the hug, though as always he stiffens then takes a moment to relax. It doesn't take long, though. His expression even lightens up into a small smile. Bethany is also in that select few he'd even sort of missed.

"Yes, I'm back." He lightly hugs her in return, always a bit awkward and careful about that. "Did I miss anything exciting since I've been away?"

[sunshinethroughgrey]

As Marian would say, they weren't just companions, they were family. Something Bethany took to heart, with every single one of the Kirkwall gang. They had been with her for months before she became a Warden, and they were there with her and Marian every single time they had to fight something off together (wyverns, crazy Darkspawn Magister cults, the works).

"I was starting to get worried. We hadn't seen a trail of slavers or magisters for a while." She beamed at him, before she remembered and went to save the silk from the ground, "Well, you missed something rather big, I would say. Aleron Darton proposed to me - and I accepted. I'm going to be married!"

As if the glow on her face didn't give it away.

"Oh, please tell me you'll come."

stables

[universal_charm]

"A pain in the ass to catch," Kirk said, coming behind Fenris with Atlas, his large dapple gray horse on the lead, soaked from a bath and happy to graze lazily at the grasses surrounding them. "I never quite understood Korrin's fascination with them. Are they like unicorns or something? Practically mythical?"

[lyriumcarved]

Fenris glances over at the other man as he comes in leading a relatively normal mount, at least in comparison to the nuggalopes. He can definitely approve of that. Something more straightforward like a horse seems like it would be dependable.

"They're not very common, compared to their much smaller counterparts. This is the first I've ever seen anything of them myself. They look intimidating, at the very least." Especially with those horns. He can see why someone might be interested in them, anyway.

[universal_charm]

He simply couldn't get used to riding them when he'd had the chance. The motions had felt to strange, a rhythm he couldn't quite match when he had been learning on a horse up until then anyways. A horse had been the more natural choice.

"They were, especially staring at a large group of them in the wild. They were cooperative enough so long as he offered food," he said, recalling the experience and following along behind Iskandar and Kain, who both seemed to have much more experience than himself in capturing creatures like this. "I'm sure you could ask Korrin if you wanted to ride one."