fortheloveoffalondin: (Default)
Salem Lavellan ([personal profile] fortheloveoffalondin) wrote in [community profile] faderift2015-11-20 12:04 am

A Challenger Arrives!

WHO: Salem of clan Ghilan, and whoever finds him there at the gates
WHAT: The arrival of one small, cold elf that is not part of clan Ashara
WHEN: After most people have returned from the Mire
WHERE: Skyhold's front gates, then possibly the healers' tents


Keeper
I've made it to the mountains. It's so cold in the South.

I will find our missing brothers. They deserve to be home, or if they've not survived, they deserve to be buried as the knights are.

Updates will be sent as events escalate.

You have my thanks for allowing me on this journey. Now you must endure until I return.


The scroll was kept in a skin tube at his side, to be delivered when he arrived at Haven. When he'd arrived in the valley where it had been tucked, though, all he'd found was a mound of snow, rattled off the mountain, and droves of corpses. He'd lingered only long enough to offer prayers, ask that the souls be guided from the place to what afterlifes they would seek, then started off into the mountains. It was fortunate that one of his few great skills was tracking, as he'd been able to pick up a trail, first wide and hectic, trampling the snow as people had fled, but as he'd followed, stopping where the ground was swept clean and there were still traces of campfires, humps of snow and crude markers over the graves of villagers that had fallen, he'd started to slow. He was persistent, stubborn, and had a good capacity for endurance in conditions that really should have killed him within days.

The snow had all but completely erased the tracks he'd been following in some areas, but people always left markers behind that were easy enough to find, for one with keen eyes and determination that bordered on obsession.

When the hold had come into view, Salem was draped in furs, wrapped up tight to stave off the cold as his armor hadn't been able to. There were still parts of him that were frostbitten, and by the time he'd started the trek up the last leg of the path, his vision was swimming, legs shaking. His food had all but completely run out, hard tack and dried herbs the last scraps in his bag. He'd been chewing on strong mint to keep himself conscious, but even that was failing, and as soon as he'd rounded the top of the last slope and found where the land had mostly leveled off on the path up to the gates, he'd finally fallen.

An alert was put out to some of the healers: an unknown Dalish had been found in front of the hold, freezing, dehydrated, delirious upon being shaken to consciousness, but alive.

Two days later, after regaining the ability to walk without wobbling
Where was he now? The question went out among the healers, unanswered as the elf had disappeared from his cot while their backs had been turned. His armor was gone, his blades were gone, but it had apparently been too hard to drag his axe away unnoticed, so it was still dug into the dirt where it had been.

Now one elf a little too thin and dressed a little too sparsely was tucked away into a shadowy corner with a good view of the courtyard, a book in his hand and charcoal pencil scribbling away as he took notes on everything that he could see, from the Orlesian humans wandering the hold, to the elves here and there both from the city and from some other Dalish clan. He'd caught sight of an armored human man that looked like he'd had better days, a sword sheathed at his hip and an empty harness across his back similar to the one that he wore when he carried his greataxe, and had leaned out of his corner to track his movement until he'd disappeared into the tavern. Then he'd caught sight of another human, blonde and older and tired but with the bearing of a leader and a scar on his mouth that he wanted to see close-up and no his face was not turning pink over these stupid gods-forsaken shems you see nothing.
amygdalae: remember that you are human (touch screens are the raddest thing)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2015-11-20 08:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Bruce had been taking one of his personal scheduled breaks when the alert came - and what an alert it certainly was. It's not everyday when one talked about a Dalish that had collapsed right at the entrance to Skyhold - especially one that was right on the verge of death.

The healers (the ones with magic) were the ones who took charge, but Bruce tried to help however he could, providing herbs and advising them where possible. The elf was in bad shape, and the fact that he was barefoot certainly didn't help either. Even Bruce wasn't entirely sure if the healers could manage this. But if he managed to make it all the way here, then surely that would be a testament to his spirit.

All Bruce could do was to try and push the odds in his favor.]
arlathvhen: (08)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2015-11-20 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
It will endlessly irritate her that as soon as someone sees a tattoo on an elf, they assume that she has a personal relationship with them. However, today it proves useful, because as soon as the other scouts catch sight of a collapsing Dalish on Skyhold's doorstep, she had been informed.

Beleth probably doesn't know the elf, but there's always a chance, and if someone has to go rescue the poor thing, it should be one of the People that they see.

So she passes by the scouts that had been coming out to see what the matter is, waving a hand at them as she ran to the unfortunate lump of furs. Whoever it was must have been traveling for some time, because despite the layers, what skin she could touch felt frozen. She frowned, and flipped them over to get a better look. A male, with Mythal's vallaslin. She touched his face--also cold. Not good. While it wasn't much against the other layers, she figured that her scarf would at least have some warmth to it, and stripped it off, wrapping it around his neck, and then promptly grabbing him on the shoulders, and shaking him silly.

"Aneth ara, lethallin! Wake up, if you can!"
Edited 2015-11-20 08:31 (UTC)
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Default)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2015-11-20 09:37 am (UTC)(link)
[He was already at the tents, checking up on those who got injured on the journey back from the Mire, when the alert went out. It was mere minutes before the some people showed up with the Elf, setting him down on a cot in one of the empty tents.

Verge of death they said. Maker damnit.

Sam was in the middle of stripping the Elf out of his clothes - armor? - when Bruce had showed up. Oh thank the Maker he didn't have to do this on his own. Unlike the first time they had met, Bruce was more talkative this time around, snapping out directions as time was of the essence. With the two of them the clothing came off relatively quickly, wrapping him up in blankets right after, and Sam working on getting some water and heating it up in a large tub after that.

It wasn't until the Elf's feet were submerged in the warm water that Sam allowed himself to breathe, rubbing his face tiredly. Sighing he looked to Bruce.]


How's he doing?

Edited 2015-11-20 09:41 (UTC)
mythalenaste: (tá 'n saol ina gcodladh ach mé)

Healers' tent

[personal profile] mythalenaste 2015-11-20 12:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Someone had insisted to her that "one of yours" was now terribly sick and in one of the healers' tents. She'd fled in search of them, images flashing through her head of Merrick bleeding out after one of his attacks, but when she found the elf, she found she didn't know him.

Wait.

No, he's familiar. She's not sure how. The Arlathvhen, no doubt, though many elves who were at the Arlathvhen escaped her memory. He is awake and seems to have stopped shivering, so she is sort of trapped into explaining herself if he sees her.

"Andaran atish'an."
amygdalae: ...nope, still no clue (give me a moment)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2015-11-20 03:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[After what seemed like an eternity onto itself they had managed to pull the elf out from the jaws of death - figuratively, of course. But it was still going to be a bit before the elf was going to really be able to do anything, although that didn't matter so much now with the comfort that he would be well again, in time.

Bruce takes a moment to wipe off the sweat off his forehead with a rag, tossing it over his shoulder after that as he glances over to Samouel.]


Out of danger, at least. But the frostbite's got him good - he'll still need a good amount of time to heal up from all the damage he's taken. [He shakes his head at this point and lets out a brief sigh.] It's a miracle he's even alive at all when he arrived here. Malnourished, dehydrated... we're going to have to keep an eye on him for at least a week to make sure his recovery is progressing.
wickedchase: (you could say it was destiny)

[personal profile] wickedchase 2015-11-20 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well now. You gave a bit of a scare."

Time has passed now. Enough of the other Dalish have come and fussed over the new arrival, healers fussing even more. The nice thing about the Inquisition, at least, is how quickly word travels and how eager everyone is there to help. Terribly fortunate for new arrivals and the like.

Undoubtedly, he expects his fellow elf is still recovering. Traveling through snow for who-knows-how-long is a bit traumatic for any normal person.

Twisted Fate is sitting back, looking casual, watching him with a curious look while sipping some mead.

"Welcome to Skyhold, stranger." There is no formal Dalish greeting. Not from him. "How you feelin'?"
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Sam_Concerned)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2015-11-20 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[When Sam said he'd like to talk or possibly work with Bruce in the future, he had not planned on it being like this. Well it was probably fortunate for the Elf that they were since Bruce had more knowledge on treating frostbite then Sam, but the Mage could speed up the physical recovery quite a bit.

Still even with magic they had to at least soak the frostbitten parts in warm water first. Sure, Sam could have healed the man right away, things could heal badly if not treated correctly before hand, and with frostbite the man would have likely lost his toes because that. Something none of them wanted of course.

Like the feet, Sam places the man's hands in a bucket of warm water. They didn't look as bad as the feet, but still bad enough. He gives a hum, showing that he was still listening to Bruce.]


We're going to need to figure what he can eat if he's that bad. I doubt he'll be able to tolerate solids for a while. How long do you think he was out there?
wickedchase: (never far from my memories)

[personal profile] wickedchase 2015-11-20 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"You did. Congratulations." He chuckles.

At the question, the mage shrugs and pours a cup, holding it out in offering to Salem. "I go by Twisted Fate. That's enough for anyone. Fate or T.F. if you'd like. Just as long as it isn't rude, I don't really mind what you call me." He grins. "And what about you?"
wickedchase: (cards cards cards)

[personal profile] wickedchase 2015-11-21 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
"If you want to know more, you need to ask the right questions. And I never promise to provide information. It's not really what I'm here for."

The remark simply makes him grin in response. "Well, that's smart of you. Let's keep it civil, shall we?"

His cup is raised, friendly and casual. "Very good, Salem."
amygdalae: I just choose not to say them (I have a lot of words)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2015-11-21 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
Long enough for the damage to be that bad. [The time doesn't matter - after a point, the damage just becomes so extensive it doesn't really apply anyway.] I'll work out a diet regime--

[He stops when he hears somebody snapping from behind, turning around and seeing that their patient, it seems, has finally woken up. And not looking very happy about it, considering what he said.

It's times like these Bruce deeply wishes there were more elves who could help out around here.]


We're not here to harm you. [He says, raising his hands and holding them out in what is hopefully a non-threatening gesture.] We're healers with the Inquisition. You collapsed at the entrance and was brought to us.

[And we saved your life, he might add, but that's probably neither here nor there.]
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Sam_Concerned)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2015-11-21 06:39 am (UTC)(link)
['Where is this?' 'Shems.' What a pleasant greeting. At least the Elf was awake, though he still looked like he was going to fall over if they weren't careful. It was honestly a bit surprising that he regained consciousness so quickly after collapsing from all the issues he had.

Speaking of issues, the Elf had taken his hands and feet out of the water. Great. Giving a sigh, he turns in place so that he's facing the patient, while Bruce tells him where he is. Sam doesn't bother in trying to get up since doing so might just spook the Elf more if he felt he was being towered over.]


You might want to put your feet and hands back in the water. There's some serious frostbite on your toes and fingers. I'd prefer you not losing those.
amygdalae: you won't like the alternative (let's just do this the easy way)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2015-11-21 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Bruce mostly kind of just stays on alert in case the elf does try to do something regrettable, but at least nothing of that sort occurs so things are alright for now. In some semblance of alright, considering how close he had been to death if he had remained undiscovered any later.

He relaxes a fraction once the elf cooperates a little more, though, letting out a breath he had been holding back, trying his best to draw on whatever patience he could muster. Dealing with uncomfortable people always took a lot of effort on him.]


Your things are in another tent. [He says, slowly, so that the elf could understand and know that they were of no threat to him. One hand still up in the same non-threatening gesture, with the other he gestures for Samouel to heat up the water.] What do you need your blade for?
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Default)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2015-11-21 09:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Sam cannot help but raise a brow as he watches both Bruce and the Elf. Everyone seemed on edge except for him. Probably because the patient was stripped of literally everything and in his condition he was more likely to fall over then do anything. Not that he wasn't without a level of caution of course, just more lax.

He notices the hand gesture then, sighing lightly as he finally got to his feet. It was good that the Elf didn't have a weapon, because approaching would have been disastrous. As it was, Sam let Bruce talk and ask the questions, while he moved slowly until he was crouching next to the tub of water.

The water is still slightly warm to the touch when he sticks his hand in, making sure not to touch the Dalish elf in the process, but it could be warmer to help the frostbite along. It takes only a few seconds for him to get the temperature up before pulling his hand back and looking up at the patient from where's he's crouching.]
arlathvhen: (10)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2015-11-21 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
". . ." For a second, she looks at Salem, eyes wide and startled. Did he just call her Sylaise...? For a moment, her fingers brushed against the twisting vines on her cheek, then she shook her head, and gripped him, attempting to haul him up.

"He's delirious! And hypothermic, and--Hello! Help, please." She shouted off into the distance, as she struggled to gather up the other Dalish. She had to move the furs off of him to do it, and even then, it was more like...half dragging him. Once some of the other scouts managed to move their butts and lend her a hand, Beleth could focus on inspecting him. She frowned, putting a hand over one chilled ear.

"Hold on, lethallin. What happened to you? Whatever it was--you're safe now."
dalishious: (pic#9452710)

[personal profile] dalishious 2015-11-22 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
Of course Merrick had heard of the newest addition to Skyhold's Dalish population, but that doesn't necessarily mean he cares all that much. He's a bit curious, sure, but he isn't about to go looking for the other elf, not with so much else going on. And the little free time he had? Was smoking time.

He heads to his usual spot one afternoon, intending to work on his latest woodcarving project and, yes, smoke. He relaxes beneath the shade of the tree and lights up his pipe, taking the smoke in deep. It's rich and smooth, and the sun feels good on his face, and there seems to be no one around. In other words, it's just the way he likes it.

Pipe nestled comfortably between his lips, he takes out a half-finished carving of a bird and goes to work.
amygdalae: Loki plans to go to New York (just so you know)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2015-11-22 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
[If the Inquisition really wanted him as a prisoner Bruce is pretty sure the elf would know, but he doesn't say that since its not like it'll help with the current situation.]

If that makes you feel better. [He says instead, lowering both his hands and giving a nod to show that he's heard the request.] I'll bring it over for you.

[With that said Bruce turns around and makes his way out of the tent to do just that, trusting Samouel to keep an eye on the elf to make sure he doesn't do something that'll lead to more work for the both of them.]
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Sam_GlanceR)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2015-11-22 08:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Wait, what?] Bruce wait a- [And the man was already gone. Sam sighs and rests his chin in his hand.] moment.

[They purposely didn't let patients have weapons in the tents. Getting stabbed or beaten when you were trying to heal someone was NOT fun. Wrinkling the side of his nose at the possibility, Sam turns back around to look at the Elf.]

Any reason you're feeling like a prisoner?

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