OPEN

[pinprick]

WHO: Nathaniel Howe and YOU
WHAT: Meandering open post
WHEN: Month of Kingsway/September
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Will edit with any warnings that come up.

I. CLOSED - Loghain

In the Gallows training yard, Nathaniel sinks another arrow deep into a target--an inevitability of a bow of its draw weight, not a result of his skill. The accuracy is good, but he would like it to be better. He can't even blame his rheumatism today--it's his pride that demands perfection.

While retrieving his arrows, he spots Loghain with his sword and shield. He considers the man for a moment. Loghain is no longer in his prime, but he could still knock over a golem if he had a good running start. Nathaniel isn't in his prime either, but he could be better, and Loghain is one of the best. If he challenges Loghain and is beaten, he could learn from one of the best. If he challenges Loghain and wins, he could have beaten one of the best. And if that person happens to have a face he wants to punch, all the better.

He chooses a sword from the rack and approaches. He practices with the sword often these days, for he can wield it on days when his rheumatism keeps him from drawing a longbow. And it was what his old master taught him. He gestures to get Loghain's attention and sinks into a fighting stance with only the sword and no shield.

"Are you fighting the air because it's easy on your joints, old man?"

II. OFFICE

Nathaniel is tired of writing letters. He's tired of sending news and tired of follow-up questions. The Hero of Ferelden has been dead for months. It shouldn't feel like he's been dying all this time. And he has a headache.

After some time, he glances surreptitiously down the hall, closes his door, sits back down, and pulls out a pair of reading spectacles to finish up this batch. They have always been a last resort, and he is out of resorts. Anyone bursting in without knocking is likely to see him with them for the first time in their lives.

III. HIGHTOWN/DOCKS/GALLOWS

The grizzled, broad-shouldered ranger emerges grimly from the new Hightown forest, scowling in a manly fashion and carrying a basket piled high with fresh fruit and wildflowers. He's heading for the docks to catch the ferry back to the Gallows.

Dare you to say anything.

IV. BETHANY

The grim warrior halts upon seeing Bethany Hawke Darton in the courtyard. He picks up one bunch of the flowers and approaches her with dark purpose. By the time he arrives in front of her, he has smiled and is holding out the flowers wordlessly.

V. PETRANA

Seeing Petra, the dark shadow and pinprick who carries the poison stops and gives her a bunch of late summer wildflowers and a beaming smile.

VI. CLOSED - Anders

By the time Anders returns from work, Nathaniel has lit the fire. He bought fresh, as in 'was swimming in the sea a few hours ago', mackerels and grilled them over the fire, toasted some day-old bread, and baked a bubbling berry pie. The last of the wildflowers are on the table when the door opens, and Nathaniel moves to collect dinner from where it has been kept warm near the fire.

"We are," he declares in a tone that will brook no argument, "eating dinner together tonight. I don't care what you have left to do, you have time to sit down and eat a meal with your husband."

Comments

[wardeneructate]

"Guess it depends on how sad you want to be. Could be for the Warden. Could just be because I felt like drinking with you because you work too hard."

He gave a shrug because Oghren didn't actually need a reason to get drunk or even to drink in general. Besides, it had been awhile so why not. It didn't hurt to do one for the Warden either. He'd been a piss at times but he'd done a lot for a number of them.