Salamandridae | Open To All

[writteninblood]

WHO: Sorrel, Beleth, and anyone at Kirkwall
WHAT: Sorrel power-slides into Kirkwall like a 3AM anxiety attack, with a couple of prompts to that effect
WHEN: Mid-to-late Kingsway
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: tba

Kirkwall, approached from land, sat in the delta of the bay like a fat, squalid salamander. It clung to the hills, mottled and shining, just barely dipping its tail into the sea. Closer on, the walls seemed taller, more daunting, Sorrel's first impression of the City of Chains was much less painful. The city seemed like a reluctant amphibian; something caught awkwardly between, and failing in both directions.


i. Neurergus
He'd written ahead, to let Beleth, to ask her to meet him, at the gates. If she couldn't, he knew that she, faster than anyone, would be able to find someone to meet him in her stead-- the sending crystals, those fantastical devices, might not be available for common use among the Dalish, but he knew the Inquisition handed them out to every member, and quite a few hangers-on. And, as he drew nearer down the road, as the city grew larger and more noxious in his senses, Sorrel could only hope that someone would be waiting. Or would see him.

It wasn't as if he'd never seen a city, nor been inside the bounds of a human settlement, but this was one elf alone; dangerous enough even on familiar ground. He had no idea who-- what to expect. He's actually probably making any perceived danger more real, come to think of it. Nothing says noticeable quite like someone who's trying to take a nervous glance in every direction at once.


ii. Cynops
Sorrel had been ingrained from his youth with the habit that when one is nervous, anxious, or worried, one should do something with one's hands. There's always something, in an active Dalish clan, mending, sewing, carving, cooking-- in Sorrel's case, his hands fall on tea. He's not entirely sure where he is. The Gallows, he knows that much, and it's an apt name for a building as sharp and stained as this one. Some apartment he had been led to, small and sparse but there was a kettle, and a box with tea, and a jar. He hadn't looked in the jar yet. He wouldn't be much of a mage if he couldn't make tea with just that much.

So, if you're around the gallows, perhaps you'll smell it, and come knocking. That'd be just nice and neighborly of you, wouldn't it? Of course it would.


iii. Ommatotriton
Perhaps you've met Beleth? Beleth Ashara? Well, she's certainly happy to have met you-- as evidenced by the way that she's stopped you on your path and shoved her twin in your face. Ah yes, Sorrel and Beleth, inseparable as always; and that means, you get to meet the other half of Clan Ashara's own personal Dynamic Duo. (Choose this if you want Beleth to join the thread!)

Comments

[writteninblood]

Sorrel makes that mistake too; and why not? There are few enough elves with pure white hair, if not from age. His first thought is only why would Pel be wearing that getup? It's only when Beleth hesitates that he realizes his own mistake and. Wait, what was That? Had she-- Oh, boy. Ha.

"Andaran atish’an," He starts, formal enough, then ruins any solemnity with a grin, "Please, call me Sorrel. I--"

Cold! Cold wet dog nose! This is a very large puppy.

"...dog? Hello to you too, dog."

[circleprodigy]

Not only a cold wet dog nose, but a dog tongue as well. As long as Sorrel doesn't flinch, Garahel licks him after deciding through sniffing that he likes the elven man well enough. Pleased to be addressed, he barks again and wags his tail, all friendly enthusiasm. Beleth gets the same greeting as well, if she doesn't back away from him. The big mabari pays attention to the moods of others and when he is or isn't welcome.

For a moment Inessa was worried that they might expect her to respond in kind -her elven pronunciation is not ideal- but that grin puts her more at ease, as does Beleth's smile. That introduction has her interest, and she nods, her own forming. "I'm pleased to meet you both. Actually, I meant to introduce myself to you earlier--" Said as she nods to Beleth. "--as I'm the new leader for the Rifts and the Veil project. Another mage is always welcome here, of course. I'm Circle-trained, myself, but I enjoy discussing magical theory and application with anyone interested, whatever the background. Are you here to visit, or to join?" Her gaze now turns to Sorrel, curious.

[writteninblood]

"I don't know if I count as much of an expert, compared to all that, but I'll do my best," Despite his obviously superior Dalish methodology, Sorrel isn't sure he'll be able to keep up with all the... the terminological...

She's a Grey Warden! And an authority! Circle-trained or not, that speaks to a higher expertise than Sorrel is confident he can keep up with.

"...Ah, I'm only visiting, I'm afraid," Sorel replies, offering Garahel ear-scratches for his trouble, grateful for the chance to avoid eye contact, "But I may be here a while, and I'm willing to pull my weight while I am. My first concern has to be Sina, of course; I'm worried-- I just want to help her, however I can. She is my wife, after all."

[arlathvhen]

Sorrel is given a quick jab with her elbow, because she knows that Sorrel knows what happened, and she also knows that she's going to get snarked at for it. Might as well get a head start on the elbowing that will inevitable follow.

She continues to smile pleasantly, at the dog, which is given a few pats, but discouraged from more licking than strictly necessary, and then at Inessa. She nods along as Inessa introduces herself as the new project leader. Not that it's actually under her division, but it's good to know the leaders of the projects nevertheless. "Yes, of course. Congratulations to your new role, I'm sure that you'll do wonderfully."

She gives Sorrel a slightly pained look when he mentions that he's only visiting, and had they been in the company of one of their intimates, there probably would have been whining involved. "I appreciate you being here while you are, and I'm sure Sina does, as well. You're doing a good job at being a husband, you know. Almost like a real adult." That last part is said with more of a familiar smirk than her diplomatic smile, and another elbowing for good measure.

"You ought to take the opportunity to learn more while you're here, you know. I'm sure Warden Serra would be able to help, or point you in the right direction." Not that she is just assuming this, of course. Inessa did just offer.

[circleprodigy]

"Thank you, Beleth. I will do my best." Inessa nods sympathetically to Sorrel's explanation. "I quite understand. I don't claim to know Siuona well, but she and others like her are why I'm doing my best to understand the shards and their effects. If you wish to take an active role in such, the project can always use more people. That your are here but temporarily doesn't matter to me." How can she deny a man dedicated to helping his wife? It's not possible, of course. Giving him something solid to focus on might be just what he needs...an Beleth, as well.

Beleth's pained look didn't go unnoticed and Inessa's sympathy shifts. Rather lacking on blood family herself, she won't be responsible for encouraging them to part ways sooner than later. "It seems there is much to keep him here, for the time being. I can promise little save that we will not run out of work to be done anytime soon." Even if breakthroughs happen, they will likely herald the beginning of more work, not less.

Garahel perks up and barks, apparently in agreement. He'd like to see his new friend more, of course.

[writteninblood]

"Don't give me that face, I'm not leaving soon," This to Beleth, almost in a whine; old habits die hard. He's a grown elf, promise, "--Really, Warden, I'm not."

Not until Sina is well. And she will get better, of course. Right, Inessa? Of course that's right.

"Thank you. Maybe later, you could give me what you've learned, so far?"