[OPEN] Smoke and Mirrors: Perendale

[minrathousian]

WHO: OPEN!
WHAT: The Inquisition's forces fight against the Venatori to prevent Corypheus from seizing power in Perendale.
WHEN: Early November.
WHERE: Perendale, Nevarra
NOTES: Violence.

On the edges of Corypheus' territory, Perendale is the site of a major Venatori offensive--a push by Corypheus' forces to take control of the city and push his influence further across Thedas. The Inquisition's forces have rallied to answer the Nevarran governor's desperate plea for support. The battle for Perendale will decide the fate of hundreds within the city's walls.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

"He's a man of good sense, one with the experience of a native who can balance out our rifter division heads." Inessa smiles as Garahel returns, all smug with his prize. "Not that we don't answer to the Wardens in the end, but what happens within the Inquisition still affects us regardless.

Have you heard from your friend Cecil lately?"

[in_death_sacrifice]

"Good point there... Nothing against rifters, of course, but a native in such a role is good for building trust with outsiders." He knows the Inquisition still doesn't always have the best reputation, that they've gained it in some areas of the world, but still have work ahead of them in others. He nods agreement. If ever the Wardens had some disagreement and broke ranks, he knows he'd follow them at once. But for now their goals are the Inquisition's.

He nods. "He and Rosalie are settling in well to married life, though he complains often of being entangled in various noble quarrels and the like. It sounds very wearying, and reminds me that I made the right choice in joining the Wardens instead. That life isn't for me. He really sounds as if he needs to take a vacation."

What he doesn't tell her is that he also has most certainly been asking his best friend for advice on impressing one's girlfriend. Well. Not directly, because Kain has a hard time communicating. But in the most round-about, indirect way, he's asked Cecil some 'hypothetical' questions. Between that and advice he's gotten from among the Inquisition he thinks he's ready. Once they're home and have some downtime, he intends to put his plan into action too.

[circleprodigy]

"So much for hoping that the end of the War of the Lions would lead to a lull for the Game." Inessa shakes her head, carrying nothing but disdain for the royals who tore their empire apart for the same of it. At least Kain's friends seemed to be a decent sort, but anyone playing the Game is in danger, as much from themselves as others. She's just as glad Kain isn't entangled in that mess, as it would be more than she herself would want to endure.

"You can always invite them to Kirkwall, when there's time. I know there isn't much to spare, but I would never discourage your friends from visiting." She's interrupted by Garahel's insistent barking. Throw it again, Kain!

[in_death_sacrifice]

The Game is a tedious tradition, one which Kain hopes to never deal with again. What little experience he'd had with it had been... frustrating, to say the least. He can only play the kind of game involving swords. Battle is so much more straightforward, kill or be killed. He's glad not to be involved with any of it, too, though he also hopes for the best for his friends. It's not like it's exactly been a popular thing, Cecil marrying a mage and all.

"I'm glad you like them. They like you, as well, you know. Both have asked about you. I've... I told them about us. They both have been very encouraging." They're his childhood friends, and mean so much to him, so he's just relieved that everything has gone so well for them. "I'm sure they'd enjoy a chance to get away for a while. I'll have to ask, sometime. It's been a while since I've seen them." Not since their wedding, really.

"Go long, boy, this one will be out of sight!" Kain gives another impressive, strong throw.

[circleprodigy]

And Garahel is off in a flash. For someone of his size and bulk, the mabari's pace is pretty effortless. He has the perfect incentive, after all.

Inessa smiles, both at that and Kain's news about his friends. Their opinions are important to him, she knows, and it's good to know they approve. That isn't something she wanted to take for granted, even when all signs indicated they wouldn't protest the match. "Please do. At the very least, they will know they are welcome in Kirkwall, whenever they can spare the time. And yes, we can show off Potato as long as they're careful. You know how enthusiastic she gets, but she'll behave herself if we remind her."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain loves watching him run, always amazed at the power in the mabari's stride. He's certainly enjoying himself at the moment, too.

He nods eagerly. "That would be a very good idea. I'd like to see their faces when they meet her. They've been amazed enough by everything I've told them, but to meet a long extinct creature like this in person... nothing else can compare. The old legends don't do them justice." He gets a wistful expression. "And it'll be good for Potato to meet new allies, too, so that she gets used to behaving properly."

[circleprodigy]

"Yes, though I hope they don't expect her to carry them. She's been very clear that the only riders she will accept are us, and that seems unlikely to change." Inessa knows non-Wardens have bonded with griffons, but it's still a very unlikely thing, and not going to happen for those who are only visiting. She listens to Garahel pace around to find the stick as the day's light slowly wanes, setting aside a treat for him when he's done. Now it's time to work on that tea.

[in_death_sacrifice]

"Nor would I ever ask such a thing of her. We must always respect the griffons' decisions, after all. We're really quite fortunate that she even chose us at all. I'm sure they'll be satisfied enough with seeing her, though. Neither of them shares my fondness of heights, anyway." He can remember many times over the years when he'd be perched dangerously at the edge of a cliff, or walking along one, much to his friends' dismay. Not to mention, all those trees he always ended up in. They could never quite climb as high as he could.

[circleprodigy]

As Garahel races back to Kain, Inessa nods. "I admit I don't share that fondness to the level that you do, in any circumstance. However, I feel secure enough on Potato. She's so well-coordinated that I haven't worried about losing balance or falling in some time." Only when Potato was just young enough to carry them but still inexperienced did Inessa have genuine concerns.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain is ready as Garahel returns, motioning for him to give him the stick so that he might prepare another throw.

"I certainly would trust her entirely with our lives." Which is more than can be said for other people, sometimes, so she has a lot going for her. "And if she can even make you comfortable with flight, then... that goes to show how truly incredible she and her kin are. The Wardens have needed something like this for a long time, to boost our morale."

[circleprodigy]

"I just hope we can find more nests frozen in time. The amount we have now is not truly enough to see a lasting resurgence. I know we should enjoy what we have, but...it remains on my mind, often." Inessa falls silent, setting up the tea for when the water's heated enough but also pensive about the subject.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain's gaze lowers, and he nods slowly. It's certainly something he's thought about, as well. It really is important that they keep it in mind. "I know. We've all been excited about their return, and rightfully so, but in the long term..." What use will it be if this is the sole generation of griffons? They could perhaps reproduce among themselves, but with such a small population, that isn't so sustainable over a long enough time. "This means we'll have to keep searching any probable locations, so that we might find more..."