the days that bind us

[exequy]

WHO: Lots of people
WHAT: Recovering lost phylacteries
WHEN: Guardian 23, 9:44
WHERE: The Storm Coast
NOTES: Violence! OOC post over here.

All signs point to the Storm Coast, and once scouts have narrowed down the location it's only a short journey across the Waking Sea to move a small force onto the rocky coast. They row ashore just after dawn in driving rain, and follow the beach for at least a mile before finding a path that actually reaches the top of the cliff. The rain fades to a drizzle but the day remains relentlessly overcast as they hike toward their goal, grey and dim even at noon, with a raw breeze off the water.

Comments

Inessa, OTA

[circleprodigy]

Before battle, Inessa spends her time secluded as much as possible. During the day is when she's vulnerable to magic, and she doesn't want anyone else caught in what could be a very literal blast. Garahel would be included in this, but no matter what she says and does, the stubborn mabari remains at her side. So she sits and waits quietly, a little on edge with nothing productive to do and her tormentors nearby. Lost in thought, she'll glance over only slightly upon hearing footsteps.

"Keep your distance." It's not spoken coldly, but with underlying tension. As one of the afflicted mages, she can't guarantee anyone's safety.

[ichaer]

"Or what?" Speaking of stubborn mabari.

Ciri might as well be one considering the amount of time she has kept to Inessa's side during this entire debacle. It would be hard pressed to see her anywhere else but close by and that hasn't changed since their arrival on the Storm Coast. Yet she knows that'll be changing soon once she heads off with the others to get inside and take care of whomever (or whatever) is standing guard over the missing phylacteries.

Stepping closer, she pushes strands of wet hair back and presses a kiss to her friend's forehead.

"All of this is almost over." She says as she pulls back, brushing strands of her own wet hair out of her face. "Just trust in me, okay?"

[circleprodigy]

Ciri's voice snaps her out of that mental fog, at least for the moment. That she can manage even the faintest of smiles feels like a minor miracle, even as it doesn't reach her eyes. The tension has her too wound up to truly relax, though the promise of an end -of some kind- is enough to get her to nod.

"I do, with my life. Always. That's the only way I survived Weisshaupt, and that's the only way I'll survive this. Without you -or this bottomless pit- I don't know if I would have lasted this far." Said bottomless pit wags his tail and leans into his mistress, prompting an ear scratch before he settles down on the ground. It's okay, he's not expecting to be the center of attention right now, not when Inessa's in pain.

"But I also don't want your hurt or worse, because of me. I couldn't bear that." She straightens a little and casts a Barrier over them. It won't last long, but she'll keep doing it as much as need be, if it means her companions are safe from a fireball or entropic cloud.

Re: Inessa, OTA

[judgemewhole]

"Oh please. Considering what I was doing when I was near death from the 'bleeding lyrium' disease, do you honestly think I am going to listen to that?" James stated tartly, as he wandered over with Interceptor, his horse, Dauntless, following behind him just as obediently as the mabari.

"I've brought you some water. You look pale, and I know Garahel could use it."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel perks up at that and Inessa straightens a little, sighing. "He could, yes. Thank you. I would rather none of you be caught in the spells plaguing me, but.." She casts Barrier over them, just in case it happens anytime soon. It won't last long, but she'll keep renewing it as long as she's able.

"...at least with all the rain, any flames from a fireball won't last."

[judgemewhole]

James took a seat near her, letting Interceptor go and give Garahal a friendly lick to the side of his face, and settling beside the older dog comfortably. "You do recall that I am, and have been, a Templar for quite some time. I'll dispel your little magical accidents with a wave of your hand."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa would pet Interceptor but fear of accidentally shocking or burning keeps her from usual displays of affection. She nods, and there's a faint twitch of her lips. "I never thought I would be grateful for its use on myself, but here we are.

At least you're back to your normal self, that's good to see. You weren't that much of a hassle before, you know. I'm rather glad you found my office, rather than end up Maker knows where."

[judgemewhole]

"We are in a strange new place, my friend." James had no fear in petting Garahael, and he gave both mabaris more attention because poor Inessa had to be careful.

"Back to my normal self, and feeling stronger for it. I am also pleased I came to your office - Maker knows I wandered off in dangerous enough directions. To wander in yours was a relief." He gave his friend a quiet smile, tipping his head, "So as you were there for me, I am now here for you."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel rumbles happily at the attention, as Inessa draws up her knees to her chin. She sighs, staring outward at the gloomy landscape and the fortress in sight. Her gaze rarely tears away from it, wanting every detail of that accursed place.

"Want to know the ironic part? I had a rune made, to specifically ward against blood magic. I guess it's not strong enough to overcome direct phylactery use, though."

[judgemewhole]

James looks over at her, before he pours some water into a wooden cup for Garahel. Then he hands the waterskin over to Inessa, his voice quiet. "You know, that has never sat right with me. That we use blood magic to counter blood magic. Lesser of two evils ... but perhaps it is all just evil."

He tips his head, "And by the by, you are more than brave enough. This is just direct magical interference."

[circleprodigy]

Taking the waterskin, Inessa tries to steady herself with a sip as her mabari readily laps up his own water. She thinks to the Joining ritual and its own use of blood, but decides to refrain from comment there. Even now, she won't divulge Warden secrets. "I've been trying to keep it together, but...day after day of this is too much. Either I get hurt or I end up hurting others when they're caught in the magic affecting me. I can't focus or rest or lead my project, not like this."

Her gaze narrows at that fortress ahead. "I never considered myself an apostate, you know. I didn't leave the circle until it fell, and between fighting other people and darkspawn, I chose darkspawn. My joining the Grey Wardens was perfectly legal...but none of that matters to the people in that fortress. It doesn't matter to them how many of the other mages have helped and healed and done their best to keep this world from falling apart at the seams, either."

[judgemewhole]

James looked down at the fortress before them, filled with people who for the lack of a better word, made his life misery. Made people like Inessa's life misery as well. His green eyes narrowed, and he stated simply, "I swear to the Maker, Inessa. If I have to hunt down ever Andraste-be-burned bastard who has sullied the good name of 'Templar Order', I will do it. For you, for all the mages I have known ... and cared for. I will not - not watch this fragile new world fall apart because of these monsters."

[circleprodigy]

"Sooner than later, please...but thank you. I'm more grateful than I can currently express, believe me. It's good to know there are people I can trust, when I can't even trust myself." She stares downward, rubbing her temple. "I...thought about running. I didn't want anyone to become injured or killed because of my presence. But it was made clear to me how pointless that effort would be. So I'm here, just in case I can do more good than harm."

Nightfall isn't far away, at least. Then she can get to work without fear of a blast or worse...unless those within the fort change their tactics.

[judgemewhole]

"If you had run, you could have gotten yourself killed. Then what would we have done without our only person who can ever be sensible in a crisis?" James gave her a wry little smile. "So let me say this. We're going to get you out of this, Inessa."

[circleprodigy]

"I don't feel very sensible now, to be bluntly honest." Worn thin, like butter scraped over too much bread, paranoid and sleep-deprived...sensible is far, far behind. But those words nonetheless bring forth a slight smile for his sake. "I appreciate that, truly. If this can end tonight, I and so many others can finally rest easy again.

...if any are caught alive, will you have say over what happens to them?" The Templars at the very least, she would think.