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

[circleprodigy]

Nathaniel's sudden entrance has Inessa straightening and stepping away from the crate, obedient though her expression is disappointed. This would have been cathartic for both herself and Anders, and spared others the possibility of further torment. But mention of spilled blood still having use gives her pause. It might be true, for all she knows, even if they try to get rid of the evidence. At this point, caution still runs deep.

"...understood." She sighs, glad she had at least taken her own vial when she did. Its end will be at a place and time of her choosing, with Ciri and Garahel at her side.

Her gaze is sympathetic as she shifts her gaze over to Anders. "I know, I don't want anyone to endure what we just did, either. We can still advocate for their destruction back in Kirkwall." After the damage done Inquisition members and the Gallows itself, she would like to think that the higher-ups would see the merit in ridding all of such potential for abuse. "The point is that we're still here, unharmed. We have our lives back. You can resume your work, without threat of being attacked at any time or having those attacks harm others in the way. That's not nothing."

[pinprick]

"We are bringing them back, and the mages will decide what to do with them," Nathaniel says as two sailors enter to grab crates and haul them back aboard ship. He steps back and takes Anders' hand, pressing the phylactery to his palm. "Let's let them do their work."

[justice_is_blond]

They both have so much more faith in the Inquisition than he does. It's not that much of a surprise, but he cannot bring himself to trust that the mages alone will get to decide. But the shape of what Nate is holding with him is enough reason to not draw attention to himself.

"We will advocate for it," he says quietly, holding Nate's hand with his gaze fixed on the crates that are being hauled away. "Because they deserve the peace of mind we can have. They deserve the chance to make lives for themselves without constantly looking over their shoulders."

His people are not free so long as there are phylacteries tracking them. And he will see his people free.

[circleprodigy]

Stepping back from the crates, Inessa gestures for Garahel to do the same. With the loyal mabari at her side, she nods in agreement with Anders' quiet words. "They do, and their needs won't be forgotten. When we return, I'll gladly lend my time to that end.

For now...I should find Ciri." She nods to them and Garahel wags his tail, then follows his mistress to the doorway.