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]

Garahel wags his tail at Kain and pads over to lick his hand as Inesa straightens and turns towards him. She's quite weary as well, from the toll this ordeal has taken on her in addition to the recent battle. But for the first time in a while, that smile isn't faint or forced but reaches her eyes. She heads over, slipping her free hand into one of his.

"Oh, I will. I just had to look upon it one last time. I don't know why, but...it doesn't matter. But I have a thought; we find Ciri and get a nice bonfire going and let the flames consume it. Then we'll celebrate my newfound freedom with wine...as much as we can find." Losing sobriety isn't something Inessa often recommends, but it's been a hellish several weeks. She's earned this.

Her smile softens. "Thank you...for being here, today and for the rest of it. I'm not certain my vanishing sanity would have lasted as long as it had, otherwise."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain pets Garahel eagerly, not wanting him to feel ignored or anything, as he’s had all his attention focused on Inessa, right now and just in general lately. He takes her hand silently, for a moment just letting out a long, draw out sigh of relief. The stress from all of this has taken its toll, and right now he’d love to go curl up in his cave, maybe hibernate like a bear. But there are things to take care of, first.

“Well, I guess it… represents your past in some way. I understand.” Still, he eyes it with much more dislike, the expression evident as he stares at it. He’d not really thought about it much… usually he just agrees with Inessa on mage matters, since she knows them better than him. But right here, right now, he is deeply hateful of the Circles for letting this happen. “But you’re right, there, burning it will mean true freedom. I think that’s a great idea.” The three of them can also get very drunk, which is… also needed.

“And… you’re welcome.” He gives Garahel one more pat, before moving to wrap her in a hug. “I’ll always be here. Whatever may happen. Always.” He’s not one to take such a promise lightly, either.

[circleprodigy]

That hug is just what she needs after all this horror, and after a moment, she relaxes into his arms and slips her own around him. Garahel leans against them both, to further comfort his two-legged companions. "Thank you. Maker willing, this will be the only time a phylactery is involved. I will never let them take my blood again."

She's a Grey Warden now, outside the influence or the demands of the Circle of Magi. It's easier to reassure herself with that when the Circle is technically defunct, at least for now. A potential return shouldn't influence her in any way, but there's a small part of her that wonders about that, regardless.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain holds onto her desperately, not wanting to let go anytime soon. The last few weeks have tested him like he never has been before. He's caught almost unable to control his emotions for once, but he manages to hold it together, keep it all inside, for her sake. She needs him. That's all that matters right now, and he'll be there for her.

"Nor will I. If they dare... if anyone dares re-create such a thing, I will personally behead them." He's pretty adamant about that. Yes, he does trust her to fight her own battles, but they're in this together now. Her enemies are his, her struggles are his. He won't let anything like this happen again. He pauses a moment. He's not good with feelings or open-ness, it's just not his thing. But he's willing to try and do what he can for her. "If you... it there's anything else you need... if you need to talk about this... I'm here."

[circleprodigy]

Kain beheading those responsible is an oddly comforting image, and she's absolutely fine with him holding onto her. Inessa's in no real hurry to move away, after all. She nods against his chest, sighing in relief as the sword that was hanging over her head is now gone. It's second nature to keep everything to herself, but how can she refuse that offer? Kain doesn't make that to just anyone, after all.

"Thank you, Kain. I can't say that won't be needed. At the moment, it all just feels surreal. Once it's finally destroyed, maybe it will sink in at last, and then...we'll see. As I said, that wine will probably come in handy."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Good, because he's in a mood to hold on and not let go, not anytime soon. He keeps her close, feeling more relief flooding in, sighing as he releases some of the tension that has built up all these weeks. He feels so weary now, but he's been in such an unsettled mindset lately. Nothing has made sense and not having an enemy to directly take on for much of it has been frustrating.

"The wine can most certainly be arranged for right away. As for the rest of it... take your time with that. It's not as if I'm going anywhere. I need you to know that... whatever may happen, I'm here. Always." He may not be the best at talking about his issues, himself, but he's much better at listening.