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

[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.