faderifting: (Default)
Fade Rift Mods ([personal profile] faderifting) wrote in [community profile] faderift2015-12-30 06:14 pm

OPEN: this will be a better year

WHO: Everyone
WHAT: First Day
WHEN: Wintermarch 1 (forward-dated)
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Scouts from both the Western Approach and Emprise du Lion are welcome (but not required) to have returned to Skyhold in time for this event.



There have been better First Day feasts, and less crowded ones, and cheerier ones. It isn't a good year for many to look back on, and this one isn't starting any better. Reports from both Eastern and Western Orlais are grim. Many in the Inquisition can't afford to take more than a few hours away from their work, if that.

But for those who can, the ambassador does her best. At lunchtime some tables, hot food, and finery are reserved for visiting nobility and wealthy pilgrims--cause for grumbling in some quarters, perhaps, but they're the people filling the Inquisition's coffers, and allowances must be made--but there's plenty of stew, bread, and ale for everyone, even with the soldiers and refugees who stay outside the fortress invited inside for the holiday. The recently repaired garden and its carefully tended plants aren't off limits, but anyone noisy and holding a drink will be stopped at the door; the battlements, with their potential for deadly falls, are blocked by Inquisition guards. But the courtyards brim with people, most of them happy despite the possibility that the world might end before another First Day arrives.

If the courtyards are too full of tipsy visitors for comfort, there's also the valley beyond the fortress, expansive, barren, and covered in snow. By the river the soldiers help the refugees make a bonfire larger than would ever be allowed inside Skyhold's walls, and some lend their shields to use as sleds down the embankments. A group of scouts start the most intense game of hide and seek Thedas has ever seen, with snowballs to the face for whoever is found first. In the camp, a refugee girl with her hand wrapped in a green scarf chases other children around the tents, shouting raaar, I'm from the rifts!
harthad_uluithiad: (stubborn)

[personal profile] harthad_uluithiad 2016-01-27 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam shakes his head, still not understanding. "It's simple enough," he grouses. "That is, I'm not clear on why it happens, or how; but it does happen, and the lot of us are just as helpless to stop it as you!" He shoots Garris a dark look, tinged with longing. "At least you get to go home, sometime. At least you know where home is."
judgemewhole: (Default)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-01-27 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oooooi." Burns protested, before the rest of the Templars stated, "Gilette, of course."

Norrington added dryly, "Gilette is the only one who can control him."
judgemewhole: (Hopeful Chantry Boy)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-01-27 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"A good night to you as well, Salvatore." He tipped his head in a faint bow, before turning in the other direction.
the_effect_she_has: (Default)

[personal profile] the_effect_she_has 2016-01-27 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"I will, but you owe me a dance for later." She grinned, poking him in the arm.
sistertohermen: (fate of ferelden)

[personal profile] sistertohermen 2016-01-28 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
"You're not from here," she concludes, at least not loud anymore. Still trying to get the anger locked back up, though. It's not often she erupts, and she's still not pleased with his sniveling. "I wish you were back there, too. Apparently things are better, make more sense there. Or they've brainwashed you just as well."
dragoon_pride: (moody and broody)

[personal profile] dragoon_pride 2016-01-28 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
No, magical weapons are probably hard to come by, he'd think. But hm, now he has to wonder... because he himself is no mage, and does no magic, despite having an unusual ability. He's honestly curious. "No magic for me, either... So, do you Templars have any sort of combat powers?"

He gathers it's not usual for the Templars and Mages to be working together quite in the way that they are here, and that this is completely new to everyone involved. Hopefully it doesn't fall apart under the sides' distrust, but then things seem pretty stable as far as he can tell. "Is that why you've joined with the Inquisition? Because it's a new way?"
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Sam_Grin)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2016-01-28 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
"Sad day when the Fereldens can't hold against the Orlesians, Burns," he sighs solemnly at the news, bowing his head a bit. Clearly he's joking, but even Sam knows how to make fun about the whole Orlesian/Ferelden thing.

"Have you all found accommodations here in Skyhold yet?"
judgemewhole: (Default)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-01-28 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"We do, actually. Powers that we gain through vigorous training and long hours of study -- as well as augmenting them with lyrium." He paused, then added quietly, "Although we still have the powers, without the lyrium. Just not as effective."

Something that may, in fact, become an issue later on. He did not wish to think what would happen if they were cut off from lyrium now -- the recovery time alone would cripple the Templars beyond reason.

"I joined the Inquisition because it is the new way - and the only sane way left to us." He was grim, again. "Because I want to show all of Thedas that the Templar Order is not just a bunch of murdering hoodlums. I did not dedicate my life to a band of brigands, I gave my life to Andraste and the Maker. So ... I will do whatever I have to, to forge us on a new path."

He gestured to the icy landscape around them. "This ... is our new path."
judgemewhole: (Smirk)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-01-28 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"OI. I can hold my own against Gilette... in the training ring." Burns cleared his throat, "He just says really mean things."

Murtogg spoke up, "We're in our travel tents - not ideal but they're dry and with a fire outside, warm. They've got the Knight Commander in a small room all his own though."

Norrington's smile was wry, "It has a bed and a small window, and if I am careful I will not kill myself on the broken stairs."
qunari: (pic#9554398)

[personal profile] qunari 2016-01-28 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey now. Qunari and giants are two different things entirely. Don't go getting us mixed up.

[ He sounds more wounded than offended. Too stern a reprimand and he'd just spook the little guy all over again. ]
foxsays: (I ain’t blind)

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-01-29 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
"So a hobbit is what you are then? I did wonder but I thought as I come from a place of only humans, asking such a question is very odd." Besides, she sort of thought she had it covered: tall with horns? Various Qun-related folks. Pointy ears, with or without Vallaslin? Elves. Short and stocky? Dwarf. Everyone else? Human. But these Brandybucks must be daring then, to sail the river as they do but she'll leave aside her own loves for the moment. "What is it like there? Are there thick forests, great fields? I only know land that is built upon or shores and beaches."
harthad_uluithiad: (shy)

[personal profile] harthad_uluithiad 2016-01-29 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
Well there's no call for that. He shoots her a dirty look at her telling him she wishes he were gone, but can't summon up the energy for much more than that.

"It is better," he says sullenly. "Not perfect, mind. But.." He thinks of the things he'd seen in Galadriel's mirror - the Gaffer turned out of Bagshot Row, the miller's son cutting down trees, and shakes his head, staring at the ground. "I - I hope things still make sense there. I don't know." He falls silent, feeling lost and afraid.
harthad_uluithiad: (wonder)

[personal profile] harthad_uluithiad 2016-01-29 07:39 am (UTC)(link)
"You won't know the Shire at all, then," he says, leaning forward, a little more enthusiastic now. "There's no shores nor beaches in the Shire, save the riverbanks. But we've got forests and fields aplenty: green, green far as the eye can see. You haven't eaten until you've eaten a hobbit-meal, or six of them. Rashers of bacon, cold mugs of beer, the freshest of greens, straight from the garden to the plate. All that and more!"
fleurdesel: center, smirk, smile, sarcastic (And I'm still right.)

[personal profile] fleurdesel 2016-01-29 08:10 am (UTC)(link)
"No thank you, Jamie- but I will save a dance or five for you upon your return." It's hard not to enjoy his company, his straightforward kindness, his open appreciation for the nuances of this world? Endear him to her all the more. She reached out to take his hand gently and squeeze it- a sign of both comfort and affection. Something to make up for her earlier flinching. Tonight the ghosts of the Spire were far from her mind. "Have your fill- I think, perhaps, I saw someone walking about with a tray of honey'd cakes you ought to try."

Smaller and not near so fine as the delicacies offered the visiting nobility- but simpler and more filling.
harthad_uluithiad: by <user name=yalldve> (it's the elves sir!)

[personal profile] harthad_uluithiad 2016-01-30 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
Then you do have giants here! [ Sam's eyes open wide. He's feeling a lot more comfortable, knowing that the Iron Bull isn't going to squash him, and he's considerably more talkative as a result. ] I wondered. Mr. Bilbo spoke of seeing them, on his travels; though I always had the idea that they were bigger yet: the size of mountains, almost, or near enough. Then I met Qunari; and though you're no mountains, the difference is little enough, to a hobbit. But what are the giants like, then?
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Default)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2016-01-30 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
Sam just shakes his head and snorts lightly at Burns.

He's not particular fond of hearing that they're staying in their tents, but with the number of people making their way into Skyhold they simply did not have the space. At least not yet.

"You definitely need to watch out for the stairs around here. Always looking to trip you up when you use them. Eating well at least? They definitely make sure there's plenty at meals."
middle_of_calibrating: animefreak00910 (Default)

[personal profile] middle_of_calibrating 2016-01-30 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
Hands are quickly thrown up in a surrender manner at the outburst, not quite sure what else to do. It's not like he's being attacked - maybe verbally - but it's clear that the small guy is dealing with a lot of things and needing to get it off his chest.

"Yeah, you're right. I can go home and I know where it is. But with the rifts and this dark army forming that might not be true too soon," he says evenly, not trying to rile Sam up any more, just pointing out that things were as simple and complicated as his own situation is. "Going home ain't that easy here either."
foxsays: (And turn the smile on)

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-01-30 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a moment where she closes her eyes to try to imagine it a little better but it's too different for her to really manage. "The most green I see are kelp forests, and then only if I go for a swim. But six meals! If we have three a day then we count ourselves very lucky but six, how does one find the time? Oh Lux if I ate six meals a day I could roll you around the place like a very furry sort of barrel. To have such fresh vegetables, we must send for ours by sea, the soil is too salty for many things."
judgemewhole: (Default)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-01-30 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Three square meals a day and we don't have to try to eat Gibb's version of 'well done' meat?" Murtogg smirked broadly, "I think we're ahead of the game when it comes to food around here."
sistertohermen: (Default)

[personal profile] sistertohermen 2016-01-30 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"Things weren't perfect," she can agree on that without even knowing what kind of place he came from. No place is perfect. "Maybe you saw a lot of things you thought were normal, but maybe you start thinking it's not the way it should be."
issala: (ataash)

[personal profile] issala 2016-01-30 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't think it does... and people will protect you, I'm sure of it!" See? Everything will be fine, Sam. (Until you're eaten by a varghest.)

The mention of garden work makes the boy brighten up a bit and he smiles again. "Working with that is great, my best fr... this guy Gorse did garden things and herbs and it helped a lot." He brushes back his white hair a bit. "Herbs and stuff are really important to make potions and things with to keep people alive and strong. You could help a lot if you took care of the gardens!"
el_tybs: Evan Antin (Sam_Grin)

[personal profile] el_tybs 2016-01-31 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam isn't at all familiar with Gibbs' cooking, but the fact that it has to be brought up and teased about he can assume that it's not good. "I have to agree. Three square meals and being good is a pretty damn good bonus."
dragoon_pride: (helmetless)

[personal profile] dragoon_pride 2016-01-31 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
“Lyrium…” Kain trails off, remembering what he had seen with the red variety… but, no, there’s another kind too, and it presumably doesn’t have the same dangers. “It doesn’t have the same effects as the red, though, right? You’re able to keep your minds intact with this variety?”

Understanding what he’s saying, Kain nods. “I just came from a war where fighters were pulled together from a variety of different worlds… In times like these, it’s important to put behind the past and forge ahead.” Sometimes he really did think it may have been for the best that they’d lost their memories at the time. No dwelling on the past, then. “It seems you’ve already started walking down that new path.” At least, from an outsider perspective.
judgemewhole: (Pensive)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-02-01 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Not a one of us will argue about it." Norrington stated firmly, before he leaned back into the wall. "Whatever we could be looking at here, being good and fed is all we could honestly hope for."

Maker knew they weren't going to get much of a welcome anywhere else.
judgemewhole: (Default)

[personal profile] judgemewhole 2016-02-01 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
"...For the most part, although if you take it long enough, your state of mind does deteriorate over time. And it does not drive you to violence. Just .... vagueness." He stood up a little more straight.

"One can only hope -- but tat you came from such a war gives me hope that the others who come with you or after you, will have the same kind of experience." Or at least to know how to hold a sword the right way.