[Open] I'm a diamond in the rough

[unharrowed]

WHO: Vasran and You
WHAT: Getting herself established, relaxing in the springs
WHEN: Late Wintermarch
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: See Vasran's info post to get an idea of her, if you'd like to do so before tagging in

Courtyard

The robes she wears are not new -- those who know such things may recognize them as robes of a Ferelden Circle apprentice -- but they have been recently cleaned. One of the first things Vasran did upon her arrival was find the laundry. She is ready to be recognized as a mage again.

Now she only needs to know where to go. She has heard a few various things about the organization or lack thereof regarding both mages and templars in Skyhold. Perhaps with a little bit more prodding, she'll be able to hunt down the proper authority who can put her to use.

"Excuse me," she says, placing a couple of light fingers on the arm of a passer-by. "I was wondering if you could tell me something."

Hot Springs

There is one luxury Vasran has long gone without, having spent the better part of the last year in the wilderness: Bathing. Bathing that happens somewhere other than a freezing stream or lukewarm pond. Bathing in actually heated water.

The area still being rather public, she strips only as far as her smallclothes before sinking into the steaming spring. She immerses herself nearly up to her nose, leaving just enough room between her nostrils and the water's surface for her to breathe, and closes her eyes, letting the warmth seep into her skin. Her Circle robes lie folded in the changing area near the pool's edge.

Vasran sighs, contended, and only opens her eyes when she hears someone approaching, or feels the water's surface ripple.

Comments

Courtyard

[gatheringstorm]

The passer-by is a tall, horned woman, recognizable as a mage only by the staff on her back. No robes for her, as she seems to prefer armor. Korrin is on her way to train, feeling restless and not wanting to become rusty though there's really no danger of that happening. Idleness doesn't suit her.

The voice gets her attention, though, and she pauses, glancing down and raising an eyebrow. Her tone is not unfriendly, just surprised to be singled out. Most people here are still getting used to her kind. "If I have the answer, I'll give it. What do you need?"

[unharrowed]

Truth be told, it had taken a bit of working up her courage to address the qunari. Vasran had never encountered one before, and though she had only seen a few in the short time since her arrival, it was enough to feel that the place was crawling with them.

But they are part of the Inquisition, and so too, now, is she. More than that, this one is a mage. She will not allow herself to be cowed just because this particular mage happens to be tall. And... horned.

Anyway.

"Who do I see about getting assigned to the field?" She gives a brief, indicating glance down at her own robes. "I only arrived yesterday, with the caravan. It's hard to tell who exactly is in charge of the mages here."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin's quick to smile as this is actually something she knows a fair bit about. "There isn't any one particular person in charge of the mages. We have a council overseeing matters both internal and external. I'm one of their Councillors, actually; Korrin Ataash, of the Valo-Kas company."

She nods, then tilts her head, curious. "What sort of skills do you have? Or affiliation, either might help pinpoint who you should seek." Granted, she don't pretend to understand much about Circle fraternities, but the basic knowledge has been absorbed a long time ago.

[unharrowed]

She gives a nod of greeting in return. "Vasran, formerly of the Ferelden Circle." She never got a chance to join a fraternity, but she considers the Ferelden Circle an affiliation in itself.

As for her skills. Vasran's shoulders square up a bit further: partly from pride, partly to look Korrin more fully in the face.

"I'm best with fire, lightning, mental attacks. Offensive magics have always been my strengths."

[gatheringstorm]

Ah, Ferelden. That probably means she knows Daylen but Korrin doesn't ask largely because she doesn't like him and he's gone elsewhere for the time being. At mention of offensive magics, she nods in approval. "As have mine. Lightning has always been my focus, and I'll sometimes help younger mages with that, though tutoring is spread around among the rest of us."

But that's getting a little off-track and she knows it. It's probably best not to bombard the girl with more information than needs. "As for getting assigned, that won't be difficult though it's done on an as-needed basis. That will come shortly, as there's pressing need for the Inquisition to reach Emprise du Lion. Once the higher-ups have gathered whatever intel or resources they require, you'll get your pick of assignments as we move out. Believe me, those offensive magics will see good use."

[unharrowed]

"Really?" There's a note of surprise in Vasran's tone, though it isn't unpleasant. "They let us decide where we want to go?"

[gatheringstorm]

Knowing that such is a new concept to a lot of Circle mages, Korrin just takes that in stride and nods. "Of course. We're free allies here, not conscripts or wards. It's been that way ever since Haven. I've traveled throughout Ferelden and Orlais on their behalf and of my own will. The Inquisition is about getting things done, not divisions. If you can contribute, that's really all they care about."

[unharrowed]

Allowed to choose where they go, how they help. It sounds... well, it sounds like what the rebellion claimed to actually want, rather than hiding within the walls of Redcliffe, getting hitched to the cart of a Tevinter magister.

It almost sounds too good to be true, but Vasran will remain open to the idea. At least for now.

"How about that," she says, taking another look around the courtyard as they reach the edge, seeing the surrounding passers-by with fresh eyes.

[gatheringstorm]

There's more to it than that, of course, but Korrin is trying to refrain from getting into the detail of mage politics, or the tension with the Templars. The new person doesn't need all that heaped on her, though a slight narrowing of the Vashoth's eyes at a passing Templar might indicate her feelings nonetheless. She's never been one to keep those too far from the surface, even in the rare occasions when she tries.

"There are still tents and rooms enough to house people, though you'll likely have to share. If you want to unwind before the grand push to head out, we have the tavern just over to the left, though if you want something quieter we also have the hot springs. After that frigid path to Skyhold, a good soak can do a world of good."

[unharrowed]

At hot springs, Vasran decidedly perked up — her pointed ears actually lifted a little.

"By the Maker," she sighed. "You can bet I'll be finding those later. It's a damn chore trying to heat up a pond under your own power — nearly boiled myself alive."

Though she had discovered a new way of catching fish that day.

[gatheringstorm]

That response to mention of the hot springs gets a grin from Korrin. Very few people here don't relish having that place of warmth and relaxation, a haven of its own in the midst of snow, ice and tension surrounding them. She wouldn't trust anyone who doesn't know how to relax in some way; those who insist on remaining wound up end up snapping at some point.

"Oh, I understand. It'll do in a pinch if you've nothing else, but here you don't need to expend your power on that. It can be a lifesaver in terms of morale."

[unharrowed]

"So how did you wind up with the Inquisition?" The path from the Circles is one Vasran is well-familiar with. It sounds as though Korrin's differs a great deal.

[gatheringstorm]

"Some of my mercenary company were working security at the Conclave. I was dealing with another assignment." Korrin crosses her arms, eyes darkening and lips thinning at the memory of that day. "When the temple exploded, I signed on. I wasn't going to let the asshole responsible be found and gutted without at least one of the company around to help make it happen. My kithmates deserve better than that."

[unharrowed]

"I see." Vasran's response is solemn. She wonders just how many of the paths to the Inquisition are strewn with blood. Hers certainly is.

"If only so many people didn't have to die to bring us together."

[gatheringstorm]

The lack of platitudes in response in refreshing and Korrin, bracing herself for them, relaxes a little. She sighs, glancing around the courtyard. "Tell me about it. And then we lost the Herald, just as it seemed we were getting our footing. I think she would have liked this place, but I'll never know for sure."

[unharrowed]

"You knew the Herald." Of course she did. But there's a hint of wonder in Vasran's voice, acknowledging it out loud.

She lets out a harsh sigh, then. She could have been here so much sooner, if she hadn't been following her fellow mages around.

"The people I followed from the Circle were such fools." Speaking ill of the dead gnaws at her insides a little, but it would be worse not to speak at all. "We were never going to find freedom in the wilderness. Only a new kind of hardship."

[gatheringstorm]

"It's no life of ease here, but it's far better than pledging oneself to Tevinter or tearing the countryside apart, that's for sure. Not that I was involved in any of that, but I've seen where desperation leads. And yes, I knew her. Not well, but Haven was a very small place compared to this. It was impossible not to know everyone there eventually."

Korrin's smile is a touch melancholy. "I know that she sincerely wanted to help. Haven rarely saw her, since she was out on the field so much. It wasn't an empty title, not for her."