faderift | { OPEN }

Entry tags:

{ OPEN }

WHO: Ellana Ashara + OPEN (with closed starters for Sabriel, Sina, and Merrick)
WHAT: Ellana returns to Skyhold from Emprise to catch up with people and settle back into life here.
WHEN: Guardian 20th through the end of the month.
WHERE: Skyhold

{ open }
After Ellana fulfills her duties in Emprise du Lion, she's allowed the opportunity to return to Skyhold or stay and wait for more assignments. But after everything that's happened while she's been away -- especially to her friends -- she wants to see Skyhold in person again. The journey back is thankfully uneventful, and as she gets through the front gate, she already has a list of people to see. But over the coming days, she settles back into a routine around the place, namely: visiting the mounts in the stables and petting those who seem agreeable to it, taking supplies down to the refugees encamped down in the valley below, reading out in the sunshine, or practicing with her new lute, which is a birthday present to herself.

[ ooc: feel free to have your character know it's Ellana's birthday from a scout if they want to give her a present. it's on Guardian 22nd! ]

{ sabriel }
Ellana is looking forward to getting back to Skyhold and flopping back into the bed she shares with Sabriel. It's not that sleeping in a bed roll is tough, seeing how she's done it her whole life, but her bed is something new and wonderful, and she's actually missed it. Coming into Skyhold, she sees not much has changed after the event with the rift. She heads to her room, drops her bag, and flops back onto the bed, sinking her head into the pillow and sighing happily. She'll unpack later. For now, she'll rest until Sabriel turns up and the two can catch up.

{ sina }
Hearing about what happened to Sina made Ellana want to return home, but she couldn't abandon her duties to the Inquisition, and she was assured Sina was recovering. Still, after resting from her journey back, she goes to find Sina to see how she's doing. There's a quick stop to the gardens first, where she picks some flowers. Her eye catches the Dalish memorial in the corner and she kneels beside it for a moment, relieved that Sina's name doesn't have to be added to her clan's stone. Then she returns to her goal of finding Sina.

{ merrick }
First Sina, then Merrick. Sam had told her what had happened to him via crystal and she had burst into tears. But Merrick was strong and Ellana had known he could beat the poison in his system. She also knows that what Merrick likes doing with Ellana more than anything else is to sit and sing, so she travels down to the merchant stalls with coins jiggling together in her purse, hoping the lutes she once saw there haven't all been bought up yet. She's been saving up to buy herself a lute for her birthday, and now the time has come. Thankfully, there are several available in her price range, and she selects one, testing it out. It will suit her, and she pays, taking the lute and adjusting the strings until it sounds as near enough to Zevran's as she can get. She still doesn't know many songs, but it's a start. And she can play for Merrick. Since the lute has no strap (she'll have to find someone to make one) she carries it in hand as she searches for her friend.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ellana perks up at that, liking the idea, even though it's too late to be a part of it.

"I remember we spoke once about how we liked the storm tree, but I think everyone knows me for my fire spells. That's all right. It's what I know best of all." And the best magic is the kind you don't have to think very hard about. It flows out of you as easily as mana flows in.

Korrin would definitely agree with that sentiment, which is why she relies on lightning spells as much as she does. It's what she knows best, and can manipulate the easiest. She notes how Ellana perks up and grins. "Next time I'm alerted there are ice dragons in the area, I can pass on news if you'd like. Then we can prepare to kick ass together."

That talk reminds her of something else they discussed, and she raises an eyebrow. "Are you still interested in rift magic as a possible path? How is that coming along?"

"Please do. I'd like to get out there and kick some ass." She is still green when it comes to combat, but she hopes to improve. When she joined the Inquisition, she wasn't exactly sure what role she could play, and defaulted to common soldier because it seemed what someone who was undecided should do. Now she's on the mage council and there's more she can contribute, but that doesn't mean she'll stop fighting to protect others.

"Oh, that," she says to Korrin's question, releasing a sigh that makes her shoulders sag. "I'm a bit stuck on that actually. Maybe discussing it will help? The thing is, I'm undecided if I should go down that path or not. After what happened to Sina, I'm wary about the power of these rifts, but at the same time, if we don't study them and learn to control them, they could control us. Do you know what I mean?"

Frowning in thought, Korrin nods. "I think so. What we don't know could very much harm us, as the world keeps demonstrating. Maybe learning more about this rift magic could lead towards finding out a way to help Sina and others less severely affected. Maybe. It's all connected to the Fade, so it's...possible? But it's also a new, untested kind of magic. From what I've seen of Your Trainer, it definitely takes a toll if you're not careful. Please don't forget your own name, Ellana."

"I definitely don't want that," she says, fighting a frown. "There's so much I want to do and see, and I don't want to forget it all, not to mention forget how much I want it all." She pities Your Trainer and wonders who she was before she started studying the rifts. Is she the type of person who would hate who she is now, or would she be pleased to have unlocked the power of the rifts at the expense of everything else?

"There's time to think it over. I doubt all these rifts are going anywhere soon."

Korrin can't help but pity Your Trainer as well, and feel slightly guilty for not training with her regarding rift magic. Dangerous as it seemed, it didn't feel right to have the woman sacrifice so much and return that with nothing. Perhaps after she'd mastered more of her Knight-Enchanter path, though that was a very long way from happening.

"You're right about that. I kept finding them on my traveling between Emprise du Lion and here. We're sealing those we find, but there always seem to be more. And as we continue west, I bet it'll still be true."

It's an unfortunate truth; one that Ellana feels helpless to do anything about. She has no shard in her hand, and certainly doesn't want one either. With all these rifts still around, she could either sit here and do nothing, or try to understand the nature of them. Maybe that could help the rifters return home. Maybe that could reveal ways to seal them without the need for a shard. She really can't say. But she knows she hates feeling helpless.

"I agree. But the longer these rifts are out there, I think the more people there will be studying them. Maybe it's worth the risk."

She nods slowly, her expression serious. "I...can't argue with that. If that what you set out to do, I'll be around to help. I have enough on my plate at the moment with Knight-Enchanter studies, but that just means I can use it in your defense. And maybe when I've learned more, I'll feel comfortable branching out there, too."

"Thank you, Korrin," she says, her voice filled with gratitude. "I know it's a dangerous path, but I won't be the only one looking into these rifts. It will be good to have your help."

It feels like there is so much to do now that she's back at Skyhold. She hardly knows where to start. Between looking after the refugees, looking after her friends, working through mage issues for the council, starting to look into these rifts, and now practicing with her lute, it appears she has the burden of choice.

"How do you feel about the Council these days? The issue with the rift was a big cause of stress."

Though Korrin has already intended on accelerating her training as much as possible, Ellana's gratitude is added incentive in that area. She's used to training on her own, and is fine with it, but Skyhold affords her a rare opportunity to work with other mages. It'd be an interesting chance to put that to use, and not just for politics.

Speaking of which, she sighs. "It has, and I'm wondering how much we'll be able to help shardbearers. Not just in terms of their mark, but ensuring that they have rights such as those available to anyone in the Inquisition. I doesn't seem right to campaign for mage freedom only to slam the door on others. We all know how supervision for safety's sake ends up going, even those of us who've never been in a Circle."

"It's common for people to worry when something big like this happens. I can see why some would wonder if this is a thing that can happen easily, or without the rifter needing to be a mage. I feel for them." Her gaze lifts to Korrin. "I mean the rifters, though I can see the other side too. But you're right; tightening the reins on people does no good. There must be a better way."

"I have no concrete suggestions on what that better way is, not yet. But that could be part of the point, couldn't it? That we ought to work with the rifters to find one, not against them? Anyone bearing a shard has the power to do what we can't, by closing rifts. The least we can do is try to cooperate."

Just what would happen if a rifter were proved to be hostile, Korrin has no idea, but she's not about to start seeing enemies in everyone who arrives. Most are just overwhelmed, lacking the context for things Thedosians take for granted. They ought to be caught up to speed, as much as time will allow.

"You must have seen my note, about what took place. Maybe that exact instance won't be repeated, but in light of the rift opening in Skyhold, other tests or restrictions could be coming. And this time, it might not be voluntary."

She had seen Korrin's note, but since Lenneth had volunteered, and didn't appear to be coerced in any way, Ellana can't see a problem with the way she was treated. If the Templars had tested her while claiming it was under the authority of the Inquisition, then that would be a problem, but it seemed to her to be three people taking it upon themselves to figure out the nature of the rifters.

"I did, and I can see that happening. The Council will probably come together to vote on our official position to give to the advisers."

"So I return just in time for the fun stuff. Typical." Korrin's lips curve in a wry smile, not really expecting anything else. It is what it is and they'll just have to deal with it. "How are you feeling about it all, now that you're not sharing a seat?" She hadn't been able to ask about Ellana's adjustment after Pel's departure, constantly distracted with one crisis or another, but now's the time to change that.

"Good," she answers. "Since I started sharing a room with Sabriel, we've been talking things out and I'm enjoying the work we've been doing in the Council. Having a voice there is important to me." In fact, it was the Council that brought Sabriel and her together, sharing tea afterwards to discuss their decisions. And that has led to a strong friendship.

Korrin smiles warmly at that, surprised but pleased. She wants Ellana to remain on the Council, so this answer is heartening. "That's wonderful, Ellana. I've considered Sabriel a friend for a long time now, ever since we were children. That she's making more in Skyhold, especially on the Council, is good to know." And there's a pang of guilt in that they haven't talked much lately, thanks to far too much happening. They really ought to fix that.

"Oh? I knew she traveled a great deal with her father before going to a Circle, but I didn't know you two went that far back. What a small world." It seems the Inquisition is a haven for reuniting people along with everything else it's doing.

"We fixed up our room together. Rebuilt the roof and walls with magic. And we have a bed. I've always wanted to sleep in one, and now I can. I missed it so much when I was in Emprise."

"Much more comfortable than a bedroll, isn't it? If you need more to keep warm with, Asher gave me way too many of his bear blankets. If there are any rift-adled bears left thanks to that hairy madman, I'll be much surprised."

She's naturally fond of said hairy madman, though, and her grin says as much. "Oh, that. My parents were part of those guarding Sabriel's caravan. There weren't many other kids around, so we ended up hanging out. I hadn't come into my magic yet, but I liked watching her own. I never thought it'd end up applying to me, but it wasn't long after we went our separate ways, that everything changed. Hm, I'll have to ask what she thinks of rift magic."

"Bear blankets! That would be so cozy." Ellana's eyes are alight with excitement. She's always felt a little chilled, just from the nature of not having much body fat. This could be a big help. "Could we have one for our bed, please?"

It strikes Ellana as funny that there are so many people in the Inquisition, yet she's friends with two mages who spent time together in their youth. "Sabriel's so practical and smart. It will be interesting to see what she thinks of the dangers involved versus what we could learn from studying it."

"One cozy bear blanket, coming up. After all the crap they gave us in the Hinterlands, they owe us, right?" At least, that's how Korrin will see it. The region may be different, but their annoying presence will always be the same.

She nods in full agreement with Ellana's assessment, a fond smile on her lips as she's pleased that her childhood friend has made more beyond her Grey Warden set. "Well, she's doubtless seen a lot in her travels, pre- and post-Breach. It's possible that might give her some insight she can share with us.

...this is probably a dumb question to ask, but I'm asking it anyway; is she able to sleep much?" Between the usual Grey Warden nightmares and now the Calling...well. Korrin worries.

"And you could call it a birthday gift for Sabriel, to make up for all the ones you spent apart." She thinks Sabriel would appreciate the practical gift to keep them warm. And who knows? Maybe she has a vendetta against bears too.

Ellana understands Korrin's concern, and she gives a faint smile that illustrates that.

"Not much," she admits. "I stay out of the room most of the day, and I've told her she's free to nap, so hopefully she does that enough to make up for it. I feel for all of them." She's good friends with several of the Wardens, knows most of the rest at Skyhold, and, well... there's Felix now too. It's terrible that they devote their lives to killing darkspawn, preventing Blights, and still they have to suffer nightmares and a song in their head. (Alistair isn't very good at keeping secrets.)

"That's true. And it could be a belated Wintersend gift, as well." Korrin has tried to pass those out when she could, but distraction due to missions and the like haven't made those efforts as thorough as she'd like. She'd throw in some fur pillows as well, just because.

Ellana's answer is met with a sigh, as Korrin is unsurprised though hardly pleased with it. "So do I. Being a Warden comes with a high price, and right now it's far higher than it ought to be. Herbs and whatnot can only go so far in mitigating that, and from what I've been able to tell, that still isn't much. I'm glad that hasn't driven you away, though. Being a Warden has to be pretty isolating because of that. She needs all the friends she can get. They all do."

"I don't mind," Ellana says, drawing up her knees and setting her chin atop them. "She warned me up front about her nightmares too. But I feel like... like a person shouldn't have to be alone when they wake up from them. I can't do anything about them, but I hope being around helps." At least Sabriel hasn't said she doesn't like Ellana seeing her right after one.

"I fought darkspawn while I was in Emprise." She folds her arms tighter around her legs. "The Wardens with us could sense them, so that helped. They look so horrible."

Korrin nods in grim agreement to that, leaning back a little. "They don't look any better beneath the surface, believe me. I've been involved in Deep Roads missions before, and they felt just as wrong below as they do above. We were lucky we had Grey Wardens with us, not just for the expertise, but in case anyone had become tainted. I haven't heard of a Tal-Vashoth or Vashoth Grey Warden before, but when faced with that? I'm sure most of us would have given it a shot."

Forcing herself to stop babbling about the past -much as that outlet is sometimes needed, she tries to smile. "Anyway, I'm just being there helps more than you know. "

"I did have that fear: that I would catch the Blight. I covered my nose and mouth when I entered the place." She doesn't know what happens during the Joining, and doesn't know it's possible to die from it. To her, though the Wardens are brave and dutiful, and she's friends with several of them, she doesn't want to volunteer to be one. But if the choice is between dying of the Blight like Felix nearly did, or becoming a Grey Warden? Ellana would want to live.

"Maybe it does. I won't press her to tell me, but I'd hope she'd tell me if she needs space. I can give her that." There isn't much that Ellana wouldn't do for a friend. Shuffling out into the hall, bleary-eyed in the middle of the night? It wouldn't put her in the best mood, but she would do it.

{ OPEN }

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