This Is What I Trained For [Semi-Open]

[el_tybs]

WHO: Samouel Gareth & Adelaide LeBlanc; Samouel Gareth + OPEN
WHAT: Sam is at the point of his training where he is finally ready to try for a spirit companion.
WHEN: First half of Drakonis (flexible time for people to talk to Sam before and after)
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Closed post for the actual spirit getting. Open posts for reactions before and after

[Adelaide: Here There Be Spirits]

For years he had been training for this, but it was under Adelaide's care and guidance that he finally felt like he was getting closer to the end. It was clear that he was nearing the end, too, what with so many of his peers and mentors bringing it up, saying that he was ready, and encouraging him. Even so it was not something he wanted to rush - he had time. With how things had gone the past month though it was obvious that he could not put it off much longer. Rifts in Skyhold. Red templars and demons in Emprise du Lion. Ishmael. He had fared well with it all, but things were not going to get easier, and for that he needed to be ready.

He was ready.

He was nervous.

Even if he had trained for it, and felt like he could handle it, there was still that odd lump in his stomach as he waited in the garden for Adelaide - having shown up early himself to get his head right. Burns, Anamaria and Murtogg would be showing up soon as well. Regardless of how much he worked for this there was still always that chance- It was always smart to have a safety. Other mages had been suggested, but these Templars had been with him during his Harrowing. He trusted them. And perhaps trying to be a middle ground for the two groups to actually work together.

[Open]

{Before}
Sam has decided to go through the final test in his Spirit Healer training, and getting his spirit. The days leading up to when he plans on going through with it are the same as always though Sam seems rather nervous.

{After}
Surprise! Abomination attack!
After successfully gaining a spirit partner Sam seems to be back to his usual self, though at times he does seem to be a bit distracted. Getting used to the change he won't be at his lessons like usual, but he can still be found roaming around.

Comments

[fleurdesel]

She'd done this before. It had been in the Spire with a proper set of wards enchanted into the room, templars she'd known and trusted at the ready should the worst come to pass, with students she had mentored for the better part of three years rather than four or some odd months. But Sam was capable. Sam was stalwart- and the Templars of Ostwick are trustworthy enough. It was a concession she could make for his peace of mind, the more at ease Sam was? The better this would go.

A fade meditation had shades of what they would cover today and they'd been over the theory time and again. But now? She'd spend the better part of the night brewing the philter for the ritual, going back over the familiar sigils she would need to draw, the motions of the spell.

Nothing could be left to chance on this side of the Veil- for there were too many variables to count on the other side. When Sam came, and he came early, she was still painting the last of the circle in which he would sit into the dirt of the gardens- motions careful and exact. "When Burns and the others arrive, we will begin. How do you feel?"

[el_tybs]

For the most part Sam just stays out of the way, sitting on a boulder as he watched Adelaide work. It was easier to concentrate on what she was doing rather then what he would be doing real soon. Or that's how he had planned for it to work. Watching her make the circle made the whole thing feel even more concrete.

"Anxious?" He smiles, laughing softly though it seems a bit forced, trying not to be so nervous; both for himself and everyone else. "Is that how you felt when you went through this yourself for Compassion?"

[fleurdesel]

"It was different for us. They'd been with me, watching me for most of my life. It wasn't so much of a calling as a sudden awareness. We did not even need the philter, the circle and templars were a precaution in case I'd been listening to demons my entire life instead of a spirit." She snorts a soft laugh, adjusting the line of one of the glyphs. "Honestly? I felt worse going to my Harrowing. Compared to that? Calling Compassion to me properly felt like...Waking up from a very long dream."

[el_tybs]

"I can't imagine anyone feeling good going to their Harrowing." He frowns a bit at that, sighing a moment later and rubbing his face tiredly. Thinking about his Harrowing now was not going to help with any of this. Hearing about Adelaide and Compassion's experience did help some though. He'd always had an awareness of spirits and they him, but nothing like that, so this would be interesting.

It isn't too much longer that Sam hears the clanking of metal, turning slightly to see Burns and the others dressed in their armor. By the looks on their faces they were glad they were the ones to be there, but equally looking like they would rather not have been the ones. They're at least trying to smile as they approach and in turn Sam smiles back.

"Well I guess it's time to get started?"

[fleurdesel]

A few more lines drawn carefully in the dirt, doublechecking against her notes- it is as perfect as she can make it. A pulse of power seals the ink in place until the ritual is completed. After this- it is out of her hands. Adelaide stands and nods to Burns and the others with a thin smile. Of those available- these are those she would have chosen herself. "We will not need them, Sam. You will do well."

As he's done well in every other step of their lessons. The lone bit of ceremony she's allowed herself, the delicate crystal of the philter's bottle, prepared as it had been for her mentors and her students in the past. "Drink, sit in the center, and focus as we have in our Meditations. Open yourself so your spirit might hear your call."

Her other hand rests on his shoulder. "Then- it is up to you."

He knows the dangers- he knows Spirits from Demons, knows what resounds within him above all else. Knows how to be careful.

[el_tybs]

"I know." He does know that. There isn't any room for him to second guess, not at this point. Still watching as the three of them move to stand around the circle he feels that odd creeping doubt in the back of his mind. "I know," he repeats again though more of a confirmation to himself.

At being handed the bottle he studies it for a moment, taking in the color and the weight of it in his hand. "I wouldn't suppose that it tastes like strawberries?" One last joke before he takes a taste of it, nose wrinkling some after pulling it away - definitely not strawberries. After a moment he finishes it off and delicately hands the bottle back to Adelaide.

With the strange taste in his mouth and everyone watching him, Sam slowly makes his way into the circle, being mindful of the ink, despite it wouldn't be moving until he was done. Sitting down in the center he takes a moment to get comfortable, eyes looking at Adelaide one last time before he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

[fleurdesel]

Adelaide motions for Burns and co to settle into position and perches on the boulder. There is nothing more that she can do here aside from watch. It'd be difficult, the waiting but-

The philter, the circle, it offers a fluidity to Sam's connection to the fade. Helps him slip past the veil, the Circle a glowing anchor when he is here and there. It is the garden, but not. Boulders float, trees sway, the sky glimmers shades of gold and green and in the distance, far, farther than he can see- the Black City.

[el_tybs]

When he opens his eyes again he takes a moment to take in his surroundings. He can clearly distinguish that the place he's at is supposed to reflect the garden which his physical body is at, and yet it is so different. It is also a bit jarring at how similar to the Harrowing this feels; taking some sort of concoction to slip into the Fade to meet something on the other side all the while being watched in case something goes wrong. The only difference to that and this is that he had chosen to do this.

Getting up slowly Sam continues to peer around then down at the circle. "Hello?" He calls out, not too loudly, not yet.

[fleurdesel]

The voice, when it comes, coils bright and certain in the air- something felt rather than heard; rolling, bass, and deeply masculine. "You know the risks."

After

[gatheringstorm]

Upon hearing that Sam had finally taken that last step to becoming a Spirit Healer from passing mage students, Korrin decides to go seek him out. She's immensely curious and not a little concerned. That's a huge step, after all, and even the best of outcomes must have taken a toll. So, she'll search for him in the usual haunts to see what she can do for him.

[el_tybs]

Korrin will actually find him in the tavern, sitting at a table with a half finished plate of food and still taking bites from it every once in a while. It's still early in the day that there aren't a large amount of people in the tavern just yet, which is why he had decided to eat there for the time.

He seems a bit distracted at first, but once Korrin comes into his line of sight he seems to snap out of it, smiling widely at seeing her. "Hey stranger."

[gatheringstorm]

The tavern isn't usually a place she bothers with earlier in the day, but that decision to check it anyway has paid off. She smiles back, sitting down in front of him and signalling for some cider. "Hey, you. I heard it finally happened. Care to impress me with the details?"

[el_tybs]

Sam chuckles at that. It hadn't happened all that long ago and it already sounded like word was getting around. "Yeah... it feels kind of surreal that I've done it and it's over." He pauses for a moment to take a sip of his drink, deciding that tea would be the best choice at the moment.

"It was quite the trip I tell you. Certainly different to how it feels during the times I dream."

[gatheringstorm]

"Was it anything like a Harrowing?" Sam certainly doesn't seem as scarred as she'd expect of someone undergoing such, but he's also resilient. Perhaps it was similar and he just bounced back better than most, which would definitely have her respect.

[el_tybs]

Was it like-? The question has Sam sighing heavily and once again taking a long sip from his tea. Quite honestly he had been considering making that comparison right at the start, but he hadn't wanted to necessarily make Korrin worry.

"A bit. Similar idea and risks really. Though I got to choose to do this."

[gatheringstorm]

"I know, you've talked about doing this for some time. I'm glad you were finally deemed ready for it. So, what happened?"

Receiving her drink, Korrin nods for him to continue. She wants to know every detail he's willing to part with. Spirits and the Fade may not be her forte, nor is she looking to change her focus, but it's still interesting to hear about nonetheless.

[el_tybs]

"Well first I had to drink some potion and sit in a magic circle. You'll have to ask Adelaide about those though since she made them. It's similar but... different than being asleep. It's more lucid."

There's a moment that he stops and looks at something before looking back at Korrin, smiling slightly. "I honestly expected that I would have to wander around for a while to find anything. But as soon as I spoke up a deep, bass of a voice- Well really I didn't so much hear it but felt the words it was saying."

after

[aceso]

Christine gives Sam a bit of space after his success, knowing from her readings that this is a big adjustment period for him. But she certainly doesn't go out of her way to avoid him either. When she sees him out walking around Skyhold, she moves to meet him, calling his name on her approach.

"Sam."

He shouldn't look different to her, but knowing what he's accomplished, she does feel there's a change to him.

[el_tybs]

Hearing his name being called has him blinking, being pulled out a slight daze before looking around for whomever had called. Seeing Christine he slows to a stop then turns around and waits for her to catch up. "Hey, Christine."

[aceso]

"Hello," she returns, moving to his side. And without beating around the bush, she asks, "Do you wish to speak of it yet, or do you need more time?"

[el_tybs]

It was very like Christine to get to the point. "Sounds like someone is eager to hear," he says chuckling softly. He knows she means well, but it was still amusing how she came on strong. "I'm fine talking about it if you want to ask."

[aceso]

"You cannot blame me for that," she replies with a smile. Falling in step beside him, she takes a moment to decide what she wants to know the most.

"Does it feel like a Harrowing?"

[el_tybs]

"In all honesty it's very similar. Only difference with that and this is we're being trained and given every opportunity to know what is coming. You can never be fully prepared as you never know what will be on the other side, but you aren't going in blind."

A pause and then a smile as he looks down at Christine. "There is also the fact that you can choose not to do it."

[aceso]

"There is that," she agrees. "But I can think of no greater calling than to be a healer; to bring someone back from the brink of death for another chance at life. And for that? I would need the help of a spirit."

So her mind is made up at this point. And now that she's back from Emprise du Lion, it's high time she go through this test and find a spirit who will help her.

[el_tybs]

Judging by the look on her face Christine had obviously decided on something. "It will be interesting to see what kind of spirit you get, Christine. I don't know what kind of test it will have you take with yours, but some advice that was passed onto me. Go with what feels right. If something doesn't the don't be afraid to leave and try again later."