We come from the land of the ice and snow

[faderifting]

WHO: Open to all
WHAT: Thedas' strange new guests are delivered to Skyhold
WHEN: 25 Harvestmere (October)
WHERE: Skyhold main gate & courtyard
NOTES: This is Part I of a two-part intro event, Part II will be posted tomorrow.

A long uphill tromp through the snowy mountains ends at Skyhold, the distant fortress finally before them in all its tumble-down glory. There is time to admire the drop into the river gorge far below as they cross the only bridge into the castle; it is briefly backed up with traffic, several carts bearing supplies and visitors stalled as the portcullis is raised. Those coming to help catalog and unload the shipment and greet the guests, or otherwise present near the front courtyard, will find themselves witness to a far more interesting arrival.

Guards at the gate carry the word quickly, and more gather, though they make no move to imprison the strange people who fell out of a rift. They just line the perimeter and keep a close watch. Perhaps this adds a level of tension to this first encounter, but it also reassures the many who are unsettled by the uncertain turn of events and keeps in check those who might attack first and ask questions later. Others will no doubt soften the Inquisition's first impression, offering food, information, and other assistance.

Medical attention is available in the tented-encircled corner of the courtyard where the wounded from Haven are still treated. The quartermaster's assistant is called upon to provide spare odds and ends of clothing to those in need, and to issue blankets for all, though they are left to fend for themselves to find places to sleep.

Any mage willing to help is called in to do so and a cluster forms in one side of the courtyard to examine the rifters. They are objects of curiosity in general, but the marks on their hands are of particular interest, resembling smaller slivers of the Herald's famous mark. Despite their best efforts, no mage will be able to provide any real insight after this initial assessment. What the rifters and their marks are is a question they cannot answer today.

But one question is answered: in the midst of all the commotion, another Inquisition agent arrives from Haven, rushing in red-faced to announce that the Herald's body has finally been found.


OOC

It will be decided (partly for OOC reasons, admittedly) that the rifters will not be imprisoned at this point, but they will be watched carefully, and the guards are on alert for any strange behavior by people with glowing hands or strange attire. And of course, their freedom can be revoked at any time if they're deemed a danger. Though there are some OOC considerations at play here, you're welcome to ICly lobby for more or less freedom for the rifters, and things may change based on IC action/consensus.

Also: Part II, aka the log for the funeral/wake/etc. event, will go up tomorrow!

Comments

[amygdalae]

I'm doing fine. [Moving around has never been an issue for Bruce, since he's spent the last few years running around as it is. He's never been one who can settle - for reasons beyond his control.

He keeps close enough so that the Charger doesn't have issue getting the rest of the blankets, giving a smile to the people they stopped by. They all looked healthy and good, at least, which was a relief. There were enough sick and injured around here as it was.]

[kremdelacreme]

_{[The people here were getting care as good as they could get anywhere, it was just a matter of patience, and avoiding arguments between mages and templars and everyone else. He took the last of the blankets and handed them to one of the Chantry sisters, giving her a serious little nod then turning back to Bruce.]}

Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think I ever got your name. Cremisius Aclassi.

_{[He held his hand out to shake, fully intending to take the man back to the tavern for a drink before they had to go about whatever other duties they gave themselves.]}

[amygdalae]

[Bruce follows all the way until the last of the blankets are passed out, giving a small smile to the last person before he looks back at the mercenary as he introduces himself.]

Oh--it's Bruce. [Pause, and then Bruce takes his hand and shakes it back in return.] Just Bruce. It's a pleasure, Aclassi.

[He tries his best, but its clear that the name doesn't really work with the way Bruce pronounces it.]

[kremdelacreme]

_{[He's used to it, after this long in the South. He shakes Bruce's hand once, grip sturdy, just a little too tight.]}

Krem's fine. 's good to meet you, Bruce. You find yourself needing a drink, head by the tavern. I'll make sure you get something besides swill.

[amygdalae]

[Krem. Okay. Krem is much easier to say than the other name. Bruce manages not to wince at the handshake and pulls his hand back, nodding.]

I'll keep that in mind. [Although Bruce never really goes to the tavern, but the thought's appreciated.] I'll come find you if I do ever go there.