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

[el_tybs]

The 'thank you' seems to settle Sam down a bit, glad to hear that he had been of service in some way. The workings of the Fade and everything else was a bit more complicated then how he explained, but apparently he had put it simply enough to help the woman grasp some idea of their world.

There is something that catches his attention though and he cannot help but tilt his head. "Pardon me for asking, but... from how you spoke, you do not have magic where you are from?" It had been subtle, but there had been emphasis in her tone whenever she said the word.

[laurenande]

She was silent for several long moments as she considered how to answer him. They were visible on all sides, surrounded by people who radiated unease, and while Galadriel was not overly concerned with incising them, it would not require much. She was not eager to demonstrate her power, not here, but without a demonstration she was left with only words.

"Magic is a word used by men, it has often perplexed me because it encompasses so much," Galadriel began slowly. "My skills are many and my power great, and both are hard to describe in your tongue. I could teach nearly all of what I know to anyone, man or elf. If they had the will to use such things, they would be able, but each skill can seem strange and incomprehensible to mortal men.

"What they call magic is no different to me than any craft, but I am beginning to understand their confusion. When one lacks knowledge and language, magic is the only word that remains."

Galadriel's smile was wan and her gaze drifted to the various armored men who stood in attendance around them. Eventually, they turned back to the human before her.

"I fear I cannot explain further without causing conflict, but my power comes only from within. To expend it is to expend that which sustains me, to spend my strength and my endurance, to bend the world to my will--" She frowned slightly as she considered the term. She had such trouble comprehending what Adelaide told her about Compassion because men parted the idea of mind and spirit. "It is called fëa, what is inside you that is not material form, will and spirit. It is the price of power and the source of...my magic."

[el_tybs]

He isn't quite sure he understands everything the woman is saying, but he is able to grasp at certain concepts that she provides. From what he can gather her... powers are a part of her as magic is of him, but in a very different way. The best way he could visualize it was that she herself was like Thedas and the Fade. One in the same, but separate. Maybe. It was rather complex.

Sam's gaze turns to look at the onlookers as well, eyeing a few of the guards that seemed intent on watching their every move. "I understand your caution. Thank you for telling me what you can." Turning his head back to face the woman, he smiles lightly.

"There seems like there is much we can learn from each other. Though I'm probably the least experienced to help you through any of it. If by chance you still have questions... there is a group of us that meet in the gardens, trying our magics. I'm sure Lady LeBlanc would have more answers."

[laurenande]

"Lady LeBlanc?" she repeated idly. "Yes, I think I shall join you, if not for questions, then to see what else your magics encompass."

Galadriel inclined her head in thanks and stepped back to allow him to move on, if he desired to examine one of the marks of the others. Strangely, no one took up space behind him, though many humans remained waiting to see the marks. The elf felt she had shared enough and, with only a slight draw on her ring, became largely uninteresting to human eyes.

"Be well and I shall look forward to our next meeting, smith. I imagine your works will be quite interesting."

[el_tybs]

How did she- Sam shakes his head. He could ask her later about how she knew about his work as a smith when he saw her again. Right now wasn't for idle chat, regardless of how much he wanted to. "Samouel." He takes a few steps backwards, smiling slightly. "It's Samouel. I look forward to seeing you at our lessons, mysterious woman from the rift."

With that said Sam ventures off to see where else he is needed.