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

[gatheringstorm]

She picks up her mug again, smirking as she thinks the question over. "An insanely high alcohol tolerance, compared to humans, if that counts. Also a tendency to attract elves from above, especially the falling sort. I'm not even joking about that, go ask Gavin sometime. Or Beleth."

[el_tybs]

"Oh well... don't think there would be much comparison to me at all. I don't drink so I don't think I have any tolerance." He raises his mug to Korrin at that then takes a long drink.

The part about the elves gets him raising both his brows in surprise. "I actually know both of those two. Didn't know about the falling part. Gavin and I literally ran into each other. Beleth dropped old bird nests on my head."

[gatheringstorm]

That image, well both of them, make Korrin chuckle. "That sounds just like Gavin, to be honest. With me, he was trying to feed the ravens in the rookery and the railing gave way. I was his unintentional cushion below." She's still feeling that in certain places, but it's not worth bringing up. "...and old bird nests, really? Accidentally, or...?"

[el_tybs]

"You're telling me Gavin fell from the rookery? On top of you?" There's a perplexed look on his face as he lowers his mug. Well Gavin had him beat in clumsiness. He's surprised the Elf hasn't gotten himself killed. Or killed anyone else with stuff like that.

"Yeah, old bird nests. I'm pretty sure it was an accident considering she came down to help me get it out of my hair. Neither of us knew the other one was there."

[gatheringstorm]

She snickers, lifting her mug again. "I think I'd have taken that over being landed on instead. A bird's nest doesn't sound that bad by comparison, though it still sounds like a pain. Better you than me, I suppose."

Well, it's true. He doesn't have as much hair, or horns to contend with.

[el_tybs]

It's still enough hair, thank you very much.

"Well it was gross to say the least. At least you have people falling for you."

Another small joke, another sip. "I take it you're alright though?"

[gatheringstorm]

"Oh, I've had far worse. Mercenary, you know. At least it was just one skinny elf, instead of my beefy kin. Gorse or Taas? That would have hurt, assuming I survived."

And Korrin likes her ribs, and breathing and all that fun stuff. So, mental note for Gorse just to be sure he's not into climbing. Taas, too, though he seems less interested in that sort of thing.

"That said, I'd rather take the metaphorical falling over the literal sort. It's less painful. Probably."

[el_tybs]

Sam winces at the mention of Taas. He was a big guy, and imagining him falling on anyone was not a pretty picture; they'd be crushed. Gorse... he doesn't know much of.

"I think I'd take the metaphorical one as well. Though I hear it's a different kind of pain."

[gatheringstorm]

"I can't deny that."

Not that Korrin has any great experience in such areas, but she's seen the results well enough. She takes a lengthy sip, relaxing further.

"Though I bet we'll soon be distracted from either. Thanks to our find at Haven, I'd be shocked if they didn't send us out soon to check the other rifts."

[el_tybs]

"I don't know. Sounds like there is still a lot of falling over of the physical sort in our future."

Taking another drink of his water, Sam nods in agreement.

"To see if there are possibly other people coming out of rifts?"

[gatheringstorm]

"Right. I'd bet anything that will happen. We just happened to be in the right time and place to see it, but what about the other rifts out there? The sooner we get to them, the better these rift-folk will stand a chance. They weren't helpless, but let's not kid ourselves; without extra people, it could have gone very differently. And that wasn't even the strongest collection of rift demons we've faced. If a pride demon or two gets through...."

Korrin doesn't like thinking about this stuff, honestly. But on the trip back to Skyhold, such thoughts kept intruding anyway. How could they not?

[el_tybs]

"Lovely. If the rifts weren't a big enough issue before. Not only are we experiencing an overflow of demons but people from elsewhere as well."

Just one thing after another. What else could get thrown their way?

[gatheringstorm]

Please don't ask that aloud, Sam. The universe will undoubtedly reveal the answer to that if you do.

"Time to brush up on our magic, hm? Healing, fireballs, whatever it takes. I know I'll be looking to expand what I know while here. Skyhold has too many mages not to take advantage of that."

[el_tybs]

Unfortunately, thinking it seems to be just as bad. At least in Sam's experience. Well too late. Sorry.

"Skyhold has a lot of everything to take advantage of. My schedule has been rather busy filling it in with more than just magic. Can never be too prepared, right?"

[gatheringstorm]

"No, not after Haven."

They can't go through that again, and Korrin will do whatever it takes to make that a certainty.

"What sort of magic do you know, by the way? I hadn't thought to ask before."

[el_tybs]

"Primarily spirit magic."

There's a pause as Sam thoughtfully takes another drink.

"I'm a spirit healer in training to be honest. Other then that I'm more familiar with fire. Yourself?"

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin nods in approval at his choice.

"We need all the healers we can get, so that will come in handy. I can't imagine what that involves, though. As for myself, mostly storm magic but a smattering of the others. I've thought about taking on a more specific role, though. Knight-Enchanters seem interesting, but that's just for Circle-folk, isn't it?"

[el_tybs]

Sam snorts lightly. "Involves a lot of spirit gibberish in your ear and looking particularly more tasty then the rest. It's a lot of fun." It had it's good points, but also a lot of bad ones. Rifts were particularly fun when near.

"Well considering the Circles are... well... I don't see why it would be limited to Circle-folk anymore. If you ever learn to do that you'll have to show me."

[gatheringstorm]

"Of course. What's the point in learning fancy new tricks, if not to show them off?" Korrin flashes a grin, ready and willing to be both flashy and useful. "You might have a point, though I don't know who around here is one, or would be willing. I'll have to fix that."

Taking a sip, she then shakes her head. "You must have a lot of willpower, to put up with that kind of attention."

[el_tybs]

The smile this time isn't as cheerful as the others, trying but the mirth not quite reaching his eyes. "It's not so bad if you have other things occupying you. It does get tiring though, constantly playing along that edge."

He doesn't talk about it much, Korrin being the first of many. Lady LeBlanc was also a Spirit Healer so she knew troubles he faced, but she also already had a guardian spirit. He was very lacking until he understood more.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin tries to imagine going down the same route, but interaction with spirits has never been her strong point. She's too wary of them and their potential for corruption to ever bond with one on that level. But that doesn't mean she isn't curious.

"It must be worthwhile in some way, though, or you'd have given up on it. Did the Templars give you a lot of crap for that sort of thing, dealing with spirits?" Not that it matters now, but before the Circles fell....

[el_tybs]

"Just ignoring it wouldn't do anyone any good. I might as well help people if I can. Just means I'll be much better with barriers and healing down the line, right?"

At the mention of Templars Sam makes a face. "Yeeaaa- it was complicated. There's a lot of crap from everyone really, Mage and Templar, both good and bad. Lost a lot of privacy because of it though."

[gatheringstorm]

"Ugh, I don't envy you there. I'm just grateful never to have been part of any Circle and the crap that comes with it, especially the Templars. Which isn't to say that I didn't have training, but you don't need a Circle for that."

At least she can live as an apostate here and no one cares. It's a novelty, as opposed to living on the road. But...she does get restless after a while. "Barriers and healing will definitely help. I hope that means I get to see you out there when I'm on assignment sometime."

[el_tybs]

"I can see the point of the Circles. Idly a place to learn, but... them too much like prisons to consider it a healthy learning environment. I did learn, but I also lost a lot because of it."

For a time Sam is just quiet, thoughts a bit far until Korrin mentions missions. He does smile for that. "Well maybe we'll get assigned together. That would be something wouldn't it?"

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin can concede to the notion of Circles as schools rather than prisons, nodding reluctantly to that. If such had existed when she first manifested her magic, perhaps she could have learned with other mages without sacrificing her family. As it is, she knows what she would choose otherwise.

She echoes the smile. "Wherever it is, I'm sure there'll be enough to keep us busy. Keep those barriers up and the healing magic flowing, and I'll blast anything hostile in our path."