lifeofendurance: (Cautious)
Aleron Darton ([personal profile] lifeofendurance) wrote in [community profile] faderift2016-08-25 01:08 am

[Closed] The Order's Obligations

WHO: Aleron Darton, Malcolm Reed, Inessa, Bruce Not-Banner, Cade Harimann, Ingrid Kief, Jeannot Mercier, Sadira, Bethany Hawke, npc templars.
WHAT: Templars have been asked to clear out suspicious mages squatting in the old Circle Tower. The group is sniffing out the truth.
WHEN: August 15-20 (Backdated a smidge)
WHERE: Perendale, Nevarra
NOTES: More information about the plot may be found here. A link is available on that page for the original war table wiki page. Feel free to inject any local npcs you like. IC signups are over here.




The road to Perendale proves less than interesting. Dusty and bare rock, with the odd silver mine to break up the monotony of the road. A peculiar strain of goats are native to the area and they do not seem to care for strangers on the road. They express their displeasure by rushing the Inquisition's horses and butting them in the legs. Annoying, but thank the Maker, not so aggressive and violent to put an end to the travel days.

The road itself begins moving north through Orlais then turns west. There is something small of interest, however. Perhaps. If one is knowledgeable enough and paying attention. The houses en route have a markedly Orlesian style to them. The odd lion battles a dragon in statuary along the way. Clearly the territory used to belong to Nevarra's southern neighbor, lost in an ongoing squabble between the two.

Perendale itself manifests its Orlesian heritage all over the city. The main gates boast lions rampant, entrenched in battle against dragons. Residences and shops are painted in the same lively colors that one would expect to see in any number of Orlais' towns. Thus ends the similarity. There are no gilded masks anywhere to be seen on the occupants, however, the mode of dress is not outlandish. The accents rippling through the air are not of the lilting elision one hears in Val Royeaux, but far closer to matching that of Seeker Pentaghast. Even the smells wafting out of the local taverns are different, rich and spicy; not a whiff of some overblown perfume to be had. The streets are cobbled and moderately clean, at least in the better quarters of the city.

And off in the distance, just outside the city walls, stands the abandoned Circle Tower, with faint infrequent lights flickering in the windows.

circleprodigy: (arms crossed)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-25 01:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Inessa has a long fuse, and she absolutely refuses to contribute to the poor reputation of the tower mages, but that doesn't mean the investigations aren't wearing on her. Piecing together the faces, and realizing the mages' reputations are completely undeserved, Inessa retains her calm demeanor. The more annoyed she is, the calmer her tone. Only her eyes reveal a hint of the chill fury within, and only when she doesn't have anyone to interrogate. Garahel is a boon, and his affectionate nudging her to pet him keeps her focused on the task.

She'll return to the inn to decompress a little before turning in for the night, picking a far corner. Members of the investigation are welcome to join her, she's just utterly done with talking to locals right now. Garahel plops down to pre-empt belly rubs by rolling onto his back.

In the morning, that cool demeanor remains as Inessa describes what she's seen and heard. Her arms are crossed, lips pressed into a thin line. "These mages have done no wrong. They have not gone out of their way to antagonize anyone, merely survive as best they can. And yet, everyone believes them to be on the verge of harming the city. The sooner we help them depart, the better."
amygdalae: (its not you I don't trust.)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-25 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Likewise with Bruce, it takes a lot to really get anything more than an annoyed reaction out from him - and even the annoyance itself took some effort. If anything, he can't help but feel sorry for the mages who had to go through all of this; their reputations were hardly deserved, even if he understood why people were reacting like this. Still, it didn't make any of this any easier.

As he thanks the last person who he had spoken to he glances over to the Warden to see if she's done with her share of questions as well. He's gotten a fair bit of stuff on his end and it would be good to check things out with her just to make sure that the important things lined up with each other.
circleprodigy: (more arm-crossing)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-25 05:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Inessa settles down at her table with a sigh, then glances over to Garahel, who perks up and wags his tail at Bruce. She waits until he's close enough, not wanting to shout across the room, turning her attention to him as she waits for her tea to cool. "Allow me to guess; the mages have done nothing of note, certainly nothing to earn such fear."
amygdalae: soon to be neutral no longer (the bystander)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-25 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Bruce gives the mabari a friendly smile as it greets him after a fashion, making his way over to its owner so that the two of them can discuss what they have so far. She starts to speak once he's close enough, and when he gets to the table Bruce can't help but let out a huff that's part amusement, part exasperation.

"More or less, yeah." He settles himself down on a chair and places his bag down close to him. "All I've heard is stories of them maybe appearing in places where they might be better off to not be at, but certainly nowhere that's illegal or to warrant such immense reactions."
circleprodigy: (not this crap again)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-25 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Garahel gives Bruce a friendly bump before plopping down again and stretching out, yawning. He's had a very hard day of befriending absolutely everyone in town, many of them excitable children. Letting him be, Inessa leans back in her chair and shakes her head. "Without the Circle as an institution, too many believe we'll revert to the old days of Tevinter. Unchecked magic is an issue, I can't deny that, but these mages have done no wrong that I can see. They're only afraid, and fear from the locals will only cause this to spiral out of control."
amygdalae: (going back to days gone by.)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-25 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Bruce takes the teapot already at the table along with a spare cup, filling it up with tea as she speaks, humming in agreement when she's done.

"It's not hard to see why they feel that way." Magic and mages have always been dangerous, that much is certain. The fear is more often than not justified, but in this case-- "Their paranoia's gotten the better of them, though. Understandable, but it's not helping anybody in this situation." What they needed was probably some kind of plan that could somehow calm down the parties involved. Not exactly the easiest thing to do, especially in these current times.
circleprodigy: (doubting)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-25 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
"No, it's not. The war may be stalled, but we can't say it's over for good. If they react to our Templars before we can speak with them, it could end very poorly." Inessa's lips form a thin line as she contemplates that grim scenario before lifting her own teacup for a sip. "I was from the Circle, but I was fresh from my Harrowing before it fell. I have no significant rank to pull."
amygdalae: Loki plans to go to New York (just so you know)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-26 07:46 am (UTC)(link)
Bruce found himself pausing awkwardly when she started to talk about her position in the Circles. It didn't really apply to him, since he had turned apostate long before they fell in the wake of the events at Kirkwall. But of course that isn't something people knew about and it was the last thing he wanted to talk about as well. The less mentioned about Circles around him, the better. Not because he disliked them, but because it might lead to things that would be hard for him to avoid discussing.

"You're a Warden," he points out instead, eager to shift the topic however he could. "I'd say that alone gives you a fair amount of rank." The Grey Wardens were still rather revered after all, so even if she didn't have much within the Circles her position as a Grey Warden still meant something to most.
circleprodigy: (fireside)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-26 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
The awkwardness didn't go completely unnoticed, but Inessa doesn't pry. It's none of her business, and she's distracted by the situation at hand anyway. His issues are his own.

"A fairly new Warden and a fugitive from Weisshaupt at that, but...I hope that will still be enough." She smiles uncertainly; news of what happened at Adamant could have spread far for all she knows, painting a much less flattering picture of the Wardens. Hopefully the recent Blight and their part in ending it would still hold weight.
amygdalae: (science tiem)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-26 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"It doesn't matter if you're new, being a Warden alone warrants something at least." He can't declare that to be entirely true, of course, but just the title of Warden tended to command enough respect when needed. "And besides, you're not the only one." There was that other one as well--the Hawke sibling, he recalled. If time and seniority was the problem, then she could easily fix that problem.

Bruce sends back a smile of his own, trying to be reassuring. "Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure things will work out fine."
circleprodigy: (pleased)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-26 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Those reassuring words and another sip of tea go a long way towards evening her mood out somewhat, though Inessa doubts she can let go completely until they're well away from the area. "With any luck, that optimism will be rewarded. I would be more comfortable approaching the tower now instead of waiting for morning, but I won't endanger the mission by breaking away from the plan. Besides, Garahel has been a very good companion today, getting people to open up with him around, so he's earned his rest."

Garahel barks happily, his tail thumbing against the floor. Reaching over, she scratches him behind the ears before straightening again.
amygdalae: (listening in.)

[personal profile] amygdalae 2016-08-26 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Bruce wouldn't call himself optimistic by any means, but he supposes he is hoping for the best in this scenario. He didn't desire bloodshed and it seemed like the other party could feel the same as well. Hopefully, an exchange of words would be all that was needed to resolve this issue.

"They probably wouldn't take kindly to people marching up in the dead of the night anyway," he says after the mabari barks out loud. "Better to do it in daylight, where we can more easily show that none of us mean any harm to them." There was always something about the night that made people more paranoid and edgy than usual; Bruce has been there more than a fair few times.
circleprodigy: (harsh light of day)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-26 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"There's sense in that, I agree. I'm more concerned with those who might try to preempt us, but perhaps I'm wrong about that." Inessa dearly wants to be, at least in this instance. The tension is everywhere, and she wouldn't put it past some people to decide for the town before the Inquisition can do anything to stop them. They thankfully don't seem to be the majority, not right at that moment, but still. It'll be enough to keep her from sleeping much tonight, wanting to remain alert to a possible disturbance.

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sunshinethroughgrey: (Hawke Determination)

Investigation

[personal profile] sunshinethroughgrey 2016-08-25 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"So perhaps he ought to come with me, then? Mage and templar, working together." Bethany spoke up, dimpling at the younger templar, before she put her gaze on Aleron and said quite innocently. "I'll sleep at whatever inn you're sleeping in, Seeker Darton. Security is, after all, paramount."

Well that, and she wants to make sure he's taken care of properly. Eating, sleeping, affectionate hand-holding to bolster his spirits up.
onlyhymns: (smile)

The Help

[personal profile] onlyhymns 2016-08-26 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
It's likely more or less agreed on that Cade shouldn't become too involved with the investigation, or attend to the Circle tower, or do anything that might cause him to essentially flip out and ruin everything.
That said, he effectively takes on the role of the Seekers' valet while they're traveling. Largely an unseen and unheard presence, he ensures the horses are cared for, he runs messages, he helps the party stay organized, and, naturally, continues to keep a log of the journey whenever he has time to sit and write.
He's put up in a small servants' room off the same hallway as Aleron and Malcolm, and is almost too vigilant in being at their beck and call. He doesn't resent it a bit; on the contrary, he seems almost to thrive in the role.
circleprodigy: (smile)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-27 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
Inessa's mabari for the most part doesn't stray too far from her, but he always enjoys making new friends. If she's occupied for the time being, that doesn't seem to stop him at all. When Cade seems to be done with his writing, Garahel wanders up to him with a ball in his mouth and paws his leg gently. Want to play?

Reading nearby, Inessa only glances over briefly to be sure his pestering isn't unwanted. If it is, she'll call him over.
onlyhymns: (Default)

[personal profile] onlyhymns 2016-08-30 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
Cade nearly gives a start when the dog first approaches him, and he watches Gaharel with trepidation for several moments before gingerly reaching forward to take the ball. It's not that he doesn't like dogs, it's just... mabari. They're war dogs. He's had to kill them before, and he's had them try to kill him before. Fortunately, this one doesn't seem terribly in the mood.
circleprodigy: (observant)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-30 06:18 am (UTC)(link)
No, this one seems far more interested in playtime. He takes his duties seriously on the road but when there's nothing else to do? Then the overgrown puppy surfaces. The mabari's tail wags nonstop when Cade takes the ball. He backs up, barking excitedly. He's so ready for this Cade, you have no idea.
onlyhymns: (Default)

[personal profile] onlyhymns 2016-08-31 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
Argh, noise. Cade flinches when the dog barks, and then hesitantly gives the ball a toss, guessing that's what it wants. Hmm.
circleprodigy: (earnest)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-08-31 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
Garahel tears after the ball, happy to show off for a new friend. When the ball bounces more than once, he leaps to catch it after the second time. That flinch doesn't go unnoticed, so when he returns, the mabari drops the ball and then nuzzles that hand, making his plea a silent one this time.
onlyhymns: (smile)

[personal profile] onlyhymns 2016-09-07 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
The dog's enthusiasm elicits a small smile, even if Cade is still a bit afraid of him. He very nearly jerks his hand back when the muzzle draws near, but then holds himself still, tense and anxious. Several moments pass, and then he very slowly bends, watching Gaharel all the while, and picks up the ball again.
He gives it another light toss.
circleprodigy: (interested)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-09-07 02:29 pm (UTC)(link)
The throw may not be anything spectacular, but that doesn't stop Garahel from doing his best to show off anyway. He leaps to catch it, barely stopping his stride as he darts back. When he drops the ball, though, he doesn't wait impatiently for the ball to be thrown this time, but flops down and rolls onto his back. If there's a better way to show that he's not going to hurt anyone, Garahel doesn't know it. It might also be a belly-rub trap, because how can he resist more of those. (He can't, ever.)
onlyhymns: (Default)

[personal profile] onlyhymns 2016-09-19 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
A belly rub trap indeed-- the dog is on his back, but his teeth still have full access to Cade's arm if he decides to go in for it. Hesitantly, he reaches down, pauses, notes that no biting has happened yet, and reaches further to give the dog's belly a light pat. There there.
circleprodigy: (smirk)

[personal profile] circleprodigy 2016-09-19 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
That light pat prompts some happily wiggling, as Garahel's jaws go nowhere near Cade's arm. He whines softly, greedy for more. Surely Cade can manage that?

From the side, Inessa looks up from her book and smirks a little at her mabari's antics. Such a spoiled, greedy thing. But she has to admit, he seems to have a knack for bringing people out of their shells. The Templar could certainly do worse.