[Open] Introductions

[in_death_sacrifice]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Kain Ventfort
RECIPIENT: Anyone/everyone!
WHAT: Inquisition newcomer trying out the crystals, getting weirded out
WHEN: Now-ish
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: If anyone wants to assume past CR, even if it's just acquaintances or vaguely knowing about each other, it's all good with me. (Especially fellow Grey Wardens or Orlesians from noble families).

[The voice that speaks has a light Orlesian accent, it’s definitely something which he couldn’t ever entirely get rid of over the years. He also sounds deeply annoyed. Seriously, he comes here with such good intentions and this is how he’s treated? Sigh. Sometimes he questions his entire life path.]

Is this how you greet everyone who joins the Inquisition? By acting as if you've seen a demon? [To be fair, there was only the one person who'd screamed 'demon' and fled fast. Most people who’d given him odd looks had taken a second glance, then shrugged and moved on, and in a couple cases they even apologized for some sort of ‘mistake’ they’d made. It's apparently clear enough to them that he's not who they thought he was. Still, the more annoying incidents stand out.] I’ve a terrible feeling I’m being put through some sort of initiation ritual. Believe me, I had my fill of such things when joining the Grey Wardens.

For those I haven’t met, my name is Kain Ventfort, and I’ve just come from Griffon Wing Keep to add to your warrior forces. I’ve been looking for a better challenge than I’ve had lately. I’m told I’ll find what I’m seeking here. [Redemption. He’s seeking redemption, and he’s also seeking answers to a very specific problem, but those aren't things he’s about to address in public.] Perhaps even an encounter with a High Dragon someday? What I wouldn't give to see one of them up close...

Comments

[circleprodigy]

[There's familiar barking on the other end of the sending crystal, and a moment later, Inessa's surprised but not unwelcoming voice.]

Kain? It's good to hear from you again! I was wondering if you'd ever join us.

[Excuse her while she puts off the awkwardness of explanations for just one moment.]

[in_death_sacrifice]

Inessa... I was hoping I'd find you soon enough. You as well, Garahel.

[He pauses a moment. How to explain his presence here? At least he's known to travel, any chance he gets, so there's that.]

I know I said I'd prefer to stay in the Western Approach, but... I figured I would brave the cold after all. I needed a change of scenery sooner than I realized.

[circleprodigy]

I'm glad of it. We'll definitely need you here. Where are you now?

[in_death_sacrifice]

My sword is always ready. I'm exploring the ramparts currently, getting my share of fresh, cold air. Impressive view, though.

[circleprodigy]

We're in the library, though we'll join you. Garahel will be too excitable to remain quiet now.

[There's a soft, eager whine. Hurry up, Inessa.]

[in_death_sacrifice]

Good, I'd think that he must like it up here too... I'll be waiting.

[He closes his eyes for a time, letting the wind stir his hair. It's chilly, but at least he knew he'd have to dress more warmly than back at the approach, with heavier layers beneath his armor and gloves on his hands. Yes, it's all... worked out for the best, being here.]

[circleprodigy]

[Garahel's heard before he's seen, of course, barreling ahead of Inessa. The mabari's happy barks continue right up until he jumps up on Kain, tail wagging madly. Hello again!

Inessa, just barely reaching the top of the stairs by that point, looks over and smiles.]

As I said....

[in_death_sacrifice]

[There's even the faintest hint of a smile from Kain, though you have to watch very carefully to see it, of course. He pets Garahel with enthusiasm, after he regains his footing, of course. He looks over to Inessa.]

It really is good to see you again...

[I missed you. But maybe that sounds too... stupid... so he avoids putting it quite like that.]

[circleprodigy]

[Yesss, right behind the ears. And don't forget his belly, either. Garahel thanks Kain with a lot of licking and happy wiggles in turn.]

He tried to bring you a piece of cake, too. I had to convince him that you wouldn't want anything that was in his mouth.

[Catching up, Inessa just shakes her head at her canine bundle of nonsense before looking Kain over. She's always suspecting there's some fresh wound he hasn't gotten around to tending, because he's like that. But he seems to be alright, at least that she can tell. That warm smile lingers.]

It's good to see you, too. You don't seem too much the worse for the wear, considering. Griffon Wing Keep is not an easy placement even for those who favor the desert.

[in_death_sacrifice]

[Kain is an expert petter and scratcher, at least, and he smirks a bit as Inessa explains.]

Well... it's the thought that counts.

[He knows that look she's giving him, and straightens as if to prove he can do so without any trouble. He flexes his gloved fingers a little, but the motion is so subtle it's easily missed.]

But 'easy' would be terribly dull. I need new challenges, ways to strengthen myself... I figured I'd find that here more than anywhere. It was time to move on.

[circleprodigy]

[Even Inessa's sharp eyes aren't perfect, and the slight flexing is overlooked.]

You will not lack for challenges here; I made no exaggeration in my letters. In fact, I might have unintentionally underplayed it. So much has happened, and I cannot possibly do it justice on paper.

[She waits until Garahel is slightly calmer (though still very happy to see Kain) before moving to his side so they can walk together.]

...Ciri and I returned to the Anderfels briefly, with Senior Warden Alistair and others. What we saw was...not encouraging.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Then it seems I've come just in time.

[He'd been increasingly interested in the Inquisition over the past few weeks anyway, given what she'd written about. He frowns a little bit as they start moving along.]

What did you see?

[circleprodigy]

We saw Corypheus' dragon circling Hossberg, though no sign of the magister himself. Wardens have replaced the city guard...though no other Warden mages are present. [A disturbed frown forms at that, definitely worried about their fates and knowing it could have been hers as well.] Tevinter has loaned some of its military out and they are visibly present inside of the city to "help" maintain order. First Warden Vidar now occupies the royal palace; we did not see him.

[She stares out onto the mountains, gathering her thoughts.]

We learned that the only surviving member of the royal family -three-year-old Prince Baldewin- was under the custody of Venatori. This could not be allowed to stand, of course, so we entered the fortress via secret passages and made our escape. On our way out of the Anderfels, we encountered a group of Venatori, giants, Wardens and darkspawn with latter two groups standing around with glowing red eyes. Investigating further could not happen, as it was imperative that we depart with the prince before we were discovered. But...it cannot bode well.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Great. An army of Vints. [Kain spits the word out with disdain, he may have become more open-minded to some other nationalities but he's not too fond of Tevinter and the dark things their mages can do.]

It sounds like further investigation will be needed at some point, though you did what was best, saving the prince. [He sighs.] Just knowing that Corypheus may have been there or nearby... [After all, the dragon's presence certainly suggests he's set his sights there anyway.]

[circleprodigy]

[Inessa nods grimly, not fond of Tevinter at large and the Venatori in particular.]

If he was not, he at least had proxies. Either prospect is disturbing; Corypheus seeks to undermine our order directly, or is focused on another terrible purpose. But while the civil war rages in Orlais, I doubt the Inquisition will have significant numbers to send north.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Very disturbing.

[He makes a face, clearly displeased.]

An enemy of this magnitude cannot be allowed to carry on with... whatever he may be planning. I can understand the reasons, with the war, but... the sooner we destroy him, the better.

[circleprodigy]

I couldn't agree more. I fear that waiting as long as we already have, and waiting even more...there might be nothing left to save of the Grey Wardens up north. We might be it, soon enough.

[A sobering thought, and Garahel lets out a soft whine, leaning against each in turn.]

[in_death_sacrifice]

It's bad enough what already happened... if it gets any worse...

[He trails off with a sigh, not wanting to know what worse would really entail. He reaches down toward Garahel for a moment of reassuring petting.]

I dread to consider it. I'm for as direct an approach as possible. The Inquisition has gathered quite an army so far, surely there are enough forces to deal with him.

[circleprodigy]

Not if the city of Hossberg itself is being held hostage. I...there was another that we had attempted to rescue. A woman named Hilde, who was handmaid to the prince and his family, and had ciphered papers for us. Alistair and the others caused a distraction so that she could slip away...but unknown to us and herself, Hilde was tagged by an enchantment activated if enough distance was put between her and her handler. When that happened, she...exploded.

Bluntly put, I would not be surprised if similar measures were taken for the city as a whole.

[in_death_sacrifice]

[That's unpleasant, and Kain makes a face. Explosions were how he and Cecil ruined that apostate village, explosions and fire...]

A terrible fate. But no one could have known it would happen, as you say yourself. I'm sure they would continue to use such measures, but... everything can be fought somehow. There must be some way.

[circleprodigy]

I hope you're right about that. What we need is to learn more about their methods; with the spymaster's people, perhaps we will learn of how to counter them before returning north. Not all battles are won by force.

[in_death_sacrifice]

You're right, of course. I appreciate our stealthier comrades, just as I do the more diplomatic among us. I for one will look forward to a time when I can charge in and put my sword to use. We must know their strengths and weaknesses, we must form our strategy around that information.

[circleprodigy]

And we will. I refuse to go into battle unprepared if there are alternatives. If we don't make use of the information they collect, we are bound to lose the war overall.

[Garahel looks up and whines at them again, due to all this serious talk. Don't they want to play fetch with him or help him not starve? Inessa sighs and scratches him behind the ears.]

Yes, yes, I suppose we could bring Kain to the kitchen. But if we go there, you will behave yourself. No taking more than what you're given.

[in_death_sacrifice]

They'll undoubtedly give us what we need to take the advantage in this war. Once we have enough information, those of us skilled in force can start planning a truly strategic attack.

[He looks down toward the mabari with an amused (for him) expression. He nods, addressing Garahel.]

I've not been there yet, you can show me where the best food is kept.

[circleprodigy]

[Garahel barks happily and starts them off, eager to show Kain...and get some food for himself, of course.]

Given the abundance of Orlesian forces and guests, you're bound to find many familiar dishes...but there is simpler fare to be had, as well. I know Skyhold is relatively isolated, but we're not lacking for much.