therookery | Supply run

Entry tags:

Supply run

FORM: Notices in various locations
SENDER: Asher Hardie
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Arranging delivery of pelts and taking orders for a supply run
WHEN: Current, departing prior to the soiree
WHERE: Bulletin board, a copy in the Herald's Rest, a few postings in the refugee camp.
NOTES: Content warnings, OOC notes, links to other relevant posts, etc.

To everyone who wanted the following:

bear and/or wolf blankets with sleeves
bear and/or wolf pelts
assorted teeth, claws, skulls or other parts

You can come collect them by the Herald's Rest if you want them this week.

I'm heading out to the Hinterlands to check in with my family, if you'd like anything to be added to the supply run leave a note for me, or come find me at the refugee camp, my tent is the one painted with kaddis and with a small chicken coop out front. I'll be collecting various meats, cheeses, vegetables, wool, leather, homebrew and various other sundries from Hardie Holdings. If you would like me to collect anything else on the journey, let me know and we can arrange payment/trade and delivery.

- Asher Hardie

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[ Ellana stops in the Herald's Rest looking for someone surrounded by pelts. When she finds him, she gives him a cautious smile. ]

Hello. I'm Ellana. I don't know if Korrin mentioned it to you, but she said she would be getting myself and my roommate Sabriel a bear pelt from you. I wasn't sure if she was going to pick it up, or if I was supposed to collect it.

[Even for Asher, he's been surly of late and that's a good part of the reason as to why he's trying his very best to get the hell out of Skyhold to cool off. Still, the woman hasn't done anything to upset him and he turns. He's tripped over more Dalish in the past few months than the past few years it'd seem.]

Asher Hardie, or 'that Avvar lump' or 'that Avvar bear', not sure what Korrin introduces me as to her friends. [What a bro she is.] I've got it here, she hadn't been down to the camp yet so you get to pick yourself from what I've got.

I can't remember, but I want to say the second sounds familiar...

[ She smiles and comes forward, liking the look of the pelts. The bears in Emprise were huge! She lightly runs her hand across one, going with the fur, and then lifts the edge to check the one under. She doesn't mind huddling up with Sabriel under the covers, but she bets Sabriel doesn't appreciate an elf that feels more like an icicle up against her back. They need something that can cover most of their bed. Overall, the pelts all look pretty much the same, so she returns to the top one. ]

Could I take this one?

Terrible, the way she talks about me to strangers, don't you agree?

[The best way to talk about a friend, because Asher can feel his smile splitting his face and it's been days since the Anders announcement but he's been, well, moping. Fighting with someone you banged and liked will do that to a man. Dammit Kaisa.]

Absolutely. Have to say that I thought you would've had one of your own, Dalish hunters are skilled, almost as good as the Avvar. [Like anyone is better than bear wrestlers.] Wasn't as if Haven was much warmer to most people than Skyhold is.

Oh, I don't know. I'll bet you have the type of friendship where it really amuses you, don't you? That smile seems to suggest so.

[ Ellana tries to fold the blanket up in a way that makes it easier for her to carry out and back to her room. ]

We traveled light, so I didn't already have one. And we arrived at Skyhold, not Haven. Well, except for one, but he joined the Inquisition before the rest of us came.

Just hurts when she doesn't remember that our hold beast is a badger, not a bear.

[Asher watches for a moment before he gets to his feet, whistling for his hound before he gives a few instructions.]

Give that here, I'll be delivery boy, wouldn't want someone to say my bear pelt meant you fell and smashed your pretty head open, Korrin would light my arse on fire before the rest of me and she'd freeze my cock off. Forward scout?

Hold beast? Is that a sacred animal?

[ It definitely sounds like it holds a special significance. ]

Oh, thank you. Yes, I'll lead.

[ She hands the pelt back over with a grateful smile. ]

They're a member of the clan, halla are revered to the Dalish, aren't they? Well, this one beast ties us to the gods, it represents us. It's not a like pet, it can live how it chooses to live and even if we feed it, it's never fed enough to stop it from hunting. When it's well? The clan is happy and joyous. If it sickens and dies, that's an ill omen.

[Neighbours to his grandfather's hold lost theirs in the early days of the Fifth Blight, now that hold is gone, vanished without a trace to know if all of them died together.

Swinging the pelt up on his shoulder, he ignores whatever looks he might get; he's never cared, but some of them look as horrified as Orlesians do when he walks past them.]

How many of your clan are around here? The Inquisition settled itself in the Frostbacks and my folk, my grandfather's folk, haven't really made any appearance.

[Well except one woman in Sahrnia but he's not going to blab on a hunch if she was behaving so oddly.]

[ She nods seriously. It made sense to her. Animals were sometimes more than beasts of burden. ]

Five others. Though being here, we aren't very close. Not like we were when we saw each other every day, or nearly every day since the hunters sometimes stayed out. Is it like the Avvar to stay isolated? We saw them in the Fallow Mire when they kidnapped some Inquisition scouts, but I'm not sure that's a good example.

You don't prefer sticking around one another instead of dealing with so many shems? The Avvar don't really have much to care about when it comes to lowlanders. We trade more with the dwarves, actually, works out best for both parties and unless it's raid, there's no real reason to get involved. My grandparents only met when she was forced high up into the hills to go hunting, kidnapping isn't really how it's meant to go. Besides, what is there in the Fallow Mire? Nothing to hunt, nothing for rams to graze on, they're more likely to drown and sicken than anything else there.

I don't mind some of the shems. [ It's said with a hint of a smile and a quick look his way. ] Those of you who don't hate me at first sight rise up in my estimation.

[ She listens to his explanation and it makes sense to her. That doesn't excuse what the Avvar of the Mire did, but it was a miserable place for everyone. ]

But the Avvar don't move often, do they? I mean, if there is a lack of food, I imagine so, but the Dalish have to constantly move because we're not welcome anywhere. Humans claim all the land and don't want us on it. I do wish we could settle down and build houses, but it's something that can't happen overnight.

I'm a very good shem. [There's a grin on his face before he leans down so he can pretend to whisper. It's an act, he's not gone this long without knowing how to do it but still.] Most shems don't even like me, the great unwashed, a reminder that once even the Orlesians lived up in the mountains tending goats.

[Look Movran has shitbag sons. Asher had the decency to get thrown out of his home so he could go make trouble elsewhere.]

A hold is a hold. It means something to you. You learn to survive there and most holds have been there a long, long time, some from back when we were all still Alamarri and no one gave a flying fuck about Andraste. If elves came stumbling into a hold they'd defend it, it's how it goes, and a hold can't take what a village can; things are done carefully, so you know you'll last through the winter. There's land some places though, I've been most everywhere that isn't Par Vollen or Seheron or Tevinter, places where it was me, the crew, and whatever we were being paid to deal with. You'll always find a place.

[Maybe only people like Asher can offer that sort of sentiment without it actually sounding sentimental, just with a shrug of broad shoulders and a grin. The world has never wanted Asher, in a different way to how it doesn't want elves and he's not going to pretend he knows what that's like but he does know thumbing your nose and doing what you want, and making sure you're the one still standing.]

Winters are harsh for the clan. We don't have houses to bundle ourselves up in. I was Heathkeeper, so I know that even the best constructed fires can't hold off the chill once it settles into your bones. It stays there until spring.

[ Ellana wants to find her place someday; a place that's safe and stationary. But until that time, she wants to travel and see the world, while wanting safety for her clan and all clans. ]

Do you have a favorite place? I ask everyone when I hear they've been all over.

[ It's something she files away for future reference. Alistair's favorite place is Redcliffe; Kaidan's is Antiva. There are so many sights to see and she wants to fill up whole journals with her explorations. ]

Holds up in the mountains are built into them, and we were the first ones living up there a long, long time ago. It's a good time for a lot of people to pray to Rilla and make babies, not like there's much else to do unless you're forced to go out hunting but that's how my grandparents met, back when the Orlesians still occupied Ferelden. They both got lost, spent winter in a cave together, come spring she went off to find her family to tell them they'd have a grandchild and she went back and forth from then on.

[After Asher's mother got the farm though, she settled into hold life like she was born to it. Sometimes Asher wishes things had worked out differently, that the generations had swapped so he'd been born like that but maybe he was meant to be just what he is. He always hears that in his mother's voice, and it always rings in his ears.]

I'm meant to say the hold, or the farm, but honestly? Nevarra. I've only been there a few times but it's incredible. It's history, dragon hunting in the glory days, and the Mortalitasi respect the dead, they're not like the rest of the Andrastians going around burning folk. If you ever get to go to Nevarra, then go, just don't get into drinking contests with shady sorts in the pub, you wouldn't wake up three days later like I did.

Oh! [ That's one way to get together with someone. ] That sounds like something out of a romantic tale. They had the whole winter together to get to know each other.

[ Though she wonders if it was love or lust. It doesn't feel right to ask. Too much like prying. ]

I'm certainly not one to get into drinking contests, so I think I'll be safe. But Nevarra is on my list. My roommate Sabriel comes from there, and I'd love to see her homeland.

[Snorting loudly enough that he almost chokes, he shakes his head so his braids swing.] Pretty sure even an adventurous girl like gran was in her day thought he'd cave her head in at first. Don't know how either of them made something as sour as my mother, I'm more like the child they should've had.

[World please explain why this happened.]

Is she a Mortalitasi? [Try to sound less eager Asher.]

[ Ellana looks over at him, slightly bemused. Not a romantic tale, then? Well, then she'll just pretend. ]

No, she isn't. She's a Grey Warden.

[Spotting the notice, Maxwell smiled and pulled out his crystal.]

Perfect timing. I just finished up the charm for your sister the other day. I can bring it by as you please.

I'll be easy enough to find at the tavern, just look for the furs or listen to the barmaid complaining and you'll find me.

[And that'd be her, complaining about her complaints being spoken of in the background.]

[And there she was, still going at it when Maxwell appeared a bit later. Chuckling to himself, he headed for Asher's setup, rising his eyebrows as he approached.]

What did you do to her?

[Raising a hand to wave as his hound lifts his head and turns to get a look with his one good eye, he ends up sighing explosively.]

Parked myself here with my pelts, there's nothing saying I couldn't and she certainly didn't seem to mind seeing my own pelts back at my tent up close and personal. You'd think I'd stiffed her on a tip.

[He couldn't help but laugh - and couldn't resist the opening Asher left him.]

Or maybe you didn't stiff her enough?

[Seriously. Wide open.]

[Well she's certainly glaring at Asher now because he starts roaring with laughter, practically wheezing as he tries to gasp a breath when he can, eyes watering.]

Fuck me and I thought I was the only one around here without horns who'd just out and say that. No, she stayed the night, like I'd let anyone go staggering back to Skyhold bowlegged.

As I'm likely to end up with spit in my ale from here on out, I hope it was worth it.

[He glanced back with his most charming of smiles, but the maid's eyes only narrowed. He turned back with a wince.]

...At any rate. One charm, and half coin.

[He dropped a small leather pouch onto the table, coins clinking, and held up the charm. It was a simple knotted cord, the eye of the Inquisition in a silver stone with a vaguely pink hue.]

It's a solid charm. [He tapped it against the table, revealing its weight.] She'll be able to bang it around and it shouldn't do any harm. It might tarnish some, if worn against the skin, but polish will clean it right up.

Nah, they're fine with someone that sounds lordly. I'm the dirty barbarian mercenary that stumbled off a farm in Ferelden.

[It gets him certain sorts of ladies, and men, all looking for different things; barmaids look for something a bit more aspirational than what he is.]

And one pelt for you. [Not that any of the pelts are bad but he sorts one that's come from a bear that had still been eating well, the fur thick all the way through, not quite coarse. Then the sound of coin and the charm catch his attention and he looks up, grinning.]

She'll love it. [The wolfish grin is replaced by something more fond - Aura is his favourite, the baby, the one he didn't know until she was grown and she's the happier version of him, carefree and wild, but never angry.] She wanted to come up with me, the folks said she'd be doing her part by helping on the farm. This...this'll help remind her.

[No his baby sister isn't coming to Skyhold ever given recent news.]

[Maxwell smiled gently, watching the hardened man soften at the thought of a baby sibling.]

I hope it does. But if for some reason she isn't happy, you just let me know. I'll replace it.

[He touched the pelt, running his fingers through the fur.]

Maker, am I looking forward to not sticking to the floor anymore.

[Tell no one, he's usually only like this around his dog.]

Trust me, she'll love it. [Because Aura is a sweet girl, unlike her lump of an oldest brother.] Do you stay up here then? I know I've seen some folk kipping in the barn and all over the place at times.

[Read: when he's staggering back to the camp after a night of drinking.]

[He nodded, lifting and bundling the massive hide as best he could.]

Off the garden. I've got a little place. [A wry smile.] Chateau Store-cupboard.

[That catches Asher by surprise, taking an ill-advised drink when half of it gets snorted up his nose when he laughs, soon spluttering and coughing until he's wiping his eyes.

You're a good dude in his book Maxwell, long may you live to regret it.]

A store-cupboard? You're shitting me right?

[Maxwell's eyebrows jumped at the reaction, a smile he couldn't help breaking across his mouth as Asher laughed.]

When I don't run late and someone beats me to it, yes. A store-cupboard. When I first arrived I was sleeping in the garden proper, but winter it turns out is a son of a bitch.

[A beat.]

Plus an abomination burned it to the ground.

Ah that's because you're soft, your lot always are, need a bit of toughening up like leather in the sun. [Unless his ears mistake him but he's been in the Free Marches long enough, and been doing this sort of work for almost half his life; he knows what nobility sounds like.] I brought my tent and set up in the camp, just me and Bronson and plenty of pelts but part Fereldan, part Avvar, all Reaver? Cold doesn't bother me much.

[Asher could - possibly has - strolled through the camp naked once or twice without batting an eye.]

Hopefully not the abomination the Champion spared or Kaisa Daesun and I will be having a few choice words.

[He smirked, untroubled by the teasing.]

I could do that, but then where would your fine bear-cape business be?

[He tucked the pelt under his arm.]

Unless he's secretly a young woman and capable of coming back from the dead, I doubt it. [He shook his head.] As I understand it was a young mage, and some sort of disagreement came up between her and her lover.... And then there was a rage demon spewing fire in the garden, dragging a dead woman behind it.

And selfless, didn't realise the Inquisition had the market cornered in nobles actually doing good deeds.

[Okay so like, two but well Asher's spent twelve years of his life getting his hands bloodied and dirtied, camping out in all weathers while they stay in summer homes and estates so he'll take what he can get in all honesty.]

Well that'd maybe make it a bit more interesting for the gossips but sort of glad I missed that one, any job I've taken dealing with abominations isn't one I've liked to talk about. We're good but even with a mage of our own it's always been a close call getting out of with every alive and with all their limbs where they should be.

Just call me Max.

[He grinned, and offered Asher a wink.]

And, on the bright side, I haven's heard of any trouble since, and with so many eyes on Anders now, should he so much as sneeze funny someone will see.

Asher?

Think I can meet up with you to pick up those wolf pelts?

[He's waited a while to ask about them considering the last time Asher kept asking him about the 'things' they did and did not do in the Circle. No, the Harrowing room would not be used for anything else.]

Course, I'm easy to find; barmaid can't keep her hands to herself.

[Sam. Hey Sam. Guess what he hasn't forgotten and there's no escape.]

[Oh Maker. He realized this when he remembered he still needed to pick up those pelts. Managed to escape by sheer luck the last time, but now he has no choice.]

... Am I to assume you're in the tavern then or that I should wait until the barmaid has left your tent?

[No barrier or Christine will protect you now boyo.]

I'm in the tavern, I walked her back after she spent the night because I'm a gentleman.

[Had Christine actually protected him? More like throwing him to the dogs.

Ha.]

How gentlemanly of you.

Guess I'll head on over. See you in... a couple minutes?

[Or the wolves. Feed up a wolf on a human and see what a good pelt you get from the wolf in the end.

Not that Asher's done that.]

My mother would be so proud. [No she wouldn't, that's obvious from his tone.]

I'll be waiting for you - d'you want a pint too?

[Yes, you've already threatened him with feeding him to wolves and making mittens. You know that is the other reason why he wasn't eager for you find him, Asher.

He doesn't have to be the first.]

A pint of what?

Actually... just, yes.

[He has a feeling he's going to need it, whatever 'it' was.

It's more like five minutes when Sam shows up in the tavern, eyes looking over the room to find Asher. When he finally does find him, he slowly makes his way over.]

Hey.

[Ssh ssh sometimes you need to offer your throat to the wolf with the wolf pelts.]

Ale. Cider. Whatever they're trying to pass off as real Rivaini rum because guess what [and his voice raises just enough for it to be known he's calling this barman out] real Rivaini rum tastes like mate.

[You can't just toss in some sad withered fruit and think people won't know, this is against the sale and supply of goods act, he'll get men from Denerim on this.

At least Asher is easy to spot, and as soon as Sam's in grabbing range, he makes an attempt.]

Sammy-boy, you made it, people might think you're a proper grown-up!

[He's not going to show his belly just yet.

Somehow he had figured he'd be seating himself, but apparently Asher is more than eager to haul him into a chair next to him. He's clearly surprised at being grabbed, but doesn't make much of a sound save for a grunt when his rear meets solid wood.]

What, they don't already?

[Asher can work either way, whatever's comfortable for you Sam.

Look, at least he's not rubbing his beard on you. That's the sort of indignity only Korrin and Mal have to suffer through at present, a little grabbing is a very small price compared to that.]

Grown men don't blush, and well, I know Christine and that isn't something she'd ever lie to me about.

[He knows Christine?]

You mean wouldn't lie about something embarrassing about me.

Well you said 'proper grown-up' before so obviously I'm a grown-up, just not proper. I'd assume blushing would fall into the same thing.

[Like he knows Korrin. And Mal. And Kaisa. And plenty of other folks.]

Well she might if she thought I'd needle you, I think by now she knows I'm like a mabari with a bone when it comes to some sorts of things and that it'll get back to her either because I'll tell her or you'll be red enough that you'll be rushed to her tents because someone, perhaps even me, fears for your life.

You've lived in a tower and you both crushed all my hopes and dreams because you didn't use anything properly, you've had none of the real man rites of passage have you when you didn't even have a shag in the harrowing chamber.

[He's clearly not connected all those dots together.

Sam chuckles, shaking his head a bit in amusement.]

I don't think I turn that red to warrant being dragged to the tents.

None of that was how it was used... and you didn't shag in a harrowing chamber either.

[He's just going to point that out. His face might also be turning the tiniest pink at the moment, remembering all the things Asher thought happened in the Circle.]

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Supply run

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