in_death_sacrifice | Fade Rift Inbox

He did a great job picking it out. It's a fierce-looking dragon.

[Kain looks toward Garahel with some amusement, you'd think he'd never eaten before. He looks at Inessa thoughtfully. It's true, isn't it? That they never stop to think of their own needs or wants, most of the time. That's the Warden way.]

Likewise for you. You deserve the same. [He makes a mental note that he'll have to remember her birthday as well.] Hm. [He considers her question.] I was going to spend the day training. That's... probably not the best way to acknowledge the day, though, is it?

[Garahel loves you, Kain, but he must inhale his food first. There's a grunt of acknowledgement, but Inessa's watching and she doesn't like it when he chokes on his food.]

No, not unless that was a change from your routine and I know better than that. But if you need a break from Skyhold, I see no harm in taking time to explore a little and see what we find.

[But she leaves that open to suggestion or reinterpretation; this is Kain's day, she just thinks a change from routine would do him some good.]

I knew better than to think I could get away with that.

[He thinks a little, knowing that it's really not going to set him back to take a day off. He's always been a little too serious and too into his training anyway. He trains harder and longer than many, and barely allows himself a break.]

A break, hm? Actually... that's not a bad idea, to explore. You know me, as long as we're outdoors under the open air, I'm happy with it.

[Inessa nods, fine with leaving it open-ended]

Alright, give me a bit to pack some food and treats, and I can be ready shortly. Garahel could use the exercise, anyway. Isn't that right, you bottomless pit?

[Having finished inhaling his food, Garahel looks up and barks, then rolls to face Kain, pawing at him for attention. Hi, here is a belly that needs rubbing, please help him.]

Good, and I like the notion of seeing more of this area. I've not really seen much of it yet.

[Kain looks toward Garahel, amused as he rolls over.]

So demanding...

[But then of course, Kain gets down to mabari-level, then begins enthusiastically petting his belly.]

[Faced with that response, Garahel wiggles and rumbles happily. Who's birthday is it again?]

And yet, you fall for it nearly every time. Honestly, Kain, are you trying to become Fereldan?

[She levels a small teasing smile at Kain, eyes glinting with amusement.]

[Kain gasps in astonishment, as if alarmed by the very thought. There might even have been a time, back before the Wardens, when that might have actually offended him. Now it just seems comical.]

You'd better hope that my ancestors' spirits didn't hear that. [But he gives a smirk, at ease as he keeps on petting the mabari eagerly.] That's something Fereldans have done especially well, training such loyal companions...

And we stole their loyalty from Tevinter, which never fails to amuse me. You can magically breed animals for war, but you can't dictate their loyalty. Mabari have better taste than that, don't they, Garahel?

[Ceasing to wiggle, Garahel woofs.]

If I were from Tevinter, I'd also be just as eager to get out of that place. [He makes an expression of disgust, ugh, Tevinter.] They chose well, even I can admit that, no matter where I'm from. Such loyalty is admirable.

Now you've made him all smug. Well, you can watch him while I gather things. If he rolls in something pungent, it's on your head.

[Inessa stands, giving her mabari a look as she's already had to chase him down and rub it out of him earlier. Someone else can take over this time.]

Now there's a threat if I ever heard one... But you needn't worry, I'll have everything under control... we'll be fine, won't we, Garahel?

[Though Kain probably should be careful lest something unpleasant happen. Mabaris just have minds of their own when they want to do something they shouldn't.]

[Garahel pants happily, just pawing at Kain for more attention. As long as the pettings keep coming, he'll likely refrain from being too adventurous. So his glance back to Inessa is completely innocent as she heads back inside. It won't take her too long, though she does take the opportunity to slip back into armor. One can never be too careful, even in Inquisition-held territory. Since it's his birthday, she'll take care to pack food and drink that she knows he prefers, nothing fancy but still wanting to make the day a little more special than otherwise. Only when she's double and triple-checked everything does she return to the porch to check on them.]

[Kain commences with the pettings, figuring he'll be as ready as ever to head out, so little preparations are needed. He'd already gotten himself ready for the usual round of training, so he's as ready as he needs to be. After a while, he invites Garahel to play a game of fetch, grabbing a stick and tossing it for the mabari to catch. They're totally in the midst of a hardcore challenge when she returns.]

You'll want to go even farther for this one!! Get ready... ready... now!

[He tosses the stick with as much strength as he has, ready to see Garahel spring into action.]

[And Garahel bolts away, perhaps surprisingly fast for dog of his size and bulk. Inessa smirks as she joins Kain, observing her canine companion's enthusiasm.]

A good start, though we have quite a way to go before he wears himself out.

[Kain watches Garahel run, pleased at his persistence and swiftness. This is why he's great to have around in battle... and this is totally just as much training as it is playing, really. Yep. Kain nods agreement with Inessa.]

I figured I ought to warm him up before we head out... and I'm ready to leave if you are.

[He's so looking forward to getting out and exploring a little more, hunting a little... and all in the company of two of his favorite individuals in Skyhold.]

I'm ready. Garahel! Come along, now.

[She'll wait for him to catch up, then they can depart and leave Skyhold behind for a while. They can't do much for Kain's birthday, but at least they can help him get away from it all for a bit.]

We'll play more on the road, boy... there may even be some bears for us to take down together, I'm sure you'll like that.

[No matter where they end up, it's bound to be a fun excursion. He'd not realized just how much he's needed something like this, a low-stress, pressure-free adventure. He can't remember the last time he's gotten to do something like this. He looks toward Inessa.]

Let's go. And... thank you, Ness. It means a lot that you remembered.

[Smiling upon hearing that nickname, Inessa gives his arm a gentle squeeze.]

You're welcome, Kain. And yes, let us be off.

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