[It's definitely unexpected, but after a moment of surprise, Inessa returns it.]
You're quite welcome. I've been worried about you, and I know how frustrating a long recovery can be. That's why I hope you're not eager to repeat the experience. But I've said my peace about that before, so I won't burden you with it again.
[Garahel leans in against Kain and nuzzles him, gently.]
I really appreciate it. The gift you left me, it... they're perfect. And I appreciate... well... you.
[He reddens slightly.]
I mean... that is... I appreciate what you've done for me over the past month. You've made it all more bearable.
[He can't promise this is the last time he'll ever end up like this, but he's definitely not looking forward to it happening again anytime soon. He'll just have to be stronger.]
I've missed Garahel too. Sorry I've not been around to play, boy... but I will be soon, I promise.
[Garahel seems somewhat mollified, as long as he can get Kain to scratch behind his ears. That's important.
Inessa manages a self-conscious though genuine smile when she sits down, placing the mugs before them. She made sure to stock whatever tea Kain seems more partial to.]
I--well, thank you. I'm glad to hear it. Let me know if you'd like assistance hanging them up. The infirmary could use a little brightening, anyway, and when you move on from it, just make sure to place them somewhere with a lot of light.
[She pauses, letting the mug warm her hands.]
...if you have other plans, ignore this, but I ought mention that there are still rooms available near that which I share with Ciri. The Wardens aren't clustered like we where, but...I miss it.
[Kain is more than happy to provide ear-scratches, of course. After a bit of this, he finally returns attention to Inessa and the tea, which he starts slowly sipping at.]
I'd like that if you could. I'd really like that...
[He looks at her thoughtfully, unsure at the moment what he wants to do.]
I miss what we had back in Skyhold. Our camp was... it was ours. I don't feel that way here. Of course, I've not seen much outside the infirmary, but even so... [He takes another sip.] I may consider it, for practical reasons. [No matter what he does he ought to have a small dwelling of sorts for when he absolutely needs to be in town. But only that.] But I also... I don't know. This city feels so... confining to me. I hope you understand. I'm not used to places like this. During my time as a Warden, I was on the move so much, tents were my dwelling place. And even back home, well... it wasn't like this.
I think I understand. The city itself is a little overwhelming, but Circle quarters are familiar enough, for me. I just wish the former Circle in question wasn't the Gallows, of all places.
[She sighs, then takes a sip. The Gallows was the worst of the worst, a terrible history that didn't begin with Merediths' reign. But it is what it is, and they have to deal with it.]
Would it be easier for you if you staked a claim below the roost? Potato would be pleased for the proximity, and you would have a means to get away if you need it. Though I would hope you don't claim all of her time.
I don't like what I've seen of the Gallows. It's not Skyhold. [He sighs. He'd even somewhat grown fond of the place, even if it wasn't 'home' for very long.] I just... long to be back in the mountains. I've always felt that, anytime I've explored such a place...
But that's not a bad idea, I suppose. As it is, Potato and I have extensive training to do, as soon as possible. I hope she'll still accept me...
She will, if you offer her sufficient amounts of treats and grooming.
[Inessa then stares down at her tea, her voice quiet.]
I know how you feel about the mountains, but please remember we have a duty. That has to supersede our preferences, or our sacrifices will be in vain. I--we--need you here, at least often enough that you can participate.
I’ll be sure to stock up on treats for my next visit, in that case. I hope it’s enough to win her affections back...
[He’s not been able to go all that way to see the griffons yet, and he’s definitely restless to do so. Maybe soon, just to at least groom and be by Potato’s side.]
Ah… don’t worry, Inessa. [He hesitates, then reaches to place a hand atop hers, then just as quickly moves it away.] I’ve no intention to disappear completely. I just need… a place to escape to, when the city becomes too stifling for me. I’ll still keep some sort of place here.
I couldn’t leave you… Well, I mean you and all of the Wardens and our duty… well… you know what I mean.
[Kain is still a bit hesitant about showing affection, too shy to really go for it. But he knows he must make his move soon. He’s waited too long. The injury had set back his plans, but he still wants to tell her how he feels. But he wants to do it when he’s well.]
Hm… I for one would like to try Garahel’s plans. I’m sure they’d involve considerable adventure and excitement. Right, Garahel?
[Inessa nods in understanding, that awkwardness met with a small smile. Whatever she might sense of his intentions, the elven mage isn't one to pressure. Some things just need to wait for the right time, if there ever is one.
Garahel leans against Kain, panting happily.]
I hope your arm is rested, because he's missed your throwing ability. All those field trips, and he's still best satisfied with a game of fetch.
[Of course, Kain is more than happy to offer Garahel plenty of petting. He's good and vigorous about it too, finally having the strength for even that again, too. He nods to Inessa.]
I believe I can handle fetch yet again... and it would be a good way for me to practice and rebuild my strength, too.
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You're quite welcome. I've been worried about you, and I know how frustrating a long recovery can be. That's why I hope you're not eager to repeat the experience. But I've said my peace about that before, so I won't burden you with it again.
[Garahel leans in against Kain and nuzzles him, gently.]
Garahel has missed his playmate.
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[He reddens slightly.]
I mean... that is... I appreciate what you've done for me over the past month. You've made it all more bearable.
[He can't promise this is the last time he'll ever end up like this, but he's definitely not looking forward to it happening again anytime soon. He'll just have to be stronger.]
I've missed Garahel too. Sorry I've not been around to play, boy... but I will be soon, I promise.
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Inessa manages a self-conscious though genuine smile when she sits down, placing the mugs before them. She made sure to stock whatever tea Kain seems more partial to.]
I--well, thank you. I'm glad to hear it. Let me know if you'd like assistance hanging them up. The infirmary could use a little brightening, anyway, and when you move on from it, just make sure to place them somewhere with a lot of light.
[She pauses, letting the mug warm her hands.]
...if you have other plans, ignore this, but I ought mention that there are still rooms available near that which I share with Ciri. The Wardens aren't clustered like we where, but...I miss it.
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I'd like that if you could. I'd really like that...
[He looks at her thoughtfully, unsure at the moment what he wants to do.]
I miss what we had back in Skyhold. Our camp was... it was ours. I don't feel that way here. Of course, I've not seen much outside the infirmary, but even so... [He takes another sip.] I may consider it, for practical reasons. [No matter what he does he ought to have a small dwelling of sorts for when he absolutely needs to be in town. But only that.] But I also... I don't know. This city feels so... confining to me. I hope you understand. I'm not used to places like this. During my time as a Warden, I was on the move so much, tents were my dwelling place. And even back home, well... it wasn't like this.
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[She sighs, then takes a sip. The Gallows was the worst of the worst, a terrible history that didn't begin with Merediths' reign. But it is what it is, and they have to deal with it.]
Would it be easier for you if you staked a claim below the roost? Potato would be pleased for the proximity, and you would have a means to get away if you need it. Though I would hope you don't claim all of her time.
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But that's not a bad idea, I suppose. As it is, Potato and I have extensive training to do, as soon as possible. I hope she'll still accept me...
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[Inessa then stares down at her tea, her voice quiet.]
I know how you feel about the mountains, but please remember we have a duty. That has to supersede our preferences, or our sacrifices will be in vain. I--we--need you here, at least often enough that you can participate.
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[He’s not been able to go all that way to see the griffons yet, and he’s definitely restless to do so. Maybe soon, just to at least groom and be by Potato’s side.]
Ah… don’t worry, Inessa. [He hesitates, then reaches to place a hand atop hers, then just as quickly moves it away.] I’ve no intention to disappear completely. I just need… a place to escape to, when the city becomes too stifling for me. I’ll still keep some sort of place here.
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Good, I appreciate that. And I'm sure we can find some means to alleviate being stifled, when escape is less feasible.
[Garahel perks up and barks, tail waggging.]
...I think a certain someone already has ideas regarding that.
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[Kain is still a bit hesitant about showing affection, too shy to really go for it. But he knows he must make his move soon. He’s waited too long. The injury had set back his plans, but he still wants to tell her how he feels. But he wants to do it when he’s well.]
Hm… I for one would like to try Garahel’s plans. I’m sure they’d involve considerable adventure and excitement. Right, Garahel?
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Garahel leans against Kain, panting happily.]
I hope your arm is rested, because he's missed your throwing ability. All those field trips, and he's still best satisfied with a game of fetch.
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I believe I can handle fetch yet again... and it would be a good way for me to practice and rebuild my strength, too.