that's in the sky where the rain's from [OPEN]

[existency]

Who: Cole (existency) and YOU
When: Before Natalia's ball, but over a few days
Where: Various
What: Cole is getting used to his new home.
Rating/Warning: None unless someone rude tags in (probable)!!

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option a — the basic arrival prompt

[ He doesn't belong here.

It's quiet, startlingly so, because there aren't the songs and shimmers of the Fade here like there were at home (wherever "home" was). It whispers, enough for him to be able to reach out and grasp it, use it like he does, but it's not the same. It's disorienting and startling, which is why he wanders. He's looking for the places where it's the loudest, since where it's louder, he's more comforted.

Of course, this process might seem quite strange to anyone nearby. Cole himself would seem to stick out enough, since a gaunt young man with a very large hat and wearing old, dusty leathers would be a contrast against the technology around. But it might catch you by surprise that you seem like you've seen him earlier today, but you can't place where. Unless you're a bit closer to spirits or magic yourself, in which case, it'll be a bit easier to remember seeing him earlier in the day, doing the same thing.

He's just wandering, as if he's lost something or looking for something, but he never makes eye contact with anyone, and most of the people walking by don't seem to see him at all. In fact, it's only you that sees him. ]

option b — memes never die

[ How's the weather today? Did you guess cold and rainy? It's definitely cold and rainy. At least for the purposes of this prompt.

If you're braving this terrible weather to head towards the park, you might notice a strange pattern along the main path. Every so often, there's a small cardboard box underneath a tree, and if you're curious enough to go inspect it, the contents might be a bit confusing.

They're all cakes.

They're not quite left out in the rain, since the trees manage to cover most of the rain, but they're still getting soggy enough that no one in their right mind would really want to eat them. And it's clearly not an accident, since there are quite a few!

Continuing along the path, there's a young man braving the rain, though he doesn't seem to mind it. He's out without even an umbrella, though he doesn't really need one, considering the large brim of his hat... But he's also clearly the culprit of the cake-related mystery, since he has a few boxes in hand, and he's setting one down underneath a tree, opening it, then looking up into the branches like he's checking for something.

But all of the sudden, he seems to become aware that someone is watching, since he looks towards who's approaching, but he's quick to bow his head shyly. ]

...Sorry. Am I in the way?

[ More importantly, why is he leaving cakes out in the rain?? ]

option c — not quite as exciting as killing dragons

[ His Cerevice had told him he was a florist, and so a few days after arriving, Cole starts to work. It's definitely not the same as the Inquisition, but he quickly finds that he enjoys the work. It's quiet and solitary, since Cole's odd appearance and mannerisms tend to keep him from getting put at the front and scaring away customers, but he can tend to the flowers dutifully while still getting to be around other people and listen like he likes to.

It's not quite the tavern in Skyhold, where he can just stand for hours and watch the lives of the people there unseen, but it's close enough that he's content.

If you have reason to visit a florist today, other employees will probably greet you first, since Cole tends to stay towards the back. But it's not long before he starts to busy himself with something, then approaches to hold out a bouquet that's stunningly beautiful, and whatever you've come to a florist for, this seems to fit the bill perfectly. ]

...Are these what you were looking for?

[ His voice is soft and gentle, but not quite shy. It seems like he knows, for whatever reason. ]

(( ooc note ; if you choose this prompt, just make sure to include something in your brackets about why your character is getting flowers please! ))

option d — choose your own

[ Wildcard! If you have an idea of a prompt of your own that's different, go for it! You can run it by me or just run with it and we'll figure it out. ]

IMPORTANT NOTE—If you haven't filled it out already, please comment to Cole's permission post before replying!

Comments

[braider]

They only hurt people when they're scared.

[At least, the dragons from her world were like that. She couldn't pretend that all dragons everywhere were the same, but where she was from? They were harmless, if you were kind to them.]

Maybe it's different where you're from, but our dragons aren't like that. Stormfly isn't like that.

[the dragon in question is further proving this point by edging around Astrid, chirping curiously at Cole. Astrid relaxes too, her frowns turning into a small smirk.]

See? She doesn't want to hurt you.

[existency]

[ Cole looks on curiously, and the brim of his hat tilts up enough to look at Stormfly, showing more of his face. It's a bit of a frightening face, since he's pale and gaunt, looking like he hasn't eaten or slept well in a very long time. But despite that, there's a curiosity and innocent kindness in his face. He certainly doesn't seem to be a threat, and as he thinks the same of Astrid, he sheathes the daggers onto his back. ]

She's very pretty.

[ He gives a compliment first, then after a bit of hesitation, he approaches carefully. He's uncertain, since he is used to dragons breathing giant fireballs at him, but if she feels comfortable, he feels marginally more secure himself. ]

[braider]

[It's as if he says the magic words. Stormfly seems pleased by Cole's words, taking the moment to flap her wings and shake her head, as if showing off. Because that's exactly what she's doing. Deadly Nadders like her are just a bit proud and love compliments.

It's also cue enough to her to move forward, tilting her head and sniffing as she gets closer.

While Astrid's more at ease, she moves closer too, just to be on the safe side. Stormfly's sudden movements might startle him, and she doesn't want anything to happen to her dragon.]

Sorry-- she really likes people. If she's too much, though, just tell her. She understands.

[existency]

[ Yet surprisingly, with Astrid's stamp of approval, it seems like Cole isn't on edge or even wary anymore. As Stormfly comes closer, he straightens a bit, but it gives more of an impression that he's relaxing rather than the opposite. He's a skittish young man, but he was always a bit more comfortable with animals than people. ]

It's all right.

[ He says to both of them, then reaches out to curiously place a hand against scales if he can. ]

How does someone make friends with a dragon?

[braider]

[When Cole reaches out his hand, Stormfly moves into it, nuzzling gently and closing her eyes.

Astrid put her hand on the dragon's side and she closed the gap between them, coming to a stop by the dragon's head.]

Like that. It's not hard, all it takes is a little trust. [She pauses, frowning softly as she stroked Stormfly again.]

But it wasn't always like this. We used to think they were dangerous too.