[ open ]

[rowancrowned]

FORM: Sending crystal.
SENDER: Thranduil
RECIPIENT: The Inquisition
WHAT: They don't make Fodor's guides for Thedas.
WHEN: Kingsway 4th
WHERE: Halamshiral
NOTES: Thranduil uses his favorite new word. 

Good evening, Inquisition. I require a guide for the Elven quarter of Halamshiral. I seek someone who was familiar enough with the area before the fires that they would have an idea of locations even now. I am offering three crowns and lunch for the service.

No shemlen need apply. 

Comments

[unsullies]

[ Dany knows little to nothing of Halamshiral despite her time there and even less of the Elven quarter. Even so, the familiar voice coupled with an unfamiliar word bring her pause, and then a curious question: ]

... "Shemlen," my lord?

[ She can only guess that he means non-elves, but best not to assume. ]

[rowancrowned]

[ he knows her voice, and she cannot wholly be held at fault for what is being done here.

he really doesn't think her the sort to take advantage once she eventually notices. ]

'Quick children', in the Elvhen tongue. It suits far better than simply saying 'Men'- the intent does not translate here as it did in Arda, and saying 'Secondborn' or 'Guests' will mean little, as would calling them the Edain. But calling them shemlen neatly and succinctly avoids all of that. [ amused: ] I cannot say I do not appreciate the utility of it.

[unsullies]

[ There's a pause, and then a light, amused laugh. ]

'Quick children.' [ She repeats, listening to the other names, smiling. ] Well, thank you, that... does clear it up.

[ She has no qualms with the word, anyway. ]

I... also spent some time in the Elven quarter, actually. Before I returned to Skyhold.

[rowancrowned]

I am eager to hear your thoughts, my lady.

[ she's insightful enough, and he appreciates a glimpse into how she sees things.

their conversation on civility was very telling. ]

[unsullies]

I shared my thoughts - perhaps rashly - with the Inquisition's Seeker. [ Not that she's apologizing for that, mind. ] I knew little of the... history involved, and made it plain that I thought - that I think Thedas' treatment of elves is generally deplorable. The alienage was... very telling.

[ They were treated like prisoners, no matter how Cassandra had tried to explain it away. ]

They are regarded as dangerous and are quartered like animals. [ beat ] I don't like it or understand it.

[rowancrowned]

Cassandra is... dutiful. [ and he might take a particular delight in needling her. ]

There is, I think, nothing to understand about it. There is no logic in cruelty. Even if their ancestors sinned, nothing could justify the current treatment of a people who have done no wrong.

I do not think it much to ask to simply live one's life, to feed and clothe one's children.

[unsullies]

I said much the same. [ Why do the elves still fear the humans? Why do the humans still quarter the elves like cattle? ] I am no closer to understand than I was before.

[ Thranduil is, perhaps, the person she feels she most sees eye-to-eye with. ]

[rowancrowned]

If I have some manner of revelation that brings me any measure of understanding, I will share it with you.

[ but he doubts he will. ]

Thank you, Daenerys.

[unsullies]

And you. [ His opinions are always welcome. ] Be well.