[ OPEN ]

[rowancrowned]

FORM: Sending crystal.
SENDER: Thranduil
RECIPIENT: Kirkwall Inquisition
WHAT: Field trip to finally go to Solasan
WHEN: Present
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Anyone who was involved originally gets first dibs.

It has not escaped my notice, despite all recent events, that I have been in Thedas for one year. [ he lets that sit for a moment. ] Thanks are in order; first to the Inquisition as a whole for their continued hospitality and second, to my own people, for their kindness. Ma serannas. I am pleased that there are elves in worlds other than Arda.

[ his tone switches as he gets into the meat of the announcement. ]

Several months ago, the Seeker and I came into possession of a key. With the events in Orlais as well as the move, we did not have a chance to use it until recently. I am seeking volunteers to travel west. The area, under Inquisition control, presents no dangers beyond local wildlife and the standard dangers of the desert, but I would advise that only those confident enough to handle themselves in combat come forward.

And, ah-- [ styled as an afterthought, but far too deliberate. ] I would like someone confident with written Elven.

Comments

[serannas]

I helped you before, and I definitely want to help again! And I can read Elven too.

[rowancrowned]

I would be delighted to travel with you again.

[ He switches to a private thread. ]

It is, as we suspected, an Elven temple, with no Venatori presence recently. The maps name the place the Forbidden Oasis. I have not yet been told what is so forbidden about it.

I intend for any artifacts found to be returned to the elves, assuming they are not relevant to the Inquisition's mission. This may involve some gentle handling of the quartermasters and any shemlen that join us. Would you be willing to aid me?

[serannas]

Hmm, probably forbidden because the elves left some traps behind or something. That usually seems to be the way.

Of course! If they can't be of use to the Inquisition, then the elves should get to keep them.

[rowancrowned]

I suppose you've seen the like before? I do look forward to unraveling the ingenuities of your ancestors.

If this has been sealed since before the fall of the Dales, perhaps we might encounter texts. Something beyond pottery shards.

[serannas]

Yes, unfortunately. The ancient elves did like to be elaborate. But hey, I'm still alive, so at least I can fumble my way through.

Luckily since coming to the Inquisition, I've learned more elven writing than I knew before. I really hope we can find something.

[rowancrowned]

You will find, Ellana, that when one has a great deal of time, ornamentation and over complication becomes an act of devotion. I have heard the phrase 'labour of love', and I think it might apply best here. Even when it is us smarting from the arrival of bound spirits or ancient bolts.

Would you be willing to play teacher, Ellana? I have perhaps allowed Galadriel's lessons to lax. How far was she in teaching you Tengwar?

[serannas]

And back then, there was no one but the elves around. That plus immortality meant they had to amuse themselves some way.

Oh, as far as the actual written language? I hadn't gotten that far with Galadriel. But I know some phrases, mellon nin. I can certainly teach you what I know, and maybe I can start on the Tengwar?

[rowancrowned]

You grasp the truth of it quickly, yes. I imagine they had wonderful card games. Perhaps we will find those.

Mae carnen. An exchange, then. Sand will be useful and extremely forgiving as we practice letters.

[serannas]

Or dice games! Those are fun.

That's a great idea. And plentiful where we're going. Is there any more research to be done before we head out, or do we know all we can about this forbidden place without seeing it?

[rowancrowned]

I did not confess during earlier months for fear of displeasing the Seeker, but I must confess that I would glamour myself as a Man and play cards in taverns to win coin. I have since withdrawn from such games, but perhaps this would tempt me.

The Temple itself is sealed tightly. The Venatori knew as much as was written down in those journals. The Inquisition has what scouts have reported in the area, but little else, and that is truly only wildlife and a survey of the land. The name of the Temple is 'Solasan'- but that is all we know.

[serannas]

[ That gives Ellana a good chuckle. ]

Then let's hope this temple has a game room, hmm?

Well, Solas means pride, so this temple would mean "a prideful place" or "place of pride." Though that doesn't tell us much, except perhaps the state of its decorations.

[rowancrowned]

[ look at him, you've made him pleased with himself.

and then, less so. ]

A particular someone has deprived us of jokes at his expense, then.

[serannas]

That's true, though I think he's the type who would own to it quite readily.