OTA | New Elven Projects Leaders

[writteninblood]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Sorrel & Adalia
RECIPIENT: All, but specifically Elven Artifacts Project members
WHAT: An announcement of the new Elven Project Leadership
WHEN: First of Cloudreach
WHERE: The Gallows, Kirkwall
NOTES: n/a

Hello, Elven Artifacts project! You’ve all likely heard my voice before, addressing the Inquisition at large. I’m Adalia, the newly appointed assistant to the newly appointed project leader!

( A pause, and an inaudible flourish, as Adalia cedes the crystal to Sorrel. )

My name is Sorrelean Ashara and, as of this week, I am the new leader of the Elven Artifacts projects. Our work here is important, and I’m sure we can see great things done, together. The past has never been more important to the future than it is now. So. We’ve got a lot to do.

That said, we want to hear from you — what areas you think we need to focus on, your past experiences in the project, anything of note. We have our own ideas about where to take the project, but we welcome input from the rest of you. This is an important field, both to the Inquisition and to Thedas in general, and we want to do our best.

Comments

[serannas]

Oh, congratulations to you both! I'm of a like mind, that what we find from the past can help us moving forward. I guess I'll just tell you that I led several expeditions that led to recovering the Sulevin Blade, but beyond that, I haven't been involved in much for the project.

[thunderproof]

The Sulevin Blade — that's an important artifact for the Dalish, right? Something about it was stolen, or lost... Could you tell me how you came to find it?

[serannas]

Yes, I'd be happy to! I was heading a mission in Emprise du Lion to explore an elven ruin there, and in the final chamber we discovered a slip of parchment that contained a clue as to where the Sulevin Blade was located. We had to decipher the clue, but it led us to a different elven ruin, this time in the Dales. That one held a similar clue, and it led us to the actual place where the broken pieces of the blade were stored.

Unfortunely the pieces aren't here; they're at Skyhold, but blacksmiths have copied the design so new versions can be made. Ones without the sad history of the original.

[writteninblood]

We're working an inventory to start with. I'm hoping everything's in order according to the paperwork, but we'll see how well that bears out.

[Life has a way of meeting every plan with chaos.]

The real Sulevin Blade, though?

[serannas]

Mm hmm. The pieces are at Skyhold. Even broken, it's beautiful. And I filed reports for each mission, so I'm sure you'll come across them eventually.

[aenseidhe]

[ hi, adalia booboo daughter child, how you livin'. anyway. ]

I've only been in this world a handful of weeks thus far, so I've not much to volunteer on past experiences with the project. [ and he only barely understands the whole of the inquisitions goals and practices so far. ] In the realm I'm from, my people and I traveled through and camped in many ancient sites and ruins. The Continent is littered with the bones of Elven cities and culture. I'd like to gain the same familiarity with the others of my race here.

[ the stories of his world state that all elven people began as the one clan that split across the dimensions. as far as iorveth's concerned these people are his distant kin. a beat, and he adds on somewhat hesitantly - ] I'd only caution, while there's much to learn from long lost history, there's also much to lose when sharing artifacts of your ancient cultures with those who don't find it as personal and precious.

[ remember when the british stole fucking everything from ancient civilizations in greece and africa and the middle east and decided they were their property? yeaaaaah. ]

[writteninblood]

Speaking as a Dalish Elf... You don't have to tell me twice.

[Sorrel's not stealing everything that comes under his hands, but he's certainly not going to let some certain small things remain in human coffers forever.]

I'd like to hear about your people and their travels. Maybe we can trade stories.

[aenseidhe]

Good. Don't doubt that I mean to put all I can into defeating this mutual enemy, but it's unwise to forget the reasons your allies stand with you. Exactly what those reasons are, and how few they may be.

[ Information can be shared without surrendering artifacts and power to a king or commander that won't be willing to part with it after the danger's gone. Give what's needed, but nothing more.

He likes the Dalish, they seem very much like his own people, any not even mostly for the rebellious or violent parts. What he's read and overheard of them thus far, it echos like the Aen Seidhe, before their backs were broken and their numbers decimated. The offer brings a lopsided smile to his lips, a welcome feeling in a place so very foreign. ]

Not many of the stories I have are happy ones, but it seems the Dalish have that much in common. I'd be glad to trade them, good and bad.

[writteninblood]

Of course; you don't have to like everyone in the world to still want to save it.

[He finds you uncommonly agreeable, Iorveth. Why can't everyone be this nice?]

That's a promise, then. If everything goes to plan, I should be free this evening-- I have an office now. [His voice betrays some vague sense of surprise. Imagine, a Dalish elf, with an office in the Gallows! He wasn't the first, of course. Still.] So I'll be here, if you stop by. I have wine.

[Wine is a good peace offering, right?]

[aenseidhe]

Honestly, you don't even have to like most.

[ Look at Geralt. He hates most people, but he's also keeping them from getting massacred by monsters most days. Iorveth couldn't do what he does, but there's enough personal investment in surviving Corypheus to keep him committed here. But aw, look at him, making a friend, ddawww. ]

For the first time in many years, my schedule is pathetically clear. [ Said with a short laugh. It's weird to have free time. Weird, and, when that time was taken up by about 100 men and women he called family, kind of lonely. So he's glad for the invitation. ] Fancy furnishing and wine on offer? I'll be there.

[ it's a great peace offering, he almost adds the witcher-verse equivalent of "i have weed", but it's not been that stressful of a week yet. ]

[writteninblood]

Personally, I think most Rifters just don't want to die or end up as a pet curiosity for some Tevinter Magister. Not that I blame them.

[What's diplomacy? Can you eat it?]

You never mentioned your name.

[aenseidhe]

[ diplomacy can kiss his entire ass, he's a guerrilla fighter rebel faction leader and century+ year old war vet, the world can be honest with him or fuck off. ]

You have the first right, though I'd love to see a mage attempt to make a pet of me. Seems like that massacre would be fun.

[ he is maybe not the most stable person either, but it comes with the territory. anywho. ]

Iorveth.

[writteninblood]

You certainly don't have to worry about this mage, Iorveth. The Dalish have a saying; 'Never again shall we submit.'

[More like a mantra, really. Sorrel's not the one to consult on the subject of not supporting race-motivated murders.]

I'll see you tonight, then.

[aenseidhe]

The Scoia’tael’s was ‘Push humans back into the sea’, but yours sounds pretty good too.

[ he has plenty of never again rolling around in his abused little noggin, and sweet queen of the fucking fields is he glad to find a native elf in this shithole not too afraid or too in love with the idea of diplomacy and progress seeking to have a bit of backbone. ]

See you then, my friend.

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth is, even though she's talking to her twin, the very face of polite and leaderly. Because she serves as an example, both for how Sorrel should act, and how others should be treating him. And she will make sure people respect him. ]

Congratulations, Sorrel. [ Tacked on somewhat belatedly: ] And Adalia. [ No offense Adalia, just. Twins. ]

I'm pleased to see that you've chosen to take over this project. I have the utmost faith in your ability to lead it admirably. As you probably already know, I'm the division leader who oversees your project, so once the two of you are a little more settled in, I'd like to meet with both of you, to discuss your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and what resources you'll be needing to do so.

[writteninblood]

Thanks, 'boss.'

[Oh my god, you are not respectable, stop lying.]

I'm sure we can both make time to meet with you, whenever you've got time for us.

[arlathvhen]

[ You hush. ]

I have time tomorrow afternoon, if that works for both of you?

[thunderproof]

I'd say I'll have to see if I can pencil you in, but the power hasn't gone to my head that badly yet. Tomorrow afternoon suits me fine, Scoutmaster.

[writteninblood]

Well, for me, I'll have to see if I can pencil you in.

[ha ha ha, get it]

I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, sa'asha.

[arlathvhen]

Thank you, Adalia. And Sorrel. [ She’ll give u a noogie ya weenie. ] I look forward to it.

[circleprodigy]

Congratulations, Sorrel and Adalia. I'm certain the project is in good hands.

[Making this private.]

Actually...there is one issue. A few months ago, my team and I recovered a fade orb in the Blackmarsh, one we believe could be akin to what Corypheus used. Considering the relevance to both our projects, I propose a join research effort. The more we learn, the sooner we might reach the heart of all this.

[thunderproof]

❰ considering solas was just telling her how much he'd like to see this orb... how fortuitous. ❱

I think that's a splendid idea. I'd love to see this orb — would you be comfortable with it residing in our offices for a day or two, so we can take a look at it?

[writteninblood]

Thank you, Warden. That means a lot, coming from you.

[And, with the formalities out of the way, he'll respond in kind to the need for a more private conversation.]

Agreed. But given the potential for... problems... [explosions] Any serious experimentation ought to take place not in a city.

[circleprodigy]

Agreed, wholeheartedly. [Kirkwall doesn't need another such incident.] That was the idea, though we hadn't yet found an ideal spot before the previous project head stepped down and...well, various incidents continued to sidetrack matters. I'm open to renewing the search, however.

And...I think that is a reasonable request, yes. I'll only hand it over to either of you, though. And I respectfully ask for some discretion. It's not a dread secret...but we should still be careful about what is shared to those outside our projects.

[thunderproof]

Oh, of course, we'll be very discreet.

❰ as long as "immediately showing solas" counts as discreet. ❱

As far as a place to use it... Well, might the Bone Pit work? I'm not sure if it's actively in use at the moment, but it's out of the way, at least. It could be an option to consider?

[coiledscales]

[ Alacruun's intrigued, if only (partially) because of Adalia. His natural curiosity is the other part. He really does want to learn. ]

I don't have much experience with elves to draw on. At least not the elves in this world. I do have a gift for research, however...

If I can be of assistance, do let me know.

[thunderproof]

❰ NNNNNN NO YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE. even though you have been. for a while now. adalia's anxiety doesn't have to make sense, shut up. ❱

I'm not sure how much book research this will entail, there isn't a lot written about the elves of this world. If you want to join the project...

❰ oh gods alacruun with access to powerful elven artifacts. ❱

I'm sure we could find a place for you.

❰ doing literally anything but touch the artifacts. ❱

[coiledscales]

Book research, hands on discovery, examination - I did quite a lot of that on my own when I was younger, you know.

[ He almost sounds wistful about that. ]

Revisiting it would give me something to do besides sit around and watch this Inquisition get on with its tasks.

[thunderproof]

Well, if you'd like to help the Inquisition in its fight against Corypheus, I certainly won't stop you.

❰ please remember there's a broader mission at play here and don't steal the artifacts you think will help you the most.....

who knows if alacruun even would do something like. adalia doesn't, but she's scared to find out. ❱

You can join the project, if you like. We could... work together.

[coiledscales]

Well, I have to live in this world, too. I don't want to see it destroyed.

[ Self-interest is a powerful motivator. ]

I think I'd enjoy that. I never did get a chance to see you working.

[thunderproof]

Well, I spend most of my time in the library with Charis. You could very easily see me working now.

❰ not that she cares if he does, except that it'd be easier to keep an eye on him if he was close by. ❱

[coiledscales]

Maybe I'll drop by.