009.

[dashing]

FORM: crystal
SENDER: Herian
RECIPIENT: ALL
WHAT: new location unlocked
WHEN: sometime after the proposed rifter phylactery research announcement & Thranduil's post
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Chantry memorial is complete! IC post from a while back, a location information post and visual reference.

Good morrow, Inquisition.

( Herian always sounds even and controlled. It's her own personal cliche, on par with "it was a dark and stormy night." Now, however, it takes on a new dimension, a suggestion of flatness that could be tiredness, or could be... something else. )

I bring good tidings. Though there were those who felt the loss of the Hightown forest keenly, the fire cleared the way for work to begin on the memorial, the progress of which had been stymied for some time. Working with a committee of Kirkwallers, the families of the lost and survivors, and members of the Chantry, the Chantry Relations project and the Inquisition has aided with the design and construction of the memorial gardens. The gardens were designed as a place of reflection and to commemorate all those who lost their lives in the Chantry explosion of the thirty-seventh year of the Dragon Age, and its aftermath. However... as a place of peace for all those who have lost people and who seek succour, all are welcome.

It would be remiss to speak of the memorial gardens without acknowledging, in particular, the work of Siuona and Nahariel of Clan Dahlasanor. For all that feeling was much divided on it, the current growth and fertility of the gardens would have been impossible without the efforts and Sina and those who aided her in raising the forest. It was their shared vision of a peaceful place for the coming together of people in remembrance that allowed Andraste's Grove to come into being, and Narahiel's work that gave us the statue that has become an icon for so many. Though the fire destroyed much, all that survived it - the trees, the flowers, the ground of that grove as well as the statue of Andraste - are sacred. It has become a place of peace, and of pilgrimage. Knowing all the injuries that the Chantry has inflicted in the past, it seems... it seems all the more fitting that a place of healing and reconciliation be the result of Dalish idealism.

( Her own feelings on the Dalish are not warm, or perhaps much better than frosty, but her sentiment is genuine.

There follows a bit of a pause. )

I hope that... even with all the adversity that faces us now, new challenges arising alongside the old, that when it comes to protecting this world and standing against Corypheus, we can do so together. That... that animosity might be saved for those who stand as a threat to us all, and that breaches between us, allies even when it be... through circumstance rather than choice, might be settled peacefully whenever possible.

Easy words to say, I know, and I cannot claim that I have stood by that ideal anywhere near so well as I ought in times past. I wish to do better, on that count. If you should wish to find me, I am most often in the Chantry Relations office. Doubtless there is much to discuss, in light of recent developments and proposals.

Comments

[nadasharillen]

[I'll take 'things you weren't expecting to hear over open crystal' for $800, Alex]

[nadasharillen]

I... oh.

It was not carved for acknowledgement. [Nari sounds a little stilted, but she always sounds a little stilted when she tries to be formal] But it would be remiss now to not mention that there would be no statue without the aid, from initial design to its completion, of Cade Harimann.

[beat]

The garden is beautiful, Knight Enchanter. Thank you. For your work.

[sorry I was an ass]

[dashing]

( she literally has no idea how to feel
perhaps this is why she is considering tranquility )

It was... it was by no means my work alone. I am sure all who visit the statue are be grateful for his efforts.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

And just out of curiosity, there any fruit trees or anything like it for say - poor children to eat off of? Even elven children?

[Because. Yeah.]

[koteletten]

I think perhaps there is a translation issue from your native tongue. A memorial is a monument to commemorate the dead, yes? It is not any sort of strange charity orchard.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

[This is all said in the most cheerful tone possible. Bright and friendly, yep yep.]

Oh yeah sorry - should have translated that from Dalish to shem. I mean the forest that used to grow food and drop branches for firewood is actually still going to be useful, right, and not just a place for rich ponces to sit about and think about how great they are, pontificating and thinking about the Maker?

Just honestly curious, is all.

[dashing]

( She had set her crystal aside to see to some work, and when she returns to it, it would seem that a lot has been said. Ah. )

It was felt that given its location and purpose, the memorial garden was not the best location for potential orchards for the needy. It would be better suited to have it in more accessible location, if such a thing were to be brought about as a project. I think there will be better places and better projects to focus on for goals such as seeing to the needs of the hungry. This is... ( she hesitates for a moment, trying to grasp the right words, ) a place of peace and coming together.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

Thank you for your [ - kind, respectful, and honest - ] official answer, Knight-Enchanter. I appreciate it.

[He's quiet for a moment, before adding simply.] Then I hope it does what it was built to do.

[sulena]

( ah. she vaguely remembers his voice from the not-so-secret secret elf meeting. quietly, she hums and then responds: )

It is unfortunate of what was lost in the fire but there is still work to be done in preparing for the upcoming seasons. The children and I have been working hard toward planting fruit trees and creating a vegetable garden within alienage grounds. You are more than welcomed to join us.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

Oh! Hey! So have you talked to this Professors in Tanterville then? Apparently they have been doing research on this very thing.

[apologist]

Commendable work. [ POINTEDLY. A little. ] Do you enjoy wine, Knight-Enchanter?

[dashing]

It was a collaborative effort.

I do not drink a great deal, Brother Jehan, but on occasion I enjoy a glass. Why?

[apologist]

It is tradition, where I am from, to pour some on newly planted ground, and to share the rest from the bottle. Orlesian wine is as a precious a substance as we have in this world, you see, and so the closest we can come to Andraste's tears.

[justnice]

Well, I think it's nice.

[ he's literally never seen it ]

[dashing]

You are very kind, Finch. Thank you.

[degenere]

I wish to make a small but not insignificant critique of your garden, Knight-Enchanter.

Well. Not yours, of course. They are owned by no one, truly, yes? But you know what I mean. Is it better to discuss with you in your office, or publicly, where all might be entitled to give support to my critique?

[dashing]

I understand your meaning.

( Calmly; she's not taking it personally. )

Whatever you think most appropriate. If there is some flaw that is better seen to swiftly and is a matter of safety, I would sooner know by whichever means allowed fastest response. If it is a matter of aesthetic concern... I do not see the harm in our discussing it openly, so long as your words are not intended to discourage those that the place holds meaning for.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

For the record... Knight-Enchanter, thanks. For all you did. It does mean a lot that you tried to preserve what was left, and building something beautiful for those who lost people. You're a good person. Sorry about the ... fervor my Honestly Serious question started.

[...really he just wanted to know if there would be fruit trees, Herian. He wasn't trying to start a fight.]

[dashing]

There is not need to soothe my ego, serah, but I thank you for your kind words.

[crowncitizen]

Thanks, Herian. [He barely manages a weak smile, but it's there, and it's somewhat in his tone.] Nice to hear some good news after all the crap that's happened the past couple of weeks. I might take a walk there later and see them. Better than being cooped up. [Which he has been, a bit too much so.]

[dashing]

Please do. I think... I hope that the garden can be a place for all of us to have room to breathe and find a peaceful place to share.

( She has been a little isolated since their return from the Anderfels. That was inadequate, especially now. )

How do you fare, Prompto?

[faithlikeaseed]

Thank you, Herian, for all you've done on this. [He's as tired and emotionally overwhelmed as anyone, but not much of it shows in his voice in favor of earnest, sweet sincerity.] It's always heartening to hear of new beauty being brought into the world.

I imagine, [and here he is indirect, because things have been so--uncertain,] it's a relief to have it completed. Will you have time to rest a little while now?

[dashing]

I cannot take credit for it, Myrobalan, though I share your appreciation.

( A quiet sound of consideration. )

There is always more work to be done.

[foxsays]

I'm glad to know that something good has come of this that might outlast all of us.

Stop being so hard on yourself Herian, there are our enemies for that.

[She's teasing since this is public for now, you know you're her favourite disaster lesbian.]

[dashing]

I am far better at striking my weak points than they.

( Unless they're a grief demon, but that's cheating )