[ 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

[kallian_endris]

I'm sorry, ser. I only have stories to go by. I don't know if they would be of any use.

[rowancrowned]

'Stories'? Of where things once were?

[kallian_endris]

Sort of? There is a lot of history in Halamshiral. My mother was a bard, and some of the stories and songs talk about certain places, depending on what you're looking for. It's not really a map, but... it's all I have.

[rowancrowned]

Though I suspect it to be useful, and I am humbled by you offer of aid, I am afraid I must decline. I will be needing a more exact knowledge for this.

If you wished to share stories of the city and these songs, I would offer the same compensation. I am eager to explore this place.

[motherfucking_ghost]

The fuck is a shemlen, so the people at home can figure out if they are one or not? I need to know if I'm supposed to be offended by that or not.

[rowancrowned]

Men. [ he could go on, but he, for once, won't. ] I would not bother to.

[ancarrow]

Sabine might be your best option, she was of Halamshiral before joining the Inquisition. Though I'm afraid I'd steer clear of locals offering their services - there have been ... incidents.

[rowancrowned]

Thank you, my lady, but I must ask- incidents?

[ancarrow]

I'm afraid not all of the elves here have taken kindly to our presence here. Some see it as nothing more than an opportunity to rob us of the supplies we'd have given freely anyway.

[rowancrowned]

It is good that I am not burdened with supplies or valuables.

If I may ask- these thefts. Are they organized, or are they more to the tune of pickpocketing in back alleys?

[harthad_uluithiad]

[ The Elven Quarter what an amazing and beautiful and magical place that must be OH BOY ]

Are you going to visit the Elves here, sir?

[rowancrowned]

[ SAM NO. ]

I am, Samwise. Would you like to join me?

[ in the venn diagram of life, sam is firmly outside the 'dirty shem' circle. ]

[harthad_uluithiad]

Would I?

[ He perks up, his enthusiasm obvious even over the crystal. ]

Oh, yes, please! That is if it's not too much trouble.

[rowancrowned]

I have a small errand, but afterwards I am at your service, Samwise. Do you enjoy Orlesian food?

[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. ]

[anacardiaceae]

[ Pamelia has delayed in answering this, but she might as well...

There's not much to lose, after all. ]

I should be able to be of some assistance.

[rowancrowned]

Thank you. May I know your name, my lady?

[anacardiaceae]

Pamelia.

[ Her accent is definitely of Rivain, if Thranduil has had any opportunity to hear such. ]

When would you like to get started?

[rowancrowned]

Thranduil. Within the next few days, I imagine.

[ barely. he can distinguish dalish and ferelden and orlesian, as they're the ones he speaks to most often. ]

How did you come to know the city? How recent is your knowledge?

[glandival]

I lived there, monsieur.

[ And she loves money.

And lunch. ]

You seek a tour?

private ;

[rowancrowned]

Ah, that places you as uniquely suited to the task. [ guess what he has in spades, sabine? ]

I seek the inhabitants of a house that may have been lost in the fire. If they survived, if they survived but are too injured to be recognized or remember themselves-

Those that love them would know.

private ;

[glandival]

[ Is it lunch??? ]

I see.

[ Better than simply a tour, then. ]

Perhaps if it does not stand, we can find those who know. It is a nosy sort of village. [ It's not a village at all, but shares something of a mentality with one. ] What do you know of the place? The people?