[ 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.

[eolasemah]

How far west, hahren?

[rowancrowned]

Further west than Skyhold, and south of the Anderfels. Perhaps a two and a half week journey, assuming good weather.

If I had foreseen the relocation, I would have pursued this sooner. The travel would have been much shorter.

[justice_is_blond]

What is the place that the key is for?

[rowancrowned]

An elven ruin of some sort. There may no longer even be a lock.

There is also the chance that the key is Tevene in origin, and the scholars are simply mistaken. Still, it is worth pursuing, and I am not so foolish as to turn down the aid of a healer.

[samahl]

It's strange to think you've been in Thedas for a year...

[rowancrowned]

[ cyril cannot see the small smile playing across his lips, but he can hear it. ] Have you grown tired of my presence, Cyril?

It is such a small measure of time, and only the first of many.

[ipseite]

A year, sir?

( not a familiar voice. )

[rowancrowned]

[ he does not know everyone in the inquisition, it is not unexpected. ]

Nearer to fifteen months, if I am to be exact.

[intruthandlove]

A year is a long time to be away... But I am curious, what is there in a desert that needs a key?

[rowancrowned]

It is everything and nothing.

A lock, one would assume.

[arlathvhen]

Ah--you know that I would be glad to aid you, if you're fine with me coming along. I'm curious what the key could reveal.

private ;

[rowancrowned]

You are always welcome, iellig.

There is- or was, perhaps- an elven ruin. The texts refer to it as a possible temple, though why it is called as much when no mention is made of which of the pantheon would be honored there is beyond me.

[meds4sale]

This sounds like an interesting venture.

[And an opportunity to get out and really stretch his legs.]

I can provide medicine on this journey if you would permit my company.

[rowancrowned]

You are a healer?

[ all these new voices; people he has not yet met. ]

[arcaneadvisor]

I am very familiar with written elven, and what issues might arise from translating the language in the field. As you know I have spent many years doing just what you intend, only alone.

[rowancrowned]

You needn't justify your qualifications to me, my lady.

[ he'll welcome someone else who can corral the children. ]

You would not mind company?

[chainlightning]

A key?

And maybe I could bring Ghostface with, if I went with? That would help, right?

[ merrill you don't even know if he knows who ghostface is ]

[rowancrowned]

A key. An old one.

[ he pauses, and no, that's not a word he recognizes from thedas. ]

What is 'Ghostface'?

[aforethought]

They got elf writing?

[ the more you fuckin know ]

[rowancrowned]

Several varieties.

[alankazam]

[ mildly: ]

I've never been to the desert. Do you think you'll see hyenas?

[ this is clearly the most important part of all this — if thranduil asks assistance, he'll have it; that was never a question. ]

[rowancrowned]

I am sure we will hear them, if nothing else.

[ he has heard of them, seen illustrations. they seem like a creature found in the east. despite seeing several ages, he did not leave his forest often. it was not an option. ]

Would you like to see one?