[ 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]

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 would hope you include yourself in that number.

[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 I have since withdrawn from such games, but perhaps this would tempt me.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.

[samahl]

Of course! You're important to me.

[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.

[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.

[ipseite]

That is very interesting to hear. Thank you.

[rowancrowned]

I do not think we have met.

[ipseite]

I am only newly arrived - quite newly. From another place, as I take you to have been?

Petrana de Cedoux.

[rowancrowned]

Yes. I hope I have not dashed your hopes at learning you may well be here for an extended period. My son was with me for a fraction of that time.

Thranduil. A pleasure, my lady.

[ipseite]

( There's a pause. Her feelings on the subject are complicated, already; his clarification pushed to the foreground something she might prefer not to yet examine.

So she doesn't. It can wait. )

Is it so obvious? I don't wish to expect anything - I claim no titles here.

( That she's a lady, she means. )

[rowancrowned]

[ he gives his reasons. if she's looking to avoid an assumption with the next person she speaks to, he won't judge. few know of his background in thedas. who could tell any of these elves they were a king, once, and not expect to be laughed out or thought mad? ]

Your speech is refined. You consider your words; you know you will be heard. I would rather be overly polite than lacking. If you had admitted only a background in, perhaps, education, or as a lady's maid, I would have believed you.

It is an intelligent position to take.

[ipseite]

It is the only position that makes any sense to me.

( and the question of what she is when she's at home is no simple one to answer, either. )

I don't intend to lie, sir, ( except by ommission, ) it simply seems to me a great foolishness to imagine I will gain from clinging to a foreign past.

[rowancrowned]

[ he thinks of thingol, laying claim to his title and history without shame. that is partly thranduil's own fault, having not expected to see his lord again, and carelessly spreading the story of luthien whilst thinking no one could call him to account on it. ]

You have naught to gain with it. I understand.

[ those are the easiest sorts of lies. ]

You think of your future instead, I assume?

[eolasemah]

Ah... perhaps too far for me, then. But please, let me help with preparations, however I can.

[ipseite]

I think this moment of my present.

( one foot in front of the other. decide later what she makes of her future - what she wants. )

[rowancrowned]

You sound as though you are a thoroughly sensible woman.

Have they settled you into a room? Provided you with a chance to eat and sleep?

[rowancrowned]

Of course. I do not suppose you would mind minding Bill whilst I would be away?

[eolasemah]

Of course not, lethallin. He will want for nothing.

[rowancrowned]

Do not let him bully you into extra oats, Sina.

[ he toys with the crystal, turning it between fingers, and then addresses sina privately. ]

I have heard you will be wed soon. It is tradition to heap gifts upon the couple, and I assume it will be the same in Thedas. Do the Dalish have some tradition around this as well?

[ipseite]

I try.

( - wryly. )

Yes, in - the Gallows? ( A dreadful name for a place, but hardly hers to say so. ) I have been able to clean my clothes.

[eolasemah]

[A giggle, before she reverts to the private talk as well.]

Oh, please don't. The only gifts should be between the intended.