I miss my niece. She is... tiny angel, Kira. I am glad she is not here, for her, and the brother-sestra and mother who would be missing here if she was away, but I wish she was here for Sarah.

( A pause, and— )
And me, also. She sees always the good, I think.

Who... Rifters, if you could be wishing for people to be here, who would you choose?

I have sestra who is eating no meats. This is strange to me, but I like it in her. She is... thinking much, ready to starve self to save other creatures. Cosima is kind, I think.

( She says, as if Cosima can't hear this. And, a swift amendment, ) Sarah is kind, also! Both of my sisters are very good. They give... home feelings.

( Anyway, let's not get weighed down talking about that. )

There are different animals here. I am curious what the hunting of them is like.

Be telling me: have any of you eaten the dragon fleshes?

I fear I am becoming a scholar - or a philosopher. (Maedhros's deep voice is tinged with amusement.) The library at Kirkwall has been catalogued and alphabetized.

(Why did he decide on such an undertaking? The answer is complicated.)

My efforts have unearthed documents concerning alchemy, dragons, the various races...

I would like to know your stories. What sort of life have you lived? What do you think of the other races? Rifters are welcome to respond too and, remember, should you have inquiries for me, I will answer them truthfully.

(Some might wish he was a little less truthful in fact. He has led a sad, destructive existence.)

Your story can be added to the rest if you so desire.

Inquisition since some of us are…sharing so much, then I wish to share something that's finally come together. For those old enough. [Or not, she's not your mother just don't come crying to her if you feel sick.] I put a still together months back, I procured the milk of several pigs, and now I have Jagga. Or close to. [Is that pride in her voice? Happiness? Could you even picture a smile on her face if you've had the dubious fortune of crossing paths with her long enough?] If you feel brave enough to try fermented milk instead of your wines, your meads, your ales, whatever else you wish, ask for Brónach. It has a kick to it, only for those who think themselves daring.

[Does she sound a little drunk? Maybe. It's been more than six months sober in Thedas and now she can finally slam something back, she wasted zero time in getting the session started.]

If the drinking isn't your thing or maybe you want a challenge, I've become a huntswoman here. [Or: how to justify disappearing for several days for a time, coming back with a deer over your shoulders, rabbits in your pockets, anything else your murderous hands can get covered in blood that isn't yours, the Green Pact Guide to Life.] But I wonder: how many of you know how to hunt? What it means. Or do you see the meat at the market and buy it? Or the leather on the stall. Maybe it comes cooked or shaped into whatever you wish so you never see it as it was, red and bloody or warm and supple in the hand. Allow me to teach you, if you will. How anyone can fight full of grain and potatoes is beyond me, and you should appreciate where it comes from, what others do to put the food on your plates. Give me your name, a day that suits, what skills you have. [A pause, quiet, considering.] If you have any. Or questions. There are always questions here.

I have an inquiry that needs swift response...

(Maedhros is seated on the back of Rúnya, holding his Crystal with one hand and...a person...with the other. A very disgruntled person, who is trying to plead his case. Enjoy his babbling - like an undercurrent to Maedhros's words.)

Where am I to leave a thief?

(He lifts the mugger as if he weighs no more than a puppy. The man in his hold blanches of color, eyes shifting nervously.)

I can think of several punishments for him, but -

(His voice lowers to a growl and the man falls abruptly silent. Yes, that is a smart move.)

I haven't any wish to do something illegal.

[ thranduil's voice is tight, if still somehow pleasant: ]

I understand that there are a great number of questions and concerns at the moment regarding the Inquisition's proposed policy of phylacteries for Rifters.

If there are concerns that anyone would wish to make known through official channels, the Research Division has been appointed to handle the research of this new, proposed policy. [ very pointed stressing. ] My office is where it has always been, and any concerns should be turned into the box reserved for correspondence of that nature.

I would remind all Rifters that we are yet considered a single unit. [ remember the curfew? ] That poor behavior will affect all of us- indeed, anyone currently afflicted with a Shard. I would advise them that this is never as true as it is now, and that consequences for actions taken in the heat of the moment are the same as those made when rational.

Inquisition,

I understand there has been a temporary disruption in your administration, [ a light clap ] No matter! We'll muddle through it together.

Ottoline Gardet-Lorier — you may call me Otto — of Tantervale, and it's a pleasure to meet all of you by more than reputation. I'll be summering in Kirkwall this year and lending you my services, that we might find the diplomat inside each of us.

[ ayyy ]

Let's begin! Tell me: What is love?

On a related topic, I must speak immediately with those Rifter elves present.

[Kylo Ren finds this technology peculiar, just as he does most things in Thedas thus far. Yet he has questions that need answers and he can't rely upon Rey to be his source of information. They were on good terms now, but that could very well change with the seasons. He wasn't an easy person to befriend, that much is true.]

I need a weapon smith to assist me with something of a sensitive nature. I understand that this world has... limited technology, but if there is someone willing to point me in a direction to find tools and parts for what I need, I'd be grateful.

[Direct and to the point, no introduction needed. He knew enough about his lightsaber that he could handle the harder work on it without aid, but the parts were another issue.]

I would also be interested to find what work is available for someone unfamiliar with Thedas, but that can wait until my weapon is functional again.

[He couldn't exactly be a member of the Forces Division without a weapon, could he?]

Good morning, Inquisition. I am happy to report that the Committee have selected a design for the memorial gardens, with some modifications to make it as precisely to their satisfaction as possible, and we have progressed to its construction and landscaping.

For those Rifters freshly arrived who I have not yet had the pleasure of speaking with, my name is Knight-Enchanter Herian Amsel, and I presently serve as head of the Chantry Relations project. If there are any matters that I meant lend assistance with, or matters you require clarity on, please do not hesitate to speak with me. I am oft located in the Chantry Relations office within the former Templar tower of the Gallows, but so too can I be contacted by crystal. I am afraid what I have to speak of next may be a matter of some confusion without context.

What I wish to speak of are the Dissonant Verses. I imagine the name may be unfamiliar to most; they are not well known even amongst the faithful. They are the Canticle of Silence, the Canticle of Maferath, and the Canticle of Shartan. It is the last with which I am most concerned, this day.

Shartan the Liberator was an elf who fought alongside the Blessed Andraste, when they rebelled against the Tevinter Imperium. He was leader to the elven slaves who joined her numbers, and an essential force of her cause. When Andraste was sent to the pyre and the flames rose about her, Shartan and the elves set themselves upon the pyre in a desperate attempt to save her, but all of them were slain.

In recognition of their heroism and sacrifice, the elves were rewarded with a new homeland in the Dales, but when... with the Exalted March on the Dales in the Glory Age, Shartan's verses were removed from the Chant and deemed heretical. They were published in the New Cumberland Chant of Light six years ago, but their inclusion remains controversial, and given Divine Justinia's death, there is no guarantee that it will kept in future editions of the Chant, or even acknowledged.

I would be... interested in hearing your thoughts and feelings on the matter of the Chant of Light and the Canticle of Shartan, to gauge the Inquisition's general sentiments on this matter.