faderift | The Annulment at Dairsmuid

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The Annulment at Dairsmuid

WHO: Araceli Bonaventura, Korrin Ataash, Malcolm Reynolds, The Outsider, Aleron Darton, Kas, Anders, Malcolm Reed, James Norrington, Ellana Ashara, James Kirk; Rivaini npcs
WHAT: The Annulment at Dairsmuid; arriving at Rivain to meet with Araceli and her mage contacts that requested aid from Templars hunting them down. When Araceli goes to bring the group to her contacts, they're informed that the Templars have abducted the mages forcing the team to return to the Circle at Dairsmuid to rescue them and kill the Templars responsible
WHEN: 15th-20th Solace
WHERE: Rivain; Dairsmuid
NOTES: OOC posts here and here, sending crystal announcement; violence, discussions of annulment, probably going to need warnings for language; I'll edit as I go, if people can bring things to my attention, I would appreciate it
Starters will all be below, subjects in headers

We of the Dairsmuid Circle wait now, behind barricades. I have sent word to our brother and sister mages of this outrage. When they break through, we will not die alone.

—Final journal entry of First Enchanter Rivella, slain in Dairsmuid, 9:40 Dragon

Contents;
Arrival at Dairsmuid
Meeting the Mage Contacts
Team Dungeon Crashers
Team Templar Crushers
Aftermath of the Rescue
Timestamp; Dairsmuid Adventures
Epilogue

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[ Ellana has come to love Rivain, despite what they came here to do. The Templars exist outside of what Rivain is, and that is a place with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Not one person here has talked down to her, called her knife-ear, or treated her like she's lower than dirt. The elves are treated the same as the humans, and this is an experience she'll never forget. And when she asked of the Dalish that Fate told her about, she was told that they live not far outside Dairsmuid and happily trade in the city or in the woods.

Sadly, she learns they don't have a permanent community yet, and move wherever the need for food takes them, but it's lucky that they're so close by at the moment. Ellana needs to see them. And so a few days before their ship back is set to debark, Ellana lets the others know where she'll be and if they'd like to come.

The walk is less than an hour, and the path is clearly marked the whole way, until beautifully crafted hanging lanterns greet them, and there's a rustling through the trees. Two sentries drop down, carrying bows in hand, though no arrows are nocked. ]

Andaran atish'an. You certainly don't look like you're from around these parts. But I can see one of you is a sister.

[ He nods towards Ellana's face and her vallaslin of Mythal, while he has chosen June. She bows her head a little in return. ]

My name's Ellana, of Clan Ashara in the Free Marches. We're sorry to come unannounced, but we had business in Dairsmuid, and I've heard about you all the way back home. About how you want to want to make a permanent settlement. It's something I've always wanted myself, so I wanted to come see you.

Oh? [ He sounds amused. ] I'm sure our Keeper would love to tell you all about it. And your friends? Did they come here to hear it too? I notice you don't carry things to trade, so it can't be for that reason.

_{[ Kirk had offered to go along with Ellana on her trip to the settlement, not because he didn't think she was incapable of handling herself, but with the atmosphere as it was he didn't think any of them should be wandering alone if they could help it. That, and he was curious. Always he was curious.

Mostly he hung in the background, an unassuming human while Ellana did the talking - for now at least. He wanted to present the least threatening image possible (not that he thought himself overly threatening in the first place). As she makes introduction though, he raises his hand in greeting, keeping his relaxed posture. ]}

James Tiberius Kirk, but everyone calls me Jim, of... Clan Enterprise, I suppose.

[As before, Korrin didn't think her presence would necessarily be a boon, but at least she isn't a shemlen, so it can't hurt. She hangs back with Kirk, though it's difficult to be unassuming when a foot taller than everyone else and horned. She nods politely when introductions happen.]

Korrin Ataash, of the Valo-Kas company. And yes, I came to hear it too. Ellana is a good friend; I'll support what's important to her.

[It won't have the same impact and she's well-aware of that, but it doesn't mean she can't listen all the same.]

[ The two Rivaini elves exchange a look when Jim speaks, simply because humans don't usually refer to themselves as being part of a clan. They're not really offended by the use of the word -- as some elves in the south might be -- but just a little confused. Ellana's face colors a little. ]

Jim is from very far away, but we've become friends. He means no disrespect when he says 'clan;' he's just trying to connect with you. If, um, if that's all right?

Be at ease. [ He smiles to reassure her. ] We didn't know humans had clans too. [ The other sentry, who has been quiet up until now, adds, ] Valo-Kas company? You aren't Qunari, then? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against them. They're always polite when they visit to try and get us to convert, but we've said no plenty of times now.

Korrin is definitely not a Qunari. [ Ellana doesn't turn to see if Korrin is making a face or not. ] And I would be honored to speak with your Keeper.

[And bringing up the rear is Araceli, allowing the first introductions to go ahead before she hurries to catch up with everyone else, satisfied that no one is following them. (Not that any of their party could blame her for being paranoid lately.)]

Araceli Bonaventura y Castell, friend of Ellana, kadan of Korrin, fellow student of Beleth Ashara in the bard arts. [The Dalish might not bow but Araceli's manners will always demand that she does so, though with less flourish than she usually would as she smiles.] Beleth was unable to come, I would humbly relay as much as you would be willing to share to my friend.

[She would have gladly had Beleth along but after Leliana had been poisoned, both of them leaving really didn't feel like an option in her mind so this will have to be the next best thing.]

Edited 2016-07-20 17:48 (UTC)

[Of course Korrin's making a face, an automatic reaction of disgust for a split second before she just shakes her head.]

I couldn't have less to do with the Qunari if I tried. [She gestures to the staff on her back; if they've seen Qunari, then they might have seen what's done to Qunari mages. The fact that she carries none of their traits might be telling enough.] My kind are Vashoth, born outside the Qun. Don't worry, I'm not here to convert anyone.

[She won't go on a rant about it, though, expecting this reaction from just about everyone in Thedas. For now, it's enough to correct and move on, her smile returning as Araceli introduces herself.]

Edited 2016-07-20 17:56 (UTC)

[Last of all, slightly delayed because he'd seen some interesting plants along the way, is Anders. The introductions of the others give him pause before he's shrugging and nodding his head toward the Dalish.]

Anders of the Grey Wardens.

[No surname. Not even a real name. But he does have family, even if he doesn't share a name with them.]

Company and... curious about the practical matters behind establishing permanent settlements.

[Mages and Dalish are both Threatened. Being in one place, one they call their own, carries similar risks. He'd like to learn more.]

I don't think we've ever had such an eclectic group visit us before.

[ This elf wears the vallaslin of Andruil the hunter, which suits him since he looks so at ease holding his bow. ]

We've never had a Dalish elf from outside Rivain visit us before, much less a... Vashoth, was it? Or a bard, or a Grey Warden.

[ If anything, he looks a little excited, which Ellana is glad for. Most of the clans in southern Thedas would be suspicious of a group like this, and make threats to get them to turn away. ]

Well, if this is all of you and you're ready, I'll take you to meet our Keeper. Falos will stay and keep watch.

[ But his tone has a bit of a question to it as he looks to the other, who nods his agreement. ]

Ma serannas. It's been a long trip, and we're leaving in a few days, but I wouldn't have missed seeing your clan for anything.

You haven't met all of us yet! I hope we don't disappoint. Follow me. I'm Tamael, by the way. Are none of you from Rivain, then? Most of you don't look it. Or sound it.

...kind of? I'm more a Marcher than anything else, but I've family in Rivain, too.

[Korrins smiles a bit, thinking of Tama and now more eager than ever for the inevitable reunion and big dinner ahead. And many of the people she'd want Tama to meet are here with her now.]

Like Ellana said, I'm from a land very, very far away.

_{[ He wasn't sure what these people knew of Rifters or how they thought about them, so he stuck for the vague truth for now. He still kept his hand wrapped, so the green gem was hidden. For now he is quiet as he follows the group, looking around as they walk. ]}

When she mentioned coming to see the local elf clan, I was to curious to pass it up.

_{[ He smiled that charming smile of his, the honesty bursting out with the genuine curiosity. ]}

If I might ask - what is a Keeper?

Anywhere on the sea is my home. [Technically that isn't a lie, and if any of them are going to pass for being Rivaini, or at least a bit Rivaini? It's going to be Araceli. Or Antivan with a dash of Rivaini in there according to scouts in Skyhold that don't know about her rifter status.] I'm the reason we all happen to be in Rivain after my trip to study went slightly awry - everyone here was good enough to come to the aid of those in dire need.

[With so much free trade, she wouldn't be surprised to hear of the mages and the Dalish having had some contact at some point in the past though she doesn't wish to derail what promises to be a more happy event.]

Are your aravels the same as those of clans on the mainland? I know they're landships but do you ever have to actually use them for sailing at all?

A Keeper is the clan's leader. They pass down all our lore and secrets, and they're always a mage. Their magic helps protect the clan, and their Keeper magic makes plants grow to help feed us.

[ Ellana elaborates for Jim. ]

Each clan has a Keeper and an apprentice who will become Keeper themselves someday. The Templars didn't like it, but rather than battle every Dalish clan, they just turned a blind eye. Any more mages in a clan and the Templars would want to drag them away to a Circle, so additional mages were traded to other clans. Usually. Others -- like me -- were hidden away.

Oh, we don't do that here, as a rule. We trade people at Arlathvhen sometimes, but Rivain has always done the bare minimum when it comes to the Chantry's laws, so the Templars have never come to count our mages.

[ Ellana's lips part in utter surprise, and she imagines if she'd grown up in this clan, she'd feel entirely different about her place in it. ]

You mean all your mages stay here and are valued? Are they all taught Keeper magic?

Of course! They help the Keeper in all things. And we have to be ready for the unexpected. What if there's a illness, or a wolf attack, and the Keeper and her apprentice both die? Who would lead us then?

[ It's so tempting to want to tell Tamael about the failings of her own Keeper, but she talks herself out of it. It's really not the time for it, so she keeps quiet. ]

[ To Araceli, he says: ] Then it sounds like your friends are all decent people! More than decent, really. Perhaps you can tell our Keeper about it? As for the aravels, they are pretty much the same. We love our halla too much to give them up for ships. But there have been times we've dwelt by the shore. The crafting of small fishing boats has passed down through the years. Maybe we'll head back towards the sea soon. In Rivain, it's never too far away.

[ But now they're in at the camp, and a statue of Fen'Harel greets them at the entrance. There are red-sailed aravels dotted around the camp, along with campfires and small shrines to their gods. Tamael leads them through, and elves stop what they're doing to stare. Several children dart forward to get a better look, with a woman chasing after them to grab their arms and stop them from bothering the newcomers. "Here on business," the group may hear her say to the children. Under a large tree is spread out several colorful blankets, and a woman with black hair streaked with gray sits cross-legged on one of them. Though the Dalish have their own style of clothing, the influence of Rivain is clearly there, as she wears a brightly colored shawl and many beaded necklaces. ]

Keeper Shinasha, this group is visiting this land and wished to see our clan. This is Ellana, our sister from the Marches. And Jim, Korrin, Araceli, and Anders. [ Honestly, he looks proud of himself for remembering all these names. The Keeper looks mildly surprised by the group of humans and the Qunari (sorry, Korrin) that their fellow Dalish has brought with her, but she spreads out her hands to them all nonetheless. ]

If you come to our clan in peace, then please have a seat.

[ Hope no one minds sitting on these blankets, because they don't do chairs here. ]

[As they enter, Korrin nods to the observing Dalish and smiles to their children. She won't mind if any come close to have a look at her, understanding the novelty. It wouldn't be the first time she's entered a Dalish camp only to have one of them riding her shoulders, holding onto her horns in glee. Upon reaching the tree and being introduced, Korrin sits down as requested and nods respectfully.]

Thank you for having us, Keeper.

[She doesn't say more at this time, glancing to Ellana since she's their link to all this and no doubt has questions.]

_{[ Kirk looks around with interest as they near the village, finding the explanation of the Keepers intriguing. It sounded like a shaman system from some of the native and ancient tribes of his world, and he made the mental note to be especially respectful to the Keeper and watch his words. Not that he would intentionally anger the people, but as he was discovering sometimes his honesty of his own views did not go over quite so well as he would hope. Especially about gods and the like.

He smiles at the kids, giving a little wave, and when introduced he offers a polite bow. He thinks it's the best and safest form of respect showing in this world. So far it had not gotten him in trouble. Like Korrin he takes his seat, bursting with questions of his own, but Ellana was the leader and so should speak first. ]}

Yes, thank you. It is an honor and privilege.

[ A few of the elves keep a close eye on the group of newcomers, but most go back to their business. The children are definitely thinking up ways to convince their mother to let them talk to the strange people as she herds them back to their lessons. Under the tree, Ellana seats herself and gets straight to it. ]

I heard from a friend of mine that the Dalish elves outside Dairsmuid were trying to create a permanent settlement. I wanted to know more about it, because it's something I've always wanted for my clan too. A roof over our heads, walls to keep out the wind, and beds to sleep up off the ground.

[ It always sounded so appealing in the books she'd read that the clan had managed to collect. And now that she lives in Skyhold, she loves it. Beds are the best. Doors that lock too. ]

But now that I've seen Rivain, I think I understand. Humans here don't treat elves the way they do in other places.

Yes. [ The Keeper's mouth twists with a frown. ] I have witnessed it myself, when we would travel for the Arlathvhen. It is much better here. The humans we trade with give us their money, and we are saving it to buy land. Perhaps south of here. My people always ate well when we had the sea to collect food. The only reason we moved back up here was because there were always strong storms off the water in late summer.

[All their mages are kept, and they all have training. They have a community, and they fit in. Anders is spending a lot of time listening and looking around, though he takes a seat with a nod on one of the carpets. One particularly interested elf child gets a wink and a small smile even as he's herded away.]

So would you say that it's human attitudes that are key here? Maturity, lack of hatred? Or...

[It would be nice if he could find something here that can be applied and used toward the future. But if it's just that humans here aren't the assholes they are elsewhere, he's not sure that can help build a mage community.]

[Settling herself comfortably, she smiles at the talk of the sea since it's impossible for her not to feel endeared towards people that understand the role it plays in their lives. The Dalish, she would imagine, would be more likely to respect it compared to others, and to take from it what they need too.]

Ah, I was to send tidings too from Clan Dahlasanor; their First, Sina also wished me to pass along a message that she and Beleth hope to improve communication between clans.

[It wouldn't do, to forget to pass along Sina's message when she so rarely gets to travel great distances and when she might never get to see this place with her own eyes.]

I saw how some of my friends were treated in Val Royeaux, Ellana for instance, as well as others. Val Royeaux and the supposed 'enlightenment'. [The way the woman in the lingerie shop had looked at Ellana when she had touched the same garment as Araceli at first isn't a memory she'll soon forget.] Do you think it's how deeply tied their ways are to magic? It seems a bigger part of the community itself than elsewhere.

[All this just further cements Korrin's view that Rivian's worth retiring to, as much as she loves the Free Marches. There's a look of understanding at the Keeper as the treatment her kind get in Rivain isn't quite equaled anywhere else in Thedas, aside from places she never intends to visit. Mention of Sina and her clan gets a warm smile from Korrin, glad Araceli remembered to contact her since she'd gotten so distracted on her end and had forgotten to ask about that.]

We'll gladly pass back news to them and help that communication along.

[Mention of Val Royeaux has Korrin shaking her head in disgust.]

It's a beautiful city...if you can ignore all the casual racism everywhere. I can't, and I can't blame anyone else unable to do so.

[The best she could do was loom over anyone giving her elven friends a hard time and force herself to maintain calm every she heard someone call her an 'ox'. But she's more interested in Araceli's question, so she won't prolong an answer with any of her own, yet.]

[ Keeper Shinasha waits and listens, and finally she tilts her head slightly towards the group in acknowledgment. ]

Rivain has long held certain traditions and views, so they simply weren't going to toss them aside because someone far away on a throne said they should. What is it called again? The Sunshine Throne? [ She waves it away. ] No matter. We heard of what happened in Dairsmuid when the Chantry folks stuck their noses in too far. Rivain doesn't need it. The humans have their seers and their spirits, and we Dalish have our Keepers and our mages. We understand one another that way. Perhaps that is the difference. Those humans in the South all fear magic, don't they? And we Dalish are not afraid to use it.

[ Her eyes drift towards Ellana, not surprised that humans in this "Val Royeaux" place did not treat her well. ]

And yet I would bet those people get the elves to do their laundry, and they trade with the dwarves for precious metals and jewels. A society that is insular must go without some things -- like other Dalish clans, yes? -- but a society that wishes to have everything must acknowledge where it all came from. [ She shakes her head. People out that way make no sense. That's why she'll stick to Rivain and grumble when Arlathvhen comes around again. Maybe she can convince the other Keepers to have it in Rivain next time. ]

Clan Dahlasanor, you said? That is a very small clan. It is good to hear they thrive. And I would be open to better communication, yes, but the question is how to do it. Rounding us up for the Arlathvhen is hard enough. We might stay here in this place for years if we wish, but our brothers and sisters to the South must move often or risk the wrath of the humans. It is not always easy to track down a clan that has moved.

_{[ Kirk is quiet as the conversation carries on, understanding only about half of it, but he expected as much to be honest. He kept casting his gaze around the area about them, taking in the other villagers and the layout. He had many questions, who wouldn't? But he would learn more from being quiet, he felt, and attempting to hide his own ignorance with many of the subjects being brought up.

He tilted his head at the last though. ]}

Couldn't you use some specially spelled crystals? The crystals move with the clan, so there's no tracking really needed if I understand how the crystals work.

Crystals? I don't understand what you mean. Crystals made of precious jewels?

[ The Keeper looks confused, as she's never heard of such a thing before. Ellana's crystal is inside a locket, and she clicks open the latch to show her. ]

Crystals like these. The Inquisition found a supply of them at Skyhold -- our base -- when we arrived. You can use them to communicate over long distances. It carries your voice to another person with a crystal, almost as if they were right beside you.

[ Leaning in, Keeper Shinasha reaches out to gently take hold of the crystal, examining it before releasing it to swing gently from its chain. ]

You just talk into it, and others can hear you? If the Keepers had such a thing... I have no words for how much that could help us. But where could we get our own? And can anyone with a crystal hear us? We would wish for our words to remain private among clans.

[Korrin takes out her own, beneath the dragon's tooth necklace also in her possession, and nods.]

Understandable, but not to worry. By default, it will send messages to everyone but you can decide to refine the message's intended recipients as needed. You just touch the crystal and say their name or names.

They can be turned on and off, too. There's a twisting motion you make while saying 'on' or 'off', and while it's off, the crystal won't relay any messages immediately, but store them for later listening. You'll know when there are messages, because it will glow--like it's doing now.

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The Annulment at Dairsmuid

{ the rivaini dalish }

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omg i wrote so much

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