The Blood of the Dalish

[samahl]

WHO: Cyril Ashara, Merrick Ashara, Pel, Samouel Haines Gareth, Taashath, Galadriel, Kallian Endris, Bruce Banner, Eirlys Ancarrow, Anders, James Norrington, Beleth Ashara, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Iskandar
WHAT: Summary of content
WHEN: Sometime near the start of Umbralis
WHERE: From Skyhold to along the Serpentine River.
NOTES: OOC post for this plot is here.

The Inquisition has been here before. They visited to ease the tensions between Clan Frandruil and the human village Kaladoun. As they left, peace had seemed to be reached. The Clan's Keeper, Shoshanna, has not kept up her part of the treaty. The Clan was meant to leave and give the village space, but it seems there's always a good reason to stay in place. The Clan's First, Janna, has put aside her pride to reach out to the Inquisition for help. As she has been regularly communicating with the Dalish liaison for the Inquisition, Cyril has agreed to put together a team and help the clan vacate.

While they are there they will break into two groups, one will help the Clan pack up and the other will go into the village and ease tensions there. Once the Clan is ready, all members of the Inquisition who came will reunite and help the Clan move to a new location and settle, to help them get back into the spirit of the nomadic lifestyle.

Comments

TRAVELING THERE

[samahl]

[The journey back to the village is a pretty easy one, nothing super dramatic happens along the way and the group is free to mingle!]

Cyril Ashara OTA

[samahl]

The group has a rather easy time getting back to the village. It helps that Cyril has traveled there before and goes out of his way to make sure people are as comfortable as can be during their journey.

Most of his time is spent trying not to appear to fuss over Pel while still fussing over Pel or with Sam or Taas, but he can also easily be found either at the head of the group or tending to fires at the night. He seems almost cheerful, to a point, and is happy to have a conversation with anyone who approaches him.

Samouel Gareth OTA

[el_tybs]

Sam is thankful that the journey is rather uneventful considering he's decided to bring along his new friend, Conan the Nuggalope, along for the journey. It was a good way to bound with his new mount, and honestly Conan seemed like he needed to get out and stretch his legs. He was a rather easy going nuggalope, but Sam does remind people to not suddenly walk up behind him or make any sudden, loud noises - no injuries please?

He does spend a lot of his time with Cyril and/or Taas, but as always Sam wanders around seeing if anyone needs anything and tending to any packing and chores that need to be done. There is also some time that he spends feeding Conan, and then chastising the nuggalope for trying to eat his shirt from time to time. When he isn't he is often enjoying a cup of tea by the fire.

Galadriel OTA

[laurenande]

Despite herself, Galadriel has traveled little in Thedas and the places she has been sent have, more oft than not, been dreadful and dreary, drowning in death. To travel with friends, with the promise to see a clan of Dalish outside of the high walls of Skyhold, that is a gift. Despite the task ahead of them, Galadriel is excited.

There is always a surreal lightness to her steps but, as she treks alongside the party, there is a certain, tangible joy to her gait. If she were capable of it, she might be floating. It is a great salve, the open, unhindered sky and she relishes it.

Indeed, she is so delighted in the travel itself that she often slips into song. It is not a tradition the people of Thedas share, she expects, but singing while one walks is too ingrained in her to avoid. The songs she sings are sometimes mournful and sometimes upbeat, but are always in elvish--if she knew any in this common tongue, perhaps the others would sing along. For now, she contents herself by singing of days long passed and places far from these lands, and watches the slow passing of the scenery as they walk the freemarches.

Eirlys Ancarrow, OTA

[ancarrow]

Eirlys is in remarkably good spirits, between the high she's still riding on after Satinalia and her excitement at finally getting to see a Dalish Clan for herself. She can be found in the middle of the group as they travel, still looking a little unsteady atop a horse though managing not to fall, listening to the chatter of the others and humming to herself, breaking off from the party when she spots a rare herb or plant to gather. In the evenings she sits near the fire, keeping one eye on dinner as it cooks and the other on grinding herbs.

Taashath | OTA

[quietblade]

Taas is easy-going during the journey, the big draft horse he usually borrow for trips moving easily under her burden. The warrior keeps an eye on their surroundings, shoulders stiffening a bit every time they pass a good ambush area.

...yet nothing happens. Everything is nice and calm. It's almost surreal.

He's open and happy when they rest, however, happy to get to know the new people. After the mission in Orlais, he's happy to socialize outside of a prison wall.

Anders, OTA, announcing his alias

[justice_is_blond]

On the first evening they're camping, as the fire's being built, Anders clears his throat and looks into the slowly growing flames.

"I'll be going by Garrett Hughes here. The..." He glances down for a moment before resuming. "The usual won't go over well, likely. And I'd like to just help, rather than stir up anything. If someone feels they can't use an alias, don't use a name at all. I'll answer to healer for this errand, if needed."

Beleth Ashara | OTA

[arlathvhen]

Beleth knows the way there, she's been here before. What feels like a very long time ago. The last time she'd been on her way, she'd had a conversation with Korrin, revealed a secret to her, the first person she'd ever told. And it doesn't escape her notice how ironic it is that she's making her way there now. The irony stings more than it amuses.

That, combined with this being the second Dalish clan in a short period to be difficult to deal with, leaves Beleth in a sullen mood for most of the trip. She stays to herself, often going out scouting the area on her hart. She doesn't dissuade anyone from approaching her, however, when she is around--either riding her hart, resting, or at camp for the night, curled up close to the fire.

THE VILLAGE

[samahl]

[The village is in the middle of preparing for winter, and dealing with a light illness that has affected the mayor and other members of the community. Nothing serious, but several people are suffering from cold like symptoms. The Chantry sisters have been doing their best to ease people's spirits but the changing weather and the appearance of a cold bug has put people on edge. People being on edge leads to the possibility of more violence.

Cyril has requisitioned extra supplies to give the village - to be delivered by the group who goes there - and has lightly suggested to the human healers in the party that they should choose to go to the village.]

Bruce, OTA (feel free to make up whatever and I'll roll with it)

[amygdalae]

Bruce isn't exactly giving the best impression of the Inquisition in general, what with his somewhat fatigued state and the fact that one of his arms is now currently in a sling - a souvenir from the fight against Samson. Though all things considered a fractured arm is getting off lightly when he had been suddenly thrust into a battle against the leader of the Red Templars.

And now after all that fighting he had to do, it was nice to just come back to what he originally had come to the Inquisition to do in the first place - helping people. Granted, lacking the use of one arm did limit what he could do quote a bit, but it wasn't as if he hadn't had to deal in situations like this before. He manages most tasks just fine, though with the more complex things that need to be done he has to give it to others to handle. Though if there is nobody around nearby to help, Bruce will try to handle it himself to most likely varying degrees of success.

THE CLAN

[samahl]

[Clan Frandruil has lived in this valley for years and it shows. Structures that should be easy to pack up and travel have been made far more sturdy and permanent. They have made this place their home, and have done things to make it easier to stay.

There have been efforts to pack, and a lot of the clan's belongings seem in disarray because of it. It became clear the more that they tried that this was a monumental task. Even the halla seem to want to stay.

They need clear heads to help them get things uprooted and discard things that aren't really needed. Cyril expects that most of the Dalish who have come along will want to help, but wouldn't put it against them if they would prefer to go to the village. He knows it's going to be a lot of hard work.]

Cyril Ashara OTA

[samahl]

It is a lot of work. They have to dig out structures and pack up things that have been settled in their spot for many seasons. There's a lot to sort through and organize and a lot to do.

People might have assumed that Cyril was the fussy type to ignore a lot of hard work, but when needed he's right there among them rest, doing his part to get things done.

He ends up spending a lot of time with the Clan's First, as together they take charge and get things organized, and the Clan's Crater, helping him find creative ways to pack up everything he needs, but he can also be found alone helping out others when needed.

Eirlys Ancarrow, OTA

[ancarrow]

She soon wishes she'd gone to the village instead, not least because the bits of the elven language that Ellana has spent so long patiently teaching her seem to vanish from her memory as soon as she's faced with Clan Frandruil. She just about manages to stammer out a greeting, hoping that her pronunciation isn't too terrible.

She's also very wary of the possible connotations of a city elf packing up a Dalish camp, and doesn't want to seem as though she's advocating that she wants to pack up their way of life entirely -- quite the opposite, in fact. She shrinks back into herself a little, trying to be as helpful as she can while remaining as inconspicuous as possible.

Merrick, ota

[dalishious]

[ It's easy for Merrick to autopilot his way through this, using his own survivalist instincts to help the Dalish make practical decisions. His hard and unapologetic demeanor is actually an asset, forcing the elves to adapt quickly to what will be the rest of their lives. ]

You don't need that. [ He advises--or bullies, however you want to see it--a nearby woman for attempting to pack an ornamental vase. ] Unless you plan to use it as a weapon, throw it out.

Taashath | OTA

[quietblade]

Taas is there to lift the heavy things, and he definitely does. Aravel needs a new wheel? He'll jack it up for the elves. Heaps of packing? He'll lift that up into the cart. Anything needed breaking? He's your man.

Stubborn halla, however? He'll... leave that to the elves. Those things were dangerous.

[laurenande]

The clan was clearly in disarray, their buildings and belonging strewn about and sorted into piles; they very nearly looked like refugees, save perhaps that the land around them was in tact and they were not weighed down by sorrow. It was not an impressive sight, but Galadriel was utterly taken with it. To be near more elves than men was a grand change and, despite her great poise, her comfort was tangible.

She makes efforts to assist in packing, where she can. Despite her willowy frame, she wields great strength, as all the Eldar do, but her ability to lift is hampered utterly by her attention span. Though strong, she is easily and frequently distracted by the nature of the belongings she helps to pack. Tasks that should be a simple matter of minutes become hours long affairs as she turns over curios and studies the art of them, the designs that are not reflected in the grand palaces of Orlais or in Skyhold itself.

If left to her own devices it's entirely possible she'd spend the better part of a decade just examining the pottery of this clan--if she strays near to the looms, there is no telling how long she will linger.

DECISION TIME

[samahl]

Everything has gone surprisingly well. With so many hands helping, they're able to get the Clan packed up in one day. The healers being sent to the village helped ease tensions that the humans felt. There were no attacks, no real hitches in Cyril's plan to get the Clan moving.

The Inquisition members meet up the next day and travel with the Clan far from the valley that had been their home for so long. There's some singing and story telling along the way to ease the hearts and souls of a people not used to leaving the valley behind.

Once they find a good place to settle the group helps the Clan unpack again, with the Dalish elves especially show everyone what needs to be settled in and what can stay out of sight. It's still hard work, but in the end everyone feels accomplished.

Cyril has the Inquisition members set up camp a little ways away from the Clan that night. He feels it's important to give the Clan space to get used to being in a new area but to be near enough that they feel secure.

The party sets up their own tents and fires and then settles in for the night. It's during dinner that the First of the Clan appears and asks Cyril if they can speak. He easily gets up and goes with her. They take a walk in the surrounding woods, surveying the area and talking.

He's gone only about half an hour and when he returns he appears visibly shaken but unharmed. He settles by the fire and is quiet for a moment before abruptly telling everyone what just happened.

"She asked me to marry her."

It should be a simple thing to say no to. It should be something that he can smile and laugh off, but he can't. There have been too many things lately to make him doubt his place when it comes to the future of his people. The elves are a dying, desperate people and deep down he's always believed he would eventually have to find a wife and settle down. He had thought that wouldn't be for a few more years, but perhaps now is the time for him to think seriously about accepting that future.

Isn't it better to do that now, rather than get in too deep with the two people he cares so much about? Isn't that better when he's working so hard to secure a good future? Shouldn't he accept that as his fate?

He isn't sure that he can make that choice on his own.


[ooc; I'm going to make one sub-comment under this that is for Taas and Sam only, but otherwise feel free to reply and Cyril will have a conversation about what he should do with your character. Everyone's input and opinions here will change what choice he makes, depending on how compelling they are. I'll post a finally comment basically with an epilogue and travelling back to Skyhold summary so we can finish this plot up! Thanks everyone!]

For SAM and TAAS

[samahl]

Cyril gets up and gestures to Sam and Taas. He signs to them You two, come with me, and then directs them to walk with him a bit. He wants to be somewhere alone with them so that they can discuss things together without the input of anyone else.

He loves his family, of course, but ultimately they will support him no matter what he does. Sam and Taas will lose him if he chooses to marry Janna though, and he can't abandon what he has with them without at least talking about it first.

He goes into a tent and lights an oil lamp, making sure that Taas can see both his and Sam's lips as they talk.

"Is this bright enough for you?" he still asks of Taas though, wanting to make sure that he doesn't end up missing half of the conversation due to poor lighting.

[mythalenaste]

Pel's brows lift, but she remains calm. He looks upset. The best response to that is to keep an even keel. Wordlessly, she pats the spot beside her on her wool blanket by the fire.

[justice_is_blond]

He studies Cyril after the statement and waits until later, after Cyril's had time to speak with Sam and Taas and Pel, waits to watch Cyril again and try to figure out if he needs to speak with more, or if he needs space. When the former seems to be true, Anders comes over with a waterskin and takes a seat next to Cyril.

"I've an ear, if you've need."

[conqueredhearts]

For him marriage likely had different meaning. He'd used it for love and he'd used it for advantage. At the same time he'd also refused to give up on all that he had. Cyril had reminded him very much of himself with how he'd been handling his lovers, had appreciated the openness. Now he almost felt as if there was a weight on the little elf that threatened to tear him apart.

It was that reason why he invited him to come spend time with him at one point a little bit away from everyone where they could look up at the sky. Flopping back onto the ground, he gazed up at it with a sigh.

"My friend, I have some questions for you. I'd like to begin with this: What would this marriage mean for your people?"

[dalishious]

Merrick's expression darkens the moment Cyril speaks.

"And you said no," he states, his tone assured, though the look in his eyes is hard.

Re: DECISION TIME

[judgemewhole]

James paused in the midst of sharpening his sword, his eyebrows lifting up together as Cyril stood before him, his expression a great deal paler than it should be. He frowned, gesturing to the log beside him, as he reached into his bag and took out a small, elegant looking flask.

"Here, take a drink." He frowned for a moment, "... What is the Dalish opinion, of the fact that you prefer men to women? If you ... just marry to have children, are you expected to honor that marriage with absolute fidelity?"

[arlathvhen]

Beleth stares at Cyril for a few moments, processing what he's said. Then, her reaction is markedly different than most of the others--she smiles, her eyes lighting up as she claps her hands together. Of course Cyril was going to get married at some point, wasn't he? Finally settle down. That's what you did, what was expected of them. It seems, to her, a very responsible thing for Cyril to do.

"Really? That's so sweet. If you say yes, you and Sorrel will be getting married nearly at the same time! I wonder if the Keeper would allow you to have a double wedding?" She pauses for a moment, and crinkles her brow, resting a hand on her cheek as she glances away.

"Ah--I was trying not to say anything. It's not really my place to make the announcement for Sina. Well, just don't tell anyone else, okay?" She sighs, shaking her head. Well, it's not like Sina and Cyril talk a lot, right? So it's not like she's spilling the beans to Sina's close friends. But her cloudy expression smooths over as she turns back to the topic at hand.

"It's a good match--you've got close relatives who are mages, she's a First. You'll be bonded to the person guiding the clan that you've already worked so hard for. And I'm sure this clan would support you, after all you've done. Do you want me to write to the Keeper to see what she thinks?"

EPILOGUE

[samahl]

The next morning, after the Inquisition members have taken down their camp and are preparing to leave, Cyril speaks to Janna one more time.

During this conversation, he tells her that while he truly cares for her and her Clan, he will have to turn down her proposal. He offers friendship and alliances instead.

When he leaves with the others to find their way back to Skyhold, he feels relieved and determined to find a path that stays true to who he is and what he wants for himself.

He can find his own way to honor the People and carry on to a new future.


[ooc; feel free to keep up the tags everyone! I just wanted to make sure you all knew how this went down! Thank you so much!]