[Open] Budding in Adversity

[kallian_endris]

WHO: Kallian Endris and Open
WHAT: Open catch-all for August and Kingsway
WHEN: August and Kingsway
WHERE: Primarily in and around Halamshiral
NOTES: Potential anti-elf/mage/Fereldan prejudices



Estate Library

The estate's library was one of few places of quiet respite for the elven healer. It was a good place to read books and brush up on her Orlesian, or even just collect her thoughts. It wasn't as crowded as some of the other places.

...of course, it wasn't perfect. Her presence was closely watched in the library, making sure she didn't wander anywhere she wasn't welcome. Which... seemed to be most places in there. And of course, she was always promptly shooed outside before nightfall by the housekeeper. After all, she wasn't anyone of note to Orlesian sensibilities.


Elven Districts

Ah, here was where Kallian could blend in, seamless, another face in the crowd. But, to blend in among Orlesian elves, her Ferelden qualities were masked. Her native Fereldan accent was softened with an Orlesian lilt, and any locals who asked her name were given the one she never dared mention back in Denerim: Poirefleur. But there was a downside to being able to slip so easily into the guise of belonging. The tragedy and tensions sank deep into her bones, the ashes darkening her heart with sorrow. She wants to help her brethren here, and so can be found trying to help clean up, or brighten days with songs and stories that her mother once taught her.


Outside the High Quarter

A lone elf wasn't permitted into the bright inner city. Especially one without any money. But Kallian could still look inside from the entrance. She stood there, watching people, catching glimpses of the treasures to be found inside. And she sang, sweet voice warbling Orlesian songs. Once in a while, someone would drop a coin or two at her feet.


Countryside

It was said the countryside was full of demons because of the nearby rifts. Dangerous prospects for anyone, but especially for a spirit healer. Kallian would be like a beacon if she got too close to any. But, there were times when the crush of city life seemed like too much, and so she braved the glares of suspicion and the possibility of demons for a chance to breathe a little more freely.


Wildcard

[Choose your own adventure!

Comments

[samahl]

He nods after a moment. That pause was so that he considered the merits of being honest with her or coming up with some witty reply about nobles and their smell.

"I always feel more myself in the woods," he says, choosing to be honest. "The trees are always honest with their opinion of you."

[kallian_endris]

"Really?"

Kalli looks around at the trees.

"How... do you know what they're saying?" she asks, turning bright blue eyes on Cyril.

[samahl]

Cyril smiled a bit. "Oh, it's not a literal language. They're just..." A pause, as he considers it. "Have you ever climbed one?" he asks.

[kallian_endris]

She shakes her head.
"Can't really say that I have. There aren't a lot of trees growing in the cities. We do still have a vhenadahl in Denerim, but... we don't... climb it..."

Kallian blushes.
"Sorry. I've been taking lessons and all, but... I'm not very good at being Dalish yet."

[samahl]

Cyril shakes his head, showing that he didn't meant to embarrass her. "There isn't really a good or bad way to be Dalish. It means what it means to you. The reason I asked is that trees will either be able to support you, or the won't. They don't lie and pretend to be sturdy. When a branch breaks it's your fault, not the tree's. It was being honest with you from the start."

[kallian_endris]

"And that's true every time?" She cants her head just a little.

"What about trees that are sick, or dying? And the wood is only fragile-looking under the bark. Especially in winter, you might not be able to tell just by looking. What about those trees?"

[samahl]

Cyril chuckles a bit, amused at how well she had poked holes in his attempt to be poetic. "And you thought you weren't good at being Dalish," he replies good naturedly.

"Still, you should try to climb one. Just once."

[kallian_endris]

"That's not being Dalish. That's being a healer. I'm taught to look for the little things that show someone might be ill."

A hint of a smile tugs the corner of her lips.
"I might. If you can help me find a tree that can be trusted."

[samahl]

"It's also being practical. Dalish are supposed to be very practical."

At the agreement to find a tree, Cyril's smile widened a bit, becoming slightly more boyish. "Come on, let's find one."

[kallian_endris]

"Practical. And yet, you're trying to find me a tree to climb while I'm wearing a dress." She shakes her head in amusement, but follows him anyway.

[samahl]

"Don't worry, I won't be creepy about it," he replies. "I won't even try to look up it or anything."

[kallian_endris]

That actually gets her to laugh some.
"I wasn't worried about that. But climbing in a skirt is a little bit like trying to climb with just one leg. It's not very easy to do."

[samahl]

"If you're worried, we could always go back into the city and get some trousers?" he suggests after a moment. "Or do this another day."

[kallian_endris]

"Another day, maybe. I don't actually own any trousers," she admits. "And I don't feel like I'm ready to go back to the crush of the city again just yet."

[samahl]

"Then let's just enjoy the trees instead of climbing them," he says. Then, after a moment. "I'd love to help you find something flattering that you can climb in."