Maia, then. [ his eyes are warm, and kind, and his hands gentle as he takes over button duty. ] Mae l'ovannen.

[ he catches the eye of an elven scout at this point, signals him over, spends a few minutes in low conversation. coin leaves thranduil's hand and goes to the scout, who sets off through the trees at a quick pace. then, his attention is maia's again. ]

The thing you helped close is called a 'Rift'. It is a tear in reality, to a place called the Fade, which is rich in magic. They were caused by the actions of a Man from Tevinter who sought to make himself immortal. These elves, Men, dwarves, and Qunari- the tall folk with horns- are members of the Inquisition, a Mannish organization linked with a religious group called the 'Chantry' that seek to defeat him. [ it's the best answer he can give so quickly. ] We Rifters come through these gaps- or are sent- and the Inquisition hosts us, for we and few others bear the shards that might be used to close rifts.

[ he holds his hand up to illustrate. the glow has nearly faded. on to the next thing: ]

It is unspeakably rude to the elves I am of to touch hair without permission. Is this true for you?