Player Plot: I will call you home

[arlathvhen]

WHO: Beleth, Cyril, Merrick, and Ellana Ashara, Thranduil, Sina Dahlasanor, Metaari, Sam Gareth, Kallian Endris, Alistair and Ruby i think??? whoever wants to go
WHAT: Keeping Up With The Asharas, the reality tv show
WHEN: Backdatedish, around mid-kingsway
WHERE: The Heartlands of Orlais
NOTES: OOC post

Tel'enfenim, da'len Irassal ma ghilas Ma garas mir renan Ara ma'athlan vhenas Ara ma'athlan vhenas	Never fear, little one, Wherever you shall go. Follow my voice-- I will call you home. I will call you home.

Clan Ashara currently resides in a small valley nestled into the mountains, that seems idyllic for a Dalish clan. A stream runs through the valley, descending into a waterfall with the steep cliffs on one side, and sheer mountain walls going straight up on two other sides. The only way in and out is through a gap big enough to lead several aravels through. It's a defensible position, safe from any threats. Except the fade rift that has opened up just a little ways from the gap. The hunters can handle the demons spewing from it well enough, and there are always a couple stationed there to pick off whatever appears. But it's too dangerous to lead the aravels and noncombatants through, and thus, they are forced to wait. To compound the issue, there's a village close to where they're currently staying, and while both sides have kept to themselves, neither are pleased with the current situation. They've helped get a message to the Inquisition in hopes that someone will come take care of the problem, and now both are tensely waiting for something to happen to change the situation, for better or worse. And so the members of Clan Ashara, with their friends in tow, return back to their clan.

Comments

Keeper Deheune

[arlathvhen]

Deheune is a middle-aged Dalish elf, the Keeper of the Ashara Clan, and held in regard among the Dalish clans as one of exceptional competence. She may not always be the most friendly person, but she leads the large, tumultuous Ashara Clan with a skill few others could manage. Despite her stringent expectations on the members of her clan, Deheune is fairly progressive for a Dalish, more open than many Keepers to interacting and trading with outsiders.

Sure enough, she's politely amicable to any of the visitors to her clan, and if asked, will step aside with anyone who wants a private conversation with her.

after the rift is closed

[serannas]

Once the clan is safe and everyone gathered together once more, Ellana approaches Deheune when she has a free moment.

"Keeper, may we speak?" She's been so nervous imagining how this conversation would go, and yet now that she's reached this moment, an odd sense of calm washes over her. She thinks of everything and everyone back at Skyhold and knows she has support there. Nothing said here and now can hurt her.

[arlathvhen]

Deheune doesn't seem surprised by Ellana's request, or curious to what it could be that requires privately speaking to her. Instead, she just nods, and turns, walking a bit away from the rest of the camp, giving them a bit of privacy.

"Of course, da'len. Share what is on your mind."

[serannas]

There are times that Ellana's negative feelings about the Keeper seem to outweigh the good, but as she moves to the spot of privacy, she realizes that the past can stay in the past. She's always wanted to look towards a brighter future anyway.

"I know the rift left you with few options, but it was very kind of you to allow outsiders in to help. I've become friends with them, and I know they want to be as respectful as they can." Okay, so she's actually not sure the words "respect" and "Alistair" really go together, but he hasn't gotten them all thrown out yet, so Ellana considers that a win.

"I think it's possible you already know what I wish to say. You know my heart has always wished to roam out beyond the clan, don't you?"

[arlathvhen]

"The outsiders have done nothing to shame themselves thus far." Deheune replied calmly, hands clasped behind her back. "And I have heard that there have been other clans that have received the Inquisition, with little trouble. I would hate for my clan to be the ones to break the streak, as it were."

She turns to look at Ellana, and while her expression is calm, her eyes are intent, focused.

"I've expected this conversation since I found out that you were going to Skyhold." She finally turns away, watching the camp for a few moments. "I suppose I should be grateful that you've chosen to tell me in person. Not everyone seems to have made that decision."

[serannas]

Oh, right. Gavin seems to have... preferred it this way. Well, better the Keeper expect it than having it surprise her, right?

"I've learned much since I've joined the Inquisition," she begins. "And I feel I can help the People in more ways than I could here in the clan. But I'm grateful for your teachings and all you provided me with over the years." She can say that much and mean it. Ellana is a good mage, and it's because she was taught to be.

[samahl]

For the most part, Cyril gives the Keeper space. He's closer to the other hunters and the Crafter than any other of the Clan elders, but there is a certain level of respect required and expected to the Keeper. More so, given his role as liaison he wants to make sure all communication between the Inquisition and the Clan is open and clear.

"Ma serannas for hosting so many of us, Keeper. We'll get rid of this Rift and clear out of your hair quickly, but please let us know if you need anything else from our presence here." He knows the people they selected to bring will respect the Clan but he still wants to be clear that if there are issues, they will take care of them.

[arlathvhen]

"Quickly? Are you so eager to leave, Cyril?" Deheune asked, raising an eyebrow at Cyril. "I appreciate the offer, however. If there's anything I feel requires your assistance, I will make sure to bring it to your attention." She pauses, and turns to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

"I must admit, Cyril, I was not aware that you were interested in...politics."

[samahl]

He really can't imagine how Sorrel and Beleth survived with this woman as their mother. She isn't even really being that strong with him, and yet he feels like a barefaced child all over again.

"It's surprised quite a few people, I'd imagine," he says after a moment, meaning it as a joke at his own expense. "And yet here we are. I'm nowhere near as talented as your daughter, though."

[arlathvhen]

"You are being too modest, Cyril." Deheune assures him, with a smile that is more polite than it is warm. "You were chosen, and she was not. I do not think that the Inquisition would favor you without good reason." There's a moment where her eyes flicker across the camp to where Beleth was, lips pressed into a line. "Clearly, you managed to impress them." At least, it is not said, more than she did.

But Deheune turns back to Cyril, the smile back on her face.

"How you've grown from the mischief maker that you once were. I'm proud to see how you've matured, Cyril. I hope you will be an example to others around you."

[samahl]

There's something about the idea of being a good example that makes his chest feel like it's caught in a vice.

"It's strange, but I hope so too." He leaves it at that, though, not wanting to dwell on the idea. "For now, I should let you be, Keeper. Unless there is anything else you need from the Inquisition?"

gently leaps on

[rowancrowned]

It's certainly been wonderful to see such a large gathering of elves. They seem much more well-fed and happy than their counterparts in the cities, more confident. Thranduil is well aware he stands out among them, having kept to himself once they arrived, content just to simply watch-- especially the elflings, who fill him with hope.

Eventually, he must stand and find the keeper, whom the whole camp seems to swirl around, aware of her presence and her central nature.

"I understand you are the Keeper for Clan Ashara." He inclines his head in polite greeting, mindful to treat her as an equal, as kin. "Might I beg a few moments of your time?"

oh no

[arlathvhen]

Deheune doesn't quite seem to know what to make of Thranduil. He's not only a rifter, he's...something like the tales of Arlathan, an Elvhen king who stepped out of the stories and into her clan. There is a distinctly discomforting feeling that he is something entirely beyond her, a notion she is unaccustomed to. But she is still the Keeper, and she still has her manners. At Thranduil's approach, she smiles, nodding in return.

"I am, indeed. It would be my pleasure to speak with you." She takes a few steps to the side, keeping a mindful eye on the camp even as she speaks to him. "I have heard a little about you, though few details beyond what you are. My daughter seems quite fond."

[rowancrowned]

This is her home, her clan, and he is merely petitioning for her time, one supplicant among many. He seeks to put her at ease-- follows willingly when she leads to the side, keeps his hands clasped at the small of his back.

"You are Beleth's mother." Partially to remind himself, and now that he looks, he can see it- there are where the copper tones in her hair can be found, and the nose. "She is a credit to the clan, and to you as well."

If he wanted to deliver false courtesies, he would praise their food or their wagons, but this is sincere fondness, a softness in his gaze that doesn't lift as he looks somewhere over her shoulder at the clan behind her. The loss of focus lasts but a moment, and then she's once again the center of his attention, inclining his head in apology. "Forgive me my woolgathering. This camp is a wonder."

[arlathvhen]

"I am, for all that she fusses over the fact." Deheune, for one, hasn't missed Beleth's tendency to refer to her as 'the Keeper' over any maternal names. "But I suppose such is the fate of parents with grown children," She turns to look in Beleth's direction for a few moments, a wry smile on her face. "They are eager to be grown, even as their parents are eager for them to stay children." The fact that Beleth is in her mid-20s, not a rebellious teenager, goes completely unremarked upon.

When he compliments her camp, her clan, Deheune gives a genuine smile, and somehow manages to straighten up more. She looks out to them, with a fond pride in her eyes. "I thank you for your kind words, falon. The Elvhen of the past sacrificed a great deal so that we could have this, and I have tried to continue in their footsteps, and teach those that will follow me to do so, as well. And whenever I worry, I just have to look around." Her eyes fall on a group of children playing some game of pretend.

"And I remember what we have accomplished, and what we stand to lose."

[rowancrowned]

"She will settle," he says, with all the confidence of a father who feels the same way about his own child. And hopefully sooner than Legolas had, his leaf who he could still occasionally expect childish antics from.

He follows her gaze to the elflings. If he and Galadriel have their way, they will be the last generation to be born mortal. In an ideal world, those alive now will not know death, but there lies much in their path, and he can make no promises. He won't speak of it until there's a plan, a solid one, but he can imply, can hint, and can outright say: "My cousin and I offer our aid in whatever way the Clans call for it."

His eyes grow wide for a second, he look away from the young ones, and to her. "Forgive me my manners. I have a small gift from the Lady Galadriel and myself, but I fear I left it with my mount. If you would accompany me, I would be glad of the company."

[kallian_endris]

At one point the shy young city elf approaches the Keeper.

"...I just wanted to thank you again for your clan's hospitality, Hahren. The opportunity to be here is a rare and valuable privilege, and I'm just sorry not all of your clan members could join us. If there is anything I can offer to repay your generosity in hosting us, please say so."

[arlathvhen]

Deheune patiently watches Kallian approach, a polite smile on her face as she speaks. "Thank you for your kind words, child. It's my pleasure to be able to host the Inquisition, especially when there are so many people originating from my clan working within it. I do wish more of them had come, but..." She tilts her head slightly, the smile still as firm as ever. "I am sure there are good reasons for it."

Then she straightens, hands clasped together. "I appreciate your offer, but the only thing I require is to keep my clan safe from harm. And you are already planning on helping with that. There is nothing else I could ask from you."

[kallian_endris]

"I would never want to harm anyone in your clan, Hahren. Whatever power is afforded to me, I will use it in their defense. I've become friends with so many of them... Especially Cyril and Ellana and Pel... They're like the siblings I never had. Pel has been so kind to me... Every week, we meet and she teaches me about the People. And Ellana and I sing songs together. And Cyril... He's been so warm and caring... I just adore him."

She smiles softly.
"I hope they make you proud. They're all wonderful."

[arlathvhen]

Deheune doesn't say anything for a few beats, looking at Kallian with no expression on her face. Then she gives her a gentle smile. "I see that Pel has taught you much, and I am glad to see that her training as a Keeper is not going unused. If you see her after this, please send her my regards, and tell her that her absence was keenly felt. However..." She tilts her head, glancing off to the side, appearing hesitant. After another small pause, she continues on.

"...I understand that city elves use hahren as a term for the leader of their alienages. And I thank you for using the term, understanding what you intended. The Dalish, however, have a different use for the word, one that I do not fit." Her correction is said in a gentle tone, that calm smile never budging an inch. "For us, you see, the hahren are a group of respected elders, wise and great with the knowledge that comes from a long life. They often serve as a...council, I think is the term. They advise the Keeper, and in some ways, help lead the clan as much as I do."

She turns away from Kallian, looking out over the clan. "I know that I am no spring chicken, but I have not quite reached the age of the hahren." At this, she gives a little chuckle. "But don't fret, child. I do not hold you accountable for such a simple mistake." It's almost as an afterthought that she glances back at Kallian and adds, "But I am glad to hear such warm praise for those who originated from my clan. They have truly come a long way from what they once were."

[kallian_endris]

"Oh..." Deheune's words might be gentle, but Kallian still flinches like a scolded child at the correction.

"I think Shianni, one of the elders of Denerim's alienage, isn't all that old... But I suppose things are done differently in the cities..." She falls into a thoughtful, if awkward, silence.

"...your hahren... they are storytellers, too, aren't they? My mother is a bard, and I was raised on stories... Including a few my father taught her while she traveled with his clan. And some I have learned from the Asharas who came to Skyhold. I will certainly give your well-wishes to those who could not journey with us."

[eolasemah]

After their initial conversation, it's fairly easy for Sina to approach Deheune. She's far more reticent against the inhabitants of Skyhold than she is with a fellow Dalish, especially since she's likely met her before. Even if she was just a child at the time.
"Keeper," she greets with a respectful nod, "again I offer thanks for the protection of my clan." She pauses, faltering slightly at what she's about to say, but pushes through it: "I... will not be assisting with the rift, as you've... probably guessed." Unable to help herself, she glances down self-consciously. "But if there's any other way I can assist Clan Ashara while we're here, it would be my honor."

[arlathvhen]

Deheune turns to meet Sina as the younger Dalish approached, and while Sina speaks, Deheune remains respectfully quiet, but there's an intenseness to her gaze, as if she's trying to study Sina's very soul and see what she can make of it. But there is genuine warmth in her smile, and she nods respectfully to her once she has a chance to talk.

"Da'len, it is a pleasure to get a chance to speak to you. You needn't worry about aiding with the rift, you should conserve your strength." She replies calmly, then hesitates at Sina's offer. "There is one thing that I would like to speak with you about. It concerns one of the reasons that your clanmates were here, visiting our clan." She gently reaches out, placing a hand lightly on Sina's arm, and moving to guide her away from the rest of the clan. This is something that needs to be discussed privately.

"Beleth has spoken fondly of you," She starts, "But tell me, have you had a chance to speak to her brother? Sorrelean, the First of my clan."

[eolasemah]

Sina allows herself to be guided, suddenly feeling a pang of concern. Other reasons? She'd known they were visiting to exchange news, and to meet Clan Ashara, but... perhaps something is wrong.
As she would with Thalia, however, Sina waits until the Keeper has finished speaking before she answers. The question that follows is somewhat perplexing, but she answers honestly. "Not yet," she says with a small smile, "I expect I'll wait until the excitement dies down. He and the others have much to catch up on."

[arlathvhen]

Deheune nods, and seems...hesitant, for a moment. It's not the usual hesitancy that is carefully measured out to the exact second, silence as purposeful as her speech. It resembles, briefly, the way that Beleth pauses while she tries to figure out exactly how to word something that's difficult to say plainly. This is not something that Deheune has had to do before, though she soldiers on with as much resolve as ever.

"I would appreciate it if you would take a chance to speak with him. I think that he would also appreciate it," She pauses for a moment, before turning to look at Sina, speaking carefully. "It would be of great interest to both Keeper Thalia, and myself, if the two of you proved...amicable, to one another."