(open) our memory will be my lullaby

[sulena]

WHO: Ciri, Saoirse and OPEN
WHAT: Arrivals, settling and a general catch-all for both of mine throughout the month.
WHEN: Post-Winter Palace.
WHERE: Skyhold.
NOTES: Starters in the comments if you're interested in a certain starter with either of mine, feel free to hit me up through PM or on plurk.

Comments

HERALD'S REST | OTA

[sulena]

Since the fall of the Circles it is perhaps odd to say that the taverns around the world have been something of something of a second home for Saoirse. It is said with utter truth though, and within a day or two of her arrival she finds herself there one night singing to those patrons that have come through the door to the Herald's Rest.

The other bards have taken rest for the time which makes for the perfect chance for her to gather up her lute, take a spot on the first floor and begins to sing.

It is likely most patrons will not an understand a word of the language born within Starkhaven's alienage but it is clear that she is putting her heart into each word. She wishes for those listening to love the song as much as she does.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Sometimes, it's good to get a break in between all of the training and other responsibilities he has. As Kain settles in with his drink, he relaxes... somewhat... and listens to the music. He may not be familiar with the language at all, but it's all very pleasing to the ear overall. He finds himself closing his eyes for a moment and just listening.

When she's done, he approaches, since he's heading past her direction to get a refill anyway.

"That was incredible. Well done... An elven language, I assume?"

[sulena]

As she finishes, Saoirse offers a bow to the few that clap among the tavern chatter before moving aside to tune her lute slightly. It is in those moments that she notices someone approach at her side and turns, offering Kain a smile.

"Thank you kindly," She says. "And it is something of the sort but I have never heard anything else like it outside of Starkhaven's alienage. Legend goes that the dialect was born in the early days of when elves were first enslaved in the Free Marches but in truth we truly have no idea how it came about."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"You're welcome." That interests him, of course, considering that he's been wanting to learn more about elven history lately. He'd had no idea about certain aspects of life in the alienages. He looks thoughtful. "A language that's meaningful, then... It lends itself well to music, so I can see why you'd have chosen it. What was the song about?"

[sulena]

"Nothing too special in truth. It's a song I remember sung as a child back in the alienage."

Back when everything was as normal as it could be for the city elves. They did have much and the alienage were hardly places that folk wished to live but it had been home. There had been warmth despite the harshness of the rest of the world.

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise." She sings in Trade just as easily as she had before. "It helps to keep memories of home close to my heart while I am so far away."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain may have come from a very different background, but... he can still appreciate the idea of nostalgia toward childhood. Sure, there was a lot he really didn't enjoy about his, but he can understand looking back fondly on it. Mostly because of the people involved.

"I've always enjoyed songs about flight and the sky. There's a sense of... I'm not sure what to call it. Freedom, that seems right. Finally taking wing when it seems most impossible..." Of course, he likes the addition of dragons to the narrative, but birds will do. "And that's important, to keep such memories intact. You won't lose track of who you are."

[sulena]

"Mm, yes. I'm sure many children dreamed of the same back in the alienage whenever things were hard and I'm sure my fellows back in the Circle at Kirkwall likely dreamed the same."

Especially in those last years. "It helps to keep me grounded. Remind me of the important things and keep my path clear wherever it may lead me."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"I'm sure they did. And to go through that, what you did... it would have been terrible, and yet you've survived. That shows a certain strength." Growing up, he'd never realized just how harsh life could be, either in the Circles or an alienage, for that matter. He's learned a lot since then. He's come to understand better the tough times others have faced.

But there are some things that he can understand easily. "I'm glad you have that... a way to remember who you are. It's easy sometimes to lose sight of that, or so I've experienced."

[sulena]

"We face many difficulties no matter the path we take in life. Andraste helped to remind me of the strength I had in myself as she does others," she says with a smile. "And even if you do lose sight of who are are, it is not the end. There is always a light to lead you back whether you realize it or not."

Saoirse hums lightly, strumming her lute with idle thoughts before tilting her head toward Kain. "But enough of such thoughts, taverns are meant for joy and singing. Perhaps you'd like to hear another song?"

[in_death_sacrifice]

"My apologies if I brought us to such dark thoughts... it's something of a habit." A very bad one at that, he just always seems to get to the intensely serious stuff right away. "Such faith is admirable, anyway... it's something we can all use more of at a time like this." He may not be the best at being devout, but when it comes to it, he believes, and he sure hopes that the Maker and Andraste are listening to all the prayers being sent their way lately.

"Please, do. I'd enjoy hearing more."