{ OPEN } The mood it changes like the wind

[serannas]

WHO: Ellana and open
WHAT: Getting acclimated to Kirkwall
WHEN: Bloomingtide 4-11
WHERE: Gallows, dock, the city
NOTES: Nope.

{ the gallows }
It doesn't take much convincing for Ellana to take one of the free rooms available for the Inquisition's use. She's grown used to having her privacy and especially a nice bed, so when she comes with the second group in late Cloudreach, she's quick to claim a space. That said, there are times when she's amenable to company, even when not seeking it out, and she leaves the door to her room open so anyone passing can stop in. Sometimes she's reading cross-legged on her bed, other times she's playing her lute, the sounds of a bad note occasionally slipping through followed by a frustrated sigh.

{ the docks }
Ellana sometimes stops by to see friends who don't want to live in the Gallows, or to meander around the stables. Other times, she sits on the edge of the docks with her legs swinging, eating an apple or bit of bread as she watches the boats in the harbor. There's often a thoughtful look on her face and from time to time she'll look up at a passerby to ask: "How far do you think it is to Antiva by sea?" or "Have you ever been to Rivain?"

{ lowtown }
She doesn't expect a warm welcome at the alienage, but she mentions she's a friend of Merrill's and some elves are willing to talk to her. The fact that Ellana doesn't lecture them about how wonderful life would be for them in a clan helps, and when she mentions she's voluntarily left hers, there's a smug satisfaction on the faces of the others. But Ellana just shrugs and moves on, asking them about the city and knowing better than to show any pity for their lot. They make do, and she respects that.

When she leaves, it's still light out, but she has heard of the dangers of Lowtown even during the day. So with a wave of her hand, she sets the stealth spell she created on herself and slips back towards the gates at the docks. Maybe you're making your way back as well, and suddenly the space beside you that you swore was empty a moment ago is occupied by an elf with a smile.

"Hello. Heading back? Mind some company?"

{ for felix }
The Gallows is a big place, but there are some areas that Ellana frequents and it's not too difficult for Felix to find her when he needs her. Like now. She's just left the walled in herb garden and is walking across the expansive courtyard when she sees him after he's already spotted her. Her face brightens and she lifts her hand in a wave, moving to meet him.

Comments

[serannas]

"That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid as I explore old elven sites. I don't want to look at what's left and only think of how we lost so much. I just want to fill in the missing pieces. Have more information to pass on to future generations." Her forehead wrinkles as she considers what she can relate this to.

"It's like... picking up a book with the first chapters ripped out. You read the rest, but you wish you had the start to fill in what you don't understand. Then you find those chapters and get to read them. Why would you despair after that? You have the whole thing now, and though it came to you in the wrong order, you can see the whole picture now."

[circleprodigy]

Her smile returns a touch wider, putting aside her sore feelings in favor of a better subject. "A very apt analogy, I must say. It sounds as though your perspective will be what the elven artifacts project needs." With Ellana's passion for the subject, it's safe to assume that's where her attention will be. "Will you be vying for any position of leadership? With much of Skyhold's remaining where they are, it seems that there will be much in the way of opportunities."

[serannas]

"Oh, no," she says seriously, shaking her head no. After feeling like she could barely keep her head above water with the council, she's not keen to make big decisions that affect others ever again. She prefers to sticking with making decisions for just herself.

"I like the freedom that comes with what I'm doing now. Being a leader means running after people and issuing orders. I'd much rather do things on my own."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa nods, as Garahel barks at the seagulls soaring up ahead. "There is a certain flexibility that would be lost stepping into a leadership role, true. I might apply for leadership of a project, but I don't expect to gain it. There are many more qualified than I. I don't mind, though. The work matters more than the position."

Besides, even as a low-ranking Grey Warden, there's enough responsibility to go around. She won't be any more idle than she during the month-long cleanup.

[serannas]

Her gaze lifts skyward as Garahel barks, and she smiles at the sight of the birds so unconcerned with the world below and all the troubles of Kirkwall.

"Who knows; you might end up surprised," she replies, looking back down. "But I know that every little bit helps, whether you're a leader or following orders. This is a big change for all of us, but we can rise to the challenge."