faderift | (no subject)

WHO: The new Inquisition moving company & friends
WHAT: One important roadtrip to Starkhaven
WHEN: /waves hands in a timey wimey wibbly wobbly vague way
WHERE: Kirkwall, the lovely main roads along the Free Marches & Starkhaven proper
NOTES: None to mention, will add as needed

The group leaves Kirkwall early in the morning just as the sun is rising. Their wards have all piled into one covered wagon, all of their worldly possessions fitting neatly and seemingly... little after several generations living inside the city. Speaking of Kirkwall, the young one's elderly grandparents do spend a few short moments looking over the city before it rightly goes out of sight with quiet tears. Saoirse stands with them, speaking comforting words but understanding well what it is like to leave behind all one knows for something (one hopes and prays) will be better.

Their trip along the roads to Starkhaven are thankfully underwhelming compared to most ventures Inquisition members take outside the city these days. They make good time passing through Vimmark Mountains and Wildervale, making brief stops as needed along the road. One they reach the Minanter River, it isn't long before the city of Starkhaven comes into view and it very clear even at a distance that there is a good reason why it is the wealthiest city in the Free Marches. Nestled in a fertile valley, alongside the river, the air is even different from the tense air that has lingered over Kirkwall lately. It's light, free caring with the citizens clearly at ease within their city walls.

Those here to continue help with the moving process will be led along with Saoirse to the alienage, none too different from any other alienage despite the grand buildings that surround it but the people seem welcoming especially when they realize the group is with two of their own. They are also quick to help with the moving process, removing boxes and helping the family set up their new home. Others are more than welcome to travel the city, explore and visit family. Just... not make trouble, okay? The last thing the Inquisition needs is another Marcher city frowning at them.

OOC: Welcome to Starkhaven!!! Currently this is planned to take place before the group goes to Neverra, backdated to early in the month. The trip is currently expected to take three days (at the most) before returning to Kirkwall. Nevertheless folks are welcomed to stay longer if they wish.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Even if it is small, there's something so welcoming and homey about the place. Perhaps it's the fire, or all the books laying around that lend to its coziness. Prompto looks around in a slight state of awe, wondering just how many books occupy this house.]

Your house is great. I don't think I've ever seen so many books in one place. [Pause.] Er, outside a library, of course. I swear, I've been in a library.

[Smooth.

He looks back at Saoirse, though occasionally still glancing around at all the books as she explains.]

He must have been at this for years.

( she giggles, hiding her smile behind a hand with a nod. ) I know what you mean.

( the musty book smell has always been familiar and safe to her. it was why Saoirse spent so much time lost in the libraries of the Circles she called home though in the Gallows they became more of an escape than anything, in truth. to be now? it allows her to relax and for all the stress she has felt in these months to leave her. )

Since before I was born. He even traveled to Orlais to the University there just to be closer to all of what they had. Of course, he wasn't allowed inside since elves are not allowed... but he met my mother there so I suppose things work out, hmm?

[The more he hears about Orlais, the less he likes the place. Not that he had much of an opinion at the start, but all he hears is racism, snobbery, racism, weird accents, and oh, racism.]

I shouldn't be surprised by that, I really shouldn't. [Freaking Orlais.] But that's where he met your mom? Oooh~ [At least something good came out of his trip there!] How'd that happen?

Things are getting better though. The Empress says the school is open school to us as long as they're willing to learn but... it is hard since they usually must find a noble sponsor.

( it is... tiring, at times but she has faith in every little step. it helps to keep her going during the darker times. )

But most importantly, as I said, the University is where my mother and father met. My mother was a servant in a noble household, maid to the oldest daughter who attended the University. My mother would take her in the mornings and wait in the evening, my father happened to notice her after many days and finally decided to speak with her.

( a short cough brings Graham back into focus as she steps in carrying a tray, a bit awkwardly given his cane but Saoirse hurries over to take it from him without missing a beat. returning to Prompto, she offers a cup of the tea to him with a smile. )

She didn't speak to me at first and when she did, it was telling me to go away in Orlesian. My attempt at trying to speak the bloody language is what finally got Lisette to laugh.

Hey, that's progress! Sounds like that's a major roadblock, but at least they're allowed to. [He knows the racism is rampant, but surely there are a few who'd be willing to, right? It all has to start somewhere.

Prompto barely had the presence of his mind to get up and help before Saoirse's already over there, taking the tray. With a smile and thanks, he takes the cup. He'd never been a big tea drinker back home, but he's learning to be so here.]

Well... at least she didn't ignore you? And you got her to laugh!
[Laughter is always good, even if it's aimed at you.] But oh man, I can't even imagine trying to speak it. I heard what I think were snippets of it back in Kirkwall a little while ago.