Scallop the breastbone

[arcaneadvisor]

WHO: Morrigan, open;
WHAT: Morrigan (and Kieran) join the Inquisition earlier than planned; she looks for tutors, tale of the Warden's companions present and assistance with her research
WHEN: mid-Haring
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Kieran is an npc and as such shall be shuffled off elsewhere quickly.  Feel free to spot her anywhere around Skyhold looking suitably disgusted.

With one small boy practically dead on his feet, it had been easier than it might have been elsewise to arrange for suitable quarters for a woman and her son, perhaps easier than it might have been had she come in a rather more official capacity.  True, the eluvian might have been with her then but things were rather less organised than she would have hoped and the rumours filtering into Orlais hadn't been wrong about the utter chaos.  Even when Orlesian theatrics were taken into account.  No matter, they were here, the last of her things that were too much for the two of them to transport safely would arrive shortly and doubtlessly she would be able to find a safe place for them.

For now, her priorities are getting the lay of the land as it were and it's not long before yet another mage is prowling through Skyhold though this one will look any Templar in the eye until they look away first if challenged, a woman clearly on a mission.

Tutors for her son for a start, she won't have him neglecting his studies.  Seeking old companions or word of them next when she heard talk on the road that she'd have the truth of.  And lastly, help with her own research and the not inconsiderable stash of very old, and very rare magical books she's lugged all the way here from Orlais, with two volumes kept always on her person lest they be lost again.

Comments

[arcaneadvisor]

After so long around the elves of the palace that speak in such furtive whispers, especially after everything with Celene and Briala, it’s good to be around elves who freely speak their mind. And she has her own motives with so many to pester for their particular expertise and knowledge.

“Much has been lost; what made the Imperium great was what was stolen from the elves, old magic almost lost to time itself. There is some value in looking back.” Her voice is soft and she looks away, wondering once again how many would know the name this place once went by. “Perhaps this current crisis will be enough to make the clans realise they cannot be so isolated, not anymore. Rifts can open anywhere and there is fighted in the Exalted Plains thanks to the civil war, waged far from the palaces of course. I wonder if any clans were bolstered by those who managed to flee Halamshiral. Certainly, the last I saw so many Dalish they were with their clan with us as the outsiders, and yet I’ve seen only one aravel, much to my son’s disappointment.”

Small boys like landships, who knew.

“And where in Thedas did you pick up such a fashion sense? Granted, a change is welcome after watching too many of the dreadful Orlesian fashions as they change, but you do rather stand out as a whole.”

[wickedchase]

"Well, one can certainly hope. I would be surprised, frankly, but most clans I've encountered would be reluctant to include themselves. But it would be nice if their eyes would be opened to the rest of the world around them." As much as he doesn't seem impressed with his own people, the last statement is spoken sincerely. Fate doesn't necessarily dislike other Dalish, but they often disappoint.

"Ah, your son likes those?" A wry smile forms. "Does he have much interest in Dalish culture?"

Twisted Fate holds up his arms, as if he needs to show his coat more. "A little all over Thedas, really. I've been around to several places in my time. Shirt's Orlesian silk, but that's about it. Boots are Antivan inspired, and the coat I won from a nobleman in Kirkwall. Fair game of Wicked Grace. The hat is all me; had it made for myself." He grins sharply. "Not terribly Dalish of me, but few things are."

He indicates to her with a nod of his head. "And you, madame? Your wardrobe is something you acquired yourself? I don't think that I'd seen it before."

[arcaneadvisor]

"The Arlathvhen is but once every ten years, is it not? The Dragon Age has proved less than restful and of those of us on the surface, humans are the ones with every advantage to survive such times with some comfort. Perhaps those of the Inquisition will return with new insight though we all know how people like to dig themselves into a rut so deep they see no point in attempting the climb back out." Morrigan would welcome them finding out more because what she's found herself has been almost beyond describing, the sense of wonder at the relics, things clans would perhaps only stumble over by accident before moving on. Such as that eluvian, shattered and broken and the tales that went with it. There are things worth setting pride aside for, she would always argue that a chance to regain their heritage would be worth it.

"Certainly, I was never a small boy but something about them does draw the eye. He goes where I go and so he tends to enjoy what I do, at least on some level. Old tales made all the better for they happened, no matter how impossible they may seem. I am sure that when he spies you, he'll be fascinated." Probably by the hat as much as anything else, he's seen too many masked faces and it'll be good for him to see so much more.

Antivan boots, or close enough, and it makes her smile at a memory. "I knew someone," well she knows him, he's here but they were all different then, "who talked a great deal about fine Antivan leather, I believe he gained such a pair of boots in our time together. I do hope you weren't in Kirkwall during any of the recent trouble, the stories that emerged from there are almost preferable to the truth."

Because really, blowing up a Chantry after a Qunari invasion? What astounding planning and timing.

"I grew up in the Korcari Wilds, away from most places and so I learned to sew my own clothes. There were Chasind close enough, twas easier to look to them than to my mother, no girl wishes to look like her mother," she explains, absently touching the stones about her throat, replaced and repaired countless times over the years. "I doubt many have troubled to venture far where I lived, and certainly not since the defeat King Cailan suffered at Ostagar."

[wickedchase]

"I can only hope that whatever they learn would carry on to the clans. They've spent too much time wrapped up in themselves; it's long since been past time to pay heed to the rest of Thedas. All this inward nonsense has done them more harm than good." It's not often he's on this topic, but he certainly does not disagree with her by any means. "Let us hope they'll become wiser for it."

Twisted Fate chuckles quietly. "I promise when I encounter him, I'll ensure he remains entertained. I've a few tricks here and there that he might like."

If there's one thing that can soften him, it is children -- much to his own reluctance, it can't really be helped.

"No, fortunately. I was far from Kirkwall when all was being said and done. On my own adventures, as it were."

There's a pause as he listens to her, then looks very curious. "A Witch of the Wilds?" he says, almost dramatically, with complete humor inclined. "Terribly curious. I understand that we have a few of the Hero of Ferelden's companions here, and I understand one of them was a Witch of the Wilds. Coincidence?" He grins sharply.

[arcaneadvisor]

With a sigh she shrugs, half-smiling. "Who can say what wisdom the Dalish will take from this; likely they will pick over it and move on again for somewhere new and divide each thing up until smaller and smaller pieces and once again it shall slip through their fingers, through the cracks." That's why she's here, the one to sift through it all and make notes, to pore over each tiny thing without interruption or being forced to move on once again.

"Remember then that you said as much to his mother and that she'll know who to blame should he learn a thing or two that causes her grief." Whether it's from her teachings or simply a part of his nature, Kieran has never caused the sort of trouble most mothers speak of when talking about small boys. She's been fortunate on that account, best not to push though she won't deny him something that's likely considered normal for little boys.

"A tale for another time perhaps?" Of course she wants to know if only to satisfy her own curiousity but this way there's an easier excuse to seek him out in the future, if Kieran doesn't lead her there first.

Knowing that Zevran and Alistair are already about, and having had the fortune to meet Zevran on the road, there's no reason to play coy about such things. After all, there are likely still people looking for him, even she managed to lose track of where he was. "Since the days of Calenhad we witches of the wild have always played our part in shaping the ages of the world. The Blight began by my home for that matter, I met them from the start though there are books and bards if you wish to hear the tale told." Ten years though and the world forgets so quickly that it hurts, an old wound pressed too sharply.