(open-ish) out of the slumbers of my head

[fightingale]

WHO: Leliana & open-ish - see notes
WHAT: FREEDOM. talks about freedom/the Chantry/wherever it takes us.
WHEN: throughout late-late-late Drakonis and early/mid Cloudreach, can be after hearing some rumours.
WHERE: Default setting will be the Rookery, others possible on request.
NOTES:
1. Likely referral to imprisonment and torture in narrative, others to be added if they come up.
2. It's not exactly open-open because I'd like to be able to keep the different threads unique and avoid burn out on the topic, but if you are interested then just shoot me a pm or talk to me on plurk and we can figure it out!
tldr I am flexible with who/when/where and such, but hammering out some info first would be greatly appreciated.
3. Prose or brackets are totally fine, I'll match style :]b

Too long has she stayed her hand. First it was her ignorance that silenced her, and then it was loyalty, the belief that Justinia wished to make the world better, stronger. A more just world, where all would benefit rather than a rare few. As time has passed, though, and as the Inquisition grows, Leliana has realised more and more that Justinia's peace and her vision for the Chantry were not enough. For all that Justinia had once been a worldly woman she had not fought in the Blight, had not fought side by side with mage and elf alike. She had moved as a player of the Grand Game must, small moves, small changes, and stability had always been her first thought. It was Justinia who had threatened to deny aid to Celene in the settling of mage and Templar if Celene did not cease the elf rebellion simmering in Orlais before the burning of Halamshiral. Justinia was a good woman, a good friend and teacher and mother, and she had great vision. Even so she had been blinkered by the prejudices that ran rife throughout Thedas, the small mindedness that seemed to define each country in different ways. No one should be enslaved or punished simply for being; no one's personhood should be compromised by the simple facts and circumstances of their birth.

Most often she is in the Rookery and must be sort out between scouts and ravens bringing reports, or meetings with the other Advisors. The tower is cold, and candles flicker from a shrine to Andraste and make shadows dance. (And, if visitors come late in Drakonis and early in Cloudreach, they may find evidence of Dorian's prank, for which there will be dire consequences.)

Comments

[serannas]

"It is good to hear you say so. And likewise. I hope that your faith brings you peace, even if the state of the Chantry at the present time does not." It must be frustrating to believe in something that has become so warped. The elves have their gods who they have held onto through the long years of exile, slavery, and the lose of their empire. They don't argue over exact interpretations of what Andruil meant here, or what Falon'din was trying to accomplish there. Their stories are known to every Dalish elf by heart, whether they choose to show reverence to their gods, or have broken away from their clan and that life. The Dalish Grey Wardens Alistair once mentioned to her come to mind. Whether or not they pray to their lost gods, everyone knows the stories and they don't spend time trying to reinterpret them.

[fightingale]

It has been a long time since her faith brought her peace. Not since Lothering, she suspects, and even then there are times when she wonders if she truly found peace, or if she was just bored. The bright girl of optimism and innocence was, she has realised, a delusion. In the darkest hours when she doubts the Maker and herself, Leliana cannot help but consider if her own faith and belief is something she has fabricated to soothe herself.

None of those are things to be voiced aloud. "Thank you."
That, at least, is simple - genuine - though the moment is interrupted by a scout jogging up the stairs, pausing and moving to the side when they spot Ellana. They have a report they have immediately started writing, but her gaze flickers to them.

"Is there anything else you wished to speak on?" She can speak more, at least for a little longer, though her work looms ever present.

[serannas]

Ellana straightens when the scout enters, and she looks back at Leliana to shake her head no. This talk has helped Ellana understand Leliana's position much better. She knows the woman can't overrule the other advisers on her own, but the fact that she's open about her views and that news is spreading gives her hope.

"No. But I do wish to say I'm glad you're here as a part of the Inquisition, now that I know more of your views. Ma serannas." She dips her head a little in thanks and will take her leave if Leliana has no more to say.

[fightingale]

Perhaps they have too much hope - faith - in her. Leliana hopes not. She will fight to earn it, to keep it, and to see their faith justified.

"And I am glad for your presence, as well, and that of your people. We cannot reforge Thedas with human hands alone."

She nods, respectful, and her gaze lingers on Ellana in quiet assessment before she looks to the scout, holding out her hand for the report.