🜋 001 🜋

[notea]

[VOICE] Of Elves and Magic

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[There's no video for this particular feed, just voice. Solas doesn't particularly feel like putting his face out there, for whatever reason. His voice is distinctive enough for the maybe one or two people wout there who've heard it before.]

You'll have to excuse me if this is invasive, [he starts, hedging that the question could be considered rude] But I'm curious, just how many people here have elven heritage? I'm aware that the concept could vary drastically from world to world... I've already met at least one woman who I would consider to be an elf, despite all differences between her, myself, and the elves from my world.

I'm curious to hear about your culture, or what it means to you. What sorts connections to magic do you have? Again, I expect a wide variety of answers, our collective situation in consideration. It's fascinated me so far, learning what I've been able to through books and interactions here, but I would like to hear more... if possible.


[ACTION] Of Herbs and Books

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[For those in fayren, they might come across the oddly barefoot Solas browsing an herbalist's collection of potions, plants and other such miscelaney and sundry items they have for sale. It's curiosities sake, overall. Solas is apt to rely on magic for healing needs. But, he's noted that outside of Fayren much of this place lacks the touch of a garden and a natural feel, so he's inclined to buy a few starter herbs and supplies.

Mostly, he's minding his business, but should someone else be in the shop, and in his way he'll clear his throat.] Would you mind handing me those two plants to your left? [they look like succulents of some type. Perhaps Aloe. There's many plants here that Solas has never seen, and they sorely lack ones he is familiar with. So this is all rather experimental for him.]


[[ooc: This is Solas' first open post! But he's actually been here a while and I really want to avoid the usual intro post tropes, so I've got these two prompts for people to play with! If you would like something with Solas but these two do not work, please feel free to find him around Fayren. He's likely to be found in bookstores, quiet places, outside, and generally just being curious about everything even though he's been here roughly slightly less than a month, ICly.]]

Comments

[invigorates]

[ Lioriley could have easily listened in on most of his conversations, but she found that to be both rude and ultimately pointless. He could relay to her what interesting facts he might have learned later — she could occupy herself elsewhere.

She doesn't know what to expect when she comes out a few hours later, but the droning silence and awkward air are certainly far from anything she could have anticipated. ]

Solas? Are you alright?

[notea]

My apologies. [it comes out after a moment or two, his expression evening out to something more closely resembling kindness.]

It was an unexpected conversation. There's no need for you to worry, my friend.

[invigorates]

[ Lioriley knows well the look of feigned smiles, but she cannot tell entirely if that is what Solas' is in this moment. Regardless, she cannot help but frown still. ]

Telling one not to worry often leads to the opposite outcome. Are you certain you do not wish to talk about it?

[notea]

You are right, of course.

[he considers for a moment, pacing from the door to the kitchen and back, slowly.]

I'm not entirely certain just what it is yet. But should it prove to be more than merely an uncomfortable conversation, I will make sure to tell you.

[invigorates]

[ She watches him, a look of genuine concern lingering on her features. The visible lines on her skin flicker and dim slightly. ]

I will be more than willing to listen, should that time come. [ She won't press much more, however. A hand reaches out when he's within range, squeezing his forearm gently as she eases a smile onto her lips. ] I hope some of the other conversations were more pleasant?

[notea]

Yes, in fact.

[There's some part of him that's rather relieved at the offer, but all the same he's not certain he wants to saddle his new friend with the full truth of things. Not just yet, anyway.]

...Thank you, by the way. For your offer.

[invigorates]

No need to thank me. [ She smiles a little brighter now, more genuine than the last. ]

Might I inquire as to the high points of such conversations? I am rather curious to hear of these magics others spoke of.

[notea]

Hmm. I did get a response from someone who, while he isn't an elf, had much to say that I found interesting.

[he relays bits of information from Lotor's conversation, Alteans looking like elves etc. Little magic talk but still interesting.] I hadn't considered multiple planets before, I enjoyed the conversation to say the least.

[invigorates]

[ She seems genuinely interested throughout. Which is probably expected at this point — learning new things seems to excite her greatly, regardless of how mundane said information might be. ]

I will have to look back on that discussion when I get the chance! Or speak to him myself if ever the opportunity arises. I am glad you enjoyed yourself. [ For most of the conversations, even if one wasn't great. ]

Would you care to venture outside for a bit? I believe we are both in need of some fresh air.

[notea]

[It's a kind offer, one he doesn't really deserve to be given all told, but it's one he's going to accept regardless.]

Yes, a moment outside does sound appealing. Did you have a destination in mind? [he's thankful for the subject change on some level, the last thing he'd intended on was worrying his new friend.]

[invigorates]

No! [ She chirps cheerfully, smiling as she starts to head for the front door. A quick wave of her hand suggests that now would be the time for Solas to follow. ] Sometimes I just like to...wander. Take in the sights. Strange as this world may be, it is quite beautiful.

[notea]

Of course. It is very different from Thedas. [Though there are touches of things here and there that remind him. Especially in Fayren and Everglade. But, no destination in mind despite, Solas follows after Lioriley after making sure the door to his shitty little apartment is closed tight.]

Have you found any spots in particular that you find engaging?

[invigorates]

Different too from Kilarria. [ She's about to insist that he tell her more about Thedas besides the little she knows already, but then he's asking her questions instead. Fair. ]

A few. [ A low, thoughtful hum escapes her after a few seconds, like she's thinking hard about something. Her gaze turns to the sky, trying to gauge the time. ] There is one outside of Fayren that I am quite fond of. Are you up for the trip?

[notea]

[Solas steps to the side, extending an arm in front of him, meant to motion her ahead and lead the way.]

Without concern. Lead the way, Lioriley. I find that Fayren is the most reminiscent of Thedas, so the trip will be enjoyable regardless.

[invigorates]

[ She takes the lead, but makes sure to stand close to his side as not to make future conversations awkward. She already has to look up to face him - no need to look back, too. ]

A sentiment I can surely agree with. [ She heads in that direction. Moving between cities isn't difficult, but it'll take some time to get to where she wants to go. Out into the woods, seemingly in some random direction. ]

I would like to hear more of Thedas, if you are willing to indulge me. I know of the Fade and magic from what you told me — but what of the people, the cities. What does it ... what does it look like. [ She needs an image in her head. ]

[notea]

There's only so much words can do, but I can tell you what I can. [He considers for a moment.]

There's Orlais and Ferelden, both different as you would expect just by their names. Val Royeaux and Denerim serve as their capitals. Beyond Orlais lies the Teventer Imperium, a society that venerates its mages unlike Orlais or Ferelden. However, slavery is common and no elf would prefer to be in Teventer.

[He does his best to explain, but god this is going to be such word vomit. He pauses, looking over to his companion.] But the most beautiful parts aren't the cities but the places outside of it.

[It's a shame that he has plans that don't make room for Thedas as it stands.]