Selling and Buying
Martin should have been feeling great. He has a cart now, and with the last warriors totally equipped there wasn't much chance of needing to get more armour anytime soon. He wasn't though, largely because of something he should have seen coming.
The criminal was still here.
Ursular had insisted on waiting for Nelyafinwë to show up, and naturally that had taken until late evening. So, of course the giant elf had offered to host her for the night, which had in turn ended up with her staying for the rest of the week. She said she was selling to other people, but Martin was convinced she was up to something.
"Things are getting tense back home. The Aeducan's middle child is looking to pick up a military commission in the new year, and the nobles are going absolutely crazy backstabbin' each other over it." Ursular explains to her host. "Good news for us, less guards on important things, bad news for the deep roads gettin' cleared."
"Fascinating." Said host replies. "Yet you are far less injured than the last time you visited. I assume the deep roads have been unnaturally clear."
"How in the name of sweet granite did you know that?" The dwarf exclaimed.
"That is a somewhat sensitive matter, suffice to say that there is concern over the movements of the darkspawn of late." The elf replies.
At this point Martin has to leave the conversation in order to attend to his tasks for the day. The traders will be arriving soon, especially with that new road speeding them up.
Martin attends to the merchants who arrive. There is little of note. He is still not completely comfortable with the Dalish, but exposure is ensuring that he no longer fears they will kill him for a slight.
During the day's proceedings Nelyafinwë emerges with the dwarven criminal. The two chat quietly, but it is clear that Ursular is concerned by whatever they were speaking about.
"Keep in mind what I have said. This land is becoming more dangerous." The tall elf said.
"You're certain about this? It's pretty out there." Ursular asks, voice shaky. "You could be wrong, yeah?"
"Perhaps, but as I said I believe the preponderance of the evidence is in favour of the theory." The elf replies.
"Oh stone." Ursular whispers.
Ursular and her companions depart shortly after that exchange. Martin, having finished his business for the day, approaches his employer.
"So, what exactly is concerning about the darkspawn's movements?" He asks.
Nelyafinwë looks down at him. "The deep roads are experiencing a marked drop in darkspawn presence. Coincidentally the Grey Wardens have become very concerned with their swelling presence in the south."
Martin's heart stops. His eyes widen and he looks up at his employer with fear in his eyes.
"A Blight? That's crazy, you're just joking right?" He asks desperately.
"Nothing has been confirmed as of yet." The elf replies consolingly. "But I am certain I do not need to explain the obvious conclusion. Now, I have instructions regarding what you shall be doing after you have delivered the wine."
"How can you possibly expect me to go about my day after telling me that!" Martin exclaims. "We're all going to die!"
"No!" The red cloaked elf shouts, seizing Martin's arm. "Do not despair! The Enemy sows it ahead of his forces so that he may not be defeated. He is not invincible; he has been defeated before! Four times he has assailed your lands and four times he has been repulsed! Have courage! Do not despair, this time will be no different!"
Martin stares into the dark eyes of his employer; searching for doubt, for any sign he is lying. He finds instead a well of confidence, and the unwavering belief in victory.
"I, ok, I'll." He pants, exhausted by his fear. "How am I supposed to continue on knowing that now?"
"I find keeping busy to be the best way to distract from dark thoughts." Nelyafinwë remarks casually. "I have a number of tasks which would assist with my preparations. You have already been accomplishing some."
The elf's words haunt Martin as he rides his cart towards Denerim. His usual cheer when selling to his clients has been absent, and he can tell that they are worried about him.
He can't help it though. A Blight is something out of legend and history, like dragons or the old gods. It isn't supposed to be something he deals with in his lifetime. It might have always been a possibility, but the threat suddenly feels real in a way it never had before.
He could run. Slip away into Denerim, and never come back. He'd sold the wine and had nearly three gold, that should be enough for passage to the Free Cities. Kirkwall maybe, it was a trading city, and he was a merchant.
So why was he loading his cart with the clothes he'd been instructed to purchase? Why was he riding back towards Endataurëo?
"Do not despair!"
Dark eyes burned with an unbreakable will. A red cloak and silver armour.
"So long as you dwell in my lands you are under my protection. Any who seek to harm you must answer to me, no matter who they are."
His mother had always warned him about getting too involved in noble affairs. He had assumed she meant because of their capricious tempers, but perhaps she'd meant something else.
"I swear that elf is terrible for my self-preservation instincts." Martin complains to the empty air.
Despite what his knowledge of stories insists should happen, there is no moment where his employer implies that he knew Martin was considering leaving. Instead, business continues as usual.
In some ways it is almost more touching that he never doubted Martin.
The Morning Report
You sit in your office early in the morning. Across from you, Anneth is slumped in a chair with bags under her eyes. Her riders had not been home when you went to bed, so they must have arrived sometime past midnight. Understandably, you are very curious as to what has delayed her.
"Anneth, are you well enough to give a report? I can wait until you've had some sleep." You ask calmly, not wanting to get a poor report due to exhaustion.
The officer shakes her head slowly. "Want to get this done so I can sleep. Shouldn't be too hard."
"Very well, perhaps you can begin with why you were late. I was trying to decide how to go about retrieving you from whatever had kept you." You prompt.
Once again, she shakes her head. "Know that best, do it last."
"First few days were dull. Mostly chasing spider and the, um, tree thingies. Never did catch them." Anneth explains blearily. "Then we ran into a group of bandits."
"Another one?" You ask in surprise. "I would have thought the local population desperate enough to risk the forest would have been exhausted by Gladesville."
"Yeah, right, bandits is the wrong word. The thing where you're in a levy and you leave early. Deserts or something. Anyway, we wanted to take them to Gladesville, but there's a bunch of legal thingies in the way." Anneth explains. "Had to shadow them till they moved on."
You interlace your fingers. You wish you had the time to attend the Teyrn's little conference on the local laws, unfortunately you have neglected the social functions of your role too long, and Solas wants to visit Denerim. You just do not have the time.
Oblivious to your thoughts, Anneth continues, "So then we wandered into Dalish territory, and let me tell you, they do not appreciate our efforts. Spent three hours arguing with the stubborn knife ears and we lost the bandits, or whatever they're called. So, we've been looking for them since."
"Your dedication in this matter is impressive." You praise her. "I take it they have departed the forest?"
Anneth snorts darkly. "In the sense that they've departed the mortal coil. Ran into another spider nest deep in the forest. Didn't have the fieldcraft to see it, or the wit to get out. We spent damn near three days tracking dead men."
A pang of sorrow flashes through you. It is always a shame when anyone dies for no reason. Yet you must focus on your living follower and not the dead strangers.
"You did the best you could." You reassure her. "You have once again demonstrated the qualities that made me choose you as the leader of your comrades. Now sleep. Rest and the light of day will make you feel better."
Anneth staggers to her feet and wobbles towards the door. As she is opens the doors, a thought strikes you.
"If, by chance, you find yourself in need of someone to speak to, my door is open. I will make time to speak to you if necessary." You inform her.
Anneth leaves without acknowledging your words, but you suspect that has more to do with exhaustion than anything else.
Linguistic Necromancy
The black tower haunts your dreams. Whenever you sleep you see it, glinting darkly in the green sky. These dreams leave you with a burning desire to investigate, to find out what secrets it may hide. You had even gone so far as to plan out where the journey would feature in your week. Then Merrill had spoken to you after your meeting with Anneth.
"I'm going to be too busy to do anything with the Beyond this week." She said apologetically after you explained your plans to her. "Xandar's going to visit his new friend later this week, so I've got to teach him early on. After that I've got something to do at home."
You shrug. "No matter, I am certain I can manage without you."
"Absolutely not!" Merrill yells, scandalised. "You are not going into the Beyond without me, and you absolutely are not allowed to investigate the mysterious tower of ancient Elvhen origin alone after you stopped me from investigating it last week!"
"Ancient Elvhen origin?" You ask sceptically.
Merrill blushes. "It's just a theory. The point is I want to see what's inside, and I don't want you to go without me."
Considering her words, you chew your lip. There was nothing stopping you from going alone, and you are a little offended that Merrill feels she can dictate your actions. Yet, you were fond of Merrill and to search alone would be more dangerous than the alternative. Even that assumes you can get past the riddles alone.
"Very well. I will wait for now." You concede.
Your plans have been thrown into chaos by the sudden change in what you are doing. There is not enough time to find Ranger and go on a quick scouting mission, though that is what you would like to do. As you reflect on this matter, you overhear the housekeepers in the next room.
It is the Dalish women who joined you early on, all three of them. They seem to be changing sheets and gossiping. It takes a few moments, but you realise that they are speaking the tongue of Thedas, rather than Elvhen. You feel foolish, you had left the spreading of the language in the hands of the Keepers, but these three have no Keeper.
Striding towards the room, you decide you will not let this stand. You have always believed in the importance of language, a belief passed on to you from your father, and shared by all your people. That these people should not speak the tongue of the forefathers is a travesty you intend to rectify, immediately.
Showing an impressive level of situational awareness, the three start when you enter the room. As they turn to you, nervously fluttering as the try to decide if they should bow or curtsy, you give them a reassuring smile.
"Forgive me ladies, I did not mean to startle you." You apologise, though you do not believe you have done any wrong.
The three nervously look at each other. There are a few moments of silent communication before one of them, the largest of the three, steps forward with a bow.
"It's no trouble, yer lordship. How can we serve ye?" She asks, licking dry lips.
After careful consideration, you adjust your posture to loom over them less. Taking a chair from near the wall and sitting down in it masks the action. Once you are seated and appearing smaller the three relax slightly.
"It occurs to me that I have neglected to include you in the Elvhen language lessons I have been offering. I wish to correct this immediately." You inform them.
"Ye speak elvish m'lord?" The short blonde, who had been cowering behind the third until now, asks.
"I speak the tongue as though I were born to it." You reply in the language in question.
The three seem cautiously interested, so you take the chance to ask another question. "I am afraid I do not recall your names. Would you please remind me of them? While you are doing so, you can tell me if you are interested in that lesson."
Their names are Adala, Maressa and Lananowen, and they are interested.
After briefly toying with the idea of adding language lessons to the itinerary of your trip to Denerim, you decide to hold an in house language lesson. Sadly, Merrill is still too busy, but Martin will definitely need to learn the language. Karla might want to be included as well, since she works with the Dalish.
Soon you have compiled a rough list of who you need to teach the language to, and who you are willing to teach aside from those. With that matter complete, you give instructions to the Dalish women who are still looking nervously at you.
"I want you three to go to the lecture hall, make sure there are enough chairs there, ensure the teaching materials are prepared and other such matters. I will find the others I wish to teach and meet you there." You instruct the three.
The elves look at each other for a moment, having a silent conversation. The duty of raising their concern falls to the largest one, who spoke first previously.
"We have duties, m'lord." Maressa speaks deferentially. "I don't me to question yer decisions, but can we really spare the time?"
"It is some time until lunch, and I think the cleaning will not grow noticeably more difficult for being delayed a few hours." You reply. "If you fear Karla's response, then your concern is unfounded. I shall be speaking to her."
Your guess proves accurate and, their worries are now eased, the three elves acknowledge your orders and leave. You pause a moment to mentally map where you think everyone is, then you too leave.
Martin is overseeing the unloading of his cart, smiling to himself at the sight. Loathe though you are to disturb a scene of someone enjoying their work, you have more important matters for him to attend to.
"Martin, would you please come to the lecture room, there is a lesson I wish you to attend." You inform the trader.
The man glances at you, still unbalanced from your conversation this morning. "Uh, sure. What's it about?"
Smiling reassuringly, you reply, "Nothing major. I intend to instruct a number of people in the Elvhen language, you among them."
A mix of complex emotions rush through Martin's eyes. Anger and mistrust are perhaps the most prominent, but they are hardly the only ones. Martin is silent for a moment, as he processes his feelings.
When he has done so, he says, "I'm not sure why exactly I need to learn something like that. I mean it's not like the traders don't speak common."
"That may be true, but I wish to change that. I would prefer to have trade conducted in Elvhen as much as is practical." You explain calmly.
Martin's eye twitches. "But why? They do just fine speaking a language I already understand. Why do I need to learn a new one just for them?"
With a sigh, you consider how best to place yourself on his level. Given that he is not a child, kneeling seems inappropriate and there are no convenient chairs. There seems to be no choice but to continue as you are. It is a shame, heart to heart conversations work better when one party does not tower over the other.
"I understand that it is an imposition. However, I am not asking you to speak the language in your own time, merely learn it so that you can speak to the traders after I encourage them to use their own tongue as much as possible." You say gently.
"But why? Why do you even care?" Martin exclaims.
"Language is the vessel of culture. A people without a tongue of their own are a people without identity." Your voice swells with passion as you speak. "I would not wish that fate on anyone; certainly not on those I deem my kin, however distant."
One of the greatest signs of the depravity of the creations of Morgoth was their lack of their own language. To find a people whose language is so scattered and destroyed would move you aid them even if they were unrelated to anything in Arda.
Martin looks down, a brief flash of shame crossing his expression. "Yeah, right. Sorry boss forgot you were, well an elf. I'll be at the lesson"
Karla is far less resistant to the concept of learning a new language. In fact, she is eager to do so.
"It'll mean those girls can't go agossipin' behind my back." She states unprompted. "Count me in."
When you arrive to the room, you find the material prepared as best as possible. The five students are sitting on chairs, with a slate on their knees and chalk in hand. There is a larger slate on a stand that you can use for demonstration purposes. Everything is ready.
As you take your place at the head of the class, you briefly hesitate. What should you teach? Surely there is no requirement to educate them on all the nuances of a language, time is short and you have much to do.
You shake yourself and throw such thoughts aside. Even considering anything other than fully instructing these students in the language conjures images of your father's disappointed face. If you are honest with yourself, a habit you are trying to encourage, you had already decided what to do back when you first began learning language in Thedas.
"Thank you everyone for attending in such a timely manner." You greet the five students warmly. "Today we are going to be learning about the Elvhen language. Some of you already parts of what I will be explaining, yet I implore you not to dismiss revision the basics. You might be surprised by what you can learn from doing so."
You survey the faces assembled in the lecture hall. The Dalish are experiencing a complex mixture of emotions, as you expected. Karla is clearly uninterested but pays attention despite that. Martin is somewhere between uncomfortable and interested.
After enough time for questions has elapsed, you start to write on your display slate.
"We will begin with simple grammar, declensions, conjunctions, tenses and agreement." You state when you have finished writing. "Then we will move onto sentence structure, followed by some frequently used vocabulary and finishing with an introduction to Elvhen script. Any questions?"
Unsurprisingly there are quite a few questions.
"What do literally any of those words mean?" Martin asks.
"I assume you mean the grammar terms?" You clarify before answering. "Declensions are categories of noun that determine how they change their endings; conjugations are the same for verbs. Tense refers to how verbs and helper words are used to indicate time, agreement is the ways in which you make sure all words are in the correct tense."
While Martin attempts to assimilate the information you have given him, Karla asks the next question.
"I can't write. Is that going to be a problem?"
"Perhaps, it will certainly make learning the script more challenging, but I doubt you are alone. We will manage." You reassure her.
After explaining to Martin that a full answer to the nature of grammar will make more sense when you start teaching the subjects in question, you are finally able to begin the lesson.
Elvhen has some very interesting grammar, partly due to the use of a pause as a meaningful component in words, but also due to its complex classification of nouns and verbs. You do not cover all of them, just the two most common ones. There is only so much that a student can comprehend at one time.
Teaching them about stems and the ways endings change is a challenge. Though such things exist in Thedas' tongue, few native speakers ever bother learning them. If you had not set limits on what you expected them to learn, you doubt they would have managed at all. As it is, you have sufficient time to get them to memorise the most pertinent examples.
You move on to script. This is done by giving the group an alphabet and a brief rundown on how each letter sounds. You use this as a springboard into learning vocabulary. By memorising words as you read them aloud, you help them learn to recognise the letters and sounds simultaneously.
Sadly, you do not have the time to explain sentence structure and other complexities of the language. You are also unsatisfied with their writing and breadth of vocabulary.
Instead of telling your students this, you instead praise their progress. It is hardly their fault they do not take to new languages with the speed of your brothers, and in hindsight it was unfair to expect it of them. Praise will go further in maintaining their motivation then berating them will.
"Thank you for your hard work. We will likely return to these lessons before too long, so keep practicing on your own time." You inform them cheerfully.
The three Dalish leave the lesson with beaming smiles, and the two humans also seem satisfied. For your part, you immediately begin tearing apart your lesson looking for flaws. You intend to have the next lesson be the last formal lesson.
A Friend of a Friend
Many would have said that visiting Lanaya's clan last week should have been all you needed to find out how they have been doing. Had they said so to your face, you would have mocked them relentlessly.
The short time you had spent with the clan had been far too busy for a detailed discussion of what has transpired, and you had not had time for a longer conversation. Thus, you are now heading towards the clan again, mounted this time, to speak to Keeper Lanaya.
The ride is short, both due to the distance and thanks to the stone road and Orundómë's speed. Lanaya's clan has moved, but rather than away from the road, the have moved to incorporate it into their camp. You can ride straight in, though you pass under some passably constructed hides and ambush positions in the trees doing so.
You dismount on the outskirts, trusting Orundómë not to stray, and walk to the centre of camp. To you surprise Lanaya is waiting for you.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" The elf smirks at you.
"Have you perhaps forgotten who I am? It has only been a week; I hope your memory has not begun to fade already." You retort.
Lanaya responds without hesitation. "My memory is hardly so shoddy. I'm just wondering what trouble you are bringing with you this time. I hear some of the others have taken to calling you Stormcrow."
"What on earth is a storm crow?" You ask, raising your eyebrow.
"Not a fan of divination?" Lanaya asks seriously. "When a crow flies in a certain fashion it is supposed to indicate that there is a storm coming. It's sort of slang for someone who always brings their problems into your life."
"I see." You reply flatly. "I do not recall brining my problems to the clan. In fact, by my recollection I spend most of my time solving the clan's problems for them. It matters little, even if I approved of the title, which I do not, I have little need for another one."
Lanaya chuckles lightly. "Oh, I see how it is. Get a noble title and suddenly you're too good for us little folk? Shame on you."
"That is not what I was talking about." You reply. "The Chasind like to call me Brightstar, and it makes me uncomfortable. I would prefer not to add another such name to my list of appellations."
Lanaya's smile drops away and her face becomes serious. "Yes, actually I was meaning to talk to you about them."
A feeling of dread creeps up on you. "Yes? What of them?"
"There are… concerns being raised about your behaviour." Lanaya states, clearly choosing her words carefully. "Between this nobility thing and the two new villages of humans in the village, not to mention the armed soldiers on the roads, some might say that humans are expanding into another of our homes."
You focus on Lanaya, trying to understand the underlying message. Your first thought of having internal pressures is not disproven, but you suspect that is not it. This is Lanaya's concern, not that of others. Perhaps there are those who share it, but it primarily is one she herself holds.
"I cannot blame you for feeling that way." You reply, apologetically. "It is not quite a complete picture though. I do want Dalish and Human to dwell together under a banner of commonality, admittedly, but I would not spring such a thing upon you."
Lanaya is looking at you calculatingly, weighing your words as you speak. You lean forward, speaking as quietly as possible when speaking to a human.
"Can I trust you to keep what I am about to tell you a secret?" When Lanaya nods, you continue, "I brought the Chasind here because they had nowhere else to go. A Blight is brewing in the south and every human that dies there is another foe we must face."
"I see." Lanaya murmurs, face pale. "I assume that the banner you wish us to rally under is of the Griffin variety?"
"I lack the cultural knowledge to understand that reference, but in principle I believe that unity is our best chance of averting disaster." You reply quietly.
Then you straighten up and continue louder. "But such heavy topics are for another time. Tell me, how have you been as of late?"
Lanaya takes a few moments before replying. "Much the same as usual. There is only so much I can share with an outsider, but I cannot say I have much to report even besides that. What brings you here?"
"I am simply here to help in whatever way I can." You answer the Keeper's question. "Is there anything pressing you desire my help with."
You expect a swift refusal, but Lanaya is silent for a long time. Her expression pensive, she looks at you as seconds turn to minutes.
Eventually she says, "As a matter of fact, there is something I could use your help with. It's a bit of a secret though, so do you mind following me into my Aravel?"
You eye the small structure warily. "Are you certain we cannot do this somewhere in the forest? It is rather uncomfortable fitting into your dwellings."
The Dalish Keeper laughs at you. "I'm afraid we have no choice. My things are inside, and it will likely involve writing."
With a sigh, you gesture for her to enter the wagon-house. Ducking under the door you resign yourself to another conversation sitting on the floor.
Once you have made yourself as comfortable as you can, Lanaya pulls some papers out of a chest in the corner. She takes her seat at a table and places the papers and some writing supplies down.
"So, you may or may not know that there's a meeting of Dalish Keepers coming up." She begins. "They'll probably be here at the start of next month, or the end of the one following."
"Is this the Arlathvhen that Merrill mentioned?" You ask.
Lanaya giggles. "Oh no. That's a meeting of all the clans, that won't be happening for another five or six years. No this is something Marethari proposed. It's not all the Keepers in the world, but it's everyone in Ferelden and most of Orlais and the Free Marches."
This must be the meeting you proposed when Marethari approached you about Lanaya's desire to unite their clans. You had all but forgotten it as other things had simply seemed more important of late.
"I see. I remember discussing the matter with her." You reply. "How can I help you with the matter?"
"Well, there's a few things to discuss. First off, I wanted to pick your brain." Lanaya smirks at you. "I'm told you're something of a party planner. Merrill says you threw together quite the do when the Teyrn showed up."
"Well, I have some experience in the matter. Though I confess I am unsure why you believe I will be able to help." You reply slowly. "If you have a full month to plan then there should be few if any logistical issues, and I know nothing of Dalish hosting customs."
Lanaya smiles. "Well, nobody really knows much about Elvhen hosting customs, as for why I need your help? You apparently know how to host a hundred people for a full week with only one month of preparation. So, we should start there."
While you are still unsure why she thinks that is difficult, you are willing to help regardless. The first thing you need to know is how many people will be coming.
When asked Lanaya tells you, "Well there's going to be one to two dozen keepers and they'll all have an escort of bare minimum two people. That's kind of the problem, I know I have at least thirty six people coming, but at most there's going to be two hundred and forty. Makes prep a little tough."
"Then we simply prepare for the worst case scenario. I assume you have no objections to having extra food for your people?" You ask.
Lanaya shrugs. "Not in principle. But the question is where to get it."
"How much do you already have?" You ask. "Do you have any stocks to work with?"
"I do, but they're intended for if we need to get out fast. I really don't want to use that unless we have to." Lanaya responds, grimacing.
"Fair." You agree. "Our best hope for supplying then is to send your merchants out further than usual. They will have to take non-perishable goods and begin to buy up food supplies where they can. You will also need to increase your hunting patrols as much as possible. I recommend consulting with Ranger on the matter."
"I could have figured most of that out for myself, you know." Lanaya replies with a raised eyebrow.
"There is only so much I can do about the lack of food in the area." You inform her.
Though the Keeper is disappointed by your contributions on the food front, she finds you much better at housing. The proposal to vacate the larger Aravels for the guests is obvious, but you have experience in making tents for large groups out of improvised materials.
"That looks good, I guess." Lanaya says, squinting at what she's written. "Probably easier said than done, but better than what I had before."
"Glad I could help, and it seems I still have time to do something else too." You reply, smiling contentedly.
"Actually, while I have you. I have another thing I'd like you to keep a bit quiet about." Lanya interrupts. "So, we're looking to hammer out some kind of central organisation thing at this meeting. I'm obviously wanting to push for some kind of change and I was wondering if you had any thoughts?"
The question of how the Dalish should be organised is a difficult one to answer. There are a number of moving factors, none of which is helped by the fact that they dwell within the lands of another power. Not to mention the fact that individual clans would only meet every six years at the most frequent.
This disunity rules out much of the traditional centralisation you are used to in a state. Between the Panatír and other signalling techniques, a message could travel from Himring to Lindir and back again inside a day. The Dalish have nothing equivalent, unless they have concealed more than you think.
It would thus be unwise to have a single central ruler, any orders would be far too slow and impossible to enforce. Eventually power would devolve back to local leaders. Besides which, you mistrust anything remotely adjacent to a human in a position of sole authority.
The immediately obvious step is to formalise and normalise relations between clans. Knowing where each clan stands compared to the others, where they can be found and who is allied to whom would enable a great deal more cooperation. It would require more frequent meetings or maybe improved communication techniques, but it would be worth it.
Ultimately, you dismiss the option as a temporary one. Though it would enable greater cooperation, it would leave questions of leadership unresolved, not to mention the power blocks and enmity that would inevitably result. As a first step it has potential, but not as the final solution.
Perhaps the best option is some kind of council. Akin to a council of advisors, it would give each clan a voice while also maintaining enough separation that they will not feel as though their traditions are threatened.
"I feel that I must preface my suggestion with a reminder that I am not a Dalish, and do not fully understand you." You begin.
"Are you sure you should be giving me advice at all then?" Lanaya teases,
"I believe I can give a suggestion based on the situation, though it may need some adjustment for uniquely Dalish problems." You explain. "I propose that a council of elders, perhaps selected by each clan through a vote, should be formed."
Lanaya quirks an eyebrow. "How will that help? It sounds like what I already deal with, just without a keeper to get anything done."
You would like to stand up to gesture more freely, but the low roof prevents such an action. "The problem the Dalish have is that they are too decentralised and scattered. The council maintains the independence your people prize, while also giving a body capable of making decisions for the whole."
Lanaya falls silent. She stares out of a window, her mind working steadily. After a few moments without any response, you decide to continue.
"As for the concern with how they would decide anything, I share your concerns." You state, following Lanaya's gaze to the horizon. "I have few answers, I fear. The best option I can conceive of is a simple majority, much like what an inexperienced leader might do when they are uncertain."
A tense silence grows after you finish speaking. Lanaya is wrapped up in her own thoughts, and you have no more to say.
In truth, you have little experience with anything beyond a monarchy and there is no well of Eldar wisdom to fall back on this subject. You are alone and trying to invent a system from first principles. Surely there is something you are missing, but you have no idea what it might be, or how to find out.
Finally, Lanaya speaks. "You were right about one thing. You don't understand the Dalish."
"Then please, enlighten me." You reply, unconcerned.
"The hahren are fractious and hide bound. There will be no agreement, save on the maintaining of traditions that have done nothing to help us reclaim our homeland." Lanaya says, voice swelling with passion. "What we need is a leader! Our own Andraste who can unite the clans behind her and lead them to reclaim our home!"
You look up at the now standing elf, a quiet dread swelling in your heart. "A leader like you?"
"Who else is willing to do it?" Lanaya smirks.
There is nothing you can say to change the Keeper's mind on the matter. You tread a dangerous line trying to do so without offending her, but it quickly becomes clear she will not be moved on the topic.
It worries you. At this moment she seems far too human.