Backscene: Elves and Magic Who: Imenry Barras, Faer Arandil When: Shortly after Alistair has recruited the Dalish Elves Faer and Jaden Where: The road from the Brecellian Forest to Amaranthine Summary: Traveling from the forest, Imenry and Faer strike up a conversation; where she learns about elves, and they discuss opinions on magic. Rating: M for magic! But fine for all.
The forest was still all around them, though now that they were making their way back out of it again, things were starting to get quieter and there was less tension in the group. Now that they had the elves with them as well, who were more familiar with the paths and how to stay safe. Sticking to the path seemed to keep them out of harm's way anyway. She was walking as she preferred to do, and had just been speaking to Signy, who was riding in one of the wagons, before she moved towards the center of the group, where she spied one of the elves. She wasn't sure which one he was, but he looked a little bit lost in thought.
He moved naturally along the path, his feet finding an easy pace. His eyes scanned, likely spotting landmarks or places he recognized. It was important to always be aware of your surroundings, which he seemed to understand. He didn't carry a bow, or any type of sword or dagger, so it stood to reason that this young man was the mage that the Templars had been pursuing earlier. The thought didn't make her uncomfortable. In fact, she felt for him. He must undoubtedly feel strange to be leaving his clan for whatever reason. He was journeying to a new future as a Grey Warden, and though he had his friend with him, it must indeed seem very lonely in comparison to having been surrounded by his people.
Now they were surrounded by mostly humans, some who were blatant in their apparent racism, and Imenry felt the urge to at least speak to them. She wanted to understand more about the Dalish. The slivers of information Seda had given her in the past; about those who left never being able to return, about the differences between the clans and the elves that lived in the pen-like poverty stricken areas of humans cities. She still didn't really understand it. She'd seen elves everywhere in the lowlands, but she knew so little about them; their culture and beliefs, their way of life. Not that she wanted to ask probing questions to the young man. Having so recently been torn from his clan they would likely be unpleasant memories. But she could say hello, give him a little bit of support, perhaps offer him some advice, or even an ear should he need it.
It struck her as strange that she would want to do this as she fell into step beside him, shortening her strides slightly. She tilted her head, gazing sideways at him and offered a small smile. She would not normally be one to strike up conversation with someone, but Signy had drawn out something in her, some protective sort of urge that seemed to be cropping up more and more; in her time with Falina in Redcliffe, her night of watch with Rhocanth. Still, the young elf might only crave solitude now, looking as lost in thought as he did. If he did not wish to speak with her, she certainly wouldn't push at him. She would not have liked someone doing that to her.
Deciding that starting off neutral was the best tactic she remained silent for a moment while they walked side-by-side, then sighed slightly. "So I imagine you know the forest very well. Signy was worried about bears. Do you see many of them here?"