Backscene: Into the Woods Who: Valan Arandil, Viara Tremaine NPCS: Merrill the Keeper, possible others When: Several years back (exact date to be set) Where: The Dalish Clan's camp in the Forest Summary: A human female (Viara) shows up looking for a place to bring the elves she has rescued from slavery. She makes a deal with the Keeper. Valan is suspicious Rating: D for Dalish (+P for some Pirate)
Valan had been keeping watch with some others today, standing guard along the path that led through the forest and straight up to the camp where the Clan had made their temporary home. It was not an obvious path, but any tracker could easily spot the trail amongst the trees, where the greenery grew sparse and the dirt was packed hard from the passing of many feet. Rarely did they see anyone approaching down this path. Most of the Shemlen avoided the forest all together, which pleased Valan. He'd rather not have to encounter them if possible. He had more than enough experiences with humans to last a lifetime. None of them good.
He knew his son Faer was away from the camp today, likely embarked on some mission for the Keeper, or off on some half-cocked adventure with his friend Jaden. Usually such ideas were Jaden's doing, as Faer was too shy and quiet to come up with such ideas on his own. At least that was what Valan comforted himself with. He kept his eyes peeled for the boy, even though it was unlikely he'd return any time soon, or that he'd even bother to take the direct trail into the village. Usually he came and went and Valan never even saw him leave. One moment the young man would be there, speaking with the Keeper, and the next he would disappear for hours, before suddenly reappearing. Valan was rather certain that he didn't have powers of teleportation. Perhaps he was simply getting old.
Valan paced the small clearing. The two hunters flanking him were talking about something insignificant, probably their families, or the latest catch they'd made. He paid them no mind, his eyes scanning the shadows between the trees and back again. His swords were crossed against his back, and he wore the typical Dalish armor, crafted out of iron bark. The others beside him were armed with bows, and wearing the lighter leather armor. He glanced at them in annoyance when they began to laugh over something and then sighed, shaking his head. They were young still, and didn't understand the seriousness of watch duty. True, it was rare for anything to come their way, but if it did, they had to be prepared.
But Valan did not admonish them. He simply turned his back to them and scanned the forest once again.