Madeline stepped through the shimmering Eluvian, the ancient mirror's surface rippling like water as she emerged into the heart of Ferelden. The sudden shift in surroundings still took her breath away, no matter how many times she used the Eluvian Network. One moment she had been in the quiet solitude of West Hills, and the next, she found herself in the bustling city of Denerim, the capital’s sprawling skyline stretching out before her. The city was a mix of old stone and new growth, a testament to the resilience of Ferelden and its people.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to West Hills, to the responsibility she had left in the capable hands of Rian Bradigan. Trusting someone with her lands and her people wasn’t a decision she made lightly, but Rian had proven himself time and again. Madeline knew she had made the right choice, though a small part of her still felt the weight of her absence. Leadership was a delicate balance, and leaving for such an extended period always left her with a sense of unease. But this meeting was too important to delay.
As she walked through the winding streets of Denerim, Madeline’s mind focused on the task ahead. The Orlesian refugees were fleeing the blight, seeking safety in Ferelden, and the situation was becoming increasingly dire. She needed to speak with the Arlessa of Denerim, Mara Tabris, to discuss how they might coordinate efforts and ensure the refugees were treated with compassion and care. Ferelden had its own scars from the last Blight, and Madeline knew that handling the influx of refugees required both diplomacy and a firm plan.
The predetermined meeting place was a quiet, discreet location on the edge of the city—a small, well-tended garden tucked away from the bustle of the streets. It was a peaceful spot, a place where they could speak openly without fear of prying eyes or ears. Madeline appreciated Mara’s choice; it reflected a mutual understanding of the delicate nature of their conversation.
The garden was bathed in the soft glow of the early afternoon sun, the warmth of the day tempered by a gentle breeze. Madeline allowed herself a moment to take in the surroundings, her sharp eyes noting the well-kept hedges and the small fountain at the garden’s center. It was a place of serenity, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing across the border.
She approached the stone bench near the fountain and took a seat, smoothing the folds of her travel cloak as she settled in. Madeline’s mind began to run through the points she wanted to discuss, from the logistics of housing and feeding the refugees to the potential strain on Denerim’s resources. She knew Mara was a capable leader, and she hoped that together they could find a solution that would benefit both Ferelden and the displaced Orlesians.
As she waited for Mara to arrive, Madeline’s thoughts returned to the Eluvian Network, and the immense possibilities it held. The ancient mirrors connected distant lands in ways that had once seemed impossible, bringing leaders like herself and Mara together to discuss matters of great importance. It was a reminder of how small the world could be, and how interconnected their fates truly were.
Madeline straightened her posture, her expression calm and focused. She was ready for this conversation, prepared to navigate the complexities of politics and the very real human impact of the Blight. The wind rustled the leaves around her, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city as she waited for Mara Tabris to join her in the quiet garden.
@Mara Tabris
Her thoughts drifted briefly to West Hills, to the responsibility she had left in the capable hands of Rian Bradigan. Trusting someone with her lands and her people wasn’t a decision she made lightly, but Rian had proven himself time and again. Madeline knew she had made the right choice, though a small part of her still felt the weight of her absence. Leadership was a delicate balance, and leaving for such an extended period always left her with a sense of unease. But this meeting was too important to delay.
As she walked through the winding streets of Denerim, Madeline’s mind focused on the task ahead. The Orlesian refugees were fleeing the blight, seeking safety in Ferelden, and the situation was becoming increasingly dire. She needed to speak with the Arlessa of Denerim, Mara Tabris, to discuss how they might coordinate efforts and ensure the refugees were treated with compassion and care. Ferelden had its own scars from the last Blight, and Madeline knew that handling the influx of refugees required both diplomacy and a firm plan.
The predetermined meeting place was a quiet, discreet location on the edge of the city—a small, well-tended garden tucked away from the bustle of the streets. It was a peaceful spot, a place where they could speak openly without fear of prying eyes or ears. Madeline appreciated Mara’s choice; it reflected a mutual understanding of the delicate nature of their conversation.
The garden was bathed in the soft glow of the early afternoon sun, the warmth of the day tempered by a gentle breeze. Madeline allowed herself a moment to take in the surroundings, her sharp eyes noting the well-kept hedges and the small fountain at the garden’s center. It was a place of serenity, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing across the border.
She approached the stone bench near the fountain and took a seat, smoothing the folds of her travel cloak as she settled in. Madeline’s mind began to run through the points she wanted to discuss, from the logistics of housing and feeding the refugees to the potential strain on Denerim’s resources. She knew Mara was a capable leader, and she hoped that together they could find a solution that would benefit both Ferelden and the displaced Orlesians.
As she waited for Mara to arrive, Madeline’s thoughts returned to the Eluvian Network, and the immense possibilities it held. The ancient mirrors connected distant lands in ways that had once seemed impossible, bringing leaders like herself and Mara together to discuss matters of great importance. It was a reminder of how small the world could be, and how interconnected their fates truly were.
Madeline straightened her posture, her expression calm and focused. She was ready for this conversation, prepared to navigate the complexities of politics and the very real human impact of the Blight. The wind rustled the leaves around her, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city as she waited for Mara Tabris to join her in the quiet garden.
@Mara Tabris
08-21-2024, 07:48 AM
