Nathaniel caught the brief wrinkle of Katrien’s nose as she sipped the drink, a small smile playing on his lips. The strong spirits here were definitely an acquired taste, especially for those used to finer fare.
But there was truth in his words. Everyone deserved a place where they could feel safe, where they could rebuild after the chaos. Perhaps that was what he hoped this place could become for him, and perhaps it was what Kat was searching for too.
When she asked about the Marches, his expression grew thoughtful. He took a slow sip of his drink, giving himself a moment to consider her question. Her mention of the Darkspawn in Orlais brought a familiar weight to his chest. He’d seen firsthand the devastation those creatures could cause, and the thought of people still suffering under their onslaught left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.
He glanced down at her hand as it lingered near his, her touch light and fleeting, like a whisper of intent. Nathaniel wasn’t oblivious to flirting, though he often found himself awkward in the face of it. He cleared his throat slightly, a hint of a blush creeping up his neck as he continued.
He hesitated, then added,
Nathaniel’s gaze returned to hers, trying to gauge her reaction. He felt a bit out of his depth; this wasn’t exactly his forte, but he wanted to help. She seemed like someone with a lot on her mind, and if he could offer some guidance—however small—it was worth the effort.
@Katrien
Backwater might not be the best term, but it can mean the area behind a dam, where the water's calm and steady. Maybe that’s what the name’s about—finding peace after the storm.He chuckled softly, slightly embarrassed at the explanation, hoping it didn’t come across as too sentimental.
But there was truth in his words. Everyone deserved a place where they could feel safe, where they could rebuild after the chaos. Perhaps that was what he hoped this place could become for him, and perhaps it was what Kat was searching for too.
When she asked about the Marches, his expression grew thoughtful. He took a slow sip of his drink, giving himself a moment to consider her question. Her mention of the Darkspawn in Orlais brought a familiar weight to his chest. He’d seen firsthand the devastation those creatures could cause, and the thought of people still suffering under their onslaught left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.
The Marches are… diverse, to put it mildly,he began, his tone careful.
Each city-state has its own character, its own set of rules—official and otherwise. Kirkwall, as you’ve seen, is a bit rough around the edges. It’s a city that’s been through a lot, and it shows. The Coterie, the Carta—they run the streets as much as the city guard does, if not more. It’s a place where power is constantly shifting hands, and you have to be careful who you trust.
He glanced down at her hand as it lingered near his, her touch light and fleeting, like a whisper of intent. Nathaniel wasn’t oblivious to flirting, though he often found himself awkward in the face of it. He cleared his throat slightly, a hint of a blush creeping up his neck as he continued.
Not all the city-states are like Kirkwall. Starkhaven, for example, is more stable—at least, it was the last time I passed through. It’s got its own challenges, of course, but it’s more… traditional. If you’re looking for a place with a bit less chaos, it might be worth considering.
He hesitated, then added,
There’s also Ostwick—more of a trade hub, with a focus on commerce rather than crime. It’s safer, generally speaking, but also more rigid in its rules. If you’re looking for something quieter, that might be an option.
Nathaniel’s gaze returned to hers, trying to gauge her reaction. He felt a bit out of his depth; this wasn’t exactly his forte, but he wanted to help. She seemed like someone with a lot on her mind, and if he could offer some guidance—however small—it was worth the effort.
@Katrien
08-21-2024, 07:50 AM
