video

[veilstrike]

Who: Leilani Lavellan and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: On the Blue Fish
When: Now, after gifts have been opened!

[ The video opens with Leilani fiddling with something in her hands, but she's quick to turn her attention to the camera and focus on the people she's talking to. She's well practiced at the art of focussing her attention on people rather than things; the Inquisition had demanded it from her, and she barely had any time of her own. No time for worries or fears or sadness; only work and fighting for whatever future Thedas had left. ]

In my clan we did not celebrate the winter as the rest of the world did. I didn't recognise that there were different celebrations until I became the Inquisitor, and then it felt as though I was pretending to understand something that was completely alien to me.

[ Frowning, she drops the necklace from her hands. ]

I'd like to know more about your traditions, if you'll appease me. I've never had much time to sit and talk about these sorts of things, so anything that you might be able to tell me would be welcome. There is always time to learn something new.

[ It also distracts her, so it's a welcome relief. ]

Comments

[samahl]

I thought it was wonderful. Everyone set aside their troubles for a bit, even as the world was uncertain and frightening.

[veilstrike]

We were able to be happy. That is not something that could be said for the whole year.

[samahl]

Exactly.

And I think that's the main point of holidays - to celebrate each other and remind ourselves what is important. It's a way to lay down our burdens. The same way you might by talking with a friend.

If you have burdens, lethallin, I am here for you to take a rest from them for a bit.

[That's all the acknowledgement he's going to share of the jaw bone for now. If she needs to talk about it more, he's opened the door. Otherwise he can continue to provide a distraction from it.]

[veilstrike]

That was a very roundabout way of getting to the point, lethallin.

[ It's said with a wry little smile and she shakes her head. ]

I do not need to explain the meaning of this to you, do I?

[samahl]

If nothing else, I excel at giving people a way to avoid emotional topics, if they'd rather.

And yes. I recognize it. If seeing it on this feed feels a bit like being punched in the stomach to me, I can't imagine what you're going through.

[veilstrike]

It is not comfortable. [ It feels heavy around her neck, her chest tight and pained, but... ] I do not know how I should take it - a reminder of my duty or of my heart?

[samahl]

[He wishes he had an answer for her but he really doesn't. If he did, his own life would be a bit easier too.]

I dislike how often those two are at odds.

[veilstrike]

[ It makes her laugh, quietly, just a little. ]

I wish it wasn't quite so literal for me. [ But, alas. ] I do not intend to lose it, at least.

[samahl]

I'll help out where I can. Even if it's making a better chain.

[veilstrike]

Are you suggesting a hobo apostates leather is not good enough? [ At least she still has the good humour to tease. ]

[samahl]

I may be suggesting that chain is stronger. [He matches her tone, and offers her a smile.]

Though I am an Artificer, if you ask me to make something you might get added dials and explode-y bits.

[veilstrike]

It wouldn't be an incorrect suggestion.

[ But the leather is Solas' too, and there's a part of her that clings to that. ]

I'd rather not wear anything 'explode-y' if I can help it, lethallin.

[samahl]

[He makes a sort of 'if you insist' noise that's meant to be playful more than anything.]

I could see how that would be discomforting as it will be around your neck. I'll have to reel in anything too outlandish.

[veilstrike]

I've come so far. I'd hate to die to accidentally exploding myself.

[samahl]

It would be such an unbecoming ending, that's true.

I'd rather pass in a flower scented bathtub surrounded by beautiful men.

[veilstrike]

A bathtub does sound wonderful. [ Sigh. ] I'll pass on the men and send them all your way.

[samahl]

That's so thoughtful, lethallan. Thank you. [He responds playfully, amused.]

And to you I'll send.... uh... fancy chocolates and wine?

[veilstrike]

I could ask for nothing more and be most grateful for it.

[samahl]

Oh, and oils to make the bath more productive. I know how to make those.

[veilstrike]

A man of many talents, I see. I will welcome all gifts, to be sure.

[samahl]

A man who likes to appear younger than he is, at least.

[veilstrike]

I think you're handsome enough that you needn't worry.

[samahl]

[He chuckles softly at that.] Why thank you. Though perhaps that's thanks to being part of Clan Lavellan. We seem to be rather beautiful by default.

[veilstrike]

[ That just makes her laugh again. ]

It's not exactly a bad thing.

[samahl]

No, but it can be distracting when you're young and foolish.