this is a call to arms; gather soldiers

[ladyspitfire]

Date & Time: Tuesday (8/14), after this.
Location: Anora and Alistair's apartment, 302.
Characters: Anora, Elissa, and possibly an awkward appearance by Alistair.
Summary: A queen and a commander talk strategy and how to work against the Initiative.
Warnings: None.


[Years ago, when King Cailan and Queen Anora ruled side-by-side over Ferelden, Elissa had still been training to be her father's heir. Fergus had already married and had learned the art of war, though he'd had his share of diplomacy. Elissa, on the other hand, grew up learning the charm that was needed to be the daughter of a teyrn. She needed to learn how to lead and to hold down a castle on her own, something she was going to do when the army went off to fight the Blight.

That had been the night Howe had attacked.

But, in the year that followed, she learned all she needed to about bringing a nation together for war. It was not a war of politics or religion, but rather a necessary war to ensure the survival of Thedas. She'd recruited elves, mages, and dwarves and had learn about their culture, discovered the hard way how to win them over. But she'd done it and she'd recruited an army of thousands, all ready to lay their lives down in the name of Thedas and for the Grey Wardens.

This world was different. They were all thrust into an unfamiliar situation, kidnapped, and forced to fight in a war they truly had no part in. It was their only common goal across multitudes of people and this she understood. Now, she'd need to figure out a way to bring them together.

Anora is - was, for her - a queen and understands these things. It only behooves her to seek out advice from the other woman and for them to work together. There's something inherently uncomfortable about the meeting, however; Anora and Elissa had yet to truly get along, even if she'd rushed in to help the woman during the VR training. It had been instinct to protect her and, though awkward, Elissa knew that her duty would always lie with Ferelden and its royal seat. Especially when the king was her best friend.

She goes to their apartment expecting little, her Mabari trotting at her heels happily. He'd stayed at her side while she slept, trapped in the VR program, and now refused to leave her alone. She supposed he could endear himself to the queen at the very least. Elissa approaches their door and knocks gently, waiting to be let in.]

Comments

[selfloyalty]

[the morning had a relatively...unrelaxing start. finding teeth in the sink had put Anora on a bit of an edge, but at the very least mentioning that Elissa was stopping by for a chat got Alistair out of the place.

the hot water was set on the stove (and she made sure that the kitchen sink didn't have any overlooked teeth hiding in the drain), and when there was a knock at the door the tea was all but ready.

she answers it promptly, looking at Elissa...

and down at the mabari. her expression is illegible as she looks back towards the Warden, offering her...well not a warm smile.]

Please do come in, I have the tea all set up in the kitchen.

[what's a meeting between nobles without tea.]

[ladyspitfire]

[The dog perks his ears up when Anora looks at him, large tongue lolling out of his mouth. He doesn't bark, though his back end is wiggling in delight.

Elissa, for her part, gives Anora a courteous nod and a faint smile.]

Thank you. I appreciate this.

[She could very well have invited Anora to her apartment but she probably wouldn't have liked that the room smelled too much of Ferelden dog.

The mabari follows her inside, sitting at the door dutifully until she's found herself a place to sit. She looks around.]

Can I help you with anything?

[selfloyalty]

[she probably wouldn't have minded the smell...in fact, she might not have noticed it seeing as foreigners would constantly bring up the smell of wet dog during their visits, and Anora and Cailan never quite knew what to make of it.

Anora motions to the living room of the flat, inviting Elissa to take a seat on the sofa.]

No need.

[she heads off to the kitchen, shutting off the stove as the kettle begins to whistle.]

Make yourself at home. I made some tea if you would like.

[ladyspitfire]

[She takes her time to look around the apartment, her mind not really registering that Alistair lives here as well. She should, obviously; Anora is his wife. But the last thing she wants is to feel irritated at something she can't change.

Instead, she admires how they've turned it into a semblance of a home and takes a seat on the sofa, as is offered to her.]

I would, thank you.

[Atticus comes to rest at her ankles, laying down. She reaches down to scratch his head.]

...How long, did you say, have you been in this place?

[selfloyalty]

[she returns with the tea, both mugs in each hand. the markets had an awful fondness for selling various flavours in packets you simply soaked, so she might have...indulged a bit as far as choosing interesting flavours went.

she sets it down on the coffee table in front of the sofa, and takes a seat on another chair.]

Longer than necessary.

[it's said wryly, and she takes a tentative sip. no, still to hot. she sets it down.]

About half a year...possibly even longer. It is difficult keeping track when I am not entirely familiar with these months.