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[bleeding_heart]

[Anyone passing through Union's parks today will likely happen upon a somewhat odd sight.  Merrill is sitting on a bench, leaning forward with her hands on her knees and staring with great interest at a Sawsbuck.  The Sawsbuck doesn't seem to be doing anything terribly interesting, splitting its time roughly equally between staring back at Merrill, standing and looking regal as it listens for potential danger, and grazing lightly on the grass.  Despite this, however, its trainer's attention remains absolutely riveted on the Pokemon, as if she's expecting it to do something amazing any moment now.]

Oh, I can't wait...!

Comments

[bleeding_heart]

Yes, that's why. I thought maybe they would know something. They didn't, but I do get to look at lots of ruins and things. One of them has to be Arlathan eventually.

[wise_maiden]

It could be that some have been found, and they just haven't been identified properly yet. So the best thing to do is keep searching. Do you have any clues to base a discovery off of?

[bleeding_heart]

I know some of the old language, and would recognize it if I saw it.

[wise_maiden]

-- Is that so? Do you have any samples of it written?

[bleeding_heart]

No, but I can write something down for you if you'd like.

[wise_maiden]

Really? Yes, please. I'd love to see it.

[And of course, a scholar is never without a trusty notebook to offer.]

[bleeding_heart]

[Merrill takes the notebook and pencil and writes down a string of characters. Apparently the Dalish alphabet is different as well.]

There.

[wise_maiden]

[For someone whose made a point of studying ancient letters this is certainly different from anything she's come across.]

Fascinating... I can't believe I've never come across this language before!

[bleeding_heart]

It says, andaran atish'an. It's a traditional formal greeting. It means something close to 'I dwell here, in a place of peace.'

[wise_maiden]

[She adds the translation and the explanation of it underneath for reference.]

This is incredible! Would you be willing to teach me more of it?

[bleeding_heart]

If you'd like. Most people aren't very interested.

[wise_maiden]

[She's practically emitting sparkles at the prospect.] Thank you!

[And that's when the realization that they hadn't even exchanged names sets in. Oops. That's what happens when nerding takes over.] -- Oh, and my apologies. My name is Raine Sage.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh. Yes. Ir abelas. That's 'I'm sorry' in Dalish, by the way. My name is Merrill. Just Merrill.

[wise_maiden]

That's wonderful! [She'll just make note of that too.] I am quite glad to have met you, Merrill.

[bleeding_heart]

[Merrill nods, smiling.]

It's been nice meeting you too, Raine.

[wise_maiden]

When would be the best time to have a further lesson on the Arlathan language and culture?

[bleeding_heart]

Oh, goodness, I don't know. I've never given official lessons before.

[wise_maiden]

I could give you some suggestions as we go along. Such as, perhaps starting with the alphabet and translations, and then onto your significant phrases, and any recollections about the culture, and so on.

[bleeding_heart]

Yes! Those sound like lovely suggestions.

[wise_maiden]

It probably helps that I'm used to tutoring. I'm sure this will end up being quite fun for both of us.

[bleeding_heart]

I'll be looking forward to it.