Written for @cityelfweek day 2!
An excerpt from a correspondence between Lady Aalis of Montford and Professor Rolant, lecturer at the University of Orlais.
Indeed, it is reductive even to refer to the elves of Thedas’s city as a collective. Would one categorise Orlais and Ferelden as one? Some, perhaps, but only if one wished to sound Tevinter. Even the Dalish, disparate as they are, will convene in what is known as an arlathvhen every ten years. The elves of the Alienages are connected by a line of merchants and travelers, and the occasional blending of families through arranged marriages, but little else.
Thus, you will not hear the same stories told in Kirkwall’s Alienage as opposed to Val Royeaux’s.
(...)
I think know just what you mean, Professor.
Do you remember my visit to Edgehall in Kingsway? Dreadful place, I would steer clear were I you, but while I lay in afternoon repose I could not help but overhear my servants whispering outside my door. The Alienage there is outside the city proper, you see (I can see the vision in the idea, though I cannot attest to its success). The elves of Edgehall are quite particular about mushrooms. When they grow in a circle, they say the gods will whisk you away.
I overheard Cateline wish the gods would intercede on her behalf, and whisk her away, but they needn’t bother. I have done it on their behalf.