Sending Crystal

[gatheringstorm]

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Korrin Ataash
RECIPIENT: Anyone who has positive CR with Korrin (along with Inquisition leadership)
WHAT: The mystery of the missing people in Sahrnia is uncovered.
WHEN: At some point during her scouting mission
WHERE: Emprise du Lion
NOTES: Imprisonment, death, moral dilemmas.

Those with her on the scouting mission are welcome to overhear her making the message instead of responding to it over the crystal.

[Korrin hasn't interacted with others that much over the sending crystal while away, mostly because she's too tired to be social by the time there's a free moment. But after a particularly trying day, she needs a friendly voice and an outsider's perspective. For all that she's seen so much in her time as a mercenary, this still leaves her shaken.]

Fucking Red Templars. They have huge red lyrium mining operation to the south, which would be disturbing enough all on its own, just for deliberately messing with that shit. But of course they had to make it even worse. So many of the villagers have been captured and forced to work for them, kept cages when they're not being useful. Hell, some of them have already died from exposure or overwork and just...left there.

And it's not going to stop, from what we've seen. Sure, we can get to those on the fringes and free them, but if that keeps happening, they'll catch on and there goes any chance of truly stopping this. For all we know, they could kill all the rest if they realize we're onto them. And we can't get anywhere close to those at the center; they're too well-guarded and we'd be overwhelmed in a heartbeat. Fuck.

...tell me we're doing the right thing. Or at least give me news that isn't completely horrible.

Comments

[slipshot]

[He doesn't know what to say, at first, she sounds so miserable, but finally he speaks.]

We're going to stop them, Korrin. Of course that's the right thing. Don't doubt it for a moment. Rushing in would only get more of them hurt.

[There's a pause, and then his voice is quiet:]

... Are you alright?

[gatheringstorm]

No. I need a drink and didn't bring any maraas-lok and spiced wine isn't going to cut it. But getting hammered on a scouting mission would be a terrible idea, anyway.

[If only she could escape from sobriety. Why is Skyhold so far away?]

I know you're right, about rushing in. It'd be suicide, at this point. But who knows how many might still be alive by the time the rest of Inquisition gets here?

[slipshot]

Probably for the best, I'll admit.

[He pauses, trying to think of how to help as best he could. She needs help, that much is clear. Compassion. And forgiveness. But he couldn't offer that, even though they all needed it.]

We can't save everyone, Korrin. But we'll save as many as we can.

You, though, sound like you could use a massage.

[gatheringstorm]

[That gets him a -very weak- laugh.]

My back is all knot, at this point. That's not something I'd wish on you, even if you were here.

[She sighs, trying to clear her head but it's an uphill battle.]

There has to be something that can be done, before the rest of the army gets here. I can't just watch this happen and...wait.

[slipshot]

Hey, I like a challenge.

Have you contacted Commander Cullen about it? Maybe he would have an idea... I'm not a tactician, I'm afraid.

Maybe we could sneak them arms, somehow?

I think it might be time to call in your great aunt.

[gatheringstorm]

If you really want to, it's your funeral when I get back.

[Great aunt? It takes her a moment to remember that reference, then she makes a noise that could almost be amusement.]

I wish, I really do. If I can get word to the Valo-Kas and they aren't far, that's one way...but they're about as subtle as I am, which is to say not at all. At best, they could be a diversion, but...I'm not much of a tactician, either.

Katniss is returning briefly with reports, so I assume she'll talk to the Commander. But patience isn't my strong point, so it might be a good idea to reach him directly anyway. I don't believe he'd be willing to put this off, not after what he'll hear about it.