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

[gatheringstorm]

Thanks, I mean it. I'll help to have another friendly face, whatever else happens in this mess. It'd be nice if we'd have better news to share by the time you get here, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that. The only good thing about this is that our presence hasn't been noticed. Merrick and Katniss are largely responsible for that, they're the true scouts in this.

...yeah, separating myself from issues has never been something I could do. I don't know if I'll be able to do it now...but I'm trying. That's all I can promise.

[wickedchase]

I'll try to keep my expectations realistic, then. If it's any consolation, I'm someone who is difficult to disappoint; frankly, I'm more concerned about you.

You care. That's not a bad trait, but it does make matters like this difficult. All you can do is try, and that's all I could ever ask.

You'll be okay, spitfire. I hope I'll see you soon.

[gatheringstorm]

I hope so, too. And I know it hasn't been easy over there, either. Sorry I couldn't be there to help with at least that. No one better be giving you or the others shit over it.

[She hasn't heard of a mage backlash, but she also hasn't been paying close attention to the sending crystal, either. If there is, though, she'll have to knock some heads.]

[wickedchase]

No more than usual. The meeting went about as well as you'd expect, talks of Harrowings and such. The templars and a handful of mages want stricter control, the lot of us don't want it -- it's like a Conclave Junior, really.

I'm not particularly concerned either way. [Even if the Inquisition tries to enforce rules on them, he certainly has little intention of following that.]

[gatheringstorm]

Harrowings? Over my rotting corpse.

[It's not said with her usual fire, though, she's spent that all on the enslavement of the villagers. Maybe when that's settled, she can focus enough to send a tirade at those who deserve it.]

[wickedchase]

Hopefully it won't come to that. I like you alive, and I like not having ridiculous Circle traditions.

[gatheringstorm]

We have both in common. But really, if they succeed in forcing that crap, somehow, I'll leave the Council. I didn't join that just to see it become the new Circle.

[wickedchase]

I don't think it will, but should it for somehow to come to that? I understand. Still, I think someone like you should remain on the Council. Bring some sense to them.

Or it would be like banging your head against the wall. Hard to say right now.

[gatheringstorm]

Or both. I keep trying, but all I know is every session so far has ended with a powerful headache and a need to collapse at the tavern.

...thanks. For a moment, I almost forgot where I was. How bad is it that I'd take all that over the mess here?

[wickedchase]

Not a good thing, but I'm happy to have distracted you for a time. Though I could certainly think of more amusing ways to do that.

[gatheringstorm]

Oh, such as...?

[wickedchase]

Well, my ideas are more of the in-person type of distractions. Over the crystals doesn't seem to quite do it.

[gatheringstorm]

Fair enough. I wouldn't want to undermine such efforts by not being in a fit state to appreciate them, anyway. Later, though.

[wickedchase]

I will keep that in mind, spitfire.

For now, I wish you the best of luck.