therookery | (no subject)

FORM: sending crystal
SENDER: Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo
RECIPIENT: the Inquisition
WHAT: there's been a murder
WHEN: Cloudreach, shortly before the Conclave to choose the next Divine
WHERE: the Gallows
NOTES: happy election

This is-- Salvio Pizzicagnolo, seneschal to the Inquisition's base in Kirkwall and Head of Base Operations. And there is-- news, from Val Royeaux. Ill news. On the heels of all else-- [Wincing. Please no more on what else has been discussed, which Salvio has been trying not to think too hard about.

Best to just. Say it.]

Grand Cleric Agathe of Cumberland has been killed. On the road to the Conclave. One of the candidates. A prominent candidate, who enjoyed much support.

The Grand Cleric's absence will be felt upon the ballot. Votes from the Conclave that would have been hers will go elsewhere. Doubtless there will be an investigation. Her, it-- it was no accident. As her supporters, and those closer, have said.

Some--strife, is to be expected. In Nevarra, and among her supporters, who will seek to and-- certainly, among those that might seize upon the opportunity, or make some claim, to own this--deed. The Conclave will take place as scheduled. And the Inquisition--

[His voice falters, just a little.]

The Inquisition is-- urging caution. Please. For questions, there will be but few answers. There is--no decision yet, as to the Divine, or--any part of it. News will be shared, as it is learned.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ don't relax just yet friend!! ]

And of course, we can assume that whoever killed her was certain of that outcome.

[ meaningful pause. ]

Unless we believe it's an accident.

[ WHICH WE DO NOT ]

[ disbelieves in Orlesian ]

How convenient for Nevarra's enemies.

I'm sure they grieve regardless.

[ bullshit. ]

But it won't stop the election. So the damage is done, regardless.

Do you think it'll stop there?

I assume where it stops depends on who lands on the Sunburst Throne.

[ sorry salvio. ]

If they've achieved their desired outcome, there likely won't need to be anymore accidents.

Only deliberate acts in response, then.

[ Comforting!! ]

Optimistic.

Not me, my lady.

[ This guy, maybe. ]

The Grand Cleric of Cumberland killed on Orlesian soil, and Val Royeaux cannot be bothered to pay a single day's respect? I simply doubt euphemisms will have much further utility.

[ 'Accidents,' Maker. ]

And what are you suggesting will have utility in these coming days?

[ sorry salvio ]

Actions.

[ Which he has sense enough not to specify, and yet: ]

Nevarrans do not fight with words alone.

I'm not entirely convinced there will be any fight. Or at least, none mounted in time to affect the outcome so swiftly approaching.

I think-- [Scared to say it, gotta say it,] Nevarra was not the-- the target. The nation was not.

Oh, well we ought to let them know then, I expect that'll quell any unrest.

It might help. In a small way, at least.

Well. We might--speculate. But I would urge--that is, prudence, and forbearance--would urge any member of our number not to do so.

There is little that is known, for certain, and much-- There will be an investigation. Of course. And then the motivation will be made clear.

An investigation that occurs after the election has been decided doesn't reassure me. Does it reassure you?

[Salvio pauses, uncertainly.]

We, as the Inquisition, must trust that the Chantry--or rather the investigation, that the Chantry will organize--will be organized and run fairly, with intention of finding out the responsible party.

Personal sentiment--my own, or any other--um, it does not... It is not appropriate. To offer, in this setting.

[But if it helps, he does not sound at all reassured. Then again he rarely does.]

Strangely enough, I didn't have much of a personal stake in this entire affair.

[ untrue ]

But I'm not sure an investigation organized by the new Divine's Chantry will do much to quell people's suspicions. After all, the benefit of the Grand Cleric's death will have already had it's effect.

[The second point is so miserable and contains such truth to it that Salvio tries his best to skip over it. Or rather, double past it, back to the point easier to argue, which is--]

I am afraid-- well, there is much that is staked. On this affair. The Inquisition's ability to operate, and. And our ability to operate, in Kirkwall, much as we have, might be... might be at risk.

Not to speculate, or to-- broker fear. I do not mean for anyone to be afraid, necessarily, but to... well, to respect it. That sort of fear.

I'm very aware of the stakes. And I do not mean to instigate fear unnecessarily, but do you not think there is cause for suspicion here? Particularly, as we both understand, because so much has been staked on the outcome of this election?

[There's a moment of heavy pause before Salvio can answer.]

I would prefer--not to engage in speculation. For myself. I cannot... what is implied, by these suspicions, it is...

There is work that must be done, now. In the immediate. This is-- what I would apply myself to, instead.

It's worth thinking about.

[ though even john knows there's very little that can be done now. ]

But I understand. Go about your business. I'll speculate in your stead.