crystal |

[inkindled]

FORM: crystal
SENDER: Matthias
RECIPIENT: Riftwatch EVERYONE LISTEN UP
NOTES: friends don't let friends get extradited

So what is Riftwatch, right. Like, I know what it is. But I know what it ought not to be as well, and if someone comes along and says oi, I'm come of some king in Nevarra and we say we've a right to carry off and arrest one of your members--well, then, that's an easy one. We tell 'em no, and piss off.

'Cause we can't let that go on. Right? Not that we're opening up jail cells and inviting in every prisoner to come in and join up, but-- well, we're none of us perfect. Everyone's come from something. And it's not always so simple as they say it is. People get hanged for nothing, or maybe they did what they're accused of, but there's more to it that no one's saying. And we--Riftwatch, I mean--we're not held to the same diplomatic shit that the Inquisition proper is, not any longer. That's part of how come we split off, I thought. So we can be what we want, and say for ourselves what we'll put up with and what we won't. And who we'll put up with, and who we won't. Make our own policy so we can protect our own people, no matter what.

At least, that's what it ought to be, I think. I didn't come here and join up just so someone could hand me over some day the first time some messenger comes calling. Don't think anyone ought to be worried about that. Like--there's diplomacy, and then there's acting a white liver coward, you know?

Comments

[inkindled]

This-- list.

[Sorry to all the prying eyes, Matthias is the worst messenger.]

People. I didn't write it out. Some Chantry sisters and--two lords--a lady-- a wheelwright, cooks and tavern keepers, and-- Maker's balls, it was like she was reading out a census. It was a load of people you'd expect no one to give a damn about, honestly, just this mass of common folk. I'm surprised they made the list at all.

Which makes it dodgier, honestly. 'Cause since when does anyone care about grooms and peddlers and farmers, enough to send a sodding envoy after someone what's said to have killed 'em?

[unshut]

[que sera sera.]

Why, when they mean to strike fear in the hearts of common people and bind our hands as a result.

Our dear denizens of Lowtown might not care about a few dead Nevarran Lords and Ladies while Nevarra is already in the throes of whatever it is they're in the throes of - my apologies to any listening Nevarrans with titled relatives, I mean no offense -, but I imagine the bakers and wheelwrights and candle makers here and elsewhere may begin to be skeptical of Riftwatch's motives were we to do nothing.

Do you agree, Bastien?

[inkindled]

[wh

The barest incredulous silence as Matthias parses through that, and then bulls forward into--]

That's-- dodgy! That's like, propaganda, isn't it! And none of them, the Lowtowners, or whoever--none of them were even in the hall to hear any of it. It was just us. Riftwatch.

[cozen]

If the news has not already spread, I am sure it will if we refuse too gracelessly. But it is possible—

Has anyone asked her if it's true?

[unshut]

I suspect that at least in part it must be.

[But please, Matthias-- correct her if she's wrong.]

[cozen]

Then it is possible that the wheelwrights had families and friends—wheelwrights often do, in my experience, they’re very friendly—and there is some grief and unrest that justice might quiet. Commoners are not powerless. Especially tradesmen. Especially in numbers.

Making us look like callous, lawless rogues to as many people as possible could be a happy side effect.

[inkindled]

Yeah, I know that. That they're not powerless. And that--

[Shit. Well. Because it does have to be true, in part--or there must be something to it, at least--there's no way it's a full pack of lies, and that's all right, really, it is--but still.]

Well, why don't we send someone off to Nevarra and counter it, if this is really a shouting match. We aren't lawless but sod off, you can't come around and-- I dunno, seize control of people that aren't yours. You're a bunch of pricks and here's a load of secret information about your lot. Since it's all apparently fair game, like.

[unshut]

Are you in possession of such a treasure trove of secret information?

[inkindled]

I don't mean me, personally, don't be daft. I mean--Riftwatch. Someone among us's bound to have something that we can use. Or else we learn something.

[unshut]

Don't call me daft, or I'll treat you like a child and strip the hide from your bottom. [This said so mildly that she might be remarking on the weather.] However, the rest is encouraging. Perhaps your friend might know where best to start a hunt for the information we'll need to encourage our Nevarran messenger to return empty handed.

[inkindled]

[Mild, but also sudden enough that Matthias pauses for a half-second. This is exactly the sort of thing that he responds well to. In other circumstances he'd challenge, push the line. Laura is more important right now, so that stops him.

Well, nearly.]

Don't say anything daft, then. [At least he mutters it. It's not important. It doesn't need to be said. Moving on--] Maybe she'll know something. I can ask. But there's loads of people in Riftwatch, most've them clever. She's not the only one. Someone else might know something--or how to learn something.

[unshut]

[She'll let it slide this one time.]

Clever or not, those people will need a point from which to jump from. Better to ask for a good starting point, and best if the question comes from a friend.

[inkindled]

[Oh. Well.]

Maybe. Yeah. Er, I'll-- see, if there's anything. I'll ask, I mean.

[unshut]

Excellent. Keep us clever individuals updated.

[hornswoggle]

So does the question then becomes, do we have leverage enough to keep her here in the face of such accusations?