Announcement: Spirited Away

[coeurdulyon]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Solas and Lucien
RECIPIENT: Everyone
NOTES: Content warnings, OOC notes, links to other relevant posts, etc.

[ Lucien’s rich voice sounds out over the crystals in very Orlesian, very oratorical--yet solemn--tones. ]

Agents of Riftwatch, I beg your attention for a moment. Unfortunately, this message bears ill tidings. A number of our company have been taken in their pursuit of mapping the eluvians.

[ Solas, meanwhile, sounds more frustrated than anything else; this entire venture has been more than a little irritating to him - and anyone that knows him likely realises that from his tone. Still, he speaks quickly and bluntly; ]

I was able to identify some of those taken; Colin, Wysteria Poppell, John and another - a woman who matches the description of Sonia Barra. We were unable to secure them before the Venatori were able to take them - the distance was too far and the Crossroads prevented our movement.

[ The rest of this is not exactly his forte - he’s not particularly proficient at giving out calming words to the masses; that’s best saved for other times. ]

[ Lucien clears his throat. ]

We know the location of the eluvian through which they’ve been spirited. Have faith that we will be able to recover them.

Yes. We thought it best to share this information promptly so a rescue could be attempted.

Comments

[hassaran]

How long ago was this? And how many Venatori did you see?

[coeurdulyon]

An hour, perhaps two. We were not near to an exit or we would have announced it sooner. I counted at least eight.

[hassaran]

Could you draw a map to where they were taken? Each of you can lead a group back there, but better if we have it in the books so we can send others after.

private

[bouchonne]

When you put these groups together, I want in.

[hassaran]

Because Lady Sonia is your cousin?

[bouchonne]

[ A slight beat, before - ]

Yes.

[hassaran]

I can trust you not to run around the crossroads like a madman and risk capture or the lives of others?

[bouchonne]

[ A little tightly: ]

I will do what needs to be done to save her. I cannot see how running around like a madman would be what needs to be done.

[hassaran]

Good. As one of our leaders you would have a great deal of value to the enemy.

We'll do everything we can to get them all back. Ser Lucien is bringing their map to my office to compare with the other crossroads maps collected so far if you'd like to join us.

[bouchonne]

[ He lets out a slightly shaky breath. He's grateful that she's willing - Someone like his spymaster back home would likely tell him that he's too emotional to participate. This is good. ]

Yes. I'll be there. [ And then, because he's desperate to be helpful: ] I'll bring coffee.

[hassaran]

[ She may yet change her mind, but she'll give him the benefit of the doubt unless he can't hold himself together through this meeting. ]

That would be appreciated, thank you.

[coeurdulyon]

Ouais, we have marked where we were at the time of the abduction on our map, and an approximation of their location, but we shall need to cross-reference with other teams to be certain of how to reach the eluvian in question.

[hassaran]

Good. If you're back in the Gallows please come to my office, we've been compiling the maps there as they come in.

[coeurdulyon]

I shall be there presently.

[bouchonne]

What?

[ In stark contrast to his usual artful archness, Byerly sounds truly, genuinely shaken. ]

What the hell is that supposed to mean, a woman who matches the description of Sonia Barra?

[coeurdulyon]

I did not get a clear look at the fourth of the captives, but Solas' description matched that of the fair Lady Sonia.

[bouchonne]

[ He doesn't even turn away from his crystal; he curses right into it, in ear-blistering Orlesian. Then, in Trade: ]

Do you have a plan for their recovery, then?

[coeurdulyon]

[ His ears do not blister, but he does raise his eyebrows. ]

We have a step one: compile all of the maps we've been making and determine how to access the eluvian through which they were taken.

[bouchonne]

And who is doing that right now.

[coeurdulyon]

Ah--no-one, as we have only just emerged to deliver this news. If these crystals worked within the Crossroads, perhaps a team would have been put together already...

[bouchonne]

Then you oughtn't be speaking with me. You ought to be arranging this, right now.

[dirth]

That was the purpose of this broadcast, ser. We are doing our utmost.

[bouchonne]

[ Which makes him furious, because he wants someone to yell at, but - it's true that they've done everything quite correctly and responsibly. So, snappishly: ]

Fine.

[propulsion]

What's the plan?

[coeurdulyon]

As of this moment: compile the information from all of our maps of the Crossroads and attempt to identify the most expeditious route to the eluvian through which our friends were stolen. That you know of, are any of the four proficient fighters? My estimation of the fair Ladies Poppell and Barra is that they are of a gentler kind.

[propulsion]

Ms Poppell is a tough cookie, but, you know. A cookie.

[ There's some joke there, like maybe she will annoy the Venatori into leaving her on the side of the magic-road, but urgency elbows its way to the forefront-- ]

Any clue where their Eluvian goes? Geographically.

[coeurdulyon]

Non, as far as we are aware, the only ones with that information are the Venatori and now, I suppose, their captives.

[heorte]

I've taught both of them a few basics with the sword. They were good pupils, but it was early days.

[ and they're outnumbered, probably not armed, so. ]

[coeurdulyon]

[ A thoughtful hm. ]

With any luck, we will reach them before they are forced to defend themselves.

[degenere]

How inconvenient. Was Riftwatch aware of this possibility when the charge to explore these paths was issued?

To be clear: I would still, of course, have volunteered. What is danger in the name of discovery?

[coeurdulyon]

As a Chevalier, I personally approach every situation with the knowledge that danger is a possibility.

[degenere]

But of course.

You should offer lessons, Monsieur Chevalier. Or else we should allow only Orlesians to take to the field. Others may not have the correct constitutions.

[coeurdulyon]

I would be honored to assist in training our fellows-in-arms, as I do not think we have the luxury of nepotism at present.

[degenere]

It would, I think, be wise. For the future at least, so that we do not encounter this same trouble again in our future as an organization.

I suppose it is hardly their fault.

[extortionate]

What're those descriptions? What do they all look like?

[coeurdulyon]

Mademoiselle Poppell is as radiant as liquid sunlight, Lady Barra is a vivacious dark-haired beauty. I am not acquainted with either of the men, but one is a handsome young mage with dark hair and the other is a keen-eyed amputee with a beard.

[extortionate]

What part's cut off?

[coeurdulyon]

His left leg.

[extortionate]

He a big guy? Heavy?

[coeurdulyon]

A man of average build, I'd say? Minus thirteen pounds, for the leg.

[extortionate]

[ so: carry-on approved ]

Still, can't be moving quick. You get a look at how many?

[coeurdulyon]

Eight, by my estimation. I cannot account for any who might be waiting on the other side of the mirror.

[extortionate]

Yeah, fucking mirrors.

[ the same way you might say this fucking weather. it isn't reinforcements he's thinking of — it's a pit on the other side. a fire on the other side. a single knife stuck out into the air on the other side.

if they're moving slow, if they know they're being followed, might not take the time for it. still. here's to whatever poor dumb asshole goes though first. good luck to that guy. ]

This uh, this the Minrathous one?

[coeurdulyon]

We don't know as yet. I am on my way to the Scoutmistress' office that we might compile data from our maps and see how to reach it.

[extortionate]

Probably gotta hop backwards and chant. Cheers, won't keep you.

[coeurdulyon]

[ Hop backwards and...what on earth? ]

[extortionate]

[ getting this far has involved telling the truth, chasing spirit babies, and upside down magic paths. like they're gonna just walk there normally?? ]

[coeurdulyon]

[ um...yes??? if you've established that everything requires a puzzle, the last thing anyone will try is to not do a puzzle, therefore, just walking will be the actual best way to proceed! CLEARLY. ]