[Closed]

[the_effect_she_has]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Katniss Everdeen
RECIPIENT: Mia Rutherford, Ariande Everdeen, The Mage Council,
WHAT: A chest has arrived in Skyhold
WHEN: Second week of Cloudreach
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Welcome to the beginning of the building plot!

[The sending crystal message is abrupt, right in the middle of the afternoon, and the voice is Katniss's. Excitement and slight trepidation fills her tone, as she speaks to a select number of folks about her recent delivery.]

Mia, Ariande ... ah, honored members of the Mage Council! I just wanted to let you know that the chest from the Duke has arrived and, well, I think we are well and truly set to begin building.

[A pause.] Er, once we clear the space. What say you, Mage Council?

[Another pause.] And ... find someone to design the buildings. Not to mention purchase the materials -- ahhh, Mia, could you ... please help with that? All of my contacts are in the leather and meat business. After that! ... All we will need are volunteers, and people to help move the refugees into their new homes. The soldiers will move their own things, but if anyone has any ideas, or suggestions or ... knows where I can hide all this coin so Sera doesn't get her hands on it?

Please. Let me know.

Comments

[fleurdesel]

For the Valley in particular it is a simple enough matter to clear the land. I believe we are just about finished drawing up what would need to be done for the land adjacent to the hold for the barracks.

[the_effect_she_has]

Oh, brilliant. So that means the sooner we get the materials in, the better. What do you all need from me?

[fleurdesel]

Blueprints of what is to be built so we can better predict how to arrange the foundation. Once we have that? Everything else will be easy.

[the_effect_she_has]

...Creators, all right. I'll get together with Mia and we'll see who we can find. Unfortunately all I can draw are stick figures.

[fleurdesel]

There is no rush on this, Katniss. We are not going anywhere at the moment.

[the_effect_she_has]

[She's chomping at the bit, but she forces herself to take a breath. Find patience.]

I know. I'm eager to begin, but it will not do to rush things.

[fleurdesel]

I mean to say there is no pressure for you to bring them to us. Whenever you are ready? We will be ready.

[gatheringstorm]

I'm ready and willing, Katniss. Construction goes a lot faster when you have a mage around to help energize objects, after all.

[the_effect_she_has]

Don't I know it - I'm so happy you were all thinking along the same lines I was.

[gatheringstorm]

Great minds think alike, don't they? Designing and funding aren't my areas, but there are some things I can do. I'd be willing to help move the refugees, too.

[the_effect_she_has]

Maker, thank you, I know we're going to need help there.

[gatheringstorm]

Just remember to breathe, alright? It won't be all on your shoulders. We'll get there together.

I can always make a quick trip to the Hinterlands, see about getting us some more pack animals.

[the_effect_she_has]

[She exhaled, then nodded her head even though she knew Korrin couldn't see her.]

Thank you, Korrin. I always know I can count on you. And ... yeah, if you do that let me know, I'll get you some gold.

[demonicbeauty]

[There's no disguising the delight in Ariadne's voice. Not that she would ever try anyway.]

Oh, Katniss! That's wonderful news!

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss smiles at the delight in Ariadne's voice, before she states firmly.]

I think we'll need your help, getting the refugees prepared to move. They have quite a few things. Plus, don't think yu're getting out of building.

[demonicbeauty]

I wouldn't even try.

[Really. She's that desperate to be needed.]

I think this is great!

[the_effect_she_has]

[One corner of her mouth lifts.]

I'm glad you think so. [It's a huge weight off her own chest, at that.]

[demonicbeauty]

How did you do it, Katniss?

You have to tell me.

[the_effect_she_has]

I ... smiled. A lot. And nodded my head.

When push came to shove, I went to the privvy, put my fist in my mouth and screamed in frustration.

But I can handle a little social nightmare to give these people a home - even if it is only temporary.

[lettersfromhome]

Of course I'll help, dear. It's the least I can do. It's all a bit much for any one person to handle.

Now, who is Sera, and why would she be stealing from the refugees?

[the_effect_she_has]

Thank the Maker, Mia, I have no idea who to talk to. [Relief is so clear here.] Where can we buy what we need? Do you know any builders?

[And then ... a pause.]

Sera's ... well. Sera is a thief. A nice thief, but still a thief, and this is nobility money. I'm not sure she'll understand we're doing this to help the little guy and not, ah, punching him in the bollocks or something.

She really is a good person. She's just ... special.

[lettersfromhome]

I can see who we have within the keep. We had a few working on repairs to Skyhold, and they may be willing to continue their work in this endeavor. Some of them have family here.

She can't be trusted not to steal money donated to the Inquisition, and yet she is allowed to wander free? How is that, exactly?

[the_effect_she_has]

Oh good. [She let out a sigh.] And good, that will make it easier to look for more volunteers to help with the building.

[Well. Okay.] So ... I don't think she'd take the money if she knew what the money was for, but outside of us, and the Mage Council and the advisors, I haven't told anyone that I got the money for that. So when I talk to her? She won't steal it.

And ... she was friends with the Herald of Andraste so. Yeah. [That's why she was allowed to go around and break into people's rooms and things.]

[lettersfromhome]

Then why would you need to hide the coin? Simply send her a message as you've done with us. Unless there's more to it than that?

[ This is Mia's skeptical tone of voice. ]

[the_effect_she_has]

No ... I just wanted to get the message out to all of you first. And I haven't told the advisors yet so I figured they should know before I told anyone outside us.

[Awkward pause.] ...but then since this has more important people involved now I thought ... maybe I shouldn't tell the advisors and let someone with more polish do it.