voice.

[dashing]

Good morrow, Riftwatch.

( Now, there’s a voice that hasn’t been on the crystals for a time. Years, in fact. The Starkhaven accent is strong as ever, and yet— some more nebulous quality has shifted. What was once careful and controlled, turned to diplomacy through practice, has turned to uniform flatness. Every word placid, every syllable even. )

My name is Herian Amsel. If we were previously acquainted then the possibility that word of my return has reached you already, and were circumstances suited to it, I would offer apology for being so withdrawn.

For those unfamiliar with me, or who have not become familiar with the details of my return, there are elements best not left unspoken.

You may notice differences in my speech and manner. This stems from the Rite of Tranquility, enacted by radicals acting outside the approval of the Chantry and Inquisition. Indeed, the attack was an attack against the Chantry and Inquisition, both.

I remember well the passion and fire of so many in Riftwatch; I share this news not to stoke those fires. These are matter that require thorough investigation. Rather,I speak to be transparent that this state is not one freely chosen, and such a revelation is an unkind one to inflict on others in the midst of other work. A good many find the Tranquil unsettling even before considering the context of how the Rite came to pass.

My presence hence is to serve Riftwatch, and if my presence disturbs you, please do not hesitate in letting it be known. I would sooner remove myself to another part of the keep to do my work, than some disconcerting quality to my aspect interfere with your work, or my circumstances evoking painful memories. One reason I have remained withdrawn was my own contemplations on potential negative impact my return in this state could alert.

Presently I have been assisting Doctor Strange, and learning of medical practices. If any could be troubled to lend assistance through procurement of clay, that would be most beneficial.

If you have questions you win to ask, I will endeavour to answer.

Comments

[bouchonne]

[ uhhhhh what the fuck?? ]

Radicals of what sort?

[dashing]

A group of former Templars and Seekers. Some elements are unknown to me, and others may be better limited to particular circles for strategic purposes.

[bouchonne]

Maker - Have they been found?

[exequy]

[ Snapped like he’s angry at her (because in some ways he is): ]

You don’t have to stay like this.

[dashing]

I know. With the Gallows present state and ever-changing conditions of war, the time, labour and resources required are stretched thin.

( There is a pause for a few moments, before she switches to private.

She can’t feel, but she still has reason. )

This has struck a personal cord. I am unable to give you an apology with the sincerity it should hold.

private forever

[exequy]

Good.

[ What he means is don't fucking apologize. Spit out the same. ]

Were you the only one?

[ipseite]

( though somewhere here she had sighed and made a note to discuss with isaac, that is before she raises her crystal and her voice is more even: )

As Kostos says, I understand that to be within our power to secure reversal. The choice may be made yours, though it is a deep sorrow it was taken from you to begin with.

[dashing]

Madame de Cedoux. You were much appreciated in my brief tenure as Ambassador. I recall your willingness to share your insights, and conduct both considerate and strategic.

I am not opposed to reversal. I know not if my present or past state render the most practical value to Riftwatch, nor how logistically feasible the facilitation of such an act might be, given the vast lot of greater priorities we face. Better to ensure our keep is secured and our forces are not kept in tents through the winter, first. That is the more pressing concern.

[ipseite]

A fair concern, but I suspect it may serve morale better, overall, if the calculus were not quite so directly a matter of logistics.

Certainly, something that is difficult may be something worthwhile to pursue, even if not at the expense of all other priorities.

[extortionate]

I can get you clay.

[ she still gets a stipend right ]

[dashing]

Thank you, that would be helpful. I knew not if it was something able to be requested through requisitions, or better purchased independently.

( limited money for the swindling and/or handling honestly )

[extortionate]

Best off purchased. These military outfits, they spend little as they can on everything, and you'll need quality. Now, this clay for eating, clay for beauty, clay for building, clay for sculpture —

[laruetheday]

[ ooookay, we're moving right past most of that because she doesn't even know where she'd start with it, ]

What's the clay for?

[dashing]

( no casual trauma chat, right to business )

I am attempting to create accurate anatomical drawings for Doctor Strange. As there are limits to what can be clearly conveyed on the page, sculptures seemed a sensible strategy.

[laruetheday]

I see. Are you an artist?

private;

[overharrowed]

I support Madame de Cedoux's comments [presumably the public ones, though if he'd heard the private ones, probably those too] and mainly just wish to say that while I take no joy in what was done to you against your will, I am at least glad that you are alive and back with us. We've lost too many, recently and it is good to have you here.

Also, [this is why he made it private, actually], don't let Lazar over-charge you for the clay. If you need a point of reference, I'm the seneschal now. I can weigh in on whether he's giving you a fair price. I may even see if we can find a place in the organization's budget, since you are requesting the materials for work supporting our head healer.

permaprivate

[dashing]

( Enchanter Julius. A careful, deliberate man. She had liked and respected him. )

Thank you.

( There's no gratitude to articulate, but it is more polite than ignoring it, and a polite word of thanks is far from the destructive potential of an insincere apology. )

I have no frame of reference for the price of clay. He has highlighted the need for quality materials, beyond that which might be requested. It seems logical.

Prefer you to be addressed as Enchanter or Seneschal?

[overharrowed]

Either is fine. People use a mix of both, and they're both accurate, so whichever seems more logical to you.

[An easy substitution for whichever you prefer, here.]

I've no quarrel with the idea that you should look for quality materials, but Lazar has a history of trying to enrich himself in a variety of ways, not all of which are honest. I'd not see him take advantage of your unfamiliarity.

[succise]

(This is deeply horrifying, sickeningly interesting.

It is with very little tact that Vega asks,) What is it like? Being Tranquil.

[dashing]

( There is not much delay to the response. )

Do you wish to know of the practical differences, or the cognitive experience?

[succise]

The latter.

But if you'll speak on both, I would be interested to know.

[tadpoled]

I can provide herbs for medicinal potions. I’ve been working on the garden, when I’ve the chance.

private ∞

[portalling]

( Strange waits it out and quietly listens to the other public conversations as they occur, a fly on the wall. He lets them play out and gives Herian some time to field the initial reactions, the questions, the curiosity, the anger. Once that wave has passed, some time later— )

How are you settling in?

ditto

[dashing]

( Herian does not feel certain as to the correct or best at to answer this question. )

I have been at not points unsettled, but I suspect that is not your meaning.

[portalling]

Not literally, no.

Announcing yourself to the Gallows, re-introducing yourself to everyone. Did it go well?