open; tristitiam et metus tradam in mare

[foxsays]

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Araceli Bonaventura
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Informing folks about the situation in Rivain and requesting help to go save them
WHEN: Early Solace 13th
WHERE: Dairsmuid
NOTES: This post is for the people going to Dairsmuid to sign up but so everyone knows what is going on and so they can react, offer advice/opinions/discuss it amongst themselves! OOC posts are here and here

Inquisition, this is Araceli Bonaventura, I could use your assistance. [Araceli rarely makes public sending crystals broadcasts herself but usually she's upbeat, she's teasing, she sounds like the life and soul of the party. Not so at the moment.] I'm in Rivain, Dairsmuid to be precise, where I've been studying. A matter was brought to my attention while I was here, meeting with a few people curious about the Inquisition - they have heard things, gossip brought by sailors you understand, but well I have been here since Harvestmere last year so I was able to give a more accurate recounting. [Sometimes an Araceli is always an Araceli however, and a scene must be set, even when her voice is wavering, when unseen her nails are digging ugly crescents into her palms as her voice carries above the hustle and bustle behind her.]

I was given the journal of First Enchanter Rivella, smuggled out of Dairsmuid by survivors of the… [her voice falters, she knew the word before from people here but well, it's much more fresh in her mind after living in their camp] of the annulment there. Not all were slain entirely by the forces the Chantry sent but there are Templars still here, rogues, given how so many are working with the Inquisition now.   These Templars would see the survivors dead, the survivors and those trying to keep them safe would see them somewhere they might have a future.  [No prizes for guessing where that future might be.]  I include myself in wishing better for them, I am sure many of you do as well.

Sirena, I would have you with me on this. You know Rivain and you're on the Mage Council, it would be a great help. But I need more than that. A small number to take ship since I can arrange that for you to come meet me in Dairsmuid before we go travel to their camp to speak with them and plan how best to get them to Dairsmuid and to the ship. To anyone else, whatever advice you might offer, I will be here to listen to it. Please, these people are desperate, and they have suffered so much already. I would see that ended as soon as possible that they might start to put this nightmare behind them.

I await with gratitude.

[help me obi juan whoever the fuck you are you're my only ho]

Comments

[gatheringstorm]

[Araceli's voice in general snares her attention, but the shift in tone definitely contributes as well. And the subject of annulment...well, that gets her immediate ire and cooperation. These Templars aren't going to get their way, not if she has anything to do with it.]

Of course, kadan. Anything you need. I'd recommend Kas, too, if he's up for it. It's his homeland, after all.

[issala]

I'm going!

[Very determined, here.]

[gatheringstorm]

[She chuckles at that.]

Somehow, I didn't think you'd refuse. Besides, I want you to meet my grandmother.

[foxsays]

I knew I could count on you. [Not that there was any doubt, but it's still good to hear it coming from Korrin after the past few days.] Kas is certainly a welcome addition, if he is willing, I need to know there's at least one other rogue along for the journey.

[gatheringstorm]

I'll see if Lena can be prodded. She's not subtle, though, so if that's what you need, maybe another certain person with bard training?

[extramural]

An annulment is the slaughter of the mages they supposedly swore to protect, I take it?

[ At least the Overseers were upfront about it. ]

I will go, if you will have me. [ He would rather like to see how he fares against Templars, and besides -- it sounds like Rivain is near the ocean. ]

[foxsays]

The last resort to restore order. [The words are bitter on her tongue when she says them.] Rivain's Circle, from reading the First Enchanter's journal and meeting with the survivors, was very different to many others. It was a slaughter. It was destruction.

I would gladly have you, I've seen you fight and you know what it is to wish to stand against those who would do harm this way.

[extramural]

Supposedly, [ he adds again. There is bitterness in his own voice, though just a bit -- enough that he sounds less monotone, more engaged. ]

I have never had any love for those that abuse their power. If they want to fear what they do not understand, they may fear me. [ At least in those few moments before they're dead. ]

[chainlightning]

Oh, how horrible! If you can send me information about the survivors, on the way back, I can try to get some things together for them? Extra clothing, toys for any children, that sort of thing.

[foxsays]

Gracias Merrill, I will do my best to make sure word is sent ahead since we will have a long journey at the very least. There are...there are few survivors, I am afraid. But if anyone can make them feel welcome? It would be you.

[chainlightning]

All the more reason to make them feel welcome, then. I imagine the healers will want to know about any injuries, too -- whatever Anders can't handle, anyway.

[serannas]

[ Ellana knows Araceli's been in Rivain, and she's wanted to hear all about it. She just didn't expect to hear this! The thought of those Templars still searching for those mages to finish the job and kill them makes her stomach turn. The mages must be so scared. ]

I'll come help. However we get them to the ship, I want to be there to protect them.

[ Who knows? Maybe a Dalish apostate has tricks up her sleeves the Templars don't know about. ]

[foxsays]

[This is not the sort of first message from Rivain she wanted to send; only a day or two of settling in and enjoying herself before people came to her and pressed the book into her hands asking for aid.]

I imagine this isn't how you thought you would see Rivain, but I would be grateful beyond words for your help Ellana.

[serannas]

No, it definitely isn't, but there will be other trips, other days. This is more important.

[tactical_alert]

[His voice is cold, despite his attempted stoicism.] These remaining Templars will answer for what they are doing. Allow me to accompany this party. I've been to the area before, and this is a Seeker's responsibility.

[foxsays]

[There's a slight pause before she replies since she has the journal, and Seekers are mentioned though not by name.] Gracias, they have lived in fear far too long; I am doing what I can for now and I will turn away no help. As a Seeker, you must know far more of this than I - I may need to check a few details with you during the journey if time permits.

[How does she brace a group of frightened mages and their friends for a Seeker: Part One.]

[tactical_alert]

I admit that I have more knowledge of this event than most might. [Than most do. He doesn't know whatever became of the fellow Seekers and Templars that were there, having seen none of them since. They could be dead, or part of this atrocious little rebellion war, or swanned off with the Lord Seeker, or...who knows. He might see faces he recognizes. They might recognize him in return. But two years? No, it must be some other rogue faction...trying to finish off what was started, easy pickings.] I will offer what I can.

[fleurdesel]

Araceli, The Inquisition's Council of Magi formally extends an offer of sanctuary to all of the Dairsmuid Circle that would take it. Let them know they are welcome and here? They would be protected.

[foxsays]

Gracias, Madame LeBlanc. [Some exhaustion creeps into her tone with her thanks; it's been a long few days.] I know there are longer days to come until we even reach the docks but I am sure that hearing this will do much to set hearts and minds at ease.

[fleurdesel]

If there is anything more we might send with Councilor Ataash- say the word and we shall see it done.

[justice_is_blond]

I've smuggled mages out of difficult situations before. I'd like to come and assist. I can also heal, and they'll likely need that. I'm familiar with... a great many tactics used against mages.

[There's urgency in his voice. They have to be gotten out of there.]

[foxsays]

I thought you might wish to come, you will be welcome amongst us. [Translation: she will keep the peace come hell or high water so help her.] So far no one has been hurt but the camp is makeshift, people aren't sleeping so well, and I am hoping we can slip past the Templars. Any expertise or insight you can offer is appreciated.

[justice_is_blond]

Thank you. I may need to see the area before I can tell you anything regarding getting them out, but let me speak with someone who may know that harbor.

[lifeofendurance]

I concur with Seeker Reed. This is a Seeker's responsibility. I will go.

[foxsays]

I will turn away no aid, and coming from the Seeker ranks you must both know more about such situations than I. I may need to speak with you both over the crystals during the journey when time allows.

[How does she brace a group of frightened mages and their friends for a Seeker: Part Two, her Chantry lore library buddy boogaloo.]