{ sending crystal }

[aceso]

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Christine
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: A quick heads up and she's taking requests for goods.
WHEN: mid Harvestmere
WHERE: Frostback Mountains

[ Christine very rarely has reason to use the crystals to talk to the Inquisition as a whole. Usually she just talks to people one on one. But this time she decides to reach out. ]

It came to my attention while we were in port at Llomerryn that people are selling fragments of red lyrium. If you happen to see anyone out in the world doing so, I ask that you question them as to their supplier so we may track who is doing this and stop them.

[ If they can. It seems very likely that some have purchased these fragments as oddities and are feeling its effects even now. ]

Other than that bit of business, I happen to find myself in the Frostbacks at an Avvar hold called Falcon-Reach and they are willing to sell me goods that are not food-related. They must save all their food for winter. Would anyone wish for me to bring them anything? Within a reasonable price range, that is. You may pay me back for it in coin or errands.

[ There is an amused tone to her voice, but she's quite serious. One should never turn down the opportunity to make people do errands for you to lighten your workload. ]

On my way back to Kirkwall I will also be stopping in Jader should anyone want supplies from there.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

I suppose I would be interested in what alchemy and rune ingredients they have available. Anything they have that we cannot easily get ourselves would be of interest.

[iceblade]

Ah, now you have me nostalgic. I've visited that hold before, found it pretty welcoming.

[Maybe someone's a bit homesick for her own, but hush.]

Some furs would be welcome. Maybe I'd need them less in Kirkwall than in the Frostbacks, but I'd like them all the same.

[aceso]

I will be sure to ask them. They are a very straightforward people, so I can see them being open about what they use.

[aceso]

Oh, then I will say hello for you!

[ Nothing wrong with that! ]

Those I believe I can obtain. It seems they are well prepared for winter with furs. They have already draped numerous ones on me, saying I look like a newborn goat for all my shaking.

[iceblade]

[She chuckles at that.]

The cold is hard on lowlanders; seems like you have to be raised in it, to completely adapt. But a good set of furs does help, I know. And I've got a nuglet who might want something warm.

[Angling the crystal so that the squeaking of something tiny can be heard.]

[circleprodigy]

Especially cleansing runes. I have one of my own, but we could also use more, thanks to our project.

[aceso]

I do not mind. I enjoy life up here, and I will happily wear all the furs they often me.

[ She gives a soft laugh. ]

I take it you took advantage of Aleron's generous offer? I will see if I can find it a rabbit fur.

[aceso]

Indeed. I am glad to hear that the red lyrium has stayed away from the holds. This place is untouched by our war against Corypheus.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

You got it, m'lady.

[Adasse doesn't know - she Sounds like a milady.]

[iceblade]

Aye, that I did. It's such a wee thing and I want to keep it warm! My thanks for that.

[circleprodigy]

That's good to hear. How did you come to that hold? You were familiar with another, right?

[rowancrowned]

Do they have any furs, or do they intend to keep those for winter as well?

[aceso]

I already have a dog, so I did not wish to traumatize a poor nug with my dog's high energy.

[ She makes a hum of acknowledgment. ]

I did not realize before taking care of a pet how they can cause such worries. I would wish mine to be warm too, had he not been born with such an amount of fur.

[aceso]

[ Ugh, how she dislikes being called "lady." It makes her think people hear her accent and lump her in with Orlesian nobles when she's far more average. ]

Christine Delacroix, healer and project head of red lyrium research, should you need to find me.

[aceso]

They do have some excess of furs. I believe I am currently draped in half of it.

[ There's a self-deprecating tone here. She knows she doesn't have the cold resistance the Avvar have. ]

[aceso]

Yes, I had visited Honey-Badger hold a few times, but this time I did not stay long with them. They have their own troubles I was unaware of, and I did not wish to impose. Falcon-Reach hold is a friendly hold on the way between the former and Jader. They took an interest in me because of the Spirit of Faith who always walks beside me. And they wished to hear of the Inquisition. That and their trader very much enjoys visiting Orlais. I think I nearly broke his heart when I said I had spent most of my life locked in a Circle instead of traveling my country, but he enjoyed hearing of where I have been since joining the Inquisition.

[gottakeeponejumpahead]

[Ah, not a lady then.]

Well and met, Delacorix, Healer. Do I need to take the shards m'self or wait for you?

[iceblade]

He sounds like a good heat source, at least!

Could you try for some war paint, too? I've some, but who knows how long I'll be here, so I'll take as much as I can get.

[circleprodigy]

I'm glad you've had the opportunity to expand your horizons and form bonds with the Avvar. They seem a fascinating people. And that they're not closed off to the Inquisition could be quite helpful, too.

[aceso]

Transporting red lyrium is best done in warded boxes. And you by chance a mage? I could tell you what runes to place on the box. If not, then I would not advise unless you see them being sold here in Kirkwall. Then, yes, I would like you to bring them to me.

[aceso]

Of course. I will be sure to let them know it is for you, else they may laugh at me for desiring it.

[aceso]

I never would have expected to, but I am glad I have as well. They are very practical people, and so am I. Perhaps that is part of the appeal.

[ That and how they're so easy going, which uptight Christine needs in her life for balance. ]

Possibly. I would hate for them to be pulled into the mess. It is good to find a place the war has not touched.

[iceblade]

Ever tried it? It's pretty good armor, protective but leaving you light and flexible. And it doesn't run or smudge easily, either.

...it's also good for making Templar ears grow bright red.

[circleprodigy]

Such places are rare and precious, true, but trouble could still reach them, nonetheless. If it does, it's worth them knowing that we would assist.

[aceso]

Oh no. I do not think I would be able to concentrate were I so exposed. I would keep trying to cover myself.

[ She does chuckle at Skadi's observation though. ]

I can see the benefits in distracting the enemy.