[This is probably the first some have heard from Inessa in some time. Her return was quiet and fairly recent, and she hasn't made herself available since them. Her voice is as crisp and calm as ever, likely a needed counterpart to the chorus of squeaks and chirps surrounding her.]

This is Warden Serra, one of the griffon keepers...and I come with news on that behalf. Thanks to two couples, we now have eleven hatchlings at the roost. They won't be able to support riders for some time, but expect that future announcement once they're ready.

[One of said hatchlings takes the opportunity to start screeching nearby, so she immediately moves away from the racket.]

Sorry about that. Visits can...possibly be arranged, but only with very close supervision. Their parents are quite protective and will not hesitate to harm those they perceive as a threat. The hatchlings themselves are rambunctious and I would advise against bringing anything you don't want taken or gnawed on. This includes hair, so keep it out of the way and wear gloves to protect your fingers. Trust me, you want the gloves.

[Now that she's warned you all about the precious bundles of beaks, claws and screeching, Inessa's tone relaxes a bit.]

Currently all are unnamed. Any suggestions are welcome, though the ultimate decision will be left to my order.

[Cue a sudden thump and smug chirping noises rather closer to the sending crystal. Someone's gone and turned Inessa's lap into a bed.] This little one says hello.

So, okay, alright. So I don’t know if you got vampire bats in this world, but just hear me out.

( The dulcet tones of the lone Inquisition Australian. G'day, etc.
Perhaps the thud of glass on wood can give some indication of where the fair doctor has found herself, this evening, if the rowdy voices in the background don’t also over some clues. )

About… thirty-odd years ago, in my world, this bloke called Wilkinson observed this behaviour in vampire bats, where if they’d managed to consume excess food, they’d some of it to help feed a bat who was going hungry. And at first, this was reckoned to be a thing that was familial, just helping, right? But it wasn’t, they were doing it for any bats, and they was especially likely to exhibit this behaviour to help out a bat who’d helped them previously. Reciprocity, and all that kinda good thing.

And then, people… we operate with reciprocity too, right? It’s part of evolution, reciprocity is a basis for— for all kinds of society. Reciprocity is in our bloody holy books, sometimes, “do unto others,” and all that. It’s a sacred part of society.

( She makes a quiet sound, amused. ) Reciprocity and gossip, yeah? ‘Cause how are you gonna find out someone’s a real piece of work who doesn’t reciprocate and help without gossip to shred their reputation? And that’s what these crystals are so good for, yeah? Communication, the sharing of information and some good, old-fashioned gossip. Any excitin’ gossip to share, anyone?

( A long, slow exhale. )

Anyway, point is that vampire bats are great, and this dickhead over here is a bloody moron who doesn’t hold up his end of a bargain when he loses a drinking contest.

( Ah. ) Oi, dickhead. Yeah, mate, you - what’s your name again?

I miss my niece. She is... tiny angel, Kira. I am glad she is not here, for her, and the brother-sestra and mother who would be missing here if she was away, but I wish she was here for Sarah.

( A pause, and— )
And me, also. She sees always the good, I think.

Who... Rifters, if you could be wishing for people to be here, who would you choose?

I found a book in the library, 

[ hello inquisition. the words are distant, drifting; the accent as obviously foreign as it's peculiarly-intoned. think: extremely chill dracula ]

It describes the interpretation of dreams — I don't believe it belonged to the Circle, the author was no mage. 

The perspective is new to me. That a dream of squash might symbolize success is, [ pause ] Unorthodox to my understanding.

I require your assistance: What do you dream of? 

I have sestra who is eating no meats. This is strange to me, but I like it in her. She is... thinking much, ready to starve self to save other creatures. Cosima is kind, I think.

( She says, as if Cosima can't hear this. And, a swift amendment, ) Sarah is kind, also! Both of my sisters are very good. They give... home feelings.

( Anyway, let's not get weighed down talking about that. )

There are different animals here. I am curious what the hunting of them is like.

Be telling me: have any of you eaten the dragon fleshes?

Inquisition since some of us are…sharing so much, then I wish to share something that's finally come together. For those old enough. [Or not, she's not your mother just don't come crying to her if you feel sick.] I put a still together months back, I procured the milk of several pigs, and now I have Jagga. Or close to. [Is that pride in her voice? Happiness? Could you even picture a smile on her face if you've had the dubious fortune of crossing paths with her long enough?] If you feel brave enough to try fermented milk instead of your wines, your meads, your ales, whatever else you wish, ask for Brónach. It has a kick to it, only for those who think themselves daring.

[Does she sound a little drunk? Maybe. It's been more than six months sober in Thedas and now she can finally slam something back, she wasted zero time in getting the session started.]

If the drinking isn't your thing or maybe you want a challenge, I've become a huntswoman here. [Or: how to justify disappearing for several days for a time, coming back with a deer over your shoulders, rabbits in your pockets, anything else your murderous hands can get covered in blood that isn't yours, the Green Pact Guide to Life.] But I wonder: how many of you know how to hunt? What it means. Or do you see the meat at the market and buy it? Or the leather on the stall. Maybe it comes cooked or shaped into whatever you wish so you never see it as it was, red and bloody or warm and supple in the hand. Allow me to teach you, if you will. How anyone can fight full of grain and potatoes is beyond me, and you should appreciate where it comes from, what others do to put the food on your plates. Give me your name, a day that suits, what skills you have. [A pause, quiet, considering.] If you have any. Or questions. There are always questions here.

Hello! This is Brother Jehan. Ambassador Amsel has had the wonderful idea to speak to rifters about their views on the Chant of Light. As you know, your presence here has caused a great deal of debate and concern within the Chantry. But while it has been very easy to find out how many in the Chantry feel about you—

[ Like, that they need phylacteries. ]

—we have not yet taken steps to find out how you feel about the Chantry. Knowing where everyone stands might help us facilitate solutions to some of Chantry’s concerns.

( There is a pause, which is probably enough of a hint about one of the others with him. “Dramatic Pause” Amsel, they call her. Longest pauses in these parts. For those unfamiliar: calm, controlled, Starkhaven. )

Thank you, Brother Jehan. Alongside that, we would like to find out what information concerning the Chantry and the Andrastian faith you would like better explained, or to more understand. Rather than putting you on the spot in the interview, I encourage those willing to participate to reflect on this in advance. If you think of something later that you did not mention at the time, please do not hesitate to let us know.

We cannot… fully grasp what it is to find yourself in a world not your own, no matter our empathy or interest. If there is information we can offer you, in turn, we would be glad to do so.

[ And Kitty quickly interjects, her wording a touch less formal than that of the other two - ]

And this isn’t one of those awful surveys where people are going to show up and be, like, Oh, what’s wrong with you that you don’t believe in this that and the other, your life’ll be ever so complete if you just accept the and so on and so forth. No ulterior motives.

( There may be the faaaaaaintest suggestion of a hint of a possible smile in her voice. )

Just so. It benefits us all to work together, and for the Inquisition to be able to continue its efforts in this war. That is what the Diplomacy Division works towards, in this endeavour and all others.

If rifters would oblige us, you may come to the Chantry office to answer our questions directly or to take a written copy to return at your leisure. We would appreciate it very much.

( Read more... )

[ thranduil's voice is tight, if still somehow pleasant: ]

I understand that there are a great number of questions and concerns at the moment regarding the Inquisition's proposed policy of phylacteries for Rifters.

If there are concerns that anyone would wish to make known through official channels, the Research Division has been appointed to handle the research of this new, proposed policy. [ very pointed stressing. ] My office is where it has always been, and any concerns should be turned into the box reserved for correspondence of that nature.

I would remind all Rifters that we are yet considered a single unit. [ remember the curfew? ] That poor behavior will affect all of us- indeed, anyone currently afflicted with a Shard. I would advise them that this is never as true as it is now, and that consequences for actions taken in the heat of the moment are the same as those made when rational.

Inquisition,

I understand there has been a temporary disruption in your administration, [ a light clap ] No matter! We'll muddle through it together.

Ottoline Gardet-Lorier — you may call me Otto — of Tantervale, and it's a pleasure to meet all of you by more than reputation. I'll be summering in Kirkwall this year and lending you my services, that we might find the diplomat inside each of us.

[ ayyy ]

Let's begin! Tell me: What is love?

On a related topic, I must speak immediately with those Rifter elves present.

G’day, it’s Alex… again. Sorry mates, I promise you’ll be liberated from my dulcet tones as soon as I can manage to feel tired of my own voice.

( So, never being her very cocky and extremely self-deprecating implication. At the same time, yes. )

We got an assignment needs completing, but to get that done we need to get a survey done, so that requires plaguin’ you lot for some information about health and doctorin’.

[And kind of ignoring all those words she doesn't understand at all--] If you're concerned about who can read it, it won't be something nailed to a board where anyone can get hold of it. But so the healers know not to give you a thing you hate or can't have when you were stupid enough to land in their laps.

[Look she has so much faith in you people.]

Your bedside manner is inspirin’.

( Barely audible, muttered, and… not as hypocritical as it seems. Maybe. )

But she’s right, medical shit is confidential, this is just to help make sure the Inquisition treats you right and in accordance with your wishes and all that. We’ll be using it to make a report for Commander Coupe, but beyond that it’ll be for medical personnel only.

All right, that’s--let’s not--get in our own way here, shall we. [That’s certainly helping.] If you’d feel better speaking to an Andrastian about all this, or just...a native, and you don’t mind it being a templar, that’s what I’m here for. [Simon doesn’t really get why all the preoccupation with fancy things like “privacy” and “confidentiality,” but if it gets them answers.]

And if you want we got paper copies you can fill in, or if you’d rather chat it out and none of us are people you’d be comfortable talkin’ with, we’ll grab someone else for you and figure it out. So uh— any questions, let us know.