every fire is a lesson learned.

[fightingale]

WHO: Leliana & characters for Antiva mission
WHAT: recruiting characters for the mission, if players are keen beans! if there isn't a starter for you then just contact me and I'll add one asap
WHEN: end of Cloudreach, just before mission departure
WHERE: Skyhold, various
NOTES: Warning for possible discussion of slavery, Venatori related horrors and other such things. I am still on hiatus so I am going to be hideous slow for a few days 8Db

starters in le comments ohoho

Comments

[fightingale]

"Something to look forward to, at least," she replies, rather dryly. Perhaps there is a reason she doesn't joke any more; it always becomes grim.

And a nod, at that. "The mission is multifaceted, but chiefly concerned with the capture of a Merchant Prince operating a slaving business." Leliana pauses, and her expression becomes more grave. "We have reason to believe he has been supplying these slaves to the Venatori. We wish to see his... trade dismantled, the slaves freed and intel gathered." Her jaw clenches a moment, mouth caught in a stern line. The other elements she can certainly explain, but this is the most pressing matter, that lives have been warped and jeopardised and doubtless lost to this. "I would feel better knowing we had a mage of your caliber with the party being assembled. It is presently more than dominated by rogues, and..." A pause, then, and this is the meat of it: "I believe you and I share some opinions on the ideals of freedom."

If those who are lost and scared and afraid should also come to know one of their rescuers was a mage, if that ever changed their fear of mages in the future... it was not a deciding factor, no, but it was something to hope for, even despite herself.

[singularwill]

"If by sharing opinions you mean that we both believe that every being inherently has a right to freedom, to choice, and to making their own destiny - then yes, yes we do."

His own expression had grown more solemn as she spoke.

"I would be happy to offer you my services, Nightingale. Even if the Venatori weren't our direct enemies, working against the interests of slavers is always something I would be happy to assist."

[fightingale]

"Best surmised as the logical line of consideration, I think." Leliana's voice is very quiet, solemn where that might have been a more humorous comment on any other day.

"That is good to hear." She does not relax, because she rarely ever does. She does nod, though, grateful. "The party departs for Antiva City tomorrow."

From somewhere (who knows how many places Leliana truly has to hide things away) Leliana produces a letter, short debrief with some of the particulars. The location of the safehouse, the names and some pertinent information regarding the Merchant Prince and Orlesian noble. "We must also find whatever information we can, while there. If he has more operations than I have been able to trace, or mention or mention of contacts, we could help gut the trade further, and find out what the Venatori have been doing with these slaves."

[singularwill]

He took the information carefully, frowning as he read it over, nodding along as she spoke.

"A matter of some concern for all of us, abolitionist or no," He agreed with a low tone and a furrowed brow. He raised his eyes, holding the letter. "May I keep this?"

[fightingale]

A moment of consideration. "Yes," she settles on, because Solas has earned more trust than most. "Although I would advise burning it before you reach Antiva. The operation being compromised could cost many lives."

Leliana doesn't move immediately. "There are others I must see to contacting. If you have any further questions you will contact me." Because she has faith he does, enough that she doesn't make it a question. It seems unnecessary, though for all her words are a statement, they do not sound akin to an order - just an understanding.

[singularwill]

"I will burn it tonight," he promised her. "I just mean to memorize it, in the meantime." He carefully folded it and slipped it into his pocket.

"Of course. And if you have any further needs, do not hesitate to ask."

[fightingale]

"Good." Which is akin to thank you, in her present mood.

Leliana does not smile, but there is a fractional easing of her expression, a gratitude in harshness momentarily softening rather than disappearing outright.

"Travel safely," she says, and it could be a hope or an order, depending how you look on it, before she turning for the doorway.