( closed. ) there is no crime in being kind.

[fightingale]

WHO: closed to Araceli, Ariadne, Beleth, The Iron Bull, Isabela, Legolas, Solas, Teren, Zevran, with possible sending crystal appearances by Leliana if necessary and a collection of nps.
WHAT: Antiva Mission; freeing slaves, dealing with a Merchant Prince, capturing an Orlesian noble and maybe recruiting some Antivan chefs.
WHEN: Roughly 1st - 5th May, with a gentle touch of timey wimey
WHERE: Antiva City, Antiva (and thereabouts)
NOTES: Plotting post & ic recruitment log (if you want to thread Leliana approaching your character to come along just lmk and I'll get to it asap.)
Themes of slavery, all the terrible things Venatori do that could be mentioned, the existence of Zevran and Isabela, and general carnage. (Please add any surprise warnings to subject lines, bruhs.)

Starters being added in the comments :]b

Comments

Antiva City; travel to, arrival in, random shenanigans.

[fightingale]

( Antiva City is a place in a constant state of flux, where duplicity and beauty seem to thrive off each other as much as they exist in conflict.

The journey to Antiva is a tumultuous one, through mountains and overland. The final (and not insignificant) portion is by sea, enabling their arrival into the city under cover of darkness, ostensibly just another pirate crew.

Once they arrive, the team can make their way to a safehouse, the entrance to which is concealed within a brothel called The Blushing Peach, run by one of Leliana's contacts.

Travel, arrival, random interactions and shenanigans and hopefully nobody getting too seasick can all go here. )

[ombranera]

[ His last venture North had not been half so pleasant as all this- even with that ever present wariness crackling at the back of his mind Zevran is pleased to be returning home. There's a lightness, a joy about him for something so simple, leaving him bright and cheerful through mountains and rocky paths, through long hikes and lonely nights. Upon the ship he strips to the waist and slides into place among the crew easily enough, working the rigging, earning his keep and as much gossip as he can possibly wrangle.

A little wariness on behalf of the sailors isn't entirely unwarranted and they do not seem to wish to make trouble- far more interested in an easy job and quick pay. Aside from that his markings brand him a Crow, and that is not one most would wish to bother.

Even so late as they arrive he is crackling with excitement- home. Antiva City. The glittering jewel of his country, how he has missed her. Ferrying his goods into the back end of the brothel takes little time- Zervran checks his gear once more before slipping to the brothel proper to speak with the whores. After all, they say you can never truly go home again- but this? This is comfortable and familiar enough for him. ]

[foxsays]

[Months ago (and sometimes she can't believe it's already been months) Zevran had offered to show her Antiva since she'd been so homesick, and then he'd been taken by those he'd escaped, and she'd gone chasing after him with a band of others. She had seen things that had made her sick to her stomach.

It's hard to be back here. Harder still to be back here with Zevran though she's good at this, she is better than good, and when Zevran goes she's quick to slip out and follow him; if her ears were pointed, she might truly pass for his sister, as it is, if she keeps her hand tucked away then the only time she merits a second look is because she's a pretty girl in leathers that fit her well, weapons swinging at her side.]

Running away without me is incredibly rude, I'm hurt. [Of course she's teasing as she catches up, falling into step, tucking herself on the side where his eye is milky white because that way he is covered, because that is what a friend does.] All work and no play means I have no scandalous stories for when I get back.

[ombranera]

Ah, but Sorellina, what if I was slipping away to purchase something special for you? Something that glitters to go on your marvelous neck.

[ His grin is bright and easy, slipping from Common into Antivan without much thought- any other Rifter? He wouldn't dare. They can't possibly know the language. But Araceli is a girl after his own heart, his own blood, and that as much as her taking his blind side has him slinging an arm about her shoulders as he would any close comrade. ]

Come. We are going to meet up with a few of my old contacts, learn more of our purpose here. And possibly meet a few of the whores that raised me if they yet remain.

[ One, he knows, has become the Signora of the establishment, minds the children quite well. It is not the same as taking her to meet his family under normal circumstances as he had none, but it was the closest he might come. ] There will be scandalous tales aplenty before we leave, I assure you.

[doneisdone]

[Periodically Zevran may catch Teren watching him, her expression thoughtful but not entirely unpleasant. Most importantly, she does not look away if he meets her eyes, but continues to stare into them with a knowing glint.
Having said that, she at no point directly approaches or engages with him.]

[ombranera]

[ It is after the fifth time he catches her staring that he caves, slipping from shadow to shadow until he is at her side. ] What is it you want, Bella Dama? A story, a song? A night in my bed?

[foxsays]

[Last time Araceli couldn't enjoy the sea, not when worry tore through her, when it was first Sina almost dying and then Zevran taken and possibly dead then a journey when she had no idea what he would be like. This time it's different, and she removes her boots to help her to climb up the rigging better the way she would on her father's ship, tying knots, laughing easily as the wind tugs at her curls.

Araceli laughs often, laughs easily, rarely frowns where most might see her but when she isn't working, or when she isn't laughing and gambling with the sailors when there's a free moment, she leans against the side of the ship, staring out over the water, peaceful and calm in a way she simply isn't at Skyhold.

She's missed the sea, and the way her eyes sting has nothing to do with the wind or the salt spray.

Upon arrival in Antiva though she is happier to settle more quietly, sharpening her rapiers as she takes the opportunity to get a measure of those with her, many of them faces she hasn't even seen in passing in Skyhold.]

[parkourprince]

[ The safe house was something of an oddity. Legolas had not known the term brothel before, such establishments simply did not exist among the elves, and among the Men... ah, he had never ran into one, suffice to say. Once he had learned the meaning, however, he was not particularly keen to enter, but it was something kept to himself. Not reason enough to spoil the cover or make a scene, after all. Once inside, he was not particularly comfortable either, but did his best to put aside his discomfort.

Some peace could be found in the maintenance of weapons, as it ever was. He sat nearby another, busied in the same kind of work on her own weapons, and began whetting his long knife with near reverent care. The only weapon he could trust, in this world, that and his bow.

He got the names before the journey, and during he had been observant enough to now be able to associate the names with faces. And so beside him sat Araceli, and when their eyes met, he offered a smile. ]

I hope I am not infringing on your space?

[ Easy, friendly, without a single note of accusation. ]

[foxsays]

[It's the first time she's been able to put her bard training to use outside of Skyhold though truth be told, it's the history, the politics, the smaller details that she has to hone; life at home prepared her for this, it made sense to make it a formality, to make a formal declaration to the Inquisition.

In a way, she supposes a little sadly as she tests the edge of one blade with her thumb, it sealed her fate too. She has turned course and she could go back but she knows what it would mean if she did. It's better this way, she thinks, lifting the blade slightly and catching his approach in the polished surface as she sets it down in her lap again, shifting to make room.]

We will all be living atop one another these next few days I think. [A girl slips over, too young to be one of the whores but a daughter, a cup of brandy passed to Araceli in exchange for coins she presses carefully into her hand with a smile. More than the value of the drink but well, this is almost home, let the commonfolk speak well of the Inquisition when they depart.] You do realise that the whole point of a brothel is such to 'infringe on space' as you put it?

[She feels the need to say it quietly, sotto voce, since he has a hand marked as hers is after all, and she knows exactly how little any of them can afford to stand out, especially when whores gossip.]

[demonicbeauty]

[Although Ariadne doesn't entirely know her place on this team, she knows exactly what she's good at. And that's a comfortable position to find herself in. Without any prompting or any orders, she immediately assumes the role of scout, easily scramble ahead over the rugged terrain, reporting back in once in awhile when she sees a pack of wild animals up ahead.

Not a lot of people, though. Which is probably for the best.

When they stop to make camp, Ariadne always moves up to the highest ground (or tree) she can find, serving as lookout. A lot of unfamiliar scents assail her, but it's actually pleasurable. She's in her element and she finally feels like she's actually doing something.]

[doneisdone]

[For all anyone knows, Teren is simply there to be disaster relief and witness-- keeper of the schedules, patcher of clothing and skin, front as a traveling merchant-- in case things go terribly wrong. Though she primarily keeps to herself, she is not entirely unfriendly, and will often engage in conversation when prompted.

Even she can't hide her curiosity when they arrive at Antiva City, a place she's never been. It reminds her strangely of the Nevarran fishing village where she grew up, despite being exponentially larger; perhaps it's the smell, the dingy state of the docks and the lapping of dark water. The rickety shambles of a dockside residential district tugs at her heart in a way she hasn't felt for about thirty years.

On their arrival, as much as she'd like to do some quick reconnaissance, she'd hate to blow her cover that quickly. Instead, she goes straight to the brothel, playing up her disdain for the operation. As though she actually minds. As though her mother didn't do the same, and in their own home. But she must look proper and stiff if she's to be believed.]

for solas

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth has taken ships before, but she never liked them, from the first time she traveled with her clan across the sea to join the Inquisition. There is a reason the aravels are land ships, not real ships. Dalish aren't meant to be cooped up like this.

So, like a lioness in a cage, Beleth paces the deck, restless and agitated.

Eventually, she does notice another person who has been spending time on the deck. Solas was his name, and she remembers briefly what Cole told her. Unmoored, made to wander slow and slogging, adrift without an anchor. She supposes that Cole meant that he was a wanderer--Like Gavin, maybe. But less willing? Hmm.

She wanders over, turning to look at the sea. ]

Have you ever been to Antiva?

[singularwill]

If I have, it was long enough that I remember too little to be of any use. [Solas offered a smile as she approached him, the answer easy on his tongue, and with a tone that indicated that he might just be teasing her, rather than answering honestly.]

And you? Has your clan ever come this far? [Because yes, he noted those tattoos right away.]

[arlathvhen]

[ She raises an eyebrow at his response, and his tone, and she doesn't reply right away. If there was a joke in there, she has missed it. Rather than potentially make a fool of herself, or cause a kerfluffle, she elects to answer his question, and ignore his own answer for now. ]

Not with my clan, no. They stay in the Free Marches. I've met Antivan Dalish, before, however, and I daresay they leave an impression.

[ She says that with a small smile. Antivan Dalish made Dalish like Beleth look like human-loving peaceful hippies. They're lovely. And violent. ]

But I have come here before. With the Inquisition. Tracking down the Antivan Crows, believe it or not.

Free the slaves & confront the Merchant Prince.

[fightingale]

( Plotting/discussion comment HERE. )

( The estate of Valentin Oleastro is an extensive one, right on the harbour, which his collection of ships bobbing on the water. There are three ships that sit heavier in the water, full of cargo - there lie the slaves, crammed into a horrifyingly small space. It will be necessary to take out some guards, some crew, and some of Oleastro's men wandering the grounds. Feel free to just take out low level bad guys, but I'll hop in and NPC some thugs and such and utilise some dice and rng to see what happens.

Oleastro can be found in his opulent house, access to which involves a hedge maze, some traps, and excessive peacocks. Again, feel free to do your own thing regarding traps, but I will try to swoop into threads with random trap stuff. However! If you specifically do/don't want some randomised stuff for your character then just let me know your preferences. (Naturally I won't be randomising injuries, exactly how things go for your character is 100% in your control.)

The Orlesian noble is in the house with Oleastro, but he will make a break for it the very moment the Inquisition make their presence known, because he is slippery. Separate comment for those who decide to pursue the Orlesian for Josie.

If Valentin is spared and captured, this thread can also be used for interacting with him after that. )

feel free to chat to her over the crystal or to have tagged along

[foxsays]

[Growing up in a country so very much like Antiva, right by the docks, volunteering to take the harbour is a given to Araceli; others on the team can vouch for her climbing, she knows the sea, and Zevran can confirm if needed that she can speak his native tongue too. You play the hand you're dealt, and fortunately Araceli was dealt a good one.

Climbing aboard the ship is easily done when she's small as she is, hugging tight against the wood, feet almost skimming the water as she's careful to keep out of the line of sight of the other ships. She waits only long enough to get the guard rotation on one ship before she moves to the next, dipping down as far as she can to report back, the lapping of the water covering her soft voice.]

Guards on the ships. [A long pause follows, heavy steps above her, the laughter of two guards or crew. She holds her breath until they walk away. If anyone has decided to come with her, she'll have a frown hidden by shadows for them.] How do we wish to proceed? They won't be moving quickly but they can still move if we don't.

[demonicbeauty]

[Ariadne didn't know Araceli. Barely even knew her name. And her scent was wildly foreign.

But none of that mattered.

When she saw the way Araceli moved, the way she was able to climb, she felt an instant kinship. The other girl could very well have been an Alastrian. If Alastrians existed anywhere outside of her own home world. And following her from point to point felt just like jumping through the canopy with her sisters, back in Deleo. If Ariadne wasn't careful, she might very well forget that she no longer had her wings.

For the most part, Ariadne followed. She wasn't much of a leader. But when Araceli asked her how they ought to proceed, she paused to give the question careful consideration. And it was in that pause that she caught a faint pulse, fluttering like the wings of a hummingbird.]

There's someone else here. Someone afraid.

Capture the Orlesian noble.

[fightingale]

( Plotting/discussion comment HERE. )

( Time for an epic chase across the estate, down some ivy, across some balconies with Alexandre Fortier. Is it just a couple of characters? A chunk of the group? His capture and delivery to Skyhold was especially requested by Josephine and is important to the mission.

This thread will primarily focus on fancy fightypants Orlesian, however if a few people would like in for this chase then NPCing in random thugs/traps/obstacles/peacocks who get in the way is totally cool. I can just NPC the Orlesian, but say if a bigger group goes after him then I can say there are some soldiers with him that'll also need some fighting, too keep it more interesting, if that's preferred. As mentioned above if you specifically do/don't want some randomised stuff for your character then just let me know your preferences. (Naturally I won't be randomising injuries, exactly how things go for your character is 100% in your control.)

This thread can be for interacting with Alexandre Fortier after his capture, not just for chasing him and sword fights :]b )

gimmie some fighting, a good chase and all that good stuff eyy

[parkourprince]

The capture of the Merchant Prince was inevitable, at this point, so Legolas wasted little to no time to take off after the other man they were meant to capture. This one for sure alive, so he let his bow remain at his back and did not risk a shot that would injure and cause the Man to fall to his death. The balconies were, after all, quite high off the ground. Yet for his own safety Legolas had no regard, it was easy, to leap along the balustrade, his soft leather boots making no noise as he ran swiftly after the prey.

Relentless, tireless, no matter how long this Man ran, his fate was one: to be captured, to be brought back to Skyhold— for what reason? He didn't know for sure, but it was easy to assume, and very reasonable at that, that he was dealing with slavers as much as the Merchant Prince.

With nearly feline grace, Legolas leapt from one balcony to the other, landing without a stutter and continuing the chase. He did not look back to see if he was on his own, the few that accompanied Alexandre were barely a challenge for an elf.

[fightingale]

One of Fortier's guards calls something to him in Orlesian, and there is a moment where he looks back towards his men. The shadows and the mask obscure his face almost entirely, the moonlight catching on silver detailing of prized mask of his family, before he nods and keeps running.

Six men turn on Legolas, allowing their lord more time to run, to escape - three archers, two with swords and shields, and the first that had called to Fortier spinning an alarmingly large axe with blades at both ends between his hands.

Recruiting the Chefs.

[fightingale]

( Optional sidequest, although one that Leliana mentioned freely as a potential boon for the Inquisition and morale.

If characters make it to the kitchens there is the most amazing smell, and three very alarmed looking Tal Vashoth standing there. They might not be able to talk right away - this dish is very timing sensitive. Please don't stick your hands in the sauce! Would you like a snack?

Worth noting: each of them are shackled, though not chained. These are the legendary chefs of Oleastro, jealously guarded, and clearly making something devastatingly delicious.

Recruitment and random chats/multiple threads all good :]b )

[arlathvhen]

[ Beleth would, in fact, like a snack, and she munches on a plate of something the qunari who gave it to her called a 'cannoli'. She's not sure what kind of food this is, but it's sweet and if anyone else wants any, they'll have to move quickly before she shovels them all in her mouth. ]

...The Inquisition is not only an organization dedicated to saving the world from the chaos the rifts present, but are an incredible opportunity for you to network with people from all over Thedas, if the three of you want to think about job opportunities after this.

And Zevran says that Skyhold needs to use spices. Is chocolate a spice? I think that we need more chocolate.

[fightingale]

( The largest of the three, has one broken horn, grey metallic skin, and looms gently with a tray. The young lady had said more chocolate, and so he quietly (if one can move quietly in ways beyond volume) leans forward to present her with a chocolate and hazelnut torte. He is silent, courtesy of a long-healed scar across his throat, but beams as he sets it down for assessment.

One of the Tal Vashoth is female, with metal plate wrapped around her horns and she's leaning across the counter as Beleth speaks, listening. )

Not a spice. ( Good humoured, albeit slightly concerned for Beleth's lack of culinary knowledge. ) All over Thedas? All over?

( She glances to the silent one (Burly, they called him) and the other, who keeps his silver blonde hair wound back in a single braid, has no horns to speak of and is far too busy whipping some egg whites (Raas, by his own distracted instroduction) )

You're saying there are people from all over Thedas there and the food is bland?

( :c her mighty heart )

Random other stuff.

[fightingale]

( House reconnaissance? More shenanigans in Antiva? THE POWER IS YOURS.

Prod me if you'd like an NPC for this thread and I'll happily provide :D )

Epilogue and the return.

[fightingale]

TBA.