[ CLOSED ] WAR TABLE: INVESTIGATE COMTESSE DE VELONEY

[comtessedevelony]

WHO: Herian, Anders, Issana, Velanna, Pam, Malcolm
WHAT: A series of disappearances in the Orlesian countryside has culminated in the vanishment of some of the Inquisition's own scouts. A team has been sent to investigate the estate of one Comtesse Eléonore Vaillant de Veloney.
WHEN: Over the span of 4 days in the 2nd week of Harvestmere.
WHERE: Estate of Comtesse Eléonore Vaillant de Veloney
NOTES: Trauma, gore, dark themes, homicide, pretentious wine usage, other things not labeled as to avoid spoilers.

Welcome to the Estate

It is a terrible misfortune, all these disappearances- but with a civil war on and all this strange Venatori and Red Templar activity- with the rifts in the countryside? People simply not appearing where they ought is a sad reality. Nothing to be done for it. That such an esteemed noblewoman has found herself unjustly accused simply due to her wealth and prosperity? Cannot stand. Comtesse de Veloney invited the Inquisition herself to investigate her manor and put the matter to rest- they are to be afforded all the cooperation and respect imaginable.

Even the mages. Even the elves.

They are met at the gate by a veritable delegation of footmen led by the Gardener and Tanner to see them inside and out of the stormy, dreary weather. Packs are secreted off to rooms (a lovely set of suites in the east wing if the Steward does say so herself), baths drawn (The Comtesse insists, it's been just dreadful and they've come all this way), and a lavish banquet prepared.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

"...and you're afraid that when your turn comes, it will be the same fate." Whatever it is, it's less and less seeming like a happy resolution. "When are you scheduled to leave, Ophelia?" Her tone is speculative, a vague idea already forming though she'll have to speak with the others to hammer out details. But it's clear they have to act, and act quickly.

[comtessedevelony]

"A few hours past dusk. Dunno why it is- but that's how it's been. Best way to hide us if a girl tries to run, I suppose. I tried- can't get through the hedges. Loupe's caught me at it a few times, thought I was sneaking about, trying to find his gin." Trembling now, she swallows. "I- I dunno if I"m gonna get the carraige or fall into the void. I say my prayers like I should and I just hope- I can't wiggle out of it this time. So I'm packed. Gonna put on a smile for all the other girls throwing me a party tonight. And tomorrow I'm gonna hide. I dunno where but, I'll hide. They can't take me if they can't find me."

[circleprodigy]

Reaching over, Inessa sets her smaller hand upon Ophelia's, her gaze nothing but sympathetic. "Tomorrow, you won't be alone. You'll have me, and the others of my group. We'll get to the bottom of this, and no one will take you against your will. You have my word as a Grey Warden and a member of the Inquisition."

Garahel, perks up and barks to confirm this. He'll happily defend her, just watch.

[comtessedevelony]

Ophelia clings to Inessa's hand, her determination to not go missing tempered, now, by this promise. "I just- I want to go home if I can. I don't want to get married and I don't want to go missing-"

Blubbering isn't becoming a Fereldan woman. They don't blubber. They straighten out and they work. "With your help- I can't pay you back. But I'll try."

[circleprodigy]

If anyone finds out that Ophelia lost her composure, it won't be from Inessa. She shakes her head, not seeking reward anyway. "Don't worry about that. Just focus on what can be done now, alright? Go to the party, have a good time...then return here, when you get the chance. By then, I'll have had the time to speak with the others and we'll prepare for tomorrow."

[comtessedevelony]

"Alright. I- Alright." Ophelia squares her shoulders, dabbing at her eyes. She'll put on a brave face for the other girls and slip back here afterward. She should be able to manage that well enough. "I'll bring tea or something, have an excuse for coming by."

[circleprodigy]

That gets Inessa to chuckle. "Tea is always a good excuse, with me. I'm sure they've come to realize I will request it regularly, by now. The hour doesn't matter; I sleep poorly, and they know it." And yes, their efforts did help earlier, but Inessa will hold off from requesting that kind of aid for now. She'd rather be alert than compromised.

[comtessedevelony]

"And something for you too, I promise." To Garahel, this delightfully brave and comforting hound all perked ears and bright eyes. "Didn't know what to think of you when you came in, I'll be honest. Heard things about wardens, heard things about the Inquisition. I'm glad you've come, though."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel response with a happy rumbling and nuzzling. If the mood was lighter, he'd insist on belly rubs, too. But maybe that can happen after they're sure she's safe. "I understand, there are a lot of rumors flying around and it's not easy to separate fact from fiction." And sometimes, the darker parts are more true that she'd like to admit, but there's no reason to bring that up. "If you hear of any changes for tomorrow, no matter how minor, please bring them up. We don't want to be caught off-guard."

[comtessedevelony]

"Yesser. I best be getting back to my duties- but thank you." She gives Garahel one last good ruffle, gives Issana's hand a good squeeze before standing and shaking out her skirts. Work to be done, a party to have, a life to...lose or save, depending.