[ 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]

It takes all of Inessa's willpower not to Fade Step forward ready to fight and call for Garahel to defend Ophelia, but continue as is just long enough to see where exactly they're headed. She frowns, gripping her staff and reminding herself to be patient for a little longer. Well-acquainted with the layout of the mansion by now, the Grey Warden knows this direction change can't mean anything good and briefly meets Pamelia's eyes, fairly certain she's picked up on that as well.

Garahel snaps to attention the moment Ophelia stumbles, holding back from charging just yet but definitely closer than the elves behind him. Right now there's nothing of the playful mabari; he's in full war-dog mode.

[comtessedevelony]

Down a hall, around the corner, delving into one of the many alcoves and...

Vanishing, save for the continued sound of their footsteps just beyond what looks to be a wholly solid wall. Outward and downward but from what stair? Glinting in the light- one of the sconces for oil lamps is slightly crooked.

[anacardiaceae]

Well they can't afford to lose them, can they? Pamelia glances around before she spots the sconce and immediately reaches out to see if it swings one way or another.

[circleprodigy]

Trusting in Garahel's powerful sense of smell if sight alone is not enough, Inessa looks over to Pamelia and the crooked oil lamp sconce. Please, Maker, let that be it. She had already broken her promise to keep Ophelia within sight, and had to make up for it as soon as possible.