shri: (» i'm a princess cut from marble)
lakshmi· ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴅɪsᴀsᴛᴇʀ · bai ([personal profile] shri) wrote in [community profile] faderift2018-10-30 05:08 am

04 | CLOSED

WHO: Lakshmi Bai & Wren, Herian, Thranduil, Araceli, Ioverth, Kitty, Solas and Teren - ( Also: Flint & Vane )
WHAT: Telling Some Whole Truths.
WHEN: Post-Fade Adventures, some time after her house arrest.
WHERE: The Gallows
NOTES: Probably really extra.




She sends them just the one note:

I require your presence, together this evening, for a matter of serious urgency in regards to the Inquisition.

महारानी,
Lakshmi Bai

rathercommon: (caught in a lie or something)

[personal profile] rathercommon 2018-11-15 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Kitty has been quiet. Troubled by all of it, to be sure. Immortality like this seems a dreadful thing, a thing to hide from anyone and everyone - because how easy would it be to exploit this? To turn it into a wicked weapon, a terrible thing used to just deepen all the inequalities and injustices of life? If the magicians of her world knew of this immortality, they'd use it to extend their rule a thousand years - which is a hideous thought, considering that progress gets made only as each magician dies. Corypheus, here, would do the same.

It's Lakshmi's direct address that brings her out of her brooding. She doesn't understand, entirely, why she deserves the truth more than any other, but like hell she's going to question Lakshmi's logic. Because this is something that she does want to know, because it's something to safeguard and protect and keep from getting into the wrong hands. As for these others, though...The logic for sharing it with them sounds a lot less sound. Sharing something with someone because they're a mage is basically insanity, to her ears.

Well. It's Lakshmi's judgment, isn't it. So - "Why can't she?" Kitty asks, voice clear and steady. "She's protected it this far. And it's not like telling us about this makes her less capable of protecting it."
dashing: (♛ éist.)

[personal profile] dashing 2018-11-15 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"I agree that putting us in this position was not well considered," Herian replies, evenly, voice soft and measured. "However Provost, I respectfully disagree that Lakshmi Bai should not be the custodian of this item. Having worked with her in the field, I would say that a resource that grants her the ability to carry on is something that should stay in her hands. It being away from her person would undermine its effectiveness and, from what we have seen, it's purpose in healing. I would suggest that instead the blackwater remain on her person at all times, and we consider matters further for when she is in the field."

Her gaze moves back to Lakshmi.

"As for promising your service to others, I would remind that you have joined the Inquisition, and that there are times when our decisions on where you might be placed, as you say, that may conflict with promises you have made." Her tone is cautioning, faintly reprimanding, and she looks back to Coupe and Thranduil both. "Best we have a meeting with Lakshmi Bai in private, for confirming details and discussing different possibilities, and then we can look to consulting with relevant experts as we see fit."
Edited 2018-11-15 21:16 (UTC)
limier: ([ pink: argue ])

[personal profile] limier 2018-11-15 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Having worked with her in the field," A glance to Kitty at that: The Fade is why. This meeting is why. The fact she's still on bloody confinement, "I must side with the Provost."

Yes, they're going to talk about this. Thranduil too. How is it so difficult to keep confidential intelligence from the people you're fucking? A pity to have spent that report upon Petra. A pity, if it would even go anywhere (wouldn't: there's been no disaster yet, only its looming shadow). If his wrinkled cock continues to interfere with —

"Word of this will spread."

She's sent it to eight people in this room alone, and intends to tell the mercenaries to already have near mutinied. Bai's all but guaranteed that this won't be kept. Her state of mind, her evident disdain of their purpose, is the least of it. If she ever falls upon the field? If any of the numerous wagging tongues present take it to mind?

"You claim this requires security. Yours will not be enough to guard it." Before anything else, any argument can be raised: "Ashara will be informed."

Should have been from the beginning of this farce.
Edited 2018-11-15 21:45 (UTC)
dashing: (♛ co-bheachdaich.)

[personal profile] dashing 2018-11-15 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Herian watches Coupe intently, and nods her understanding. For all their differences, she does trust Coupe, more then most.
Beleth should have been made aware of this from the beginning; it is beyond unfortunate that she was not, and doubtless that and the audience would to little to endear any cause Lakshmi might hope to champion to the Scoutmaster.

“You have spoken of your experience in diplomacy, in ruling, and in this capacity I have trusted you with a role within my Division. This meeting and your secrecy has rendered your judgment in jeopardy, and may have compromised your honour, no matter what good intentions you harboured.”

A pause, and she looks at Lakshmi with disappointment. “As a ruler, what would you do? To ensure the silence of those here? To hold you accountable for your deceptions and your actions?”
rathercommon: (are you insane)

[personal profile] rathercommon 2018-11-15 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"Her honour?" Kitty ought to let Lakshmi talk for herself, but that's just a bit too much. Her voice gets sharper. "What, it's dishonourable not to immediately trust everyone you meet immediately upon meeting them, now? Don't you think the fact that she wasn't babbling about it to any old person she came across means her judgment's good?"

She cuts herself off, shaking her head.
doneisdone: (confused)

[personal profile] doneisdone 2018-11-15 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Teren has been silent all this time, taking a moment only to look mildly rankled by the suggestion that she is paranoid. First of all, how dare you, second of all, is it really paranoia if it's true?

But there are more pressing things at hand, namely, some ridiculous strain of cockamamie new-world magic bollocks that she can't even begin to fathom, and everyone here is talking about it like they've just found a pretty but potentially useful new kind of rock.

"What??" she says again, clawing her hands out on both sides.
dashing: (♛ bruidhinn.)

[personal profile] dashing 2018-11-16 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
“Poor judgment to make a declaration of this sort, indicating that it demand secrecy in front of so many,” Herian replies to Kitty, voice soft, “dishonour in serving the Inquistion when her secrecy might have undermined our efforts in this war and to protect Thedas. One could even suppose that by bringing so many here there was the intention to make this a spectacle, and then for what purpose?”

Herian has watched Lakshmi throughout her words, and her jaw sets now. It does not feel so different from when she begged Coupe to render her tranquil, even with how stark and massive the difference certainly is, and it weighs uncomfortably.

“Would you make yourself a martyr and portray the Inquistion as tyrants?”

And then there was the inevitable comparisons to Andraste burning at the pyre, but she’s not sure she wants to even try to get her head around that right now.
Edited 2018-11-16 00:29 (UTC)
limier: ([ red - annoyed ])

[personal profile] limier 2018-11-16 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
“Maker’s sake,”

She spits, has lost any patience for this. Who’s the woman even rambling of? The vial disappears into a pocket, a rough gesture to Thranduil and Amsel.

“We are not discussing this here.” Another, to Lakshmi. “Your options are not death or getting everything you want.

If this grits so ill it’s not for unfamiliarity. Better not to think of Minrathous,

“This will be settled with Ashara present, and by the established rules. You are not exempt of them for a crown or its absence. You will be watched. If you attempt to harm yourself, you will be stopped. Are we understood?”

A challenging glance about the room. Solas, Iorveth, Teren if she picks her jaw from the floor — let them say what they will, let this production be finished.
doneisdone: (confused)

[personal profile] doneisdone 2018-11-16 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
Teren looks like she's about to demand another 'what', but closes her mouth and blinks thoughtfully at Lakshmi's assessment of her available subjects. She glances around furtively, keeping her cards close to her chest as always, but there are obviously gears turning.
dashing: (♛ rionnag.)

[personal profile] dashing 2018-11-16 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
“Jhansi Ki Rani, Maharani Lakshmi Bai, that is enough.”

A rare occasion where Herian’s voice is raised and it clips the end of Lakshmi’s words. “Do not speak to us as though we are blind to the flaws of the world that we have lived in our whole lives, and do not presume that none of us have suffered for it.” She almost expects flame to burn over her skin, coals to burn in her nerves, but her magic remains steady and constant. Good.

Herian breathes, and then back to her usual steadiness, calm and even: “It is not an unreasonable expectation that you speak with the Division Heads in private, before discussing in this open manner. You have, to this point, held the position of community outreach and influence within the Diplomacy division, and you know that we do our utmost to be readily available and there are roles within the Inquisition hierarchy that we make available for people to apply to and diversify the knowledge and methods influencing our approach and direction.”

“We need Scoutmaster Ashara in attendance before be proceed, and then I will ask whether having the blackwater administered to you daily and when you’ve need of it will be sufficient. I cannot imagine that the Provost or Commander intended to see you deprived of it completely and left to perish. I also would like to know what you plan to do when your supply of it dwindles, as what you have handed to the Commander seems… a near insignificant amount. Until the Scoutmaster arrives I will ask that all present take time to reflect on the situation and apply sense and reason, so that we might discuss it in a calm and intelligent fashion instead of slinging accusations and insults.”

She looks to the Warden. "Warden, if you would fetch the Scoutmaster and bring her here immediately. Do not speak of this to anyone on your way."
doneisdone: (scipio)

[personal profile] doneisdone 2018-11-16 07:05 am (UTC)(link)
Herian gets a scowl before Teren rolls her eyes and turns to go. sure ok sister killjoy I'll do your bitchwork
arlathvhen: (57)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2018-11-17 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
Entering the room is like stepping into a fog bank, but instead of damp chill swirling around her, it's thick tension that presses into Beleth as she steps into the room. Sylaise grant her strength, what was going on here? She takes a few moments to take stock of the...eclectic collection of people gathered in the (increasingly crowded) room, including the rest of the division leaders.

The look on Beleth's face makes it clear that Teren hadn't tried filling her in on the way here. There's only one thing that Beleth is currently sure about: her assumption that this was regarding the events in Nevarra was astonishingly incorrect.

"Well, ah." Boy, is this awkward. "Hello, everyone. I was told there was a private meeting to attend?"

One that has clearly started without her.
dashing: (♛ biùthas.)

[personal profile] dashing 2018-11-18 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
Once the Warden is returned and Ashara is present, Herian glances to make sure the door is closed before proceeding.

"Thank you, Scoutmaster. Lakshmi Bai has summoned us all to a meeting, and you were erroneously excluded. We felt it necessary for you to join us before we proceeded further, although I will... advise you that you missed a very compelling," the word is clipped, "demonstration."

In the worst case, the rifter could be accused of blood magic. In the best case, of having an over-generous flair for the dramatic. She thinks better of saying that, and goes on, "she has made it clear that she is eager to cooperate, and expressed her thorough disdain for self-righteous, boot-licking noble whores and disingenuous religious fanatics," take that as you will, "and also advised that she considers self-immolation a reasonable resolution. Hopefully that will not be proven necessary."

She says it all with her typical calm and seriousness, before she looks to the other division heads. It really is strange having to do this with such an audience, but here they are. Would either of you like to add, or shall I go on?
arlathvhen: (33)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2018-11-20 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
The first thing Beleth feels is annoyance--that she was excluded in the face of the other three being included, that she was seen to be lesser, somehow. The second one is confusion, because what Herian is saying includes very little explanation to it. Of what the demonstration was, why noble whores and religious fanatics were included (though Beleth can't help but agree on the assessment), and why it would require Lakshmi pulling an Andraste as a possible solution.

Her final emotion on this particular roller coaster is mortification when Lakshmi brings up the wedding in front of the entire room. Sure, she's spoken to a few people about it, mentioned it once or twice in public, but this is hardly the venue (or the audience) that she'd want it announced to. There's a look of unease that crosses her face in a flash, but quickly disappears. The best way to handle this is to avoid the subject--an easy feat, since it was hardly the point of the gathering.

"My character has little to do with my position," She says, expression as neutral as she can make it. "But as it stands, I am here now. Thank you for seeing to that." A quick nod to Herian. "I have some questions obviously, but the most obvious thing that needs to be addressed: Should this be a discussion between the five of us?" AKA: What are the rest of these scrubs here doing, can we kick them out.
arlathvhen: (20)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2018-11-24 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Beleth is still looking mildly irate but willing to listen, up until Lakshmi says I could make anyone else immortal. Then there's a flash in her eyes, of something--more of a longing than a desire, bone deep and carried from millennia back in her blood and her heritage. Solas isn't wrong about the Dalish and the thoughts of the Elvhen. Their own stolen immortality, and someone who can give it--return it.

Thranduil is better at training his face against showing his desire for it, but Beleth manages after a few moments. Even then, she needs a few seconds to process what else Lakshmi even said afterwards. Corypheus, right. It's the thought of immortal Red Templars that drags Beleth back towards the subject at hand.

"I...see. Thus, the self-immolation?" After a moment of thought, "That doesn't seem practical for attempting in the middle of battle. Would poison work?" It's her specialty, after all, despite everything else she's done. Though she quickly hurries to tack on, "It can be done quickly and painlessly."
aenseidhe: (th_IORVE001883_zps9cf7decd)

sneaks in late as balls shhhhhhh

[personal profile] aenseidhe 2018-12-02 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
Iorveth spends practically all of this meeting silent, thus far, for a handful of reasons. Primarily, that he was brought here mostly as a pet to someone more important, and secondarily, as an executioner if needed. The latter he takes much less offense to than the former, but neither one would be considered part of this debate.

Thirdly, because Commander Coupe over there keeps shooting him narrow eyed glances, and if the Fade didn't do enough to convince him she despises him either for stabbing her message board, or for fucking her friends, this certain does (By the way, fuck you, Lakshmi, for outing them to all of these people while asking him to keep your secrets with the same breath). They've had no interaction otherwise. Whether she just wants him to drop dead every second she sees him, or she truly doesn't trust him to keep his fucking mouth shut, aside from keeping all of Thranduil's secrets thus far (for losing an eye over the keeping of his own), then anything that comes out of his mouth now will only upset Lakshmi's fate further.

That said, he had given her a small, barely there nod, when Lakshmi first mentioned his presence as a means to a swift and certain end. If she requests it, he'll do it. At the same time, should Thranduil signal for it, Iorveth will gladly put an arrow between her eyes and be done with it, just as well as he'll take any consequences it begs, because that is devotion and loyalty to him. 'Pet', indeed. But that would be a rash waste of a resource and a point of leverage, and he knows the man too well to expect him to make such a choice.

It isn't until the woman's having to defend her choice of death that he gets annoyed enough by these pissy, bickering fools to speak up from where he is in the back of the room, patiently leaned against a wall with arms crossed over his chest.

"If self-immolation is the way of her people, give her that much respect. At least some of you here should know better." Looking at you, Beleth. And you, Thranduil. A culture is the soul of a person, for many. Denying it is a heinous thing. Being so far from the Aen Seidhe has been the single most difficult thing for Iorveth to stomach in this world, war and battles and pain included. "Denying basic death rites is a war crime done by savages and barbarians."
Edited 2018-12-02 02:19 (UTC)
rathercommon: (you need to be punched)

[personal profile] rathercommon 2018-12-02 02:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Kitty's been trying to keep her mouth shut, quite aware that she could easily get chucked from the room over her lack of Inquisition-given authority or whatever. But, honestly, she can't help but speak here, the words boiling over out of frustration and anger -

"Or maybe we can try to think of solutions that don't involve murdering our own comrades in arms?" She glares around at all the guilty parties here - Lakshmi included. "Honestly, it's a wonder there's still an Inquisition to speak of, if everyone's go-to when there's a problem is deciding whether to burn or poison the person beside you."
arlathvhen: (57)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2018-12-19 09:38 am (UTC)(link)
"I am simply being practical," Beleth is quick to retort to Iorveth, a frown flickering across her face. "I understand respecting other people's cultures--" She doesn't wish to comment on if Lakshmi was correct in saying if there's something similar in Dalish culture. That's something that she's not willing to talk about in a room of people of varying closeness to her. "--but self-imolation in the middle of battle is not always something that is exactly easy to pull off, particularly in the heat--" She has the grace to wince at her wording, "--of battle."

Do you know how hard it is to set yourself on fire, Iorveth? Do you??

"I am merely offering another option. If you're fine with it, then I will mix up something appropriate--I will leave the use of it up to your discretion." She pauses a few moments, and then adds, a belated attempt to make it sound a little better, "I can make sure that it's quick, and painless, as well. More so than fire, at least."

She really wishes that she could kick the other people out right about now. These are unpleasant things to talk about, and Beleth doesn't like having to say and decide unpleasant things where other people can hear her saying them.

"I would certainly prefer that no Inquisition agent has to die, through any method, or for any reason. But I would prefer that Corypheus doesn't have access to immortal soldiers even more so. Because that would cause decidedly more deaths." It's a gruesome math that has to be done, but it is as ever necessary, and a part of her job.

"But of course, that would entirely hinge on whether or not it affects people from Thedas in the same way that it affects the people in your world. Things that come through rifts often...do not act the same as they had before they came here." There's a pause as Beleth tries to figure out the most tactful way to word this. Mostly because she doesn't want it to be apparent just how eager she is, how much it resonates with her, a deep longing that has been carried in her blood for centuries.

"I think the easiest way to settle this would be to test it on a native. If it turns out that it does not affect us as it does you, then there is no reason to worry about self-immolation, or poison, or any such unpleasantness." She spreads her hands wide, palms up. See, she can be reasonable! She's super reasonable!!

"Since I'm the one attempting to give you poison for this reason, I'd be willing to be the one to be tested--of course, only if it is suitable with you, Lady Lakshmi." A quick nod to Lakshmi, face carefully blank. "If you would prefer to test it on another, as long as the other party consents...?"

Here, she gives a glance back at the other Division Leaders, to see what they think about giving immortality potions to whatever random person Lakshmi might pick.

(no subject)

[personal profile] dashing - 2018-12-19 10:20 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] rowancrowned - 2018-12-24 18:36 (UTC) - Expand