( closed ) I feel they're getting closer,

[strangel]

WHO: Anders, Freddie, Helena
WHAT: Secrets Secrets Are No Fun assignment (Research/Scouting)
WHEN: that convenient time
WHERE: Northern Orlais
NOTES: images of snakes/eyes under the cut (for that sweet dramatic aesthetic), a handy link in case we need it

Intercepted Venatori communications have revealed their interest in a particular area in Northern Orlais. Cross-referencing the map with some earlier ones in the Inquisition's position have revealed that the location is rumored to have a shrine to one of the Old Gods of the Imperium, meaning that it's probably something Corypheus and his remaining general, Calpernia, care about, which means that the Inquisition cares about it too. A team is needed to stealthily infiltrate the area and report back with further intelligence to see if infiltration or out-right assault is possible before the advance of Corypheus' forces.

( Fog hangs low to the ground as they enter, and the air is cold and damp. For a time torches seem too risky, until they are advanced far enough into this place (a tomb, it feels like, even if it is called a shrine) that they know such lights won’t be seen. Her fish blade stays in her hand as they move, Helena cautiously advancing to inspect for traps and dangers.

Her skin is crawling in this place. A place of worship that is corrupt, that makes her want to move and run. Running is no option, though, not when the Inquisition has sent them to do things, to help, and making the Inquisition safe will be a way to keep Sarah and Cosima safer. Even so, her fingers twitch, and she looks to Freddie (strange woman, likes knowledge and animals more than lives, Helena thinks) and Anders (who she does not know, but seems more sensible than Freddie), her gaze assessing and almost verging on suspicion. )
We should destroy. Take informations Scoutmaster and Provost are wanting, and make this place so no one else is entering.

Comments

[justice_is_blond]

[He glances over at Freddie. Rifters are nice, even ones that are a little twitchy. They don't know his name, don't know his baggage, so he has a relative freedom when speaking around them. Natives? What he's going to say is going to get him extra scrutiny, he has no doubt, but he has to say it anyway.]

Destruction's not a bad idea here, or finding a way that when, if their forces get here it winds up destroyed with them could be even better.

[There's no helping that some places should be destroyed. He keeps his voice low as he talks, though, all too aware of how weirdly sound can carry in the fog. That they haven't seen or heard anyone as of yet means nothing. There's always a way for things to go wrong.]

We study what we can, take notes on what we can, and then...

[He gestures with the hand that isn't currently cramping from holding onto a staff too hard, an upward sweep.]

[aventuriere]

[ Freddie is, to put it mildly, pained by that idea. ]

We know which way they are coming, traps could be planted along the road outside. To destroy a lost shrine--likely dedicated to one of the old gods judging by these mosaics [ she gestures with her torch at the walls on either side of them ] and that pediment style--only just now rediscovered! We could not possibly record enough in time, it would require months if not years of study. The loss to scholarship would be immense. No, we must find another way.

[strangel]

( She tilts her head at Freddie, curious, like a marionette with some of its strings cut and others still in place, moving with a strange sway to look at her. )

There are other things to study. ( Always study, this one. The griffons are rare, the scrolls are precious. Nice thoughts, but making little sense when so much is being at stake. Maybe she would be making more sense to Cosima.

A look across to Anders, jerking her chin in his direction. The point of her knife is tapping her palm, pensive. ) His plan makes more sense. If we kill this group, they will be sending another, and another. If we destroy, Inquisition will not need to hide away the secrets.

[justice_is_blond]

[He tries not to look at the slightly disquieting sway Helena does. She's not giving him that look, at least. Just looking at him while tapping with her knife. While agreeing with him. That's a lot of mixed signals right there. To Freddie, though, he presses his lips together for a moment before speaking, tone gentle.]

The Grey Warden in me can see how valuable finding out more about historic old god worship could be, but Corypheus may have extra reason for sending troops here. If there's something about this place that he wants, we may not be able to afford having it in his hands. He's already a genuine threat to the whole world. An ounce more power in his hands...

[Anders shakes his head.]

This is bigger than simply cleaning out what forces are here and will come here in the future. There could be something of power here that he wants. Better it, and the mosaics, be lost than lives and the war.