[OPEN] deal me in

[unshut]

WHO: Fitcher + you and also you
WHAT: A weekly card game
WHEN: At some point every week, without fail
WHERE: The Gallows
NOTES: Catch-all mingle space; threadjacking encouraged and time is an illusion. Threads are not required to have anything to do with cards or even include Fitcher; may be before/after the game etc. No rules, just right; get your banter and gossip on.

There are really only two rules to play at Fitcher's table: you mustn't be a bad sport, and come prepared with conversation.

In theory, an invitation and the lady in questions presence are also required but both those guidelines have been broken: anyone who shows up in the the dining hall on the right evening who displays any interest in the game being played at one of the tables earns themselves an invite; and at least once Fitcher has appeared, slung back a single glass of wine, then announced, "I've work elsewhere tonight, but I expect a full account of all that occurs," before disappearing into the night.

It's sometimes loud and it's sometimes quiet. There are nights where more drinking is done and others with only a single shared bottle. Sometimes there are enough players to warrant splitting the game and sometimes it's just Fitcher, lying out a spread for Solitary as she smokes from a pipe and occupies herself with a little evening bookkeeping.

It's pleasant. It's a good distraction. One should never think too hard about these things.

Comments

[unshut]

"That's a shame," --in clear reference to their unknown champion-- "I hear we're still in need a new Head of Diplomacy. I wonder if the aforementioned Madame de Cedoux might be tempted to return to the position should it remain vacant much longer."

Another round of discards and draws.

[overharrowed]

"I would be very much surprised if the thought had not at least occurred to her," he says, lightly, "but I'm afraid I've no particular insight on that score."

Perhaps a contradiction to the generally understood state of his relationship with the aforementioned. And interesting to follow with:

"We could certainly do worse, in my view, but I doubt that will surprise anyone particularly given her track record. Nor can I say any of the candidates from outside have been particularly impressive."

[unshut]

"I'm afraid that I can't claim to be well aware of her record, only the fact that she once held one. But as you say - it would be difficult to under perform compared to the candidates interviewed thus far."

She pauses, peering across the edge of her cards at him. As play sweeps back to her she passes the turn - evidently quite pleased with her hand at present. "I'll admit, I'm surprised that there is no ready volunteer among Riftwatch's ranks. You will have to forgive me for looking to you, Enchanter, but as a very junior member of the outfit here I find myself wondering if that isn't some kind of warning sign."

[overharrowed]

Whether or not he believes Fitcher lacks information on Petrana—certainly possible, but not entirely a given—he decides to let the assertion pass with nothing more than a small sigh at her evident pleasure or the state of his hand. (Or both.)

"I certainly don't think less of you for wondering about it," of her observation about volunteers. "I'd consider stepping forward myself, but I'm already up to my elbows as a project leader, to be honest. On the other hand, we're asking people to do a great deal with much less in the way of resources than we had when we were part of the Inquisition. I can't say I'm entirely shocked we're hard up for internal volunteers." He regrets Herian's departure, for all he was never close to her. If nothing else, the woman had an overly developed sense of responsibility.

[unshut]

"Ah, that's right. You oversee the investigation of our arch-nemesis, do you not?" Which is clearly a metaphorical question, as she asks another as she draws and discards accordingly: "Would you say our chances are promising?"

It could be a joke. Would they be here right now if they were?

[overharrowed]

"I'd say the odds continue to be better than they would be if we gave up," lightly. "Are you thinking of throwing your lot in with a particular project, yourself, or are you still taking the lay of the land?"

He's not actively recruiting... but he's not not recruiting, either, and Riftwatch could use more attention to his topics, in his own humble opinion. Everyone is important, of course. But some things feel a bit more pressing than others, and it's hard to argue that Corypheus—or red lyrium—should be de-prioritized.

[unshut]

"A particular project? No. But one can only file so much paperwork at the behest of the Lady Yseult, so I can hardly say that I'm turning down the offer of work either. If you have need of spare hands, I might be able to find one. Is there anything in your project a clerk might be of assistance with? I'm a more or less capable hand with figures and record keeping, Messere."

Oh please, sir. Do recruit her.

[overharrowed]

"Nothing offhand, but I'll keep you in mind." He draws another card, thoughtful. "I wonder, is the paperwork worse or better now that we're not a branch of the Inquisition? Fewer things in duplicate, likely."

He's not exactly fishing, but he's no less deliberate with his small talk than he is with his cards.