closed.

[tender]

WHO: derrica, marcus rowantree, matthias
WHAT: discussions about mage search parties
WHEN: slightly backdated to world state update.
WHERE: somewhere in kirkwall
NOTES: will update as necessary.

"We need your advice," is the first thing Derrica says, before they've even sat down, before anyone's even said hello.

This is the second time she's sought Marcus Rowantree's opinion on something. She has nothing to mention about the state of her phylactery, but this query feels slightly more pressing.

"Were you listening on the crystal to the discussion after Commander Flint's announcement?"

As she speaks, Derrica takes a seat across from him. There's a beat, then she looks expectantly at Matthias, eyes widening in slight encouragement for him to take the seat beside her.

Comments

[inkindled]

Matthias does his best to take the seat coolly and casually, and then to arrange himself coolly and casually as well. If he is at all successful in this attempt, he betrays himself in the next moment by leaning forward, eager and ready to get into this.

"There's news of mages that split from the Inquisition. They were headed for Tevinter to throw their lot in with the Vints and that Calpernia--but some of 'em got taken by bloody Templars, and some managed to get away and keep on for Tevinter. And we want to go after them."

Well. He shifts a look over at Derrica. "The ones for the Vints are the most important now. Probably. But the ones that the Templars got--they shouldn't be allowed to do that. We ought to figure out where they've been taken and get them free as well. Derrica reckons we have to ask Commander Flint before we do anything."

And Matthias doesn't disagree, of course, which is why he doesn't say that he disagrees. It would be brilliant to have Riftwatch's blessing in this mission. But...

"They shouldn't have gone off to join the Vints. That doesn't meant they deserved Templars after 'em. Right?"

[tender]

She knows Matthias is right. The mages striking out towards Tevinter are the ones that need to be pursued first. But the fate of the rest of the defectors worries her almost to distraction.

But they'll have a better case if they think about this practically. Matthias has already been clear about what needs to be done, and she knows it's sound. It's just thinking of how to approach it that they need to consider.

"I think we could convince them to stay," Derrica agrees. "Or if not stay and fight with the Inquisition, then to do something besides join with Tevinter in service of something evil."

Derrica certainly can't blame anyone for seeking better options. But this hurts them all. Surely this group could be made to see that.

"And I'd like to pursue it with the Commander's blessing, if we're going as agents of Riftwatch."

The loop hole: maybe they won't go as Riftwatch agents.

[luaithre]

There's an early and subtle shift in Marcus's manner in which news of defecting mages brings out sharp interest and further news of Templar interference has that edge turn frosty. He is slow to look to Derrica as she speaks and likewise slow to steer his attention away from her as well once she's done.

Ah.

"If I'd yet to know the make of Riftwatch and the people in it, I'd gather all those I could and run down the Templars myself," he says. Because might as well state the thing they all may wish to do. "But we do know Riftwatch. We know there are those here who can speak well on their behalf, if these mages are now at the Chantry's mercy. Speaker Fabria, the Madame de Cedoux. I would trust their ability and intent."

They could remind the Chantry that to overstep their duties with regards to mages, even traitors, could easily ignite another war. They could make that threat real.

He leans his elbows against the table. "Matthias is right. The mages in the process of defecting are important because it's happening now and we could prevent it. And the manner in which we do could speak well of the others' potential. If they could be reasoned with. How long ago was this news?"

[inkindled]

Matthias doesn't want to be right, and would much rather get behind gather everyone and run down the Templars as a plan of action. Having brightened, briefly, at those words, he has now deflated somewhat as Enchanter Rowantree veers toward more diplomatic options.

At least it helps, somewhat, to be agreed with. With this as a very slim comfort, he tries to keep from looking glum, taking care with his posture so that his shoulders don't go all slumped.

"Can't be older'n half a week, if that. Laura Kint heard it herself--she's the one that told us. They're likely to be traveling quick but they'll have to go careful, 'cause they'll be watching for Templars. We could get after them if we're quick ourselves."

[tender]

There is a similar frisson of disappointment in Derrica. Anger has been simmering in her quietly since Laura had recounted the story in full. There is no outlet for it but this consultation, this plan they're piecing together haphazardly. She draws in a deep breath and nods as Matthias speaks.

"And I think we have enough mages here who would know how to track them. I'd think they'd be more receptive to speaking to other mages, no matter how well-meaning members of Riftwatch are."

Delicately avoiding the inevitable: there are surely members of Riftwatch who are not so sympathetic to mages. Derrica still looks at the Chantry sisters warily, and then there's Barrow—