[ closed ] It's not fate, it's DESTINY!

[aintwejust]

WHO: Malcolm Reynolds, River Tam, Korrin Ataash, Kallian Endris, Beleth Ashara, Clint Barton
WHAT: Legitimate business in Kirkwall
WHEN: Backdated to Firstday - 3rd or Fourth of Wintermarch
WHERE: Skyhold to Kirkwall and Back again
NOTES: This here job what won't go smooth.

THE RIDE OUT
KIRKWALL PROPER
THE RIDE BACK

Comments

THE RIDE OUT

[aintwejust]

So it's him and his temporary crew rid'n up to the coast to hop on a boat, meet'n up with Monty (an old war buddy), sail'n across the waking sea and skedaddl'n up to Kirkwall for a quick pick up in the alienage. Easy peasy, right?



Right.

Gett'n to the coast ain't all that hard. You get on a horse or in the cart and you ride. So long as no one sets noth'n on fire that shouldn't or backtalk's him (aside from Korrin), all's well. It's gonna go smooth. It's gotta go smooth.

Ride to the coast: Uneventful. Ship: Cramped and smells of pickles, li'l bit of a storm on the ride over but noth'n too fanciful. Land'n is smooth as butter and just what he expected'a Monty and his Crew. Mal takes point and starts the long walk up to Kirkwall-

once everyone rinses the brine from their hair and face.

On the ship

[gatheringstorm]

If there's one thing that can be said about a life of travel, it's that it prepares one for anything. A cramped ship that smells of pickles traveling through a minor storm at sea doesn't faze Korrin at all; thankfully, she's never been the sort to succumb to sea-sickness, and has traveled via ship enough that she can keep a steady balance aboard one. That leaves her with two things to on the journey over; check on those less fortunate, and mull over what's going to happen once they reach Kirkwall, preferably on deck rather than below. Given the events of several years ago, concerning rampaging Qunari nearly taking over the city, Korrin's less than certain her participation is a great idea. But Mal needed another person and it's been too long since they had an adventure together. So, fine. Hopefully this will be quick and painless.

[aintwejust]

"So. Apparently Monty's shipp'n pickled eggs." That's the smell. "And smutty literature."

That. That's extra.

[gatheringstorm]

"I noticed, on both fronts." Korrin darts a wry smile at Mal, shaking her head. "At least we'll have something to read on the way over, if it's a boring voyage. I won't mind that, though Kirkwall...that'll be interesting, no matter what happens."

She sighs, leaning against the railing. "Are you sure about this? If you're trying to keep a low profile, I'm the last person you want in that city. As far as I'm aware, it's been one giant 'avoid' sign for my kind since that whole incident."

[aintwejust]

"We're gonna get you a hat and not say anything." That'll do it, right? Right. Not his best plan. "I wanted someone with me that I knew would cover me without flinch'n- and what won't leave me behind should things get rough."

Korrin won't leave him behind and won't run off on him. He knows that for certain, same as he knows which way is north and that his Crew minds him. The rest- not so much.

[gatheringstorm]

"Oh yes, that will prevent them from noticing I'm a foot taller than everyone else. Why didn't I think of that before?" Sarcasm aside, Korrin reluctantly nods to his reasoning. She can't deny any of that, nor would she think to do so. "No, I wouldn't. But we'll need to be careful. This is going to be risky anyway, but this might just bring us trouble sooner than expected."

stowaway!

[girlinthebox]

She wasn't really sneaking if she'd just come along and no one had seem fit to notice...right?

It's a small ship, though. It's only a matter of time before she's discovered, likely when food becomes an issue. In the meanwhile it's the shadows of the ship she sticks to, ear to the boards listening to her creak and moan in the tossing of the waves.

[aintwejust]

"..." Honestly he'd hoped it was a figment of his imagination. That he was go'n a little whimsical and wasn't see'n things right. But there it was, a familiar shape in the shadows. Pale face, tangle of hair, wide, wide eyes.

"Li'l River Bug how in the- what are you do'n here?"

[girlinthebox]

"You were going for a ride."

Discovered. But she doesn't look ashamed of herself in the least. No point in it now. It's too far for them to realistically turn back, and she's already proven she can stay out of the way. Hasn't she?

She peers up at Mal, waiting.

[aintwejust]

"...yeah, to go do some work in city what's dangerous and don't look too kindly on wayward mages wander'n about!" And yet here she is, waiting for him to- what? Kick her off the ship? How she even GOT here is a mystery to him and he's gonna haveta watch her till they see this done.

"When we get back I'm tak'n you straight to your brother and you're tell'n him this ain't my fault." Last thing he needs is someone gett'n all huffy just cuz the bug wanted to see outside for a li'l while. "...and don't eat any of the eggs, you'll make yourself sick."

[girlinthebox]

"They won't know to look. Eyes pass over the spaces they're used to seeing." She's used to drifting through the background, being part of the noise. She doesn't need a babysitter, even if Mal will insist on being one. If only to mollify her brother.

But now that she's been spotted she creeps out of the shadows, cramped as they had been. It's remarkable she even found room to fit back there, or didn't get sick with the rocking of the waves.

KIRKWALL

[aintwejust]

It's gonna go smooth. This is an easy job, it's gotta go smooth. All they gotta do is get in without caus'n undue fuss'n, find Evelynn, show her the very fine card Fate gave him, and they can find the box and go on their Merry.

It's gonna be fine, right?









Right?

[gatheringstorm]

Is she insane? She has to be, for going along with this. Korrin's uncharacteristically quiet upon reaching Kirkwall, tense and expecting a reaction to her large, horned self at any moment. Perhaps some wouldn't mistake her as the vanguard of a Qunari invasion but even if they don't, there's the issue of all the fear and hatred that the Qunari left behind thanks to their actions. That it's been several years probably means nothing. Some people can definitely hold a grudge, nevermind that the Vashoth mage hadn't been a part of that.

Every so often, she's darting a glance at Mal. And that glance says 'why did I let you talk me into this?'.

[kallian_endris]

Kallian was even paler and more nervous than usual. She was the one who would be the least conspicuous for this job, and the retrieval rested on her slender shoulders. But the small elf had received warnings about what a dangerous place Kirkwall's Lowtown could be, and it was through Lowtown she would have to go to reach the alienage.

"Anything else I need to know before we do this?" she asked in a small voice.

[aintwejust]

"Hand over the card I gave ya when we meet her and try to smile. This is all very fine and legitimate work and t'ween me and Korrin we got you covered should things start look'n a little tense. No one's gonna lay a hand on you." Easy peasy.

So long as things go smooth, everything'll be right and fine.

Just.

Let things go smooth.

[gatheringstorm]

It would be nice if things did go smooth for once, but the way Korrin is glancing around, she's doubting it. But the city elf with them doesn't need to be made any more nervous than she already is, so Korrin will try not to further fray those nerves.

"What he said. We've been at this for a long time, so we know what we're doing." Usually. "Let's just get in and do what needs to be done. The sooner this is over, the better for all of us."

[arlathvhen]

"I agree." Beleth piped up, though she didn't look very soothed. "There's a lot of us. And I'll have my bow. So, I mean. Me and Korrin can fight, even if it's at a distance." She shot a look to the qunari in question, giving her a quick smile, reaching up to pat her arm.

"You know, if you relax, people won't care. Looking like you're tense enough for two isn't going to help much." She pointed out to Korrin. "I think it'll be fine. If anyone messes with you, I'll protect you, alright?" A smile followed that, because wow, Beleth is surely more intimidating. Goodness.

THE RIDE BACK

[aintwejust]

Cargo in hand, a coupla bumps and bruises along the way (figuratively and literally) they head back to Monty's boat a mite faster than they left him. Ship still smells like pickles with the added bonus of some kinda cargo of hiss'n beetles people want as pets.

Which.

Ain't much good if one wants a restful sleep. But no one's gett'n et and they all make it to shore more or less. Then it's just the long, long, long ride home to Skyhold.

THE DELIVERY

[wickedchase]

Twisted Fate caught word of Malcolm and the remainder of his chosen crew returning soon. More than he's willing to admit, he's anxious to have his cargo returned; it's not worth much in sovereigns, but it's priceless to him.

Once he finally catches sight of them, Twisted Fate folds his arms behind his back and cracks a smile.

"Well. Everyone looks like they're in one piece."

[aintwejust]

"Yeah, about that." Mal is a might snippy and terse at the moment, which wasn't at all how he hoped for this work to go down.

Remember the horse, Reynolds. Remember what you're work'n for.





Nope, still not all that calm. He's scowl'n, box tucked under his arm, sealed as promised and he ain't rightly hand'n this shit over till he's got answers. "You implied a li'l trouble. Not some foutu fake Venatori jackasses danc'n around and mak'n a fuss."

[wickedchase]

If Twisted Fate is at all surprised, he doesn't display it. He's not put off by the mention of the Vints, but his lips do purse slightly that Mal isn't handing over the box immediately.

But he's waited this long. What's a few minutes more?

His smile returns and takes a step closer to Mal, casually. "I did say there could be trouble. There was, and I feel you were adequately paid for it. But if there's something else you want, then you're welcome to ask, Malcolm."

[aintwejust]

"I wanna know why we had fake Venatori com'n after us. If it were just me and mine? Fine, we signed on for it, figured there'd be trouble, but I got a girl that's still scared half outside her damn mind cuz 'a that and while 'some trouble' covers all manner a'things, it don't cover 'crazy apostates try'n to boil our blood'. So I done my job, I got the box, and you will get what you wanted.

Soon as I got answers." Then he'll put down the box, take his pay, and go have a drink.

[wickedchase]

If there's any concern about River, it isn't displayed openly. When he realized that she was gone, was with the rest of them, there was some internal... concern. He'd never say panic, because he does not panic, but he wasn't happy it turned out that way.

Not that Mal has any reason to know.

Twisted Fate's brows knit into a frown, and his hands fold together. Displeased is the term; he assumed that Mal wouldn't be poking for questions, for knowledge that brings him no real benefit other than knowing, and that's unpleasant.

He weighs his options, and ultimately decides the box is more important than his secrets.

"The fake Venatori belong to Magister Aregor Priggs, likely disguised so he could assume a separation from them." Twisted Fate sighs and shrugs. "He knew I'd have come for the box, which is why I wanted someone else to get it instead. So there you have it; there were Tevinter men hired by a magister because he has a grudge. Unless you had any other questions?"

[aintwejust]

"...Awright, that's all I wanted to know." Man with a grudge- Magister with a grudge- he knows how it is. Had a few frightful moments of think'n maybe, just maybe, an old ghost of his had come call'n. But if it's one of Fate's old demons? No skin off his nose.

He hands over the box without further fuss'n. Even manages a faint smile.

"Job's done. Everyone's got paid. Li'l spooked but not all that roughed up. You get another job what needs do'n, you know who can get it done, shiny?"

END.

[wickedchase]

It was a might bit trouble, but no more than he really anticipated. In the end, Malcolm Reynolds and his chosen individuals successfully obtained the cargo and delivered. Magister Priggs undoubtedly knows that he hired people to retrieve it, and he dubiously expects that Evelynn probably tipped him off but in the end, it doesn't matter. He has what he wanted, and he hasn't risked much for it.

Twisted Fate hums to himself, walking through the garden as he returns to his room. Once the door shuts, he locks it, fingers lingering on the door.

The cargo itself isn't expensive, or really any practical use to him. Years ago, the item was taken away, and Priggs held onto it like a daring temptation to him. Fate had stolen it then, and only could chance to stash it somewhere. Now that he's with the Inquisition, it is truly safest in Skyhold.

The box is set on another crate, and Twisted Fate unlocks it. He lets out a breath and runs his fingers over the bow inside. It's large, much too large for him, better suited in the hands of a Qunari archer. Finely made, and excellent for someone with precise aim.

It's still in decent condition after all this time. Could use a bit of tuning, but--

Despite himself, Fate fingers his fingers tremble over the bowstring. He murmurs, "Hello there, Destiny. Terribly sorry you're still without your owner."

Taking the heavy bow into his hands, Twisted Fate sits down on the edge of his mattress and looks down, closing his eyes, wondering if he could trick himself into believing that there aren't tears welling up.

At least it's with him now.

And what's Fate without Destiny?