[open w/ some closed threads] escort missions.

[arkitect]

WHO: Emet-Selch + others
WHAT: Catch-all for threads related to this.
WHEN: October, current & backdated
WHERE: Accompanied outings or the Gallows
NOTES: none currently!

[thread starters will go in the comments! this will contain both closed, preplanned threads and open thread options, please feel free to hit me up on plurk or discord if you want anything specific!]

Comments

bangs open door

[hornswoggle]

"Ashby Brewer, a somewhat notorious alchemist (according to other alchemists), has been making the rounds to all the usual lecture spots throughout Orlais (the parts that haven't been invaded), Antiva and the Marches. Today, he's making a show of blowing things up in a field outside of Kirkwall because the Viscount Keep wouldn't give him a permit to put his presentation on in Hightown. Go soothe Brewer's ego and get a copy of his research notes."

Commandeering a cart to carry the pair of them out into the well-used field outside of Kirkwall had cost John only a small amount of coin, but he has the sense he's overpaid. Surely it shouldn't cost him money to soothe the temper of an explosives-enthusiast, who made the mistake of asking permission rather than begging forgiveness with regards to his intended display.

Their approach had been marked by a series of loud blasts. As the cart lurches to a jolting stop at the far end of the field, John sighs, and remarks dryly, "At least he's impossible to miss."

Even without the concussive booms, smoke and intermittent shower of sparks, Ashby Brewer's shock of red hair can be seen from this distance. It's all standing on end, and John can't be certain whether this is an intentional style or a byproduct of his work in the moment.

As they set out, John questions, "Before we begin our appeal, would you mind telling me if his work is impressive enough to warrant our attention? I'd like to strike the right note in our greeting."

[arkitect]

"There may be something to it," he muses, over the sound of another explosion. "Particularly if, despite this display, he proves capable of managing any sort of finesse... but honestly, with this sort, there's less need to be too delicate with one's approach."

Emet-Selch shrugs one shoulder, arms folded across his chest; he's keeping a wary eye ahead, just in case. One never knows when a stray bit of debris might come flying in unexpected ways, in this sort of situation.

"Anyone who is involved in the sciences and is this intent upon showing their work should take well enough to any real interest shown. I've had similar colleagues, myself-- one had only to ask what in the world they had made to receive what may as well have been a full oral presentation on the subject."

From the exasperation in his tone, it's clear that 'colleagues' might in fact just be a single verbose person, but. The point stands. "Get him talking, and I may make a better evaluation of his actual talents."

[hornswoggle]

More or less expected.

John does chuckle a bit over finesse. As an organization, they are rarely given to the concept of finesse. But there's a first time for everything, surely. They must hold out hope for it, for Yseult's sake.

"You'll be able to flatter him better than I," might sound like farce, but if Ashby Brewer is looking for the opinion of a fellow scientist, John isn't going to rate. "But I can certainly cool his temper enough to get your foot in the door."

And the truth of the matter is that Riftwatch is hardly in the position to turn someone down for temper or eccentricity, so—

"Let's start now. He seems to be between explosives."

Which gives them a narrow window to close the gap, something John gamely devotes himself to as he calls out, "Ashby Brewer!" loud enough to draw the man's attention towards the pair of them.

[arkitect]

It draws his attention before he can prepare the next explosive, though he definitely already has something held in his hands as he turns to face the two of them and give them a quick look-over. Just two, not visibly dressed as authorities, but after being spurned when it came to the permit...

"Gentlemen," he says, watching the pair of them as they approach. "My reputation precedes me! Now, are you here to observe, or to complain again about the noise? I assure you as I have assured others, it should not even be audible within the city, barely audible if so! Certainly not a disruption. Very little risk involved."

Emet-Selch just raises a brow at John as the man speaks, remaining silent as he tilts his head toward him-- well, go ahead, then.

forgive me time is a weird soup

[hornswoggle]

Well.

Get him talking had been the recommended approach, and John is certain that it won't be much of a hardship to prompt this man into a long-winded discussion. After a brief, slide-long look towards Emet-Selch, John straightens by degrees with his grip flexing on the handle of his crutch as he briefly surveys the field before his gaze resettles on Ashby Brewster.

"There's no need to dismiss the noise, of course" John answers smoothly. "My associate and I were gravely disappointed to hear of the Viscount's handling of your demonstration. Not that it prevented us from attending to observe your work for ourselves.

Obviously, John's knowing look seems to say. Here they are, after all. All the way outside the city in the cold to observe the blast-marked handiwork of Ashby Brewster.

"You are...interested?" Ashby questions, and John laughs as he turns more fully to Emet-Selch and prompts, "Are we interested?"

Raised eyebrows instruct the answer, in case it has not been made obvious: Yes, they are interested.

[arkitect]

"Well, of course," he says, following easily enough. "I have found alchemy to be quite the fascinating field of study, personally, and how could one fail to pay any mind to the work of fellow like-minded souls? It is a shame to have had such an opportunity stifled, but then you can well imagine our relief at hearing of your persistence in seeing your efforts shared."

With a gesture to John, he adds, "While my companion here may not be as technically skilled in the sciences, I believed it to be a beneficial experience for the both of us."

[hornswoggle]

"Very instructional," John interjects, before Ashby Brewster's puffed up pleasure can give way to any specific response. "I cannot tell you how useful a well-placed explosion can be in the right circumstances."

That the last time John had been caught in a situation riddled with explosions it had cracked Nascere in half and nearly brought an entire cavern down atop him and a whole host of others certainly does not need to feature in this conversation.

"Like-minded?" Ashby questions, though his tone is colored with such smug delight that John can only assume this to be a cursory inquiry. "You say you are like-minded in your pursuits?"