closed.

[tender]

WHO: Derrica, Marcus, Petra.
WHAT: Post meeting debrief.
WHEN: Backdated, Harvestmere
WHERE: Location
NOTES: Eventual guest stars to come, watch this space.

They have been riding for some time now. Passing through the eluvian and setting out on the roadway, with Petrana bracketed between Marcus and Derrica, they've cut through the countryside to wind their way south again.

The heavy footfalls of Petrana's nuggalope and the speed at which they've traveled has cut off the possibility of conversation. It's not until Marcus directs them off the roadway, into a copse of trees where a river flows that they are afforded any chance for conversation. Derrica remains in the saddle for a few moments, stroking her palm along Dulcinea's neck and observing Petrana and the Black Divine, Marcus dismounting his newly acquired horse.

All the weight of the conversation they've had, the news they are carrying back with them, is still settling in her mind. Derrica looks between them, fingers playing loosely in Dulcinea's mane. Weighs up the utility of breaking the quiet before asking—

"Who shall we speak to first?"

She can guess at a few potentials. But she would like to hear what they are thinking of, and order her own thoughts accordingly.

Comments

[overharrowed]

He's aware of how it might look, if it comes up with Rutyer that he wasn't himself present at the meeting he's summarizing, but that's a problem that isn't likely to be a sticking point. Julius's somewhat complicated reputation is an asset as much or more than its a hindrance, but no one who stops to think about it for a few moments could fail to find a reason he might now be out in front of this.

(If he wonders whether they themselves considered and rejected the idea of bringing him, he doesn't give any sign)

"I do agree. Starkhaven can't wait, for one thing. For another, the sooner we approach the division heads, the less likely rumors outstrip us. We're providing an opportunity, not a problem; best to have the unfettered ability to frame it that way."