...who let him even use the network, honestly

[deconsecrate]

[ Travelers, remember when you were recently informed about a terrifyingly organized group of dragons? And how this information was imparted in a manner grave, suitably solemn and noble and stuff?

...this probably won't be anything like that, just as a precaution. ]

Not to interrupt anyone's plans for the evening, but--

[ Hawke does not have any of them fancy image-sharing skills, so you're all just going to have to take his word on this. ]

I probably should let someone know there's herd of dragons on the move here, making a terrible mess of the tournament-grounds between Rivergard & Westgard. Bit bigger than the last ones, although not as many! Thank the Maker for small favors.

Does anyone know what you call a venery of dragons, by the way? I've always wondered*.

*[ no he hasn't ]

Comments

[evocalize]

[He really should be more alarmed by the bright rill, but that and the potential slaughter of many people are things so common to Minato by now that there's not a trace of panic in his voice.]

Who was that? I've also heard that this herd is more organized than the ones before it, which means that it could be a trap to lead us away from what we're looking for. [...whatever that is. Hell if he knows about half of what's going on, it's just that dragons don't just team up suddenly for no reason.]

[deconsecrate]

Haven't the faintest. We skipped right over introductions and landed smack in the middle of emergency. But he seemed very convinced he was important.

[ It ...was Joscelin, who was so bloody serious Hawke can't help talking out the side of his mouth. ]

Are they intelligent enough to set traps? There's a comforting thought.

[evocalize]

[Minato pauses thoughtfully for a while, mulling over those two points. He decides that this 'important' person isn't all that important in the long run and jumps straight to the subject of dragons.]

Their claws would get in the way, but that doesn't mean someone else couldn't have done it. What does anyone gain if this queen stays missing, anyway?

[deconsecrate]

When there's a power vacuum, someone always stands to gain. Usually whoever's filling it.

[ ...probably the most serious thing he's said all day. But he knows from experience, and not one he cares to repeat. ]

[evocalize]

The Illuminants, then. [It seems like the most obvious connection to him right now considering what little he knows, and from what he's heard they appear to have considerable powers too.] If that's so, they might be the key to returning her to her throne.

[deconsecrate]

And probably dying to hand it over, too.

[ Drier than anyone has ever been. Ever. ]

[evocalize]

[It's not too audible, but there's an uncomfortable twitch on the other end. He's really not too optimistic right now, but surely there's a better way to resolve this conflict.]

I hope that it doesn't end that way. Besides, some of those Illuminants might not be involved...not that I know enough to say if it's true.

[deconsecrate]

[ Hawke catches ...some of that; he may not grasp the reasoning behind it, but the sentiment remains. ]

You won't find me rushing in with swords at the ready.

[ A beat. ]

Not least because I'd have to have a sword for that.

[evocalize]

Or two. [That does sound curious though, as Minato's fairly sure that these Investigators or whatever they were called were supposed to have certain advantages.] You mean we don't get anything to use even if it fits the setting? [Honestly, that sounds like it'd be a bother. Not a nightmare, but still a pain.]

[deconsecrate]

I suppose we could if we were people who could use a sword, without chopping off any of our own toes. It's not really my area.

[evocalize]

I could use one, not that it matters when it's hard to get anything else as is. [Particularly because he would feel less like a sitting duck with it.] Anything else of interest?

[deconsecrate]

... other than the building-sized monsters who grind human bones to make their bread?

No, not really. I suppose there are some funny-looking rocks around, if that's what you're into.

[evocalize]

You mean giants? I'll pass on the both of that, thanks- hiding out here's already hard enough as it is.

[deconsecrate]

Can't say I blame you.

[ ...why is he doing anything heroic again. ]

[evocalize]

That's good. I'll see if there's anything to be found here, but I'm out otherwise- think this bartender's giving me a funny look. [Except it's probably because he looks like he's spacing out and he still does have blue hair even if all the other outrageous details about him are obscured.]

[deconsecrate]

What, for looking like you're slightly mad when you're sitting alone in a bar? Is he new to the business or what?

[ ...he does have a fair point there. ]

[evocalize]

I think it's my hair, but that's a good point. [Whether a blue-haired boy is a strange sight or not, it's not as if bartenders are paid to stare at them after all.]

Anyway, talk to you later. [There's the sound of someone getting off a chair rather quickly before the connection's cut off. Huh, there might be an interesting story there.]