[Jaunt] Fear! Fire! Foes! Awake!

[willyousee]

[Usually Alcuin sticks to thoughts only on the Network, so his urgent voice live-streaming in Investigator's minds may be the first time they have ever heard him do this - but the message is more important than the method.]

The Sun Temple will be under attack within the day! Soldiers - Sentinels they are calling them - march on the Temple and are killing any they come across, villager or monk. Messages are being sent conventionally, but there is little hope they will get through. We're rallying all that we have, but I fear we will be too few with so many gone to the summit.

Please, someone carry word to the heads of the provinces at the summit and prepare them! I doubt they are meant to emerge from that place alive.

Comments

[amadine]

I'll admit, reading a battlefield isn't one of my great talents, but we should be able to find positions in which to deploy that arsenal to best effect.

What the locals will think of our strange, foreign magics, I can't even begin to guess.

[willyousee]

Rumor of "foreign dragons" already abound. If we turn on their enemies and not on them, I think it more likely that they will weigh on the side of trust, at least until they are safe. Then there may be questioning or exile from the Temple itself, but as much as that thought pains me at least they will be safe. I think it worth the risk.

[amadine]

You wouldn't have been able to remain there anyway. Unless I'm badly misjudging our arrival time, there's a good chance we'll be swept away again any day now.

We'll need to be cautious if we return to this world - or at least to this part of it.

[willyousee]

[Softly, subdued.] No... But I have felt the power of the place. The spirituality. If I can find a way to make it easier for these people, no matter if I may return or not, I will count it a deed well done.

Are you certain you wish to do this?

[amadine]

[There's a moment's pause.]

Wish to? No - I'm not a madwoman, I have no desire to risk my life so soon after having reclaimed it.

But I do need to.

[willyousee]

Sabetha... We could use a coordinator. One separate from the action to help maintain order and direct Travelers and pass along information and news. We could find you a safe place high in the Temple from which to watch and call orders. You need not be on the walls.

[amadine]

I'm not some fragile doll, to be tucked away on a shelf and protected. And besides, as I said, reading a battlefield is not one of my skills.

1/2

[willyousee]

That's not--

[willyousee]

[Shocked and immediately backpedaling, he seems to know there's little way he can salvage this.] I am sorry, that was poorly said. I meant to give you an option where you might feel safer, not imply a weakness on your part. Gods know you are the more capable of the two of us.

[amadine]

The implication is inherent in the offer.

[Because why else make it in the face of her stated need to involve herself actively in the defence?

Aside, of course, from little touches like human empathy.]

[willyousee]

[How in Elua's name does he always manage to trip himself up with his own good intentions around her?

She can hear the rustle of cloth as he moves, likely bowing given his voice and usual mannerisms.]

I have never thought you anything less than admirable. I offended you: my most sincere apologies. I will gladly offer recompense whene'er you so choose, and would be honored to fight beside you on the walls if you are still interested in doing so. Otherwise I will take myself further aside.

[amadine]

Nice trick.

[It's probably not meant to carry, probably wouldn't if she weren't already thrown off her game.]

...We're more effective in concert. I'll stand beside you still, if the field allows.

[willyousee]

[He resists the urge to tell her that it is no trick. That will not help.]

I will do my best not to fail you again. Thank you, Sabetha. I will meet you there.