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SENDING CRYSTAL
PASSING NOTES
IN PERSON
PASSING NOTES
IN PERSON
[ breathlessly, ] Yes, just fine, I just needβah!
[ she gets into the pouch, finally, and grips the magebane tightly. usually she likes to mix this with a bit of water, per julius' advice, but there is absolutely not time for that right now. ness screws her face up and takes a deep breath. ]
If I throw up on you, I'm really sorry.
[ and with that, she pops the cork on the magebane and takes a swig.
julius wasn't kidding, the taste is not pleasant, but almost worse is knowing what comes after. ]
I'm not a healer, [caveat, talk to your doctor] but my understanding is that to a point, dose correlates to duration. That is, if you take more, the effects last longer. You certainly shouldn't need to drink the whole flask at once, assuming it works for you as I expect.
That said, I might need to direct you to another source for full information on ... Taking a flask's worth at once might be unpleasant, but shouldn't do you long-term ill. [He's heard of Templars forcing than much on a mage at a time, though that observation feels better unspoken.] An even larger dose might have ill effects; I'm not sure. Enchanter Isaac would be a likely source of information, though you may need to explain your condition to him, and I can understand that prospect giving you some pause.
That said, I might need to direct you to another source for full information on ... Taking a flask's worth at once might be unpleasant, but shouldn't do you long-term ill. [He's heard of Templars forcing than much on a mage at a time, though that observation feels better unspoken.] An even larger dose might have ill effects; I'm not sure. Enchanter Isaac would be a likely source of information, though you may need to explain your condition to him, and I can understand that prospect giving you some pause.
[ Thereβs the distinctive scent in the air as she opens the vial, sharp and astringent, and Strange knows his potions besides: itβs magebane. Magebane, the same as what Tavβs dosing himself with in an attempt to hold his unfortunate condition at bay. ]
Donβt worry, Iβve experienced worse, [ he says, still nonchalant. Heβs a doctor. Sometimes patients shit themselves. But more to the point, as he watches her: ]
Youβre not going to be possessed by a murderous spirit, by chance? Just checking.
Donβt worry, Iβve experienced worse, [ he says, still nonchalant. Heβs a doctor. Sometimes patients shit themselves. But more to the point, as he watches her: ]
Youβre not going to be possessed by a murderous spirit, by chance? Just checking.
[ the poison settles, heavy and thick, in her stomach, and ness gags, just a little, nose wrinkled and eyes scrunched close in distasteβ ]
What? [ she says, less because she really needs the repetition and more because she's struggling to process all the stimuli she's experiencing at once. the magebane is disgusting and thick and heavy, but the squirming stops with one final wriggle somewhere around her elbow. she breathes, and realizes she knows what stephen said. ] Oh, no, I...
[ a sigh, and she corks the magebane again and slips it back into the pouch at her belt. she doesn't avoid stephen's eyes, because that looks suspicious, but she's not particularly enthusiastic about meeting them. ]
I shouldn't have magic. I didn't, before I arrived in ThedasβI could summon lights, but that was all, nothing useful. Here, I... It comes upon me suddenly, and is destructive. That's all. Nothing murderous.
(A slight chuckle.) Do you wanna know what a car is? I could try and explain. (You know, in the way that somebody might explain a car, having never really thought about how one works or how you would describe it to somebody who has never seen one before, because doesn't everybody know what a car is?
But anyway,) I β actually am really interested in that.
(She says it quick, a bit embarrassed.) I like reading and I'm assisting in the library here. Re-shelving, mostly. We had this thing called the Dewey Decimal System back home, but I think it required having computers, so obviously it doesn't work here. We're organising by genre and then author. Non-fiction is by subject and then author. We have a log book.
But anyway,) I β actually am really interested in that.
(She says it quick, a bit embarrassed.) I like reading and I'm assisting in the library here. Re-shelving, mostly. We had this thing called the Dewey Decimal System back home, but I think it required having computers, so obviously it doesn't work here. We're organising by genre and then author. Non-fiction is by subject and then author. We have a log book.
Oh, [ what a pleasant surprise!! ] well, how about you explain to me what a car is, and I'll explain to you how we sort the catalogues in Candlekeep, then?
[ book nerds book nerds BOOK NERDS!!! ]
Candlekeep is so much larger than the archives here, I don't know that it would be particularly useful to look to it as an example of how to sort a library without a "computer"... But nothing is ever improved by making assumptions. There might be something we could think of and present to the Archivist, if we put our heads together.
[tapping her chin, thinking out loud: ] Genre, or subject, and author is all well and good when each of those is clear-cut, but what about books written by more than one person? Or works that blend genres? Hm. There has to be a better way to sort this...
Hmm. It wouldn't be terribly insensitive, would it, asking the Enchanter about this?
you don't have to be a genius to realize an enchanter with extensive experience with a poison directed specifically at mages might not have gotten that experience in an enjoyable or academic manner. ]
I'll think about asking him, at least, it may be irresponsible not to... But, ohβ
[ her eyes focus on julian again and she smiles, a little watery and wan, but no less genuine for it. ]
Thank you. I've been so afraid, and I didn't want to hurt anyoneβit was eating me up. Between you and Cedric I feel like I'm taking my first deep breath in weeks. It means so much, really.
[ Part of her attention keeps drifting in quick fleeting glimpses to her elbow, and Strange glances down, but thereβs nothing there as far as he can tell. Nothing out of the ordinary; the magebane has done its job, whatever the job was. Instead, he meets Ennarisβ trepidatious eye, his own expression steady and level.
It comes upon me suddenly, and is destructive. Why are there so many rifters like this— ]
What sort of βcoming upon youβ?
[ It pings some distant concern, a recollection, a faint unease in his gut. This, too, familiar. Wanda wrestling with new unmanageable powers outside of her control— He needs to ask. ]
It comes upon me suddenly, and is destructive. Why are there so many rifters like this— ]
What sort of βcoming upon youβ?
[ It pings some distant concern, a recollection, a faint unease in his gut. This, too, familiar. Wanda wrestling with new unmanageable powers outside of her control— He needs to ask. ]
[ it's an entirely fair question, and it deserves an answer... but ness doesn't have to like giving it. she pouts a little, taps her nails against the desk, huffs... and takes a deep breath. ]
There are these... tendrils. Like tentacles, but they don't have suckers or anything. They come out of my anchor and try to batter at everything around me within reach. It doesn't last very long, but you can imagine, if there's anything precious around, it's a problem.
[ she shrugs a little, and looks at stephen out of the corner of her eye, trying to gauge his response. ]
[ Sheβs tiptoeing over eggshells waiting to see what the manβs reaction will be, but what comes out is perhaps decidedly unexpected and unfazed: ]
Oh, is that all? Tentacles?
[ Not dismissive, but at ease; Strangeβs shoulders loosen as he leans back in his chair again, body language relaxing. He had tensed up a little without even realising it. ]
I used to have a few spells which would summonβ¦ well, yeah, tendrils. Beasts. Serpents. The Vipers of Valtorr spawning out of my arms and multiplying as theyβre cut down.
If this particular development is new to you and youβre unaccustomed to its use, you should practice. [ An offer, off-hand: ] We could practice.
Oh, is that all? Tentacles?
[ Not dismissive, but at ease; Strangeβs shoulders loosen as he leans back in his chair again, body language relaxing. He had tensed up a little without even realising it. ]
I used to have a few spells which would summonβ¦ well, yeah, tendrils. Beasts. Serpents. The Vipers of Valtorr spawning out of my arms and multiplying as theyβre cut down.
If this particular development is new to you and youβre unaccustomed to its use, you should practice. [ An offer, off-hand: ] We could practice.
[ well that's certainly not the reaction ness was expecting. there's a part of her that considers being angry about it, and her brow furrows in anticipation of the annoyance that she thinks she should feel, but isn't it better for him not to consider it a problem? she purses her lips, considers...
and lets herself smile, instead. ]
Well, it sounds much less dire when you say it. Nothing multiplies, so I suppose I have that going for me.
[ practice. does she want to practice? ness actually thinks about it, chewing her lip a little, scrunching her nose. ]
I don't think I'm ready for that, [ she admits. ] I have so much to learn still about Thedas, a whole life to start building from scratch... I don't think I can dedicate myself properly to any of my pursuits if I spread myself too thin.
[ it's not a lie, is the thing, not even close. she really does believe that it's better for her to get acquainted with thedas first, if she has a choice in the two. it helps, also, that magic is scary and weird and she'd rather pretend she can avoid it for as long as possible. ]
When I'm ready, though, if the offer is still good, I can come to you? If that'd be alright?
We've used magebane within the organization before, [Julius assures her.] I think a simple "I need some time while I get a new effect cured or under control" should suffice. You're not the first rifter who got an unwanted gift from the Fade, even if this particular one is new to me.
[A small exhale with a faint smile.]
I suppose it keeps us on our toes. But I'm sorry you're having to deal with it. I think I would be ... cautious about how many people you speak to, before we've learned more. As Carsus may have indicated, there are a lot of native Thedosians who have a strong distrust for magic, especially uncontrolled magic. But I'd say any of the Division Heads are trustworthy. Madame de Cedoux. Stephen Strange, our head healer.
[A small exhale with a faint smile.]
I suppose it keeps us on our toes. But I'm sorry you're having to deal with it. I think I would be ... cautious about how many people you speak to, before we've learned more. As Carsus may have indicated, there are a lot of native Thedosians who have a strong distrust for magic, especially uncontrolled magic. But I'd say any of the Division Heads are trustworthy. Madame de Cedoux. Stephen Strange, our head healer.
[ At first, he almost pushes. This is a man who has pushed at every obstacle placed in front of him, who had very much pushed himself far too hard when he was first learning magic, and nine times out of ten would bite off more than he can actually chew,
but faced with a little more restraint, he tips a shoulder into a half-shrug. Itβs no skin off his back if Ennaris doesnβt want to jumpstart some lessons just yet; itβs less work for him, in fact. ]
Of course. At your leisure, [ Strange says warmly. Sheβll come around if-when she needs to. ] I donβt have Enchanter in my title, but my doorβs open regardless.
but faced with a little more restraint, he tips a shoulder into a half-shrug. Itβs no skin off his back if Ennaris doesnβt want to jumpstart some lessons just yet; itβs less work for him, in fact. ]
Of course. At your leisure, [ Strange says warmly. Sheβll come around if-when she needs to. ] I donβt have Enchanter in my title, but my doorβs open regardless.
[ that he doesn't push means ness will actually seek him out eventually. her smile brightens, and she nods. ]
I appreciate that, Doctor, sincerely. As soon as I have my feet under me, you'll find me at your door.
[ and with that, she pulls her books closer again, ready to get back to studying history and geopolitics and privately railing against the various propaganda machines of thedas. ]
[ confirming, ] I've done some research. [ she knows the shape of the native reaction to magic, even if she hasn't experienced the whole of it for herself yetβthat's half the reason she was so panicked and terrified before tonight, to the point of attempting to isolate herself completely. ] That's why I didn't plan to tell any one I didn'need to about my... condition. I imagine there's no way you leave here and don't immediately tell the Division Heads what happened.
[ it's not a question, because ness has no doubt: after tonight, the division heads will know exactly what she can do, and how unstable it is. it's only right, tooβfor safety reasons, the people in charge of the organization should know when someone might pose a threat to the rest of the group!
it just sucks to be the one posing a threat, is all. ]
Petrana de Cedoux and Stephen Strange... I'll remember those names. They're natives?
Both rifters, actually, [even if that's not specifically why he recommended them.] Both of them are mages, though, or close enough to be a distinction without a difference. Dr. Strange is our head healer, which may give him a professional interest in your condition, [adopting her word]. And Mme de Cedoux has been navigating the intersection of her world's magic and Thedosian magic for many years now. Beyond being trustworthy, she has a unique perspective.
[And Julius is going to tell her about this anyway, more than likely, but he'd recommend her even if that wasn't true.]
Your instinct for discretion is a wise one, I think. But you've landed in a place with more than its share of people who've faced judgment. Most people in Riftwatch prioritize defeating Corypheus. As long as we can ensure you're no danger to yourself or others here in the Gallows, everything else can be managed.
[And Julius is going to tell her about this anyway, more than likely, but he'd recommend her even if that wasn't true.]
Your instinct for discretion is a wise one, I think. But you've landed in a place with more than its share of people who've faced judgment. Most people in Riftwatch prioritize defeating Corypheus. As long as we can ensure you're no danger to yourself or others here in the Gallows, everything else can be managed.
Sure. (Shit.
But Ennaris is going first, so maybe they'll get really into her thing. Abby already has comments for her; they could be here a while.)
I get what you mean, but I'd probably go with whoever is listed first on the book for what name to file under. Same with genre, I guess. Like if it was a... I dunno, a mystery-thriller, I'd go with the bigger theme.
(It's not perfect, but oh well.) And then you note somewhere that it has two genres, so you can always refer to the notes.
But Ennaris is going first, so maybe they'll get really into her thing. Abby already has comments for her; they could be here a while.)
I get what you mean, but I'd probably go with whoever is listed first on the book for what name to file under. Same with genre, I guess. Like if it was a... I dunno, a mystery-thriller, I'd go with the bigger theme.
(It's not perfect, but oh well.) And then you note somewhere that it has two genres, so you can always refer to the notes.
[ it may not be fair, but ness absolutely perks up at both petrana and stephen being rifters. natives just... she's gotten lucky, between cedric and julius both being willing to help her instead of reaching immediately for pitchforks. pushing her luck seems inadvisable, that's all. it's healthy, reasonable caution, not irrational fear. really. ]
I'll remember both of them, thank you.
[ she really will, as soon as she gets back to her things she'll be writing notes on this whole experience.
there's part of that second bit that catches her ear, thoughβmost, emphasized, but that means... ]
Is there anyone in particular I should be cautious with? People less sympathetic than the rest, here?
That works well for a smaller archive like ours, [ she concedes easily, ] but as our collection grows, so will the number of exceptions, and the number of notes. Such a list could eventually become too complicated for easy use.
Not to mention, what about books with no known title, or author? How do we distinguish between Ancient Alammari Scroll #1 and Ancient Alammari Scroll #57? Just for example, I mean, I don't even know if the ancient Alammari tribes had writing.
This must sound like I'm overcomplicating things, [ so at least she's self-aware? ] but I think they're problems worth thinking about! We want to minimize the work we'll have to do in the future.
[ "we", because obviously, if she's suggesting any work be done, she'll be assisting with doing it, even if it's not actually her job. ]
[He takes his time to consider this question. (Not because it hasn't occurred to him previously.)]
Redvers Keen may not have sufficient trust in the organization's leadership to not feel he needs to take matters into his own hands. You should be especially cautious there. And while I doubt Lazar would be personally outraged, he is forever looking to turn a profit; he might see your distress as a business opportunity first and foremost.
Broadly, I might keep the number of people who know small until the Division Heads have had a chance to weigh in. But I think that is less a function of avoiding individual agents finding out and more a matter of giving them leeway to handle it as they think best.
Redvers Keen may not have sufficient trust in the organization's leadership to not feel he needs to take matters into his own hands. You should be especially cautious there. And while I doubt Lazar would be personally outraged, he is forever looking to turn a profit; he might see your distress as a business opportunity first and foremost.
Broadly, I might keep the number of people who know small until the Division Heads have had a chance to weigh in. But I think that is less a function of avoiding individual agents finding out and more a matter of giving them leeway to handle it as they think best.
[ more names to remember, petrana de... sehdoo? (probably not, she'll have to ferret out proper spelling), stephen strange, redvers keen, lazar... ness mouths each name to herself, making different small gestures with each name to reinforce the memory. ]
I didn't plan to tell anyone, [ confirming, and also, you know, she'd assumed he would, but maybe julius can confirm informing the division heads? she'd prefer only to interact with authority figures when she has good news, is the thing.
another deep breath, and ness can feel exhaustion creeping in, now that adrenaline has worn off. ]
Okay, this has been... quite a bit to take in. Iβif there's anything else, might it wait? I just want to make sure I can remember everything properly before I take in anything more.
[ please, her past couple weeks have been so much, she's doing her best but she needs timeβ ]
Edited 2024-09-12 21:30 (UTC)
[His look is sympathetic.]
Go on. Try to get some sleep, if you can. And if you need me for anything with the magebane, or ... I expect I'll be in my office for a few hours yet. But things tend to look better in the morning, even if daylight doesn't actually solve them.
[He's not entirely unworried about letting her go again, but the Division heads will know and his instinct tells him she doesn't mean any active harm. The night will probably be quiet enough.]
Go on. Try to get some sleep, if you can. And if you need me for anything with the magebane, or ... I expect I'll be in my office for a few hours yet. But things tend to look better in the morning, even if daylight doesn't actually solve them.
[He's not entirely unworried about letting her go again, but the Division heads will know and his instinct tells him she doesn't mean any active harm. The night will probably be quiet enough.]
[ Belatedly: after ending this conversation presumably more politely than falling completely silent out of nowhere (sorry), Bastien eventually gets around to leaving a bundle of papers in Ness' pigeonhole in the dining hall.
Most of it is an accumulation of pamphlets and clips from broadsheets and quarterlies from the last few years that he already had on hand, ranging from staid essays on the benefits of unifying behind the new Divine to furious screeds on the way the wealthy and powerful are using the prolonged threat of Corypheus as an excuse to tighten their fists around the common people. The contents trend toward the anti-monarchist, communitarian, anarchist, or otherwise revolutionary, because that's what he's naturally collected for himself. But there's certainly an attempt to provide a broader spectrum of opinions. Even the bootlicking ones.
On top are a few things he gathered specifically for the request, including a less imbalanced array of recent publications and a thin, saddle-stitched volume titled Common Knowledge: The World According to the Unlettered, by Aubertin MΓ©nΓ©tries. It's something of an anthropological survey, reporting on common folks' accounts of the workings of government and the natural world and so onβbut exceedingly condescending, clearly cultivated to mock its subjects.
The only note is in the cover of the book. It says,
Do not think I paid money for this. I would never. βBastien ]
Most of it is an accumulation of pamphlets and clips from broadsheets and quarterlies from the last few years that he already had on hand, ranging from staid essays on the benefits of unifying behind the new Divine to furious screeds on the way the wealthy and powerful are using the prolonged threat of Corypheus as an excuse to tighten their fists around the common people. The contents trend toward the anti-monarchist, communitarian, anarchist, or otherwise revolutionary, because that's what he's naturally collected for himself. But there's certainly an attempt to provide a broader spectrum of opinions. Even the bootlicking ones.
On top are a few things he gathered specifically for the request, including a less imbalanced array of recent publications and a thin, saddle-stitched volume titled Common Knowledge: The World According to the Unlettered, by Aubertin MΓ©nΓ©tries. It's something of an anthropological survey, reporting on common folks' accounts of the workings of government and the natural world and so onβbut exceedingly condescending, clearly cultivated to mock its subjects.
The only note is in the cover of the book. It says,
Do not think I paid money for this. I would never. βBastien ]
[ if, when ness speaks up, she sounds like someone who has only just been startled into wakefulness, who slept in an uncomfortable position, whose hair is in complete disarray and whose faculties have not entirely returned to her from the fadeβwell. ]
Yes, I can help, [ is the immediate response, before cedric's full sentence has processed. ] Supply question? What do you need?
Yes, I can help, [ is the immediate response, before cedric's full sentence has processed. ] Supply question? What do you need?
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