eastbound | [handmaiden of unsheathed swords] voice posted:

That depends entirely on what the questions are. But perhaps.

I don't think we've spoken? Your voice does not sound familiar, at least.

That perhaps still makes the offer sound enticing. You must work in politics.

Not yet, not the conventional way either. Yennefer of Vengerberg.

[ the stranger's deep voice breaks into a slightly comical groan ] Am I even starting to sound like those worms now? To my deep regret, you're not exactly wrong.

Well met then, Yennefer. [ dryly ] I would say 'welcome', but does anyone really want to be welcomed to this hellhole? I suppose you must be new around here then, hm, since I don't recall you as one we rescued from the ship. You may call me Archeval.

[Yennefer's own low voice appreciates a break of humor.] My other guess was going to be of the merchant trade.

You'd remember me if we met before.

[As if that explains anything at all.]

I'm not a northerner myself, this climate is disagreeable. [And? She sighs softly to add on to this.] Am I to understand you were also kidnapped from your land?

As was everyone among our number. And apparently from quite a wild variety of planets, no less. Or 'dimensions' or 'timelines', depending upon who you ask. [ a sigh; he's still wrapping his head around that whole concept himself, as much as it's starting to feel woefully inevitable ]

Was that one of your questions? If I can shed some light on this whole subject, I don't mind doing so.

I'm familiar with the concept with the worlds or lands being called spheres. [Dryly but she is following, yes indeed.]

Surely though, what would I owe in exchange for such a kindness?

[Because he is a politician after all. Surely such confidence cannot be free, can it?]

I would consider keeping my allies apprised of important information to be benefiting myself as much as anything. Hardly a service I'd charge compensation for. Unless, of course, you don't intend to be my ally, Yennefer of Vengeberg?

[ his tone, at least, isn't any different than it was a moment ago, mild and casual enough. But there's certainly a kind of deliberateness to the way he pronounces those words. ]

But our small group here are one another's best resource, given the strong common interest we all share, and our lack of trustworthy friends among the locals. If you have any interest in seeing all of us back to where we properly belong, then I don't expect you and I are likely to have much to quarrel about.

[That is a threat, and she's aware of it. Out of weariness she laughs low and briefly.]

Reciprocation is just good manners, isn't it? Perhaps that's a cultural difference.

[Or simply that Yennefer is feeling out what manner of control and connections each person here has.]

I have no want, need or desire to remain here. You'll find no quarrel with me in that regard.

[On principle she feels it is not a good time to let her guard down. Yet.]

...am I to take it you too are residing in the hovel? [Farm house, Yennefer, it's a farm house.]

[ very dryly indeed: ] Yes, I am on the farm along with the rest of this lot. As temporary shelters go, I can think of worse. Though I certainly look forward to the day when we move on.

[ that one description of the ramshackle farmhouse certainly tells him a lot about this woman in a single word. And like certain other refugees of his acquaintance, he notes that she stops short of saying she would like the rest of the group to be able to go home.

Still, a little self-interest is only to be expected. And honesty is a refreshing trait in any dubiously-trustworthy stranger. ]

But it sounds as though we understand one another just fine. So, what other answers can I provide for you?

It seems that house is all that is available for accommodations.

[Aaaand she clearly hates it. One more thing to add to the list of details and discomforts. They're mounting. What she wouldn't give for a bath, a bed and a good meal. That is what is driving her to even consider the house at all. No money, no connections, what else can she do?

Well, besides make connections.]

May I ask where or when you woke to this rock?

Mm, some standard weeks ago now. By the local calendar I believe it would've been about two months, give or take? Ours is not the first group to be kidnapped here in this way, though I'm given to understand we've met with the most success in thwarting our kidnapper's plans for us. And as for where, that would be at the bottom of a miserably cold salt mine, after which several of us had to crawl up out of the damned place largely on our own. But I'm told captives have been kept around here in several different locations.

How long have you been here, I wonder?

I don't have an accurate number of days to give you, Archeval. I suppose I had been waterlogged before being bound to a tree. There, chained to the bark I was recovered. It has been four days time I suppose since I woke.

[See? She can try her hand at being agreeable.]

Ahh, I see. So you're truly brand new to the unique charms of this place. [ he's a little more stoic about shacking up in dusty broken-down old farmhouses himself, but that doesn't mean he's exactly excited about it either ]

Well, I suppose if you had to be dragged here, at least I expect our group will soon be starting a trek east toward hopefully an escape-- [ in a bone-dry voice now ] Once the weather turns or the local powers that be have finished slaughtering each other, whichever comes first. The rest of us have been stuck lingering here for far longer than anyone's preference.

We are invaders of some sort, that would put us at odds with anyone of this land. Is it so necessary to put us in squalor? Or is that truly all that is available with our meager resources?

[These uh are probably redundant questions. Yennefer still speaks her mind.]

Is that truly hope you hold for the voyage east?

[ he gives an amused snort in reply to that ]

That is an awfully strong word for it, but I would say that based upon what I've seen, it seems the best out of our several very abysmal options. If nothing else I prefer being a moving target to a complacently stationary one.

The port of Sa-Hareth is a closed-off place -- little enters and little leaves, including information. Escaping to a location that promises wider access to intelligence can only be of benefit. And it's not as if there is much enticing about staying.

[You can't hear eyerolls over the quartz but if you could.]

Joy.

[To be in the best of the worst is still...the worst.]

Much? Is there anything worth staying here for?

[SIGH.]

One more question if you please, dear, dear Archeval

The chance to flay Unhalad's impudent hide for causing this mess in the first place? [ he proposes this dryly ]

I would say personally I prioritize getting off this rock over the more bloody sort of revenge, but I certainly won't pass it up if the chance presents itself.

But what question would that be, then?

[ 'dear', hm. She's certainly laying it on thick. He doesn't completely feel like he has a read on this particular newcomer yet, and she's carefully shared little about herself, but this Yennefer of Vengerberg seems... potentially a useful ally, definitely a person to keep an eye on. ]

...there is always the appeal for making a grand exit. Flaying? Hm.

[A brutal possibility as well as not the first thing that came to mind in terms of revenge. Enlightening on Archeval's behalf.]

Among the displaced have you noticed anything? Any similarities to indicate why we of all were chosen?

[Playing the cards close to the chest at this time is wise, especially when Yennefer doesn't have an idea of what sort of resources could be available to her with magic.]

Hmm. [ he falls thoughtfully silent for a moment or two ]

There's little commonality that I've personally noted, except that it seems Unhalad generally has not selected for just any kind of martial talent, but particularly trained talent. There are exceptions, but I would say the majority of our number tend to be professionals of some stripe, highly educated, highly experienced. Or all three.

If that says anything useful about our kidnapper, I remain unsure. [ there's that wry drawl in his voice again ] Perhaps just that he has a very refined palate.

Thank you.

[For the information. Though now she's not rightly sure what to do with it. If they were truly meant to be someone's ragtag army, they're doing a piss poor job trying to sway their allegiance.]

May that taste be his undoing.

We can only hope.

If anything else comes to mind, feel free to get in touch.

Believe me, I shall. A rational and objective point of view is appreciated.

[handmaiden of unsheathed swords] voice posted:

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