[un: sprite bulb] voice;

[bearshermark]

[Too nervous to write and worried about probably misspelling Bonaccorso, there's a rare voice message]

I've suddenly been asked to meet with Bonaccorso to speak on behalf of Vannozza's supporters. I can't imagine why, but it isn't as though I can refuse. ..But neither do I really know what to say about her. She hasn't spoken much..

[A pause for silent stressing]

The meeting is in a few hours, so I would be grateful for any guidance.

Comments

[weifinder]

She's less easily ruffled compared to Lord M, yes, and she's an active hunter in a private hunting grounds of her family's, which yes, would be the man you're speaking with. The one were were in, Eleven, with the walking, bodied dead and the rather irate animals.

She's also pointedly unencumbered by specific ties, and she visits to the districts that aren't particularly loved, you know. Our necromantic quarter. Concern for her health might not be poorly placed, if what you're going to tell him is related to her sensibilities versus Lord M's fumbling in the aftermath of familiar political outcries from paid protestors and the poisoning incident. Ask after favour, if there's anything to be done with the esteemed witches, to showcase her strength going forward, and worries that might lie in bed with war.

[bearshermark]

[Mounting dread]

Goddess, I'm not qualified for this. I don't know that the latter half of what you said made any sense at all.

[Only partly because he'd been distracted by another little bit]

Macaluso's protesters were paid to protest? Why? By who- [an aggrieved breath; that part is obvious after a moment's thought, even if it isn't by Vannozza herself. It's simply a level of political scheming he never would have thought of as being a thing]

So, she's well-connected to many parts of the city, and I should express concern for her health solely because she visits the necromantic district?

[weifinder]

It needn't have been her, it was as much to any noble aligned with her, or any wishing to make a point against Lord M. But yes, they were paid. This kind of protesting is part of the local flavour.

Mm, concern for her health because if she is who you support, and she is, you're retained by her, you wish her a long, healthy, successful ruling. As we do for any leader we respect.

[bearshermark]

Of course. But...

[Hold on. Processing some stuff]

I don't know; is that really the sort of concern we should mention? It sounds a bit pointed.

[weifinder]

Pointed is you walking up to say, "I sure hope Lady V doesn't have a head cold or some horrific incurable disease."

( said dryly. )

Stating you wish for her best health and long life in service of her people is being circumspect, but perhaps rude to the dying man speaking with you, should he dislike the reminder of his impending mortality.

[bearshermark]

[A light laugh; it's something]

Well, he's had a long life, hasn't he? Served it out as well as he could, so far as I'm aware. But okay, I can do that.

..You said something about favour and a show of strength?

[weifinder]

If the major schools of magic are to determine who rules, than one can expect you might ask how to gain their favour, for the better sake of the people. What would be considered a show of strength, in his eyes, or those of the schools. Or, as importantly, of the people.

[bearshermark]

Okay. [A quiet sigh, putting these things together] ...Okay. So he isn't choosing; the magic schools are.

[That puts a bit less pressure on this meeting]

Sensible, well-connected, wish her well, ask how she might impress people..

[weifinder]

Ask him between the two, does he feel either would stand ready and able to defend their city, should it come to war.

[bearshermark]

[Such a grim prospect to think about, but he understands now what they could- and almost certainly will- face within the next ruler's lifetime. That is something beyond these politics]

I'll do my best to find a way to ask about that. I'm sure Taravast will come under threat by the undead at some point..

[weifinder]

It already is. Most just don't see it yet.

[bearshermark]

[A thread of panic]

What? How? I thought Arha's army vanished.

[weifinder]

Calm, Eleven. Arha's army was released, though if that means to whatever cycle is here or not I cannot say. But the walking dead are in the forest, kept like feral animals; and the necromancer districts sport their own.

The cities to the north, south, and west are controlled by and inundated by the dead. Taravast has held as it is this long. Isolation fails it now, should it think to forever hold itself apart.

In that, at least, I can agree with Lord M.

[bearshermark]

[Silence, for a minute as the truth of that settles in. Then a very deeply dreaded:] Oh..

[He can almost see it. Shudders, then snaps to judgement, the internal threat insidious]

Just what do those necromancers think they're doing?

[weifinder]

Mm, we all seek to control what we believe is to be controlled. Or to solve mysteries, because we can. To what extent they do either, I leave that to them each to claim.

My point, such as it is: Taravast is not untouched. What comes already has tendrils here, and it is a better hope if they're present to seek to curtail the extent of their reach.

Necromancers are not Undead Lords until they are. As you may know, with Anurr.

[bearshermark]

Those that are dead should be left to rest. Goddess save those souls bound or bodies manipulated by another's will.

[weifinder]

Yes, well. One would hope one does, only to learn that hope is ill applied without assurance, here.

[bearshermark]

..Assurance?

[weifinder]

That one's soul or body is beyond reach.

[bearshermark]

[That leads him down an interesting path of thought for a solid minute]

..If I die, I think Archeval could likely destroy what's left of my soul. I might have to ask him, when he gets back, though it's a lot to ask.. But the thought of becoming undead.. I can't. At least getting rid of my body would be easier.

[weifinder]

There's resurrection, as well, which is not the same as undeath. You'd refuse that, on all accounts?

[bearshermark]

It depends on the methods used, but I doubt they're beseeching the will of the divine to restore one's soul to their body. I wouldn't trust the necromancers here to resurrect me, certainly- not when they practice blood magic.

[weifinder]

Would you trust me?

[bearshermark]

[There's a good, long pause, interspersed by hesitant breaths]

..I don't know. I want to, but you've felt like death to me, before.

[weifinder]

I should. I've dealt with the dead, and death, enough in my life. But would you trust me to resurrect you, or not?