video | un: wooden sword

[vdovy]

BACKDATED TO FEBRUARY 13TH

[ As soon as she is dismissed by the king, Yelena hurries to find a hidden corner of the fortress from which to broadcast. When the video starts, she looks flushed and sounds slightly out of breath, as if she was just running. ]

First of all, I must thank whichever one of you tipped off the king about the anonymous message claiming he sold us to Rathakku. He accused me of plotting his assassination so that was fun.

[ She glares into her stopwatch communicator, unamused. ] Maybe loop me in next time, yes?

[ A dismissive wave of her hand before she moves on to the real reason for this video. ]

We had an interesting conversation. Of all of us, I have probably spent the most time around Deimar. I do not believe he has sold us to Rathakku. I can't get into the details but I am asking everyone to please trust my judgment. I am not easy to convince.

More importantly, whether or not we've been sold is the least of our worries. There is something in Alem that Rathakku is after. Something he wants even more than hell itself. We need to figure out what it is and keep it from him.

I am also worried for Cle-Florens. I don't think her safety is Alem's priority. [ That's her delicate way of saying the poor girl has shitty brothers. ] We need to find a way to keep her protected.

Okay, I think that's everything. Bye! [ Another wave of her hand, this one much friendlier, and then the video goes dark. ]

Comments

text; un: oil change

[nachocheese]

That all the info we have? Just "something in Alem?" Hard to keep it away from him if we don't even know where it is.

[vdovy]

He wasn't super forthcoming about it. From what I gathered:

- It's something that they "stumbled upon" recently (within the last year or so, since Deimar claims it's the true reason behind the siege)
- Deimar said it is something that can free Rathakku, so apparently he is not free now
- He also said "pandemonium at our feet" which suggests it's under the fortress

[nachocheese]

Weird. So if he's not free now, then what does he need to be free FROM?

[vdovy]

Another mystery. My immediate guess is his other brothers? I haven't heard of any other force that could match or even exceed Rathakku's power.

text — un: starburst.

[valeas]

Would it kill them to speak straightforwardly but once?

( raise your hand if you're absolutely sick of these riddles. )

[vdovy]

Honestly, we were lucky to get anything out of him. He seems to think he is its best protector and no one needs to know what or where it is except him. Kings and their egos.

[valeas]

( Hm. )

I am aware you said Ratthaku is after something. But Wrathion and I recently discovered the missing woman appeared in Alem around a year ago, as well.

( She doesn't know that she can write that off as a coincidence. )

[vdovy]

Really? That's interesting. Considering how Deimar speaks of women, it's not out of the question.

[valeas]

You're right, it isn't at all. Though we were also able to confirm, once and for all, it was Haiva who kept her company tirelessly. If Deimar had interest in her at all, it might've been for what she could do.

[vdovy]

That aligns with rumors of Deimar's peculiar interest in the mystical arts. But what Rathakku seeks is still in the fortress and she was seen fleeing. Maybe that was misdirection?

[valeas]

And was she fleeing or was she Clawed?

( emilia shakes her head, not that yelena can see it. her mind just never stops turning when a mystery is dangled before her. )

It's all conjecture, I realize. When I've something far more concrete, be it about the woman or otherwise, I will let you know.