london ♔ put me on a ship that is sinking

[wynn]

if rain is what you want - slipknot

WHO || The Knights.
WHAT || I'm sure it's nothing.
WHERE || Knights castle 
WHEN || April 18,2016
HOW || Actionspam

It's been a week since Sir Jeanne Gar was abducted by agents of the Church of the Lord's Humanity, despite the Knights' efforts to thwart the attempt.  Several of the younger Knights learned a harsh lesson as they watched the Mind Master shake even the seasoned Sir Hasmed, and turn some of their number on each other.   While Wynn has announced that they are determined to find a way to save Gar, it''s certainly obvious why he's hesitant to send agents out, after what the Mind Master alone has done to several Knights, including Finnick Odair, who may never be the same.  

A dark cloud hangs over the Knighthood, either way, dampening any enthusiasm won from their victory in finally taking down Dimitris Sarandis and two other notable members of the Shadow-hating Church led by Draken Crombe.

The sun is still up in the late evening, on this day, but there's a heaviness in the air.  

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[mindmaster]

[ the twisted smile that creeps up the mind master's cheek as she fixes her eyes on myri makes one thing very clear - she can read every thought racing through her mind right now, and she's deriving a sick pleasure from all of them. ]

[extremist]

In moments, we'll be surrounded by Knights. You'll forgive me for not relying on Wynn's sense of ... honor. [ the word is packed with skeptical disdain, his gaze drifting to the dragon statues that flank the steps, a quiet hmph escaping him, before he continues up the steps towards the doors. ] Come. [ the word is directed to the mind master, who slowly drags her eyes away from them all, and slips into step behind him. ]

[allmydreams]

[And we're supposed to rely on yours? Is the first thought to flash through Felicity's mind but she's not looking to pick a fight with either of them, especially not with Lucia in her arms. She leans in to whisper to Vi, but loud enough that the rest of the group can hear her, but hopefully not the two bad guys.]

They're not lying about being here just to talk. Wynn knows they're coming and why and Buffy is probably arming herself to the teeth as we speak. It'll be okay.

[To which a secondary thought occurs to her and it's back to her phone again to send another text off to Buffy:]

They say they're just here to talk to Wynn, and they're not lying for now. They're going to pass by the front desk. Wynn knows they're coming but just in case.

[Hopefully she will get that before things get crazy.]

[bythedreadwolf]

We've stalled them long enough for those inside to start preparing. [ Solas murmurs, reading between the lines of what Felicity says. If what he suspects of Wynn is true, that should be enough for them. ]

We could interfere now, but there are the children to consider. Perhaps we should see to their safety before we join in any excitement with our unexpected visitors? Is there another entrance we might use?

[ Even though he's tempted to follow the two figures heading for the door to keep watch, he remains where he is, staying with the three women until a decision is reached. Although he sincerely wished he knew where Ashelia was at the moment. ]

[witchwoman]

I can take the children somewhere safe in a moment's notice if need be. [Dimension door is another staple for her now. Quick exits and entrances are just a necessity for their lives. Myri looks to Vi for confirmation of this potential plan.]

Say the word, and I'm gone. [She doesn't want to leave, of course, but she won't put the girls in danger.]

[graveflowers]

[ felicity's words don't do much to sooth her, but at least she warns buffy. she nods idly at myri, thinking. ]

We'll take the girls to the Dragon's... Light. [ easy fall back, the place they're the most comfortable with places already set up to hold them. taking lucia from felicity's arms, she kisses the top of her head as she nestles her daughter in her arms. yeah, she's going with, duh. she focuses on felicity and solas as she reaches out to squeeze myri's hand. ] We'll meet you in the lobby.

Do not interfere. Do not do anything. Just watch and listen and keep yourselves safe, but don't even think about interfering. She can kill you without lifting a finger and turn everything you throw at her right back at you, so don't throw anything. [ she let's that sit a second. ] I mean it. Nothing. No thing. Zero thing.

[mindmaster]

[ draken gestures to the door with his cane, and the mind master raises a hand, sending both doors thrusting open before them. ashelia and hawke would get to see the two unfamiliar figures entering - the tall, blonde woman dressed in tight black, with the unnerving stare and unusual features, and the dark haired man in official looking vestments, who enters before her. ]

[allmydreams]

[Felicity nods her agreement as Vi takes Lucia from her.]

Zero things thrown. I've got it.

[She then gives Vi's hand a squeeze before glancing back to Solas as she moves to follow behind the twosome (move silently 22).]

C'mon.

[witchwoman]

[Once Vi has Lucia in her arms, she places a hand on the woman's shoulder and casts one last wary glance to the Mind Master before she uses dimension door to move them to the Light wing.]

[twistingveil]

[Ashelia looks up immediately upon hearing the doors fling open, interrupting the pleasant conversation she'd been having with Hawke-- she reaches for the guestbook in front of her on instinct, having been directed to sit at the desk and take note of anyone who happened to come by, but she freezes as she realizes the dramatic entrance probably isn't just a coincidence.

She forces herself to remain calm, casting a sidelong glance towards Hawke before turning her attention to the two figures as they enter. While she doesn't recognize either of them, having only even heard of the Mind Master by name, she's not unaware of the fact that the Knights face countless threats.]

Excuse me. [Her voice is low, even, and the following question somehow manages to be both polite and subtly tongue-in-cheek (Diplomacy 22).] Did you have an appointment?

[hawkeing]

[ hawke has been leaning against the desk for the last few minutes, but the second the doors slam open -- really, it says something for the structure of the place that nothing broke -- she straightens. probably a good thing that sebastian is napping in her room, all said. hawke barely glances at ashelia, her attention focused on the two. ]

Why do I get the feeling this isn't a social call?

[ it's said mostly quietly, but not hidden, though she lets ashelia be the diplomatic one. hawke isn't exactly known for diplomacy as much as her biting wit and sarcastic humor. ]

[extremist]

[ draken looks between the two of them, lingering on ashelia's features long enough to decide to address hawke instead. ] Draken Crombe.

We will wait here, to speak with Wynnefalshond.

[bythedreadwolf]

[ Solas waits until Vi and Myri have moved - Fadestepped, perhaps? he will have to ask later - to a safe distance before smoothly moving to fall into step with Felicity, approaching the front entrance to the castle with her.

Of course, his perfect calm lasts until he spots just who is seated behind the front desk to greet their guests and tension creeps subtly back into his stance as his steps hasten in pace, gaze narrowed on Ashelia as he stifles a soft curse.

While he is tempted to go to her, he resists the instinct, pausing instead in the doorway behind their unwelcome visitors, settling against the frame with arms crossed over his chest. He remains silent, watchful and wary, observing the pair with a cautious alertness. ]

[twistingveil]

[Ashelia tenses further when she sees both Solas and Felicity appear behind their supposed visitors, Solas' own body language reason confirmation that she should remain on the alert. She sets her jaw, irate that the unfamiliar man seems to have deliberately overlooked her in favor of Hawke-- rude.

She clears her throat softly, reaching for the pen beside the guestbook, as if to emphasize that she's the one working the desk-- she doesn't know who he is, but she's dealt with more than enough racism in her day to know what the look Crombe had given her meant.]

If he's expecting you, then I'm sure he'll be along shortly. [Her gaze darts towards both Solas and Felicity, seeking some sort of silent confirmation. She remains as collected as possible, lifting her pen slightly.] Name?

[She's pretty sure humans hate red tape.]

[allmydreams]

[Felicity picks up on that curse (listen 29) and she glances between him and Ashelia it doesn't take much to figure out what's going on and she immediately flashes Solas a look that's something akin to "if you look like you're going to do something dumb, I will punch you in the dick."

More or less (intimidate 20 total).

After that, she steps quietly to the side to lean against the wall next to him, keeping an eye out for Buffy to try and cut her off before she runs in guns blazing (spot 18).]

[hawkeing]

[ hawke folds her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing at the way this man deigns to ignore ashelia and talk to hawke like it's some kind of choice. like favorites. racist favorites.

maker's breath does hawke know all about racism and discrimination. mages. elves. dalish elves. blood mages. and maker's breath does she hate it all.

hawke's chin lifts ever so slightly in defiance. she's never really been one to think through her words, just letting fly with whatever comes to mind. right now, the only thing on her mind is that this man just insulted one of her friends. that doesn't rest.

she's also officially naming this guy crumb. and the woman is meredith the second until she finds a name to twist into a nickname the way varric would. they could really use varric here right about now. ]

I don't think he heard you. [ spoken to crumb rather than ashelia. ] And I also don't think you know how things work here. My friend here is on duty. You want something, you talk to her.

[ hawke's got your back, ashe. ]

[extremist]

I require nothing from her, but at least she seems well trained to know her place. [ clearly, secretary is low on the list ]

[bythedreadwolf]

[ Felicity's look does not go unnoticed, but he's not really all that intimidated by it either (will save 28, nat 20 thank you very much). Still, he is never one to act rashly when deliberation serves him much better

Even if their guest is already straining what very little good will he might have mustered to begin with. But Solas does step forward at last before Hawke tosses what diplomacy they might manage out the window before their reinforcements can arrive.

His new position also places himself in front of the pair of guests and partially blocking the two women behind him. While one arm rests loosely over his stomach, the other is tucked behind his back, making a subtle motion to Ashelia to caution her. He might not know what this pair are capable of, but the reaction of the other women outside was enough to make him cautious.

Also he was trying to be good and throw zero things. You should be proud of him, ladies. ]

If you find the company lacking, you are always welcome to wait outside. I am sure the front steps will take no offense to your obvious ignorance of social niceties.

[ It's all said with an utterly perfect - if a bit bland - tone of politeness, even as he offers just the faintest hint of a bow. Although there is nothing deferential in the move, it hints more at a condescending mimicry carefully tucked beneath the mild veneer he's maintained ever since the pair arrived. ]

[twistingveil]

[Trained well to know her place. Every fiber of her being objects to that remark, her grip tightening on the pen in her hand until she goes white-knuckled, tempted to push herself to her feet and let him know exactly what her 'place' is-- but she knows that would only serve to hinder an already delicate situation (Will Save 20), and Solas' stepping between her and the visitors does a great deal to keep her from acting against her better judgement.

She remains composed, unflinching, taking his subtle warning into account, biting her tongue for the time being. The last thing they need is for an outburst to exacerbate things.]

[recruited]

[ Serious business Steve is just doo doo dooing down the hallway with Wanda. Likely telling her about Cordelia. With hearts in his eyes. Steve's shield is on his back because--no he doesn't have separation anxiety. Upon entering the lobby what he catches come out of Crombe's mouth makes Steve's muscles tighten. He's like a gross Red Skull baby. Him and HYDRA would have been best friends. Ironically it was Gar who told Steve about this guy. Though he doesn't immediately put a face with a name. ] What's going on? [ He asks cautiously. ]

[divaricate]

[Steve, the hearts in your eyes are adorable.

But right as Steve asks the question of what's going on, Wanda has her eyebrows lifted slightly also in confusion and cautiousness with regards to the scene.] Something, obviously. [Not really spoken like an answer to Steve's question, but meant more as a backing up of the question. Share with the class, guys.]

[extremist]

[ draken's face had begun to cloud with increasing irritation at solas' words, and the tension mounts for a moment as he stares him down-- but before he can open his mouth, steve and wanda appear, and split his focus once again. ] I would advise you to wait here and find out.

[allmydreams]

[Felicity doesn't know Wanda but she does know Steve, so she will try to quietly catch his eye and signal to him to hold for now. She doesn't want him to go anywhere, exactly - they may need him to punch something - but she doesn't want him to pick a fight now either.

She's also not fond of Solas shoving himself into this, but she's not going to make them seem divided either. No one deserves to be treated the way Crombe was treating the squire at the front desk.]

[hawkeing]

[ the longer this goes on and the more obnoxious crumb becomes, the happier hawke is that fenris is far, far away. while he would be perfect for their strength in numbers usually, he would not be taking any of this right now and the last thing they need is a hothead like fenris jumping someone who obviously has a bunch of people very, very tense.

and rightly so from what she can see.

arms still folded over her chest, hawke shifts forward just slightly. with a 12 will save, she avoids making a joke about crumb not looking like a waiter and instead focuses on biting her tongue for once. someone else can be the champion of the knights. ]

[bythedreadwolf]

[ While there might be a hint of tension in Solas' posture, overall he looks casually relaxed. It does not mean he is not alert and ready for whatever may come, but the fact that their numbers are growing enough to divide the man's focus is a benefit for all of them. Not that he's expecting that more of their number filtering into the lobby is going to improve the human's atrocious manners, however.

The two that join them are as yet unfamiliar to Solas, but he picks up on Felicity's subtle acknowledgement enough to turn towards them - although he still keeps himself carefully placed before the two women. Just in case. (Although whether that is to protect them, or to keep Hawke from potentially stabbing their visitor remains an unknown.) ]

Draken Crombe and the Mind Master have come to speak with Wynn.

[ Considering even he had recognized one of those titles, after only being here a handful of weeks, made him optimistic about the chances of the others in the room recognizing them as well. ]