fade rift inbox.

[excipio]

Comments

incredibly backdated to the start of Tevinter ok thanks

[exsecutus]

I need your help.

[--Quiet and tight and clipped and to the point (just like this tag is to the point I told you I could do it). Even to Caspar, these words are not words Nikos likes to say. The message is via sending crystal, which Nikos has bitched about behind closed doors. A waste of time, rife with idiocy, hand them out like candies, hand them out to anyone with an arsehole, any old arsehole, and so on. The fact that he's chosen sending crystal means this is, probably, dire, something that needs quick communication.]

"wip"

[excipio]

Of course. Anything.

[ Is the extremely dramatic and romantic response, which he very sincerely means. But because they do not actually live in a romance novel, he does follow it up with the slightly more practical: ]

What is it?

now it's perfect

[exsecutus]

[Not that Caspar was going to refuse him or anything but still: Nikos exhales, quick, before he starts his request.]

North end of the city, there's three streets that come together. Butcher shop on the left side, small fountain in front. A brass ring has been dropped into it, with a seal on it, three crossed hammers.

I need it out of there within the hour or I'm fucked.

[excipio]

I'll do it myself.

[ He could scramble someone else to do it, sure, but they're already eating into that hour. He could also not pry — it isn't as though melodramatic interceptions are unusual, in this line of work — only it's a clean intersect of professional and personal interest, so of course he's going to. ]

What's happened?

[exsecutus]

[Gratefulness is nothing he expresses, short-lived but genuine. Easier to pick up on complaining, in that same low tone--]

This city, is what's happened. A nest. Bullshit. And Inquisition work by way of one Antoninus Forlan. Destabilization of his faction. [By way of assassination, natch, but that's not the sort of thing you go talking about.] And his hand needs that ring, to make him identifiable, when he is, eventually, discovered.

And it fell off his hand. Into a fountain.

[excipio]

[ That's unlucky enough to be slightly funny, actually. Funnier after the ring's restored to the body and Nikos' head is off the chopping block. ]

Are you always this messy when I'm not here to assist?

[ Nikos is absolutely capable. Caspar knows this and trusts him completely, which is why this should 1000% read as a joke. But also: nothing makes Nikos happier than bitching, so hey, why not assist with that while he's at it. ]

crystal message that is NOT IMPORTANT but also important but don't respond to it while working xoxo

[exsecutus]

When did you talk to my fucking brother.

[If he sounds throwing-stuff-at-the-walls mad, it's because he is. Also interrupting anything Caspar is doing to have a crystal fight is important ok, it cannot wait until they're together again. Answer now.]

did you mean 'reply to this a full month later'

[excipio]

[ Oh. A while ago, but. ]

It was early evening, I think.

I sure did how did u know

[exsecutus]

Hilarious.

[Not.]

Amazingly less helpful than him. He told me, without telling me, more than "early evening". Because he's a-- [No words will describe; Nikos scowls deeply at nothing, at the image he has of Kostos in his mind's eye. Like his own face, haloed with slightly more distaste.]

[excipio]

A bit shorter?

[ Is this where flattery gets him everywhere??? A solid plan. ]

[exsecutus]

[Well, it WILL get him a lot of things. And Nikos is a little taller, and he appreciates that it has been observed, but still--]

Well-observed. [But still.] I know what you're doing. Stop trying to diffuse this. I didn't want you to have to meet him, is my point.

[excipio]

Then you should have had the tower outfitted with more secret tunnels.

[ Is it bad that the idea of being Nikos' secret is a little charming? It is, somehow, even as it's becoming increasingly annoying. ]

You knew we'd meet eventually. You should have just done it properly — a nice, awkward dinner. Then you could've at least dominated the conversation.

[champions]

Caspar, this is Marisol.

( So cheery, so friendly. So casual. )

It has come to my attention that a mutual favourite of ours is especially fond of you, and that you are with the Inquisition. I gave him some time to allow for introductions, but I think if we leave Nikos to his own inclinations we'll both be dust before we ever speak.

So: wine and cards?

[excipio]

[ Especially fond. That's promising. ]

An accurate assessment, I think. Wine and cards would be lovely — perhaps an extra bottle of wine, then, for when Nikos discovers we've spoken.

[ For them to drown their sorrows? To bribe him into tolerance? Hard to say. ]

[champions]

I thought I might invite him to join us— either he can arrive first, so he does not attempt to avoid the gathering entirely when he hears both our voices, or he can arrive later, as his outrage may mean he cannot avoid the party. He can be so sensitive.

[excipio]

Intelligent and brave, I see. The first option has my vote— he may not say so, but he loves surprises.

[ he does not ]

[champions]

Nikos is not the only one of extraordinary character in the family. But I must warn you; the penchant for the dramatic is equally hereditary.

( She muses, humming quietly. )

If you arrive say... nine o'clock, or thereabouts. I'll make sure there is sufficient bribery to keep him there. And, if you tell me your drink of choice, I can make sure I don't neglect you.

sometime in fantasy july

[exsecutus]

[Handwritten in the message book, so that he can write in code, because once a secret spy boyfriend always a secret spy boyfriend--]

I'm on this fucking mission and there's this fucking asshole along with. Think he's flirting with me. I hate this fucking organization.

Found useless letters. Gave them away to Riftwatch.

You'd better be in Kirkwall when I get back.

[Like what's code for if not for bitching right.]

sorry please supply a canon accurate date i can't work in these conditions

[excipio]

[ Just like passing notes in class. ]

They must have stacks of useless letters by now. It seems to keep them happy, at any rate.

[ top notch spy work, aka what Caspar has been foisting off on the FKA Inquisition for months now. ]

What makes you think he's flirting with you?

oh ok pls wait while i play inquisition real quick and find an in-game calendar to consult

[exsecutus]

Use them for fuel maybe.

[but he wANTED a useful letter for you, babe!!]

I'll be getting it back nonetheless. If only to make a point.

He called me darling the second conversation we had. Was purposeful, as he was being a condescending prick. Asked me if no one had ever been friendly to me before. And so on.

Could all be a misguided attempt to fuck my brother though.

I'm having a marvelous shitting time if you can't tell.

thank u for being so accommodating

[excipio]

[ you're all the useful letters he needs ok babe xoxo ]

Could be that he simply likes pissing you off.

[ which is about as sporting as hunting a drugged fox and doesn't necessarily discount flirting, but it's possible. ]

Have you tried being friendly back? See how he adapts. Perhaps he'll like it less.

:*

[exsecutus]

[babe]

Your suggestion is 'be friendly back'.

[exsecutus]

Nevarra is falling apart, and the Pentghasts are murdering the Van Markums, and some girl is being sought for extradition as a murderer and enemy to Nevarra. Which I think makes us officially more desirable to Riftwatch by comparison.

When are we celebrating?


[hi babe both the moons are full and Nikos' tone is nearly cheerful]

[excipio]

[ hi babe you’re terrible (but also same) ]

I started about ten minutes ago, but you’re welcome to join me. [ and, because spymasters have zero work/life balance: ]

I’d guess no, based on the some, but do you know anything about this girl?

[exsecutus]

Started without me? And I get to show up just to watch you finish?

[Sigh!]

I know a little. Enough to know the song the messenger sang is getting some serious consideration. I could learn more if you think it's worth learning.