TO: EVERYONE AT AROUND 12:15 AM

[magicalarchaeologist]

There is a military coup happening in Thorne. Admiral Sidwell has made a play for the crown that seems to be succeeding. The Summoned are currently being evacuated into safe rooms along with natives.

I thought this information best to be shared with all Summoned.

[He doesn't plan on bringing up how the doors are warded shut. That's for other people to say. This is all about information sharing, Istredd has other things to worry about.]

Comments

[magicalarchaeologist]

Ambrose is an arrogant and ignorant ass who probably should have been swallowed by the Singularity whole for his sheer audacity. I'm glad we are of the same mind.

It would be pointless to pretend that I don't care about any of your opinions. They are valued. You're important to me, as are Geralt, Yennefer, and Cirilla.

The latter of whom seems to finally be tolerating me which is a gift.

[cointosser]

Oh, absolutely of the same mind.

I know, Istredd, I know. I'm only teasing. Not about Geralt liking you, though. I know he does, or he wouldn't bother. You may be stuck in Thorne -- willingly or no -- but I consider you a part of our ragtag little... group.

Ciri will be like that. I can't say I had much luck with her in the beginning, either.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I am glad. I admit I felt very much like an outsider when we first met, despite us all being from the same sphere, and me already having connections to, well, everyone but you. I am annoyed neither of them saw fit to tell me about you, we could have become friends sooner. We're much nicer than either of them.

Ciri has issues with mages that are completely understandable, we are on the whole a terrible group, and I did not make a good first impression. I swore to Yennefer I would look out for her like she was my own child, but I am glad she no longer despises me for it.

[cointosser]

Eh. I'm used to it, I suppose.

We're much nicer.

Oh, yes, I've heard some tidings about this first impression. I think all that matters is you hold it not against her. I imagine you understand she has been under a lot of stress for a very long time. There is no secret to gaining space in another's heart, except that you must remain sincere.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Oh I'm not surprised, just annoyed. It's not unusual for Yennefer to put walls between parts of her life. I think she also was trying to avoid me talking about our youth together. Before she became the person you all know her as. She puts a lot into that image.

I don't hold it against her at all, although it got tiring. I didn't want to keep annoying her with my existence. I'm glad we got past it. She's an admirable young woman. I do regret seeing her more as a symbol than a person in the start.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier pauses for a moment before he answers, a particular memory coming to mind.] I saw a glimpse of it, once. A memory IO am sure she wishes I did not have. I may understand what you mean more than you should think.

Well, that's probably why she hated you, love. Seems you've learned the lesson you needed to learn.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Yes, she would hate that. It's difficult for her to be vulnerable, but she's opened up a great deal, thanks to your family. There was a time I might have been jealous about not being the cause, but now I'm only happy for her.

I know, trust me I know. I then almost died for her in the Pit, and that only seemed to make her angrier. I am glad that hallucination, or whatever we want to call it, brought a few good things that seem to linger. Including her seeing me for the fool I can be, rather than a dangerous one.

[cointosser]

[If only he could send a laugh through writing.]

No wonder she kept us apart; you're as much a blabbermouth as I am. Together, we'll be ruthless about Yennefer's tightly-guarded secrets.

Oh, I got the other end of it from Geralt, as if I enjoyed putting myself in danger.

But... you know, I'm glad for it. I wish Ciri to have more who care for her, even if she does not fully see it. It's what she deserves. And, I dare say, what you may need as well, after Thanedd.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Oh she knows that only too well. My attempts at keeping secrets never go well. I'm a terrible liar. We both thought our relationship was a secret as youths, laughably so.

For once he was the one who needed rescue, and it didn't sit well. I'm sure you made a dashing hero.

I met Ciri before we knew each other's identities. It was a minor interaction, one I doubt she would have remembered at all, but I was attempting to be friendly, which didn't used to be easy for me. So I wanted to get to know her even before I knew her identity. Though she did remind me of Geralt right away.

I promised Yennefer I would treat her as my own, but I do want to care for her on her own merit. She deserves that.

[cointosser]

Unfortunately, I am not a dasher. Not towards the danger, at least. I am very good at running away from it. We simply had a plan, her and I, and it did not go as we expected. As plans often do.

She does. You'll be good at it in time, Istredd. We've really need to put your interpersonal worries to rest, and perhaps worry more of the kingdom around you.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Oh I have worrying to spare for all possible reasons. It's been a pleasant distraction, talking to you.

[cointosser]

If you need of more, send me a note. I'm sure I can shore up some limericks for you.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I'll just hear your singing in the back of my mind when the situation becomes frustrating. It'll help.

Please be safe, Jaskier.