to: everyone | forward dated to very very very early july 4

[ordinar]

[At some point, when he's exhausted down to his bones but knows he won't be able to sleep yet, it hits Wilhelm that the people who might normally take it upon themselves to make an announcement in this situation are, for the most part, sitting in jail or lying low in Nott. Then, tentatively, he arrives at the terrifying conclusion that he could actually qualify as a responsible adult.

So, here goes.]

Hey everyone.

Um.

Castle Thorne was bombed earlier tonight. Or, I don't know if they were bombs exactly, but there were huge flashes of light when they hit.

As far as I know, no Summoned were injured badly. A lot of soldiers were killed though. I think the wards around the castle protected it from the worst of the blast, but it did get damaged.

I don't know if anywhere else in Thorne was attacked. I haven't heard anything from Nott.

I saw one of the devices that was dropped, or what was left of it. It was metal and had an arcana sign engraved on it. I think we can assume it's from the Free Cities.

Anyway, that's...pretty much everything I know. If you have more info, go ahead and share it.

[Threadjacking encouraged, obviously. This message is sent a few hours after the attack.]

Comments

[itookashot]

I don't give a shit about your pride right now, Kell. Your lives are not something to play around with.

[blackeyedprince]

I am not playing. Pride has nothing to do with it.

[It has everything to do with it. The worst part of it? He's no longer the most powerful magician in the world.]

I just wanted to actually know what is going on this time!

[Then why did you take Wilhelm with you? Is this how you protect him?
Why the nasty screeching in the back of Kell's mind always has Holland's voice? This not a surprise. It's just salt on the wounds when it's right.
As if his blood froze in his veins. He can no longer guarantee anyone safety. Antari means nothing there. It meant nothing for a long time.]

No.
You're right. It was stupid. We'll be more careful.

[itookashot]

I just love you, alright? I don't want anything to happen to either of you.

[blackeyedprince]

We'll be careful. I promise.

You be careful too. I don't want anything to happen to you either.

[The other three words do not come easy for Kell. Not in public. Hardly ever. Jesper got his I love you from him, and he will get it again when they finally meet in person again. If, not if, when Nocwich opens. It just requires a lot more private setting.]

[itookashot]

We probably won't find out what the next retaliation is for a few days or a week. We'll probably be trading this concern back and forth for awhile.

[blackeyedprince]

Let's stay in touch then. In case

[something happens No, he's not going to go on catastrophizing spiral here. It helps nobody. Kell reads the last few messages again. Staring at them until they fade away from his vision.

I just love you, alright? I don't want anything to happen to either of you.

He's glad that Jesper can't see him now. He musters a weak smile anyway.]

In case something changes.

[itookashot]

We will.