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

[funbreaker]

[ And, there it is. The retaliation that most all of them expected. This back and forth can only escalate until they're in all-out war, he fears. ]

I am relieved to hear all of you have weathered the attack. I hardly need tell you, but a direct attack on the castle is particularly bold. The Free Cities has never gone this far.

Nott was not targeted in any noticeable way, though I will keep an eye on the situation here.

[ Which is the first time he's openly said where he is, but it feels important to confirm given this turn of events. ]

[ordinar]

Good to hear Nott was left alone for once.

I'm guessing they have more of those bombs, so...be on the lookout.

[funbreaker]

True, this first attack may have been a test run of sorts. Lord Vela did ask for our aid with shoring up defenses here, but I wonder if it is enough.

[ He will have to talk to Yennefer and Stephen about using their abilities to put additional defenses in place. It may make their presence here more noticeable, but perhaps that's worth the risk if it means protecting the civilians. ]

[ordinar]

If these things can get past the castle's wards, then I wouldn't count on the defenses around Nott holding.

It kind of sucks that we did all that and it won't even be enough to stop another attack.

[funbreaker]

It would be best not to leap to any conclusions just yet. I have been meaning to try and check in with Lyle after my arrival here, and this could be a good justification to do so. It's simply a matter of arranging such a meeting without attracting any attention.

I find it hard to believe that Nott will simply accept their fate, either way. They have weathered much and still stand.

[ And how could he forgot the Velan Republic of that supposed future? ]

[ordinar]

I didn't mean

I have faith in Nott. The people are strong, and Vela's a dedicated leader.

But they're always getting fucked over. I'm just worried.

[funbreaker]

[ He gets it. ]

They do always seem to get the short end of the stick, don't they?

Given that I'm now a resident here, I'll see what I can do to help them. Not that one single person can turn the tide, but perhaps it will be worth something.

[ordinar]

Let me know if you guys need anything.

I'm running deliveries around Nott most days, so it won't be suspicious for me to go there a lot.

[funbreaker]

Even so, I would suspect them to keep an even closer eye on you, and indeed, to any who visit Nott. I'm certain they have a good guess that Nott is where we landed.

The offer is appreciated, of course. I'll be sure to let you know.

[ordinar]

Yeah, you're probably right. Especially those of us who skipped the coronation.

[funbreaker]

Yes, that was a rather clear indication of where one's loyalties lied.

Not that I don't appreciate the support.

[ordinar]

I feel like if you're king, you shouldn't be offended by someone trying to help your own people. Like, that's supposed to be your job.

But what the hell do I know?

[funbreaker]

I don't disagree. To be fair, I don't know how Sidwell did or didn't take it, or if relations between Nott and the castle will change now that he's on the throne. I suppose that's something you could keep an eye on from your end?

[ordinar]

Sure, I can do that. So far I don't have high hopes for it changing much under Sidwell's rule.

[funbreaker]

Nor do I. I do prefer not to assume, however.

[ordinar]

I guess it doesn't hurt to hope.

[funbreaker]

It doesn't.
I know how difficult it can be to do so at times like this, but it does make a difference.

[ Himeka had taught him that. ]