PROLOGUE ACT I: CANDIDACY
Venn was right, unfortunately.
The redhead brushes a ringlet away from her face, looking over the materials she had studied over the day. Catherynn had admitted, earlier in the day, that her drive for magical knowledge clouded her perception of … lawfulness … at times. This was undoubtedly one of those times. A sigh passes her parted lips. At the least, the weather had been nice. The south’s weather was one of its best qualities.
She lingers at the back of the Solstice. Refurbished Second War armaments continued to turn heads, that much Cath could see through the windows of the large quarters. Rookscove was in desperate need of something with a less conspicuous profile. Head shakes, tossing red curls every which way. The woman reclines against the over-stuffed seating made for lounging. Hands loft to hold the papers over her face.
So, they’d convince the candidates to help them, instead. House Sovereign was wealthy in potential gifts and gold. If Catherynn was unable to swing one method, she could surely get acquainted with an alternate way of doing things. Venn had been important in the retaking excursion. Rookscove could’ve been lost without him - his concerns were not to be taken lightly.
This was the best solution. Lady Alving’s time and preparation would be just as useful, if not more so, and her own efforts wouldn’t be without cause. And, Gods willing, they could persuade her cousin to see the greater purpose behind her erratic magical intrigue.
A sigh bubbles up and out once again. The papers are laid across her chest carefully. Some nagging whisper stroked the inside of her skull — they’ll come in without a sound. It hissed and writhed at the back of her head. You know where the hole is. Rookscove will fall. Rookscove will fall.
They had made no real magical fortification, despite the gaggle of mages at their disposal. None were so capable at charms. Argus’s arrival and proximity reminded Catherynn of this issue daily, made the whispers scream from behind their teeth that Rookscove would be lost.
(mentions: @venn-ii-sovereign, @greenapplesprite, @housesovereign)






