eachdraidh | [Quest] Video (To Seelie, Hermione-Net, Rin's Networks, & Alyosha-Net) Trouble at the Pool of Souls

[If Diarmuid counts them all, he has something like half a dozen different communication devices. He stares at them in distaste. He should not have to go to so much trouble to contact those he cares about safely, but this madness is what the courts have forced on them. One-by-one, he sends the same short video message over each device. First his locket, then the brooch Hermione enchanted for him, next the necklace Rin enchanted for him, and then the compass network Rin made for those most trusted by Alyosha. Finally, he looks at the ring that is keyed to the commanders of the Red Hand. He could send the message to John and Javik through it as well, but he has a feeling they will probably see it in one of the other ways as well. The only device he doesn't consider using is the mirror given to him by Faolan. The spymaster is the one who gave him the quest after all, and Faolan has already told him all he knows.

It is a lot of work, but Diarmuid needs information, and he has never been one who does things by half measures.

He is sorry to those who get the message more than once, though...]

Greetings everyone. I know right now the focus of many of us must be battle preparations, but it has been brought to my attention that something strange is going on at the Pool of Souls. This place is a place of peace and healing and cannot be allowed to be defiled. As such, I am asking anyone who sees this and knows anything about the area--be it rumors you have heard or travels you have made there--to share that information with me. I do not want to go into this unprepared for there are many dangerous groups who play this game with us, and I have no wish to become their prey.

[The possibility that this disturbance is being caused by an Unseelie has crossed Diarmuid's mind, but he finds it a lot more likely an outside group like the Cult of the Fox is involved. If not the Cult of the Fox, it is just as likely to be one of the other cults that have sprung up since the Void started moving so much closer.]

No piece of information is too small, so please don't hesitate to share. I look forward to hearing from you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[An appreciative look fills his eyes, but there is also a look of worry in them.]

Can you spare the men? I do not wish the city to be put in danger. However, if you can, once we figure out what is going on there, it would probably not be a bad idea to have men patrolling to make sure those we drive out do not return.

I would not offer, if I could not.

[He sighs, running a hand through his hair.]

I am worth more than most of my men. So yes, I can afford them. And this is something important. I can always conscript more willing men from Cothromach. Most follow me well, still.

[Diarmuid nods, glad to hear it.]

I didn't think so, but I am always one to ask instead of assume. It's good that they are so willing to follow you. Hopefully, conscription won't be necessary.

[There will be plenty of that when the battles looming on the horizon get closer.]

Since you are so graciously offering to help me, is there anything I can do for you or the city? I know I have not been around much lately.

[Everything happens all the time...]

..there have been issues with supplies, recently. We suspect Unseelie, but no one cna be sure. We are investigating.

But what is important is to maintain the flow of goods. If you can help with that, I would greatly appreciate it.

Trouble with supplies?

[It's a solid and intelligent tactic. One that sets his mind drifting back to the conversation he had with Harry while they were helping banshees.

Could he have meant...]

What kind of help would be of most use to you? Are you thinking along the lines of more guards or information perhaps?

...just a small hiccup. It happens.

[He isn't going to expound on an open network.]

Both would be well looked upon.

[Diarmuid nods in understanding.]

I can make no promises at the moment, but I will see what I can do.

[Information might be easier for him currently than men, but there might be some in the Red Hand willing to add a bit of protection to the supply routes.]

Do you have issues working with mercenaries or paying them a fee to assist you?

I would appreciate it, thank you.

[he shakes his head.]

No. I believe in any means to the end, as long as it keeps my people safe and well fed.

Good. That will make things easier.

[While the Red Hand is not aligning itself with one court or the other anymore, Diarmuid is sure he can find a few of the Seelie Red Hand members who would be willing to help guard caravans.]

I will be in touch with you again, then, once I have this problem taken care of.

You will find my men near the pool within a day.

Thank you. And within a day, I hope to have a lot more information for them so they can know what to be looking for.

[He bows his head to Loras.]

I will be sure to send one of them back to let you know what we have learned.