eachdraidh | 002 ♖ [video]

[Richard Castle is coming to you live from the Seelie armory where he's been assisting in the process of organizing the weapons, shields and armor for the forthcoming battle. Since he honestly doesn't plan on riding out to fight with people he doesn't want to kill in a battle he doesn't want to participate in, he figures this is a way to still be helpful without actually risking life and limb. Castle, of course, has a different definition of "helpful" than most people do. In fact, the first thing one notices on the locket screen is Castle wearing an armored helmet. He lifts the face shield and smiles at his audience.]

Hey. So, I just wanted to draw your attention to the armory. If you haven't visited here lately, they have the latest medieval technology for all your fighting needs, including armor hand-shined by yours truly.

[He turns the locket around in order to show a panoramic view of rows of shiny breastplates and helmets, all stacked neatly and awaiting wearers, then turns the view back on himself.]

So come check it out. I might even fit you myself, if you're that lucky.

[With that, Castle flips down the front of his helmet and flashes a thumbs up to the locket. Then, as an afterthought, he quickly raises the hatch again.]

Oh, while I'm thinking about it... I've heard that it's possible to use guns here. If you have any knowledge about how to acquire one, even if it's, shall we say, an older model, I'd be very interested to hear what you know.

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[Pod is among jars and herbs, trying to make more wound wash and liniments for the mounts while she can.]

I see you too are doing your part, Rick. I wonder, though, what is a gun?

Trying my best.

[He's interested in what she's doing too but wants to answer her question first.]

It's a weapon that shoots a projectile. Kind of like a bow but easier to use and more deadly.

I can safely say I've never seen one, then. Unless it might be like a sling-shot or similar.

Is it a weapon you are more used to?

[She thinks for a moment.] Finding a rare weapon you're used to would be worth it, I think. Easier than learning something new entire.

Yes. It's probably the most commonly used weapon where I'm from. And I agree that it's better to try and find a weapon I'm used to. You saw me with the bow.

[He gives her a wry smile, then turns his attention to the materials around her.]

And what are you working on?

I did indeed.

[Pod smiles and holds up one of the jars.]

I'm working on making wound wash and liniment for the horses and other beasts. I don't think a battlefield would be a good place for me, yet, I should do something to assist.

[Mostly to avoid the potential for punishment. She does not want that.]

Honestly, that's why I'm in here shining armor.

[Because, again, you saw him with the bow, Pod. He's better with the sword, but he'd rather not let an enemy get that close to him if he can help it.]

That's neat though. I'm sure the knights will appreciate that. It might cut down on horse casualties.

It is a good way to contribute, lest the armor rend in the middle of battle and leave an opening. And I am hoping so, though I do not know how much I could make on my own. I may see if anyone else knows enough of herbs to follow directions.

[Though she ducks her head at that. She's not sure she's ready to teach others anything yet.]

And if they'll accept instruction from a 'prentice.

Doesn't really matter who makes the stuff so long as it works, right? [He smiles.]

That is true. I suppose I shall call out and see who can help. I am running low on a few things. Not dangerously yet, but...

If nothing else someone might be able to get me what herbs I need, or point me where they can be found. Would that it wasn't the middle of winter!

[She hesitates on the thought of actually asking though. It would be unheard of for an apprentice to take charge that way at home.]

Yeah, not the greatest time for herbs. Though if you get seeds, you could plant them yourself in pots and maybe keep them in a sunny place in the courtyard. Just bring them in when it snows. The kitchen might even be able to help you with some of what you're looking for, if they're herbs that are used in cooking as well.

Maybe, though many plants would not find the winter sun to their liking, even if they are hardy enough to stand the cold. If there was some way to keep them warmer, and strengthen the light somehow...

[Greenhouses haven't been invented yet where she comes from, though there are a few methods for more hardy plants. Still, she might make use of that idea somehow. Hmm...]

And some are, indeed. I think I've raided the kitchens a time or two, but I wouldn't want to take all of their herbs. Some are not prepared in the best way for medicines either, though they do in a pinch.

Maybe the faeries can help? [Stranger words have never been spoken aloud by him.] You know they offer gifts to people who help them.

I will try to think of a way to aid them. They have already helped me a little. [she smiles] Thank you, though.

Of course. You've helped with the war effort by making medicines, so maybe they'll reward you with something to help your herbs grow.

I would ask that, except that I'm not much of a gardener. I fear what help they give might be undone by myself. That's why I was assigned to follow a Wort Hunter, and a learning trek into the woods, to learn where they grow.

What I think, is that I should ask them to help the gardeners instead, so that we all may reap the benefits. The trick is to find a gardener and explain the idea.

[That's sweet, asking for something for someone else. All of Castle's boons so far have been pretty selfish.]

Do you think that's what you'll ask for when the fairies come around?

You mean, if I earn a 'boon?' I think I might ask to learn to understand beasts, and they to understand me in return. It would have been easier to help the wolves if I could have conversed with them as we are conversing now!

[So a little selfish, but still motivated by the desire to help others.]

002 ♖ [video] | Seelie

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