VIDEO(s) | 1-3 September + the rest of September | OPEN | +assorted pm's to a hella lot of people

[waterbearer]

Morning, Sept 1

[ The first video, on September 1st, is an empty room in the healing ward, locket angled awkwardly as though it were left on a dresser or table surface, but not by the user. The voice is raspy and disused, and the picture is off-center, focused on an individual whose body is seemingly entirely submerged in a bathtub full of iced water, bright pink and yellow discolorations interrupting the natural color of the skin. ]

Πού είμαι εγώ? Ανεξ Οριν? Πού είμαι εγώ?

[ He is only awake for a few minutes, entirely disoriented and squinting in the direction of the device he seems to have remembered to activate. He falls back asleep again, and slips beneath the water. ]

Dawn, Sept 2

[ He is awake again, this time more alert, hand moving as though it would reach towards the device before falling entirely still with pain, limbs assuming a decorticate pose. Still he tries to speak again, voice still quiet and raspy. The off-centered image of the locket seems to pick up a very strong fanning of his neck, seemingly expanding and contracting in quick intervals, but it is hard to tell what is causing that effect since the image seems almost blurred. ]

Where is...? Nightwing? Black Canary...?

[ He seems to stay conscious for longer, but his questions end quickly and he looks about in confusion at the room before sinking into unconsciousness again. ]

Mid-day, Sept 2

[ Awake and much more conscious, shifting slightly in the tub, though clearly in some severe form of discomfort. The voice is calmer, though he still seems slightly confused. ]

There was a dragon–

[ He doesn't say more, simply tries to peer about his environment, trying to look for clues. Once someone else enters the room, the feed shuts off. ]

Morning, Sept 3

[ Moderately upright, Alert, and the locket is now centered properly on Kaldur's face, though little can be seen below his chin. Given the more focused view, this seems deliberate. ]

I would know that status of Redgate, as well as all those of my acquaintance who are traveling abroad and receive this message. Thank you.

[ He still looks a little peaky, but much more aware of himself and his surroundings. ]

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Comments

Text

[waterbearer]

Thank you for your honesty.

I would have assisted with the relief efforts, were I capable of doing so. I do not have manpower of my own to lend, but I am hoping to make what resources at my disposal available to help with reconstruction, as well as recompense for the loses, though I understand that true recompense is impossible for such loss.

I would ask, however, that you do not mention that I am the one providing said resources.

[gordianknots]

I'm not the kind of person to lie about a matter such as this.

Consider the matter under permanent nondisclosure. Many people are volunteering what resources they can either personally offer, or indirectly - being one of the many is a massive advantage at the moment.

Things were well under way towards reconstruction when I left, if that means anything to you as well.

[waterbearer]

That many are willing to help, and that progress is being made, these are good things. Again, I thank you for the news.

[gordianknots]

Don't worry about it.

[waterbearer]

It may be little effort for you, but I am grateful all the same. I regret only that I am not physically able to check on the progress myself.

[gordianknots]

Considering that doing so is a matter of unreasonable risk, I would try and minimize the regret aspect.

[waterbearer]

[ you don't know it but you just made Kaldur laugh. ]

Roger that.

Still, if there is anything specifically that is needed, let me know, and I wil do my best to provide.

[gordianknots]

I'll try and pass word on, but I've since left and my updates won't be as accurate as they might be otherwise.

[waterbearer]

I thank you for the effort, nonetheless.

Forgive me, but I would also ask your aid in some other manner. If, in whatever travels you take, you might find a neutral, private ground, I would like to know of it.

[gordianknots]

[Oops, you've got Waver's attention.]

For the sake of clarification, I assume you mean besides the Station, correct?

[waterbearer]

[ Oh that's good. Kaldur needs all the help he can get. ]

Indeed.

The Station, for all its marvels and comforts, seems far too... obvious. There is much traffic in and out, and while there is some benefit to the extension of technology, it cannot compensate for the near-complete lack of security.

Also, a generally more private and quiet place would be preferred, if possible.

[gordianknots]

[Considering Waver's in the processing of doing this exact thing.]

I'll keep an eye and ear out, but I can't promise anything.

[waterbearer]

[ Then this could be a very profitable venture. ]

I appreciate the assistance, nonetheless.

If I can return such a favor to you at any time, let me know of it.

[gordianknots]

[If things can wait about a month, oh, most certainly.]

If I think of something, I'll let you know.

[waterbearer]

[ If you ever need funds. Or muscle, or discreet assistance. Kaldur can probably hook you up. ]

Again, I thank you for your assistance.

[gordianknots]

[Perhaps when they get to know each other better. Waver's slightly warmed up, but there's no reason for trust yet.]

And yet again: you're very welcome. Hopefully something'll turn up.

[waterbearer]

I only hope that 'something' still exists.

[ It is about fifteen days later, after an concerning conversation with Nico and a more frustrating one with his 'current monarch'. ]

When you are searching for new places, I would ask that you seek a location that contains resources and knowledge.

I would be willing to supply some of those said resources, if you do discover or settle upon a location.

[ Kaldur has funds; there has to be a printer somewhere in Treun, and he has a book from Alyosha. If nothing else, he can take locket-copies of books from the Seelie library and investigate the station itself for some way of "printing" or binding the images together in book form.

After the Drabkeep's castle ashes, knowledge has become a greater priority. ]

[gordianknots]

[The change in tone is one that Waver finds interesting. Admittedly though, many of the suggestions are matters he's had in mind from the get go.]

You've heard about the Drabkeeper's loss, I take it.

Also, as a piece of advice and I am hoping this doesn't come off as condescending as it might read: don't give financial backing unless you're comfortable with what might happen if someone finds out who you're funneling money to. If multiple people can be connected to this, then any punishment from the court takes everyone out of the matter. That's unacceptable.

so this is totally super locked yep

[waterbearer]

Yes.

[ Very directly and personally, after having had direct interest in it, and the wellbeing of those who found it such. ]

And yet, and equally-funded joint venture provides greater evidence of neutrality and shows that the individuals involved are taking the idea of this war seriously. [ And, frankly, Kaldur has Team–family—on both sides of this conflict, and he's not all that afraid of showing it, barring the safety of those individuals (or the one in particular) not on 'his side. ] Whether the monarchs consider it initiative or not, on the off chance it is discovered, they may not disapprove. What better chance to safely observe and research 'your enemy' than on neutral territory?


I do understand and thank you for the warning, and I will keep it in mind as I work out a way to assist. There are subtler ways to provide funds, or even the required supplies if necessary. And for myself, I am not unwilling to face the consequences.

[ Slowly, or by collecting a library of his own, and eventually migrating it to said location. Kaldur will figure something out. It's not his first rodeo. ]

PRETEND THAT WAVER'S WAS TOO oops.

[gordianknots]

The loss of information is horrid.

[He saw it personally, and the scraps that Waver took away are precious things - currently preserved between panes of glass back in Caer Scima, and to be moved once there's a safe place for them.]

You make a good point, and I don't doubt they've encountered resistance movements before. That said, I like to check and make sure that people are aware of risks - consider it more a reflection of people I've worked with in the past than anything I'd suspect of you.

The whole thread was totally locked since forever. Yep.

[waterbearer]

An uderstandable and admirable precaution.

I confess myself at an advantage: I have heard of you before from people I trust not to deceive me. I didn't feel the need to do the same.

[ Kaldur could still stand to use the data the League has. His memory and his knowledge of the Drabwurld does not remotely compete hmemory and his knowledge of his home. ]

I am sorry your normal allies aren't as aware of the risks.

Totally. Absolutely. Yup.

[gordianknots]

--Let me guess, Sir Lancelot?

[The Seelie one, not the Unseelie one. Which is still something Waver finds entertaining and occasionally confusing in casual conversation.]

I generally know how to anticipate their shortcomings. Here, I don't have the advantage of twenty years of knowing people and how they operate.

/totally on top of it

[waterbearer]

One of them, as well as a few others.

[ Kaldur's aware of it, too, and his lip would be twitching up in amusement if Waver could see it. ]

I find myself facing some of the strange frustrations. I dislike operating blind.

yay for retroactively applying things!

[gordianknots]

Well, if I'm highly recommended then I'm just glad to have made a positive impression.

[The fact that the Lancelots aren't is the funniest part.]

Steep learning curves are rarely anyone's friend. Circumstances here just make messing up that much worse.

hahahah

[waterbearer]

[ One day, perhaps, they will learn of their twin personhood. Frankly, Kaldur wants that day to take forever to come, because he wants people to get confused, and then to see their faces. ]

Chivalrous behavior tends to do that for many in the Seelie camp, I've seen.

[ Kaldur is more open to taking what advantage he can get, really. And minimize property damage. ]

It has been harder to acquire the network I am used to, and the lack of technology supported in the Drabwurld presents its own sets of solutions and problems. And, as you said, there is little-to-no margin for mistakes.