002 | Video | open to both courts

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Sif doesn't really use her locket too terribly often, but these past few days spent digging up old bones and transporting them back to the crypt of Caer Glaem has made her somewhat philosophical, especially since she has a promise to keep and she is very much a woman of her word.

Her chief helper in the task of transporting bones can be seen as well, since she decided to record this message on a whim just as she was dismounting her cleg. The big animal seems to have decided that she is a worthy enough mistress, since it is rubbing its great head against her arm with enough force that even the sturdy Asgardian has to brace herself a bit against it. ]

Stop that, my friend.

[ There is a somewhat uncommon softness in her tone as she gently shoves the cleg's head away from her before addressing the network. ]

I was tasked by Black Shuck with honoring the plains of Cathraon after the revels of Samhain were over and done with, to mark the sorrow of those lands and to pay it homage. I have been carrying bones from unmarked graves to a final resting place for days now, since it is his will that we do so, but I am uncertain if that is enough to see my oath fulfilled. It is up to me to decide how this should be done, but if you would be willing to share with me how you would do such a thing I would gladly listen. I know many among you belong to peoples strongly connected to the land you walk upon.

[ She's friends with elves after all. The cleg tries to get her attention again, and she smiles a little while she turns away briefly to again make it stop pestering her. ]

On a less somber note I would also ask if any of you ladies in this world know of a way to avoid getting with child should one desire to take a lover. I am unfamiliar with the methods of this realm.

[ Asgardian bluntness strikes again. ]

Thank you, and a good day to you all.

Comments

[video]

[sculptor_of_aman]

When the first sorrows marred the lands of Valinor... The loss of the Trees, the first slaying of an Elf... All of us shared in those sorrows, Elf and Vala alike. No words of healing could restore, and so we spoke words of remembrance and sang songs of lament. We hallowed it with our tears and allowed no further evil to touch it.

As for your second question... Truly, if not for such things, my sons may have numbered more than seven. Dearly did my husband and I love each other, and, through the twilight of our Years of the Children, though we much enjoyed each other's company, but Fëanáro feared what another child might do to me in the wake of the births of our twins. He feared it too taxing, yet was not ready to let such passions fade. Lady Yavanna, though, knew all plants. She granted me some herbs that would allow me to enjoy my husband until our natures turned to other pursuits, but yet would not risk another child in my womb. I am not certain if they grow here, but something similar may.

But... Elenmahtarwen... I was not aware of your impending nuptials.

[video]

[fiercestwarrior]

[ She'll address all of Nerdanel's quite excellent points later, but that last thing she says actually draws some surprised laughter from the shieldmaiden. ]

My what?

[ Mother, please. ]

Trust me, Nerdanel, if I was getting married you would know about it.

[not here]

[starspangled]

[Sif's a powerful ally and Steve would normally always speak to her, but-

This is not the subject for him. He could offer the whole 'nickle between your knees' option, but that's pretty outdated, and not very practical even in his day.

So. About-face, Rogers.]

private video;

[survivra]

I don’t know if you have another name for it, but back home there's a small purple flower called seabane. A woman who eats its leaves will not bear a child. I have looked, but I have not seen any patches of it grown here either wild or domestic, nor heard it mentioned.

private video;

[fiercestwarrior]

There are other herbs in this realm with a similar effect, I have been given a recipe for an infusion. If you wish I can pass it on to you as well.

[athousandcurses]

There is a certain combination of herbs that, when taken as an infusion, will help prevent such conception. I see them often in my travels but as it is the off season, it may be easiest purchasing them from an herbalist.

[The woman that answers looks disheveled and obviously on the road, but Grainne seems to take it as a matter of course when traveling.]

I will be happy to share with you the recipe. It has worked for me to great effect, else I would likely have a dozen children by now.

private video;

[fiercestwarrior]

I would be grateful for such knowledge.

1/2

[playmakings]

[ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]

2/2 video;

[playmakings]

U--uhm, Sif?

Can I ask..I mean if it's okay--I just...

Why?

video;

[smithwork]

[ This is going to be so awkward BUT HE CAN HELP. Sort of. Jack is stable with his condition as peaceful as it's been since he fell into an enchanted sleep and Hiccup replies to Sif through the lockets from his slumbering friend's side in bed, unable to rest anywhere else if he can't keep an eye on his patient. Jack might have a Frost Thing going on but that hasn't stopped Hiccup tucking him in. ]

Uh. [ What was the word? Scientific. Yeah, he can be that right now. ] If you're looking for ways to avoid bearing children, the, um. The Station has an interesting array of ... items, in the storeroom.

Like, a lot of them, it's a bit staggering.

video;

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Hiccup, you are adorable, and also being remarkably useful which is very appreciated. ]

What sort of items?

[ Because that sounds a lot easier than trying to gather herbs. ]

video;

[notyetlegend]

[Oh sweet baby Lugh]

I...uh, I remember my mother taking a herbal tea before she chose to have my brothers.

video;

[fiercestwarrior]

It seems as if a similar solution is available here.

[ It's fine Merida you don't have to make yourself feel more awkward, other people have already taken those hits for you. ]

[vrykolakas]

Sheaths, girl, or drink parsley tea when you need to bleed. Either that or make him come across your stomach.

I can't help you with Cathraon, hells only know I'm busy enough, but let dogs at it, if you can handle them well enough to stop them gnawing at the remains of the fallen. Or find some other beast which will fetch and carry. Offer me something in return and I'll talk to a friend with an affinity for the remnants of dead things, who will sniff them out with delight, but I can't promise his complacency.

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Girl? Really? ]

Yes, I know that keeping a lover from entering me would have the desired effect.

[ What she's looking for here is options. ]

As for the rest, the bones of the fallen are easy enough to find. What I am considering is what should be done for the land itself.

video; private

[chromosomes]

[ AS SOON AS JOHN'S DONE CHOKING... ]

You know, I'm honestly surprised that no one else has asked that yet.

video; private

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Hey this is good news John, means you might get to see her naked again. ]

As am I. It is perhaps not something one thinks of without cause since there are many more pressing concerns to focus on here, but I have a hard time believeing I am the only shardbearing lady with reason to be considering these things.

video;

[extramural]

I have seen many ways, over the years. The wealthy ladies of Dunwall have taken to placing river krust pearls between their legs, though they must take care to have the acid completely removed. In the wilds of Pandyssia, they carefully inject the venom of a great red frog into the seam of their thigh, while along the shores they boil the spines of a venomous fish and use it as a salve.

[ outsider. outsider she asked for LADIES. ]

video; can't help it

[digophelia]

I didn't realize you were a lady.

[ DEADPAN. ]

video; i'm sorry.

[showmeyourwreath]

[Just this face.]

video;

[digophelia]

[ Not that this has been a subject she's heard before, Alice looks.

And looks. Before deciding, yep, she's got nothing here. LET'S JUST TALK ABOUT DEAD BODIES, THAT'S EASIER. A terse sigh later and Alice holding her face. ]

I was told in my youth that sometimes the dead were left with coins if they needed to pay the ferryman to cross the River Styx. While it is not a commonly held belief, I've seen graves with coins placed on top of them as an offering.

I would imagine any sort of offering would work just as well.

Re: video;

[fiercestwarrior]

[ That's fine by Sif, she did want to discuss both these topics. ]

I think the fallen will rest well enough in the crypts of Caer Glaem and Caer Scima. What I am pondering is how to honor the land itself.

Video

[showmeyourwreath]

At home, we usually drink a brew, or you can eat certain plants, too. If you need herbs, I'd be happy to grow them for you, if they're not handy.

[The're probably not, for obvious reasons.]

Video

[fiercestwarrior]

That would certainly be easier than trying to find them myself or tracking down a herbalist of some sort. You are very kind to offer.

[video]

[waterbearer]

That may not be an issue if your partner isn't a genetically viable match, species-wise. And any such species-differentiated traits will also need to be taken into account with any sort of medicinal remedy you use.

[ Kaldur has given this speech to so many super-powered and potentially alien teens he's forgotten that it could be awkward any more. ]

Hiccup has already mentioned the supplies at the Station, which I would recommend. Condoms are the easiest, and available for most varieties of sexual organs. If you need any help in that area, I would be glad to point out what is recommended. [ Odds are there are more than just human ones, given that Kaldur has seen a few aliens around. ] I am unsure as to how well certain medications will work in effectiveness outside of the station, as I am unsure as to whether the 'safety ring' around the station has more to do with what is available in 'modern times' or a more literal concept of technology.

[ Would birth control that works by causing a hormone imbalance or killing sperm/stopping them from moving work? Kaldur isn't entirely sure, but he figures better safe than sorry.

On that note, he is starting to realize this is an oddly frank conversation to be having. ]

My apologies for the bluntness. I am... not unfamiliar with having to explain these things. Kaldur, at your service.

[video]

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Sif can be plenty awkward about many things but she doesn't really see anything to be uncomfortable with here. ]

Lady Sif of Asgard, at yours. If I did not want to know the answer I would not have asked the question. I thank you for your knowledge, Kaldur.

Video

[mildly]

I remember my grandmother speaking of a tea that was quite effective in such matters. Perhaps if I can recall the ingredients, it could be made here.

Video

[fiercestwarrior]

Any information you could supply would be appreciated.

belated vid

[ziggyzoggy]

For very old bones? [Apparently, it's an important distinction to make. He scratches his chin, thinking hard.] Hm.

Eh, for my tribe, our rites to the long dead be a bit time consumin'... [He acts like he's talking to himself here. Or talking himself into something, or out of it. And the likelihood of the bones being his own tribe is rather small, so, you're also dealing with other people's spirits and their ideas of propriety...]

I think ya can't go wrong with burnin' an offerin' for the dead. And when ya dig 'em up, keep 'em separated.

[He chuckles.] Ya wouldn't much like to end up wit' someone else's arm, yeah?

but still ever so welcome <333

[fiercestwarrior]

[ She huffs with amusement and nods her agreement. ]

Indeed I would not. Does your tribe have any ceremonies for the land itself as well, or only for those who have been slain upon it?