Video; Dec 3rd; both courts

[cagedinflesh]

Good day.

I'm afraid a mistake has been made. As I understand it, it's the Seelie court which should seek my loyalty, and yet I have found myself among the Unseelie. I intend no offence to members of either court, nor disloyalty to the court I have been placed with, yet it is a perplexity. Simply put, I am left to wonder if this was indeed the intent and there has been no confusion, or if my own confusion is sound. It's...troubling, for reasons I apologise for not detailing.

Similarly, I'm looking for a friend, most likely among the Seelie, if present. He's about seventeen, Japanese, and you'll know him for a foolish innocence and investment in justice. Better still, being terribly easily flustered.

[Giving a name would be better, and it does make it apparent this friend is his Master, to anyone in the know, but it is still even just a little bit safer to keep Tatsumi's name secret. He can't jeopardise the boy's safety.]

Ah, one more thing. I'm a doctor, therefore if anyone is ever in need of medical attention, I am always available, particularly for those outside the courts who may not have access to their infirmaries. I should note, however, my practice may not be up-to-date for some. Although I do promise I don't suck. [He laughs lightly.] -That's right, a name would be helpful, wouldn't it? I suppose it's best to continue with Berserker for now, although I am aware there is another by the name. If that name holds meaning to you, I believe it's important we speak. Perhaps more privately.

Comments

[aureinsof]

Something important...? Then my friends and Marta. Protecting them is all I care about. To do that, though, I'm trying to get stronger. I guess I'm devoted to that.

[He smiles a little.] Those must sound more selfish.

[cagedinflesh]

How is protecting your friends at all selfish? Certainly it must be for caring greatly for them, yet that is in no way something selfish. Quite admirable, in fact. I too have a dear friend I wish to protect, I understand your sentiments entirely.

[aureinsof]

Oh that's right. You're trying to find someone, too. So have you found him yet?

[cagedinflesh]

[He shakes his head.] No, I suspect he must not be here. Which is good, I suppose, in some ways. Whether he remains safe in our world in my absence is yet to be determined, however, and so I must worry still.

[aureinsof]

That's how I feel too. It's probably good that Marta isn't here. But if she's by herself back home, then I'm really worried.

[cagedinflesh]

It's terrible to leave someone behind, isn't it? I'm terribly sorry you must carry that worry. Is she your girlfriend?

[Just going to ask that flat out, yep.]

[aureinsof]

[Emil drops his locket in surprise and in the scramble to pick it back up, Jekyll gets to see just how red he turned in two seconds flat.]

M-My girlfriend? [His voice went a pitch higher, too, and he's trying and failing to compose himself.] W-Well she's really pretty and kind and thoughtful. She's so different from any other girl I've ever met. She's, uhm, she's- She's my reason for being.

[Emil fidgets with the locket, meaning the picture is moving around. He's so smart.]

So, uhm... uhm, I... I do... I think...

[cagedinflesh]

[Oh no, young people getting flustered about the opposite sex is surprisingly hilarious, even if he didn't exactly intend to startle Emil. But he's so sincere, it's sweet.]

Is that so? If you admire her so, and if you draw such strength from her, then I believe you must. Although it isn't at all my place to say, of course.

[aureinsof]

[He's still flustered but he gives a small nod.]

I became a knight to protect her. But, uhm! This must be really boring....

[cagedinflesh]

Not at all! It's really very sweet, I never had such a love - and a knight on top of it all! You must continue, allow me to live vicariously through you.

[K N I G H T S

so cool. justice. yes]

[aureinsof]

You really must love knights huh? I always liked those stories, too.

[Hmm, Tenebrae isn't here to rain on any parades or anything, so maybe...]

Then... on my pact, I name you an honourary Knight of Ratatosk.

[He can't deny someone with dreams like that a small thing.]

[cagedinflesh]

[Oh no, that's so sweet. What a kind young man! How can such incredibly good people exist, in such sincerity? For all Berserker's appreciation, there is a painful aspect. He is, of course, undeserving, even of a meaningless declaration.]

How good of you! I have always admired knights all too much. You've just proven yourself a shining example - Sir...?

[And then there is the other. Such deep disapproval and disgust causes a knot in his stomach, something rising in his chest, squirming and dark and awful.]

[aureinsof]

[He's not the only one. Throwing around the title they received for Marta isn't something he likes but Emil can do whatever he wants. He'll just ignore it.]

Emil. It's really nice to meet you, uhm, Berserker, right?

[cagedinflesh]

That's right, it's a pleasure to meet you too, Sir Emil.

[He assumes since he's a knight, it's sir!!]

May I ask what, or who, Ratatosk is? Has it anything to do with the squirrel of Norse mythology?

[aureinsof]

[Who knew introducing yourself as a knight would get a title?? What a weird place.]

I'm starting to think when he hatches he'll just be a big squirrel... But uhm, I don't think so. Or if he does, no one has told me. He guards the gate to Niflheim where the demons live. He's a great spirit though, so he's very powerful.

[cagedinflesh]

Isn't that Norse too? Maybe he will be!

[He doesn't know it well enough to know exactly what the place is, but...]

So he's a sort of god or deity? That's a very noble knightly order then.

[aureinsof]

I don't think it qualifies as an order if I'm the only one. But I don't know anything about Norse mythology. What's it about? Maybe I'll learn something about Ratatosk that way.

[cagedinflesh]

-You are the sole member? Then, you must have been personally chosen in some way?

Well, as in any mythology the stories tend to be an explanation for the workings of nature, as told through the relations of the gods. I believe Ratatosk is some form of messenger to the creatures living within the world tree, which supports all life in connecting various worlds. It isn't something I'm terribly familiar with - a few stories I read as a boy.

[aureinsof]

The world tree? That makes sense... [Emil considers it for a second.] We have a tree like that. It gives life to everything. Ratatosk guards it. So, I guess he has a more important role but it sounds pretty similar. There also used to be other worlds and he guarded the doors.

[Oh and he nearly forgot--] Ah, uhm, that's right, though. Marta wanted me to be a knight, so I was picked specially.

[cagedinflesh]

How interesting it should indeed be related! I imagine your Ratatosk should have to be something more...intimidating than a squirrel to be the guardian to something so important.

-Ah, then not only are you the right hand to the guardian of your world, but chosen specifically! Most impressive indeed!

[aureinsof]

[He looks deeply embarrassed and squirms.]

You make me sound really important. Marta is the one carrying Ratatosk's core and risking her life. I'm just protecting her and doing my best to help out.

[cagedinflesh]

Don't you see how important that is? You are risking your own life for hers as well! What's more, to be so humble speaks for your gallantry all the more!

[aureinsof]

O-Oh, uhm, well... [There's really no way out of this without sounding downright rude now.] I-In that case, is it all right... if I consider us friends?

[cagedinflesh]

[Jekyll practically beams, despite remembering his manners, and trying to tone it down.]

It would be an honour! I have never called a true knight friend!