eachdraidh | [Accidental Video-Open to both courts] Peace and Quiet?!? (Backdated to the 15th)

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[Accidental Video-Open to both courts] Peace and Quiet?!? (Backdated to the 15th)

[What first comes across the lockets is not video, but sound. It's the sound of someone small giggling. Two someones, actually. A moment after the audio starts, video does. The picture jumps around a bit before focusing on a dark-haired form sleeping on his side in bed. Those who know Diarmuid probably will be surprised to see him not only sleeping, but sleeping so soundly that whoever is messing with his locket--most likely a certain pair of mischievous fairies--doesn't wake him....

After the picture focuses on Diarmuid for a few moments, something under the blankets next to him begins to move. It starts at the foot of the bed and wiggles its way up the the head of it. Finally, it emerges out from under the blankets with enough force to throw the top back revealing a few things in the process. Number one is that Diarmuid apparently sleeps without a shirt. Number two is that said Seelie knight obviously was in a pretty big fight not long ago considering the bandages on his arms and around his chest. Number three? That would be what the wiggling thing itself is: a bear cub-sized ball of spotted grey fur and fangs. Said ball of fur starts sniffing aggressively at Diarmuid. So much so that it pushes him off his side and onto his back. Diarmuid wakes with a start and then a wince as his injuries are jolted. The ball of wiggling fur continues sniffing at him, eventually crawling up to sit on the man's chest.

Diarmuid winces again as the creature settles on top of him and then smiles sleepily, giving it a strange look.]

Well...what do we have here? Are you suppose to be my new hunting companion?

[His voice is soft, though that might be because he just woke up. However, it's hoarse too and just a little wheezy. It's obvious talking is still hard for him. Why ever might that be?

He raises a hand to pet the creature, but pauses when some soft giggles catch his attention. Diarmuid rolls his head to the side, messy hair falling into his eyes, and blinks in surprise when he notices the fairies and his locket. A gentle smile soon replaces the surprise on his face and he sighs.]

Really? What does a man need to do to get a little rest here?

[Diarmuid chuckles softly and then reaches up to brush his hair out of his face the best he can.]

Well, I was going to do this a little later, but since my locket is already broadcasting, I might as well get it done now. If anyone has seen my wife, Lady Grainne, could you please let me know? She isn't in the Caer and whatever message she left for me about where she went seems to be missing.

Grainne, if you see this, can you contact me and let me know when you will be back? There are a few things I need to tell you.

Secondly...

[It takes a moment, but Diarmuid frees his hand from petting the creature on his chest and then holds his hand out so that one of the rings on it can be seen.]

Last month I was given a ring that can summon and control fire. Unfortunately, I am not very skilled at controlling it. There are some new scorch marks in the training area that can attest to that. If there is anyone who is willing to risk being set on fire to help me learn to control it better, I would be very grateful for the help.

Finally, since it seems I am now in the possession of a bandersnatch cub, does anyone have advice for raising one? I would hate to make the little guy sick.

[The cub in question makes a soft, happy sound and Diarmuid turns his attention back to petting it.]

I suppose I better think of a name for you. And get you some food. You need to move so I can do that.

[A soft growl comes from the cub. It doesn't look like it wants to give up his perch.]

But you are getting heavy...

[The fairies don't really try to hide their giggles this time and it draws Diarmuid's attention back to them.]

Would you shut that off? And no, I am not going to answer the question if I am wearing pants under these blankets or not!

[More giggles fill the air this time and then the message finally ends.]

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[Diarmuid laughs and waves a dismissive hand.]

If you do, you do. I do not mind. If I had it my way, I would just introduce myself by my true name anyway. The rules of the war really do not apply here, do they?

[It is merely because of his Lord's request that he introduces himself as 'Lancer' at all.]

I hope that you are right. We may be here a long time and it would be good if the curse passed by the time I return to them. The war will go much smoother.

No, no I suppose they don't. Still, one's legend can be...misleading. To put oneself on display that way could potentially be uncomfortable, or worse. Whether the way it's seen in the modern day is truthful or not. If any would wish to reveal their name to me, I would be fascinated to hear it, but to press the matter or to guess is a very different thing.

[He doesn't look Lancer in the eye as he says it, because of course he has his own in mind, and it's shameful even to think of.]

We can hope, then! My fingers will be crossed for you. At least something good should come of this.

That is true. I suppose not everyone is so lucky as I was. One of my best friends is the one who spun the first versions of my legend. Of course, they will reflect well on me.

[That and Diarmuid was a good person who was forced into a bad situation by Fate. It's not like Oisin had to work too hard to make him look like a hero. Diarmuid was one.]

Thank you. What else would you like to know of my war?

Is that so? It was a dear friend who wrote of me, too. Yet not so flattering.

[He gives a bit of a shrug and a faint smile.]

Hm, let's see. Is there anything odd or different about it? Do you know if the war has changed at all since the first?

[Diarmuid frowns.]

Well, my friend was a dreamer and loved beauty. I honesty am not surprised he told my tales as he did. Not everyone is like that. I suspect that your friend was probably more of a realist than mine was.

[Still, it is sad that a friend would remember another in such a way.]

I don't think so? But, I have to admit that my knowledge of past wars is limited to what the Grail has told me. My lord would probably be able to better answer that question. However, as far as I know there are some things that have never changed. There are seven Servants and seven Masters who fight to win the chance to wish upon the Holy Grail. One Servant is summoned from each class: Saber, Lancer, Archer, Caster, Berserker, Rider, and Assassin.

I would not say a realist so much as invested in certain ideas, which happened to lend well. Or rather to be the direct subject matter. He wouldn't sugarcoat anything, at least. In some ways, I suppose I am grateful for that. Your friend, however, may as well be under an obligation to spin the tale in such a way! Stories of knights are always grand and beautiful, I don't doubt it to be fact for you.

[He beams. It should be clear in that, he isn't just saying it. If Lancer is a knight, then that sort of story is only appropriate. The friend did well.]

Yes, that all is certainly a constant. Perhaps this would be better asked of a Master, yet I hesitate to, as their opinion may be more biased than a Servant's. Is it, in your opinion, something for magi to assert some sort of dominance? Over others within the war, certainly, but among outsiders, whether magi or innocent locals? ...I suppose what I am asking is whether you have noted any abusing their power.

Well, he was a great bard and you are right, there are certain things that audiences expect.

[Plus there isn't a bard out there who doesn't have their own versions of tales--ones where they exaggerate some things or gloss over others to prove their point better.]

It's true. My lord's view on things is very different from my own. This is despite the fact that we have the same goal...

I have only met a few of the masters in my war--remember my war is still very new. From what I can tell, though, Rider's master is not going to be one who ever can abuse him. Rider barely listens to him or anyone to be honest.

[Diarmuid laughs softly.]

After seeing Saber and her master interact, I don't think she would abuse her power over Saber either. The only other master I know personally is my own and...

[Despite the command spell that was used on him, Diarmuid won't speak ill of Kayneth, so he just falls quiet instead. The sudden silence is probably somewhat damning itself...]

[Berserker nods. There's no reason to say anything when he trails off like that. He could have made up a lie, but the silence is telling.]

But they would not abuse the power of their magecraft, or the wish they may receive, to harm or oppress the people of the area, at least? I would not wish for a Servant to be treated badly, but we at least are not entirely powerless. Thank you. It seems you would not be able to answer anything else which comes to mind, so I will open myself to you, if you've any questions in return.

[Actually, he couldn't because Diarmuid doesn't lie. Besides, silence can say more than words anyway.]

I apologize...

[A disappointed look crosses his face.]

I know my master mentioned that someone collapsed our base not caring that it was in a hotel, but I have not lived through that myself. I hope no innocents were caught in the crossfire...

[If only he was farther long in his war. He could tell about one Kiritsugu Emiya...]

Since I could not really help you, it doesn't seem right of me to ask you anything.

[Even if he is still curious.]

...That's awful. I sincerely hope all were safe, although in a hotel in modern times...it does not sound entirely promising.

No, you've helped a great deal. The only other question I would have would be whether there is some record of which Masters have died within the Grail Wars. To which I imagine the answer would be 'no', regardless of your own knowledge. Something simply worth a try, of which I expect no return. Perhaps that I should not be allowed to know in the first place. Ask anything you wish.

[Diarmuid nods in agreement.]

I hope so as well. My lord didn't tell me more besides the fact that we all escaped safely. Still, whoever it was that attacked us like that obviously had little respect or care for the innocents who might get hurt or killed as long as his enemy died.

[Unconsciously, Diarmuid raises a hand to tap at his chin while he thinks. After a moment of though, his hand drops away again.]

There is none that I know of, but that is not really information a Servant would be given. We don't even know if the Servant we are facing might have been summoned in a war before. If there was a list though, it is something my lord might have studied while he prepared for the war. After all, Masters do tend to come from certain magically powerful families. I do know that much.

[He doesn't ask a question right away, content to let discussion finish on this point before moving onto another.]

...That's awful. So such magi do still exist. I suppose they wouldn't simply disappear all of a sudden...

[Still, it's disheartening to hear.]

Yes, I had suspected as much. If any were to know of such a thing, it would be magi studying the war. It does not seem important information for the Grail to give to a Servant in the least. Still, it might be best not to know the outcome.

I am afraid so. I take it from your tone that there is someone in your war like that?

[It is an unfortunate thing. Power can make monsters out of the best of men...]

Several of those I know are from times that are after my war has ended and yet I do not ask them what happened. In my opinion, while there are some things that are controlled by Fate, we are still able to accomplish and change much as long as we don't give up. In the end, the future should remain where it is, in the future.

There are several. I do not know how their Servants are treated, but the rest of the city may as well be pawns.

[He presses his lips together, nodding.] Yes, precisely my thoughts. We may never know whether what we are told will remain the truth for us. You are wise to keep to that.

[Anger flashes through my eyes.]

That is not how it should be. I am sorry your war is such a mess. I can only hope that not too many innocents get caught up in everything.

It can be hard sometimes, not to want to know what the future will be, but then I remind myself that the energy I am spending wondering could be better used actually making the future happen. It helps.

[Diarmuid opens his mouth to say something, but is cut off when there is a crash off camera. He sits up in bed and then laughs.]

Oh goodness, Oscar. What are you getting into now?

[His attention shifts back to Berserker.]

You will have to forgive me. I need to take care of a certain little troublemaker. Perhaps we can talk more later?

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[Accidental Video-Open to both courts] Peace and Quiet?!? (Backdated to the 15th)

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