eachdraidh | 3rd libretto | video

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3rd libretto | video | open to all

[For anyone familiar with any semblance of the Wildcats, the pose Ryan and Kelsi are in is incredibly familiar, with Kelsi behind a large piano in the Seelie palace, comfortable and smiling, even if her hair is incredibly messed up and she’s in the equivalent of her pyjamas, glasses haphazardly perched on her face as she slapped them on in a hurry.]

I didn’t know there was actually a piano here--must be left over from a shardbearer, right?

[Occasionally the camera rocks back and forth as if whoever’s holding Kelsi’s locket is spinning it, but eventually it settles and Ryan answers as his free hand comes down to walk his fingers along the keys.]

Probably. Maybe you should just consider it a Christmas present?

Oh, yeah. I missed Christmas. [ She sounds nonchalant, of course, but anyone who actually spends two minutes with her can probably recognize she’s a little bummed about literally sleeping through her world’s celebration period. Good job, Kels. ] Hey--your locket? [ But she looks incredibly at home, hands already finding their place among the ivory keys. ]

[There’s a hum like Ryan’s not really paying attention, tone light when he speaks.]

Can’t remember if this one’s mine or yours. I kinda threw everything into one bag when we left the infirmary. But if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, the answer’s yes. [The chipper grin is practically visible just from the tone. He knows Kelsi is going to pick up on the implications immediately. He’s pulling her into the spotlight whether she wants it or not. Sorry.] ...hey. Know what we both missed this year? Christmas movie night.

I missed Peanuts! [Her lips turn downward, and it’s hard to tell if it’s a thoughtful pause or just her pouting before she starts playing one of her favourite tunes. It’s a little selfish of her not to play the main theme, but it was always the most fun to play. She looks up at Ryan while she plays, fingers gliding expertly across the keys like skates on ice.] Well, since you’re recording... I guess this is a little East High spirit for Drabwurld? This is something we do every year around this time, play and listen and watch stuff like this, so… Oh.

[She blinks.] I guess this is my belated present to you guys.

[Of course he’s recording, and it’s why the camera’s solely on Kelsi even as he talks.] Music’s kinda like the gift that keeps on giving, you know? And surprisingly Kelsi knows more than one song. [Is he teasing her? Yes he is.] Anyway she’ll be more than happy to take requests, too, won’t you, Kels?

If I can play it! [She’s still tapping away at the keys.] I know a lot more classical music, but I’m good with pop songs, too.

You’re good with a lot of things. [He’s just scolding her lightly as though they’re used to having this conversation, arguing about Kelsi’s skill level.] Guess now’s as good a time as any for musical education.

[ ooc: pink is kelsi, blue is ryan--responses will mostly come from kelsi, but ryan may threadjack! ]

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[He's wracking his brain to try to remember if Kelsi's told him about Renly before. She probably has and he's just sort of put it to the side but now it's time to make nice and at least be polite-ish. He's obviously a friend of hers. And at least he acknowledges her talents. As such he keeps the camera on Kelsi even as he addresses the other man.]

Hey. Nice to meet you. I take it you managed to get her to talk about music at some point? [The tone's amused, like he can't believe it would be that hard to get her to talk about the arts at all.]

And more, truly. Her company was most delightful.

[ And he is being honest. He found her charming, if enthused. Not exactly the worst traits for anyone to have. ]

It's good to put a face to the name.

[ Kelsi laughs, mostly because they're talking about her and she's a little embarrassed, but she keeps playing. ]

Renly comes from the storm lands--it sounds like it came right out of a Disney movie, really. Handsome princes and beautiful princesses and castles on cliffs--tell him about Storm's End!

[ He smiles, his own laughter coming through as a soft chuckle. ]

Of course.

[ And now he sounds almost lecturing, as if regurgitating lessons he had as a child. ]

Storm's End was the home of my ancestors and my seat in the Stormlands. It's history extends back to the Kings of House Durrandon and rumour suggests that the keep itself is protected by spells. When my brother became King I was handed the title of Lord of Storm's End, a great honour.

[He's listening closely, eyebrows lifting a bit because Kelsi's right. It does sound like something out of a Disney movie and he's suddenly filled with about a million questions. He's not sure what to ask first, so when Renly finishes he just pauses and tilts his head in thought.]

Definitely sounds like a great honor. [He wants to ask why his brother's king and he's not, but he's pretty sure that's not a great question to ask an essential stranger.] Does anyone know if the rumors are true?

Edited 2015-01-05 19:22 (UTC)

It has never been tested, to my knowledge.

[ The siege from the Tyrells had been manpower, not magic, and he had left the Keep protected and safe while he had been in King's Landing. Who would dare attack the homeland of the Baratheons with a Baratheon on the throne? ]

I would not make the suggestion that someone attempt to, however.

Speaking of suggestions--have you told the court about that? Maybe just the thought of weaving spells into stone, sorta. I mean, that could help us, right?

The thought had not crossed my mind.

[ He smiles all the same, expression somewhat soft. ]

Magic is not something I've much experience in.

So if it's not magic, what is your area of expertise? [It still sounds sort of weirdly enchanting, though probably because it's so unlike their own world. It doesn't help that Renly's humoring them and answering questions, only causing Ryan to feel a little more comfortable to ask such things.]

Law, and justice. I was on my brother's council and I advised him whilst also having charge of the City Guard. It was not a task for just anyone. [ He was raised to the position, both literally and figuratively. Robert had thrown it to him probably to appease him, that he's sure of, but he had proven himself. ]

So you set all of the rules and you get to be responsible for punishing whoever doesn't follow them. [...yeah. Yeah no thank you Renly you can keep that job.] ...actually that's kinda impressive. If it doesn't drive you crazy.

Simply put, yes. There was a council, of course, and we agreed on most things together, but the terms of law and justice was often left to me. [ He's still smiling, all the same. ] I admit that it was my brother more than my position that ought to have left me touched, I think.

Trust me, I know all about that...[It's murmured to himself more than to Renly because ahaha what is a normal sibling relationship? He misses Sharpay, no doubt, but it's nice not to want to tear his hair out.]

So without Storm's End here, what are you doing?

[ Does Renly miss his brothers? Uh. Hardly. He misses the nostalgia of Robert, perhaps, but he cannot find it in himself to miss Stannis, not with the information he knows now. Shaking his head, he leans back. ]

Much the same. I work with the Keeper of Cothromach and do as I did at home - advise and aid.

[A surprised blink.]

You're from Sansa's world. [It's meant to be a question but comes out as a statement and he perks up a little bit at the mention of the girl.] Suddenly things make a little more sense. At least you get the sense of familiarity.

I am indeed, though our world and this are not as similar as we might have liked. [ His nose wrinkles ever so slightly. ] It is enough, I think. We have adapted.

What else is really different? Besides the fact that you can have 300 year winters.

The magic and the people, for one. The system of governance is somewhat similar, but the landscape is nothing like I have seen, save for in stories.

Guess you're not as different from us as we thought. We don't have any of this either, not even the system of government. It's sort of a relief to be honest.

I think all that have come here are have been forced to adjust. It is disconcerting, yes, but we will manage as best we can. I believe it is the same for you and Kelsi, though perhaps those from my world have it somewhat easier.

Considering that this is our weapon of choice? [He gestures to the piano.] I think that might be the case. Our world is full of technology and modern inventions that make everything much easier than swords and horses and whatever. But I think you summed it up pretty well. Disconcerting, but we'll manage as best as we can.

Gotta say though it's nice having something like this that's familiar. [Moreso for Kelsi than himself, but he knows how to play, too. It's a nice reminder of who they used to be at least.]

Do not underestimate how well a weapon of that nature may suit you. Lifting a sword and fighting a battle is a strength, true, but there will come a time after war when the world needs something to soothe the hurts that cannot be helped with potion or salve. That is when you shall prove yourself, I think.

[ He nods all the same, perhaps getting away from himself. ]

It is. I cannot express in words the pleasure I feel at having my wife and my friend at my side.

It's what we're hoping for, I think. Not that we can't prove ourselves as it is but when the post-battle fatigue hits we're going to be ready. [He hopes.]

...wait you're married? And she's here? I mean of course that's great that you're not alone but doesn't it also worry you a little bit?

[ ... Renly can't help his chuckle. ]

My wife is one of the most courageous and intelligent women you will ever have the pleasure to meet. I fear you would have more to worry about when it comes to myself than her.

[ Sweet summer child. ]

Her brother is one of the greatest swordmasters Westeros has seen. He will not let any harm come to her.

[Renly just consider the fact that the one woman he knows from your home is Sansa.] Maybe we'll get to meet her someday, too.

But what's going to happen if she's ever separated from either of you?

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