Video | Forward dated to 4 Jan

[gordianknots]

It has been about a month since the passing of Reynard the Fox. While I believe we can all agree that his death is a good thing, it is worth noting that some of his ideas have not died with him.

For those not paying attention, or staying close to the castles, one of the major ways that Reynard won over the local population was by sowing seeds of sentiment against shard-bearers. If what he said did not have a grain of truth in it, then those sentiments would not be lingering with us still.

I know that for many, our perspective is what informs how to handle this. We don’t want to be here any more than the local populace wants us here. We’re outsiders from different worlds, playing at a grand game of war while they suffer from our decisions.

We need to continue to combat the legacy Reynard is trying to leave for himself - that of a champion of the people, who rose against shardbearers only to be slayed by them. Become their friends and protectors rather than distant individuals whose mere presence threatens their lives. They don’t have a fraction of the information that we do, and considering how information is hidden from us, that says a lot.

To form cohesive action will take time. With that said, changes can begin on an individual level, one that affords respect to whoever you encounter, even if it is not returned.

If you do this for no other reason, do it because it deprives Reynard of any remaining power.

Thank you.

[With that, Waver ends the communication. Anyone who was present at Alyosha’s talk at the Barrel is likely to understand why he’s made this message, and when it’s come out as it has.]

Comments

[gordianknots]

If you participate in the fight, and can simply try and direct people around the structure, that's all I can ask. No matter what, I will be very, very far away from the Barrel when this happens, as will Miss Tohsaka. I don't know what my other household members plan to do, but I will make it clear that there are options beyond participation.

[Waver's always had a horrid streak of anti-authority in him, but fuck if the Drabwurld hasn't screwed him up. Waver Velvet, Lord El-Melloi II, wants to maintain the status-fucking-quo. What a laugh.]

If you can get them to the Station in a decent amount of time, that might be the best. I can't tell if it'll be caught up in the war path, but I have people working on evacuation plans for it. The other option is to direct them to Redgate, as those arrangements are already made.

[digophelia]

My participation is inevitable.

[ HA. Hahahaha. ]

iI will help them and pass along the words to get natives prepared, then, as well as if it comes up in between any of the major Unseelie commanders. Hopefully they are well aware of that possibility.

[ A huff. ]

I know that I asked Mr. Celegorm this before, but is there really no other option?

[gordianknots]

Thank you. I do appreciate it. [He leans forward on the table, resting his chin in his hands.] I'm a bit leery of how the monarchs might take this, taking bodies that could be used to hold swords, but it'll be what it'll be.

[The question, however, gives Waver pause. He turns it over in his mind, trying to find the right angle to approach it.]

I always think the answer is yes, Alice, but I have so many biases that I don't know if it's fair to ask me. And you know I've been against this from the start.

[digophelia]

Then that's terribly unfortunate, isn't it? Their lives matter more than being able to hold a sword. Besides, if we do this, we're helping to improve our image.

[Still not using the word "shardbearer". ]

How pitiful. I hope the Seelie sleep well at night with the knowledge they're putting innocents on both sides in danger.

[gordianknots]

Mmhmm. I know the concept doesn't exist for you yet, but this is what falls under public relations - setting a specific view of yourself for everyone to see.

[And if he is nothing else, Waver is good at crafting those.]

There is dissent there, I believe. Several have come forward to help move people towards safer harbours. But the other thing is that some may be participating for the same reason you are - there are people they love and care deeply about on their side and they don't want those people hurt. For all they care, the monarchs could go boil their heads.

[digophelia]

Then it's up to them if they chose to fight in it or not. There are non-combatants in Caer Scima as well as anywhere else. They have a right to live to see the next day and not become tools to the whims of monarchs. I was orphaned at a young age; I will do what I can to prevent that for a child if I have to. Or at the very least, spare them more agony from the temper tantrums of kings and queens.

[gordianknots]

There are nuances to what you term as choosing to fight.

[Waver shifts in his seat, unsure of the best way to explain this.]

Would you consider someone who helps train troops, but declines to march in battle someone who is fighting?

[digophelia]

Not entirely, or at the very least, what I consider to be fighting is joining in the forces. I see that more as preparation and there is nothing wrong with that.

[gordianknots]

This is where I disagree. Actions like that are being complicit in the war. People of our status can touch something so very small here, and it'll ripple outwards like dropping a stone into a puddle. Look at how we all met Alyosha, and where we've ended up in our relationship with her.

[Mentorship, in Waver's case. One he never expected to have.]

Being aware of that level of complicity, and acknowledging it is the other option out there. Knowing the effects, following up on them, and if they have done damage, trying to soothe it. That can be done if someone is Seelie or Unseelie, fighting or not.

[digophelia]

[ She falters, a little, but not out of her usual self-loathing. Alice speaks honestly. ]

I was taught as much by my father. But it isn't out of public image or anything like that.

It's doing what is right.

[gordianknots]

Your father raised you well.

[But there is the answer to Alice's question, for whatever it is worth to her.]

It is as right as anyone can do in a conflict like this. In the future, other paths might open to avoid battles. I hope there are.

[digophelia]

[ What can she say, Arthur Liddell was a wise man and Alice does what she can to emulate him. ]

I'm sure that there will be, but for now, what counts most is sparing lives, at least through these options. The little things matter and sometimes they matter the most.

[gordianknots]

[Waver nods in agreement.]

Couldn't have put it better myself. In a pinch, I think get in touch with Maglor, his ability to teleport will be the most useful.

[digophelia]

Who else can teleport?

[gordianknots]

Not many. Maglor stands out because he can bring other people with him.

[digophelia]

Lumina can and the Outsider is limited.

There is one other option I can think of.

[gordianknots]

Who?

[digophelia]

Jack Frost has the ability to fly and his friend also has a dragon possible for help relocating others, if he pleases. They helped us escape the ship.

[gordianknots]

I know them both, and I have been thinking of reaching out to them about this. Your recommendation confirms that I should.

[Waver quite likes them both, although if he is honest, he thinks Hiccup has a future in politics more than Jack does.]

I'll call them up immediately then, and keep Lumina and the Outsider in mind too.

[digophelia]

And are there any others?

[ So help her, she's writing a list now. ]

[gordianknots]

Not yet, I've been going over my contacts, trying to figure out the best people to tap. If you think of any names on the Seelie side of things, as I want to try and respect the courts and prevent in-fighting as people take refuge, that'd help.

[digophelia]

Unfortunately, I cannot think of another from the Seelie side.

[gordianknots]

I was afraid of that.

I'll sleep on it if I have to.

[digophelia]

You have better sleep sometime.

[gordianknots]

I will make an effort to.

[It is an awful joke, and that Waver smiles about it is worse.]