(seventh lemon cake) video ✧ (sorta) open to both courts

[steeledskin]

( SEELIE ONLY )

I -- [ hmm. sansa presses her lips together and wonders (briefly) whether it is a foolish request in the face of war. and yet she pursues it for an honourable cause. she wishes to gather certain tales for certain purposes. ] I want to hear stories. Stories of grand adventures undertaken by brave Seelie heroes. I cannot be the only one who's struck by such curiousity. Please -- share what you've learned.

[ and for every legend well-told and well-lauded she will make a point to include it within a very...pointed celebration in treun. perhaps encouraging even the shardless to think upon the bright bold tales of the seelie court will further endear that court to their hearts. it's a little like letting the right song be played at the right moment, falling upon the right ears. she wants to inspire treun -- or else certain parts of it -- to think more kindly on caer glaem. and she needs fellow shardbearers to help her. ] Tell me of the Seelie court's fabled champions and its well-mourned martyrs. What have you heard recounted by the hearth-side? Whispered on the road? Stories even the natives have told for centuries, mayhaps.

( BOTH COURTS )

[ some hours later in the day an 'accidental' feed broadcasts. it consists of the locket falling open and catching sight of a pile of books. sounds of rustling. a cleared throat. and at long last a mild: ] Seven have mercy. What a troublesome thing you are and how -- [ sansa addresses the locket she had flipped open on purpose, pretending to be clumsy. this is a quiet way in which to invite conversation with those she might not otherwise feel brave enough to seek out -- unseelie friends, soon separated from her by a roiling oncoming war. ] -- How stupid of me.

[ a novice ruse! however, she has such an earnest and gentle face it might just be worth believing by most, if not by all. ]

Comments

[steeledskin]

Minister Tzilan will tell me I have angered her. And that is why. Sansa Stark has needled Queen Morla's pride and such needling will be avenged.

[gordianknots]

Mm, but that only seems like a part of the overall reasoning. She wanted it before you said no.

[steeledskin]

Oh. My lord. I agree with your doubts. I merely suggest that it befits my minister to adhere to this one reason, it seems.

[gordianknots]

When in doubt? Have someone else ask him.

[steeledskin]

Someone else.

[ not a question. merely a chance to consider it as an option. she needs a moment. ]

[gordianknots]

Redgate's lord, perhaps? I'd offer myself, but our contact is much more minimal.

[steeledskin]

[ quietly: ] Redgate's lord will not divulge my minister's words lightly.

[ -- there is a tie between the pair of them. she knows it. she doesn't resent it -- but she does fear what it might mean for loyalty within her city. ]

[gordianknots]

That is a fair point. If you're willing to wait, I can always attempt a follow up when the opportunity presents itself.

[Which, actually, reminds Waver.]

Also, regarding a request you made of me some time ago. [Regarding alternative communication, he doesn't say.]

[steeledskin]

[ she is silent for a moment -- as though she has to dredge up the memory. a beat. two. and then at last -- ] Ah. Yes. I remember.

[gordianknots]

Found someone to work on it. [Alyosha had given Waver all the needed reference nd research material. He had passed the commission onto Rin, who accepted. After all, building an entire magic aretefact to de-code a work is a sign that this won't be a struggle for her.] It'll be done relatively soon.

[steeledskin]

I can send someone to fetch it. [ she doesn't know how risky it might be to travel again herself after this little trip to treun. ]

[gordianknots]

That would work fine.

[steeledskin]

Robb, mayhaps -- if he is not insulted by the request. [ it's difficult to command an older brother. especially one once named king. ] Or else Ser Gendry if he has the day to spare.

[ it must be someone she trusts completely, given the nature of the recovery. and it must be someone who will not sting to be peeled from the oncoming battle. hmm. ]

[gordianknots]

--There might be another option that involves less legwork.

[And would take care of the remaining amount of hot chocolate in the Barrel's storerooms.]

[steeledskin]

[ with caution: ] How, my lord?

[gordianknots]

[Waver's trust of the network has dwindled considerably lately, and so elaborating is something he is rather wary of.]

I don't want to risk an explanation that can be overheard. Can you trust me on this?

[steeledskin]

You have given me no reason to doubt you yet.

[gordianknots]

Thank you.

I should go resume packing things up.

[steeledskin]

Be well, my lord. And -- [ a soft sound. breathing, perhaps. not quite a sigh. ] As ever, you have my gratitude.

[gordianknots]

you're welcome. Stay safe yourself, and may whatever comes be easily weathered.