eachdraidh | sixth snowball ❅ voice (both courts; backdated to the 18th)

[There's only a soft voice that rises, familiar to some but less cheerful than it's normally known to be.]

So this world is kind of in a crappy place right now, isn't it? [A sigh is heard along with a pause, but he continues.] It's not gonna be safe out there. For anybody. So if you don't feel safe, let me know and I'll find you. I'll make sure you're out of the way. Somehow.

[Another pause as he struggles to speak. This whole month, this entire war, it's too much of a mess.]

I'm not gonna let any of you die, okay?

PRIVATE VOICE MESSAGE TO; ariadne, hiccup, lancer, korra, mako, jon.

Merida's asleep, by the way. Just like I was. I don't know the details of it, but if it's anything like my case, she'll be asleep for an entire week. Except she ...

[He swallows hard, remembering his three hundred year hiatus.]

There's no telling how long it'll be on her side. It could be a day, it could be twenty years, I don't know. So just ... make sure to give her some support when she wakes up, okay? Trust me. She's gonna need it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Kind of in a crappy place." [He looks slightly amused even though he's kind of also stressed out. The idea that this is happening? Not cool. So not cool.]

What are you really planning to do, Jack? Can you guarantee it? [He might have ideas, and potentially a favor to ask.]

[He switches the video to private, just to assure some extra safety before they start going into further details.]

It's not so much as having an exact idea as it is just getting people the hell out of the way as much as I can. I know of a few places taking refugees, so I just figure I can take them there. Better than being in the main danger zones.

So if I asked you for a favor when all of this starts going down, are you gonna be around? Or are you already going to be gone?

Depends on what you mean by "around". I fly, remember? I'll be everywhere for the most part. And I'm not really going anywhere, including going into hiding, if that's what you mean.

I might need to call you to bail someone out if things get too dangerous. You know, since you're offering yourself as a taxi. Could you do that for me?

Careful with the "taxi" title. Consider what I do more like a theme park ride that gets you places. [Just his specialty.]

But yeah. If you need anything, you know I got your back, kid.

Right, how could I forget? You're the fun guy. [There's a grin even if it's slightly strained.]

Thanks. I don't know what's going to happen but I like having a plan in place in case this all goes really, really bad.

Come to think of it though? I have a feeling everybody's going to need your help after the battle's over. Boost in morale. Up for the task?

[After the battle's over. He doesn't even want to imagine what that might be like.]

I'll be wherever anyone needs me. That's how I do things now. [And he gives a sincere smile, even if there's still a bit of playfulness in it as is his signature. But being a guardian has long sense made him a little more acceptable to taking responsibilities, even if he won't title it that way.]

Maybe when it's all over, we all have that big snow fight I was supposed to make happen. [Doubtful, he knows.] Maybe enough people will stop running scared for it.

Neutrality, basically. [That's how he sees it and it makes the most sense.] ...I don't know a lot of people who'd do what you're doing. Just make sure you're careful, okay?

[There's a slight laugh but it's not as humorous as he'd hoped.] That'd be the perfect way to settle after this is over. Snowballs are harmless. [There's a beat that follows.] I'm good with negotiations. If you need help convincing somebody, I can probably sway them.

Not that prancing around claiming neutrality even means anything. There's still assholes on both sides that'll hunt you down no matter what you say. [Blunt about that point because it's very much true and those were the kind he didn't give a damn about, really.]

Some snowballs are harmless. I've seen some pretty fierce throwers. [Though he brightens up with a smile a bit at the thought.] But glad to see I have an Assistant Fun Times Promoter. You're hired.

If you were promised nice things from the king and queen, wouldn't you? [The tone suggests that he's not sure how he feels about bribery and that he's also not sure who would and wouldn't sell people out. The war's a scary thing still and while he falls more Seelie than neutral, he has friends on both sides that he can't let get hurt.] ...actually you probably wouldn't, but you know it's a good deal. Win favor with your monarchs by eliminating "the enemy."

Yeah, well, just wait until you see my pitching arm. [The echoing smile matches because yeah. Yeah let's think about the after and not what's coming for them. Suppressing emotions, always a good idea!] I'll do my best not to let you down.

[He frowns a bit with talk of bribery from the royals though he gets the idea.]

I wouldn't accept those gifts too easily. There's a catch to them, you know. The more you take from them, the more they're gonna think they own you. Be careful of that.

[It comes more out of concern. He's already become suspicious of their tactics recently.]

...I know that but...Jack, that's literally all I have. You get it, don't you? Some of us aren't like you or Korra or anything and yeah, it's dangerous and setting us up for debt but I don't think I'd survive this long without what they've given me.

Catch-22. I think. That sounds right, anyway.

No, I ... I know. [He knows everyone just wants to do what they can.]

Just be careful anyway, okay? I get that you have to, but still try not to rely on them too much in the end. Just in case.

I'll be okay. [He hopes.] I'll be careful with what I ask them next time.

...do me a favor though. When this is over? Just let me know you're still out there.

[Using the phrase "let me know you're still alive" sort of weirds him out. It makes the whole concept of this war way too real.]

[He smiles a bit at that, even if there's a hint of bittersweetness to it.]

I will. You'll be one of the first people I seek out. I promise.

sixth snowball ❅ voice (both courts; backdated to the 18th)

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