eachdraidh | first jive ⚛ video ⚛ open to both courts

(For those who are online, if you will, the video feed of both courts will flicker on to the picture of a man who looks surprisingly calm all things considered. His hair is neatly combed back and parted, his clothing well put together, and there’s a borderline arrogant smile that plays at his lips. If it had taken him a half dozen times to get the locket to work correctly for him, it didn’t show on his face, but for him it was practically like magic.

It was technology that was still years away from where he was, he had only recently managed to install a telephone in his car (and promptly sold the idea for a handsome profit), but even it had been quite an ordeal, there were a dozen wires, it needed a long and thick antennae to work, and if you weren’t careful it could drain your battery in a heartbeat if you weren’t careful, but it was technology that he felt had promise. Adding the ability to view the person on the other end of the line was something he hadn’t even thought about trying, let alone making it so small and portable. Sure, he had managed to miniaturise a camera lens for a pen, but that was just for still photos. He was intrigued by it, though, a fascinating idea (one he wished he had been the one to come up with), and he didn’t hide his impression. He didn’t dare attempt to pop it open, however, lest he not be able to put it back together. While the imps had been kind to him thus far, he hadn't argued much when he'd been dragged away, he wasn’t sure how well they’d take to him breaking one of the gifts that he had been given.

For the time being he would leave it as it was, but eventually he might ask if someone knew just how they worked. Just for the sake of curiosity.)

So I take it this place doesn’t take too kindly to technology of any kind, huh? Even one as simple as a battery. (He raises his wrist to show the watch on his arm, it had stopped when he had arrived, and though it was currently useless, he couldn’t take it off. He was too used to wearing it and would feel naked without it.) Is there anywhere around here where they sell watches you wind? Or parts so I can convert this one?

(There’s a pause, he takes his hand down again and shrugs his shoulders lightly.)

Anyway. Good morning. My name is Howard Stark, and back home I was an inventor of sorts, so I’m not entirely sure why they’ve brought me here, unless it’s to update this place somehow. My company’s goal was to build a better and brighter tomorrow, and it looks like this place could use a bit of that. It’ll be like going back in time with what I have to work with, but I’m sure I can manage if that’s what’s wanted.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself, mysterious person on the other side of the magical locket. What makes you special?

Unseelie Locked

Who’s in charge of your weapons division? Back home, right before I was brought here, we had a war that ended, and I worked in weapons on the winning side. I can’t imagine that’s a coincidence.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As you say. [ she offers a more gentle smile.] Then I will call you Sir Howard. It is good to meet you.

(And here he was quite enjoying the smirk.) And you my lady. Your highness. Princess. A mix.

Have you been here long?

[ but hey, look, it's back.] Perhaps not all at once, that would be excessive.

[ she nods a little at his question.] A little over four months, I believe.

Maybe a little. Unless you have a preference to what you like being called, then I can stick to that.

(Laughing. Just a little. Maybe a wink.)

How has it been treating you? (The ominous war on the horizon, well, he might as well try to make small talk while he can.)

I do not wish to push formality on anyone here, so I will let you decide which you prefer. [ she smiles wryly.]

I suppose it has proven to be an interesting experience. Things have been mostly calm since my arrival, there were quite a few gatherings and feasts. I suppose it's the calm before the storm as they say.

(He will chalk this down to a mild success in the ways of flirting. Though 99% of things with Howard and ladies is flirting so. He'll just smile in return. Bright. Natural. Trying to make hers a little less wry perhaps.) Personally if I'd not asked your title you'd have ended up as 'doll', 'toots', or maybe 'sweetheart' depending on the circumstance. Something along those lines, so maybe I shouldn't decide entirely.

And I'm starting to feel like I'm being thrown right in the middle of it. (He would have preferred a few more feasts and gatherings, perhaps.) Hopefully there'll be an eye somewhere along the way.

Toots? [ what a strange name. it makes her laugh, at least.] I must admit some of the vernacular people use here is quite strange. Although sweetheart seems to be a kind enough term, if not a little too informal for someone you've just met. [ still, she smiles.]

Yes, I know what you mean. I felt the same way when I was first brought here.

Yet there the one it defaults to. (especially when he can't remember someone's name. It usually earns giggles and pink cheeks, and that's what he wants to achieve.) Toots is kind of...a playful name for someone who's caught your eye.

And you came in while it was still...calm? (A dry little laugh.)

It is a very peculiar sort of word, toots. [ she smirks to herself as she says it.] Toots. Is it only meant in regards to women or can it be used to refer to men?

I suppose I could still sense it. Call it a woman's intuition. Or perhaps experience.

(Hmmm. He has to think of that for a moment.) It doesn't really work for men. I suppose, you could call a man it, but he wouldn't be particularly happy? Like 'doll'. Even if it's a term of endearment, it doesn't work as well on a man as it does a dame. Maybe teasingly?

You have both which I do not.

As you say. I will not call you or any other man, 'toots' then.

[ her smile is charming.] I have been blessed with both, to be sure.

Do it to others if you want to make them feel small. But preferably not to me.

(It is, and that means he has to up his charm game, too.) Blessed with many things it seems, your highness. It's rare to find a woman with a wise mind and great beauty. A lot of the time it's one or the other.

It would be unkind to make a man feel small. [ men are such sensitive creatures.]

Or perhaps the women you have met have chosen to hide one or the other from you. [ still, she smiles at him, her tone is teasing.]

Generally, yes, but that's the point, isn't it?

(A soft laugh follows.) I'd prefer it if they didn't, if that's the case. It's a lot more entertaining to talk to someone who is both.

I must agree, someone who is handsome and clever is far more entertaining.

first jive ⚛ video ⚛ open to both courts

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