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

I'm starting to get that. Between the lack of artillery and last nights party which make it seem like they're trying to downplay the fact that there's a front marching towards us just a few days off. If I'd had a little longer, I probably could have at least started to rig up something.

(Because while yes, maybe Howard should be wary about joining a war he knew little of, hadn't that almost been the same when he'd been recruited first? The USA wasn't quite involved in the war yet when Phillips first approached him, but of course, the Pearl Harbour happened, and they were thrown into it head first.)

I'm sure I'll manage. (Hopefully. He kept one of the crossbows from the night before, he'd been playing with it in his room.) But the earlier you can get started on a project, the better chance you have at figuring it out.

(He nods slowly.) From what I've understood, I should probably pick a limited selection that travel well. Any titles I should keep my eye out for and grab with me before it all goes down? (howard is still confused about the magic thing.)

They don't want to scare all of us off. That's my best guess. But if you met Saber, she'd ... help ensure you know what's at stake. You do know, don't you? [He wonders if Howard heard the news from someone else.]

Either way, managing will probably start with those books. Me, I stick to books only on a necessity basis. I learn better first hand. [Though Bruce had ensured that he hit the books extensively as Robin. These days, it's not his first choice, but a good toxin or explosive can take him back to them if needed.]

But I'm willing to bet you can find what you need in there. Just find a good section dedicated to warfare, and grab what you can. If not that, then technology, but I'm willing to bet they stick those two together.

Short answer? Look for yourself. You'd know what you need more.

Depends on what I'm supposed to know. You make it awfully cryptic. I know the other side is marching on the castle, and you guys (us?) are sending out troops to meet them on the field. And what the imps said when I got here.

Luckily I've always been something of a bookworm, I learn just as well from what I read, from what I do. (Reading, at least to Howard, always gives him further insight than just watching someone. Plus, reading means he can go much more at his own pace, and he's always been quick.)

I'm sure they do. (A short snort.) I appreciate the answer, even if it's not very helpful.

Sometimes being cryptic is fun. [He shrugs from his end.]

I don't mean just the battle ahead. There are usually ideals associated with a war, and not just "this side and that side." Sure, it isn't true for all of them, and sometimes people like to dress things up for themselves.

But see, Saber told me that there was something more to it all. Existence itself.

I'm willing to bet you haven't heard that part yet.

Depending on the situation.

(Howard nods slowly to that, it's true. Or at least one side has some ideal they're fighting for, and then the others are against that ideal. It's a sticky situation.)

Existence? (Quirked brow.) Does one side want to eradicate the other?

Uh. No.

No. [Well, it's complicated. He follows that up with a quick:] And yes. It's complicated. The Seelie are fighting to ensure that the cycle of worlds goes the right way, while the Unseelie, us, we've decided that's just stupid.

To think that fighting ensures the world goes the right way? I have to agree with the unseelie, then. Fighting and war isn't good for anything.

Nah, I mean. Life and death is a natural cycle, even if that means the same of universes themselves. We're fighting to stop that thinking. Sure, we'll die—we'll all die. But personally, I can't abide by thinking that it's better to just accept that life cycle. [And while he's defied death himself, there are too many people with actual lives that would be lost. That's the real cost of it.]

(Howard has to think on that for a moment, hold on. But slowly nodding. He sort of sees.) So what we, the Unseelie, are trying to do is stop the process, of sorts? Of the universe dying? (Is that it.)

Yes. Through any means necessary.

[Which is always, always a loaded statement.]

first jive ⚛ video ⚛ open to both courts

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked

video | unseelie locked