video; Seelie locked

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video; Seelie locked

[Dorian Gray has been doing a great deal of growing up. When he addresses the locket, his expression is set firmly, and his famous youth is only in his features. This is war. And he does not wish for death. So he is short, to the point, avoiding all of the excesses of his normal speech patterns.]

I've produced protective stones as a product of my research in warding magic. [He holds up one: a simple stone, with runes carved in, small, lightweight, very portable.] I have made as many as I could as quickly as possible. It will guard the bearer from the first strikes set against them by taking the damage in their stead, but it can only bear so much—up to a broken bone, perhaps, or a deep but non-fatal cut. Still, it is one more chance of survival.

If any wish for one, you may come to me in the library of Caer Glaem, or I can deliver it to you anywhere in Seelie territory.

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I am. [He has wide eyes as he looks to Dave, and so he pushes past the point of anxiety, over Dave's disapproval of where he is and the reasons he can't give for it, and onto something he can address.] I can fly out to the Cothromach to bring this to you. I have a second stone I'd like you to have.

I-- what? [He's surprised at the offer and it shows.] Are you sure? Wouldn't the stones be more useful for the people actually fighting?

And they shall have them, but I want you to have one as well. Please, Dave. I would rest easier if I knew I had given you this much.

[He's doing that earnest imploring thing he does, like the whole weight of his peace of mind rests on Dave accepting this.]

[And man, it's hard to say no to such true feelings.] Alright, alright, I'll take it. Thank you. [He gives a quick look around him.] I'll meet you outside, by the river, okay? You're Seelie too but I'm not sure how political things are going with the battle and... I don't want to cause any trouble.

I'll fly in and fly out as quick as possible. I promise.

[So he calls for Íde and flies out quickly, using the clouds as cover for his horse. When he sees Dave below, he swoops down, taking Íde in a slow circle until he lands near Dave.] Dave, it is good to see you again. Are you well looked after here? Safe?

[Dave is waiting by the river like he promised, crouched next to it and practicing his magic by creating water balls. The one on his hands drops, however, when he sees how Dorian arrives. He had been wondering how exactly he's flying but this is a surprise.]

Woah. Got yourself a sweet ride, huh. [He approaches them slowly, just like Dorian taught him with the castle's horses.] Yeeeees, mom, I'm fine. They are very grateful for my help and treat me well in return. I'm also eating all my veggies, I promise.

[He stills looks kinda tired though.]

Dave, meet Íde. She's—[Gone off to throw herself in the river and happily roll around gathering water in her mist. Dorian just sighs and shakes his head.

And he does grin a little at being accused of moming.] Is that why you're looking a little green? [GET IT? GREEN? BECAUSE VEGETABLES? Dorian is such a loser.

He takes out a stone for Dave, the type that he showed, but beside it is another stone. This one is warm with contained magical energy. Pure magic.] The second thing I wanted to give you was this. The source asked it only be used for protection, and I trust you with it. That rock is a magical reserve. When you are at your limits, you can draw on its energy to push past them.

[Dave doesn't mind, really, he just laughs.] She's cute. Nice to meet you too, Íde! [But it's his turn to shake his head at that joke.] It's probably the medieval clothes, they make everyone look more troll-ish.

[Don't mind him, he just can be very stubborn some times. As long as he can stand, he can also help; there's time to sleep later.

The sight of two stones catches him by surprise, and when he hears the explanations, his eyes widen as far as they can go. He may be gaping too, excuse his lack of manners.]

...damn, Dorian. [You know it's a big deal when Dave curses.] This-- this is amazing, I-- are you sure you want me to have it? With the battle around the corner and you staying in the castle, I just... it makes me feel a little guilty to accept it.

Of course I'm certain. [While perhaps Dave's mouth needs closing, Dorian instead closes Dorian's hands around the stones.] I am protected in my own way at the castle. Use these to keep yourself and others safe. That is why I made them.

[No point in arguing. Dave lets Dorian guide his hand and he takes the stones - he can swear he can feel the magic already. Truly amazing.]

...thanks, buddy. I own you a big one. And you BETTER keep yourself protected too. [Then he remembers he also promised something. Not a proper gift in thanks but it's a start.] Oh hey, I told I'd let you see...

[The stones are put away in his pocket so Dave can take off his ring and put it on Dorian's hand. Something his master would probably disapprove of but hey, it's just for a second for someone he trusts. Nothing wrong with that, right?]

I will.

[Okay, but while that is all well and good, it's a shiny! Dorian lifts it up so he can see the work.] What is the stone they used?

Ah, actually... I don't know. It's a pretty old ring, a thousand years old at least. [The stone is the one where Excalibur was resting, Dorian. But Dave doesn't know that.] But I do know they can't just use anything picked from the ground.

[Hm . . .] I don't know if I recognize it. It isn't emerald, at any rate. But it is pretty.

What does the dragon mean? Is it a family emblem?

[That's... a very good question. Dave still has a hard time thinking of Merlin as "family", but that's what they are, right? Mmh.

Since he doesn't have an answer for that question, he tries to distract Dorian from it. He touches the ring and after concentrating for a second, he pulls back when the metal starts moving to show the rings dragon form. It even flaps its wings at Dorian. Hi!]

[A great success! Dorian startles back.] How can it move? Is it magic? [MAGIC!]

[Dave nods as an answer, glad to see he did distract Dorian from the question, but now he's a bit lost in thought because the first time he saw the dragon like that was... wow, those memories sure feel different now he's in another world.]

Ah, yeah, that's magic. When my master offered it to me, it was in that form and-- [A pause to swallow.] --suddenly, it moved to close around my finger in its ring form, confirming I was-- [The one.] --a sorcerer. I was just ten.

[He notices that first swallow, and his eyes flicker up from the distraction to his friend.] Are you all right, Dave?

-huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. [A shake of his head before he rubs his face.] That day was--- kinda hard on me and like I said, I was just a kid so... I don't know, it feels weird to think about bad moments from home when I'm here now getting ready for battle.

[Dorian watches Dave closely, tries to read signs that he has never truly been trained to interpret. But he smiles then, little curves at the corner of his mouth, and he sets his hand on Dave's arm. The gesture of consolation comes naturally to him.]

Ten wasn't a very good year for me, either.

Thank you for showing this to me.

[He can't help chuckling at that - well, it's more like a chuckle mixed with a snort. Nerds just can't have a nice childhood, can they?]

Ten, eleven, twelve... the "not very good years" lasted way too much. [His expression softens at the gesture and he returns the smile, patting Dorian's hand in his arm. He really appreciates it.] It's nothing. Thank you for listening. And for the stones. If you want to see more magic, you just have to ask. I know we complain about being dragged to war a lot but I also have to admit....

[He offers his finger to the dragon again, and it closes around it back in its ring form.] ...it's kinda nice, being able to use magic so freely.

Although I have not had that fear in my life . . . There is a sense of freedom here. Even as there is the weight of chains more oppressive than I ever wore at home.

But I am most grateful for the friends whose company I could only here keep.

[sickeningly sincere right there]

[Dave doesn't see anything wrong with this, he can be quite a sap too. Sickeningly sincere is actually quite touching.]

I know exactly what you mean. Free but chained... Me, socializing? My roommate would never believe me. But know what... making friends definitely makes it better. [Dave offers his fist and when he realizes Dorian won't get it, he gently taps the other man's hand with it. Now they're cool.]

[ . . . What just happened? He looks at his hand. He looks at Dave's hand. Okay?]

Yes. It truly does.

[So he hesitantly attempts to tap Dave's first with his own in return?]

[Chuckling at Dorian's reaction, Dave grabs his friend's wrist and shows him how to do it properly, making their knuckles tap again.]

We call this a "fist bump". It can be used as high-five or a handshake. Kinda like "let's do this" or "yes, we did it!".

[Aww, yeah, he now gets the fist bump! But wait.]

And a 'high five' is . . . ?

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