eachdraidh | Video | Locked to the unseelie | Backdated to the afternoon of the eighth.

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Video | Locked to the unseelie | Backdated to the afternoon of the eighth.

[Beatrix was on horseback when she received the news of the destruction of Caer Scima, and she took the time to read over the report several times, then calm the soldiers with her before she decided what to do. They were her first priority, of course, but after that...]

[She eventually took out her locket, addressing it for the first time since she had arrived. Though her expression is neutral, her eye is hard, almost steely.]

I am Baroness Beatrix of the Three Sentinals. [A strange title to her, but it was becoming more natural to her as the days passed.] With the recent destruction of Caer Scima...of home to most of you...I would offer the safety of my spire. It is far from the battles that we wage right now, and well protected. I cannot promise an easy time of things there, but you would be safe enough for the moment.

[Which is probably all they can ask for, right now.]

And to all of you that have questioned this war, look at what has become of our home and think on why you should not, can not, remain standing on the sidelines. Our enemy has shown what they are willing to do, willing to destroy.

Do you think, if they would come and slaughter innocent people in their homes, that they would give a second thought to killing you? All you accomplish standing there wringing your hands is giving them another chance to kill you or someone you care about.

[She hesitates, looking out at the men she is leading, then back.] This is a lesson. A harsh lesson taught at a terrible price, but learn from it, or don't, to your own peril.

[There's the sound of someone calling for her, and she turns away, closing the locket without another thought.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You'll let anyone stay there?

[Not so much questioning her decision as much as wanting to confirm it.]

Yes, of course.

[Assuming they don't do something that warrants being banished anyway.]

In return for what?

[She doesn't really expect her to let people stay without expecting something out of them.]

Now is hardly the time to make demands of people. But any aid you would be willing to give in the protection or the construction of the spire would be appreciated.

And it's far from the war?

Not as far as some, but far enough. It lies within the mountains north of the Station.

I'll go.

Good. When you arrive, ask to speak with Itara. She'll find you a place to sleep and something to do, if you desire it.

I want to ask something.

You don't know anything about me. But you're giving me a home.

Why?

Now is hardly the time for me to question who you might be. When the battle is settled, when things are as close to normal as they ever manage here, we will speak again.

But we spoke at the armory. I saw little reason not to trust you.

[Stares, staying silent for a while before speaking again.]

I won't get in the way.

[Words like that make Connor nervous, but he has to be cautious about it. His tone is careful.] And so what do you propose?

I should think that would be obvious. Take a step forward. Fight these aggressors. Defend your world.

Do you speak of defense or revenge?

[Beatrix makes a noise like 'really?']

This is war, not some petty squabble. Revenge is not a factor at all. The seelie march in our lands, they're burning our forest, they've destroyed our castle. They are still here.

Until we cast them out, nothing else matters.

If vengeance is not a factor, then why use the conceit of destruction and slaughter as a rallying point? I ask if your intent is defense or punishment. It is an important distinction to make.

Right now the distinction is meaningless. If you desire revenge for the destruction of the castle, go and face the seelie. Your actions will still be defending our people.

We do not have the luxury of worrying about people's motivations, not now.

[His tone takes on a bit of an edge at being misconstrued.] It is a responsibility, not a luxury. If we do not make the distinction now, vengeance will rule both sides of this war and it will end in a slaughter.

The important thing to do is to bring people to safety and to stop the destruction, not to rally for war. The time for that is later.

You speak as if the battle is over. [She scoffs.] Our armies face off against them right now to the south of what remains of Caer Scima. They burn La Llorona out from underneath us, the damage they are doing will scar our lands for years to come.

This isn't some wishful dream of rallying our forces to invade their lands. If we do not repel them, now, we will have nothing left to defend and no one will remain to seek the vengeance you seem to scoff at.

[Heatedly] Do not presume to tell me how I speak. You chastise victims of a slaughter and tell them they must take up arms in a war, or else they are complicit. Not to defend their land, nor to protect themselves. I agree they must be repelled, but I do not agree with the tactics you are employing.

The seelie have made it quite clear they consider us all enemies in this. They don't care about your opinion on the matter.

Frankly, I do not care about it either. If you wish to hide, then do so, but remember the people who may die for your inaction.

My priority is to see to the safety of everyone; I said nothing about hiding. But I will not be manipulated by your words, so you waste your breath.

Do you think there's actually any bouncing back from this?

Yes.

While we still live there is always hope.

I'm not quite as optimistic.

[She shrugs.]

You would prefer to give up?

I would prefer to live, however I might do that.

Understandable, but that doesn't exactly accomplish anything as a desire without having something else to make it worthwhile.

[She smiles and shrugs.]

Living itself is worthwhile enough for me.

[She's not a woman who needs to be compelled by causes. That's more of a heroes style.]

( Flatly: ) Many were lost, and the homes and fields of countless natives, without a doubt. Think-you that if the situation is so dire that you must extend your protection to us, that we are in a strong position to make war?

We are not. The task of rebuilding and recouping our might should take precedence. If we attack them while our position is thus weakened, the likelihood of failure is too high to ignore.

[Beatrix's tone is a bit frustrated.]

We are not making war, the war is already made. The seelie march across our lands as we speak, our armies engage them less than a quick march from what remains of Caer Scima.

Do you think they will politely step back and wait for us to catch our breaths before they continue their assault? We cannot rebuild or regroup until our lands are ours again.

How many more of us must die, lady? We are weak at this time. ( The look on her face communicates just how much she hates to admit the fact. )

The armies yet pursue them, well and so. Those of us whom remain living and number not within their ranks should focus upon rebuilding so that our warriors have something to return to. Should we not?

Yes. Of course that is important.

But those who can fight, right now, should do so for the sake of all of us.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Video | Locked to the unseelie | Backdated to the afternoon of the eighth.

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