eachdraidh | Video | 15th

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Video | 15th | both courts

Good evening. To those I have not yet met, my name is Berserker, I feel it is always best to start with introductions, especially here, where there is no code to follow in them.

What I am asking today is the subject of medicine and healing. As some will know, I am a doctor and a scientist. Yet it is rather more difficult to pursue here, especially now, after what we have lost. I hope members of each court might set aside differences in the midst of war to speak on the subject, as sharing such information would benefit not only shardbearers, but the common people as well. Medical assistance is, after all, a basic right, and not something which should be withheld even from an enemy.

Of healers, I would ask after your methods, whether that of your own world, or adopted here. Magic, natural remedies, anything at all. Or else where one might find further information.

Botanists, or any others familiar with the plants of the Drabwurld might also be of use. The fewer which must be experimented upon to find medicinal properties, the better, of course. Once again, even peculiarities within your own world, as the knowledge may very well prove useful here.

In addition, if anyone - and I do mean anyone at all, regardless of court status or otherwise - if anyone would like medicines of some sort to keep for emergencies, I would be glad to provide. As of yet I have managed to compound a few pain relievers and the like, but would happily work to find some solution for anything. And of course, should any require proper medical attention, do contact me at any time.

Please do feel free to use this as a forum to discuss the subject among yourselves, if at all appropriate.

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Why are you talking to the Unseelie.

It is precisely the reason stated: to promote health and protection. For our mutual benefit and that of the natives. Even in war it is despicable to withhold medical services.

I will not disagree, but I do not doubt that the Morla will frown on this.

She may very well, as would others, that I do not doubt. Still, is the Unseelie code not based around freedom of will? Moreover, any information gathered would be a benefit to her own cause. Should any take issue, I take issue with them in turn, it is simple as that.

You have done much I can't forget.

Is this to atone, for what you have done? What your other self did?

I had not exactly considered it that way, yet I am always trying to atone for my other self. In truth everything I do now is to make up for what he has done. Whether a particular instance or as a whole.

I doubt you can atone for him.

For he is not you. Though you created him.

I still suggest you do not do this; but you are not going to listen to me, I am sure.

I truly appreciate your concern but you are also correct in that I will not back down.

He may not act in such a way as I ever would, yet it is certain he is made up of the thoughts I denied in myself. Moreover, I allowed it for so long, he is well enough myself that I am responsible and must atone.

Which brings me to a grave matter I must discuss with you, in person, if possible. Are you available?

It isn't concern for you.

I am a selfish creature, at heart.

You can not control him, any more than I can control her.

But yes, you can come visit me.

[It's not a few moments before Jekyll is knocking on Vanessa's door. He's more than a little nervous, but he needs to talk to her about Dorian. Dorian and Hyde.]

Thank you, Miss Ives. It's difficult enough to speak this, but I feel it much better to do in person.

[an imp would have led Jekyll to the door. When Vanessa opens it, Neith, her spider, is behind her, chittering nervously. Gesturing for the man to come in, she moves to sit behind her desk, while the large spider follows. It isn't the most comfortable of settings--but she wants it that way. There is something about all of this that sets her ill at ease.]

Then I would have you speak, whatever it is.

[He dips into a small bow before coming forward, to stand before the desk. By now he's seen the spiders around, but it's still all very interesting, if a bit unsettling.]

Thank you. It is a terrible thing I must say, one which I am truly and deeply sorry for, and what's more, horrified. Dorian called for me to help him, after the fall of Caer Gleam, and so I did, I went there immediately, and we went into the forest for several days to take him to the Citadel. On one day, however, we were stopped to rest, I was offering him something to eat - when suddenly I felt Hyde fight for control. I tried to warn him, he knows of my other half, after all, but his concern was only for my pain, sweet as he is. I recall little of their interaction, but after a time I awoke, as it were, to...

[He stops, bites his lip, as he struggles for the words to describe what he did. Jekyll lowers his voice, softens in his shame.]

...My hands were around his throat, and he was without a pulse. I tried in vain to resuscitate him, but I could do nothing. Still, eventually he did come to life again, and with such a fury, one I cannot fault him for. Eventually he did calm, but seemed to deeply affected that it seemed cruel to allow him to live with the memory. ...Therefore I cast a spell to take it from him, and yet I feel all the worse for it.

[Vanessa listens.

As the story continues, however, her face becomes harder, more unreadable. Fingers grip at a table, as both her varren and spider seem nervous.

She holds herself, though, and when Jekyll mentions removing Dorian's memory, things begin to float slightly in the room, vibrating with an energy.]

...You realize my relationship to Dorian?

[a beat.]

The only cruel thing you did, is removing his memory. Which allows you to wipe your own hands of your actions.

What Hyde did is terrible.

What you did?

What you did, is infinitely worse.

No- no I never meant for it to be used that way! For I can never forget, I cannot look at him the same way and so regardless of all else I will always feel the guilt. I have sworn that I will never again hide, and take responsibility for both my own actions and those of Hyde! At one time I certainly would have used this as a means to clear myself of responsibility, I admit, but if that were the case now, I should not have come to you with the truth. Your relationship was unknown to me, until recently, yet it changes nothing in my decision to speak with you. Rather, perhaps it is all the more important because of it.

Are you listening to yourself?

'I can never forget'. This isn't about you, Jekyll. And yes, your conscience is troubling you now.

What I have within me? May have always been there--but regardless, I let it in. As much as I hate it, it is part of me. Who is to say there is no Jekyll, without Hyde?

[She keeps her eyes on him.]

You tell him the truth, Jekyll. Or I swear that our acquaintance will become something that you do not like.

[She hides things from Dorian as well; but this is different.]

No, I- [He presses his lips together, averting his own gaze.]

Thank you. That is what I needed to hear, this is precisely the reason I came to you. You are entirely correct, of course - how could you be anything but? After all, as you say, our afflictions are similar. It has always been part of me, but I allowed it to grow to this point.

I shall tell him as soon as we arrive at the ninth spire.

Good.

Do not make the same mistake again, Henry.

I do not wish to hurt you. But I will, if necessary.

Remember who has power, here.

[She does.

Is she becoming, everything she despises?

Who knows.

Who knows.]

No, of course...

[He bows his head, bending at the waist to give some amount of a proper bow. Not full, but it's something.]

Rather, if my other side loses control, I would rather something be done about it. It's good to know there are people who would not hesitate, despite any fondness between us.

I would hope someone would be willing to put me down, as well, in the same situation.

It's a kindness.

[She has to remember that; as should he.]

Precisely. If we would be such a danger to others, and so uncontrollable, then there is no reason not to remedy the situation. The solution to which seems likely to be nothing but death. For my own part, I have already died for that reason, while it may not be my wish to do so again, it should hardly matter.

No, it isn't. I...I asked for death, once, and was not provided. It was a kindness, then. But it may not be, the next time. We are secret keepers, you and I. And you should do well to remember that; for no one else sufers as we do.

Yes, just so... Should anything happen, I hope I might be able to help you, truly. What ever that may mean. Do you know Emil? He is in a similar situation to us, although they seem to get on a bit better.

I do not know him. Nor have I heard of him.

How does he get on better, as you say?

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Video | 15th | both courts

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