VOICE | SEELIE LOCKED; EARLY MAY

[knightscode]

[ A few hours after Ariadne's post, which came after the monarch audience.

Lancelot's voice is clear and calm, if a little tired. This sort of thing always drains him. ]

For those who do not know me my name is Lancelot, I am marshal of the Seelie forces. If we have not met before, forgive me. Things have been busy of late, and today is no exception. I would like to preface by saying if you have any questions you are free to approach me, either by locket or in person. I am often in the training grounds here in Caer Glaem or over in the White Citadel. I never turn away a question or help offered, and I do my best to be transparent and honest in my answers.

Recently a lot of activity has been noted from a group known as the Cult of the Fox. For those who do not know, they are a native group who have a strong anti-shardbearer sentiment. Since all of us are shardbearers this is a little difficult to ignore, and ignoring it is not something I would recommend in the slightest.

I will do my best to explain, but if something is unclear you need only prompt me. The Cult of the Fox rose after an ex-shardbearer known as Reynard the Fox was felled by the joint effort of many of us. He used to rule Maupertius, and he was... Well, he had long since lost his mind. He betrayed all his allies and butchered many of us -- stole shards from people's chests to amass power. Reynard is now long dead, although for anyone curious I am happy to share what I know of him, but the Cult of the Fox rose on the premise that Reynard was seen to be fighting for natives. I am not so sure that is entirely true, but it is true that many of the actions of the courts are at the cost of natives.

Nonetheless, cult activity is particularly heavy in Daonna and Leathann of late. The cultists have already hung shardbearers, and are far too dangerous to approach alone. Their masks make you forget their faces, and recently someone suggested they can mimic the faces of others -- can reach into people's minds. If you intend to go to these areas I would suggest you think twice, or if you must that you do not go alone and you go well prepared for trouble. Natives of this land can sense the shard in a person. It is not simply a matter of not telling them you are a shardbearer, they will know.

We've been doing our best to handle the unrest but the natives have lost some of their trust. It is best to tread cautiously, for they will not always take you in good faith.

On the subject of shards, if you have never been taught the nature or use of your shard it can be done. Shards have a natural power to them that you can call on. I do my best to hold lessons when I can, but if you are unable to make them I will try to make time for you. It is a thing worth learning, especially in these troubled times.

Keep yourselves safe.

Comments

voice.

[brainiest]

[ Hermione's voice is set, determined, stern; she had seen the post, thanks to her compasses, and she's glad Lancelot had addressed it. ]

I'll teach anyone that wants to learn if you don't have time, Lancelot. Not just shard magic but runes, too.

voice.

[knightscode]

[ Lancelot is a protective sort. People need to know where the danger is to avoid it! ]

I have no doubt you would make an excellent teacher, Hermione. You have always taught me well. We can split our time as suits, if you are sure.

[voice]

[fell_to_hell]

That's not all they've done. Flora was with me on the quest and can help me fill in the details, but I don't know how much of this information is public among the Seelie. Were you told anything about the murder of the Oracle?

[voice]

[knightscode]

I know some. I had been told evidence was found that she was killed by a shardbearer, something stronger than a rumour.

[Voice]

[prissykid]

[Joshua is very interested in this.]

While I'm not unaware of the Cult's activities, I am, however, not as well informed about its origins and motives as I would like. I would appreciate the history lesson, if you've the time.

[As for those masks....]

Is there any more information on the creator of those masks? If we could in some way acquire one, I believe that there are those of us who may be able to counter those spells...but only if they knew what, exactly, they were countering.

[And, finally, the shard. That checks off everything on his mental list of Most Important Topics.]

I have more than a touch of free time, and I believe it would be beneficial to learn what I can of how to use my own shard effectively, especially now if it can in any way help protect our minds from those masks. I need only a time and place. [A slight pause.] Ah, yes, and before I forget, my name's Joshua.

[Voice]

[knightscode]

[ Ah, someone's certainly curious. ]

That's quite the list of questions. Which one would you like me to begin with?

audio;

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh's reply comes swift, to the point, and in sharp contrast to the boisterous man he fought several months prior. This is no time for jesting or idle boasting; it's clear he's taking the warning as well as the information quite seriously.]

I shall do what I can in Leathann to ease your burden. You perform a great service to your peers in dispensing this knowledge, Grand Marshal, and it pleases me.

audio;

[knightscode]

[ For a moment Lancelot is flattered by Gilgamesh, warmed by his offer.

Then he gets as far as 'and it pleases me' and that all collapses into a vague sense of irritation. He's reminded instantly of the man's appalling sense of superiority and of Diarmuid's words.

Good lord, how does he even handle a person like this? Carefully flatter and make no sudden movements. ]

I have no doubt you will be a great help in Leathann. You did well there before, and that must count for something to its people -- despite their difficulties.

[voice]

[notyetlegend]

I saw th' hangings happen in Daonna. [There's a pause as something clicks in her mind.] You don't think they could be what's behind th' riots happenin' in Leathann right now do you? If they can reach into people's minds an' plant suggestions...

[voice]

[knightscode]

Perhaps. Yet all the same, they would have good reason to be upset despite all that. With the void creeping closer to the island I have no doubt they are afraid, and fear causes people to act strangely.

( audio. )

[marred]

[ as a shardbearer who is so dumb he's chosen to linger more and more in leathann, luke's seen it all first hand. and, of course, researched it. there's one slip of information he didn't know about the masks, though, and luke's not so sure if he's grateful to hear it. ]

So, how much do you know about the Cult? I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only one who did a research assignment on them for class.

( audio. )

[knightscode]

[ A research... assignment? ]

A fair amount. I was a little better acquainted with Reynard than I would have liked before he died, so when it began to crop up I did my best to keep track.

Video

[dyingisnotdead]

...are you sure that this Reynard man is truly dead?

[Loras raises an eyebrow.]

In my world we have this pesky thing where people who are supposed to be dead, aren't.

Video

[knightscode]

For a time he was not. He was under an enchantment, to come back from death every time he died. He was... powerful, frightening. Beckoned the dead to rise around him as he walked. I have heard... rumours... that he has been seen again -- but Reynard was felled. We undid the enchantment that kept him alive, and he was blown to pieces with the force of magic. There is a vein of blood granite in the ground where he was felled. I must believe it is proof, for my own sanity if nothing else. The man plagued me far too long.

[foraneye]

How strong in numbers is this cult?

[Strong enough to be worrisome, it seems.]

[knightscode]

It is... difficult to say, exactly, but they are spread all across this land -- not just in one place. Strongest in Daonna, where I would say near enough most of the population has their sympathies, but they have had their agents seen all over.

voice;

[cinnamoned]

[Is there ever good news with the lockets actually working? Mostly it seems all they are doing so far is spreading worse and worse news. Or, providing it in more detail, at least. Snow gives a slight sigh as she considers, lips pursed.]

I know others might have been around longer and know more about this Cult, but I myself think I arrived after Reynard, if you have the time for the history lesson there behind it. But you know I can take care of myself well enough. And I have you to help in thanking for that with the shard training. I'll be careful. I'll promise to that if you will too, Lancelot.

voice;

[knightscode]

All of us arrived after Reynard, in truth. He was here long before we were, fought in many more wars than us. I can do my best, although not all of it is still relevant. It is good context, perhaps. He was a shardbearer himself once, lost his shard in a great battle. Lived out in Maupertius and worked alternately for each side. I met him nearly two years ago now, I was sent to him to learn the art of using your shard. Reynard... was a dangerous man, at turns charming and sharp. He did exactly as he was asked, trained us, then turned on us at the last day and meant to kill us.

voice;

[cerebral]

[Charles is just going to. Quietly rake his fingers down his face for a moment while he contemplates lovingly murdering Erik before anyone else can since he a) has the ability to shapeshift and read minds (with his dumb amulet and his even dumber hat) and b) has been running around looking like Reynard's dead ex-boyfriend.

His voice is strangely hoarse by the time he replies:]

If you come across anyone who's had their mind reached into, I can undo any damage. People and their ridiculous bloody trinkets.

voice;

[knightscode]

You can do such a thing? Is it not.... dangerous?

Video;

[bondedgryphon]

[Zhaneel listens silently, rolling the information through her mind as Lancelot fills in several gaps to the information about Reynard she already knew. She'd heard about Ariadne's message over the various communication devices... there was very little that didn't spread throughout the land like wildfire these days.

Exhaling softly, she activates her own locket, currently wearing her human guise.]

I would like to learn how to access the power of my shard... I know nothing of it, to be truthful. I have my own magic, and what I've learned since arriving, but if the shard's abilities can help those I call friend and family, then I would know all I can. [She's a super fast learner too, Lancelot.]

Video;

[knightscode]

I would be happy to teach you, of course. Shards, as I understand it, enhance our own natural traits. I had no magic before this world myself, but I assume this would work with yours. Others I have taught have used it with their own abilities, magical or otherwise. I admit, mostly I use mine to enhance my strength and speed, to allow myself to work faster with a blade.

video;

[aureinsof]

[This is a lot to take in and it pisses Aster off.]

I want this shard training, too. I'll hunt down more monsters for you to use if you need'em for it. But I'll know if someone tampers with my mind. I'm aware of anyone in here, so if you need anything dangerous, too, I don't mind looking into it.

[It sounds altruistic of him but the truth is just that he considers the Citadel part his and he won't allow someone else to ruin it.]

video;

[knightscode]

I said I would teach you before, that still stands whenever you have the time. You need do no additional work for it, although -- if you wish to do so regardless I would not stop you, of course.

voice;

[merelychewed]

I would very much like to see these cultists try to steal my face.

[ Since he sounds like he doubts they can, though only because he isn't even considering his human form. ]

I do not think it would end well for them. Still, it is troubling news, if true. Strange how so many ill tidings are piling up all at once...

voice;

[knightscode]

I would not tempt them. The magic is strong. For all we know they would be capable of such a thing.

voice

[bealright]

But what if you already have magic -- from home? Do you still need your shard?

voice; sorry for slow, moving at the moment!

[knightscode]

I would not say you need it -- the power a shard lends you... enhances what you have, your natural traits. It is your connection to your homeworld. Shards, as I understand it, were once a great gem. When it was shattered the pieces shattered out into the stars, and each piece helped create our own worlds. The gem itself had great power, and even one little piece can be used to do incredible things.