001; video (open to both courts)

[devotedqueen]

It seems the queens are bringing more and more people in to fight for their cause.

[When the feed flickers on, Elincia seems to be muttering to herself a little before she straightens and smiles at the locket. More people was both a bad thing and a good thing in her eyes. Bad because this meant more people to fight a useless war. Good because there might be more who could help her with something that was very important if she wanted to take leave of the castle as soon as possible.

Normally, she wouldn't ask people for help in such a public manner. But here, she was completely out of her depths and there didn't seem to be any books in the library that could aid her. While the queen's gift certainly sped up the process, Elincia just didn't have the knowledge about animal taming and training in order to maximise it's potential. 

Which is why she's here right now. She looks as neat and elegant as ever but to anyone who can read her well enough, they will be able to tell she's a little flustered.]

Excuse me, everyone, if I could just have a moment of your time, there are a few things I'd like to ask.

Firstly, I was wondering if there was anyone who could give me advice on taming animals. Wild horse-like creatures to be exact but if you have any advice at all, that would be most appreciated. 

[She tips her head politely with a small smile]

While I've been around horses and pegasi all my life, I've never been asked to tame one and I find myself struggling to do so. I can offer my abilities as a healer in return, if you like.

Secondly, I would like to ask, those of the Seelie Court in particular - is there anyone else out there interested in taking their leave of the castle? I understand several groups have headed off already but if there's anyone else who desires to see the world out there [and get out of the castle's range before they were dragged into another battle with or without their consent. She had expressed interest to Lord El-Melloi before but this time, she thinks she might be able to move around more efficiently with the right preparations] then please, let me know. It seems to be safer to travel in groups than alone.

Thank you for your time.

[Another small tip of her head and the video ends]

Comments

[Video]

[fell_to_hell]

[Somewhere in Caer Glaem, Nico is sure Jason is having a heart attack because he's actually putting forth an offer to someone else to join their band of roaming teenagers. He's looking quite a bit better than he had a week ago, though he still tires easily. Hades, he really did overextend himself....]

My group will be heading out again in June, once I'm back up to full strength. If you don't mind traveling with teenagers, then you're free to join us.

[That first part, though....]

I'm afraid I don't have any experience taming animals. Plus...your horse probably won't tolerate my presence, so it's best I don't approach it at this stage.

[Video]

[devotedqueen]

[Well, she's used to teenagers being far wiser and far more powerful than would be expected of them. Sanaki had ruled for longer than she had after all and Sanaki had only been thirteen.

She smiles, pleased to see him looking somewhat better.]

I don't mind. Any company would be appreciated. Are you still not well?

[She looks concerned over that. But there wasn't much she could do aside from offer him an elixir from her dwindling stock.]

Oh, that's fine. I think my--horse--[cleg] doesn't take kindly to any strangers. She's still very shy.

[Video]

[fell_to_hell]

[He shifts slightly. He's still not used to people showing concern for him.]

I'm not bedridden anymore, but I tire easily. Another week and I should be alright.

[Nico gives her a wry smile.]

Then she'll definitely not like me. It's a shame my sister isn't here. She's good with horses.

Re: [Video]

[devotedqueen]

[She nods in understanding. She had known people like that]

That's good. As long as you can recover.

[She laughs lightly. Funny how she kept meeting people who were bad with animals this week]

Even ones with wings?

video;

[thebreakingwave]

In my experience, there's usually a specific set of steps that changes depends on the sort of animal. In general though, if they're a magical breed usually respect is necessary - a bow, sometimes a token. Respect and whatever they like to eat.

[It's not perfect, but it works with hippogryphs and thestrals.]

[devotedqueen]

Is that so?

[She looks thoughtful, linking her fingers together. The eating part wasn't a problem. Perhaps if she offered it one of her healing staffs? But clegs didn't seem very interested in human-made items]

I seem to be able to get close to it enough to soothe it these days but it's very resistant to being around others, animals or people.

[Resistant is probably putting it a little too kindly]

[thebreakingwave]

It might just take a lot of time.

[Harry wishes he could just call Hagrid up and ask his idea. Of course, his response would likely put them all in moderate danger and end up with a bit of nasty horse-thing nip.]

May I ask what sort of horse-like animal is it?

[devotedqueen]

Perhaps.

[pls no Elincia is of the opinion that if she could get some of the pegasus knight trainers here, her life would be much easier]

They call it a cleg. Do you know of it?

Video | Locked

[fatherlordandfool]

Greetings, Lady. Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, at your service.

[ His bearded chin dips a little, in due respect. ]

I have a great bit of experience in hostlery, and in working hawk and hound. I... haven't much knowledge on pegasi, but I'm at the castle at present and needing a way to occupy myself. If you like, I might aid you in the daylight hours, at the stableyard?

And, likewise, I've no interest in subjecting me and mine to the war of the gems. But I'll not leave innocents undefended, either; so in a day or two, I mean to hold a great conference of Seelie shardholders, that we may build plans together rather than disparately.

Video | Locked

[devotedqueen]

Greetings, Lord Stark.

[She gives him a regal little nod, smiling in gratitude]

Any experience is most valuable. I would appreciate it very much if you could aid me.

[She closes her eyes, collecting herself and nods. She had believed that too, before. It was why she had stayed when people had made plans to leave; she hadn't realised how valuable her healing was until that very moment. But...]

I understand. I too, do not wish to leave the civilians undefended. However, the Queen Solais has forced my hand and I can no longer bring myself to stay, lest I be forced into another battle I have no desire to take part of.

But if we are able to unite and stand against this foolish war...

[There was hope there, small and flickering.]

Re: Video | Locked

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His mouth twitches up into an earnest smile. ]

Name the time, Lady, and I'm at your service.

[ His expression did not falter so much as grow curious, and grave, and he offered a shallow nod. ]

I have children, brought here the same as I. I would not see them embroiled in the mire of a war they never had part or stake in. But... to that measure...

Who can we trust here better than each other? Those who've been torn away from all we know? I intend to call a great conference of us, within the upcoming days, to take stock of our inclinations: those who would stay but not war, those who would war, and those who are determined to leave.

With resources and knowledge pooled, we will be more likely to succeed at all to which we turn our hand. And there is strength in numbers, and comraderie, and keeping close those who would aid you. Would you lend your voice to such a thing, Lady?

One of my daughters is still a months' ride to the castle, and I will wait for her as long as I must... but I would gladly give what aid I can to others going.

[devotedqueen]

Early mornings would be best, I believe. It's less likely people will be awake at that time.

[And less likely to get caught by a very vicious cleg.

Her smile vanishes and the look on her face is solemn]

I am sorry your children have been brought here. It must be difficult for any father to see their children embroiled in war.

[For a moment, Elincia wonders if her father had felt the same the day he died. She dismisses the thought. She was too old to be pondering such things. She closes her eyes and sighs]

I can lend my voice. Perhaps my experience with this land will offer newcomers a different perspective from what the fairies have told them. But I will still leave the castle regardless. Whether it will be a permanent venture or not remains to be seen. But I have a good friend who was brought to the other castle and I must see him again.

[Her expression softens a little]

Of course, should any harm come towards any civilians, I will be glad to offer my staff and sword to protect them.

Audio, private

[gordianknots]

I know that there's a group from my side of things already out and exploring, although I'm not sure if you're likely to run into them.

audio, private

[devotedqueen]

Ah, do you mean Sir Maglor's group?

[Funny thing about that...]

[gordianknots]

I might if I knew the names of the people actually gone.

[Oh dear]

[devotedqueen]

One of the elves were with them, if that makes things clearer. Another had a red coat.

[It wasn't that bad. They just politely avoided each other mostly]

[video]

[justike]

Elincia?

[Ike clearly hasn't paused to collect himself before replying, because his surprise is written all over his face. This whole situation is bizarre enough, but somehow seeing someone he recognized made it more surreal rather than less.

It kind of doesn't help that she's speaking as though she's not new here at all.]

When did you get here?

[video]

[devotedqueen]

[It takes Elincia a moment to register the familiar voice. Another to register the face.]

Lord Ike...?

[She looks stunned, like someone had sent a herd of pegasi to trample her. She collects herself quickly, shaking her head and laughs (she hadn't realised how much she needed a familiar friendly face until now)]

I should be asking you that question. I've been here almost two months now.

[There are other questions on the tip of her tongue; how were Geoffrey, Lucia and Bastian? Her Uncle? Was the country coping with her absence? Uncle was leading them well, wasn't he? But she bites down on it]

[justike]

Two months? But it can't have been a week since I saw you.

[There's definitely something funny going on here--well, something more funny than the entire situation already looked to him. Had he been unconscious and not realized it?]

Never mind that. Where are you? [He studies the small image intently, trying to gauge how she's doing.]

[devotedqueen]

[A week? But that was impossible. She had barely parted with Ike and his fellow mercenaries when she had been taken away. But that was a matter to analyse later. First things first]

I'm in the Caer Glaem library.

[She studies the background to Ike's locket that she could see. That didn't look like any part of Caer Glaem she could recognise. So that meant...]

video.

[sangilak]

When I was a little girl, I tamed a polar beardog, so I know a few things about controlling dangerous animals.

video

[devotedqueen]

[She's about to voice her appreciation but gets a little distracted by an unfamiliar term]

A polar beardog?

video 1/2

[sangilak]

Yeah, her name's Naga.

[ glancing over her shoulder, korra places two fingers to her lips and lets out a loud, piercing whistle. ]

video

[sangilak]

[ it takes a few seconds, but soon after her whistle there's the sound of long, loping strides and the thudding of heavy paws on the stone floor. soon after, there's a large, canine-like head hanging over korra's shoulder, naga's long tongue lolling out of her mouth happily, ears perking up. ]

Hey girl! Say hi!

[ naga responds by letting out a whuffling bark at the locket. ]

[devotedqueen]

Oh!

[Elincia startles, eyes widening in surprise but she smiles and laughs, waving at the polar beardog]

Hello there. [How cute!] So, is this what animals are like in your world?