VIDEO | SEELIE

[colorofthesky]

[ The audio feed begins with the sound of a muted tapping. ]

Is this on?

[ He taps it again, and a young man with spiky, black hair appears. He's peering...much too closely at his locket, but eventually he leans back, the scar on his left cheek becoming visible. For those familiar with the area, the training grounds in Caer Glaem are behind him.

Satisfied that it's on, he smiles a bit. ]

Hi. [ Awkwardly, he scratches the back of his head. ] I'm sure it's pretty obvious to those of you who've been here a while that I'm new.

I've already gotten a few different versions of what's going on here so I think I should be good in that respect.

[ Oh Zack, you sweet summer child. Moving right alone, though, he has other things to say. ]

Since it's a war we're here to fight, I'd like to know if there's anyone around who'd like to spar sometime - hand-to-hand or with weapons.

Also, if there are any places you'd recommend visiting, I'd like to know!

[ A large black head nudges him roughly, and after a soft "hey!" Zack turns briefly to pet his horse's face. A large sword becoming visible, hanging on his back before he looks back at the locket. He flashes a small, sheepish smile. ]

Any tips on riding horses would be good, too. Thanks.

Comments

[colorofthesky]

We fought our fair share of battles.

[ SOLDIERs fight wars and beat each other up in their spare time. No one should be surprised. ]

I didn't bring any play swords with me so I'll make do with the one I have.

I'm assuming guns aren't really a thing here.

[foraneye]

Not as such.

[But the fact that he asks about them says more about his capabilities than a request for sparring does.]

Are you some kind of soldier then, or just a man capable of watching out for himself?

[colorofthesky]

The first one.

[ Or he used to be, anyway. ]

Most people who travel the world where I'm from have to know how to defend themselves, but I have been formally trained.

[foraneye]

Then you'll be better off than some who've been brought here. They may not require us to be soldiers, but I've lived through more than one surprise attack by Unseelie forces.

[colorofthesky]

[ Zack hums softly. ]

I get the impression it's good to know self-defense if you're a shardbearer.

[ Thanks, Gabranth. ]

How long have you been here?

[foraneye]

Your impression is correct.

[Thank goodness this one isn't thick. Call her selfish, but Élise prefers not to have the slow-witted on her side.]

More than a year now. I'm not sure I could say you get used to life here, but it grows slightly less bizarre.

[colorofthesky]

[ Well, he's not a rocket scientists, but he does have some common sense!! ]

I've seen some weird things.

[ Not all of which he wants to talk about, but you know. Stuff happens. ]

What's it been like here for the last year?

[foraneye]

Exciting. I've seen as many festivals and gatherings as I have battles—but I suppose it's no surprise that people still try to live their lives among the chaos. And our monarchs hid themselves away.

But in all that time, no new shardbearers arrived. You and your fellows are the first to appear since the time of my own arrival.

[colorofthesky]

Huh.

[ Life goes on everywhere, he supposes. People need to cope some way or another. ]

Does anybody know why no shardbearers arrived over the last year?

[foraneye]

It must have something with the monarchy hiding themselves away. As for why they decided to do that...if I understood the way they think, I wouldn't have so many questions myself.

[colorofthesky]

They don't actually talk to us much, do they?

[ Sounds familiar. ]

[foraneye]

Oh, now and then. When they have cause to. But their reasons are their own, and clearly more important than our wishes.

[colorofthesky]

[ Hmmm. ]

Maybe the next time they're available, I'll go see them.

[foraneye]

Then perhaps I'll see you there. I have a few things in mind I'd like to bring up with them.

[colorofthesky]

Maybe!

My name is Zack, by the way. Zack Fair.

[foraneye]

I'm Élise de la Serre. Well met, Zack.

[colorofthesky]

Same to you, Élise.

I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around at some point.