eachdraidh | 1st Element ☲ Video

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1st Element ☲ Video

[It's helpful that so many people have been fiddling around with their lockets, and that Aang's given himself some time to try figuring the thing out. There are only three false starts before he manages to properly turn it to video.

A twelve-year-old bald boy with arrows tattooed on his head, arms, and legs sits in a lotus position. To those who would recognize it, his clothes seem similar to those of Tibetan monks.]

Is this thing on...?

[The locket's also upside-down as he works on it, his tongue sticking out with concentration, before he blinks.]

Oh! Hi!

[He puts the locket down upright and tries to look like he knows what he's doing, but the image is kind of ruined by his somewhat sheepish smile and the way he waves.]

I'm Aang! [He puts his hands in his lap, gray eyes bright and curious.] I don't really know many of you, but I'd like to! I kind of what to say something to everyone on both sides of this.

[The smile begins to fade.] In my world, there's been a war going on for a hundred years. I still don't know why it began. From what I hear, one nation attacked the others, and the others are now just trying to protect themselves. I've always wondered why that first nation attacked. [The smile's completely gone now. The eyes have lost some of their brightness.] But now... we have these lockets. So we can talk to each other, and we can find out why we're being told to fight each other.

So I came on here to ask... [He puts his palms together and closes his eyes. Just a twelve-year-old boy, trying to fulfill his duty to achieve peace and harmony.] that before we start fighting, that we talk first, and we compare what our separate sides have told us. That we try to learn about each other. I'll start.

[The boy unfolds his legs and picks up a wooden staff from the ground, using it to get to his feet and leaning on it while he speaks.] Like I said, I'm Aang. I'm an Air Nomad. That means I'm a monk, and I was taught to respect all life. [Perhaps conspicuously to those who know him, he doesn't mention his status as the Avatar. That seems like heavy stuff to tell people who don't even know what that is.] When I came here, I was told that I had to kill people who were chosen by the Unseelie to steal their Shards, and if we didn't do that, then everything I ever loved would be destroyed. They said that this is a kingdom that represents light in the world--things like honor, courage, love, justice... that kind of thing. And that the Unseelie are going to destroy all of it.

So... what about everyone else? Seelie and Unseelie? Who are you? Where are you from? Why did they tell to fight?

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I was picked by the Seelie too, and was told I'd have to fight. But I don't want to hurt anyone either...

Oh, and I'm Carol, by the way! It's nice to meet you, Aang. I think trying to talk to each other is a good idea - hopefully this whole situation can be resolved peacefully.

[ Congratulations Aang, you get this scarred bastard for your troubles. Daud is keeping the conversation locked, not wanting his monarchs (i.e. kidnappers) peering over his shoulder. ]

Trying to broker a peace already?

[ There might be a subtle note of amusement in there, but it's not the derisive kind. ]

[It's almost a surprise to see such a young child speak so well and feel so much for the world. But hadn't Mist been like that three years ago? Elincia smiles warmly at the thought and when her feed turns on, Aang will find himself talking to a young woman clad in white and gold armor]

Aang, is it? [She dips her head in acknowledgement, still smiling fondly] I am--Elincia. [No need to reveal her title in this world. It did not amount to much in this world after all] I am too chosen for the Seelie and what they told you, they told me.

[The smile slips from her face as she continues on, looking thoughtful. There were a lot of terms Aang had used that she was not familiar with, but perhaps she would be able to ask about those later]

I cannot say I like the idea of fighting either. I have seen far too much bloodshed in the past three years and have very little desire to see more.

[ Aang's clothes make him look like he hails from the Kou Empire. He reminds her a bit of Aladdin, too, with his age, the way he speaks and its content. Then again, Aladdin's friend almost killed her own. She's still bitter about that. ]

... Did you just expose your allegiance to everyone? If you get killed, that will be no one's fault but your own.

[ She's all for peace, but the difference between conflict of the kingdom of Sindria and the Kou empire and that of the Seelie and Unseelie is that she knows she has a chance at getting both sides to work something out. She isn't familiar with how this world works, so she has to change her perspective here.

Besides, it's not like she cares about anyone on the other side now anyway. ]

Hi, Carol! [Aang waves at her with a smaller smile than he had on before.]

If you don't want to hurt anyone, we can abstain from violence together. It's an Air Nomad philosophy to never use violence except for the defense of self or others. And you can try to talk to people brought by the Unseelie on the lockets, too!

It's what I do.

[Aang gives a small, earnest smile.]

What court were you taken to?

[Aww, with his little bald head he's kind of adorable.]

Hi, Aang. My name is Kira. I'm also supposed to fight for the Seelie.

I get the impression that this war is not a new thing for them. The fairies are not human, they're like spirits with corporeal forms, and they don't think the same way we do. But I honestly hope you're able to have an effect on things.

[ooc: Aang may or may not be able to see her kitsune aura, I'll leave it up to you!]

Nice to meet you, Elincia.

[What little smile was there at the greeting fades quickly.] Yeah. I think I've seen enough death this lifetime. So I think we should talk before we start fighting a war that isn't ours.

Yup! Did it right on the locket!

[He has no problems with this. He can't very well ask that everyone get along if he's not ready to trust people to not hunt him down and murder him.]

But I trust that most people don't really want to fight here without understanding what's happening.

[Through the filter of the locket, Aang can't pick up much. It seems a little like the image of this new woman is slightly blurred around the edges--probably nothing important, seeing as he has no idea how these things work and how often they have the sharp images he's seen thus far.]

Spirits don't usually think like humans do. I think it's just part of being immortal.

But humans think like humans. And I know how we think! [Ha ha ha Aang the Avatar's not quite as human as you think.] So I can try to talk the humans out of getting involved. [He shrugs with a small smile.] I don't think I can stop the fairies. They believe in their war, and they'll fight as long as they believe it. But we don't need to be part of that.

Well, there are still some points to consider.

First, what did they tell you about why this war is happening? Is it just a big game to them? Are there stakes involved that could effect more than just the Seelie if they lose? What if there are repercussions in the mortal world?

For that matter, would either the Seelie or the Unseelie become upset or angry if we all tried to be conscientious objectors? The Seelie might not hurt those who don't want to fight, but the Unseelie aren't known for their kindness.

I'm all for diplomatic effort and trying to propose peaceful solutions, but immediately proposing we all ought to lay down arms without knowing what the consequences will be might be hasty.

[She can't help but add,] I hope you don't mind my playing devil's advocate. I think it's kind of my nature.

[Which she is still learning about.]

[he is indeed familiar with the image of tibetan monks. and between that, and what this kid's saying, jason can't help but wince at the seelie's choice of soldiers. whatever fighting ability there may or may not be is kind of a moot point if the person has a firm objection to fighting in the first place.

still, it's a least a nice idea in theory, talking it out. ]

Hi, Aang. I'm Jason, and I'm from the US. So what's an Air Nomad? Besides monks, I mean.

[ Huh. Daud has seen children engage in a variety of occupations, many of them unsavory. Never a child diplomat, though. And the kid seems to take it seriously enough. But then, they obviously come from very different worlds. ]

The Unseelie.

What our hosts told us isn't much different from what yours told you, flavor aside. The Unseelie stand for change and fight to break free from the chains of old, narrow-minded tradition at any cost. If the Seelie are allowed to triumph, all strength will seep from the world and it will stagnate into oblivion.

They're a dramatic bunch, but I doubt they're lying.

[ Oh look, someone had the same idea she had. ]

It is difficult to find out the true motives behind an age old battle. Legend says that the Unseelie are members of the Seelie court who were banished because they couldn't live up to the Seelie code. They aren't famous for being kind to humans.

You sound young for a monk, Aang. But age and wisdom by no means go hand in hand. Conversation is the best first step to understanding.

Though, ah, I fear I can't offer any insights beyond your own.

[ Someone his age! Gavroche isn't bothered by the funny looking things, or the too-serious voice. He's sure he's just being brave, right? That's what he'd do, if he wanted to know about other people. Put on a brave, calm face. ]

'Ey! You ain't be a monk, you're an altar boy, huh? You got a lotta serious face.

Agreed.

[She clasps her hands together and the look on her face turns more thoughtful]

Gaining peace through words is very much preferable. However, if the faeries spoke the truth, then this has been a war that has been going on for a very long time. If that is the case, then the rulers of both sides will be very reluctant to negotiate for peace if not outright against it.

[So many times she had sought peace only to be rebuffed by rulers too obsessed with the idea of power or clinging desperately for the love of their homeland. It would not be easy]

Without their willingness to lay down their swords...

[House is going to keep this to voice only, because the last thing he needs is for any of the Seelie to be able to associate his face with the Unseelie court.

And geez...only a kid would think he could talk out all the world's--any world's--troubles.]

Are you familiar with the concept of yin and yang?

[ What a guy. She wouldn't even dream of being so bold. ]

I suppose you have a point. I don't mind fighting as long as I get home, though. They say if we win the war, my world will be saved. That much I understand. It is something I must do for my country... and for the world my friends live in.

I think that you're right to turn to these lockets and try to determine what is the most correct information out there, across all lines. With that said, I think the first step is confirm that little point about the Unseelie and destruction - it would very well be misinformation in order to win you over to one side or the other.

In addition to getting a grip on what respective sides have told each other - have you considered trying to get information on both sides in regards to their history and why they're using proxies to fight their war? I can certainly buy the notion that the shards are the cause, but what's the logic for those being there in the first place?

I've likely answered you with more questions than answers, so please accept my apologies and at least one direct response to what you've put forth here: I'm Waver Velvet, and on the Unseelie side of this.

[He's a lot of things; a diplomat is just one of many.]

The monks used to say that when there's a conflict between people, it's because both sides think they're right.

Maybe if the leaders came together and talked about their concerns? If the Unseelie are worried about stagnation and the Seelie are worried about destruction, they should be able to find some middle ground!

[Well, objection to fighting itself is pushing it. But unnecessary violence? Hell to the yeah, he's got objections.]

Well... [Aang starts to gesture with his arms, as he often does when talking about his (nearly extinct) people.] We're all airbenders, and we live on temples on mountains. Or, well, a lot of us live on mountains--a lot of nomads like to travel around on their flying bisons and don't try to earn their arrows. There's the Northern and Southern Air Temples for the monks, and the Eastern and Western Air Temples for the nuns. I'm from the Southern Air Temple, one of the most beautiful places in the world!

[Instinctively, he talks about the airbenders as if they're all around. He's just never gotten used to speaking about them in the past tense.]

What's US?

[Your hair is pink. That's so cool.]

Did you read all that in the library or something? I never heard of either of the courts before I got here.

My mother told me stories, growing up.

[ Clearly that's all she wants to say on the matter. Her mother is still a sensitive subject, even now. ]

Uh, the United States. I guess the place your from is really different, huh?

[certainly sounds like it. but at least he's rolling with this kind of revelation better than he was at the feast.]

You have bison that can fly? And what's an airbender?

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