♔ II ► VIDEO 【UNSEELIE LOCKETS + HERMIONENET COMPASS】

[skjalf]

( Today, she is beautifully dressed in a gown of dark green, and her hair is braided in a crown about her head, with some loose curls falling past her shoulders. Appearance is everything today, when she has such a request to make. It is not as humbling as she might have expected, to be in such a position as to need to ask for aid; perhaps it is because it is not for her, personally.

But rather an endeavour which may benefit all. Carefully, at first, she smiles, an expression which gains warmth after a few seconds. )

I greet all of you well. And pray that all of you are doing all right. Sadly, as we are all keenly aware, such a state will not long be enjoyed by many of our native brethren. The Void would consume Leathann, and I commend the great efforts being made by all to keep it at bay.

Yet the isle of Briste to the north is in similarly dire straits, and I would make a great effort there to see their people saved from death, if the Void is not stopped ere it might swallow the isle. I know not if raising it might be viable option; rather, I have struck up an overture, a dialogue with their Council of elders.

My hope is this: that we might relocate the people to a settlement on the coast of the mainland here. If I might secure their trust and blessing to do so, I will lead their people to the head of the North road. There, I propose a settlement be built, which may in time grow into something greater.

I would do this myself, but I lack the funds to. Thus I appeal to you all: please, aid me in this. I will either repay you in turn or owe you a favour later, for certain. I would not ask for donations unless it is within your wisdom to provide one. Either way, you would bear my eternal gratitude for this.

These people may be hesitant to trust us, but they deserve a better fate than that which awaits them if we do naught.

Comments

Hermione net Compasses

[cinnamoned]

[She bites her lip. Of course she wants to help. If this were somewhere in the South she could do more to help. As it is, she's willing to give what little she can at least. Because she can't deny this any more than she could Hermione's attempt to help the natives learn to read and write. This is their home. While she may not have been born here, Snow has been here for over a year now and she would want any and all assistance if this was happening to the Forest.

Even so, she's cautious, using the compass privately.]

I'm not sure I have much to offer, but I'll try give you what I can. If this is up North, I'm afraid I can't be there myself to assist. But I'll give some gold marks towards this if necessary. Everyone deserves a home. Shelter.

[She spent so long without either. She knows how important that is. But at the least, hopefully, the families would remain together.]

Hermione net Compasses

[skjalf]

( The sight of Snow brings warmth to Elizabeth's features, as she cants her head forward in a nod of fond acknowledgement. It is a pleasure and a surprise to see her, given the tension in the air; but also not, given how she had spoken by the riverside previously. Remembering the levity and wisdom with which she had talked of this situation causes her own features to gentle further.

This is a great risk she takes, and all to help others. She is a truly good woman. )

Lady Snow, it is a pleasure to see you again. The territory in question sadly is to the North; all-told, the matter is complicated, but I well understand why. These people do not wish to be beneath the rule of either court.

( She knows without asking that they both feel the same as those people. ) They do deserve those things, and also safety, protection. Your funds will aid in providing them with that, my lady. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Hermione net Compasses

[cinnamoned]

Of course. And for you too. I figure these seemed like a useful enough idea in trying to keep in touch with some across the other court. I know it's risky, but. Sometimes the potential rewards can outweigh said risk. But I can understand if some don't want to support either court, to be involved in this fighting.

[There's a smile in return at her own lips as she then considers, pausing for a moment in attempting to figure some way to get said funds to her. It's once again more dangerous and risky to meet in person in Unseelie or Seelie lands, unlike when they initially did. So it would have to be somewhere neutral, unless they know of someone else delivering to her area along the way. Which is unlikely to say the least.]

I suppose the main issue would be getting any money or supplies to you from here. I know the Station is neutral at least. I'd use the birds, but the money is probably a bit heavy for them rather than letters.

Hermione net Compasses

[skjalf]

Your words hold a good deal of wisdom, lady. My mother has said somewhat similar before, and I did not see it at the time. I am better able to do so now, and I share in the sentiment that this is worth the risk. We can achieve naught without risk, and in this case, it might be much good.

( She has missed her! Elizabeth smiles back, softly; as she might at her mother, were she here. Unbeknownst to her, she has missed this; receiving guidance from a woman whom holds her respect. )

The Station may just work! A lady has offered me the service of her flying ship—think-you that would suffice as transport? I shall ask her, and see what she says.

But please, may we send letters back and forth? Mine are sent by dove typically. I simply wish to keep in contact.

( She refuses to llet this world take anything else from her. Her innocence was more than enough. )

hermionenet compass.

[fuga]

Lady.

[ They haven't spoken properly since that night in the forest and Lauralae is... Almost shy. Her voice is quiet, but when she speaks she is sure. ]

I have funds, left by a shardholder that has now gone. You may take what you desire.

hermionenet compass.

[skjalf]

Dearest,

( Colour rises in her cheeks, because she, too, is now also quite shy. But she regains her composure as well, managing to smile softly with fondness.

She has missed her. Her heart has missed her. )

I.. ( Suddenly, she is touched, humbled. There is no way she might comfort her in the wake of her loss, but she can thank her for giving of what has been to her of her friend. ) am honoured.

You have my thanks. And— ( She pauses, tentative. ) would you like to visit, once it begins to take shape? Perhaps by then I will have learn simple wards, to keep the people safe from harm. I would be pleased to be in your company once more.

hermionenet compass.

[fuga]

It is only a swan, and a bare handful of coin, no more.

[ Lauralae turns her gaze away, a little pinked from the kindness, the notice. She's softer, now, with liberty hand in hand with her newfound innocence, and she breathes out.

She had missed her lady. Truly. ]

There is no honour. It is only gold, coin - there is no use that I might have for it. I have bird, hound and magic - no more is necessary for me. [ Tilting her head down, she nods, once. ] I shall visit, if that is what you wish from me, lady. I might help you, teach you, if you ask it.

hermionenet compass.

[skjalf]

All of which mean a great deal to me because they come from you, dearest. I shall discount that not, just as I will not your beauty.

( Shy as she feels with her now, she still cannot seem to resist complimenting her, nor flirting with her. She is lovely without in her eyes, yes; but it is what she sees within which shines brighter, and draws her to this woman like a moth to a flame. And is it not meant to be the other way round? The irony is beautiful, and she smiles both for it, and the fact that she has just caused Lauralae to blush. Again.

Pink is definitely a colour which suits her. She has missed the sight of it gracing her cheeks, as she has missed the lady herself. )

You are necessary to me. ( She blurts out, and for once, finds herself flushing. There is no taking that statement back, and she does not wish to. Tentatively, softly, she continues: ) Might I ask for all of the above? It has been a time since I have last seen you. And it would be.. wonderful to amend that fact.

unseelie

[desperate_times]

I just ran a similar operation getting people out of Leathann last month. Helped a bunch of them relocate to Dorchadas. Not all of them agreed to go, of course, but it was some, at least.

Oh, I have a ship that flies. Maybe that's important.

unseelie

[skjalf]

Ah, yes! The flying ships! ( For a moment, she appears as excited and buoyant as a child. Such an invention is naught less than a marvel in her eyes. ) I think that would be very important, lady.

And as for Leathann, that matter troubles me, as well. Would that a way to slay this Void might be found, so as to spare these people such toil.

[desperate_times]

Just call me Chloe.

As for Leathann, people are researching solutions, but I doubt it'll be easily solved.

Private - Video

[scorchedchivalry]

Whatever gold you need, I shall provide. I will set 250 gold marks aside for this.

Private - Video

[skjalf]

( Good. Lord. Elizabeth is wide-eyed at that proclamation from the General, in shock. How will she be able to repay that great a sum at present? )

Lady, you have my most sincere thanks. I confess, I am stunned and humbled by your gesture. I shall ensure the people will know of all whom have lent them aid.

Private - Video

[scorchedchivalry]

Please, I am no lady. [She was a king.] You are the lady, my dear. I have aided the people of Briste in the past when the Roc's fury froze the land, so I am known to them. It pleases me that others have finally turned their eyes toward the island.

I have little need for the fortune I have amassed over my time in the Drabwurld. [She still had over half her purse from the Treun Tourney when she won the joust as Wart.] This is a good use for it. I shall have it set aside for your access at Caer Scima.


[ooc: Saber is no longer General, but a commander that reports to General Balor (NPC). I know the information hasn't made it all the way through the player base, so no worries about not knowing.^^]

unseelie.

[survivra]

Elizabeth. Whatever you need from me is yours.

I've no crowns or people to back my claim to all my bags of gold.

[ teasing through the offer. katsa has a job but the ability to provide for herself, so she's more than willing to part from her money. ]

unseelie.

[skjalf]

( Oh, of course it would be Katsa to make her laugh when she has been awe-stricken beyond her power of speech. She chuckles for a little while, and then shakes her head, finally as a grin comes to her face. )

Mind that you keep enough to feed your turtle! Each time I see him, he seems to have grown by leaps and bounds.

( The teasing (and this time not about motherhood!) dispensed with, she sobers into a pleasant gentleness of countenance. )

You are most beloved to me, Katsa. I think you know already that should you ever need or want for anything, you need but tell me of it. But perhaps it merits reiteration: whatever you desire, I will happily provide for you at any time. But for now, will my eternal thanks do?

( Okay, perhaps the teasing is not so dispensed with after all. )

[survivra]

[ shaking her head and trying and failing to suppress a smile. ]

I'm beginning to think you care more for the turtle than anyone. Your eternal thanks is more than enough, Princess: that's far too long for anyone to be thankful for anything, let alone something so minor as my offer. The people of Briste need the help that can be given, and that's what's simply right for me to do.

hermionenet;

[notyetlegend]

[It warms her to hear Elizabeth's voice, having kept her in her thoughts over the last month. Merida hums, tapping her fingers against her chin.]

Any gold I can offer is yours. I still retain some of my winnings from th' hunt a year an' a half ago, an' th' swans from last May that I had melted down into marks.

hermionenet;

[skjalf]

( After Merida has previously stated there would be a cessation of contact, this is indeed a pleasant surprise. )

I offer my deepest thanks for this, Merida.

voice; sadly still locket

[wasteofbreath]

[There's some ruffling in background, which would be Simon packing for his trip out to Vanessa's spire, he figures he can multitask, which is why he's using voice instead of video.]

I know some people around here don't like shardbearers, but why wouldn't they want to move? They have some problem with the mainland? [He pauses, pushing his injector and a box of drugs into his bag, cushioning them among the clothing.] I can't give any money, but I wouldn't say no to helping.

voice;

[skjalf]

Ah, that. The natives of this land by and large trust the shardbearers not, and the monarchs even less. We are not the first sharbearers to appear, even if we may well be the last unless we destroy that accursed Void. The natives have endured what has likely been millennia of the same, and thus I feel, have good cause not to trust anyone. But those who live upon the isle of Briste are even warier than most. Like as not due to their isolation and the marked lack of shardbearer interest in the region.

( She sighs softly, a sound which might be discerned as sorrowful. ) They wish to remain among the familiar, and may even fear the Unknown more than certain death. I well understand. They are woven tightly together, as a family might be.

And I would more than welcome your aid in the construction of this village, sir. It is as valuable to me as gold, do not doubt it.

voice;

[wasteofbreath]

[Yeah, he figured that about the natives, and probably the same of the monarchs considering how strict they were about cross court contact. Interesting that they brought Shardbearers here to be soldiers and didn't really trust them, but then, they were conscripts.] So no one's really taken any interest in them or their problems before, and now they're wary of us, maybe they think we have some ulterior motive. Think I can understand, specially about them being like a family.

[He nods, though she can't see it.] I could do that. But I also wonder if I could come with you and talk to them? Maybe not the council, but just the people, get to know them and their problems. [Because he could probably relate to their isolation.]

unseelie lockets; video

[meloncholy]

I made a promise once that I would help you in any way I can and come when you need me; I intend to keep it. I've helped in evacuation efforts before, at the Station a month before the castle fell.

unseelie lockets; video; private

[skjalf]

( The truth of the matter is that their lives have become so inextricably intertwined that she will always need him. He holds her heart in his hands, as well as her love.

Even so, there are no words to describe the intensity of the swell of affection which comes over her now. Really, there can be little doubt as to just why she loves him as much as she does. He is wonderful. She regards him with a gentle countenance, smiling with warmth. Now would be a good time to mark the video as private, and so she does. )

There will never come a day when I will not need you. I welcome and appreciate your aid, and the occasion to enjoy your company. This will be a difficult task, and yet I feel as though there is naught we cannot accomplish together.

Though if I give into the temptation to steal a kiss now and then... well. ( Her smile takes on a less innocent curve now. ) I will hardly be blamed, will I?

[meloncholy]

[Porthos' prior solemn expression while considering the task spreads into an easier smile at Elizabeth's words, then a rolling chuckle at her question.]

It can be an incentive to do hard work well, but only then [Deadly serious (no.)] If I prove too distracting, I'll have to return home - I see no other way.