voice; unseelie.

[survivra]

Each day that goes by that we're waiting for something to happen is each day the Void gets closer to all of us. We lost all last month to fight against it due to the Black Shuck's orders, and now we're left scrambling to make up that lost time. Isn't that a bit too convenient for those who would have us die against our will, to squander the little time we've left?

I can't shake the feeling there's something more that's happening than we're being told, and more we ought to be doing than simply preparing. The least we could do for now is try to figure out what that is. If you've no experience with self-defense, then I can help with that; and if you have that, or at least some experience in finding your way through the woods without getting lost and setting off warning signs wherever you walk, then I suppose I'm your lieutenant, if you wish to scout our borders.

Either way we know something is stirring, and we'd better be prepared for it.

Comments

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[survivra]

I hate not knowing what this is! [ It's a sudden outburst of frustration, built up from Katsa's trying to take charge and keep herself busy to distract her own emotions, that she lets out now with no others but someone she trusts to see it. ] It's driving me mad, Elizabeth. I don't know what we should be fighting. I don't know how. If I could march up to the one who'd started this imbecilic war however many years ago and slide my dagger in his throat, I would end it all right then before it ever had a chance to start.

[ She scowls at the floor, then takes a deep breath and forcing herself to calm for Elizabeth. It's a touching offer, still strange as it is to have others say they will protect her; but Katsa knows better than to refuse a desire to look after a loved one simply because she knows she can look after herself. It would be unnecessarily arrogant when she can still return the favor. ]

Forgive me, Elizabeth. I should like to see more of your magic.

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[skjalf]

A sentiment echoed to the deepest recesses of my heart. ( Her brows knit together, feeling Katsa's frustration as if it is a tangible, palpable thing. Gradually, her mouth turns downward into a frown, and she crosses her arms over her chest. She, too, is nearly at her wits' end with this conflict. )

I know not, either; and I want to. Now, not later. I think we are being played for fools, but by whom? The monarchs? The Shuck? Or perhaps they are all colluding together; but either way, we are very much but game pieces to them all. Something I wanted to be quit from before I even arrived here. We must find out, and we must end this!

And I would gladly hold down the person responsible while you ended them.

( Finally, she calms herself enough to gaze upon her with soft affection in her gaze. They are of one mind in this, as they have ever been in most things. )

You may have some of it, if you would like it. I can enchant an object you might wear for you to have access to my magic.

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[survivra]

I've no desire to be their pieces in an ass-blazing game. I don't consent: these are our lives, not theirs, and they've no right. If it's all of them, then all it does is make our target bigger.

[ She rubs a hand over her nose. ]

How would that work? Your magic, with me. Would I not be taking something that you ought to use?

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[skjalf]

My thought exactly, dear heart. None of us consented to be here. Most of us, unlike I, have lives to return home to. Goals to achieve in our worlds, things to look forward to. They have removed us all, and expected us to fight for them without doing aught to engender our loyalty or devotion. Why should we fight for them? Because they say so?

It is somewhat to think about, I think.

( She shakes her head. )

You would not be taking it, Katsa; it would be a gift. A little of my power, not all. If I enchant, say, a bracelet with my blood, and you were to wear it—you would be able to make it rain. Literally.

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[survivra]

[ Right now Katsa fights for the Unseelie because fighting the Seelie and the Void aligns with what she thinks is right, and they have the same goals. But she doesn't fight out of loyalty or devotion to the cause itself. She's fighting for people. ]

The strangest part is that I can imagine doing such a thing, for the few months I could hold fire in my hands without being burned.

[ She thinks about this for a moment longer. It wouldn't be theft to take what Elizabeth offers; rather it could be another rebuke or refusal if Katsa turns down yet another one, one could hurt her again. Perhaps it would even send a message that Katsa does not trust Elizabeth's power, and that is wrong. Refusing the gift would be wrong, Katsa decides. And she relaxes. ]

I would accept it, then, from you, and carry it with me always.

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[skjalf]

( Elizabeth also fights for people; namely, those she loves or is bound to by blood. Including Richard the Lionheart, and Saber. The Red Hand, spearheaded by Diarmuid is perhaps the most 'official' sort of alliance she had made with any faction. Otherwise she does a good job of putting on the appearance of being a true Unseelie at heart, to mask just where her true loyalties lay. )

I well believe it. But you have seen my magic at work several times already, Katsa. Would that it protect you, even if I am not at your side.

( She waits long moments before Katsa finally decides to accept her gift. Relief floods through her like a massive incoming swell from the ocean, and she beams at her. )

As I will carry you in my heart. Expect it to arrive within the next day or so.