eachdraidh | [Quest] Video (To Seelie, Hermione-Net, Rin's Networks, & Alyosha-Net) Trouble at the Pool of Souls

[If Diarmuid counts them all, he has something like half a dozen different communication devices. He stares at them in distaste. He should not have to go to so much trouble to contact those he cares about safely, but this madness is what the courts have forced on them. One-by-one, he sends the same short video message over each device. First his locket, then the brooch Hermione enchanted for him, next the necklace Rin enchanted for him, and then the compass network Rin made for those most trusted by Alyosha. Finally, he looks at the ring that is keyed to the commanders of the Red Hand. He could send the message to John and Javik through it as well, but he has a feeling they will probably see it in one of the other ways as well. The only device he doesn't consider using is the mirror given to him by Faolan. The spymaster is the one who gave him the quest after all, and Faolan has already told him all he knows.

It is a lot of work, but Diarmuid needs information, and he has never been one who does things by half measures.

He is sorry to those who get the message more than once, though...]

Greetings everyone. I know right now the focus of many of us must be battle preparations, but it has been brought to my attention that something strange is going on at the Pool of Souls. This place is a place of peace and healing and cannot be allowed to be defiled. As such, I am asking anyone who sees this and knows anything about the area--be it rumors you have heard or travels you have made there--to share that information with me. I do not want to go into this unprepared for there are many dangerous groups who play this game with us, and I have no wish to become their prey.

[The possibility that this disturbance is being caused by an Unseelie has crossed Diarmuid's mind, but he finds it a lot more likely an outside group like the Cult of the Fox is involved. If not the Cult of the Fox, it is just as likely to be one of the other cults that have sprung up since the Void started moving so much closer.]

No piece of information is too small, so please don't hesitate to share. I look forward to hearing from you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Snow, then. Please call me Diarmuid.

[What an odd name, but it is not something Diarmuid lingers on for long. Odd names, abilities and the like are normal in this place that draws people from other worlds. She is kind enough to help him and that is really all that matters. She also is kind enough to think of how releasing certain information might get others hurt and that is something he really respects.]

I am not sure if it is shardbearers or natives, but I have a gut feeling it is probably natives. Rumors about shardbearers seem to pass so quickly and loudly these days and these rumors are much quieter in nature.

Diarmund.

[There are people from so many places, it's hardly a surprise that some might have what others may consider unusual names. And she's been here long enough to be rather unphased by a lot of things, a lot of names she might have been curious about.]

I suppose that's true. I can't deny there are almost always rumors around regarding us shardbearers. I hope they don't intend to mess with the Pool. It's a place of healing. If they abuse it even unintentionally....

[It could potentially then possibly end up doing the opposite at worst, hurting people instead of healing them, or doing nothing at all. Not that the Seelie have as easy access to it's powers, but even so it still worries her.]

Exactly. I could not agree more.

[Both with her spoken and unspoken comments. It would be terrible to lose such a place of natural healing, but to have it turned into something that would hurt people... That would be even worse.]

Snow, you said you spent time there, do you remember much about the landscape? Where people might hide if they didn't want to be found doing something they shouldn't be doing?

I visited once, not for too long. But it was pretty surrounded by bushes. It wouldn't surprise me if some might be hiding out in the vicinity fairly close by without being noticed if they kept off the main trail leading to the Pool itself.

[Not impossible. Likely, even. If they were sticking close to the Pool and not traveling a fair distance to get there. Not that Snow herself walked all the way, but there was a point she landed from Leopold and walked down to it.]

Yes, bushes make good hiding places. Especially if one knows the ways of the forest and how to move through them without leaving traces.

[How many times had he done just that while he and Grainne were on the run?]

Do you remember if there were any caves or rock overhangs that might serve as shelters? Or did you not travel far enough from the main path to really get any idea?

Exactly. So it is possible. I'm not as sure on the caves or rocks, I didn't stick around that long or poke around too much at the time.

[She's a tracker. She knows how to travel without leaving much if any evidence as well. It wouldn't be surprising if others had the same skills, even natives. But it does worry her to hear all this, as she tries to recall that one trip and answer his questions as best she can manage.]

That is all right. I greatly appreciate what information you have given to me.

[He gives her a kind smile and slightly bows his head in thanks.]

Is there anything else you think might be of help? Also, I would like to repay your kindness. Not everyone is so willing to help out a stranger. Is there anything I can do to assist you?

I'm happy to help. Even this much. It might not be a lot, and I know admitting the waters do heal is....possibly more than I should have said at all. But I know it's a risk and I wouldn't want anyone heading there thinking to make use of it when it can't work over a distance.

[There's a shake of her head, looking almost apologetic.]

At the moment though, I'm afraid that's the limit in my knowledge of the Pool and immediate surrounding area. Surely someone can find out more though, how to help and figure out what is going on. Even if this is passed over to someone in the Unseelie to investigate since that might be safer. I wasn't even thinking of payment, honestly. If you insist, I could take a moment and consider something in the future perhaps.

Your information is safe with me and those who come with me. We will make sure it is only put to use to save, not hurt.

[Asking an Unseelie for help has crossed his mind, but it is not something he feels comfortable admitting out loud on an open network. Still, he makes note that she feels comfortable enough to suggest such a thing. When it comes to the war, has he found another who may favor the neutral side over the courts?]

Any time you need help, do not be afraid to contact me. I will be glad to give you my aid just as you have given me yours today.

Of course. I appreciate that. I'll let you know. Just....be careful out there when you do head to look into this.

[It was enough of a risk when Snow initially went out there. Let alone now with tensions that much more heated between the courts. Even if he wouldn't be going alone, as she had. If anything, she is more neutral but willing to fight if that is what it takes to keep Henry and Emma safe if necessary. Regardless of how much killing even one person broke her back home despite their shared history and Cora's intentions.]

Thank you. We will. Thankfully, the people going with me have ways of making the trip safer.

[From shard concealment to his enhanced speed and their animal transformations to teleportation. They have options if things go bad for whatever reason.]

Please be well until we can meet again. It has been good speaking with you.

[And maybe the next time they meet, they can talk about wanting to protect others at all costs. It a feeling Diarmuid knows far too well.]

They do? That's good then. Hopefully it goes well and you figure this out without any trouble.

[Things are tense enough between the courts without this potentially adding to it. But she has to have faith that he and the others will manage and be cautious about the situation.]

Likewise. Let us know what you figure out when you get back.

[Quest] Video (To Seelie, Hermione-Net, Rin's Networks, & Alyosha-Net) Trouble at the Pool of Souls

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