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

[oathshackledbird]

[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.

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid nods in agreement. He hopes they might be able to get some information from the dryads and naiads, but with as upset as they are, he is not going to count on it.]

I was already planning on that. I just hope they will speak to shardbearers considering how...not great our relationships with them are now.

[But it doesn't hurt to try.]

I would be glad to have you come along. You know I am always happy to fight at my king's side.

[babbylon]

I will speak with them, if necessary.

[This he merits out like a command, in a tone Diarmuid should recognize: the authoritative air of a king. It's not a matter up for debate, and as such, Gilgamesh brushes past it. For as much as he cared for the other man, there were simply certain things that were not to be argued with.]

By the Shuck's decree, I cannot take a life until Samhain passes. But I will still assist you as I can. Call on me when you're ready.

[oathshackledbird]

[Indeed he does. That is why the only response Diarmuid gives is a serious nod of his head. It is all part of being a knight serving a king and so he thinks little of how little choice he has in the matter.]

I will. But, by the Shuck's decree? Does this mean you were able to get him to forgive you and...

[Diarmuid trails off there, not sure if he should mention the curse so openly. However, he can't help but want to know if it is indeed true.]

[babbylon]

[...oh, right. Gilgamesh sometimes forgets it's not exactly common knowledge. His smile cannot be seen, but it can nearly be heard in his voice.]

Indeed. I am freed.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid's expression brightens when Gilgamesh confirms his suspicions. In fact, a wide smile crosses his face.]

I am so glad to hear that. I am proud of you.

[He doesn't know the details, but Diarmuid is sure his king had to apologize and lower himself to get the Black Shuck to forgive him. That he did it and did it successfully, reminds Diarmuid once again why he chose Gilgamesh as his king.]

[babbylon]

You're proud that I groveled before the likes of some uppity god?

[Well, he's certainly a lot freer with his tongue, now that the Shuck's shadow no longer looms over him. His distaste for the divine remains constant, but he had been humbled, no doubt. He's a little irritated that Diarmuid seems to know as much, too.]

I suppose it's to be expected, now. That I bend the knee so often. [Grumbling.] Whatever! It besmirches me none, don't forget that.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid raises an eyebrow at the shift in mood, but doesn't let it upset him. Instead, he replies in an even voice.]

No, I am proud that you did something that you did not want to do nor should have had to do. Still, you did it because it had to be done. Now his shadow is gone and you are free to shine again as is your destiny.

[He shrugs then.]

Of course, if you would rather view it your way, I am not able to make you see things differently. However, let it be clear that is not what I meant. I take no pride in you having to bend your knee to anyone. Merely that you were sure enough of yourself and your power that you were able to set it aside for a little while in order to put yourself in a better place afterward.