hermionenet / seelie locked

[brainiest]

HERMIONENET / COMPASSES

To anyone that owns a device that can read this notice:

Please return your device to me for additional protection and charms. This won't come with any charge, but it is something that needs to be done. It will make it so that no one but you can use your device and, should it be stolen, it will turn into a harmless little lump of fool's gold, with a promise of a replacement from me if you need it.

If you can't come to me personally for any reason then, please, let me know. I'll do my best to either visit you or send you information on the runes for you to perform yourself. Thank you.

SEELIE LOCKED

[ The video feed shows a harried, tired looking Hermione sitting behind her desk, head held high as she smiles, leaning forward. ]

As always, if anyone is in need of potions or charmed, protective cloaks for the upcoming battles, let me know. Artefacta will be happy to provide them, and we can enchant items you already own as well. Just let me know through your lockets and I'll arrange it all.

Comments

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

As far as I can tell? It was. I'm not sure if the theft was the intention, but...

[ She rubs her hands over her eyes, swallowing for a moment before she tilts her head up. ]

There are always going to be problems. At least this way we have an insight into the Unseelie, whatever they plan to use it for. If any of them do anything like this, or spread secrets or - or anything? I can deactivate their compasses and show the information to whoever I need to. I know it sounds stupid, but...

[ Closing her eyes, she purses her lips. ]

I don't know if I have the energy to turn them all off just yet.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

It wouldn't have to be an immediate action.

[By all means, she should take her time to rest. He could only imagine all of what she's dealing with as a marchioness in wartime, and then this theft added on top of it.]

The next issue may only come to light when it is too late to deal with it, Marchioness. With all due respect.

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

It's something I'll have to consider and think about. There's - so much going on, that's all.

[ She's driving herself up the wall, sometimes literally, thanks to her bubble magic. ]

You don't have to tell me twice - sometimes my life feels a little like being too little too late over and over.

cross; video; private 1/2

[wwjd]

I would never presume you're incapable of doing what you believe best needs to be done, Marchioness. You know that. But if I can brainstorm solutions or provide help in any other way, I am here.

[Hermione needs to realize something from that, maybe -- that she's always being too late -- Kirei possibly implies; but it's also not his place to intrude unless she wants him to.]

cross; video; private 2/2

[wwjd]

This includes taking care of the thief. [And he was doing so good...]

cross; video; private 1/2

[brainiest]

[ Uh.


Uh. ]

cross; video; private 2/2

[brainiest]

I - I think it'll be fine for now, thank you, Mr Kotomine.

[ Good Lord. ]

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

... Of course. [Ever the obedient, loyal soldier, Kirei places one hand to his chest and dips into a small bow.

He speaks calmly, incredibly calmly, with his eyes closed.]

I am dedicated to the Seelie Court and its cause. I will do whatever is needed to ensure our victory. The orders of my superiors are my duty to carry out.

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

[ She's surprised, a little, at his obedience; she's used to people arguing a little, fighting back, either to be petulant or to try and protect her. Either way, it makes her eyes flick over his features before her own soften. ]

I know you are - I've seen that. [ Oh, he seemed very loyal to Solais indeed, and Hermione wasn't sure how to handle that knowing what she did. Pursing her lips, she closes her eyes and, then, she looks up again. ] I don't want you to think of me as your superior, you know. Just - a friend.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

[She doesn't want to be protected, does she? Or has he been reading her incorrectly? Kirei opens his eyes, and there is a sharp look in them.]

You are a marchioness.

[So she is his superior. But, well-- That's interesting.]

Do you think of me as a friend?

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

[ She wants to take care of herself - and she can, she has the power to do that. It's just... Hard, sometimes. ]

I am. But that doesn't mean I'm the most important person.

[ She tilts her head, her eyes flicking. ]

Of course I do. Don't you think we're friends?

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

... Few people call me "friend", Miss Granger.

[There is probably a reason for that, Kirei.]

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

I seem to have a very bad habit of making friends with people that don't have them.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

"Bad"...?

[Ha.]

Your kindness is misplaced, in someone like me. [It's the same for Lancelot.]

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

You're not the first person to say that.

[ Looks into the camera like she's in the office. ]

But I stand by my choice.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

[Instead of acting surprised by it, he lowers his head in mild defeat. And almost, for a moment or two, there's the glint of something pathetic in his eyes.

Something giving up. Yet again.]

I have requests of you. Will you hear them?

[He's speaking more to the corner of the room, off to the side, than his locket, however, his voice switched to business.]

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

[ Something heavy rests on her heart and she pauses for a moment before she turns her head away, trying to disguise her own confusion. When she tilts her head back, she's as formal as ever, nodding, once.

Hermione has been learning to tuck her own feelings away. There's no avoiding that. ]

Of course. What do you need?

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

I have an orphanage and a church to High-Queen Solais undergoing construction. What was once an idea has been given Her Majesty's approval and becomes reality. We even provide shelter to a small group of children, already. ... I worry that the Unseelie may take it for a target, so I've been asking for protection for the buildings.

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

Would you like me to come and put some runes and enchantments on the foundations?

[ That's what she imagines he's getting at, at least. ]

I can also transfer a guard to help protect it, if you'd like.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

If you would, yes. That would be very helpful.

[Requesting a guard, though, is unexpected.] Moving some of our forces would not inconvenience the war effort?

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

I'd be more than happy to.

[ She tilts her head, offering a smile. ]

One or two guards to protect an orphanage wouldn't go amiss, I'm sure.

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

... That's true. [He can't deny that. After all, he's been insisting every single individual sent to him from the Seelie, out of his climbing rank, is combat-ready in addition to being a priest or priestess. The head sister has a mean right hook (and a left hook).] I will speak with them when they arrive. May I also request additional compasses, as you fix mine? It would be helpful if they could contact me quickly, if I should need to speed back to the orphanage to eliminate some threat.

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

Of course, that should be fine. Did you want them on a network for just you and the people that are sent over...? I can do that for you.

[ She's done it for Faolan, after all, Kirei should be fine too. ]

cross; video; private

[wwjd]

Naturally, money is no object.

[And he's going to pay you back the one gold coin he owes you, Miss Granger.]

For myself, them, and my staff at the orphanage and the churches, it would be better. A small collection of five or so should suffice. They will know to use them only to call me in an emergency.

cross; video; private

[brainiest]

Mr. Kotomine.

[ It's said with a gentle, scolding tone. ]</small< Then I'll set those up as soon as I can and have them sent over.