eachdraidh | video / seelie / mid-august

[The young man that shows up on the lockets this time has an angular face and coppery skin, dark hair littered with braids, and a thoughtful expression as he methodically strips the leaves from a cut branch, setting them in a neat pile beside him. He's seated outside somewhere, but it's hard to say where with only the tree he's seated against as a backdrop.]

Does the queen ever actually make an appearance? It seems strange that she should steal complete strangers from their homes and expect them to fight for her without ever once even addressing them. I can't imagine many people would throw themselves into a war for a queen who is herself conspicuously absent.

[And yet apparently people are, judging by all those he'd seen around the training grounds and preparing arms. It certainly prompts further thinking on the subject. But reconsideration requires evidence that reconsideration is worthwhile, so for the time being his jaw is stubbornly set. Still, he isn't looking for a fight, so his tone is mild and trader-like.]

I don't plan on playing soldier myself, whatever the royal command, and if the queen has a problem with that then she can show herself and speak with me about it. But I have some skill with making flash, and I could use the practice. So if anyone is interested in a charmed trinket or two, let me know. We can work out a trade.

[He frowns over the thought. But nothing else seems worth saying here, so he just nods. For a moment he looks like he's about to close the locket, but then he pauses for a last comment as a thought occurs to him.]

Does anyone know who made these lockets? I'd like to meet them.

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Oh, I don't expect it for free.

[Actually, yes he does, but Dancer can keep thinking that he'll have the honor of charging Gilgamesh for anything. A peerless King of Heroes he may no longer be, but he still has his pride. A whole lot of it.]

What exactly can you fashion? Presuming I were to get you these materials.

[Good luck, bro. Clan are natural traders.]

I'm willing to try anything. I could use the practice.

[There's a hint of sheepishness there born of the fact that he's largely self-taught and very aware of the shortcomings that come with that, but it's just a hint. Honestly, he's very proud of his work.

And thoughtful and observant as ever, he takes the lead here.]

Are you a wizard?

[There was that flashy magic earlier, but things are strange here.]

[Gilgamesh laughs outright at the question. His interest seems to cheer him a little, as some of that grating arrogance drops off.]

A magus? No. I am a Servant, born of magic, but standing far apart from it. Though I am familiar with its general use.

[There's that thoughtful stare again. Though here it's more of a default expression to cover his total blankness at that explanation.]

...There's nothing like that where I come from, as far as I know, so I can't claim to understand what that means at all. I guess that means you don't need an amulet? Unless you have one hidden on you somewhere?

[At least, he hadn't spotted any of the telltale signs he's become used to looking for, like a lump under the fabric of a person's shirt or the edge of a chain peeking out from under their collar.]

There's nothing quite like me anywhere, boy.

[Was he some sort of novice? Or from some woefully underdeveloped world, where beings like him were simply unheard of? Gilgamesh studies his compass as if it will provide him better answers. He could just drop the conversation, but...

No, he'll have fun with this one. He's already decided.]

Well, how about this? I'll bring you a few materials and show you what I can do with them. If you're still curious, my abilities will speak for me. And you'll have the pleasure from learning underneath a King. It's a very generous offer.

[Which suggests that Dancer would be foolish to turn it down, even if deals with Gilgamesh were always questionable at best.]

[Even after a few rounds of sass, Dancer remains reasonably cautious.]

If you're a crafter yourself, then what would you need me to make you anything for?

[And he'll bite his tongue on any comments about the "king" bit.]

I can reinforce, strengthen, and project, but certain abilities lie outside my territory. The magic of other worlds interests me.

[Translation: I'm nosy and I want to be up in everyone's magical business.]

That's what you are to my kind. A magus. One who wields magic. A mark of pride for some and a brand of shame for others.

[He almost flinches from how dead on a statement that is. It certainly hits close to home, what with how he was sorta effectively exiled for being a wizard while blueblood wizard families like the Bayars acted like their magic made them better than others.

But he's over all that. Sincerely. He can't help being what he is, either wizard or Clan, and he's done apologizing for it or expecting anything from anyone else.]

...If you want to bring some materials, I'll show you what I can do. If you show me what you're talking about as well, anyway.

It's a deal.

[Gilgamesh dons a broad grin. Like this, he almost seems genuine rather than predatory.]

You should stop by Leathann during your travels. Truth be told, we're in a bit of a crisis, so another set of hands would be welcomed.

[Sparing another glance down at the map in his lap, Dancer makes a face.]

It's a bit far to just "stop by". My travels so far have just been around the forest immediately outside Caer Glaem.

The fairy rings are your answer. They will take you where you need to go in all due haste; one lies just off Leathann's shores.

[Gilgamesh also makes a face. It's annoying and extraordinarily punchable.]

Do I need to point out those as well? Or have we learned our lesson from before?

[Have no fear, he's studying the map intently enough that he either didn't really notice how punchable Gil looks right now or he's just doing a very admirable job of ignoring it.]

I've never seen the ocean before.

[It's equal parts curiosity and apprehension.]

[...that actually was kind of cute.]

Really?

[Headshake.]

My clan was in the mountains, almost in the center of the continent.

Then we shall go together.

[And that was genuine. Free-spirited, warm-hearted. As even Gilgamesh can be on occasion.]

When you've concluded your business on the mainland, contact me. I will take you there.

[His careful nature won't let him be too free with a near stranger just yet, but the sincerity of the gesture does seem to relax him a little. His expression seems a little less closed when he answers, the slightest hint of something like a smile playing about his mouth.]

I'll keep that offer in mind.

video / seelie / mid-august

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