CALLING A MEETING | LOCKED TO SEELIE | FORWARD TO 6/02

[fatherlordandfool]

Lords, ladies, knights, and other honoured guests of the castle... I am Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who joined your company as of the feast day which passed only days prior.

[ He looks a little haggard, dark circles grown under his clear eyes; but much improved from the worry-pinched figure who had spent much of the feast hunting for his family. ]

We have been brought from many disparate worlds for the purpose of this war, the War of the Shards; expected to cast our lots in the fighting at the behest of generous but poorly-evidenced monarchs. And the castle staff itself, while similarly generous and no doubt goodhearted, can offer us only so much information or direction. I have requisitioned the library and some of the attached study-rooms to hold a great conference of us, beginning at midday tomorrow. At this conference, I mean to make an accurate and detailed accounting of:

Our names, talents, and intentions regarding residence at the castle and regarding the war. It's my aim that all of this be made public knowledge, so that those of like mind can easier meet and plan with each other. Some of the study-rooms in the library will be marked for this purpose; for those wanting to remain in the castle but abstain in the war, those willing to make war all together, and also a room for those wanting to depart the castle.

[ He exhales a breath, frowning a little. ]

I've commissioned a clerk who I will be posted with at the door, who will record the information of those willing to give it as they enter. By no means is anyone obligated to breathe a word about themselves, or to attend. Those who desire a copy of the final manuscript may request one at their leisure.

For myself, I distrust this place and its people; what manner of monarchs call upon untested children, even girls, to battle in a war they have no stake in? Pulls them sleeping from their beds?

[ His jaw clenches, but he'll tamp back on the tirade in the interest of efficiency. ]

Having been brought to the castle in the manner as I have, am for a short while reliant upon its goodwill. Given our shared circumstance, I believe that there are none we can afford to trust as much as each other. So, if you're willing, I beg you attend, if only to add your name and intentions to the lists, that others who intend likewise may reach out to you-- and you to them. There are few men or beasts that live long or successfully relying only upon themselves.

Good day to you.

Comments

[bird_brain]

I will attend. [A pause.] I do not know enough to add to any conversation but I will listen.

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Ned stares, going a little white at the sight of the gryphon, and nods deeply in lieu of a bow. ]

I mean for the meeting to be a... manner, for those of us who desire it to become more informed. My clerk and I have been late into the night researching, and have compiled much worth sharing.

video;

[aiwendil]

No, this place is not to be trusted at all. [Radagast speaks urgently, finally someone who understands! He peers at the locket closely, the only thing visible is one side of his face and his wide eyes.] I do not trust this method of communication, we do not know if the Enemy may be watching.

[And for Radagast, he just assumes they are so he'll speak quickly, hurriedly, clearly nervous.] But yes, I will be there but be wary!

[fatherlordandfool]

[ This... makes Ned's blood run cold; the voice belonging to the unfamiliar face has touched upon his worst fears, stroked his growing paranoia. It's a second before he replies. ]

I will be wary, and caution others to be the same! Go safely, whatever road you take.

[relieson]

I'd like to come!

Omg the cutest!

[fatherlordandfool]

[ He brightens visibly to see her, and nods a greeting. ]

You'd be most welcome! How have you fared, over the day?

[Video] I apologize for her

[fairbrook]

While I cannot help but feel skeptical of this war myself, I must question why you feel it necessary to insinuate women are unsuitable for the field of battle.

ahhh, don't apologize! I squealed; I'd love to have cr between them!

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His shaggy brows lift a little towards his hairline; and he nods a little deeply, in deference. ]

I mean not to imply that women are unsuitable- indeed, some of my own bannermen have in their families ladies who ride to war, and one of my own daughters is... becoming proficient in the use of weapons of war.

In Westeros, the land from which I hail, most women are not warriors, and those who wish to become so are few and far between. That leaves the greater majority, to my thinking, in the category of civilians who must be defended.

video;

[vazyol]

[ Before she opens her locket to reply, she sneers, years of resentment bubbling over. Eddard Stark, speaking as a voice of reason and dispensing courtesy — how hollow it sounds to girl who has only associated him with callousness and cruelty for so long. In her eyes, he is not a wolf, but a dog. A vicious hound of Robert's.

Still, she suppresses her anger, her instinct to shout and threaten and burn. She must be guarded — cool as a queen ought to be. If she could stay her rage over Stannis and Renly, she could do the same for Ned Stark.

At least, until she returned to Essos. ]

[ After a deep breath, she opens the locket, regarding Ned coolly, though her tone possesses a disdainful undercurrent. Surely, her violet eyes and silver hair will be enough to give her away. ]

One must wonder if all would truly be welcome.

[ will he try to kill me, too? ]

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His sight is poor enough that he cannot make out the finer details of her features in the locket; and the insinuation is clear enough that he starts a little to hear it.

His features pull into a vague suggestion of a frown. ]

All Seelie shardholders, yes. I would prefer if native loyalists to the castle defer against attending.

Why do you ask, Lady?

video.

[impeaches]

You do not take your time, do you, my lord?

video.

[kingsdaughter]

I'll put you down for a yes.

video »

[steeledskin]

I am sorry to miss it, my lord. [ alayne stone can be pressed to this duty, she thinks. lending a vocal support to this endeavour on the off-chance that one acquaintance or another made by alayne might see her response and think to follow suit.

oh, she doesn't expect she owns that much influence over anyone. but it's him. and so she must try. ]

Even so, I hope the turnout is...good. [ she wants to tell him not to trust any of them -- that they as a family cannot make the same errors again. but she doesn't know how alayne might say those words to a man who ought to be a stranger. ]

Re: video »

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His expression softens, brightens with gladness to see this familiar face. He perceives her worry, at least a little, and nods shallowly. ]

I expect it should be. And if you should like, perhaps the results might be transcribed for you.

video;

[bolincredible]

[ Well. Bolin does support the notion that everyone is in this together. ]

Yeah, sure. If you really think it'll help, I'll go and give my information and stuff. I mean, I don't know if I really... have intentions yet. though. Still kind of taking this in. Is that okay?

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Ned nods, expression grave indeed. ]

Of course it is. And perhaps by learning what others mean, and through exposure to the collected experiences of other, you may best make an accounting of what direction to take.

And a man needs direction, I tend to think.

video;

[knightspirit]

I can't say I trust any of this myself. I've been here for two months, and as far as I can tell, the rulers are trying to bribe our loyalty so we don't question what this war is really for.

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

That term in the castle is longer than most I've met; if you would be inclined to join, many might gain from the wisdom of your experience, informing us of what we might expect if we, too, stay.

Your opinion, however, I will admit I mark with grave interest. Do you know if any have made efforts to conference at length with the monarchs or their vassals to uncover more information?

video.

[smallshoes]

Well - well, my lord, what of those who... who aren't eager to make war but want to protect those they can anyway?

Re: video.

[fatherlordandfool]

[ She seems little better than a child, by his reckoning (hard to be sure! the lockets are so small), and immediately his closed expression gentled. ]

Those may have like cause with me; I've no interest in embroiling myself in war, but there are a great many brought here who I would protect to the end of me. In great part, this conference was inspired by that desire of mine.

You would be most welcome.

video;

[oursavinggrace]

I can't guarantee that they'll all want to give anything away about themselves or attend at all, but I'll try to get my whole group to come.

[he's optimistic, at least, given how even the typically most secretive of that group has been pretty open so far about his abilities and using them to help others here. and compared to that one, some of the others would probably even enjoy telling others the kind of things they can do.]

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Ned bows his head deeply, exhaling a relieved-sounding sigh. ]

I'd be very grateful for your efforts, stranger; and let them bear in mind that none need leave any information at all. I'm... quite aware of the value of secrecy, especially in such strange circumstance.

I ask only that those who are willing to share do so in a manner that benefits us all.

video

[silvergift]

[Goodness, so busy already. Not that she would blame anyone for getting right into things.]

Were we not on the road, I would attend. And it would be likely that my mother would have as well. [Galadriel more likely than herself but she would have gone.] A manuscript would be appreciated, however, upon return to Caer Glaem.

/not here

[kingsdaughter]

[omg you suck for making her copy her own minutes by hand this is going to take forever]

voice,

[bullhorned]

I'm busy.

[He says it with a bitter scowl, because, well, he doesn't like Ned all that much. Oh, he'd heard snippets of the tearful reunion with Sansa. But that did not dull his resentment of the man. And though unwise, he couldn't resist muttering his reply at the (in his mind) pompous call to arms from someone so recently arrived.]

Re: voice,

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Ned's jaw tightens perceptibly, and he draws a breath sloooowly in. ]

Indeed.

[ Clipped. Brief. ]

But I'd speak with you, at length, upon your return.

Video

[starspangled]

Stark? Any relation to Tony?

Re: Video

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His interest piqued a bit, brows lifting. ]

I believe there was a Tonisen who was a nephew to Edwyle sister, but that would have been a member of the Royce line, and not a Stark proper...? And well before my time, at that.

Beg pardon, sir, but you are...?

[gardienne]

Monsieur, why is it that you say that it is 'even girls'? I do not think that is so - perhaps it is that men alone fight in armies, but I have fought in a street before if you please. I have as much cunning as any man. Perhaps it is that you are as silly as these fairies that bring us to this place. If you are a Lord, Sir, then you know little of women like me and what we can do to survive.

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Oh, her accent is difficult to follow, but he makes an earnest effort, rubbing a little at his bearded jaw. ]

I don't doubt your cunning, stranger, or your mettle. And as a soldier, I'm well acquainted with what many would do- man, woman, child- to survive. But would you disagree that it would be... harder, for a woman, in wartime? The dangers and difficulties greater?

I would have mentioned boys if I'd seen any. Instead? My young daughters were pulled here, same as I. And other young girls, some certainly no older than four-and-ten. The world is a harsh place, I'll grant you: but what father could ever desire this fate for children? His own or otherwise?

Video

[mildly]

You're Lord Stark...Sansa and Arya's father?

Locked Video

[fatherlordandfool]

[ His features twitch at the names, and his image flickers; on and off, for half a moment. ]

Who is it, that asks?

[waterbearer]

I am Kaldur'ahm, of one version of the planet known as Earth. [ So many things to explain. Those, are, perhaps, important to share at this meeting as well. He will have to see with others, what they plan to share. ] I would ask to have a place at this table, when the discussions take place.

I would assume that a large general meeting would be held first, with others splitting off into groups later, should that be their preference? I, for one, would like to know what factions we will be presenting ourselves as having.

[ Kaldur has made his name clear enough from the start, but with newer people approaching, it would not hurt to go on record. He is no Batman, but Kaldur wants as much aggregated information on the others here as possible, and he is willing to provide some in return. ]

I would, however, caution, that some sentiments are best expressed discreetly, if they are to achieve their best effect. Regardless of the moral standing of the monarchs of this court, whether they are one's fealty-sworn leaders or not, they still had the power to draw us into this world, and into this conflict. I am wary of treading too far while still within their domain.

[ They are not his King and Queen, but this is their land, and he must abide by the rules of it. ]

[fatherlordandfool]

Kaldur; I mean to hold this conference over a few days' time, to give those with other commitments the opportunity to attend at their leisure. So likely there may be a bit of both.

But... while you may be right, regarding discretion, to hide the nature of our intentions and to skulk about would only add credence to the thought that we might actively be planning treachery. If it's widely known that some desire a peacable exit, undisguised, it seems to me that the potential harm is reduced, not compounded.

[Video]

[scramasax]

[All... rather impressively said, and sympathetically said. He's been tuning into the message with a thoughtfully-knit brow, prior to his connection, occasional small nod..

He stands put a moment after the proposal completes, though, tossing and turning it over - and when he switches his locket's recording function on, the first thing to pop out is not one of his affirmative thoughts.]

Ah - I beg your pardon, Lord, but - who are you...?

[It's a docilely-asked question, and terribly imprecise, as he doesn't have his head around the nuances of the question that weren't answered with the man's initial introduction at the moment.

Still, he might be leaning against the same inclination toward lack of trust in leadership here as in the apparent native courts.]

Re: [Video]

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Ned lifted his brows a little. ]

I am Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Father of six children, second son of Rickard, husband to the Lady Catelyn Tully. I was the ward of Jon Arryn in my youth, ward-brother to Robert Baratheon, whom later I bent knee to as my liege. I'm a soldier, a hunter... and have come here, beyond death, with the aim of ensuring that my children and my folk come not to harm."

[ The words are measured, with only the faintest hitch as he thinks them through. It's as thorough as a soldier's report. ]

[chryselephantine]

That's not a bad idea.

[she admits it a little grudgingly, but only a little. when she goes on, it's sharper —]

But you'll find that some girls here are a long way from "untested," Lord Stark.

[fatherlordandfool]

[ He exhales a little laugh, rather wry, and shakes his head. ]

I am finding that indeed! But, once a man's stepped in it, there's nothing to do but walk on through, clean yourself off, and try not to smear it any worse.

My apologies; I meant no offense.

Audio

[unclebob]

I will come.

[There is a slight pause.]

Do you really consider women to be the weaker sex where you are from?

[His mind flashes to images of Sarah Connor with a shotgun in her hands. She was the toughest human he'd ever met.]

Re: Audio

[fatherlordandfool]

[ He blinks. ]

Beg pardon?

video;

[chromosomes]

I'm on the road, or I'd attend.

[ A pause. ]

High-Queen Solais is kind. But if you've lived your whole life waging war, could be that you forget some things.

[ And he's troubled by the fact that not everyone chose to be here, that children were brought whether they chose to be here or not. ]

As for the children, there's a woman in Caer Glaem named Clara. She's a teacher.

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

Clara; does she have a surname that you know of? I'd be greatly interested to help arrange proper lessons for those who need them.

[ He pauses there, frowning a little. ]

The castle here, in its mews, keeps pigeons which may be sent to most other settlements of note bearing messages. If there's aught can be done from here which may make your path on the road easier, I'm glad to assist. Coordinating rooms at inns, fresh horses, so on.

video.

[rues]

[ clarisse is a lot grumpier than she usually is when she answers this particular broadcast. the feast put her in a little higher spirits, as well as a good night's rest, but she's still exhausted both physically and mentally from the long quest to retrieve the dara with public enemy #1 at her side. (it's not really fair to call luke that anymore, but she doesn't know where she stands with him or how and she doesn't much want to dwell on it at the moment.) the only reason she answers at all is because what would a war council be without a daughter of war? the fact that she greets him with a scoff is something to be said about her attitude concerning his insinuation that girls are somehow incapable of fighting and her opinion on the war itself. ]

You're talking to the wrong girl if you think I'm untested or I've got no stake in this war. [ her audience with the high-king has somewhat convinced her of that, at least. and anyway, a war is a war is a war. ] Personally, I'm damn glad for it. Can't imagine how bored I'd be otherwise. [ she sniffs, then nods curtly. ] I'll be at your little meeting.

Re: video.

[fatherlordandfool]

[ Oh, he knows this type alright. There's a jarring sense of vertigo, and the memory of young Robert rises in him hard and fast. ]

We'd be grateful to have you, of course. I've no doubt that others eager to join the war might be glad of company who thinks likewise; if you've enough men and women, you may perhaps be given leave to form your own company.

video;

[pontificus]

[A kind blond with soft looks stares back at the feed with a gentle smile.]

Women, even some of us nobility who are unaccustomed to a soldier's life, can still find their usefulness here.

Am I to presume you are Arya Stark's father? [She does not know who Alayne truly is, but Gendry has sent Arya to look after her, and while Lucrezia and Arya differ a great deal, she still is fond of her.]

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

[ He smiles at that, a little wryly, and ducked his head in greeting. ]

Lady. Well-met.

I don't believe a life exists that can't be useful; but forgive an old man a father's worries for children.

video;

[parallels]

I'll be there. And help however I can. I've been searching around the library, trying to learn as much as I can about this place.

[She bites her lip.]

I don't think we should trust them to much either.

Re: video;

[fatherlordandfool]

[ He smiled, and bowed his head toward her. ]

If you wouldn't mind meeting myself and Sigrid , the clerk responsible for much of this, that would be quite helpful indeed. In the morning perhaps?

n- not here.

[illuminating]

[ but! ;w; if she hears word of this (is told about it to, overhears someone in the castle talking about it) otherwise, she'll definitely come, because she's so very, very interested in knowing as much as she can, too. weh. ]

Re: n- not here.

[fatherlordandfool]

(( ooc: baawww! c: Ned would be so excited to see her again! Let her know there's a big furry rug in his room with her name on it if people make her sleep outside. ))