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

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.

[rues]

I've got a few of my own already, though I can't say we see eye to eye on the whole war thing exactly. They're good fighters, but they don't see things like I do. If we were brought here to fight this war, we should damn well fight it. No one else is going to. So I'll gladly take anyone who's willing to follow my command.

[ she's not sure how jason or nico feel about all this, and she definitely hasn't spoken to luke about it, but she knows she can count on them if she needs them. even with all her issues with luke, she can't deny he's the best damn swordsman she's ever seen. when things get ugly, she'd rather have him on her side than not. she's done the latter before already, and she'd rather not repeat history so soon. ]