eachdraidh | Video | July 24th - Library Research

[ The video is aimed at a small reading nook in the Seelie library, with piles of books surrounding the central figure, as well as several stacks of parchment-sheets with copious notes.

Kaldur finishes the last of his notes before turning back to face the locket. ]

To those of you who do not know me, I am Kaldur'ahm. I am currently researching a location known as the 'Redgate' and all knowledge of myths surrounding the Lady Knight 'Alyosha'.

[ Some of the titles of the books are visible, and the piles seem to be organized by topic. There is a stack on mountain-castle fortifications, another on mining practices, and yet another on mythologies and tales of the drabwurld.

There seems to be others working just as diligently nearby, muffled sound of movement and the scritch-scritch of a nib on parchment. ]

If any of you know something of this matter, I ask that you share it with us, for there is another in need whom we seek to help with this knowledge.

[ He sounds purposefully vague, but his expression is flat and serious. Kaldur means business. ]

We thank you for any help that you can provide.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's not why it has the name, is it?

[ Blood Granite. Sounds just wonderful. John adjusts the books he's holding, though his nod fades, expression turning from one of concentration to a bit of a confused frown. ]

Romanticized even though she was Unseelie?

[ Though, well -- at least now they know just why she killed the dragon. Revenge is a pretty strong motivator. ]

That how she lost her shard, too?

[ So many questions -- John can't help but feel a bit foolish. ]

Not at all. If you're inclined to believe legend, it formed when some great mythical monster was killed in the area and buried under the stone. But it'll negate all powers, even those the courts grant you. Even when I was a little girl, I remember my parents thinking of moving to the villages around Redgate. The War was never too bad there, after she started mining the granite and using it to build. Shardbearers don't want to go where their power's no good.

[ Their violent deaths at the hands of Unseelie orcs, John knows, were the reason she entered Seelie service of her own volition. ]

Oh, you likely won't find too many of the romantic stories here. But take a step into any bar or tavern worth a copper, it's a common enough song or story. She's got children in some, none in others. Fought for the common folk in some, others her king, her lover, for the dragon's treasure...

[ She smiled at him, added the book in her hands to the growing pile in his arms. ]

It was all well before my time, sir. I don't rightly know how she lost her shard, though I think the dragon the most likely story.

[ Negate all powers. John looks at the ring on his hand, then turns his head just enough to look back toward where the others are sitting. He has practical experience; Kaldur does too, and Cassie should. But the others...

Well, John will worry about them all anyway. Now it's just going to be worse. ]

I suppose I can't blame them. We'll be trying the diplomatic approach either way, but the Blood Granite will make it more important.

[ He's going to look into getting some armor for Hermione, if nothing else. ]

I don't suppose we have a name for the lover? Or the children?

[ Smiling back (it still feels strange, but it's more and more common in Drabwurld; vastly different from back home), John adjusts his hold on the books once more. ]

Before your time or not, your help has already been invaluable.

The diplomatic approach? Sir, are you feeling well? Perhaps running a fever?

[ Her expression forms a perfect parody of well-meaning concern, but her eyes glitter with mirth and good humour. ]

You may find the names in the books, which'll be more accurate than my memory if I'm being frank. I'm pleased to be of help, of course. Never thought learning to read, write, and cipher would do much to assist my duties here.

I'm fine, thanks, [ John replies, dry -- but his eyes reveal humor, too. ] Besides -- I can't even get a slight cough, much less a fever.

[ So if for some reason he ever gets either, please be very concerned. ]

And now we'll even know a little more about what to look for. [ He'd pat one of the books if his hands were free. Instead, he gives her another smile. ] It takes all kinds. I'm sure you've heard the king and queen say something similar to nervous Shardholders before, but it's true.

[ A pause, then- ] I hope you're not too upset that you'll be missing the upcoming battle. But with the dragon egg... well, it's important. Obviously. You know that.

[ She tucks a loose lock of straight red hair back behind an ear, walking along the bookshelf, scanning titles, trying to hide a growing smile. ]

Pardon my saying so, sir, but you're a Shardholder. Do you even know what nerves are? You can change the very manner of the earth with but a thought, heal from any wound...

[ She shook her head, letting her fingertips graze over the titles. ]

You shouldn't trust the likes of me with it, sir, speaking plainly. A common soldier. It's... it's a great honour, of course, but a dragon egg? What if I crack it? What if I can't keep it safe?

And up until recently, I was just a common soldier, too -- no magic ring, no healing, just training and hard work. There are other people I would have picked over me to be here.

[ But here he is. ]

You've shown that I can trust you before. You're a soldier of Caer Glaem, a woman who's helped me and is continuing to help me, and I don't think you'll fuck it up now. And if something does happen...

Well, sometimes shit happens.

[ John is not great at motivational speeches. ]

[ She can't help but laugh at that, ducking her head as if embarrassed by so much attention. ]

I suppose that's so!

I'll do my best not to cock it up, sir.

[ And she adds another book 'ore, mineral, and metal' onto his pile. ]

I think you'll be fine.

[ He chuckles, then peers down at the latest book. ]

So they mine the blood granite there, you said? That's dangerous work, even without possibly stumbling across a dragon. The workers like her?

Dangerous work, but well paid I'd wager; the granite is expensive. And the dragon's near a century left aslumber. 'Til you made mention of its spirit, I'd have thought it long dead.

And it's not lightly that these accounts all call Alyosha a hero, sir. She's kept peace in the west for near a hundred years, kept the War from overflowing where it would ruin good land, villages, towns... You must have a care. I've no doubt the whole region would rally to her cause, even without her asking. You'll be going to a place where this woman wasn't just their childhood hero: but is who safeguards them and helps provide in the everyday.

I would have, too.

[ Of course, his parents were archaeologists, and so is his sister -- long-dead is what his family does. ]

I don't intend on bringing a fight to her and her people; not if I can help it. Of course, I doubt it's going to be anything easy like 'take the dragon and go', either. Not if it killed her.

[ He sighs. ]

My sister would be better at this, I think.

[ After what seems like a moment of hesitation, she puts a hand on his arm. ]

Don't speak so.

You're everything we need. And we'll find the right way.

Video | July 24th - Library Research | Seelie-Locked

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FIN~