001 | video | open to both courts

[extramural]

[ The locket is floating.

It’s the only explanation for the view that the item gives – a young man, out on the walls of one of the castles, the moon curved behind him. His arms are crossed in front of him, not touching the device as it records. Black eyes (all black, like the depths of the sea) regard it for a moment and then one hand moves, gestures at the locket. ]

Well, well.

[ His head tilts, and while his lips don’t turn up, one may get the feeling that he’s smirking. ]

I must say, this is an interesting turn of events. One that even I did not see coming.

[ His voice is almost monotonous, but there is something like music in it – like whale song. ]

To be pulled away to the Drabwurld, asked to take part in this war. I wonder if they truly know what they are doing. [ His hand returns, head moving back so that he can look straight at the camera. ]

I hear there was a battle. One should expect such things, in war. I suppose I should ask about it. [ He doesn’t. Instead- ]

Tell me, Shardholders, something... interesting.

Comments

[extramural]

[ Perhaps not wise. But the Outsider does not pick who he gives his gifts to based on wisdom. ]

Other blades can be sharpened. [ Admittedly, however, he is a bit curious about hers. ] Was it another gift?

[digophelia]

In a way.

[ The development of the vorpal blade is a strange one, it shouldn't be real to begin with. Nor should Alice's ability to turn into a swarm of butterflies. The fact it can still take off a few layers of the skin of her fingertips is a good sign.

Perhaps it was sickening to her that she had become so lustful to inflict pain. Perhaps it wasn't. It was what happened when Alice was cornered. She could mourn her actions and mourn Celegorm's departure, but she would continue to move on and be sure to help her fellow members of the court. ]

It's dear to me, this blade.

[extramural]

Keep it close.

[ She is Void-touched, now; perhaps would have been before, were she from his world. The Overseers certainly would have had an eye on her. ]

Should it carve out any bones, or should you yourself find some, bring them to me. Such things are used to create charms, where I am from.

[digophelia]

[ She's sure the stipulation is something she'll regret later on, not now. Alice keeps wanting to know more and more. She doesn't know, she's curious. ]

... Bones? And what on earth do you do with those bones?

[extramural]

They are carved. A thousand years before the city that I have watched the most, in the days before my arrival here, it was a common practice. Some remain, and new ones are carved -- formed together into shapes, marked and molded.

[digophelia]

[ It must be a strange thing she does not think twice about it. ]

And what sort of bones were they?

[extramural]

Whales, usually. The animal most associated with me. But any will do.

[digophelia]

[ It's a weird request, she'll give him that. There's no harm in it, is there? Surely he could find a use of them in his own way, much like Alice had done with teeth and then some in Wonderland. ]

I suppose I can.

[ She doesn't even bat an eye at it, although- ]

But if you're associated with whales, wouldn't whale bones be a terrible thing to have?

[ So is her innocent assumption that he must like whales greatly. ]

[extramural]

[ He does rather like whales, but. ]

All things die. As it is, better that they die in the old way than what is done to them now -- or so the whales think.

[digophelia]

But I wonder if there are whales here.

[ She muses mostly to herself, wondering if there is really an ocean. Well, either way, she makes good on her words. Alice gives one more affirming nod. ]

Alright, I'll do it, I don't like going back on my word, mister-

[ "Mister" would just sound strange. ]

Sir.

[extramural]

We will see.

[ He will, at least. And then he'll probably let everyone know with a childlike glee. ]

It is, as always, your choice, Alice. [ Pause. ] But I would... appreciate it.

[ Such a human expression. ]

[digophelia]

[ What's worse than Alice Liddell with idle hands? He can reveal in it with childlike glee, it's nearly mutual with Alice. ]

Of course.

[ Where's the harm in that? ]