eachdraidh | voice; open to both courts

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voice; open to both courts

[Faolan is not one for making announcements. Being a spy, he does not like to put himself in the spotlight. But he needs information. And they need this information as well. So after consulting the necessary sources, he turns to the lockets.

When he speaks, his voice is soft yet strong and sure. And a lot smoother than his normal speaking voice. He's got to disguise himself somehow, after all. He is used to using this tactic, and he is good at it. For those that know him, it will take a moment to recognize him from this speech.]

Fellow shardbearers. A moment of your time, I beg you. If nothing else should catch your attention on this day, then at least heed this announcement. A great force is rising. Some of you may have heard of Reynard the Fox, Lord of Maupertius. Violent, fickle, and unstable, he enjoys power and conflict, and having turned on both courts at once, he is seeking both for his own means.

Reynard is collecting shards, Unseelie and Seelie alike, for the purposes of gaining power. Unseating a monarch, perhaps. Creating his own court, certainly. Creating his own army, his own champions. Collecting more shards. Gaining more power. We cannot allow such a man as Reynard the gains that he seeks.

Be wary, fellow citizens. Be on your guard against him. A slight man with long red hair, beardless and fair of face, who flies a banner of a red fox on a black field. They say he is deathless, that he can transform into a fox. If you are cornered by him, run. If you are seeking him out, don't. His gain is everyone's loss.

For those who have encountered him before, I seek a few answers. A gathering of information. What has he promised you, if anything? What dealings have you had with the man? What do you know of Reynard the Fox?

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[Don't sigh at him, Lancelot, it's not his fault that he is not one of the ones you've said this speech to before. He's been busy, especially as of late.]

If I answered very little, would you tell me everything you know?

[He wants as much as you can give him, even if it may be a repeat of what's commonly known. Another perspective may shed light on much.]

[ it isn't a sigh directed at him, it is a sigh at the world in general. A sigh a Reynard being a constant frustration. A sigh at everything. ]

Forgive me if I am reluctant to tell all to a stranger.

A stranger, ah. So it comes down to this.

[You people and your secrets. He is trying to be useful, to gather information so that they might use ALL of that information as one. Too many people are keeping too much information too close to their chest in this regard, and it is becoming too dangerous for that, as far as he's concerned. But no, his identity is being called into play instead.

Faolan tries not to be too offended. He has done a lot more spying from the shadows of Lancelot than he is sure Lancelot has done of him.]

If Sigrid were to ask you this question, would you trust her enough to answer?

[ True indeed, for Lancelot has done no spying at all. ]

[ Still, the tone irritates him a touch. ]

We are at war, sir. Reynard may be a seemingly common enemy but he does have allies. Information can be bought and sold. Forgive me if I am wary of revealing all I have found lest it go straight back to him. I am target enough as it is without adding to my troubles.

[ He settles, though, considers the question. ]

I have told Sigrid plenty of what I know already, if you know her.

[ Although she forced it from him, truth be told, but that was not because he did not trust her. ]

I would hear it from your mouth, if I can bring you to tell me. Information can be twisted. Knowingly or not.

[Wow they are getting on splendidly.]

My name is Faolan. Sigrid is my Lady. I know that she has spoken to you of me. Anything that you might trust her with, you may trust me. And then some. For there are secrets to this world I know are best not shared with the young and the innocent.

[He sighs slightly himself.] I can fetch her, if you need me to. To vouch for my person. If such a thing is necessary, for you to believe me.

She has mentioned you by name before.

[ Sigrid, genius keeper of secrets. ]

She said you took her from Treun safely. For that you have my thanks, I fear she was too stubborn to listen to my advice when I suggested she leave myself.

Mentioned me by name and faction, no doubt. [Again. She is not so good with the secrets.] Though I have no allegiance but to her. It is as I have said before. There is but one King that I serve, and I have been forced to leave him back behind in Fortriu. If this would ease your mind at all. [It certainly gained him points with your friend, Waver.] Although I would ask that stay for your ears alone. The Seelie Queen has already formed enough opinions of me, without further fuel to the flame.

[If by took her from Treun safely you mean threw her over his horse and bodily removed her from the city before she had time to protest, then yes, he did. Although she saw his reason in the end. He makes a noise of affirmation.] She stayed for her council. We left as soon as it was through. She would have stayed longer - she wanted to. There was more work to be done, it is true. But it is as I said. When warning was given that it was not safe to linger, I did my best to see her safely home. I have sworn to protect her. And for better or worse, I will do my best to do so.

[He still hasn't forgotten that question about the shards.]

Solais?

[ His voice softens here. Lancelot is fond of her. ]

You have had conflict with her? Because you are Unseelie, no doubt. If you need something smoothed over I am willing to help. If you know Sigrid you know who I am, no doubt, and that I am Marshal here in Caer Glaem. I have a little sway with herself and Ridire. If Sigrid stood in your defence before -- forgive me for saying so, but she lacks tact. I can see why it may have gone poorly.

[ Lancelot has not forgotten either, do not doubt it, but this is not his favourite topic Faolan. Give him time to work up to it. ]

She is young. And learning in diplomacy. She certainly held her own in Treun. But she did not defend me against the Queen, no. She was not given the opportunity. No one was.

[Faolan sighs. He knows he should explain himself here. It would look bad for him not to, and he wants to earn this man's trust.] They had a search on for me, in Caer Glaem. I attempted to make a peace offering, to demonstrate my allegiances lied elsewhere. Apparently my lack of faith in my own court has greater holding to them than the idea that I had done them a service, in addition to doing nothing wrong by being at Caer Glaem.

[His words are bitter. Not only did they turn down his offer of help, but they shamed him, publicly, in front of the whole court, and then all but threw him out on his ass.] My saving grace is that they have let me stay and seem to have turned a blind eye from there. [But it has done little to improve his opinion of them. Or his outlook on life in general. The monarchs made it clear to him in that act that they care little for the shardbearers as individuals. It's part of the reason he has foresaken the court system - he will not blindly swear allegiance to a monarch that does not care for its people.] I am not certain that there is much to smooth over, save my reputation and my dignity. But I am grateful for your offer.

Edited (needed more depression/pessimism >>) 2014-10-19 14:01 (UTC)

The politics of this place are difficult, I know. This war has been going on longer than all our lives. The monarchs struggle as much as we do, and they are people as much as we are. I do not doubt that they are cautious about such things. It would not do to allow a spy into their court too easily. Direct action may be better evidence of your loyalties, but as much as loyalty to Sigrid they will want to know you will protect this court. It may be difficult, but try to understand their position. Shardholders come and go constantly here, they are more than aware not all of them will fight for them. They want ones who will. Who will take their code to heart, who will be guardians and keepers of the peace rather than ferocious agents of Morla's court. The Seelie court is weak right now. We are vulnerable. We need strong links, not to add more weak ones. When a Knight of the Golden Cadre is initiated he swears an oath: A knight is sworn to valour. My heart knows only virtue. My blade defends the helpless. My might upholds the weak. My word speaks only truth. My wrath undoes the wicked. I believe if you can say the words and believe it then they will believe you. They will know your heart.

[ He takes a breath, lets it out slowly as he thinks. ]

Think on that. I will do my best. They have listened to me before, they may do so again.

[Faolan sighs again. He is tired of these monarchs and their struggle and the fact that they have stolen him from the home that he knows and loves and forced him to live in their world, to fight their battles. Worst of all is the information that Harry has given him, about the war itself, and the nature of the opinions of both sides. He doesn't fool himself to think that there might be a way out of this, and neither is a good option, as far as he's concerned.]

I do not know how much more direct I can get. I did not go forth with some tawdry promise of loyalty to one of their subjects. I caught them the Shadow Beast. The one responsible for the destruction and chaos on the castle. It helped very little, in the face of the idea that I was acting against my own court, in aiding theirs.

'Valour' and 'Virtue' they might value highly, but only on their terms. And that is not an oath that I would take. There is a valour in standing up for what you know is right, even if it is unlawful. There is a virtue, an inherent dignity and goodness, in understanding that. The things I have seen in my life, what I have done... [The incident with Echen's men. The prison at Breakstone Hollow. His work for the King of Fortriu and the King of Dal Riata.] With that sort of righteousness, they would never take me, no matter what offering I laid on the table.

Remember who you speak to.

[ It's quiet, gentle -- not even really a chide, just a reminder. ]

I swore the oath myself, Faolan. If your ideals do not match the court then that is likely why they are reticent to take you. But remember this -- the oath does not ask you to ignore your own values. You speak from a place of cynicism -- your opinion is set, I will not argue it. But if your loyalties take you so easily from your own court, and you do not value their values, that is why, then, the monarchs are wary. If you are here for Sigrid alone, and Sigrid is lost, they have no guarantee that you will not turn back for another and carry their secrets with you.

My ideals. [He repeats, darkly.] I do not have ideals. Not as you refer to them. [He takes in a long breath. It's obvious that this is a man of honor - a true man of honor. He reminds him a lot of his King, Bridei. There are reasons why Faolan refused to openly admit to Bridei's friendship, reasons why he refused the position of councilor each time Bridei offered it. Such a man is much better than he could ever hope to be. The association would only serve to tarnish him.]

There are a select number of things that I do, and do well. I am a bodyguard. A spy. An assassin. [A bard, in another life it seems, but that's a whole different story.] I have talents that would serve useful, to a good King and Queen. And have. It is true, I have been and will always be my own man. But I will only act for what I know is right. Your King and Queen may not be able to understand that, but perhaps you will. Should you have need of a man like me.

[Another breath.] I cannot force you to trust me. But I ask that you try. I am not some wayward servant of the enemy, sent to milk you of your knowledge only to turn against you. My interests are much the same as yours. I would very much like to survive this, and see that as many as are able survive it with me.

I believe you, Faolan, I have never said I don't. I seek only to explain to you, so you do not turn your bitterness against the court. That does not help your cause. Consider this, then. If you seek to serve, then make use of your position. Your shard -- that which is in your chest. It tells most native to here you are Unseelie. A few simple guards may not know but plenty will. It is a part of you, it has chosen you. Unless your heart changes I think it will stay that way, and perhaps that is why the monarchs cannot take you simply at your word. You are free to walk Caer Scima, as it stands. You are free to talk with its folk. Rather than fight to be recognised as one of us why not use your station? Morla is too strong, but many of the Unseelie are not loyal to her. They are as you are, loyal to themselves. Our best hope, I think, is to slowly turn them from the inside. We cannot outpower them -- not right now, not until we gain ground. The more people we gain within her walls, though, the better we can outmove her. The better we can keep those within these walls safe, and her from wreaking havoc.

Edited (too modern a choice in wording) 2014-10-19 15:41 (UTC)

Is this what you were asking about? In regards to knowledge about the shards? Or is there more? [I know, I know, you were getting to it. He does not want to venture too far from the point. He is curious now that you have planted the seed, after all.]

Tell me, Lancelot. [There is no malice or mocking in his voice as he asks this. It is but a question. A personal question, but a question nonetheless.] What is it about the Seelie monarchs that convinced you to swear your allegiance to them? In this war that has two sides, why is that one the side that you choose? Why do you fight for them? [He really does genuinely want to know your opinion on the matter.]

There are a few things worth knowing about them. That is one.

[ He considers the other question, though, weighs up his answer. ]

My loyalty to Solais and Ridire was here, first, because my friends were here. My king was here, under the same court, and any place he stands is mine to defend. He has gone from here, now, but my loyalty stays because in working with them I have come to see their hearts. In working with them to defend my friends I have come to understand them. They are kind, good people. They do not want bloodshed, if they can avoid it. They want justice, not vengeance. They want peace. I can respect that. I can respect them as people. They have done me no wrong, they have listened when I speak, they have forgiven my failures and they have encouraged me. I have been given no reason to act against them -- I have not followed them blindly, do not think that. They are well aware I have at least one friend among the Unseelie I keep in contact with. They have not asked me to follow them blindly. They have asked me to protect and serve this court. That is what I am doing.

And the rest?

[Faolan does some weighing of this next answer himself.]

Perhaps I would have a better opinion of them if my own experiences had not gone the way they had. If my own experiences with my own king back home were not as positive as they have been. Then again, I have certainly been treated worse than I was by Solais and Ridire, that is for certain.

[ Mmph. ]

Perhaps. Only a change in experience would tell. As to your question... The shards themselves are a source of power. They are part of a large gem -- I assume you know that much. Reynard himself was collecting them. One shardholder -- a human without other such skill, only their shard -- is worth thirty men if he knows how to channel its power. Now consider this: Reynard has taken 12 shards and fused them into his chest.

[You do not know Bridei. If you did, perhaps you too would be more particular about these things. Would that he were here... But no. He belongs with his people. The Eagle of the Priteni. Never mind that Faolan misses his friend. He must file those emotions away.]

"Channel its power"? In what way? [Faolan is wary. Yes, Reynard has 12 shards. They say that he has some control over other shards as well. This, he imagines, is through the power of those shards he has taken and fused to himself. Also, it is worth asking:]

Do you know the significance behind Reynard seeking a 13th shard?

In controlling and drawing power from a shard you might make yourself swifter, stronger. It is said that untrained shardholders can be destructive without meaning to. For myself, the first time I used my shard I clove a sword clean through.

[ He sighs, considers the question. ]

I do not know the exact significance of the number, but I have a sense -- that the number perhaps will reach him a certain power level. Perhaps he means to challenge the courts. Perhaps he needs that much power to perform some act. It is on my list of questions to ask Solais the first chance I get.

And how does one learn to use their shard? To harness its power. I understand that was part of the original venture, to Mauperitius. [Faolan is good at collecting information, what can he say.]

That is what I assume as well. Although if you are to seek answers with the monarchs themselves... Better you than myself. You will more than likely have much better luck in the matter. In this and anything regarding the court itself.

[Faolan takes in another breath. Teamwork isn't generally his thing, but he recognizes the benefits of it, especially in this situation.] This man - the threat he poses. I would aid you against it.

It was.

[ Lancelot is not surprised that Faolan knows. He is, after all, friends with Sigrid -- and she could have heard that from Lord Stark easily enough. She did serve him for a while, and he travelled with them to Maupertius to learn. ]

And you may learn by asking that I teach you.

[ Does that sound a little teasing.

It should because it is. ]

I would be happy to, once I am back within the walls of Caer Glaem, and happy to have your aid in our fight.

[Faolan hears that teasing note in his voice, and a quirk of a humorous smirk may be heard in his response. He may be a generally serious man, prone to melancholy largely due to his horrific past, but that does not mean that he does not know how and when to have enjoy himself.]

Ah. Is that how it works?

[The release of a breath that may have been a laugh, in another life.]

That is how it works. So long as you are content with such a thing, of course.

[ He sounds amused, but Lancelot is careful in all things by default. He does not know if Faolan may be too proud for such things. ]

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