bird_brain: (always looking ahead)
[personal profile] bird_brain
[Aubri looks pensive: ear tufts flat against his head, gaze piercing, posture not quite relaxed. He speaks slowly, deliberately softening his accent for the sake of this message.]

Not so very long ago in my world, two great mages fell into war. Ma'ar grew to love power too much. Urtho was the only mage who could even think to stand against him.

[Aubri taps the ground next to the locket. The tap tap tap of his talons is dimly heard until he speaks again.] Ma'ar polluted magic. He poured every evil he possessed into his creations. Our troops were decimated. In the end, Urtho's only defense was to build a weapon as great and terrible as Ma'ar could conceive. I do not know if Urtho knew how great the consequences would be.

I helped deliver that weapon. [Okay, no. Not really, but he was there when Skandranon delivered it. But those are details and he'd rather not get into those... because then he'd have to talk about getting caught and abducted and that's just not fun talk.] It was a terrible price to pay for our lives.

[But he would do it again, if it meant saving the lives of so many people.] The magic corrupted the land and all the creatures in it. We could live there no longer. The storms would have killed us, if the creatures twisted by magic did not first.

[A pause.] Be careful out there, my friends.
thebreakingwave: (01 » interest)
[personal profile] thebreakingwave
Hello, for those of you I haven't yet met, I'm Harry.

[The video footage is of a young man with messy black hair, one bottle-green eye, and half his face silvered over with old scarring. On the damaged side, he has a red amber prosthetic in place of an eye. In the background, there's a crow that periodically peers over his shoulder.]

The queen has tasked me to talk to every one of the Unseelie and ask for a memory of solidarity, overcoming great odds, or defeating a foe. With these, she can use it to create a better, stronger defence for a rebuilt Caer Scima.

It's going to take time to do this — at the very least, a few months — so there's no hurry to meet and I've the ability to get to pretty much anywhere in the Drabwurld quickly.

[He looks down at a bit of paper that's just out of sight; seems like someone made notes before talking.]

Sharing a memory is done through magic, it doesn't hurt, I won't look at anything you don't want me to see and I'll swear to that.

How's that?
debts: (we are all of us secret agents﹐)
[personal profile] debts
I keep thinking of this story.

[ There's nothing particularly guarded about the way Natasha sounds. Lazy, maybe; a little mildly amused. ]

Once upon a time, there was a proud and warlike tsar— [ A short pause, then a correction. ] —a ruler. His name was Dadon. When he was young, he invaded and destroyed neighboring lands, taking them for his own. When he grew older Dadon wanted peace, but now his enemies sensed his weakness and it was their turn to wage war on him. He asked for help from his court magician, who gave him a golden cockerel. If any enemies approached, the bird would crow, and because the tsar was pleased he promised that he would give the magician anything he asked for.

Dadon's people lived peacefully for two years. The bird did its job whenever there was danger. One day, the golden bird cried out louder than ever before, so the man sent a great army under the command of his eldest son. Eight days passed. When the bird crowed again, his son and their army weren't back, so he sent out his younger son and another army. There was no news again for eight more days.

He was worried. The bird crowed again, so he went to go investigate this personally, with an army of his best warriors. After several days, he came across a battlefield where both armies and his two sons lay dead. At the edge of the field, he saw a tent with a woman of stunning beauty inside. Her name was—

[ A beat. ]

—you know, I don't think I remember. Her title, though, was the Queen of Shamakha. She invited him inside his tent and Dadon fell in love with her. He took her home, back to his kingdom.

When he did, the magician was waiting for him at the gates. He asked the tsar to pay for the golden bird by giving him the Queen of Shamakha. Angry with the request, Dadon hit the magician with his sword, wounding him fatally. At that moment the bird swooped down and pecked Tsar Dadon to death. And the Queen of Shamakha disappeared, as if she had never been there.

[ Natasha huffs out a laugh. ]

Sorry. Maybe that was too obvious a moral. [ And just like that, the audio abruptly ends. ]
digophelia: (Don't turn your back on me again)
[personal profile] digophelia
[ Alice has been trying to draw in her sketchpad for a while now and it's clear from how wrinkled the piece of paper is, that she's tried to draw on it to no avail. It's been erased numerous times. Right beside her are her imp and her rabbit, as always. She's been quiet at the villa, she's locked herself up acting stranger than before. ]

How funny it is when the mind brings so many images and memories that it cannot even transfer onto a sheet of paper. I know what I see, but it cannot go through my fingertips and onto my paper, unlike so many times before.

[ By the tone of her voice, she means more than that. Guarded as ever, Alice will not say what it is, other than she reluctantly places her pencil down on the paper. Art blocks are terrible, and they're more terrible than before. ]

I am sorry... for my absence. Please don't think of me as silly, but I lost a good companion of my mine. My mare. My horse. I took her in after my first battle, when her owner had fallen. I loved her dearly, she was my friend, too, as much as anyone else I know here.

[ Alice says this while trying not to cry. ]

I loathe to think of another animal as a replacement, but seeing as it is a necessity, I have no other choice. She had fallen in battle when I separated from the others.

[ When she went on her rampage after the Jabberwock, though she's not going to say that. Alice just rubs her rabbit's ears instead while looking at her blank paper. ]

I can try and buy one, if needed, if anyone wants to humor me. I know this is a silly request after everything that has happened -- selfish, even. I think it might be best if I left, for a small while, so I can clear my head and be useful again. No good comes of being a shut-in.

[ After all, ever since she came back, she's been acting stranger and much more distant than before. There is more here that she wants to say; she struggles with saying it. ]

I, well- never mind that. Please be well, all of you.
huntedby: (pic#8711852)
[personal profile] huntedby
[Vanessa looks tired; but of course everyone does. There are a few healing cuts along her forehead, but otherwise she looks unharmed.]

I am sure that all of you have seen the offers from the Spires for safehaven. We are here to serve you, and protect you as much as possible. I have watched the fires from Caer Scima...we will rebuild. But until then, you all have a home with us. If you need refuge, I will not turn you away. You will be safe.

And we will avenge those of us who have fallen. They will not get away with this.

[Locked to the Spires, VIA Rin's communication device]

I know things are in chaos, at the moment. But we need to try and coordinate. Pooling our resources so we do not duplicate efforts. With the fall of Caer Scima, we are the main defenses and homes for our people, now.

['Our people'. How strange it feels on her lips. But it seems she has fallen into feeling that they are kin to her quickly. After an entire life of feeling singular and apart from the world, she has found a home here. A dangerous thing. But welcoming as well.]

I have a favor to do for Saber, soon. So I will not be at my Spire. But I will still be accessible via locket.
boutant: ([upset] oh come on)
[personal profile] boutant
[ She would use the video function but there's blood everywhere -- on her hands, her mouth, her chin. There will be more, if she has her way. Her voice is tight with barely concealed emotion -- rage, worry. Next to her comes the low sounds of a wolf who seems to be in pain; poor Brennan had felt it when Caer Scima was attacked, his howl having split across the battlefield like a clap of thunder. ]

If you can be spared or have the capacity, go put out the fires in La Llorona. Caer Scima's destroyed, if you haven't already heard the news. Any refugees can head for the third spire, if they need a place to go. I'd offer my manor as well, but you'll have to get through the burning forest to get there. Still, if you can, it's open to you.

[ A hissed breath. ]

Let me know if you're out of there. And- if anyone knows if a vampire named Aindrea got out of Caer Scima, please tell me.

Oh, and if you still think this war doesn't involve you, is something you can avoid? You're an idiot.
vrykolakas: (face of looming violence)
[personal profile] vrykolakas
[News has reached the front lines. The Brucolac has rubbed his face clean for this broadcast, but his pupils are blown, blood drying in his eyebrows, and he hasn't taken off any of his armour.

He looks like cold hell.]


Those at Caer Scima who got out. The Ninth Spire has room for you; if you need to avoid the sunlight, the cellars are ready. Blood, food, medical aid, a place to sleep, whatever you may need. Go via fairy ring, or else follow the Criostal down to where it meets the sea.

I can't meet you. [He grits his teeth, rubs at one brow with a spike-gauntleted hand, sounds like he's furious at himself for it.] Needed at the front lines. Give me some days. Until I return, my captains have orders to take you in and treat you well.
chaoticwhimsy: (La la laaaaa.)
[personal profile] chaoticwhimsy
[Lumina is skipping along ahead of the image feed when it clicks on, so one of her imps is probably filming her again. People familiar with the area might recognizing the rolling hills outside of Mair, but now nestled between a number of them is what looks like a large, sprawling ranch. Lumina comes to a stop beneath a hand-painted sign that says 'Gran Pulse Chocobo Ranch', with a painting of a bright yellow chocobo standing in front of a giant green and blue planet, with a smaller gray planet hanging in the background.]

[She twists around once she's under the sign and grins at the locket. Chaos the black chocobo is standing just inside the gate, sans his usual armor and saddle, and he peers at his mistress and the imp with a 'why me' kind of expression, then warks quietly.]


Look, they gave me a whole ranch! I had to make the sign myself though. [Lumina can find fault in anything.]

But it's a chocobo ranch! I mean, it will be. Once I have more than three of them. I mean, who gives you a ranch but not any extra animals?

[She huffs because she can't exactly breed their glorious chicken-mount overlords without more chicken-mounts, can she? But then the cheerful grin is back and she jumps forward to snatch the locket away from the imp.]

But look!

[There's a flare of light and darkness that obscures everything, and when it fades, Lumina is inside somewhere. There are two yellow chocobos, smaller than the black one seen earlier but ride-able, standing over a little wooden box, and Lumina runs over to it. She spins the locket around to her face again, and she is clearly more excited than she can contain.]

There'll be more of them soon!

[And again the locket goes spinning around, pointing inside the box. There's hey, and five eggs about the size of melons, each speckled a different color. She reaches out to tap one of them, which earns her an annoyed little wark from one of the parent chocobos, and then she giggles.]

Sooorry.

[And then back to pointing the screen at herself.]

See Steve, that's a chocobo egg. No you can't eat one. [A beat and a smirk.] I'd say people can come see them but there's that whole war thing going on, huh?

[Another little pause.]

But uh...on a related thing, dooooooes anyone know anything about hatching eggs? Or taking care of eggs? Or...really...anything about eggs? Except the eating part. Anything useful.

[Because she doesn't have a clue whoops.]
fulminants: (89)
[personal profile] fulminants
[ The face that comes onscreen after a few obvious jostles might be one you're familiar with (if you are, sorry, he's probably not the one you're looking for). Johnny's half-concerned, half-amused with the general state of things and it shows in the way he's looking into the locket, clearing his throat. ]

Ever wonder how this feels like some weird State of the Union address? Except with a lot less people. Or maybe it's like making a YouTube video. Here I am, talking to you guys, and I can't even see your faces. [ He shrugs. ] Oh, well -- anyway.

What's up, strangers of Drabwurld? I have three questions: [ Holds up one finger. ] one, why is it called Drabwurld? Did its founders hate being here, or does Brightworld just not have the same ring to it? Ha, there's your thought of the day.

[ Two fingers. ] Two: Anyone seen a big orange walking rockpile lately? Grumpy, looks like he lost a bet with a mudslide? Failing that, how about a guy who can stretch to grossly disproportionate levels, or a girl who can turn invisible? If found, let me know; they can be pretty ornery, and reach dangerous levels of boring when put together for too long.

Three, and I can't believe this didn't come first. It's a very important question, so I'm gonna need all of you to be honest with me, whoever you are.

[ He leans closer to the screen, loses the smile and gets serious. This is crucial. ]

Which side's got the hotter babes? The Seelie, or the Unseelie?
stickseller: (ɪ ᴀᴍ sᴏ ʜᴀɴᴅsᴏᴍᴇ)
[personal profile] stickseller
(For those who are online, if you will, the video feed of both courts will flicker on to the picture of a man who looks surprisingly calm all things considered. His hair is neatly combed back and parted, his clothing well put together, and there’s a borderline arrogant smile that plays at his lips. If it had taken him a half dozen times to get the locket to work correctly for him, it didn’t show on his face, but for him it was practically like magic.

It was technology that was still years away from where he was, he had only recently managed to install a telephone in his car (and promptly sold the idea for a handsome profit), but even it had been quite an ordeal, there were a dozen wires, it needed a long and thick antennae to work, and if you weren’t careful it could drain your battery in a heartbeat if you weren’t careful, but it was technology that he felt had promise. Adding the ability to view the person on the other end of the line was something he hadn’t even thought about trying, let alone making it so small and portable. Sure, he had managed to miniaturise a camera lens for a pen, but that was just for still photos. He was intrigued by it, though, a fascinating idea (one he wished he had been the one to come up with), and he didn’t hide his impression. He didn’t dare attempt to pop it open, however, lest he not be able to put it back together. While the imps had been kind to him thus far, he hadn't argued much when he'd been dragged away, he wasn’t sure how well they’d take to him breaking one of the gifts that he had been given.

For the time being he would leave it as it was, but eventually he might ask if someone knew just how they worked. Just for the sake of curiosity.)


So I take it this place doesn’t take too kindly to technology of any kind, huh? Even one as simple as a battery. (He raises his wrist to show the watch on his arm, it had stopped when he had arrived, and though it was currently useless, he couldn’t take it off. He was too used to wearing it and would feel naked without it.) Is there anywhere around here where they sell watches you wind? Or parts so I can convert this one?

(There’s a pause, he takes his hand down again and shrugs his shoulders lightly.)

Anyway. Good morning. My name is Howard Stark, and back home I was an inventor of sorts, so I’m not entirely sure why they’ve brought me here, unless it’s to update this place somehow. My company’s goal was to build a better and brighter tomorrow, and it looks like this place could use a bit of that. It’ll be like going back in time with what I have to work with, but I’m sure I can manage if that’s what’s wanted.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself, mysterious person on the other side of the magical locket. What makes you special?

Unseelie Locked

Who’s in charge of your weapons division? Back home, right before I was brought here, we had a war that ended, and I worked in weapons on the winning side. I can’t imagine that’s a coincidence.
winterwork: (₁₇₉)
[personal profile] winterwork
[There's only a soft voice that rises, familiar to some but less cheerful than it's normally known to be.]

So this world is kind of in a crappy place right now, isn't it? [A sigh is heard along with a pause, but he continues.] It's not gonna be safe out there. For anybody. So if you don't feel safe, let me know and I'll find you. I'll make sure you're out of the way. Somehow.

[Another pause as he struggles to speak. This whole month, this entire war, it's too much of a mess.]

I'm not gonna let any of you die, okay?



PRIVATE VOICE MESSAGE TO; ariadne, hiccup, lancer, korra, mako, jon.

Merida's asleep, by the way. Just like I was. I don't know the details of it, but if it's anything like my case, she'll be asleep for an entire week. Except she ...

[He swallows hard, remembering his three hundred year hiatus.]

There's no telling how long it'll be on her side. It could be a day, it could be twenty years, I don't know. So just ... make sure to give her some support when she wakes up, okay? Trust me. She's gonna need it.
gordianknots: Sing your society song (Because you don't know what building is)
[personal profile] gordianknots
[The message is simple, because there's no reason to elaborate. Everyone knows what's happening and where it'll be. But it needs to be done, so that no one comes to him at the last minute to find things shuttered.]

The Barrel will be closing as of the 27th.

Thank you for your patronage. It has meant the world.
enthraller: (23)
[personal profile] enthraller
[Well. Looks like Tzilan was right about the Seelie going on the offensive. It's one of those odd occasions where Saralegui wishes the vampire wasn't always right, but nothing to do about it now besides damage control. If that happens to be good for his image, then that's just bonus points.]

I'm sure everyone is aware of the upcoming fighting by now. And I'm sure there are those who, like myself, have no skill whatsoever in that area or just no interest in it.

[Just look at him. He's a twig, and that hair is absolutely not at all practical for fighting. The  self-aware, slightly self-deprecating little smile he wears is only further evidence of that. And better, of course, to play up that helplessness. He prefers to be underestimated, and the knife the Brucolac had given him is very easy to keep hidden.]

So I'd like to offer up Redgate as a safe haven away from the fighting. Others have made this offer, I know, and I hate to be redundant. But I would hate myself more if I didn't make it at all, and I can at least offer a place well out of the line of fire. It's very defensible, and kinder to shardbearers than most places have been lately -- the result of having been founded by a shardbearer, I assume. The distance might seem great, but for shardbearers it isn't really that bad -- only a few days from the nearest fairy ring in Daonna.

Truthfully, I am Unseelie myself, but I make this offer to anyone who wants it, from whichever court. The politics of this world mean little to me. I only want to see those who can't defend themselves kept safe.

[Saber had asked him as the Unseelie General to take Unseelie-aligned individuals into Redgate's care, but she hadn't technically asked to only take those from their own court. If she has a problem with how he does things, then she can bring it up with him personally.]
tacticalturtleneck: (pic#8471835)
[personal profile] tacticalturtleneck
Wait, Unseelie fans. I've got something for you.

It's called....Lacrosse.

Wait, what was that? We've got more important things to worry about?

How about you

SHUT UP


Don't even waste my time with that. This is a direct order from the Queen herself. Who is also extremely hot. The hottest Queen since Queen Elizabeth's younger years who I actually don't know what she looks like but she was the first Queen to come to mind.

Seriously, sign up. I'll supply all the equipment, money, and training so you won't have any excuses. You just have to play and have some fun. If I get a few teams going, hell we can have a tournament and a betting pool to go around.

Huh, you have something else to say? What's Lacrosse good for?

Uh, the glutes for one thing. Who doesn't like a shapely ass? Play Lacrosse and you'll get laid constantly, guaranteed. It's also good for teamwork which means when you tag in a second person, there will be double the pleasure.

Did I mention gambling, because I totally did. You'll totally make out like a Native American (I'm like 1/16th Cherokee so that's not racist).

Oh, yeah, it's an all-age sport. So don't try anything with the kids, sickos.

So who wants to sign up and who wants to recommend team names?
steeledskin: ( neutral: concern, conversation, stoic ) (# they're just dreams)
[personal profile] steeledskin
( SEELIE ONLY )
I -- [ hmm. sansa presses her lips together and wonders (briefly) whether it is a foolish request in the face of war. and yet she pursues it for an honourable cause. she wishes to gather certain tales for certain purposes. ] I want to hear stories. Stories of grand adventures undertaken by brave Seelie heroes. I cannot be the only one who's struck by such curiousity. Please -- share what you've learned.

[ and for every legend well-told and well-lauded she will make a point to include it within a very...pointed celebration in treun. perhaps encouraging even the shardless to think upon the bright bold tales of the seelie court will further endear that court to their hearts. it's a little like letting the right song be played at the right moment, falling upon the right ears. she wants to inspire treun -- or else certain parts of it -- to think more kindly on caer glaem. and she needs fellow shardbearers to help her. ] Tell me of the Seelie court's fabled champions and its well-mourned martyrs. What have you heard recounted by the hearth-side? Whispered on the road? Stories even the natives have told for centuries, mayhaps.

( BOTH COURTS )
[ some hours later in the day an 'accidental' feed broadcasts. it consists of the locket falling open and catching sight of a pile of books. sounds of rustling. a cleared throat. and at long last a mild: ] Seven have mercy. What a troublesome thing you are and how -- [ sansa addresses the locket she had flipped open on purpose, pretending to be clumsy. this is a quiet way in which to invite conversation with those she might not otherwise feel brave enough to seek out -- unseelie friends, soon separated from her by a roiling oncoming war. ] -- How stupid of me.

[ a novice ruse! however, she has such an earnest and gentle face it might just be worth believing by most, if not by all. ]

{Video}

Jan. 12th, 2015 02:14 am
rangerandking: (↠ lost)
[personal profile] rangerandking
{Open to Both Courts}

{It's easier to dress like a Ranger in the midst of battle. Aragorn is unharmed - even some Elves cannot match his skill with a sword - but he looks tired. For the time being he is camping under a rocky outcropping, his sword across his lap as he cleans it of filth.}

Our time runs short. Will we let this world separate us and bend us to its will or will we look beyond our differences and stand together?

I have spoken of such a possibility before and my hope has not dwindled. Animosity will not serve us - nor will contempt.

{He breathes out and returns his sword to its sheathe.}

I ask for compassion and if you wonder how it will serve you, you need only imagine a future where you need not look over your shoulder warily as you travel this land.

{His words are strong and he is fighting to remain undaunted, but he can see a rift growing. The monarchy have chosen the members of their courts well - those with turbulent pasts - and he knows there will always be a strong reaction when it comes to ideas of compassion and peace.}

{/}

{Closed to Arwen.} )
gracedprince: art by <user name="minuiko" site="tumblr.com"> (Superior.)
[personal profile] gracedprince
[Po's sitting quietly at a table, dagger in hand and the tip sitting against the wood as he idly turns it. Liam is in wolf form nearby, laying beside a fire where it's most comfortable for him at the moment but never far from Po. His mismatched eyes seem focused on the dagger, they're at least directed towards it but it's his locket he speaks to, carefully propped against a small pile of books.]

How many people among us can say that they can fight?

[He lets that question hang.]

Now how many of you could fight blind?

Winter is on us and that, where I come from, can mean some very erratic weather. At least there we had the benefit of Graceling that could predict such weather and we'd know. We don't have that here. So what do we do if we find ourselves in battle but snowfall makes it hard to see, stings at your eyes? Retreat?

Granted, I doubt we may end up needing to fight a great deal if the weather turns to harsh. It's a skill that may save you though, during any season. And I'd be glad to train others in how to fight if you can't see.

Katsa and I have done it plenty of times. She will help. [Sorry not sorry, Katsa, for volunteering you.]
wipedclean: (that we're gone)
[personal profile] wipedclean
[He looks slightly nervous. He still... doesn't do this talking thing well, and he doesn't really see the point of introducing himself to everyone. Making himself known to the entire network... showing his face on a recorded device... he's not supposed to, and it's just a bad idea for an assassin but...

But Steve said he should, so... well. He is.]


...hello.

[He swallows, his gaze flickering off to the side, where, unseen to the camera, Steve is nodding and giving him a thumbs up.]

I'm... Bucky.

[He hesitates when he says it, because... it's the first time he's said it. That he can remember.]

I was told I've been here before, but I don't remember.

[He frowns.]

So I'm sorry. If you knew me before. I don't remember you.

[He glances over to the side again, shifts, shakes his head. He's done, he doesn't want to do this anymore.]

That's it.
snipers: (➼ manga; 067.)
[personal profile] snipers
cut for introspection, etc. )

Ugh...

[ the video feed opens up with the sound of a shivering, unhappy girl letting out a sigh as she continues to trek through crunching snow and snapping twigs. in the background there's the sound of a creek nearby, and if the continued noise is any indication, yukari happens to be following it, she hopes, out of the woods. ]

I think I can safely say I hate the woods. [ yukari, are you muttering to yourself? you're muttering to yourself. you should see to that. ] Hah, I'm sooo glad our leader never suggested camping as a way to build up team ... team... — [ she trails off with another huff ] Ugh! It's so cold I can barely think! Seriously, who's bright idea was it to drp me out here in my school uniform, huh!?

[ finally, the locket swings around to show yukari in all her pink cardigan'd glory, bright red bow peeking out from under the collar of her coat, brown eyes wide as she inspects the locket and crap, it's active, isn't it? if she's right in her assumption about this thing, then... ]

Oh geeze... How long has this—? [ she shakes her head, snowflakes puffing up from her hair and falling down to her shoulders. ] Hey, my name is Yukari Takeba and... I think I'm lost. [ beat ] No, scratch that. I'm very sure I'm lost. I got dumped out here yesterday [ actually it was ten days ago, but she remains unaware of this fact ] with a map but no GPS so, heh, looks like the map's no good to me if I don't know where I am. [ but she doubts anyone could help with that, so she lets that be ] But um... I do have some questions, so... if anyone could answer them, that'd be... great...

[ something catches her eye and the locket as well; high walls and tall trees and a great big imposing fence surrounding... something. jogging forward and to the side just a bit, yukari catches sight of château du rêveur, and she spends a long moment just staring at the building. ]

... 'Kay, first question: Who builds a mansion like this in the middle of the woods? This's like something out of a western fairy tale...

[ and with that, the feed cuts out! ]

( ooc; open to action to anyone around in la llorona or château du rêveur! )
notyetlegend: ([169])
[personal profile] notyetlegend
[When the screen flicks on, it focuses on Merida kneeling over a deer. A deer as white and pure as the snow, were it not for the blood under its neck tainting its silvery fur. Gingerly, she tugs the arrow from the muscle, reaching to close its eyes with her other hand, bow itself resting against a nearby tree. Merida murmurs something in Gaelic, retracting her hand from its face.]

Forgive me, Wilder One. It's been an honor.

[She had hardly been expecting to actually shoot the White Hart down, but hunting with Saber had gotten results and proper respects must be given in any case. Placing the arrow back into the quiver at her hip after washing off the blood in clean snow, she stands, fur trimmed dress folding out around her ankles, boots deep in the snow. Angus whickers and nuzzles her hair, causing her to turn and reach to run her fingers across his nose comfortingly. Her imp scurries about, muttering to itself as it steps around the corpse gingerly, as though it fears waking it.

Merida pushes hair from her eyes, reaching into a small pouch wrapped around her quiver belt for a hairband and tying it into a high ponytail. Stooping again, she reached for the White Hart's forequarters, taking hold of his hoofs and hefting him over her shoulder with a grunt, standing and, with a bit of maneuvering, gets him onto Angus' back. That done, she dusts her hands off, picking up her bow and her locket hanging from it, noticing it on.]


Well I suppose now would be time tae announce that I've shot th' White Hart, wouldn't it?

Now how am I gonna cart all this meat back?