eachdraidh

An announcement I should have made a while ago.

I'm vampir. If you're ab-dead, undead, living dead, whatever the fuck, I will offer you at least my ear and the benefit of my doubt, particularly if you are young, hungry, or newly-arrived. This is hardly rational of me; just an old man's old habit. Take advantage, if you will, of my extended patience, but don't weigh too hard on it.

I'd also add my voice to that of the Lady Grell, and reiterate the point she made during the Samhain festivities, given that the old god-dog has requested our service. Don't fuck with the Black Shuck. He comes to all of us in time. You will have ample time to regret being disrespectful towards him.

[He sighs, kicks back, presses his fingers to the bridge of his nose.] Finally, I need information on the Sisterhood of Nymphs and I don't have time to squint at the scribblings of ancient scholars and other lunatics. The Pyrii, specifically.

Go. Anything you know. [Eyes closed; he is clearly asking to be regaled rather than engaged in conversation.]

[PRIVATE TO EFFY:]

Don't know how long I'll be free. Do you still want to learn how to fight?

mixcds

I don't suppose there's any shard holders who are doctors in Caer Scima? I'll even take a scientist.

[He pauses. ]

A scientist might be better, actually. I've got something I need replicated, if possible and - an ailment. Of sorts.

[Another pause, and then he lifts a shaking hand. ] It won't stop doing this. I don't know why.

[He gives it a violent shake; the tremors don't stop immediately, as they have done in the past. A few seconds go on and then, gradually it subsides. Kieren pinches the bridge of his nose. ]

Thanks.

steeledskin

[ before the lockets sits a well-composed and well-turned-out lady: her face is set with discipline -- though below it she wants to crack and cry. but sansa stark has a duty -- some imperative -- to speak calmly of grave matters. nothing about this is comfortable; nothing about this is within her conventional grasp. she could compare it to her makeshift trials before the lords declarant or her audiences with the king, but this stage is far wider. out of frame, her fingers tremble. ]

Dear Shardbearers of either court --

[ if her voice shakes then it is by design. some honest fear is permitted into her tone, for what better to move the hearts of strangers than to express genuine dismay at this great knotted problem? she would not have thought to even sell it as injustice until living here and meeting many a person who appeared outraged over these alliances. these marriages. these common cages. ] One turn of the moon ago, High Queen Morla delivered onto me an ultimatum: to marry some Unseelie lord of her choosing, or else invite war upon the Cothromach. Whatever your loyalties, I beg you all to recognize the attempt for what it was --[ and do please fill that blank with your own outraged conclusions. ] I call for aid and support.

[ some words are permitted more of a quiver than others: morla; marry; aid; war. ] But I fear war has come already -- has long already been present -- and today I will refuse the proposal offered, because I fear it was only ever a blade's poisoned edge. I would prevail upon some soul from that queen's court to speak my refusal to her. [ powerful men have met her vulnerabilities with laughter, only to turn and shake their heads when she took small careful steps towards decision. what else is she to do? if she will not play the game by their rules, she must try to write her own. but even now, she hinges her action upon the passion of someone else's protest. someone else's judgement -- for better or worse. ]

The Lady Keeper of the Cothromach will not swear away her city to another court by marriage vows or by vows of any kind. [ except for other partial vows made in quiet rooms with would-be neutral parties. but those meetings are a secret and her announcement today comes instead to engage the hearts and sympathies of prospective champions who might grow incensed over a bully's tactics. lady sansa is not above playing upon their pity if said pity will protect her, her family, and her new city. anyone's pity will do: seelie or unseelie alike. ]

High Queen Morla's dogs are at the gate; let us be wolves when we meet them.

( ooc; i know some efforts have already been made re: the unseelie camps by lancer and others -- there's also a fresh log for the battle itself. )

digophelia

[ Alice has spent most of her day in her room, keeping to herself. After Samhain, she's feeling particularly burnt out socially, choosing to make the most of her time with her pet rabbit and her drawings. What she won't mention is that her hallucinations have gotten pretty vivid the past few days and they're riddling her drawings that are sprawled all over around her. Her hands are covered in blue thanks to the pastels. This is one of the weirder things she's drawn, spending a lot of time mindlessly on the face. She only stops once to itch her nose, getting the blue-black residue of the chalk pastels.]

Oh, bother.

[ Alice stifles a sneeze, rubbing it off her nose. Alice stops to adjust her neck.]

Well, I'm going to run out of pastels. I should have gotten them at the Station when I had the chance. Not one of my more finer projects, but I suppose it'll suffice for now. Do they even have these in Caer Scima?

showmeyourwreath

Good day, everyone.

It seems Reynard The Fox is a Hot Topic of the week, and I know that he is being discussed in greater depth elsewhere, thank goodness. [Seriously, this stuff is very nice to know.] That said, I may have a bit of new information for those who weren't aware.

He was behind the destruction of the Drabkeeper's Castle. By himself, it seems. I don't know why, but if you've seen what's happened to it, you know that that's no joke. It's been completely levelled.

[So, that might give a greater appreciation of what he might be capable of to those that didn't know, before.

There's more to it than that, but she doesn't know how much of a target she's made herself out to be and doesn't want to implicate or involve anyone else. Still, someone should know all of it.]

[SEELIE LOCKED, but with additional private filters to Waver Velvet and the Outsider]

Secondly, I would caution anyone with any kind of Sight [there is a careful emphasis of the word that she's certain won't be missed by those who know what to look for.] in taking extra precautions in using it, if you have both the means to and the control.

Please, be careful. That's all.

[Locked to Lancelot and John Grimm]

There's something you may want to know, if you don't know it already.

eagerforlife

[ There's no complaining, no asking for clarification on the technicalities of being pulled to a place like this. It's not that Vanille doesn't have concerns, it's just she doesn't want to voice them to a large group of strangers. Besides, this is a means to an end. If she's here, she can't be Ragnarok. She doesn't have to worry about being forced to play a part she desperately wants to avoid. She's caused enough problems, after all. She's done enough harm. And even if she turns Cie'th here, she's just one l'Cie. She has no doubt there are plenty of people here that could dispatch her, should she become a danger.

So instead of asking about Fang or her other friends (People she does want to see, that she will miss) she instead focuses outward, towards the other people here. She's spoken to a few already, but wants to know more about the different worlds and lifestyles that are out there. What's it like, outside a world controlled by the fal'Cie?

She smiles down at the locket, cheerful and friendly. In imp sits on her shoulder, tugging at her hair. She doesn't seem to notice and just hums thoughtfully a moment. ]

We all come from very different places, right? I've only been here a short while and I can already see that. [ She tilts her head, considering something. ] I don't think I've spoken to two people from the same world yet, actually.

And if I'm being honest, everything I've learned so far has me wanting to know more. That is, of course, if anyone is willing to share? What's your world like? Where do you come from? If you'd rather not, I understand. A world can be a very personal thing, hm?

of_the_lake

[Lancelot stood in front of a great, molten forge, walking along a narrow walk-way inside Troichean Beinn. He was out of his armor, wearing a thick smithing apron and a short-sleeved tunic, startlingly different from the usual attire he would display. As always, Lancelot's absolute lack of enthusiasm shined like a dying star.]

To those of the Unseelie court--I have a trade I would like to make with you. If you believe yourself skilled in researching history and mythology, please respond.

I have a second trade I would like to make to those with an affinity towards nature--in which I must emphasize that such an affinity is a necessity, unless one prefers risking death in this.

[Hoisting his free arm up, Lancelot raised a short-sword with a gleaming red blade, fairy letters written down the length of it. Visibly, the sword seemed to have been vibrating somewhat. Anyone with magical affinity may even hear a soft, hollow sort of noise coming from it as well.]

To those who can assist me in these favors, I can repay you with the fruits of my labors. Wrought iron, enchanted by fairy-magic. I cannot promise the best of weapons at this moment, but if you aid me in this, I will create a finer reward for you.

digophelia

[ Alice has switched to voice, from her usual pattern of video. This takes a lot for her to ask since Alice is not the least bit willing to ask for help from strangers. So she takes a breath, keeping it to the people she can somewhat rely on. They don't have her absolute trust, not yet. ]

I suppose I ought to introduce myself for those who don't know me. My name is Alice Liddell and I have gone along a few excursions with my fellow court members. It was not my intent to be so vested in these matters, but the livelihood of those I know mean a great deal to me. I'd rather not have anyone take anymore blows for me.

So I must ask... how does one go about improving offensive skills? I mean to say- [ With a small huff of frustration-] I have no form to pay someone, not yet. I hope that my sincerity in order to help my friends is enough.

I have my knife- the vorpal blade. It is meant to never dull and it will remain sharp and it can go through almost anything. In addition, I was given a sword when I first moved to the Station but I am not very good with it, not like those who I know. I have just recently acquired another weapon from my world that can best be described as a blunt weapon with a strange side effect.

Please understand -- there are so many skilled fighters here and I am nothing more than some maid and nanny to children. I'm not skilled in many things, but I owe it to those who risked their skins for me.

vrykolakas

[UNLOCKED: VISIBLE TO ALL.]

[Candlelight laps at the dim image of the Brucolac's face, showing up mottled scars along his cheeks. His expression is tired. Whether it's the light or exhaustion, his olive skin looks faintly greenish.]

Alyosha of Redgate is dead by the hand of Reynard the Fox.

[It's not a lie. She is exactly as deceased as he is. He sighs out a breath, tches faintly, and moves on, his hoarse, scratchy voice impassive.]

Unrelatedly, I require information on the thief who stole the feathers of the birdking. He wasn't found? Did anyone pick up a trail?

[He knows he wasn't found. Hence (partly) the current sticky situation he's in.]

[LOCKED TO UNSEELIE.]

I'm at Caer Scima.

[He hisses through his teeth, rubs his forehead; his head is pounding, thick knots of tension twisting in his temples, pain shooting down his neck, bursting behind his eyes, tightening his jaw. Bone-dry and grimly humourous, he says:]

If anyone, preferably human, feels they have a surplus of blood.

[That sentence is left unfinished, the conclusion—in his mind, at least—obvious.]

[LOCKED TO ALICE & BERSERKER.]

[Flatly:]

What the fuck happened.

- - - -

[ooc: I realised too late that dating it this way means it went up a few days before new arrivals, damn it! but PLEASE feel free to have any newbies reply a few days late, if you so wish. c: ]

demonstrations

[When the video turns on it might have just been somewhat accidental. She'd asked the fairies how to use it which might not have been all that helpful, really, but she'd figured it out earlier and was now perhaps investigating more. She's a tiny thing, however, and young-- dressed in bright orange and yellow monk garb. When she moves it always seems light and with the wind-- she's definitely fidgity right now.

For a moment she doesn't say anything. She tries to figure out what she wants to say once more. By nature she's a shy one and so it's weird to suddenly address a bunch of people. She definitely knows there's a lot of them, too. She wants to, however, and so she quickly musters up the nerve.]

Hi. I'm Jinora.

[A pause. That's good, right? It's a start. Nice and simple, but she continues on.]

. . . I just arrive here a little while ago. That's okay, 'though, because Korra and some of the others are here. Daddy's not... but that's okay, because he's got lots to do at home right now with everyone. [It is kind of disheartening though, seeing as they'd only just made up. And Kai wasn't here either. She wants to see them both, but really besides that time in the Spirit World she'd always had her father. Her entire family, really. It's just a little nerve wracking.]

I spent a while talking to the fairies! They told me a little about where we're are, but they seemed more interested in playing. They didn't seem mean, they helped me find my friends. [Hm.] But I did have to go to the library to learn more! The library here's definitely one of the biggest I've seen, I could read in there forever. There's a lot to read, but I'll do it.

[She hesitates for just one moment more and pulls a hand to her chin, the uncertain look pulling through as she thinks about it.] But well... [She decides to just say and it speaks up.] The best knowledge comes straight from the people who lived it, so I thought it was a good idea to ask:

Do you guys like it here? Have you seen new things? What sort of new things have you seen? The animals are completely different from ours at home and the fairies aren't anything like we have either. 'Though, they do remind me of spirits a little. Do you travel a lot here? I bet there's a lot of places you can see that would be exciting.

[Do the questions stop? Probably never. But at least she seems to be excited and trying, but there's a more pressing question here and she gets to it soon enough:]

Do you think peace is possible? Isn't there a lot more to do around here then fighting each other? There seems to be tons of things to learn and do so it would be a waste if there wasn't a way to bring peace that way. [Because we don't have to fight. Of course, it's in her nature to be a pacifist. And that's the one thing that's been troubling her. Certainly, she knew about war and there was some-- but being told she was a participant and there was no way around it didn't sit right. She wants to find another way.]

Um. I guess that's what I wanted to ask! If you'd like to answer or just talk I'd like that. We can try being friends, that would be nice, too. I'm not really good at this but it didn't seem like anyone minded that...

[She smiles hopefully! Now that she's no longer rattling off a million questions and her most important one is out she's back to that uncertain shyness and with it she gives a slight wave and shuts off the feed for now. Mission accomplished.]

chaoticwhimsy

[It should be clear from the view that Lumina is back in Caer Scima when she turns the locket on, though half the screen is covered up by her and her excited face. She is grinning from ear to ear, practically vibrating in place. Apparently this is one of those rare genuinely happy moments from Lumina.]

Guys! Look, look!

[The screen whirls as the kid twists around, but when it settles down the Caer Scima stables can be seen. Her little squad of pink and black painted imps are all fluttering around excitedly, seemingly having caught their mistresses excitement. And in the center of them is a giant black bird wearing a simple white saddle. Seemingly noticing someone is looking at him, the bird leans forward to stare at the locket before letting out a puzzled 'wark?']

[Then the screen whirls again and is back to Lumina, who is giggling from her excitement.]

Isn't he amazing? The imps said he's mine, I mean, when I complained about there not being any chocobos here I wasn't expecting anything but-

[She cuts off as the screen is suddenly blocked by black feathers and a big beak, the chocobo having walked over to lean his head past Lumina's shoulder and jab at the locket curiously. Lumina makes a surprised noise, then laughs and reaches up to scratch the giant bird on the head. It coos softly and then leans up.]

See? Completely amazing. And so much better than those silly horse things. And he is aaaaall mine.

What're you going to name him?

[This is asked by an imp as he flutters by, half his face painted pink, the other black. Lumina starts to answer but stops herself, frowning up at the big bird.]

Hm. Iiiii...am not sure.

[She turns to the locket once more, but says nothing for a few seconds, her eyes narrowed in thought.] Midnight, maybe? Or shadow...oe...[Suddenly her eyes light up. Ooh, idea.]

I know! What do you guys think of Chaos? Chaos the Chocobo!

digophelia

Hello.

[ Alice has finally figured out how to lock this to her court! Yay. Well, no, the female imp she's befriended has figured out how to set that up for her. Awkward hellos aside, Alice clears her throat and speaks like she's been reading from a script.

So she's been rehearsing.]

As I am sure that you are all aware, there have been efforts to recover those feathers. I am not sure how far along the others are, but might I ask who would be interested in conjoining search efforts?

[She is not good at these things; Alice tosses her hair and opts to use a more casual tone, rolling her eyes at herself.]

I am at the station still, but I can make my way towards any parts of Drabwurld that need more unseelie hands. I will say I would prefer to go with the group I traveled with to the Redgate, but as far as others go, well. Maybe I prefer my own court.

teenyoda

[The image that comes onto the lockets is an almost peaceful one. The blue sky and white fluffy clouds that bob a little from the POV of the locket. A little movement shows that that's because the transmission is clearly coming from a boat. The locket, with a little more jostling, is shown to be resting in fabric on what appears to be the deck of the boat. One might be curious as to why a transmission was coming suddenly from seemingly nowhere on a boat, but the answer shows itself soon enough in the form of one suckered tentacle flipping the locket around. If it was ever possible for an octopus to look both pissed off and surprised out of its mind, this one was doing a very good job. One of its many arms clutched at a small feather, the other limbs flopping around and smacking at the deck as the thing clearly tried to actually go somewhere. It couldn't walk to save its life and wound up rolling out of the pile of clothes, taking the locket with it.

Heavy stomps could be heard as boots came closer across the deck to the cephalopod, a shadow coming between the sun and the locket as a large man loomed over it. "Well then. What's this? How's you get aboard, ye slippery little thing. Back to the sea with you."

A hand bent down to try to pick up the octopus and there was a flurry of lashing arms as it latched onto the man and refused to let go. Curses were spat and the man called out for a fellow sailor, but before the other man could come closer with the knife it held to free his shipmate, a third voice joined. One others might find a bit familiar. A naked seventeen year old was clutching the man's arm and looking up at him with fear and horror. It took Stiles about five second to remember about the locket and he dropped to the deck, scrambling for both his clothes and to turn the locket off.]

~*~

[It was about twenty minutes later when a red-faced Stiles showed himself on the network.]

Um, about that...

Sorry? I... have no idea what happened. One minute I was standing looking over the rails and the next... um... aha. Let's just pretend that didn't happen, okay? Okay. But, if anyone can tell me what just happened, that would be really, really helpful. Especially in making sure it doesn't happen again.

ziggyzoggy

[It's early in the morning. Actually, it's the creeping up on the buttcrack of dawn, entirely too early in the morning, but there you are. Sun's not quite up yet; the cold light of early morning seeping into the cracks of windows, not enough to take the chill out of the night yet. Who's been up for a while? This guy. There's errands to run, and if it's going to take days to run them, might as well get started early. Really early.

So! Good morning, Caer Scima! You get a Troll. Or at least, the painted-up face of one.]

I'm Vol'jin, Chief of the Darkspear tribe. Wit' that out of the way, listen up:

I'mma be travelin' to the Station soon. Ya need somethin' from there, or ya just want company, or ya don't feel right travelin' wit'out someone to watch ya back, meet me down in the Courtyard at sunrise.

Bring ya own supplies, at least a week's worth. I ain't ya minder.

[This ain't no newbie fetch quest; don't expect him to hold your hand.

Chieftain out.]

choreographics

Maybe my timing's bad, but I don't want to keep sitting around. The real question is how many days does it take to get to the Station by horseback? I mean if someone knows a faster way that'd be great, but I'm working with what I can find. ...and if anybody wants to come along, I wouldn't say no to some company.

I don't know; maybe it seems like a cop-out to be going somewhere else right now when people are actually putting in substantial effort. Those shadow-things? I couldn't do anything to take them out, and it's not just about that. People are always talking about powers and magic and intergalactic travel and wars and worlds where being stuck like this isn't that uncommon but it's weird. It's so weird because home's pretty much lacking the whole war-and-supernatural-fantasy thing. I'm from New Mexico and I go to a public high school. Our biggest battles are championship basketball games against West High. The only time I've ever lost anything was losing an acting role to Troy and Gabriella. What does that say about me?

They keep saying that we're important and special and everything, but I'm not so sure I feel that way anymore. Maybe this is what it's like to be normal, but then that still doesn't answer the question of why I'm here. …I'm not really sure what to do now. [There's a long pause. He's met with people like Lancelot who've given him some ideas and tools which is wonderful. Other people he's spoken with have also prompted ideas for him to think on, but it just doesn't seem like enough.]

Sorry, I'm not really expecting much of an answer. I'm just kind of thinking out loud, I guess. I'll figure something out.

...anyway! Besides that, I'm interested to see how many people are into the performing arts. I'm talking singers, dancers, actors, musicians, everything. Actually, make that every form of art. Drawing, painting, you name it. I kinda work under the belief that art's still really important even while all of this is going on.

showmeyourwreath

[Flora is outside, sitting on what appears to be a swing, but in place of chains are woven vines. As time passes, little flowers bloom along their length. The locket is not on her person, it hovers in front of her, and the view shows her wearing what look like a white overall dress over a pink top and work gloves. Several fairies are flying around her, braiding her hair, or sitting on either shoulder. She waves before gently taking hold of the vine chains.]

Hello everyone, I hope you're well.

[Her voice is more deliberate with the well wishes, and her smile is kind, knowing. A lot's happened--when isn't it--but she does hope everyone has come out of it for the better, somehow. It's no meaningless platitude.

She moves to put her finger to her lip, remembers she's wearing gloves and thinks better of it, and instead cants her head thoughtfully. Her voice is gentle and curious.]

There's something I've been wondering about for a while now, and don't quite seem to understand, just yet. [There is a slight upturn to her lips. She is a patient girl, but she can't say she likes not understanding things. It's what she always seeks to do, if she can.] I've heard of some things from other people that were kind enough to answer me [mostly kind, anyway. Zelos was a little rude.] but with so many people from so many places, I'm curious about the similarities and differences.

[She looks directly at the locket.]

What exactly is a God or Goddess? Or what would you say make one? The same with angels. Is this something that has some sort of set criteria or is it more malleable?

[One might notice that she doesn't ask about demons, but that's because she doesn't realise there's a need; they're the same as monsters to her.

Flora dips her head in thanks and smiles, once again.]

Please, I would very much like to hear what anyone has to say. Thank you.

( Locked to Seelie )

thebreakingwave

[The video feed flickers on to show Harry sitting in the garden at Redgate. The image quality isn't ideal, but even so it's easy to see that there have been some changes to the young man's appearance. His rough, new eye-patch hides an empty socket, but does little to cover up the nasty bruising on his cheekbone and split lip.]

I can't imagine that anyone here has had use for one yet, but I'm on the lookout for a good dentist.

floralteas

[ The video shows a slender young man in tattered Japanese robes. On his head is an open face mask of a dog made from paper and thread, its mane reaching up to the small of the man's back. ]

These monsters aside, this is the nicest kidnapping I've ever been to. It's been days and I have yet to be drugged, beaten or sold into slavery. [ Considering what his life was like, this is seriously a step up. ] But clothes might not last these attacks, so if I start walking around naked please refrain from pointing or grabbing at my manly spirit. I'm actually quite shy. [ Shiro said, as he smiled boldly. ]

Is there a place in this world for an umbrella maker to gather materials for his craft? I used most of what I could find for this mask. I'm mostly in need of colored paper, paints, oil, lacquer, and bamboo.

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.

Entries tagged with the outsider: dishonored

iv. video. open to both courts.

fifth shot ☢ VIDEO (unseelie locked)

(sixth lemon cake) video ✧ open to both courts

video - open to both courts

Third ❀ Bloom Text; backdated to the 20th | Open to Both Courts w/ Filters

Video; open to both courts ; backdated before the event

Video; Available only to the Unseelie

voice; locked to the unseelie

iii. video. open, then unseelie-locked. backdated to the end of september, ~29-30th

first gust ⊕ video (forward-dated to the second, open to both courts)

[Video] or action for Caer Scima

video; locked to the unseelie court

Video - Seelie/Unseelie

Video, Unseelie court

2nd Chassé | Video for Both Courts

Second Bloom ❀ (Video) [Open to both]

video; open to both courts

Video | Open to Both Courts

001 | video | open to both courts

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