eachdraidh

[ The room is pink. Pink, gold, and are those fluffy, clever bunnies-the-size-of-imps running around adjusting the statues? Might be. ]

Hey! Goddess of Love speaking! Pay attention. [ She's curvaceous, tall, and dressed in enough chiffon that you'd think physics would keep her covered up, and yet. ] Hi-iiii. My name is Aphrodite, you might know me by a bunch of other things.

Obviously this place is like Ares's wet dream with all the war biz going on, but that's not my jam. Love would be the name of my game. Problem is, I don't have anywhere for mortals to leave messages for me when I'm busy and I am so not answering calls for help on this locket indefinitely because, uh, I have a life, so here's the deal; build me a temple near the edge of Dorchadas and I'll give you a freebie. That babe you've had your eye on? I'll make them fall in love with you! Are you ugly as a toad? I'll give you a permanent make-over! This is a one-time thing because I'm feeling generous ... and clearly don't have any offerings coming in, ugh. Speaking of, if you want to leave cute shoes as a gift, I'm a size six.

So yeah! Get in touch.

selfimage

[ it's Loki! he turns his head for a moment before focusing back at the locket, his chin is resting on his hand, and his elbow on a desk. he gives a friendly wiggly-fingered wave, holding the locket with the other hand. ]

Hello. Story time, anyone? Some of you have already heard this one before, and I hate to tell it again, but bear with me, there are some interesting deets that most usually lack.

[ and then, he starts in his best storyteller voice, playing with words on his tongue and in a certain cadence. ]

There's a place known as Asgard aka the Realm Eternal. Asgard, in all of its glory, rests in the branches of the World Tree, up near the tippy-top. This place is the home to the gods. The nine realms below it are homes everyone else: storm giants, frost giants, angels, elves of the most annoying sorts, some humans, dwarves with bearded faces, etcetera etcetera. Inter-realm relations are always tenuous at best, someone is always fighting someone else over blah blah blah. There are even wars over dumb squabbles, and you'd think that the only way anyone could solve a problem is with an axe to the face.

However—cue the dramatic music—there was only ever one war to end all wars: Ragnarok. [ he draws a circle in the air with a dark nailed finger.

it's a funny thing to call something "the such-and-such to end all so-and-so," because it generally comes up again and worse somehow. there are lots of wars to end all wars, ends to end all ends, but it does make everything sound more dramatic. ]

In short, Ragnarok was a fated event and the Gods of Asgard were always finding new ways to try and stop it. [ a pause and he scratches the back of his head. ] Actually—erm, hold on just a sec. Let's rewind just a little bit. This Ragnarok, this "end of all ends" and "war to end wars," kept happening. Over and over and over again. The gods would get caught up in the same pattern, and boom! another Ragnarok. Even if details differed, everyone would fight and suffer and die just like the last time. [ then his hands come up in wonder! ] And then be reborn! Ta-dah! It would start all over again. More Ragnarok and more betrayal.

It's like they were stuck, and they were. Fate was using them, and just as many other things in this cosmos, someone found a way to take advantage of it. They stopped it eventually, and cut the threads of the tapestry that the Norns had woven. Those that had fed from their suffering were extinguished. [ and as an aside, he says: ] Or so they say. Who knows what happened to them?

And thus, the gods won their free future. Dancing ensued, parties happened, drinks were passed around, and everyone lived happily ever after. [ he lets out a breath and looks bitterly amused. ] Or so you'd think. But, hm, let's say—they kind of did. Here's the part they don't tell you, the epilogue: they didn't want it. They broke free from the horrors of Ragnarok only to find themselves at a loss. In their freedom they lacked security, so they forged themselves other chains of destiny.

[ he waves his hand and sits back in his chair, bringing the locket with him. ] There you have it. It's not like stories like that haven't been told a million times, but it does beg the question: are some events only deemed the "natural order" because they've happened so many times before, becoming a favorite trope of the cosmos? Perhaps fate would have us think so.

[ there's a pause. ]

Ah, well, enough of that for one day. I could use a pint of ice cream and a good romcom.

aureinsof

[Locked to Seelie]

[As much as Aster doesn't want to do this, it's important in the end. It might help him make connections.]

Hey. With everyone preparing for war, thought I would make an offer. Name a monster you want and I'll tame it for you. I need a favour equal in return. You want something simple, it's simple return. Harder and I need more for it. Make an offer if you're interested.

[Open to Both Courts]

[Aster opens the message up here, because he needs to know more.]

Tell me about the beasts of this land. I need to hear from both courts. What monsters do you know about? The more in-depth, the better.

[He considers saying thanks but he doesn't, just shutting off his locket instead.]

individualist

Phew...the throne room sure is a nerve-racking place, huh? I thought I was gonna have a heart attack or something...

Anyway, I had a little talk with the king...reul? He's got a really interesting name, I almost thought he was gonna be someone else. I wanted to know what they were actually fighting for here...but, uh, he's really intense, it was so hard to focus. He said something about a true end, and the seelie have something to do with it? I've been thinking about it since then this whole time...

[And pretending to be an easily intimidated teenager sure is a handy excuse to not mention anything else she was told.]

So I was wondering, anyone know what the deal with that is? Has anyone asked the Seelie monarchs something like that? I'd be interested in hearing what they have to say, especially their involvement with something so sinister sounding.

I guess I just don't wanna end up helping the bad guys by mistake.

[Not that she genuinely believes life's so easily divided into black and white, but she'll get some amusement out of it if someone tries giving the whole "good and evil are subjective" lecture to her of all people.]

liven

All this birdsong. Normally it's about where they're flying to, or food, or nesting. Things like that. The birds here are odd. A little. To talk about things other than that.

[ Shijima starts speaking in her usual abrupt manner, though it probably isn't familiar to most of yet. It's hard to tell where she is when she holds the locket rather close, but it's outside somewhere. In a tree? There are birds around her, perching on her, and she seems fine with that state of affairs for the moment. Animals tend to like her in this form, for whatever reason. Her human shape. And she has no interest in killing the birds, just now.

Perhaps if she weren't wearing this shape. Or if she were hungry. But at the moment, she doesn't so much as bat an eye. ]

What use have birds for a king? Strange tidings. Well, I suppose I don't understand the use humans find for kings, either. But this world in particular seems to like that concept. Even impressing it upon animals. As though they need something like that. They're more sensible than needing to be governed in such a manner. Usually. Not so, here.

[ She's doing as well at "pretending to be human" as ever, which is to say she's not even remotely trying. Shijima tilts her head, mimics a whistle at the bird creeping along her arm and up to her shoulder. It takes a moment before she continues speaking. ]

And why does he feel wrath? Did we do something to him? Or is he just playing the peacock? [ There's birdsong again, from the bird on her shoulder and now nestled against her cheek, half in her hair. ] You've said. I heard. I'll listen to other news, but enough of this king. Though I wonder how a roc tastes. I've never had one. The rest of you - [ Not the birds. The people in the locket. ] - what news? Tell me a story or something. Or, I suppose, explain why this world needs so many kings. King of beasts. King of birds. Kings of fae and men. That's far too many kings.

[ She ends it there, almost as abruptly as she began. It is also possible to come upon her in the woods of La Llorona, though she's given up hunting for the day and instead consorts with the wildlife in a casual manner, sitting in a tree and speaking to the birds. Or letting them speak to her, more usually. ]

hiddeninfidelity

[The person of indeterminate gender speaking through the locket looked rather fearsome if only for the armor they were wearing which bore a thematic scheme much like that of a great demon. Looking past that however, one may see that, without the large spike jutting from the iron helm sitting on their head, the person in question was likely no more then five feet in height at best, a size that somewhat diminished the effect of fear their armor was supposed to instill in others.

Without being able to see their face, it was a bit hard to tell just what Mordred was thinking at the moment. But from the rather calm and collected tone of her voice made it seem almost as if she was attending to errands, rather then speaking of anything of great import or substance.]

Something has been weighing on my mind since my arrival here, aside from the obvious question of why I've been called upon to fight a war such as this... that being upon which criteria the rulers of this land based their selection of whom they summon. If any kind soul would be gracious enough to share what they know of the process I would be eternally grateful, though I'm afraid that I can offer little in return for such information.
( [Closed to Rin Tohsaska.] )

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! )

huntedby

[Open to all]

[Vanessa appears to be near the woods, if the foliage behind her head is any indication. There is a small bit of her red coat showing, the buttons on it done up, as well as those on the neck of her dress. Her hair is piled on top of her head, as best as she could manage, without the proper tools.

She looks thoughtful. There is an air about of her calculation underneath the ease. For when she speaks, she does her best to speak carefully. As a Victorian of a certain status, it comes naturally, but the other bits of herself she hides...the care there is more affected. It has to be.]

This may be a strange question to some of you, but I was wondering if any of you know of any local worshiping sites for Christians. I am a [There is a pause, a hesitation] lapsed Catholic, but at times even I find it necessary to seek out a house of God. [For reasons that are her own.]

If there is not one, I am curious to know if any of you do practice, and where you do so.

[She has her cross, still, but she is worried to truly pray at it, again. She worries that the spiders will show again, to show she has not escaped her demons here.]

Thank you.

[Locked to Unseelie]

After spending some time in the forest, during this stag hunt, it has become abundantly clear that as intelligent and well mannered as I may be, I have no skills when it comes to hunting, or enacting violence with blade or powder.

[She has never needed that; she has always hired those she needs. Or relied on Sembene. She is of Victorian times--perhaps learning to shoot a rifle during fox hunts would have been acceptable, but her family was never one for such events.

She is no Sir Malcolm. While her steps trail with blood, it is not by violence of her own hand.]

I would like to learn, if one of you would be willing to teach me. I have no desire to become a burden on others, nor do I wish to stay on the side lines, when it appears there is so much to be done.

powerful

Um -- hi. Drabwurld. I'm Cassie, if you don't know me. I know everyone's busy with the hunt right now, and everything like that, but I was kind of wanting to ask a few questions to the general population about some stuff. Cultural stuff, mostly. I'm just curious. I saw someone doing a basic Christmas Q&A, where people who don't recognize it, or even know it, in their worlds could ask about it. But there are a lot of different holidays that people celebrate in the winter. So... How many of you have Christmas where you're from, and how many of you have different holidays, and what are they? What are they about, how are they celebrated? What kind of traditions do you guys have? I remember -- when I was little, it was just me and my mom, and one of our favorite things to do was drive around and play a game where you yelled "house on fire" if people had fake candles in their windows... We even wrote down points, to see who won. A tally.

( she laughs fondly, though there is a note of melancholy to her voice. it's going to be her first christmas without her mom, even though she doesn't think christmas is technically a thing here. she's not even at home, in chance harbor. as far as she knows, she has no family here. so... she's happy to reminisce, but sad to realize that she's probably going to be spending it on her own.

the holidays, however, are not the only things cassie wants to discuss. after the incident with the dogs last month, she's been uneasy. her dark magic tempts her more often than not, something that calls to her from the inside. )

And I wanted to ask people about magic. Natives, too, if they want to talk to me - what kind of magic do you have, if you have any? Does magic even exist in your world? What's it like? How do you control it?

athousandcurses

[Grainne appears on the locket, looking fairly put together, but here and there hints she is actually a little flustered.]

I... I am not sure how to ask a complete stranger, but perhaps this will do in lieu of an introduction...

My name is Grainne for those of you whom I have not yet had the fortune to encounter. I hail from a land called Eire. My reason for calling is this; I wish to learn the ways of a warrior.

[She pauses, her eyes off the locket for a moment, and takes a breath.]

I... I am looking for a teacher. I am not very suited to physical prowess and I know practically nothing about fighting, but it has become a truth for me that some offensive skill in this world is better than nothing at all.

I also wish to extend my magical abilities. I have minor skill in curses and potions already, but those things are not as suitable for defending or attacking.

If there is interest, I can make arrangements to trade for such training, if you wish.

[With a sigh and a look of relief, she closes her locket. It's done, now all she needs do is see what happens.]

[OOC: When Grainne says she's not suited, it actually means she is pretty darned terrible at it. She will likely frustrate any weapons teacher she has and probably stab them by accident, JUST WARNING YOU.]

disheartening

This is disgusting -

[ a voice that's rich in sarcasm and annoyance is heard and then a loud thud as a book slams against a table. a moment later regina mills comes to view, white silken blouse, black woolen coat, dark pants, impeccable hair given the situation and an expression that reads that she is, without a doubt, 120% done.

She stares at the book as if it had personally offended her and with a flick of her hand it goes flying across the room. ]

To those who call themselves the High King and Queen -

[ there is poison on the very way she pronounces those words. ]

Expecting me to fight for you is about as stupid as you interfering with the very weapon I would need even if I had wanted to. I have little to no idea what you or this misshapen world had done to magic.

[ or why as this makes no sense to her. ]

But I want it fixed.

[ and then she looks around her in distaste and mutters to herself ]

Looks as if this place is managed by farmers if to judge by this inner decor.

individualist

[The brown haired girl who's in view right now can't possibly be more than seventeen or so, with a uniform that definitely looks out of place compared to her surroundings. Before she says anything, she moves a finger to her hair and curls a lock of it thoughtfully.

Eventually, she speaks.]

So uh, Hey.

[Places her hand back down, huffing.]

I gotta be honest, I don't really have anything cool or interesting to say but...I felt like I really ought to introduce myself, especially seeing people I saw at that big feast doing the same.

So...I'm Hikaru. I was in Tokyo before I came here, I'm big into occult stuff and I like talking to people. Yeah, three things sounds good, doesn't it?

If you've got time to kill, you should say hi. I think in a situation like this it's good to know people, and I'm more than willing to talk a few ears off.

[She almost ends it there, before deciding to add on one last thing.]

Oh, uh, one thing now that I think about it...there aren't any Angels here, are there? I know that's really specific, but I've had a few bad experiences with them before I got here, so I'd rather know so I can keep my distance. No offense or anything if you are one; blame the ones launching ICBMs in the name of God or whoever. They're giving you a bad rep.

[Sure did say that super casually.]

Guess that's it. So, by-or, uh. Should I be more formal to fit in? "Good evening" I guess.

cagedinflesh

Good day.

I'm afraid a mistake has been made. As I understand it, it's the Seelie court which should seek my loyalty, and yet I have found myself among the Unseelie. I intend no offence to members of either court, nor disloyalty to the court I have been placed with, yet it is a perplexity. Simply put, I am left to wonder if this was indeed the intent and there has been no confusion, or if my own confusion is sound. It's...troubling, for reasons I apologise for not detailing.

Similarly, I'm looking for a friend, most likely among the Seelie, if present. He's about seventeen, Japanese, and you'll know him for a foolish innocence and investment in justice. Better still, being terribly easily flustered.

[Giving a name would be better, and it does make it apparent this friend is his Master, to anyone in the know, but it is still even just a little bit safer to keep Tatsumi's name secret. He can't jeopardise the boy's safety.]

Ah, one more thing. I'm a doctor, therefore if anyone is ever in need of medical attention, I am always available, particularly for those outside the courts who may not have access to their infirmaries. I should note, however, my practice may not be up-to-date for some. Although I do promise I don't suck. [He laughs lightly.] -That's right, a name would be helpful, wouldn't it? I suppose it's best to continue with Berserker for now, although I am aware there is another by the name. If that name holds meaning to you, I believe it's important we speak. Perhaps more privately.

gandere

[ There must have been another feast. Word of it has traveled to her ears as well as talk for a hunt. Both are events that draw some concern, but don't affect her goals, therefore they are better ignored. What she could do is make an attempt to reach out to shardholders, old and new, and possibly make a bit of coin in doing so. That's why when she greets everyone, it's with a pleasantly polite smile and the decor of the Castle Mair behind her. ]

What a busy month. Are they all like that? [ She waves a hand as she speaks as if to brush off the topic. ] It may have gone unnoticed, but as the Master of Archer it's only proper to inform you that he took his leave earlier last month of this world. If he had any debts, you may approach me with proof of this and I will conclude his business.

Speaking of paying off debts, my workshop is ready to take costumers. My specialty is conversion magic as well as command over all five of the elements. [ Her expression is rehearsed and composed, much like a teacher addressing a class full of idiots. ] In short, I can do a number of things many others don't advertise they can do. It seems pointless to keep my status as a magus here a secret when the world is surrounded by magic. Though it would be nice to learn something useful like shooting a bow...

[ She mutters that last part. ]

Anyway, speak with me about what you want and I'll arrange to help you if I can. We can sort out payment, favors, and IOU's later, especially if you're new to this world. I'm flexible.

depicted

[A youth appears across the screen. He isn't quite comfortable with the device, holding it low and a little away from himself as one might a snuffbox or cigarette case when admiring the work in its design. Also, the image might be just a little shaky, but it's rude to comment on that. The boy musters a smile, an expression that seems to flicker in its uncertainty.] How do you do? I'm Dorian Gray—is that—is that how these are used? I'm so sorry, I can't tell if it is better to use one's manners for introductions or for telegrams.

[There's a fluttering laugh as Dorian tries to inexpertly use humour to diffuse the point. Of course, for lack of a person before him, the strategy doesn't actually make him feel any less awkward, so he tries to move to his reason for talking.]

I was wondering if there were any players here of chess? I mean to say, I'd like to play chess—not that I'm much good, of course, but I'm very much fond of the game—if there are players already and a third would interfere with things, I'd be very happy to just watch. If it isn't trouble. It is only with all of this talk of competing factions, I can't help but think of a game of chess, and it has made me crave the sport.

[Dorian's face falls as he turns the locket away, not in misery but in an awkward embarrassment, and there is the faintest start of a mutter at himself as he accidentally shuts it before he is finished his message.

Smooth move, Dorian Gray.]

[ooc: + permissions for fourth walling for any characters who would know the name]

Entries tagged with lucifer: shin megami tensei

video » (unseelie locked)

VIDEO | UNSEELIE LOCKED

Video; ☆ Seelie / Both Courts

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♛ ００１| ＶＩＤＥＯ（ＳＥＥＬＩＥ＋ＵＮＳＥＥＬＩＥ）

video; seelie/unseelie

Video; Dec 3rd; both courts

video ✨ seelie/unseelie

video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

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