eachdraidh

"This world is different and yet the same."

Words I spoke to another before I truly found my footing in Allaidh Darach once again, and yet they remain ringing true even now. Over the course of the past month I've seen fit to note down discrepancies from the world we knew and the world that exists now - and for all of our benefits, I will share them. Some are plain to be seen, some are things I discovered by chance, and some were reasoned and then proven.

It is my sincere hope that my listing not be treated as the be-all, end-all truth of the matter, but simply a starting point for others in our number to add the observations they have made and feel confident publicly sharing onto my words. My eyes are not all seeing, my ears not all hearing, and even truths of the world take time to make their way across the seas.

( ooc cut for list. )

notyetlegend

[It's been a crazy few months, but things seem to be finally settling back to normal. At least, as normal as the Drabwurld goes. Sometimes she has to remind herself that this is her world now, weirdness and all, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Luckily, her last gift from Solais is still active so she didn't remain lost for very long, teleporting herself to Leathann, to home.

But there are numerous, countless others that she needs to check up on. Merida sits with a hound or two by her side, the only new thing about her being the braids on either side of her head, sitting in her hair. War braids, that her mother had carefully interwoven into her hair as a last gift. She smiles, though it falters a little, and the choker around her throat feels a little tighter, hiding most of the scar that goes up to her jaw.]

This is Merida.

[Duh.]

It's been a while since I've spoken to some of you. [She remembers her last post and feels a little lump in her throat.] I'm not even sure how many I know are still here. Well, here being a relative term since it seems there's even more courts.

[One of the pups whines and nudges her side, and she reaches to give him rubs.]

I know that many of you might be adjusting, but I wanted to offer myself, should you need help. I'm shardless, so I'm not barred by whatever alliance your court holds. Angus an' I can fly, an' I can teleport myself, so transportation isn't a problem. Anythin' you need - trackin', magic, archery - I can do. [Her lips quirk faintly.] I've been told I'm a good teacher.

[Merida reaches for her locket, then pauses.]

Shuck knows we've been given another chance. I don't intend to waste it.

[The feed ends.]

babbylon

[The feed opens to a bustling scene, and one on the move. Men and women in drab clothes are hard at work hauling packages, hammering away at planks, and hoisting up scaffolding. Gilgamesh had rushed to the aid of his beloved Leathann not moments after the great Gem spat him out, and there he strides now, observing the populace and doling out orders as he sees fit. He seems completely at ease and the citizens do not question him; there's no one left to anymore.

After a few minutes of this guided tour, Gilgamesh addresses his audience with a broad grin.]

Greetings, citizens of every stripe, including those I could not hail before! I hope that this new world, born of our wishes and dreams, suits you. It will take time, I suspect, for all of us to find a place within it... but as you can see, my place remains in Leathann, as its just and proper king.

[His not so subtle way of announcing I'm in charge now. But he doesn't dwell on it, immediately leaps into another, more pressing matter.]

As my first official decree, I'm throwing a party! A festival of sorts, doubling as a celebration of Leathann's artistic community. You're all invited.

[Gilgamesh produces a rose from his robes and winks at the feed. He scoops up a rambunctious child running past and laughs; he is with his people, he is happy.]

Join me a week from this date, at sunset. Dress to impress, as only our best will be on display! Your contributions are welcomed and appreciated.

[Gilgamesh gives a little nod of acknowledgement, means to sign off... then pipes up with something else at the last second.]

Oh! And if you haven't visited Leathann already, simply utilize one of the fairy rings. Until then, I'll be looking forward to your visit, everyone.

babbylon

[The feed opens to a broad view of a dilapidated Leathann. The buildings no longer shine with pristine gold; the people no longer laugh and smile and conduct their business in the market square. Instead, there's a large crowd that's gathered around him, and an even bigger one working in the background. Hauling off rotten pieces of plywood, handing out strange necklaces of ground blood and feathers, and doing whatever they can as fast as they can for the sake of the island's survival.

And in the middle stands Gilgamesh, clad in his gilded armor, as he addresses both the remaining citizens and the compass, suspended before him by magic. For those who've seen him recently, they'll know he's at the end of his figurative rope; none of that exhaustion shows through now, however.

Now, he radiates only confidence and strength and so wields the full force of his Charisma for all to behold.]

People of the Drabwurld, hear me. I address you in the hopes I find sympathetic ears and minds, undeafened by the pull of the Void and unclouded by improper judgment. I have decreed it that Leathann shall not fall. Not to looming apocalypse, nor anything else.

[Sharp eyes lift to scan across the faces present. These are the few, the faithful. The ones left behind. He speaks to them as much as his outside audience.]

I am the Hero of the Garden. I alone may till it as I see fit. I will not abide another power, some rival god or false messiah. I will not abide an end that comes without my authority behind it. What of fate? What of destiny? I curse them both and pursue my own path, as should you.

[Some scattered cheers rise up, but Gilgamesh ignores them, and confronts those tuning in proper.]

I call upon each and every one of you to assist me in this endeavor! See that Leathann lives and that we all may face tomorrow, together!

[Gilgamesh clenches his fist and shouts; even over a distance, the force of it nearly can be felt.]

Rally to me! The time has come, the miracle descends now! The miracle Gilgamesh has wrought, which shines beyond the darkness! IRNITTU!*

[Is he aware of how ridiculous he sounds? Probably not. The feed remains on and follows Gilgamesh about his rounds as he pitches in his own efforts in various ways. He's open to discussion, but don't expect much in the way of listening to any disagreement. He's effectively immune with his current mood.

*"Victory!"]

(( Accompanying log here! ))

colorofthesky

[ Hello, Seelie friends! Have a young man with spiky black hair, bright blue eyes, and a scar on his cheek. He has a book in his hand (surprise, surprise) and a thoughtful look on his face.

He's taking a small break from all of the war preparations, and he has some questions for you all. ]

Hi, everyone. I know this has been a really busy month for all of us, so I won't take up too much time.

I was doing a little reading on this world's magic, and I'm interested in learning more about elemental magic here, particularly earth magic -- or earth-bending as I've heard some people call it.

If you can help me out, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[ ooc: Quest-related! c: ]

brainiest

HERMIONENET / COMPASSES

To anyone that owns a device that can read this notice:

Please return your device to me for additional protection and charms. This won't come with any charge, but it is something that needs to be done. It will make it so that no one but you can use your device and, should it be stolen, it will turn into a harmless little lump of fool's gold, with a promise of a replacement from me if you need it.

If you can't come to me personally for any reason then, please, let me know. I'll do my best to either visit you or send you information on the runes for you to perform yourself. Thank you.

SEELIE LOCKED

[ The video feed shows a harried, tired looking Hermione sitting behind her desk, head held high as she smiles, leaning forward. ]

As always, if anyone is in need of potions or charmed, protective cloaks for the upcoming battles, let me know. Artefacta will be happy to provide them, and we can enchant items you already own as well. Just let me know through your lockets and I'll arrange it all.

oathshackledbird

[If Diarmuid counts them all, he has something like half a dozen different communication devices. He stares at them in distaste. He should not have to go to so much trouble to contact those he cares about safely, but this madness is what the courts have forced on them. One-by-one, he sends the same short video message over each device. First his locket, then the brooch Hermione enchanted for him, next the necklace Rin enchanted for him, and then the compass network Rin made for those most trusted by Alyosha. Finally, he looks at the ring that is keyed to the commanders of the Red Hand. He could send the message to John and Javik through it as well, but he has a feeling they will probably see it in one of the other ways as well. The only device he doesn't consider using is the mirror given to him by Faolan. The spymaster is the one who gave him the quest after all, and Faolan has already told him all he knows.

It is a lot of work, but Diarmuid needs information, and he has never been one who does things by half measures.

He is sorry to those who get the message more than once, though...]

Greetings everyone. I know right now the focus of many of us must be battle preparations, but it has been brought to my attention that something strange is going on at the Pool of Souls. This place is a place of peace and healing and cannot be allowed to be defiled. As such, I am asking anyone who sees this and knows anything about the area--be it rumors you have heard or travels you have made there--to share that information with me. I do not want to go into this unprepared for there are many dangerous groups who play this game with us, and I have no wish to become their prey.

[The possibility that this disturbance is being caused by an Unseelie has crossed Diarmuid's mind, but he finds it a lot more likely an outside group like the Cult of the Fox is involved. If not the Cult of the Fox, it is just as likely to be one of the other cults that have sprung up since the Void started moving so much closer.]

No piece of information is too small, so please don't hesitate to share. I look forward to hearing from you.

keybearing

[With Sora, it's hardly surprising that his first attempt to use the lockets is regarding a friend, some answers and means he could potentially help, given Riku is apparently in some sort of sleeping coma. He was so relieved and happy initially in hearing his friend was here somewhere, but he hadn't anticipated this. It scares him, worries him as he recalls the period Kairi was without her heart. It couldn't be something like that, surely. Perhaps something to do with the shards? He has no idea. But he has to at least try ask. The worst would be if nobody knew anything that might help, and he'd be no worse off than he is now in fretting at Riku's side, hoping his friend would open his eyes soon.]

Ah, I think this is it, from what Emma taught me....I'm Sora. And....well, I know I'm still pretty new and all, but. I have a question. What does it mean when someone is asleep and won't wake up? Are they going to wake up and be okay? How long does this happen? Is there anything I can do to help them? I don't know if this might have happened to others before, but. I thought it was worth a try in asking.

[There's a pause as he glances back over to the sleeping figure next to him, trying to recall if there was anything else. Nothing stands out quite as majorly as this at least. Not in comparison. Any other major questions he can always use this locket later. Or talk to one of the other friends he's made in person if he has to.]

notyetlegend

[It's been a few days now, but when Merida flicks the locket on, she looks like an absolute mess. Her hair is disheveled, it looks like she hasn't slept in days, and in spite of how she's feeling, she's only contacted a couple of people. Who knows how many others he knew? There's a couple of wolfhounds on either side of her, and she rubs at her eyes, wiping a the corner.]

Lancer - that is, Cu Chulainn - he left th' Drabwurld this last week.

[Her throat clogs up and she has to clear it before she continues, one of the hounds nuzzling her and licking her cheek before she gently places a hand on his collar.]

I'm goin' to be livin' in Leathann from now on, since th' fortress is gone, but I'll still be comin' an' goin' between there an' th' trainin' grounds. Anybody that had any unresolved business with him, I'll try an' follow through with it.

[There's a pause before she lets her lips quirk into a tired, wry smile.]

I don't suppose anyone knows a cure for heartbreak, huh?

[And the feed ends.]

chromosomes

I've been thinking.

[ John's sitting against the base of a tree somewhere, idly scratching a stray mutt behind the ears with one hand while holding his device with the other. ]

Seelie, Unseelie. Order, Chaos. Can't really have one without the other, can you? But that's the whole thing the courts want: one to win over the other. And that's with the queens being sisters.

Sort of seems like it won't work either way, in the long run. Not in a way anyone wants.

[ This would have been essentially blasphemy, once upon a time; treason of the highest order. But John has had no shard for eight months, has only the memory of a gold cloak to his name now. It's the Shuck he serves and the Red Hand he fights for, this world and its people and those he cares about. ]

But maybe that's just me.

[ He shrugs, pausing just long enough for the dog to look up at him and whine. A snort and he goes back to generously bestowing ear scratches. ]

Anyway, if any of you are looking for something to do, a way to make money, and aren't afraid of hard work -- the Red Hand's hiring. We're a mercenary group but we'll take all sorts; we can find a job for you, if you've got something to bring to the table. We have no court-attached contracts, are focusing more on what the natives to this world need, so no worries there -- and I'm a shardless son of a bitch, so no worries about getting spanked or whatever your court does for having conversations with the 'wrong people'.

Leave your prejudiced bullshit at the door, though; we've got all sorts of races and believers among the ranks. If you can't handle that, I'm more than willing to throw you out on your ass.

notyetlegend

I'm sure by now we're all aware of th' Shuck's decree.

[Sup, Drabwurld? It's your resident princess coming to you live from the back of a flying bison. When Korra had asked her if she wanted to go to Quendi to see the Shuck, she'd jumped at the chance, and now her friend was holding her compass and her locket for her so she could talk while they flew there.

As excited as Merida is that the ban on interacting with Unseelie has been temporarily lifted, it doesn't mean that she'll get to see everyone that she's missed, or that they'll be happy to see her. Instead, she focuses on what she wants to talk about.]

To those seekin' Him, I suggest takin' an offerin'. When talkin' to gods, you should always be respectful, while keepin' in mind that He can an' will kill should He feel it necessary. He is the god of death in this world, an' you'll do well to humble yourself before Him.

[With that out of the way, she clears her throat.]

Banshee are beings of lore in my world an' time. They're women who met with terrible fates an' wail when someone is to perish. Bean nighe we call them, for they wash th' blood from the grave clothes of those who are about to die. I've heard tales that they are spirits who died givin' birth, but that might not always be th' case. Sometimes they lose things, such as hair combs. Perhaps these might help them regain their voices.

[For banshees to lose their voice makes her worry. Is it to do with the vision that Ben had? With the sightings of the White Hart scampering through the cities a month ago with death on His heels?]

Help them. Aid them as He's asked, in any way you can. This is a balance that shouldn't be broken.

accidentalqueen

[ It troubles Medusa to have to do this: to admit to what she doesn't know. But she doesn't have the luxury of trying to remain proud. Her people need her. ]

Greetings, fellow shard-holders of the Seelie Court. My name is Medusa. Where I come from, I am the queen of a people known as Inhumans, in a kingdom called New Attilan. I speak to you today to ask you for your help, and for whatever information you may have.

First, if you have heard of us— the Inhumans, our city of Attilan— or our allies the Fantastic Four, the Avengers: I would speak to you. I would know how long you have been here, where you were, what you were doing when you were taken, what you have learned since. It does not matter if we knew each other before. If we share friends in common, then you may consider yourselves friends of mine.

[ Until the moment in which they prove themselves false. But Medusa carries on as though this hasn't occurred to her. See how answers, and if there are enemies who come out of hiding. ]

If you are an Inhuman, of any tribe or city— know that you can always come to me for aid. The time for petty and superficial differences has passed. We are one people, and as one people I will defend you and stand for you as I would any citizen of New Attilan. Should we ever leave this place, you will always be welcome there.

[ This, too: she has ways of knowing who might pretend to be one of her people as well. But if they're here, others besides Kamala...she needs to find them. ]

Second, I would like to hear your opinions on what we've been called to do. Tell me what you think of this war, and of your experiences. If you fear reprisal, speak to me privately and I will keep what you said in strictest confidence. I will come and meet you anywhere you desire. You see, I cannot pledge my allegiance and my willingness to serve before I know who and what it is I pledge for. To stake myself is to stake my kingdom and my people, and I cannot do so lightly.

cinnamoned

[There's a pause as she catches her breath after the initial whirlwind of emotion at Emma being affected by the silver sickness, the worry and guilt as they kept searching for answers. That the True Love's Kiss actually worked against this as well as it had any other curse back home. Snow is still a little breathless at that, but she feels it is important to try tell others. This particular method might not work for everyone, but if there's a chance it could help even one other.....it would be worth this.]

I know some are newer around here. Not the best of circumstances to meet but I'm Snow. And I figured at least one method against this silver spreading. But it might not work for everyone. Back home, in Storybrooke, in the Enchanted Forest, there was one way to cure any curse. True Love's Kiss. It works against this too. Of course not everyone would be able to use this option, like I said. But I thought....if it could help even one other person besides Emma, my daughter, I should tell you. I hope everyone is managing all right through this. If I can help more, just let me know.

[Yes, she said her daughter. Snow White has a daughter. And still believes in the likes of True Love in spite of everything. In spite of being separated from her own, Charming, for over a year here.]

commandertoolbelt

[ Now that the various fun times all over the map have come to a close (he hopes), there's a thing everyone should probably know about. At least in his own court, because who even knows what the Unseelie would do about it...

Leo looks kind of sheepish, because really, this probably should've come up already. But you really can't blame him when the Citadel was under attack at the time, and he's going to stick to that. ]

I should probably mention that whole... [ He waves a hand vaguely. ] ...creating a god thing, huh?

[ Easy enough. Moving on. ]

So who wants to help me build some new shrines and stuff?

raavashing

[Late in the evening of the 14th day of May, Wan's voice comes over the networks very briefly. It is haggard, quiet, almost dead sounding. It sat at the edge of being numb to everything.]

I'm sorry.

commandertoolbelt

[ The feeds turns on to show Leo, visibly shaken, dirt on his face from where he'd fallen after losing his already tenuous hold on the mountain. He hadn't bothered to clean up yet, too focused on watching the aftermath before hauling out of Unseelie territory to find somewhere relatively safe. ]

We lost Mt. Verla. And the Pyrii... walked right into the Void. Like they didn't have anything left to stay for.

[ With their home gone, he supposes that they really don't. It isn't like they wanted to be saved, anyway. They hadn't even tried, and that disturbed Leo quite a bit, though not as much as seeing them march to their deaths. ]

And I can't... I don't know what happened, if it has something to do with them disappearing or not, but... I can't use my fire. [ His voice trembles as he speaks, looking down at his hands with a shake of his head. ] I tried. Over and over, but I can't do it. I've never... not been able to do it before.

Can anyone else use fire magic? Firebending, or whatever?

[ There's a hesitation, but he asks, ] Is there any way to get it back? Would Shard training help?

knightscode

[ A few hours after Ariadne's post, which came after the monarch audience.

Lancelot's voice is clear and calm, if a little tired. This sort of thing always drains him. ]

For those who do not know me my name is Lancelot, I am marshal of the Seelie forces. If we have not met before, forgive me. Things have been busy of late, and today is no exception. I would like to preface by saying if you have any questions you are free to approach me, either by locket or in person. I am often in the training grounds here in Caer Glaem or over in the White Citadel. I never turn away a question or help offered, and I do my best to be transparent and honest in my answers.

Recently a lot of activity has been noted from a group known as the Cult of the Fox. For those who do not know, they are a native group who have a strong anti-shardbearer sentiment. Since all of us are shardbearers this is a little difficult to ignore, and ignoring it is not something I would recommend in the slightest.

( [ I will do my best to explain ] )

babbylon

Not there, you idiot! There, along with the rest of them! I told you thrice already!

[A bustling scene of one of Leathann's many ports comes into view over the locket, suspended in air by magic. Atop a tower of crates, as if standing upon his very own throne, Gilgamesh orders groups of various people about, directing resources and refugees alike. He seems very much in his element here, and only after several moments does he bother addressing his audience.

Giving a crisp salute with his fingers, Gilgamesh grins.]

Ah, yes, I just remembered! All of you, get down to Leathann immediately. I require your aid. We're saving this island.

[And there, just like that, he announces impossible intentions as casual as could be: we're saving this island. He sounds so utterly convinced with himself, blows past the matter so quickly, there's no doubt Gilgamesh believes every word of it.

There will be a miracle in Leathann, and Gilgamesh will be the hero to usher it in.]

So by order of the King of Heroes, [a booming declaration, a sweeping gesture] HAUL ASS! I expect the very best from each and every one of you!

[...someone throws a rotten tomato at Gilgamesh from the gathered crowd.]

Wh... wh... who did that?! WHO FALLS FIRST UPON MY BLESSED BLADE?! ENUMA—

[The feed shuts off abruptly as that tower topples over. Whoops.]

(( Companion log here! Tag in at your leisure. ))

notyetlegend

Oh for...of all th' irresponsible...

[There's some angry Scottish muttering as Merida sets her locket down, standing in front of what looks like a shrine to the White Hart in armor. Or it had been before it was desecrated in such a manner. Her knees sink into the dirt and tugging her quiver and bow off and setting them to the side, she starts to fix it up, huffing. Her locket is angled so that she can look at it while she works, pulling a face when she pulls things out of the broken shrine before tossing them over her shoulder.]

As if we didn't have other things to worry about with th' Void comin' closer. Honestly, whatever happened to respectin' th' gods? I thought th' Black Shuck an' th' White Hart held sway over these lands.

[It's the second one she's come across in the last day or so, though she bets there are more like this. Even her ears had caught noise of the riots that had started happening in the Drabwurld, and not shardbearer related this time. Merida shook her head as she set the shrine artifacts upright, making a mental note to replace them as she sighs. She can't claim to know the affairs of gods, even with what Ben said about the vision he had. After a minute or two and the shrine starting to look better, Merida pulls her hands back to rest them against her legs, pausing before picking her locket up again.]

Does anyone consider just...stayin' here? Settle down after th' war ends? I don't know if I could go back home to who I used to be, if I could just forget everythin' that's happened here an' all the people I've met, th' friends I've made. [She reaches to brush the hawk feather behind her right ear back, braided into her hair like it is.] Just curious if anyone else feels th' same way I guess.

brainiest

I know I've made an entry like this before, but I thought it might be apt to make a new one considering how official things have become lately.

[ Hermione looks at the camera, initially nervous but gathering in her own determination, expression tightening before she continues to speak, careful and measured and making sure she doesn't rush her words. Anyone that hasn't seen her since June will have heard the rumours of her duel and will see the mark of it on her face - a scar, healed now, covering the left side of her from her brow down across her cheek. ]

My name is Hermione Granger and my friend Dorian Gray and I run a business called Artefacta. Together, we make and produce potions, runes and protective enchantments for you to use for whatever you happen to be doing while you're here in the Drabwurld. We can also create and enchant items for communication, generally compasses, should you need that for anything - or if the lockets stop working as they did this past year.

[ She nods her head, turning the camera to show off the cloaks, compasses and set of vials that litter the desk she's sitting behind. ]

If you need something please feel free to contact us privately or visit me at the White Citadel. Tell the guards outside my door you're here on business and I'll make sure they let you in.

[ Unfortunately, since January, Hermione has had her rooms on lockdown, just to be safe. Only a few people are allowed in without permission and, generally, people looking to buy things are not on that list.

But - she continues. ]

I've also been learning to duel and swordfight over the last year and I was hoping to find someone who wouldn't mind sparring or practising with me. Nothing professional or intense, I'm hardly that good, but a little something to make sure I don't go out of shape would be nice. Let me know? And... Thank you. In advance.

Entries tagged with merida: brave

8 ✦ voice ✦ all courts

ninth arrow → VIDEO

video; all courts.

video; seelie + unseelie (hermione-net.)

VIDEO | SEELIE

hermionenet / seelie locked

[Quest] Video (To Seelie, Hermione-Net, Rin's Networks, & Alyosha-Net) Trouble at the Pool of Souls

{01 Keys; Voice l Seelie} (backdated to earlier in the week)

eighth arrow → VIDEO → Seelie / Hermionenet

video | open to both courts (yay non-locket devices)

seventh arrow → VIDEO → Seelie / Hermionenet

001; visual; seelie

{3rd Hope; voice} {Seelie; Open to Hermione's Compass network, backdated}

[ video | Seelie ]

Voice | Unseelie Lockets | All H. Compasses

[ Video | Seelie ]

VOICE | SEELIE LOCKED; EARLY MAY

video; seelie.

sixth arrow → VIDEO → Seelie

video; seelie.

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