eachdraidh

[ It's evening, about nine or ten or so, which means it's the bed time of the children and the children should be asleep. At least now, Alice can finally take a break, plopping herself down. ]

Hello. I suppose I should introduce myself for those who don't know me -- my name is Alice Liddell of the Unseelie court, and I've been here for almost two years now, next month. Forgive me, I haven't slept well in a few weeks, so my thoughts may be a bit scattered.

[ God, she's forgotten how awkward this is. Alice clears her throat, cupping her hands in her lap. ]

Currently, I oversee a small orphanage in Aghmor, with six children underneath my care. Each of them come from Dorchadas, a few of them have lost fathers in the siege. One girl has lost an arm due to- well. I won't get into that. Anyway, there are more orphaned children and I am unfortunately very limited in my resources. In Whitechapel, London, I was the only caregiver to 18 children, so when I created this orphanage, it was my intent to take a small number, so that I wouldn't be overwhelmed.

What is on the coast is frightening the natives here in Ahgmor; while I do have volunteers, I want to expand what I do. The six children are an oddity here, aside from their traumas -- they know how to read, write, and possess a basic knowledge of arithmetic. In addition, they're learning skills to help them grow as adults and set an example to other children. I've worked very hard to ensure that they recover, mentally and physically.

I want to continue doing this, I want to teach more children, I want to continue what my father would have done. I understand what is coming and what lies on the coast. May this be a reminder to use what we have to stop the Void and save each and every life and world. An absolution--something that will spare everything, though, I can't think of that now, I still have to think about the simplest things, for the sake of these children.

I want to ask my fellow travelers to help spread aid once again. I may be force to move once again, to pick up what I made and chose a location further out of harm's way. Should I find more like-minded individuals outside of the natives I've grown to know or Erik Lehnsherr, I hope to grow another establishment in which children can learn and have a safe haven.

[ She's normally not this meek; Alice eventually sighs into her hands, as the exhaustion mounts on her. ]

Anyway- I should also mention I would not be opposed to additional help. If anything, I could use a few days to myself, half of it to catch up on sleep.

[ That was such a stupid choice on her part, she'll admit to that much. ]

Well, they're all in bed. Hopefully.

thebreakingwave

Mair's fallen to the Seelie and, quite frankly, I don't think we can win it back all that easily, but I've been asked by friends there -- good people, Drabwurld natives -- to make it difficult for the occupying force. I can go on my own, but I'd rather have some support and to that end, I'm looking for a handful of people who can do two things: first, you need to be able to hide your shard signature, and second, and more importantly, that you're quick, quiet, and willing to focus on Seelie targets without harming the native populace.

I've a plan for what might work and information about targets, strongholds, and schedules. In theory, it should be quick in, quick out, and if it does look to be going pear-shaped, there's no shame in running from this one.

If you're interested or have questions, I'm happy to answer.

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.

raavashing

Locket
The Void is close to the edge of Mount Verla. The Pyrii refuse to leave and they have a week, maybe two at best, before they're swallowed by the Void.

They don't want to abandon their home. So I want to move it.

I need help. If you're willing to help, no matter where you are in the world, I can make sure you get here within a few hours. Respond privately and I'll tell you what needs to happen.

Please, we can buy them time. I just need help.

Compass
The Void is close to the edge of Mount Verla. The Pyrii refuse to leave and they have a week, maybe two at best, before they're swallowed by the Void.

They don't want to abandon their home. So I want to move it.

I need help. I don't care what court you are. If you're willing to help, no matter where you are in the world, I can make sure you get here within a few hours. Respond privately and I'll tell you what needs to happen.

Please, we can buy them time. I just need help.

[Wan will not publically reply to public responses on either network.]

extramural

[ The locket, as always, is held up in mid-air when the Outsider turns it on. He is not alone in this recording, though; behind him are four women in long, gauzy black dresses and veils. With them are several children, eyes all black; the women are gently ushering them along the shore of the beach behind them while two massive dogs run back and forth.

In the distance is the black line of the Void, creeping over the ocean.

Next to the Outsider is another one of the children, and next to him the resemblance is clear: the same eyes, the same curious tilt to the head, the same bony cheeks. The child looks a bit more fey, but he sticks close to his sire, hands clutching to his arm. ]

Do not harm the children, [ the Outsider begins, and his voice is cold, shows every century of age and power. ] Do not harm the children or we will use your blood and bones, and you will be lucky if you are dead when we start.

[ A large palm smooths over the hair of his son. A daughter comes up on the other side, humming. She smiles at him and her teeth are sharp and red. The Outsider leans in so she can murmur in his ear. ]

Ah, yes. Should anyone find themselves with a need to desecrate shrines further -- the same warning applies to you. I will know, should you touch one of mine.

[ His daughter giggles and takes the hand of his son, and the two go to join the others. The Outsider watches, head half-turned. A seagull swoops down and perches on his shoulder, ruffles its wings, and the feed ends. ]

digophelia

[ It's been about a year and nothing really has happened. Somewhere, in Aghmor, it's bedtime for six kids and Alice is getting them settled in for the night. There's a slight sound of what sounds like something chewing on Alice's locket. After some examination, it's in the hands of a freckle-faced little girl with dark brown hair. She has a bit of a lisp when she talks. Her dirty little hands present Alice back with the locket.

First sight of Alice in a year and she looks healthier than she did before, she fusses over the little girl, swooping in to stop her- ]

Slania! Jewelry is certainly not good for your teeth! What is- oh.

[ Holy crap, they're working again. Slania doesn't seem to phased by Alice's scolding, asking through her lisp- ]

What's that?

[ She acts like a toy was taken away from her, she starts to clamour on Alice's apron. Alice is a busy woman, there's the sound of children chattering curiously behind her. Life has been weird. ]

Never you mind; where's your stuffed bear? It's time for you all to sleep.

[ She asks before closing the locket completely, desperately pretending as if it's nothing. About thirty minutes later or so, Alice has switched it to text, determined to brush that off. ]

Well, this is rather strange, I was convinced that they were broken. I apologize, it's one of Slania's quirks, an odd one at that she's acquired and I'm sure it's a way to calm herself. I suppose it's been awhile, hasn't it? I haven't seen or heard from some of you in quite some time; I understand any apprehension that this may bring, using this locket, I don't mind. But I miss my friends in my court and so much has happened.

Needless to say, welcome back, I suppose.

[ For obvious reasons, she keeps it brief. Alice has had close contact with a handful of people. She decides it's best to act discreetly, there's a lot of things she wants to mention, but she'll keep that for people close to her. There's nothing wrong with saying "hi", right? It's not like she's been doing what she's been doing for the past year or anything, no.

Alice hates to be deceptive in any form, but for now, she'll feign some sort of face. ]

gandere

[ Being a mother... isn't as easy as it sounds, Rin's painfully discovering. While the boy she adopted is a sweet little thing, he is also a boy and Rin is lacking in experience when it comes to boys that age. In Japan they were proper and didn't mingle much with girls so there's minimal experience from her childhood to go by. Growing up, there was a baby sister for a few years, but she doesn't like to think about those times either so it's no good. She's been a mother for a week and she's already crawling to her locket after asking around. Turns out most of her close companions either suck at parenting (thanks Saber for everything Mordred) or just planned to never have children at all (because that's helpful, Waver), leaving her in the dark. If only there were self help books available, but of course there's not.

Plus this gives her a reason to actually pester people. See what's been going on now that Caer Scima is rubble and everyone is scattered throughout the world. Let people know she's alive. Give them a chance to speak with her before she shut her locket for good. So here's one Rin, dressed tomboyish for her poking around for all to see. ]

Boys are really a handful, aren't they? No--before you ask--I'm not having relationship problems. I mean little boys. I'm not sulking, but it's really kind of hard to think of activities for someone his age-! [ She's brooding pretty fiercely by now. ] When I was seven years old, all I ever wanted to do was study, so why won't he?

[ Just in case anyone in Allaidh Darach needed further proof that Rin Tohsaka was a nerd. ]

I don't even know what to feed him since Emiya left. [ Yes, that's a public jab at his departure today. She's still a bit sour over it. ] He's a stupid boy, so he knows what boys need! What if I don't have enough of the right vegetables and his growth is stunted as a result. That can happen, can't it?!

[ There's a sound in the background that causes her to nearly drop her locket, the magus fumbling with it for a few seconds before it lands solidly in her palm. ]

Crap, crap, crap! What if he heard-?! Oh no, he's going to think he's an inconvenience and—[ Snapping the locket shut. It'll be a couple minutes to confirm it's clear before she replies to anyone. ]

graciousness

[ gwen is wearing her simply cottons, a dress in pale purple and a golden apron and she seems quite busy in her washing, hands dipped in water and soap. behind her, a pile of blankets and capes is forming. have a small smile which can easily be traced behind her messy curls and freckles. ]

To all those who hear this, I hope you are well and warm. These must be trying times for us all.

[ a deep breath ]

to all those who came here to the Cothromach, if you find yourself in need of anything, please call for me. My name is Guinevere and I shall be happy to provide you with whatever you may need. If you are cold, there are blankets and capes. I sew and while I was never trained by a seamstress, I trust these shall do.

[ she bites her lip a bit ]

I am not a sorceress or a fae, I am but a simple servant girl. But if I can send birds with blankets and capes to those in need, please tell me. I -

[ a little sigh. ]

I want to help. I truly do.

[ she'll rise to curtsy ]

thank you.

zerotohiro

[There's probably a better way to do this, but at least he can put out feelers and see what he's working with. Since the decimation of Caer Scima Hiro's been a little more than bitter toward the Seelie and while he doesn't want to have anything to do with any of them, he realizes that as a scientist he needs to gather as much information as possible.]

It's been a long month, hasn't it? I'm not used to any of this. Monsters? Destroying people's castles? It's weird. I was getting ready for class one day and the next I came here and then the fighting started. I think I'm going to fall really, really behind in my homework. Makes me wonder…what do you miss most about home? I can't be the only one who really misses advanced tech (computers, video games, even the old stuff like VCRs would be okay at this point.) And I know, I know, the Station exists but it's not the same. So, what about you guys?

[If he can figure out what people value? Maybe they can use that to their advantage, too.]

[Unseelie Locked]

[Now comes the hard part. With that out of the way the video function of the locket clicks on and it's obvious that the locket's hanging from something in front of Hiro. He's in a room at the Station, ever-recognizable blue hoodie hanging loosely on his frame but the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. More importantly than that? He looks a little nervous.]

…hi. My name is Hiro Hamada. I don't know most of you, but I hope you're listening anyway.

[He pauses and looks to the side, evidently looking at someone else who's in the room with him. Deep breath, Hiro.]

It's not a secret that we lost this battle pretty bad. That's a fact, but I think there's something we can do about it to help recover. I know there are other people that don't know how to really fight, or there are people who can only fight with weapons. What if we could do something more than that?

[Give him a second and he's holding up his hand. It looks as though he might completely freeze up but after a short moment a small fireball appears in the palm of his hand. He wants to put it out immediately, but he pauses long enough to at least look at the locket again.]

I couldn't do this when I first got here. [And the fireball vanishes.] Think about how much stronger we'd be as a court if everybody could wield a couple of spells. Even if it's not something you want to use for offense even picking up a few for defense is better than nothing. I know there're a lot of magic users here but…well, Lemina and I have been working on something pretty cool.

[He's going to lean forward and pick up what looks like a piece of paper with a class list and a list of elemental spells written on it to show the camera.]

The Guild's designed to not only teach people how to unlock their own magic ability but hone it and build up to becoming a better magician. We have a few ideas how to use it to help our side of this war. We're going to start classes soon for anybody who's even kinda curious. [A pause.] Look, I didn't even really believe in magic before I got here and knowing the little bit I learned saved me back there. It'd be really cool if you guys considered it and you can always ask Lemina or me if you have questions.

[Actually…he looks off screen toward where Lemina's sitting.] Maybe we should do that now?

[ooc: This is actually going to be open to both Seelie and Unseelie because of the mage university being started by Tzilan just outside of Redgate. Lemina's been putting up flyers around the Station and Hiro just doesn't realize it and has a very strong bias against the Seelie. You can check out more about said-Guild in the class link above, and you can sign up your character here. As an aside, Lemina will also be teaching classes at said-university on her own, but will be keeping the Guild as something separate. edit: also Lemina might pop into some threads as well!]

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?

dragonring

[Elmie has told him that the lockets are being watched but Dave can't help it, he wants some information, and locking the post to only one court would reduce the amount potential informants. If he makes it sound just like some history lesson he can't get in trouble for it, right? Right.

He still uses video instead of just audio to avoid any nasally voice confusion again - if this really bites him in the ass later, better leave it clear it's all on him. He's in his room at the castle, not a commoner's for anyone who doesn't know about his magic yet, and he's surrounded by books he borrowed from the library, which shouldn't be surprising. At all.]

Many of you have been here for a long while, right? Like... a "whole year" while, give it or take. [Get ready for the hand gestures, everyone.] Any chance you know more about the history behind this war they want us to fight? The books say the-- ah, maybe "a"? A jabberwock attacked during-- [He glances at a book to get the term right.] --Blàr Geur and some-- entity? called "the Mother" healed the land afterward.

[Sighing, he runs his fingers through his hair. It's so frustrating for this nerd not to be able to find what he wants by researching.]

They connect her to something called "sigils" too but that's all I got. And there isn't much more I can do with the state of the castle's library... [Plus the fact it isn't objective doesn't help, but he isn't going to say that.] So maybe anyone can tell me where to find--

[He interrupts himself when what it looks like a wooden bird lands on his head, using his hair as a nest. Two more fly by a second later, the wind made by their flight turning the pages of his books and shuffling his notes. Dave facepalms and closes his locket - it seems his spell still needs a few adjustments.]

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.

falconkick

Hey, uh. Network. My name's Sam, for those of you I haven't gotten the chance to meet yet.

[ a small smile and a lift of his chin that both say he might genuinely like that chance to meet everyone everywhere at some point. but he's here with something serious today, so he moves right along. ]

I wanted to tell y'all something I like to keep in mind from day to day, but especially on days like the last dozen or so. I'm retired military - Air National Guard pararescue, for any of you that are familiar - but I enlisted a long time ago. Don't ask for a number, a man's gotta keep some secrets.

[ feelin' your age, wilson? his cheeky smile is short lived. ]

When I went to basic, I wasn't exactly itching for a fight, so I wasn't with the other greenies that were disappointed when we started with folding our own bed sheets. My ma raised me right, and the first time I picked up a gun, it was with all due respect to the power they were putting in my hands. I didn't wanna let all that go to my head and forget the responsibility that comes with carrying arms.

[ he purses his lips for a quiet beat, inhales shortly before continuing. ]

Wish I could say the same for the first time I shot a man. My country went to war right after I was accepted into the PJs, and when it was down to me or him, I chose him. Just - [ he makes a small pew gunshot sound, glum; ] - and that was that. I wasn't scared and I didn't feel guilty about it - and that was what stuck with me. I asked my unit, my CO, anyone that would listen. No one could tell me whether or not I was supposed to feel good about killing the "bad guys".

[ another moment's silence - half to find his next words, half out of respect for the dead. he scrubs a hand over his head. ]

Still don't really have an answer, and like I said, it's been a long time. Some days I think I might be close, and other days I ask myself "man, who do you think you're kidding?" Thing of it is - whether or not you think it's for the right reasons, taking someone else's life isn't easy, and it shouldn't be. That kinda thing stains your hands, and then you gotta decide how to live with it. For me, at least, some days are easier than others. And on the days when it's not, I keep looking for an answer.

[ finally, he gives a small, weary smile. the point of this whole thing: trying to get people to talk about it so they don't bottle it in. sam knows where he stands, and it's at the door, trying to open it for others. ]

If you've got any ideas, please, I'd love to hear 'em. Maybe we can trade a few around, see if we can't come up with something new. Either way, today's a good day.

[ dead tired, quiet, but sam still says it with a smile before signing off. ]

Entries tagged with wan: avatar

video - unseelie locked;

video; unseelie lockets; backdated to the 14th.

Voice | Unseelie Lockets | All H. Compasses

Text - Locket (Unseelie) | Text - H.Compass Network (Anyone w/a Compass)

video | unseelie

video to text; Unseelie locked (action if you are close by in Aghmor)

video ✨ seelie/unseelie

❖ 0 0 3 ; ＶＩＤＥＯ（ＳＥＥＬＩＥ＋ＵＮＳＥＥＬＩＥ）

1st Circuit - Text for Both Courts, Video-locked for Unseelie

video; unseelie locked.

[Video - Both courts]

video - unseelie locked;

oo1 ⊕ video ⊕ both courts

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