eachdraidh

[Loki and Hiro have taken a small room in Diasbaile, mostly barren save for the wooden cabinets that seem to blend into the background. Loki would have done this himself, but there was insistence on Hiro's part of aiding in the delivery of the very, very bad news. The focus is on the two of them, and Loki speaks first.]

Hello.

This is a message of the emergency broadcast system. As you can see, our sirens are down for the moment, but I assure you that the news is none less dire.

[Loki's voice drops to something uncharacteristically serious.]

Ah, yes. So—listen up, Unseelie.

[Hiro's sitting almost a little too close to Loki, face more ashen than anyone in their court has ever seen. It's a reality they have to face and while he'd been hoping Loki would find some more information in his research, they're running out of time.]

Some of you had a vision at the beginning of August. A dream about fire and machines with shards for eyes. I didn't have the vision myself, Loki did…but we can both confirm these are real. These things are being created now and they are coming. Monsters that run on shards and blood. But there are some things you guys don't know yet.

[When Hiro stops, Loki barely glances down before he picks up without missing a beat, as if he's giving him a moment to collect himself. Loki looks perturbed at the recollection of the golems, but not nearly as pale as Hiro.]

Our dear friends the dwarves have crafted mechanical monsters, forged from melted metal and living shards. These mecha-beasts are brought to live with blood magic and runes. Not your basic run-of-the-mill runes, not even my fancy-smancy "stay out of my room" runes, but hundreds of them in intricate designs—sorcery that's very possibly lost to antiquity—all working together to bring them to life.

And if that isn't nightmare material, these large, metal machinations have keen senses when it comes to shardbearers, even those that find means of hiding themselves, if you get my drift.

There are hundreds, even thousands of them, with no exaggeration.

[The longer they stay on camera, the more Hiro finds himself shrinking into his sweater. Loki delivering the brunt of the bad news helps, but dredging up the memories is more than mildly horrifying. There's one key factor though that they've neglected to mention.]

We don't know when they're coming, but judging by the amount of time between the last vision and its turnaround to coming true, it's soon. Really, really soon. We don't know when they're coming and we don't know the full extent of what they can do or why they're being unleashed.

[A pause.] Ideas. We need ideas on how we can combat these things and how to keep everybody safe. Start using your brains and focus on what's really important here.

[The important thing, he thinks, is that this war? It's much, much bigger now than just Seelie vs. Unseelie. It's now about just staying alive.]

I would suggest highly against approaching them… [Loki glances at Hiro.] …As I’m certain we’ll offend them somehow.

[Considering the fact that there are other things…he can agree with that.] …right. Defense ideas then. Lay 'em out. [A beat. And then:] Privately, if you would. Doesn't matter if they're coming for all of us…this is still a war.

[And he sure does know that there are certain devices generated by a certain witch that can see this broadcast. He had agreed that the Seelie should know what's coming. Doesn't mean they should be privy to everything else, too.]

Not exactly how I pictured life in a giant robot series, hm?

[Though that’s meant more for Hiro. They have some questions to answer, and Hiro needs a little bit of a perk up.]

[Hiro at least gives a small grin in response, but says nothing else. Definitely Q&A time.]

[ooc: As a note! Most threads will be answered by Hiro, but he may call on Loki for assistance. Additionally, Hiro is aware Hermione's compasses can see posts on both networks so those with compasses are capable of seeing this post. They just won't be able to see the threads in this post. Have fun guys o/]

digophelia

As of now, I will not be permitting visitors to the orphanage, with the exception of Mr. Jack Frost, until further notice. The children in my care do not need to hear about the burdens of war efforts; they are blissfully unaware of what events are unfolding. They have lost loved ones, one even losing an arm, so please understand that they are still recovering from the last battle in Caer Scima and will be for a while.

As well as that, I am much more than their matron and teacher now. In accordance to Dorchadan law, their kinship will be established through me, but not through my name of "Liddell", through the father-name that I have given them, "du Lac". We may not return to Dorchadas for quite some time, but they will bear that name, regardless.

Let us not forget that there are many children like them, however, who are not as fortunate. I would renew my efforts to continue my work, but I will not leave their side nor my homestead. Their minds must be protected at all costs.

[ ooc note; off of hiatus with one really shaken alice. see more here! also if you know her pretty well, you are welcome to notice the smidge of extra formality and alice's silence the past few weeks. ]

erythristic

[when the feed comes on, Grell looks calm, put together, in more practical clothing than her favoured dresses. it's early morning, and the sunlight is illuminating the space outside where she is.]

Right then. The call to arms has been proclaimed once again, and I'm more than aware that there are those of us who either know little about what's expected of us, or who have let their joints rust over in the calm.

That ends today. Preparations at the Ward have been re-established for the month, and if you are uncertain in your abilities, wish to try something out, or need to know which end of a sword to grab, attend the training sessions that will be held there for shardbearers and natives alike. Beginner's sessions are in the morning like always, eight thirty sharp, and that's being generous. Advanced sessions are in the afternoon, but that's hardly an excuse to sleep in too late - if last time has taught us anything, it is that we need to be the sharpest we can.

Those that are confident enough in their skills that believe themselves capable of giving instruction, wherever you are in Allaidh Darach, please make yourself known to me - I can hardly carry out this task on my own. I'll be running on good faith, but if I hear that you can't live up to your claims, you will be ousted and I'll see to it that you know exactly what I think of you wasting students' time.

atoned

[ if you know zuko, his hair is always hanging in his eyes. pulling his bangs up, it's almost as if he's run a hair straightener through it to keep it raised above his head before it thinks to deflate and droop down over his scar. he's as exasperated as he feels, as defeated as he's always been; a little girl with short, dark hair and red feathers braided into it sits beside him in a red coat, threading together blades of grass. ]

[ with his knees pulled up to his chest, zuko holds his hands out, fingers curling into fists, as his voice is a little sharp and exasperated despite his attempts to calm down. his communicator happens to be leaning against a rock in the grass. he's thought this over pretty well. ]

Ugh! [ he almost smacks his forehead. almost. his knuckles turn white for a moment. ] How do you talk to animals? All they do is eat your food and grumble!

[ the little girl beside him laughs, a tinkling sort of sound, as she continues to thread her grass together. sokka leaving has left a rather big void in zuko's life. he's had to turn to his dragon to brainstorm things sokka would readily help him with — and druk sucks at brainstorming. (zuko thinks he's pretty selfish; he's run out of apples to feed him.) ]

survivra

Well, now that that silver nonsense seems to be sorted out, I think we need to start talking about things we can actually fight back when they attack us.

[ About as direct a greeting into the topic of this message as you can get. Katsa sits somewhere outdoors, cross-legged in the grass with her locket angled to show the sky clear behind her: fitting for the mismatched colors of her eyes, unusually bright green and blue. ]

I know our High Majestic King and Queen [ the titles spoken with a hint of irony ] don't seem to care always how old someone is or how much experience you've with weapons or fighting when they decide to claim you. Whatever you think of this war, whether you'd rather run right into the Void right now or wait for it to come to you, everyone here should have the skills to unlock their own strength. It's better that you've the ability to jam a knife into a man's eyeball and never have to do it than find yourself at the end of an attacker's blade with no way to get out of it. You shouldn't have to rely on anyone else.

So I'll teach you if you've no experience of your own. I usually teach young girls—children—but I'll not turn my back if you need it. That includes how to use your shard—the thing that Seelie will try to take right out of your chest.

[ She moves to close the locket—then halts, fumbles, and picks something off the ground to hold flat in her palm to show anyone watching. ]

And what in the name of the Middluns am I supposed to do with this?

[ WHO HAS TURTLE CARE TIPS???? ]

( dated after boon delivery on the 25th! )

vrykolakas

An act of kindness?

[The Brucolac has clearly just received bad news. He looks positively poisonous, wide streaks of silver whorling over his skin. His jaw is stiff with it, even his hair frosted over with strange metal. His right eye burns gold still.]

I am sick to shit of this half-cocked magic. [He shudders—would gesture, but he doesn't want to show off how badly his left arm is faring under the encroaching silver. It hurts to raise it to shoulderheight; above is impossible.] An act of kindness is no godsdamn cure, to be bottled and applied at will!

What is an act of kindness? Is it kind to tax a people, that a city may grow? Is it kind to lie in order to protect the honest? Is it kind to enforce a system of law and punishment?

By the gods, [he drops back, shaking his head, looking weary,] there is no hope for us.

Before anyone tells me to just do something nice, [pitching his voice mockingly higher] I've given my scribe a longer lunch break. [It is midnight.]

And apart from a marked decrease in efficency, fuck all has happened.

survivra

They're going to take our power, one by one, and the lives of everyone here. I don't consent to live like this. I don't know about worlds being eaten in our homes or being born again later, and I don't care. Our lives are being ended as they are now.

I don't like to kill needlessly, but it will keep happening—if you meet someone who wants to let that thing destroy everything, including you, then you should find your chance and stick a blade into their heart.

[ she hurls her locket at the wall, and the video hits its target and shuts down. ]

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.]

vrykolakas

I need extra hands for seasonal work, mages in particular; mages who can work with heat and fire, all the better. Or weather, shit. This cold is slowing down work at my spire; the Ninth, up on the coast, devilish cold even without the Roc's influence. We lost a young man to it yesterday. I need ice melted, walkways made safe, snow shovelled, water heated, just more people.

Coppers for ordinary workers, silvers for mages, as well as all my very tenderest and heartfelt sentiments of good will. Do something drastic and lasting and we'll discuss gold.

[LOG POST.]

gordianknots

By now I think everyone knows that the monarchs are asking us to run after the Jabberwock to try and return it back to them. We know that it responds to touch, that it likes puzzles, and that lavender will help soothe it.

But there are problems with what we’ve been told that need to be solved now.

1. It’s the middle of winter. We need sources of lavender, and I do not imagine that this will be easy. If anyone knows where to begin, and can say so on an open post here, you’d be doing everyone a great favour.
2. The Jabberwock isn’t small. Making puzzles that will be the right sie will be a struggle. Thoughts on how to go about that are welcome. I’m not imagining that it is going to be possible to walk up to this thing and ask it why did the chicken cross the road?
3. Touch. If this thing’s aura of rot is as true as old accounts have presented it, we need to find ways to deal with that. Quickly.

I’m encouraging brainstorming on this network post because anything that can be thought up together will have a greater chance of working.

Chime in if you can and for the love of whatever is dearest to you, stay safe.

greenies

[ hello, network! have you grown tired of thomas yet? i hope not. the feed begins with two teenagers, both fairly grimy looking. though minho seems to be in and out, thomas is the one cupping the locket in his hands to speak into it; a table with a miniature version of caer scima is visible in the background.

thomas, as usual, isn’t quite sure how to start this thing. ] Hey. [ #nailed it ] Tensions are getting pretty bad right now. [ captain obvious. maybe minho should talk. ]

Really? [ yeah, somebody isn’t the greatest at social media. minho appears with a bunch of rolled up papers in one arm, the other going to drop over thomas’ shoulder. ] I don’t think anybody noticed that, Tommy. [ dryly ] So, let’s just cut to the chase - getting people to safety before the klunk comes crashing down.

( cut for long post. )

digophelia

[ Alice has been at the Barrel for a few weeks now. No one's asked her to cook and clean, but it's been a bit of an engraved habit brought over from her time in London. It's only through getting children's clothing and interacting with the nearby town that it's been plaguing the back of her mind. Unlike the last time she's popped on the lockets back in December, Alice looks healthier, but she is still pretty thin.

As usual. And as usual, her white rabbit is sitting there beside her, munching away at a bowl of food. She's not good at public speaking. ]

Hello.

These may be strange times to open a dialogue about this subject while both of our courts prepare for another skirmish. There are plenty of natives here of various ages who have been hit the most by war, especially children. I used to be the maidservant of an orphanage back in Whitechapel London.

[ Her face only flashes with a hint of pain when she mentions it. ]

Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth—if you heard of it. And the children there came from similar backgrounds, that they were all traumatized and lost family either by sickness, death, or murder. These children are often overlooked, sometimes they are swept up by those with ill intentions and treated even worse. But they are still children and they still have pieces of their innocence left.

I may not have the resources nor the... capacity right now to replicate that orphanage, but I still want to help the youngest natives here have the smallest comforts like food or clothing. I've only had a handful of opportunities in Redgate and the Station to make good on my word and clearly I need the additional hands.

In addition to natives being sent away from the path of war, I hope that there can be a way to provide resources for them or find them the appropriate care somewhere down the line. I know that it is silly to think of such a thing when all the adults in this world are preparing for battle, but they are so young and they deserve so much more while they are being guided to safety.

But if I were to oversee these things, I reserve the right to be very picky. The children I cared for weren't even spared from the cruelty of adults, even the proprietor of that orphanage.

Surely my friends will be thrilled if I focused my attention on children rather than them. I know they must tire of my nagging.

gracedprince

[Po's sitting quietly at a table, dagger in hand and the tip sitting against the wood as he idly turns it. Liam is in wolf form nearby, laying beside a fire where it's most comfortable for him at the moment but never far from Po. His mismatched eyes seem focused on the dagger, they're at least directed towards it but it's his locket he speaks to, carefully propped against a small pile of books.]

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

[He lets that question hang.]

Now how many of you could fight blind?

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

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

Katsa and I have done it plenty of times. She will help. [Sorry not sorry, Katsa, for volunteering you.]

erythristic

By now, I'm sure nearly all of us have heard the news. This is a war, despite the slight amount of peace we were afforded.

To this, I've set up preparations to have space at the Ward cleared out, for use in conducting a series of training sessions this month for those who wish to learn the arts of hand to hand and swordplay, or wish to refine their technique. The beginner's class will be in the morning, the more advanced class in the afternoon.

I am also looking for those who'd wish to instruct beside me. Our ranks have quite the accomplished sort among them, and if you have the time, the desire, and the patience to impart your knowledge, I ask that you please do.

We begin tomorrow morning at half past eight.

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?

asafp

Fuck me.

[That's it that's the post.

If you're not a member of the Seelie court, that is. After another moment -- or a few -- the audio and the lock switch on.]

( Audio; Seelie-locked )

waterbearer

[ The message is broadcast twice, from two separate lockets. The background is a small inn near Daonna, Waver is in the forefront, while Kaldur has maps spread out across a table, and is quietly casting on the maps and making frantic annotations. ]

Good evening. As many of you have heard by now, much has been made about the threat of Reynard the Fox at Redgate. Doubtlessly, you’ve also noticed that since that announcement no other word has come out of the fortress. This is, to say the least, very alarming.

[ Kaldur looks up, briefly, to face the camera. ]

I am attempting to scry for the locations of individuals known to be at Redgate or near Redgate at this time, in light of the threat Reynard poses, in hopes that more information can be found.

If they have already engaged Reynard, and are trying to fight him, hopefully, we will be able to find out.

Until then, or until we have direct information from Saralegui himself, I would like to ask that everyone who is intending to lend aid to Redgate gather in Daonna. This gives us all an opportunity to group up, prepare, plan, and present a united front if things are as bad as they seem right now. Whenever we have word, we can act together. If you are en route, come to Daonna. If you are already up the mountains, please return.

I realize that I have no authority to enforce this, but I do ask that you heavily consider this option before forging on ahead.

[ In the background, Kaldur looks as though he is about to curse, and pulls Waver’s attention towards what he has found briefly, before setting at it again, and speaking towards the feed. ]

I also urge those who are heading to Redgate to gather with us, until we gain more information and can adequately prepare for what we will be faced with.

Thank you kindly for your time. If you have any further information on the situation, both Kaldur and myself would appreciate it being shared.

atoned

[ it's on the eve of the twentieth zuko chooses to broadcast a message that isn't him getting hit by a boulder. some may be able to glean he's within la llorona, leaning against a particularly angry tree. but none can see its face, for zuko's taking up a good portion of the frame. he's very much a wallflower, preferring to slink off into the shadows unnoticed, but he's fire lord zuko here, not dumb and completely pathetic he might as well rename himself lilly liver zuko. a part of him wishes to honour the quendi as he had done the sun warriors, keeping them shielded in secrecy lest anyone attempt to wage war upon them. but something already has — he can't simply sit by a tree and remain silent. ]

— Uh.

[ okay, his locket is going to behave. ]

Hello. Zuko here.

[ he attempts to think of the best way to approach this, but he's always gone for honesty. as a thirteen year-old, he'd stood up to bluntly defy what had ultimately been his father's orders, refusing to remain silent or even meek before the generals. this is no different, not when a small village has placed their trust within him. ]

La Llorona isn't safe. An evil spirit has been slaying anyone who happens to be near the city of Quendi — it's on your map if you look at it, a little further than where you'll find the La Llorona Ring if you're really blind and walk right by it. If you must travel between rings, go to the one at Redgate or don't travel at all.

[ or simply page 1800-zuko and he'll teleport you anywhere you wish to go. but zuko simply doesn't want anyone else to fall prey to the spirit, not after he'd seen the grief in the eyes of some of the villagers who had lost friends and family to it. ]

Please be careful. And don't do anything stupid.

[ his voice is as hard as his gaze. if anyone is like him, they'll take that as an invitation to be stupid. hence: ]

If you try anything, I want to know.

[ and is that the tone of a fire lord that shouldn't be ignored? why, yes it is. ]

[ he hangs up abruptly, but seconds later, the video flicks on to zuko looking to the side, capturing a nice profile of the good side of his face. his voice is hushed, but firm, as he looks to the locket, beseeching anyone who may have lingered this long after his warning. ]

If anyone can help — Call me. I have a friend who can find it.

[ ho, ho, ho. project blue spirit fugitive is a go! ]

enthraller

[He'd wanted to do this more formally, had all sorts of plans for what to say and what topics he needed to address. But his hand is being forced, and so quick and to the point is what he has to settle for.

Some might recognize him, but he's been busy outside the courts and so plenty might not. For those unfamiliar, the person speaking over the lockets is young and delicate-looking, with a regal sort of poise and a currently unhappy expression.]

My name is Saralegui. With the Lady Alyosha's death, rule of Redgate has fallen to me. Were things less dire, I'd have taken the time to speak on the intentions Alyosha had for the city, the hopes I have for it. Issues of rebuilding and peace, moving on from past traumas, maintaining a safe haven for both its residents and shardbearers -- anyone who wants no part in this war. But the situation is dire, and time won't permit me to do things so nicely.

[There. At least he can leave hints as to what was intended, both to soothe his own ego over ruined plans, and tease out those who might have had some interest in any of it. Multi-tasking is good. But frowning now, he focuses, voice steady and gaze intense beneath tinted glasses.]

Reynard the Fox is riding for Redgate. We've no idea when he might arrive, or what he's after, but I've seen firsthand the sort of death and destruction he can cause on his own. The city has already experienced more than enough bloodshed, is still recovering from it, and I would not see it suffer him.

[Only a little bit of a lie in there -- he knows what Reynard wants, as do likely at least a few others who are in the loop with regards with Reynard and Alyosha. But details like that aren't necessary to appeal to those who might be useful here. Those with strong senses of honor, or justice, or revenge.]

I know Redgate has its champions and allies in either court from Alyosha's rule, and there are plenty who would call the Fox their enemy. I ask for those who would stand in the city's defense, whatever the reasons. I leave myself for Redgate as soon as possible, through means faster than by horseback and fairy rings, and anyone in Caer Scima willing to help is welcome to travel with me.

Entries tagged with zuko: avatar

3rd Circuit, Video [UNSEELIE LOCKED]

text - unseelie;

5 ✦ video ✦ unseelie lockets

4 ☼ VIDEO / UNSEELIE

video; unseelie.

video. locked to unseelie.

unseelie; video.

Voice | Unseelie Lockets | All H. Compasses

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

vii. unseelie locked. voice.

Backdated to early 8 Feb | Text | Unseelie locked

third trial. (unseelie locked.)

video, open to both courts (action if you are at the barrel)

Video | Unseelie locked

4 ✦ voice ✦ unseelie locked ✦ 1/7

second spell ☥ voice ☥ open to both courts.

[Text; Open] -> [Audio; Seelie] Backdated to the 3rd

VIDEO | 21 NOV. EVENING | OPEN TO BOTH COURTS | whelp shit...

3 ☼ video / open to both courts

[video / both courts]

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