Video )

[faileas]

Name: Nerissa Bell (andernach) & Mhairi Ainsley (fearolc) Date: Septeril 1st Format: Video The video starts focused on a familiar face, close up until a differently familiar hand comes into the shot to set the watch down. Claws click on the outside of the surface, followed by both parties leaning back - then taking a proper step back to ensure both are in view. Miss Nessie looks as chipper as always, evidently still Delighted about this whole watch business, though there's a tightness around her eyes; Mhairi looks tense and decidedly displeased. It's more emotion than she's shown to the group at large, ears back and hackles raised, arms folded with a militant discipline behind her back. "Hello, dearests! We hope today finds you well." Nessie grins a little wider, though it softens after a lengthy pause. "While we'd love for this to be purely for pleasure - believe me, we both would - we've some things to discuss today, we do. After the full moon last month, a missive arrived from Morgie - that is, Morgana Drummond, the head of the Coven over there in Dorchacht - asking about our..." She pauses again, briefer this time, her lips thinning as she continues. "Our 'lost luggage,' as she so kindly put it." At her side, Mhairi's low voice outright growls, "After much back and forth, and discussions amongst Parliament, we've come to a decision that Drummond has... agreed to." Nessie's smile continues to wane, and she leans against Mhairi. "And we're quite glad that she has, considering conflict with Dorchacht is not exactly ideal at the present moment." With a deep breath, the Turnskin pulls back her disdain and focuses on the task at hand. "The Parliament has requested that the Coven send a group of dignitaries to Dorchacht to negotiate, and hopefully deescalate the situation. While we may not be able to immediately bring change, should things be as terrible in the waking world as it was in the dreamscape that you unfortunately faced, our best attempts will be made." She pauses, and displeasure is obvious in the way she lowers her gaze and turns her head to look at Nessie. "... your best attempts. Because we don't know what may happen, or what hand Drummond and the Coven of Dorchacht might turn, I will be remaining here. Those that wish to do the same are welcome to, and I will do my utmost best to assist you and answer any questions you may have." "While my lovely Mhairi does that, I'll be attending the meeting with Morgie - though I'm sure that's not a surprise at all, is it?" Nessie pulls away slightly, stepping forward in frame just a bit to spread her arms. "The dignitary group'll be handling all the real fun stuff - talking, seeing if there isn't anything to be done about this queer little situation that's come up, apologies when necessary, so on... I'd like to ask Morgie myself about how she's running her Coven, thinking on it," she pauses, then lowers her hands and steps back again. "And I know a few of you've been worried about it all, and wanting to help, so if any of you dearies would like to come along and play diplomat - show her things are right as rain and all, that we can all get along just fine even without what laws they seem to have in place - then I won't say no." She pauses again, tilting her head. "Might help, even." "Relations between Aefenglom and Dorchacht are... tense," Mhairi adds, wryly. "Per their insistence and refusal, there's no means of direct transport between the two cities, teleportation included. We've tried to get an alternative up and running, something that has been in the Coven's possession for quite some time. The device is a little too risky for us to consider, however, as it's theoretical in execution. Perhaps a project for the more technologically inclined of the mirrorbound at a later date." "I'd appreciate it, at least. That thing's one of our seven wonders in the Coven, it is." "On the fifth, any who wish to join Ness and a handful of our finest Witches should meet at the port." Mhairi reaches and, finally unfolding her arms, curls her hand at Nessie's elbow. "My best wishes, travelers. Be safe." Nessie returns the gesture, hand settling on Mhairi's; it's a little hard to tell, but she's rubbing the side of it gently. "Take care until next we speak, dearests." NOTE This post will NOT receive any responses from Nessie and Mhairi. You can, however, use this post to interact with one another in the meantime.

Comments

[rollfordiplomacy]

Do you worry they wish for war? Because I severely doubt that. Then again, posturing is very common in my world and among my people. Perhaps that is an unwise assumption, but I think I'm correct. [a thoughtful pause, to be sure he has reasoning behind the assumption, it's not just a bias of his]

They are already embroiled in a rebellion and the danger of the Wilde looms. Much closer threats than we in Aefenglom pose. They are a people who value control and that is only going to spread thinner and thinner if they go to war.

[bloodwit]

Rather, I think a few of our Mirrorbound, and thus potential diplomats, wish for war if they do not get their way.

[ viren's just running on (a bit of) an overblown presumption here, based on what he's gleaned from some others' comments, as well as what he'd seen from the dream. ]

And that is also precisely why Aefenglom cannot afford a war: our priority should lie in fighting the Cwyld, not... Dorchacht and its unfortunate practices. We have more pressing priorities where our energies are better spent.

[rollfordiplomacy]

I disagree with you, sir. While avoiding a conflict would be my goal, such practices are unfathomable to let stand. There needs to be liberation of the Dorchacht monster citizenry. The veracity of which my fellows pursue that is something I will encourage.

[that being said]

However, I do believe that can be accomplished with words. The Witches will not easily be convinced, but their own ways will be their fall from power. They need to decide if that fall will be by the hands of their own rebellious citizens, the Cwyld lurking at their gates, the Mirrorbound they have roused from their sleep... or their own reformation.

[bloodwit]

With that wall of theirs, they have the Cwyld under control. Their rebellious citizens were just in the beginnings of making any waves, if only ripples, whatsoever.

[ his voice has taken on an open hint of irritation - not through any fault of everett's points, no, but viren tends to get extra testy with disagreement. ]

What will you do, then, if the city is as we dreamed? Politely demand that they give up their entire way of life? Or-- what?

[rollfordiplomacy]

I presume it is exactly as we dreamed or worse. The Witches there value power and I believe that angle is best leveraged to encourage change. They are not reaching the full potential of their Bonds, nor can they know mutual love. They waste their energy subjugating their citizen's, both monsters and witches whom dissent, rather than building them up.

[Everett doesn't think they stand a chance in a conflict. Which brings him back around to his thoughts regarding the Cwyld...]

Such strong walls will do little good against the Cwyld if they are opening them to descend their armies upon us. I have no basis on this for truth, but with so many Monsters lacking any willpower of their own? That strikes me as s vulnerable population for such a curse to spread through.

[bloodwit]

[ ... ]

[ viren sees now, not only do they disagree in what is the best order of priorities, but also who will win this war-- if war is to come. alas, the theory regarding bonds is not something he considered. ... he sighs. ]

They will not listen to words, Everett. They will not see reason. It is ingrained in them that they rightly superior, and no matter how effectively one points out any value to Monsters, beyond their enslavement, they will not change.

[rollfordiplomacy]

Why do you think that, my lord? There are already some who have seen a different way. Those in the rebellion have come to the righteous conclusion without prompting from outsiders. At great risk to themselves, even.

If we do what we can to convince the rest, that influence will only spread. Ideals have a power to them that transcends even the most rigid stubbornness!

[Everett is a good dignitary in his world... because he is kind and open minded. That's really it. Not amount of cleverness could serve him better than that. And so, he'll go on this mission, have faith there is no trap awaiting them, only some show of good faith]

[bloodwit]

[ this is... a bit difficult to articulate. ]

[ after a careful pause, unsure of how much is worth sharing, he relents, ]

... Because, while it may not encompass the entirety of their reasoning, Witches have the magic; thus, the means to power. That is but one of the reasons they think themselves superior. It is similar to the history of my world: those with magic, nonhumans, oppressed those without - humans. It is only through bloodshed [ and sympathizers, admittedly ] that we were able to rise up. Words did not move them to see humans as anything but lesser beings.

[ that is not the whole story, of course, but he figures everett doesn't need to hear it. he's aware applying the same facts as he knows could be ... narrow. viren feels tired, suddenly. ]

That is why I think that. But I do admire your ideals, I do. And I hope that you will prove me wrong.

[rollfordiplomacy]

I hope I shall do just that. I hope as much as a man can hope, that there is a room for change and growth in Dorchacht. [but there may not be, it may he as Viren said, ingrained too deeply to be washed away... but that is for Dorchacht to prove, not for them to speculate upon.]

If that does not come to pass... If they do not wish and cannot be persuaded to change. You believe it is better to leave them be? I have not experienced war. I admit my confidence in Aefenglom's might may be foolish pride of my own...

[bloodwit]

I do.

[ he doesn't yet feel the need to rehash how terrible the situation is, how lamentable it does not seem to be one easily changed, but his conviction's still firm in avoiding war. ]

Perhaps after Aefenglom has a handle on its more threatening issues - the Cwyld, sending Mirrorbound home that cannot stay in this place, for one - that we can tackle the foreign problems of other cities.

At this rate, I fear a war would end with us in shackles. I do wish others would see what terrible consequences there would be if Aefenglom cannot win this war. ... as you said, if war is to come.

[rollfordiplomacy]

Those are wise concerns. It's to be considered that us Mirrorbound are merely guests in this place, holding out on the goodwill of the Coven and welcoming citizens of Aefenglom. To bring them to a conflict they wish not for, over ideals they may not have the luxury to uphold... well. That is selfishly righteous... which I've never stood for.

[Everett drums his fingers over his lips in contemplation, because Viren's points have struck him. It's valuable to consider all sides and Everett is not a man with strictly pure ideology.]

I will campaign for compromise, my lord. Both between Dorchachnt and our own... fervent dignitaries. It is important we keep realistic expectations, moving forward. Demanding the sun and the stars will not get us either.

[bloodwit]

Thank you.

[ despite the tone, viren does mean it sincerely; he's too used to being apart of an advisory council with... no teeth. or worse yet, impersonating someone with authority and being dismissed regardless of any merit to his differing views. ]

If you truly will keep those points in mind, then your efforts will have my support. [ another sigh; he does think things are going to go sour, regardless, but that's also his typical mindset redoubling that. ] I can only wish you the best of luck - I will, in the meanwhile, also do all that I can.