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

[freeing]

This all relies on seeing their city for ourselves. Dreams... are fickle. They offer guidance but warnings to heed as well. I've seen dreams come true, I do not want for this one to.

[ Now that is out of the way... ]

We are to go as guests, representatives seemingly wishing to make reparations. We will listen to the trouble we caused them in our hazy chaotic trip, if such a thing truly occurred and we will make a choice as will they.

Coming to fair terms is never easy, however I believe we make our demands clear if we see it: no monster will be chained, sold like lifestock, or commanded against their will with magic. If they can not see the logic in unity and Aefenglom's system, why debate further?

[overworker]

[There's something fiercely intimidating-- fiercely inspiring about the strong words the woman weaves together. The kind of words that you would expect to hear in preparation before battle.]

In my heart, I agree. If they want to defend that kind of lifestyle, I know there's no way I could ever forgive such vile behavior.

[That much, is simple in her mind. Unfortunately that is where simple ends for her.]

However... while I may have graduated from the best military school my country has to offer, I still have my doubts about what we could accomplish if war truly broke out. People fight over less, I know it's a very real possibility.

If we enter into a fight we cannot win, we could make our own situation worse, not to mention that of Aefenglom.

[freeing]

[ Daenerys does not play well with others. She has taken by force what she desires, inspired by the will of a woman once sold for barter. There is a time to listen, however. This was not her world — not her people. ]

Have we gotten word of what their military and magic prowess is? The Aefenglom Coven seems hesitant to engage in such activity, but with the looming threat of the Cwyld, would this other city even hold far superior troops than theirs? I wonder if it is simply an aggressive will that separates Aefenglom and Dorchacht.

[ However, she wants to make something clear: ]

I do not wish for war. I wish for justice.

[overworker]

I would not underestimate anyone who could place such a powerful compulsion over the monster populace. And as long as that's in place, our allies aren't safe either. Beyond that, however, we only know that the individuals that contacted us just now feel that it wouldn't be ideal to get into a conflict with them.

[Which could mean any number of things. But it's worth keeping in mind.]

Honestly, I'm glad to hear that.

[At least, that she doesn't wish for war. Justice... is more complicated, however.]

Justice... can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people... What kind of justice are you seeking?

[freeing]

I wish to know if Aefenglom has any similar magic, then. If there are precautions we can take to avoid risk. I do not assume Aefenglom can not defend themselves if the time does indeed come. [ Both sides, both cities ... in her opinion, they are asking a lot. ] Perhaps we should ensure we have these discussions prior to leaving.

[ Thoughtful, Daenerys does not mince words: ]

Justice is simple to me. No monster should be sold as property, enslaved, or bound to any collar they do not want to. Monsters should be given a choice to continue their bond, albeit under a new equal partnership.

[overworker]

Yes. If there are any precautions we can take to protect ourselves from their magic as well, I'd like to look into that as well before we go. I'll feel a lot more at ease if I'm not worried about them being able to take advantage of that magic on us.

[But when the time comes, Towa listens, and nods.]

I worry that some might want to impose harsher form of justice. But I think yours is a fine interpretation.

[freeing]

Then we are in agreement, you must not worry of me becoming combatant on that regard.

[ She may be hot-headed... may be stubborn in her own ideas because of her experiences, but she truly takes a moment to listen to reason. ]

There is... a time for that. If they choose not to abide by these demands, we must consider alternatives. No matter how harsh – the discussion needs to happen. For now, I can only hope for the best.

[overworker]

I hope so as well. As long as we're able to work together, I'm sure we'll have that opportunity.

But more than simply telling them, I also have hope that... if we lead by example and show them what Bonds truly are meant to be, that they will see that it doesn't have to continue to be that way-- that there is a different way.

...before I came here, monsters were things that attacked people. They were dangers, and something to be killed. I know what that's like... to have to look and see things differently. That's why I believe it is possible, even if it may not be easy.

[freeing]

...Agreed.

[ She listens thoughtfully, as if trying to restrain her own mind from racing. She feels more emotional lately, suspecting it to tie with the scales that wrap against the sides of her neck now... ]

I am more wary over men than monsters. [ They are more ferocious, more cruel, more evil at times. Perhaps she speaks too bluntly, too openly. She reins it back. ] I do value your words, however. I believe it falls on us to show them appearance and chaste do not earn fear or deserve submission.

[overworker]

I can understand that. Humans are... complicated. In many different ways. We have many different views and values. But that perspective is still part of what makes us unique.

[A truth that is neither good nor bad, but simply is.

To have her thoughts on the matter valued, she feels more highly motivated and maybe even a bit more optimistic than before.]

I think we have the opportunity and the ability to show them a better way. I look forward to working with you.