asgardeventide | 9th Spark || [Video]

[You'd think Merlin would have gotten over the stage fright after all the announcements he's made before this, but no such luck. There's still a moment of nervous fidgeting before he clears his throat and gets straight to the point.]

Everyone's all right, yeah? After...the darkness. [He falters, paling just a bit, then forces himself to continue.] Turns out that was an attack on the city from the giants. A lot of us have been training, working on our powers for something like this, but we were still unprepared. [A soft, mirthless chuckle.] Really unprepared.

I thought we could try something--you know, in case we're caught off guard again. We've all just been talking to people we already know in the Teacher's Council meetings, or working with Travelers who have powers we're interested in. We're not going to have that sort of luxury when we're actually under attack. I know, I should've realised it earlier [especially with the number of battles he's followed Arthur into] but we have to work with what we've got around us. That's why...well, why don't we pair ourselves up blindly and come up with a useful way to combine our powers? Then we could share our ideas in that practice log I set up a while ago, so the information's available to everyone in the city. Or we could just talk about it during the next meeting. That way, we have a better idea of how to work with any of the powers, in case our usual allies aren't around.

[Merlin smiles at his audience rather hopefully.] If anyone wants to join up, let me know and I'll see about finding you a partner for this.

Oh right, I was supposed to say something else, wasn't I? You all heard what Odin said about the elves from Alfheim. They're the allies the gods have called on to help us rebuild what was damaged during the darkness' attack. I might have spoken to their queen--well, actually, it was more her talking to me--and she wanted to make sure the gods don't ah... [An embarrassed sort of pause as he rubs at his neck.] leave out things when they mention her. So if you've questions about the elves or anything similar, I suppose I'll...try my best to answer them. Or ask her for you. She did say that was all right.

[Merlin leans back, looking relieved that he's nearing the end of his message.] That's about it. Don't forget the next Teacher's Council meeting will be in a week--newcomers are welcome!--and that the hospital's always open for anyone who's been injured and needs help.

(ooc: If anyone's still interested in participating in the random partner activity, go ahead and sign up here!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Thanks for the other day. Hope Ritsu didn't bang you up too badly.

[ahem]

Eve and I are of the view that this may be lunar, centered on the New Moon. I'm keeping track of dates and hoping to get enough backup that, even if someone get sent home we can still lock me in a room to forget me for a day or so. Preferably shackled and without easy access to my bracelet, even if it's on me.

That said, I'm still available to help with defense, and... I don't like it, but I'm willing to experiment. We need a better grasp on what these powers can actually do. So, count me in if there's anyone willing to put up with me.

As for the elves... I'm trying to work out trade agreements about herbs, but I'd like to know what sorts of lore on herbs, especially the ones outside of Utgard and Alfheim they might have knowledge of. I'm sort of the practical sort, after all. I might need to do a lot of that myself, though.

I already said you don't need to thank me, didn't I? You're willing to help with the Council and that's enough for me.

[A moment of silence as he considers the calendar tracking.] Let's hope there is a pattern to it. That would make this much easier for us. Though...locking you in a room might not work if you can still draw people into releasing you with your power.

[He sits up suddenly, reminded by her mention of the elves.] What about those herbs you were thinking about? Have you tried them yet?

While I can control my powers at a greater distance and without line of sight, I've been assuming I need to have line of sight to initiate control. If that isn't the case... we need a place at least five hundred feet from people. The turned-off freezer idea Eve had is sounding better if that's the case.

[She sounded a little disturbed.]

I'm working on something related to Kyriel. My first interactions with the curse-blocking plants haven't turned anything up, but I think I can eventually pull something good off in this way. But, it's going to take time. Presumably, the shackling me to the basement's a temporary fix until we can get something chemical to control me.

Direct line of sight, huh? All right, we can work with that. [Merlin touches his chin thoughtfully.] Have you tried experimenting with a blindfold yet? If you can't see anything, you might not be able to pick a target for your powers.

If you'd like, we can see what your range for that is while you work on the magic plant remedy.

I will double check with Conan to be absolutely sure. He and Kaz know the powers better than anyone I know around here, and I trust Conan's judgment. I haven't tried a blindfold, but I'm up for the idea. Something opaque enough to make sure I can't see through it at all. Verifying all of the limits helps us if they send anyone with this power over at some point.

And yeah, I'd prefer to have a real good idea what my limits are on this, so you guys can chronicle all of the details. Hel's got a penchant for problem kids, so I'm not likely to be the first with a morally questionable power and the serious ethical breaches.

You've been talking to Kaz? [The quirk of his brow says that he thinks about that.] He's not exactly the most reliable of people here, if you were hoping to help you keep an eye out.

I'll check with Conan, see if he has some time to do this. Know anyone else you'd want to help?

If by 'talk' you mean shouting at and telling him to stay the hell away from me, yeah, we 'talk' every once in a long time. He and I don't get along at all, but I do know how powerful he is. I remember from when we were body swapped. I think he's on the same level as Conan. Either way, I'm not trusting him with the time of day.

As for help, we just need to make sure and test this to be certain of the limits, one way or another, so someone to make sure I don't go nuts and someone to keep a record.

[Well, that answers his question.] Somehow, I wouldn't be surprised. He has been here a while now, if I remember correctly.

[A nod.] Right. We should be careful with it, not rush through, in case we miss something. When did you want to start?

Wouldn't know. I try to avoid the prick, personally. But as for starting, I'm pretty much available whenever you want to get started. We can use the shop if you like. There's enough space, and there's some doors and walls that will help make sure I can't see into the main entrance.

Or wherever.

The shop sounds like a good place, if you're all right with us using it.

Should we start in a few days?

Yeah, that seems pretty good as ideas go. Give me a call as soon as you're ready, and we'll meet there.

I'll call Conan right now--I'll let you know by the end of the day, yeah?

Sounds good. Anything else we can handle when we get together.

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