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

I think she and her elves are here to stay. She did say it isn't worth allying with the giants when they just want the place destroyed, but...I'm not sure how many more from her kingdom she's bringing.

[He tries for a reassuring smile in the face of her unhappiness.]

Nothing wrong with being suspicious...but she is much nicer than Odin ever was. I think we should give her a chance.

Perhaps that is the question worth presenting to her. If the numbers are final and what are her people's skills when it comes to battle. They are a considerable force but we will need to know more of them.

[ somehow this serves only to make her seem less pleased. Nice, he says. ]

I am certain she was.

You're right--it's something we should know about. I'll ask her later.

[And then an even more confused expression, before he continues (tentatively).]

No, really. Sort of cheerful. I would've expected someone more solemn, after seeing what her elves were like.

She will...summon you to a second audience, I imagine?

[ not that she cares at all. whatever. you and your stupid Elf queen. She makes a face at that, voice dubious; for a moment there she might look a little like Arthur. ]

Cheerful?

This doesn't sound like asking him on a date.

I should this Her Grace is quite enough company for a day.

[ but look, she'll quit sulking for you.]

Have you seen her? This...queen? She is here to say, as it happens.

No, not yet.

Morgana, jealousy's a really bad look on you.

I am not jealous. Mildly aggravated, perhaps.

Really?

He is far to trusting, I reckon.

Can't we give her the benefit of the doubt?

[Video/Private]

veneficus - 2012-09-24 21:27 (UTC) - Expand

A second audience? I suppose so, sometime later.

[He doesn't look too concerned.]

She has her own bracelet--I'll be using that to talk to her most of the time.

She has a bracelet?

[ Oh my God, she looks annoyed. ]

Well if she has a bracelet why cannot she address the people of the city herself through it?

[ and leave you alone :| ]

Er...well. [Blinking, and looking at her cautiously.] She has to keep up with what's happening in the city, doesn't she? Maybe she just doesn't want people to swarm her like they do with the gods whenever one of them addresses the city.

[ Oh so she's a stuck up elf cow, swell. ]

I am certain it is indeed the thing that concerned her.

[Okay, now he's sure there's something going on here.]

You sure you haven't spoken to her before, while we weren't looking? [Merlin hasn't seen you judge someone this harshly without meeting them in a while.]

[ look all these pretty ladies who just show up are bad news. Look at Sophia! and Vivian! Not to mention Caterina. ]

I am certain. Else I would have asked her about her people myself.

[ and glare daggers at her. ]

Why not give her a chance, then? We could do with more allies if we're fighting a war.

[He's still trying to figure out what Skuld might have done to make you so distrustful of her.]

Re: [Video]

veneficus - 2012-09-20 17:23 (UTC) - Expand

[ Look like who, now? ]

Feeling a bit threatened, are we? It's been some time since I last saw you this riled up over a visiting Lady.

[ go away >:| ]

I do not trust her for all her cheerful nature, that is all.

[ no u ]

Ah, yes, of course. Happiness, our sworn enemy. Tremble before its might.

There might be much more behind her smiles. Need I remind you of Sophia? Men fall so easily when a woman smiles.

[ she would know. ]

[ Sophia. He scrunches his nose in distaste. ]

Yes, well. She's offering an army, not her hand in marriage.

And we are all graced by her kindness and beauteous presence indeed. I shall hear her answers but I do not trust her.

Of course, Morgana. Whatever you say.

[ you are totally jealous. ]

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