; eachdraidh appointments

[shamanism]

THIS BIRD IS FUCKING TALKING?

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personal locket call, audio, 2/17

[zerotohiro]

Weird question, but where are you?

[This also doubles as "are you okay" but he's not sure if Thrall would take that as a compliment that Hiro's a little worried, or an insult that a war chief can't take of himself.]

[shamanism]

[Thrall fumbles a bit with the locket until he's able to open it. It's not that he's particularly clumsy, but he was in the middle of meditating. His face lights up when he sees who it is, though. Hiro can see some trees and such around him, but it's hard to place where he is exactly.]

Hiro! It's good to see you well.

[Everything's been so chaotic since the battle. He lost track of Hiro somewhere in that time. Lost track of everyone, really.]

I am staying in a village called Azure, in La Llorona. Are you safe? Many people were sent to the Spires after the castle fell. I looked for you among the ones I escorted, but I could not find you.

[zerotohiro]

[He takes notice of the surrounding area, raising an eyebrow. Must be in the forest, but hey, Thrall's in one piece and that's good enough for him. Hiro's also taking great care not to really reveal where he's at but he grins in return.]

I'm fine. I'm heading to some spires over the next couple of days. [Though this is the first time he's heard about this village. Tell him more, Thrallmax.] What's Azure? And how'd you get there anyway?

[shamanism]

[Hiro must not be in safe territory, then. Or he doesn't want Thrall rushing out and nabbing him. Either or. He doesn't push; he trusts Hiro to contact him if he needs help, at least.]

Good, good. I am sure some of the craftsmen will have need of your expertise.

[He smiles, softer now.]

It's a settlement protected by shardbearers. I heard they were in need of help, so I came to stay with them a while. They have a... spirit problem of some sort.

I... walked. In retrospect, I should not have gone through La Llorona alone, but it is done.

[zerotohiro]

[Thank you, Thrall. More people need to trust him that way in Hiro's humble opinion.]

I'm going to try to do what I can. [He looks a little pleased at the compliment at least.]

…huh. [Nope. Never heard of this.] What kind of a spirit problem? ["What does that even mean…?" Also the face he makes is just sort of flat because really? After everything? Bro stop traveling alone. Says the hypocrite.] You weren't walking through the fires were you?

[shamanism]

[Thrall doesn't give compliments idly. He likes the little guy and wants him to feel like he can contribute even without special powers.]

I... [For a second, he seems doubtful.] I do not know. I have been praying for guidance. What I do know is that the spirits of La Llorona are very restless and possibly even hostile. I left offerings every time I trespassed, and that seemed to appease them somewhat, but it will take a great deal more than gifts to soothe their fury. Obviously the fires did not help.

[He manages a chuckle.] -- And I am not fireproof! I went in a roundabout way so that I would not have to sleep in the forest. All is quiet for the moment.

[Poor kid, though. As light as Hiro is keeping the conversation, Thrall is worried about the things he's seen. But it doesn't seem appropriate to blab about over the lockets, either.]

[zerotohiro]

[Thrall doesn't know this, but that helps a lot. Hiro's also not going to tell him that helps a lot, but that's a whole other story. He's busy thinking that one through because he doesn't know anything about spirits or their likes and dislikes, but he gets that it's basically bribery to make sure they don't freak out. That's acceptable.]

Hostile's usually not a good sign. [Hmm...] What if you offered something else in exchange? Like protecting them from people that upset them?

Hey, just checking! I don't know a lot about orcs, remember? [He sounds amused at least. But Hiro does pretty well keeping things light and ignoring problems and worries. They don't matter anymore. As soon as he gets the confirmation that people are alive and well, he settles pretty quickly so though there's still a hint of nervous energy he's sliding back into how he was during the feast.]

locket; video mid-march

[gandere]

Thrall. [ She draws out his name for emphasis, hoping that will make him answer her quicker than anything else. ]

[shamanism]

[He gropes rather ungracefully for the locket. Normally he's better at handling tiny things, but he's caught off guard time... again... He manages to get it open, looking a bit embarrassed; his hair is literally ALL OVER because he was brushing it out. My god. He has so much of it.]

Rin. [Despite his slight panic, he is warm and friendly.] What is it you require?

[gandere]

[ If there's anyone who understands his pain when it comes to beautiful and dark hair, it's the two tsunderes at The Barrel. Definitely need to set aside hair dates--but oh right, she didn't call for him just to fawn over his hair.

(It's an added perk)

Now that she has his attention, she can stop behaving like a child and instead approach him like an adult. Where he's panicked and friendly, she's stern and political. ]

You're a shaman, aren't you?

Tell me what that means. What you can do.

[shamanism]

[He's already set the comb down and she has his full attention. Obviously she means business.]

That's correct. [He's curious about what she wants, but that can wait.] I can speak to the spirits, both the departed and the elements. It is my duty as a shaman to see that the balance of the elements is kept and any serious danger to the world is averted. [A pause, and he adds:] This also means I am blessed with a portion of their power, and the ability to heal some wounds. Right now, I can only speak to Earth and Life, so my destructive capabilities are somewhat... lessened. But it is no longer time for war.

[gandere]

That's good. [ There must have been something of interest there since she's quick to dive in on it. ]

Since you're gifted with the power to speak to the earth itself, then you must be able to hear it even when it's frozen entirely. Aghmhor, which is further south than Dorchadas, is a coastal land that never sees this kind of harsh weather.

I'm afraid the crops the people here have grown will be ruined as a result. Treun's especially known for how much they produce each year, so much that their pastures stretch as far as the eye can see. I suspect what they grow here feeds a surprising number of natives throughout Allaidh Darach.

Do you understand now why I'm calling to speak to you about this? The Jabberwock child already desecrated the land of Dorchadas and if the people there can't grow, they have to rely on those whose lands were able to bear fruit.

... and I don't think the people of this land grow crops that will survive a deep freeze. It's a coastal land.

[shamanism]

[Thrall's expression is serious and dark. He's silent while he takes in her explanation. When he responds, he speaks slowly and deliberately so as to choose his words carefully.]

I had wanted to help heal the areas destroyed in the conflict, but now I see the situation is more dire than I could have imagined. War brings many things with it. Famine, disease, angry spirits-- these things are not unheard of. We must all deal with the consequences.

[He nods his head.]

I will do what I can. My healing skills are severely limited, but I will speak to the earth. I pray it will listen.

[gandere]

Maybe a little communication is all this earth needs. [ It's a cheery way of putting it, but if there's any matter she can spare a bit of optimism for, it's helping ensure that no one will grow hungry this year. ]

I haven't heard of many who can speak to it so casually so maybe there's something there you can find out. A way we can help it.

... or at least a way to save these plants from rotting away.

Around Yule 2701, no reply necessary

[zerotohiro]

[Thrall's present was pretty hard to have delivered, but somehow Hiro being Hiro managed it. It might just be because he's bullheaded or he sweet-talked his way into getting someone to be a messenger for him, but by the time it's delivered Thrall will find a giant box.

In the box are books. No seriously, it's a bunch of books. The most updated encyclopedias he can find along with a few specialized books on modern healing arts that he's picked up across the Drabwurld in some of his travels, along with an IOU for Hiro to build any one thing Thrall feels he may need in the future (to the best of Hiro's own capabilities, of course.)

There's also a note.

'Kinda nice to be able to have all the books you want in this place, huh? You've taught me a lot…guess it's my turn to do the same.']

[shamanism]

[Thrall is surprised to see a giant box roll in. He's even more surprised when he sees who it's from. Hiro? Did he send a whole suit of armor? Spirits. But then he has a peek inside, and it's... books. So many books.

He's shocked and touched and he actually takes a moment to collect himself (for the benefit of the curious passersby). And then he begins the task of dragging the box through the trading post and down the back stairs. That part is... not as graceful as he'd like, but he's ridiculously strong so he manages it.

After carefully cataloging each new addition to his collection (and reorganizing by author and genre), he sits down to write Hiro a fancy letter. The reminder for a free 'commission' also sits on his desk, pinned down by a rock paperweight. He dips his quill and begins.

(He could just call Hiro through his pendant-- but he doesn't. There is something nice about letters.)]

Hiro,

Your generous gift honors me, and it honors the memory of my sister. I cannot thank you enough. Truthfully, despite being a landowner and my near-year spent in the Drabwurld, I own very little. Even the books I have are borrowed. You have given me something exquisite this year: the gift of knowledge. I appreciate the offer as well. Do you remember our first conversation? I am still very much interested in whatever you would like to create; I'll gladly help you however I can.

You claim I have taught you a lot, but I've learned many things on my side as well. Your world is incredible and your genius is something I have never seen before. Tossed headlong and alone into an unfamiliar world did not slow you down or make you give up. Even at your age you are burdened with grief and responsibility, and you have not rebuffed my concerns... It's only natural, I suppose, since we have some things in common.

If you ever feel like it is too much to bear, you know how to contact me. I have very broad shoulders, so I can hold your troubles for a while. Alternatively, there is a room beneath the trading post that only I can access. No one will bother you there. The lingering scent of coffee seems to improve concentration.

Your friend,
Thrall

Yule

[oathshackledbird]

[Not long before Yule, a package will be delivered to wherever Thrall might be. In the package is a short note and a hand-carved wooden sign. The sign has the trading post's name on it and also has several runes for luck and protection on it. Spells of both luck and protection have been cast on the sign.]

Thrall,

I hope this will bring luck and safety to the trading post. Thank you for letting me use it as a place of solace.

Be well until we meet again,

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne

[shamanism]

[Thrall is surprised and honored to have a sign! He hangs it up immediately, and then sets to writing a letter of thanks.]

Diarmuid,

You honor me with your thoughtfulness and your craft. Thank you very much for the sign. It is, in fact, the last thing I needed to complete the trading post.

I hope you are warm and well. I have ordered a shipment of fine wood so that you may continue whittling and working your magic. Until it arrives, here is a bottle of red wine from one of the better years-- according to the merchant, anyway. I hope these things find you in good time.

Your friend,
Thrall

[oathshackledbird]

Thrall,

The wine is indeed as fine as you were told. I will be sure to bring some of it by the next time I visit so you can try it for yourself.

[Or another bottle of it should he finish this one before then.]

I thank you for your thoughtfulness. I can never have enough wood, especially when I still ruin things from time to time. It makes me very happy to know you like the sign so much. If there is anything else I can make for you, please let me know.

Your friend,

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne

Letters Over the Timeskip

[raavashing]

Cause you get more than one

[raavashing]

I was going to write a lot out, but I'm kind of burned out on timeskip at this point. Assume they happened. o7

[shamanism]

Hahaha, not a problem!♥

Early December 2701

[gandere]

[ Delivered via a jeweled falcon is a fairly large package with a card indicating that it's both for Thrall and for Yule 2701 albeit dropped off early. Inside are three Victorian style vests, buttoned down shirts with sleeves thick enough for his arms, and matching pants that fit a bit loose. There's also a "leafy" lapel pin, as Rin is completely unaware of what it stands for. Inside is a card that's neatly penned by Rin herself. ]

Thrall,

I wanted to thank you for all you have done for both Lord El-Melloi II and Scian, as well as myself. I suspect you have nothing formal to wear so I had the tailor within the area create these fashionable pieces for you to wear. I suspect they might be a bit too large so here's the address of my favorite tailor in the town nearby. I visited them often during the few months I lived there so I hope they will treat you as kindly as they treated me.

If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.

omfg that fucking pin though

[shamanism]

[Thrall doesn't know what the pin represents. Looks like a nice star leaf to him. RIP. FUCKING RIP. Surprisingly, the clothes actually fit. They're a little tight in places but it's not something that can be helped; he's just too damn muscly for this world. He's pleased, though. He likes human clothing a little more than he ought to. He feels he looks ridiculous in it, but part of him enjoys it at the same time. He had been raised by humans, after all...

He pens a letter in return, though he knows it'll take a few days to get there. He also sends along a package. It's a small knife carved out of horn, with a healing incantation engraved in Common.]

Rin,

I received your gift in good time. Thank you very much for your assistance. They fit well, and I am proud to have something halfway presentable to wear at the next event.

My gift is not nearly so extravagant. What, exactly, do you give to someone who appears to have everything? I struggled with this question for some time until I remembered the dagger that my mentor carried to help him with his healing duties. There is a prayer for quick healing on the hilt of the dagger, though its protection supposedly extends to the person carrying it as well. I hope for your sake that you never have to test it. But, if you do, I think it shall serve you well.

Thank you again for everything you have done for me. Your family is my family, if I may be so forward, and I will gladly offer my help in whatever you need. You need only say the word.

Your friend,
Thrall

Letter ; late May

[psalmed]

[The letter arrives open. Tattered. There are marks of lipstick on it and it still smells of flowered perfume. There is a lock of golden hair tied with a ribbon as well.]

My darling,

I long to be with you again. The time we spent together was entirely too short but no less passionate for that reason and I think often on it. Were my duties and loyalties not so firm I would be there in but an instant.

You must think of the time we shared, and how precious it may be should we ever be reunited. The thought of your touch makes me ache, the idea of your words sends a shiver down my spine when I am alone.

It is unbearable without you and I am so lonely in the nights but this must be how things are until our stars have aligned and we can come together once again. I adore you as much at this moment as I did that night and I pray you are well and happy and do not long too much for me. Should I die of this loneliness it will be with your name on my lips.

With all my love,
Lia

[But! Before Thrall has a panic attack. When exposed to candle flame and when Thrall is alone, the previous text disappears to reveal the true letter.]

Monsieur,

Surely you must know I hold you in esteem as highly as I did previously. We did not choose to walk our paths here and we all must do the best by the forces which brought us here. You are as bound as I am and there is no shame in these matters.

I am currently well and safe, as I hope you to be, but also most occupied with the matters you mention. However, I feel I shall see you as soon as I am able because though there is trouble associated with this, I feel such relationships can not be cast aside.

Kindness does not make one weak, but I would not wish to see your head on a pike. I will be cautious and I urge you to the same. I do not venture far from the cities any longer, but should I be in need or close by I will make a detour. I shall pray for your continued safety.

Truly,
Lia