Eachdraidh Locket Mail/Physical Mailbox

[oathshackledbird]

You have found the Mailbox/Inbox of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Lancer).  If you have business with me, please leave a message and I will return it as soon as possible.

Comments

VIDEO 🌠 NOVEMBER 22

[gandere]

[ When she leaves a message, the background is beautiful. She's up high, almost as if she was flying through the sky. There's no way she could be doing that though, right? ]

Lancer, I know our conversations have always been strained and not the fondest--but now I ask you not for myself, but for the sake of others. Where is your current location?

[oathshackledbird]

[In this place? Diarmuid expects nothing is impossible... However, if he is curious, he doesn't ask. At the moment, he is standing with his back to a low campfire and gazing out into the darkness to make sure no one and nothing comes near to the camp while Grainne sleeps.]

I am on my way back to Caer Glaem with my wife after being at Cothromach. Is something wrong?

[Something on top of everything else the war council covered?]

Video - Nov 20 (night)

[scorchedchivalry]

[The darkness makes it hard to see Saber's face, but she appeared to be sitting on the top of a very tall tower of an unfamiliar castle. She also never seems to be looking directly at the locket but at something in the distance.]

Diarmuid. I wish to hear a tale. Will you indulge a lonely king?

[oathshackledbird]

Of course I will.

[Diarmuid also seems to be perching on something in the dark. In his case, it is a charred tree that keeps him off the ground--he's run into enough demon dogs now he does not wish to run into anymore--and allows him to see a good distance around Cothromach. This is much on his mind, not the least of which is the war council he has heard will be held the next day. Still, telling a story will do him good. After all, there is not anything he can do about the council until tomorrow.]

The real question is what kind of tale the king wishes to hear.

[notyetlegend]

[A few days after the dogs have vanished and their talk, Diarmuid will be found by a raven carrying a note and a pouch around its leg. The pouch contains a necklace, hand carved by the looks of it, and the note simply has a few words.]

Thank you

- Merida

[oathshackledbird]

[As long as the raven will allow it, Diarmuid will send a short note back with it.]

It's beautiful. I will wear it always.

-Diarmuid

Dec 4 when he is out hunting

[athousandcurses]

[Grainne's left a message on Diarmuid's locket, and only her face is visible. At first.]

Dear heart, if you are close to the Caer please come home for dinner. I have many things to tell you and I prepared a special dish for us.

[She smiles and shifts, and that sure is a flash of bare shoulder in the video!

Did she... just booty call him?

But if she cooked... oh boy.]

[oathshackledbird]

[When Diarmuid answers the message, it's clear that he is perching in a tree. This might seem odd except that it gives him a good view of the surrounding area and anything hart-like that might be moving through it.]

Am I going to need to grab some wood to repair the castle's kitchens on my way back then?

[An odd look crosses his face when he notices her shoulder.]

You might want to tighten your sash, Beloved. I would hate for you to catch a cold...

DECEMBER 03 | NIGHT

[fairyfoes]

[ A raven would wing its way to your character, delivering the following message, folded into a small envelope around a simple red metal ring. ]


Shardbearer. Knight. Hero of the drabwurld.

I entreat you humbly to meet with me, that I may beg your might and skill upon an errand to cleans this world of a lingering malignance: Reynard the Fox.

Underway are plans to root out the dangers of his malice; but required still are a few trustworthy champions of strength enough to defend against his fell strength.

Should you be interested in undertaking this task, with all its risks, you need only slip on the enclosed ring. Doing so shall teleport you to my location, near Nimh Gleane, outside a local establishment, 'The Barrel'.

(( ooc: this is an invitation to engage in the metaplot, because your character was noted for their deeds of might and heroism by other characters! Details on the plot can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W7GZCbgydNMn9aTDRi2wJpTRsfKyami9gsZaF3MrSFE/edit# Should your character be interested, simply PM us at this account with a link to your thread starter in Waver Velvet's Barrel log! ))

backdated to sometime before he disappears but after Cu's puppy idk timeywimey stuff

[athousandcurses]

Diarmuid! Diarmuid! [Grainne's voice is completely panicky.] I did something terrible! Help me! What should I do?!

[Distraught wife, get.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid blinks in surprise when he gets Grainne's message. Once the surprise passes, a worried look crosses his face. What could have her so upset?]

Calm down, Beloved. I cannot help if you don't tell me what it is you feel you have done so wrong...

24 December | Text, Permaprivate

[gordianknots]

Your presence is requsted at the Barrel on 3 January, at or around 10 pm. We will be closing early to allow for a question and answer session with Alyosha regarding past and present events and for general information sharing. Treat this invitation with discretion.

Please respond to this message so that we might have a headcount of who to expect.

With gratitude
-Lord El-Melloi II

[ooc: A log for this will go up on 28 December!]

24 December | Text, Permaprivate

[oathshackledbird]

I will definitely be there. If I am needed before that, let me know. I am mostly healed now and will be happy to help in any way I can.

Respectfully,

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Lancer)

12/25

[notyetlegend]

[On the morning of the 25th, Diarmuid will be found by a raven carrying a small bag. Inside is a scarf, and a handwritten note.]

I hope this keeps you warm while you recover

- Merida

[oathshackledbird]

[The raven will be sent back--after being given some Christmas treats--with a note and a hand carved cloak clasp in the shape of a bow and arrow.]

Nothing could keep me warmer. Thank you very much.

--Diarmuid

12/31; text, private

[notyetlegend]

I know I invited you, but please stay away from the manor for now. We're being visited by a Necroveil for the next however many hours.

12/31; text, private (No worries!)

[oathshackledbird]

Of course. Thank you for the warning. Just let me know when it is again safe to consider visiting, okay?

Is everything all right?

shortly after her conversation with Waver

[athousandcurses]

[After this exchange, Grainne started feeling a tight knot of anxiety between her shoulder blades. She would have to tell Diarmuid, and that... would likely spark him into running off to battle. At least she fears he would, and they had just finally settled down for a while.

Still, it is important and keeping it from him will do no good. She opens her locket with a sigh.]

Diarmuid, I have some bad news. I have had a lengthy discussion with Lord El-melloi II.

[oathshackledbird]

[When Diarmuid answers, it is obvious he is in the middle of something. His locket is resting on a desk and he is writing instructions of some kind in ogham. He looks up at the locket for a moment to give her a small, strained, smile and then returns to writing.]

I think I know what you want to talk about. I'm in the room I have been using. Will you come meet me here?

Jan 24th - video

[notyetlegend]

[It's been just over twelve hours since she woke up but she's been spending that time with Cu Chulainn and regaining her strength from sleeping for so long, so she can possibly be forgiven for forgetting. Merida switches on her locket, looking a little bit older than he saw her last, a week ago, and she smiles sheepishly.]

I suppose I should apologise for falling asleep on you, Diarmuid.

Jan 24th - video

[oathshackledbird]

Merida!

[Diarmuid is so glad to see her awake, well, and...older?...that the last thing he is worried about is an apology.]

What happened? Are you okay now?

PARCEL 🌠 JAN 28 🌠 AFTERNOON

[gandere]

[ Delivered via raven (because she hopes an Irish hero won't attack it) is a compass and a notice explaining that this is a gift. Upon first use, he'll be able to see a list of others who he may contact with it. ]

---

OOC | Now it's time for the copy/pasta. Alyosha commissioned Rin to make enchanted items to act as a new communication device for certain individuals. In the form of a compass that flips open, the design is unique to each character (of your own choosing, of course) and could be as old as you like. Some could have possibly come from outside the Drabwurld. No compass is alike in appearance, therefore if seen it might be difficult to tell who could be contacted with it. A brief blurb on this can be found here under Jorōgumo as well as a list of individuals who have access to this communication network at any given time.

For now, the list for the first batch are: Alice Liddel, the Brucolac, Flora, Grell Sutcliffe, Harry Potter, John Grimm, Lancer (Diarmuid Ua Duibhne), Lord El-Melloi II (Waver Velvet), Rin Tohsaka, Saber (Arturia Pendragon), & Alyosha of Redgate. }

[oathshackledbird]

[Of course, he won't attack it! Diarmuid will take the parcel, give the bird some treats, and then send a short note back with it. Hopefully, the bird will return to its sender with no issues, but just in case it does not, he keeps the note vague.]

Thank you, my friend. Please be safe.

Jan 30th - Compass (Audio)

[scorchedchivalry]

Diarmuid...

[Her voice is quiet. Tired.]

Jan 30th - Compass (Audio)

[oathshackledbird]

Saber, are...

[His voice is soft, though worried. However, Diarmuid does have enough presence of mind not to finish asking 'Are you all right?" Obviously none of them are and won't be for a while.]

What can I do?

FEBRUARY 1ST, LATE EVENING

[enjoymyatelier]

[WELL THAT WAS A NIGHT, HOLY SHIT

...ah, does he really care enough to warn Lancer? Well, it's probably better for him to know than not to know, for everybody's sake, so he might as well.]

Lancer, there's been a rather unfortunate development with the new arrivals. Unless you're already aware...?

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid is stopping by his much emptier rooms at Caer Glaem after sending his message to Lancelot when Kayneth's message comes in. He debates on leaving the message until he gets back to Dun Dealgan, but even though that won't take long with his teleport ring, something makes Diarmuid sit down on the bed and answer anyway. If there is something really bad going on, Diarmuid will only need to come back and that means wasted time.]

No, I am afraid I don't know what you are talking about. I missed the feast. What is going on?

Yule 2701

[depicted]

Diarmuid's gift is carefully wrapped and even more carefully transported. Perhaps he can guess at what it is by the size and shape, perhaps not: but when he opens it, he will find a familiar painting. A swan before the moon. Something to place where he may.

Yule 2701

[oathshackledbird]

[When Diarmuid opens the package and sees what is inside, he cannot help but just sit and stare at it in disbelief for a while. To be able to look at it in the gallery was one thing, but to have it now in his hands... It is a gift so precious he can't even begin to think of a way to thank Dorian for it.

Once he finishes his gift and sends it off to Dorian, it seems small in comparison, but he hopes the man will like it anyway. Once opened, it will reveal a bouquet of hand carved wooden roses in a vase decorated with falling rose petals. The roses he carved and even though they were done with only one hand, they are so detailed and realistic that one would be wise to be ware the thorns. To Diarmuid, it seems like a fitting nod to the painting Dorian so loves. Something that is beautiful on the surface, but holds a darker secret when one looks closer at it.

Along with the gift goes a short note, that simply says:]

I will cherish it always. Thank you so much.

--Diarmuid

Yule 2,701

[notyetlegend]

[Once the Hart's transformation has worn off, Merida takes the time to send her friends and companions gifts just like last year. It's still a foreign practice to her, but she takes the time to pick out things for those she considers close to her.

Wherever Diarmuid happens to be, on the morning of Yule there will be a package waiting for him if he's asleep or if he comes back from anywhere. Carefully wrapped is a dual sheath, to make reaching for his lances easier, and a key. The key contains healing magic if Diarmuid looks close enough, obviously done by an amateur, and it's obvious what it's the key to.

For when you're ready, whenever that may be.

- Merida]

Yule 2,701

[oathshackledbird]

[Yule evening, Merida will find an envelope sitting on her bed. In the envelope there is a letter and a commission to be given to a certain armor maker to get her a set of armor made.]

My darling daughter,

This is for those times I cannot be there to protect you.

Your gifts are something I cannot ever thank you enough for. I don't know when I will be ready, but when I am...

I care for you more thank I can every say,

Papa

yuletide 2,701; letter and package

[babbylon]

[A messenger arrives for Diarmuid while he's out. He's specifically been instructed to hand-deliver a package to him, and does so with a cheery smile and a spring in his step. It's a rather hefty box, but doesn't seem to weigh much at all once picked up.

Inside, there's a note attached to a canvas cloak with a subtle design stitched about its hood. The note reads as follows:]

For lessons learned and loves left behind; to fresh starts and humble growth.

Always remember that the brightest star shines right in front of you, in your very own hands.

[Tucked beneath the cloak is the true prize—a silver broach in the shape of a leaf. The note is signed with a simple G.]

yuletide 2,701; letter and package

[oathshackledbird]

[Wherever Gilgamesh is for Yule, a package will find him. The box inside of the package is light, but well made. It is obvious it is protecting something precious. Inside of the box is a golden crown set with red and amber colored stones. Along with the crown is a short note.]

My dear King of Heroes,

No crown can shine as brightly as the star to whom I present this, but I hope that it can fill some of the empty space until you regain again your rightful crown.

I am very honored by the gifts and the words you sent me. I will wear both the cloak and broach with pride as I have been looking for something to wear besides my Golden Cadre cloak.

And I will think of you whenever I wear them.

Let us meet again soon,

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne

Timeskip July // Compass

[fairyfoes]

Dia, I've my report back from Molly.

[ Sighing, rubbing her forehead. ]

We must clarify a few things. Investigations are delicate things. I cannot be seen to be connected or known to be connected to some of the agents I've placed throughout the drabwurld: for their safety as much as mine. These people trust me to protect them, and the more people who know of them, the less safe they are.

I requested that you send a native agent, and instead the ex-shardbearer, Unseelie turncoat assistant of the Seelie Marshall shows up at my agent's place of business.

Please tell me that you can understand, in retrospect, how bad that is for all involved.

Timeskip July // Compass

[oathshackledbird]

--told you that you should have sent me...

[The voice that comes across the compass as Diarmuid starts the message is one that will be unfamiliar to Alyosha, though Diarmuid will soon give the voice a name.]

Lén, aren't you suppose to be resting? I swear I am going to tie you to your bed if you don't stop hovering over me. Let your arm and ribs heal!

[There is an unhappy muttering and then footsteps as Lén leaves the room. After several moments of silence, Diarmuid finally turns back to the compass and Alyosha.]

He is not so unknown as I thought then. I...

[Diarmuid sighs. No, he's not going to make excuses. He's just going to deal with whatever comes of this the best he can.]

I'm sorry. Are Molly and her loved ones all right? How much damage did I do in my foolishness?

yule

[cagedinflesh]

[Diarmuid receives a delivery from a trusted source, right to his door. It contains gloves and a note that reads only:]

Happy Yuletide,
Your friend,
H.J.

yule

[oathshackledbird]

[A few days after the delivery, a short note will find it's way to Berserker.]

Thank you very much. Hopefully soon I will be able to put them both to good use.

D. U. D.

YULE; 2701

[detoxifying]

[ Diarmuid receives a simple one handed sword. ]

Diarmuid,

Thank you for your help this past winter.

May you always find the right path, even when it may not be clear,
Cullen

YULE; 2701

[oathshackledbird]

[Shortly after Diarmuid receives the sword, a package will arrive for Cullen. Inside is a beautiful cloak and if Cullen can sense magic at all, just touching the cloak will make it clear that protective magic has been woven into it.]

Cullen,

The sword is not only beautiful, but very well balanced. It will serve me will and I thank you for it. I hope this cloak will serve you just as well.

It can be hard to find the right path sometimes, but having friends who understand make the finding much easier. If you ever need me, please don't be afraid to contact me.

Be well,

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne

audio;

[babbylon]

[Within the first few days of May, Gilgamesh reaches out to Diarmuid. Though the locket shows nothing and reveals little save for the sound of his voice, it's clear he's near a body of water. It trickles all around him as he splashes his feet in and out, smiling down at his reflection.]

Diarmuid.

[He greets him softly, as if in a dream. The King is relaxed, despite the growing unrest of his home. Content.]

Where are you, pretty little bird? And why not with me? Speak.

audio;

[oathshackledbird]

[As if it itself might answer the question of 'where,' the sound that begins Diarmuid's message is that of wind blowing. Wherever Diarmuid is, he is up high.

Not that this is actually a new thing for him...]

We finished putting the last touches on my training grounds today. For the first time, I can look down upon it and call it complete.]

[Diarmuid's voice is also soft, but far from sounding like it comes from a dream, it instead sounds as if he is both pleased and excited. Though, as he speaks again, another emotions joins the first two--worry.]

Is something bothering you, my king? Shall I come to your side? I am no longer needed here...

audio;

[babbylon]

[After he's had some time to settle following a certain network encounter...

Diarmuid's nearby to bug in person, but Gilgamesh opts for the privacy of the locket instead. Shut doors means guests aren't welcome, even if he cares just enough to reach out in the first place. Things are complicated and it's better if Diarmuid remains just as he is: a simple man with simple goals. At least he'll give him the truth of the matter.]

Did you really want to go anyway?

[To that gathering. That's what he's calling it. Its actual purpose tastes sour on his tongue.]

audio;

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid is rather startled when the call comes. After how Dorian had ended the conversation, Diarmuid's worry and curiosity had both skyrocketed. He had almost hunted down his king himself, but after how upset Gilgamesh had seemed, something deep down told Diarmuid his questions were probably best left for later.]

I wish to help.

[Nothing more and nothing less.]

But if you don't want me to go, I won't go. There are other ways to help.

[As the king bids it, so shall it be.]

text;

[detoxifying]

[ "If you ever need me, please do not be afraid to contact me", Diarmuid had written to him last Yule.

Well... It would be a difficult thing to speak to Lancelot about this, given his position. ]

Ser Diarmuid,

Do you ever feel as though this war is making you compromise who you are?

-Cullen

Text

[oathshackledbird]

[When Diarmuid gets the text, he just looks at it for a moment. Not because he doesn't know how to answer, but because he actually does and up to now had wondered if he was the only one who felt this way...]

Lord Cullen,

[If you are going to 'Ser' him, you are getting 'Lord'ed, Cullen.]

I am not sure if this is the best place to discuss such things, but the answer very much is yes.

Would you like to get together and talk?

--Diarmuid

JUNE 05

[fairyfoes]

Delivered to his quarters by the end of the day is a fine walnut box; and inside he'll find a silver arm, lovingly made to match the one he'd lost, with beautifully sculpted plates to hide its hundreds of fine gears. Worn with the use of several straps, it came alongside a note. It is small and clearly hasty, rushed, frantic-looking, given her typically very neat script.

My Dia,

I'll spare you any pedantic nonsense; I hope you like the gift. I wish I could have given it personally.

By now you'd have received my instructions on the Red Hand. Forgive me that I attended duty first; but for all intents and purposes, I believe I am dying. By the time you get this note, may indeed already be dead. Strange, how the smallest things...

It's never too late while you're breathing. Never forget that. No matter how insurmountable the task, it's never too late, it's never impossible. Never lose sight of hope or love or your lust for life, no matter how grim the present or future seem. The very word 'miracle' exists because such things happen.

By these words, I've given you my last orders. Make good use of what contacts, skills, abilities you have, and increase your own strength. Saber will wake, eventually, and if not, another may replace her. You are among the vanguard of our efforts to seek out an option in this war apart from the courts: and you will be called upon to defend it. You must make yourself strong enough to guard it against any who would assail you.

Grow your own power and prana, that you need never bend knee to another unless you choose. Enclosed is the manner by which I built for Marquis Kayneth a magic crest of his own. I presume it may be of use to you.

And, lastly: take better care of yourself.

I love you dearly. Most days it's just stumbling around in the dark with the rest of creation, smashing into things and wondering why it hurts. But you risk yourself so much, Dia, you open yourself up to hurts of all kinds. You deserve better than that of yourself. And those who love you dearly will be grateful and glad to see you valuing yourself as much as they value you.

I love you. I trust you with all, without hesitation or reserve. Live, and so confound our enemies.

Yours,
Aly

June 24th - lockets; audio

[colorofthesky]

I have a pair of lovebirds for you.

[ This is the news you were waiting to hear, yes? ]

I'll be down to Leathann to drop them off in a couple days.

June 24th - lockets; audio

[oathshackledbird]

And you didn't kill him, I'm impressed!

[Diarmuid laughs, eyes twinkling and making it clear he is joking.]

Job well done! I hope it wasn't too difficult a task.