oathshackledbird | Eachdraidh Locket Mail/Physical Mailbox

It is easiest to start with focusing your shard's power on strengthening things that are familiar to you. For me that would be my fighting skills; for you it would be your magic and such.

[Learning magic not tired to his ring really isn't high on Diarmuid's priority list right now, but a true silencing spell may end up meaning the difference between life and death. That is why he commits the process to memory. However, he really has little interest in learning to geis people. Not when he knows just how it feels to carry such a curse...]

Thank you.

[He isn't going to tell her that, though. It will only upset her.]

I should get going now. Is there anything you want to ask before I go?

No. If I have any, I will wait for your return.

[She is still focused on something else, concentrating her hardest on playing it cool and calm. Determination made up for many faults, and it is no less so with Grainne.]

As soon as I have the chance, I will stop back to start your training.

[There is one thing he wants to do before he sees to anyone else's training: see to his own so he can teach them as much as possible.

Diarmuid reaches out to gently try to make her look at him.]

Why don't you tell me why you won't look me in the eye?

[She pulls her chin away a tiny bit just enough to avoid it.]

I will not until I am someone you can call partner.

[Diarmuid sighs and lets his hand drop.]

Grainne, you are already my partner. You are my wife. Just because you are learning another way to be a partner to me doesn't mean it negates the fact you are still my equal in another role. There is no reason for you not to look me in the eye. You aren't any less than I am."

[In response, she shakes her head.]

I had to prove myself that fateful night so that you would understand. I see this as no different.

Of course there is a difference!

[Diarmuid pauses for a moment, pushing back his frustration and lowering his voice.]

The difference is you have already proven yourself once. You do not need to do it again just because you are learning a new role.

I think I need to on this matter. [She sighs, relaxing her hands a little.] I want you to see me as more than just your wife...

No, you don't.

[However, even has he says that, Diarmuid finds himself giving in. This isn't about him, after all. It is about her. If that is really what she wants...}

I know you will do well. You are my beloved and you are much stronger than you believe you are. I look forward to you proving yourself.

[To yourself...]

Thank you, Diarmuid. I will do my best.

[It's obvious even as she says that, there's hesitation and a slight quiver in her voice. She doesn't truly believe she will make it. After all, since that night of the betrothal feast, to her he has been carrying her weight. Maybe not physically, as he refused, but in every way that matters.

Now? Now she doesn't know if she can stand on her own... but if she ever does return, she has a future without him to look forward to. It's her last chance.]

Please come to me when you return. Do you know when that will be?

I know you will.

[He steps forward to press another kiss to the top of her head and then steps back.]

I am afraid I don't know, but I will try to come back soon. I want to start training you to work with your shard as soon as possible.

[It will give her strength and perhaps some measure of comfort during her long journey to becoming what she wishes to become.]

[A small hand reaches out, rather timidly, to take one of his.]

May I give you a token this time, since I have not gotten to on your other journeys?

[Diarmuid takes her hand, giving it a squeeze and then pressing it to his lips.]

Of course. I would love to take something from you with me. It will not be the same as holding you, but it will still bring me comfort nonetheless.

[Grainne nods, reclaiming her hand and retrieving something from a pouch.

It's a small piece of knitted fabric that should be very familiar; a practice piece their daughter had made and which Grainne uses as decoration on her dress. It's been carefully removed and cleaned.

Druime had been very proud of it when she completed it, and Grainne wanted to always remember that moment.]

Keep it safe, Diarmuid.

[There is a sudden lump in Diarmuid's throat when he sees that piece of fabric. His daughter's name slips from his mouth in the softest whisper as he takes it with shaking hands from Grainne. There is a sadness in his eyes... He misses her...he misses all of them...so very much.

Diarmuid places the fabric over his heart as if he is holding something most precious and then nods at Grainne.]

I promise.

[Reaching up, Grainne caresses his cheek, making a soothing noise as she does when she knows there is sadness, but at last she is looking at him.]

[Diarmuid closes his eyes and leans into the touch. For a moment, he just enjoys how it feels and lets memories wash over him. However, he can only let himself linger for so long. He opens his eyes and then folds the fabric, slipping it into his pocket.]

I should go. I will try to keep in touch with you as much as I can, but if I don't talk to you for a few days, don't worry, all right? I will be back as soon as I can.

[She nods, letting her hand fall back to rest. A brief flash of pain, worry, and fear is there for a blink and is gone.]

Travel quickly.

I will. Be safe while I am gone, Beloved.

[He takes a moment to gather a few more things. Once that is done, he stops to give Oscar a pet and a to whisper something in the cub's ear, then he turns to look over the injured goshawk. Satisfied with the bird's condition, he finally returns to Grainne, gives her one last kiss, and disappears out the door.]

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