outer_divide | [Video] A bargain struck...

[Life has been fairly amenable to the Chosen, particularly since her return. Her alter-ego in the other timeline had done exactly as she'd have done: tricked some poor merchant into her service. So, set up with all the proper comforts she could find in this world, she's turned her brilliant and wicked mind to the acquisition of power and control. A bargain with Elissa Cousland had given her just the information she'd needed. A hook, as it where. So, with that air of false modesty she's put on before, she addresses the ships network.]

For those of you who have not met me yet, I am called Selene. For those that have, greetings to you.

I am a scholar of some note where I come from, and it has come to my attention that some of you have had trouble with mental domination through dark powers. Other people have influenced your minds and used you to weaken our collective standings. Moreover, I'm given to understand that there were murders due to this outside influence.

At the request of one victim of said sorcery, I have begun to craft ter'angreal, small objects of power, to shield the mind. A fairly common thing in my home, that. I'm willing to provide them to anyone who feels such protection is necessary. After all, we do not want a repeat of the last set of incidents. I'm told they were...unfortunate.

Feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to work with you on this.

(ooc: action spam is also Okay!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He is indeed an oaf. He's just a loveable oaf, that's his charm.]

Ah, wonderful! Thank you, Lady Selene. That is still bravely done, and I appreciate your offer of helping the others.

Is there a cost to this aid? Do you require payment for supplies or effort spent?

[He may get one for Loki. Because that is a good idea, isn't it?]

For you? None.

[Said quite cheerfully, at that.]

[Thor looks surprised that she is giving him a supposed discount.]

That is very kind of you, as well! It would be for my brother, most likely, however.

[He gives her a slightly lop-sided grin and raps on the top of his head, making fun of his rather more simple reputation.]

Mine is probably too thick for anyone to bother with.

Oh, yes, Loki. I can do that, certainly. I'll need to meet with him, though. To make these protections I have to have some idea what I'm working the shield around. It's called Delving, a sort of...scan of the body.

[She keeps her smile more neutral, certainly not nearly as lopsided as that.]

And I highly doubt it too, but one can never be too careful.

That will be trickier. I had hoped to surprise him... but no matter. I will suggest it to him.

[Which meant he'd probably have to get one, too, or else Loki would never agree to it. Ah, well. He isn't opposed, exactly, just pretty sure it's unnecessary and a bit embarrassing in the end.

And with that taken care of, he adds:]

How have you been, Lady Selene? Are you finding this new time to your liking?

[Nodding she's content to let the subject lie.]

I've been well enough. My other-self had the foresight to acquire a patron, a merchant willing to indulge my fancies for learning in return for ter'angreal and help with his antiquities business. So things have been comfortable for me, at least.

What of you?

Ah, good!

[And by "patron" he's sure she means just that, and nothing more sinister. He's a trusting soul.]

I seem to be doing well enough. I have an actual job here, flying around large parcels and the occasional message. It is quite different to have an actual occupation, I must admit! But it is not bad, either.

[It's still pretty novel, really.]

A simple enough job. I hope it pays you well. It seems income is something we've got to worry about, in this timeline.

[Not that she minds. Poor Gideon]

And what of your brother, without the Vault's library to occupy him?

Indeed, and an odd thing, too. I have never had to wonder, before, whether I had enough funds for my dinner or my roof. It is a rather interesting way of living, though it requires rather more attention that I am wont to pay.

[He shakes his head a little.]

There is no Vault here for Loki, it is true, but there is a library. And a school. Apparently he is taking classes with the young people of this world.

[From his tone of voice, Thor approves.]

Well, you were a prince were you not? Sometimes such a lesson is good for a ruler.

[If it could be believed, Lanfear genuinely smiles now. Education was something she valued, having been a tenured scholar at the Collam Daan academy three thousand years ago. In truth it was something all of the Chosen valued, one of the few things they all had in common save that spider Moghedien, and something they'd taken great pains to preserve in their territory during the War of Power.]

And that is good. Education is the foundation for anything of true value.

Aye. Especially when one is twice removed from the place one is learning about. I think it will do Loki much good, learning about this place and the people in it.

[Despite his more active nature, Thor does understand the benefit of education, in general. He's just... bad at it. He tries, he really does, but books and lectures just bore him to tears. Loki can do the classroom-learning, here, and that's enough for him. He'll stick to meeting people in person.]

Precisely. Perhaps he'll uncover something we don't know, as well. Who can say what nuggets of wisdom will come out of schooling here?

I am entirely certain he will, the way he studies. He will certainly learn more than I ever will! I am just happy that he has found himself a task where he is comfortable and entertained, and gainfully engaged.

[Not so much with pay, or anything, but it's "gainful" in that it's productive.]

So I must bring him to you to examine, you say? If you would rather, you can come by here. I have had some small lessoning in how to prepare a meal, perhaps you can come and share one with us.

That would be alright, certainly. If he's amenable to it, of course.

Please, let me know.

Of course. Expect to hear from me in a day or two, then, once I've caught my brother in an amenable mood.

[Which is harder than it sounds, sometimes, hence the full day or two he expects.]

In the meantime-- take care, Lady Selene. It it good to see you well.