video | username; sieglindesullivan

[grunehexe]

Ahem.

[The video reveals a rather proper looking young girl (ignore the old blood stains on her dress), sat in front of a rather impressive sprawl of vials, jars, and herbs.]

I am Sieglinde Sullivan, and though I have made some of your acquaintances, there are far more of you than one can expect me to know- so please consider this my formal introduction.

[She pauses, until. Yes, that's right, no one could reply yet.]

My true purpose in contacting you all is to find out who among you is capable of healing, whether that be in the scientific or magical sense. I am aware of some of you, but I could use some assistance in the production of potions and salves if there are any among you competent with such things.

Even someone unskilled could be of use if you are willing to learn and have a steady hand.

I would also appreciate the chance to speak more leisurely with those who may have knowledge of healing methods different from those of my own.

I await your contact with pleasure.

Comments

video (username: merlin)

[servant]

[He's trying to ignore the bloodstains, really. But then she goes on to say that she's a healer, and it makes a little more sense to him.]

Uhm, I could maybe help. I lived with the court physician and helped him on a daily basis, including gathering herbs for him.

[Merlin hesitates, chewing on his bottom lip for a moment. He's already been found out, but it's still hard.]

I also know a little about healing with magic.

[grunehexe]

[Not here, don't worry! She's just... Really bad at cleaning unless it's actually sterilizing her tools. - though that is a rather suspect username there, sir... Surely he's too youthful for that, though. Of course.]

If you have prior knowledge that would be most useful- the apothecary in the market is decent, but their supplies run low in these troubled times. And I'm afraid my mobility is limited and excursions somewhat difficult as often as I would like.

[But he did say the "m" word...]

What school of magic do you belong, then?

[servant]

So you need a dogsbody? [But he grins, because it's familiar work.] Yeah, I'd be glad to help. I'm used to being on my feet.

[Her next question catches him off-guard though, and his uncertain reaction could easily be mistaken for lying.]

I don't belong to any school.

[grunehexe]

I need someone able bodied who knows the difference between bishop's lace and hemlock, at any rate.

[Luckily for him Sieglinde is naive enough not to suspect a lie in favor of other explanations]

Self-taught, then? There is no shame in such a thing.

[servant]

[Merlin pulls a face at that.]

Oh no, you definitely don't want to mix those two up.

[He doesn't even want to think about hemlock.]

Sort of? I've been studying a book for the past couple of years, but I could move things and the like since I was born.

[grunehexe]

Definitely not.

[Though between the two, she makes more use of the hemlock.]

Move them, you say? How so?

[By power of thought alone? Gesture? Verbal command???!]

[servant]

[Merlin's used it just the once. And it was more than enough.]

It just sort of happened. But I've been able to harness it better ever since I came to Camelot. I've learned some healing spells, among other things.

[grunehexe]

[HOLD UP]

Did you say "Camelot"?

[servant]

Yeah. Have you heard of it?

[It is a pretty big deal within the Five Kingdoms.]

[grunehexe]

If it is the Camelot of King Arthur's court, then, yes. Many have in my world.

[and his username? She's ready to flip out at any moment]

[servant]

King Arthur?

[Now it's his turn to be surprised and just a tad confused.]

No, Uther's the king. Arthur's the prince.

[grunehexe]

Uther Pendragon?

[Keep calm, Sieglinde, this isn't a book this is a man's life!!!!]

I believe this may be a case of people hailing from different "times"... Those of my world know of Camelot from tales and song.

[servant]

Right...

[Merlin knew this sort of thing could happen. He really shouldn't be surprised that it's happening to him. After all, Arthur has a destiny to live up to, one that likely would inspire poets and bards.

And speaking of destiny...]

...But Arthur does become king in your world?

[He shouldn't ask. Knowing the future's a scary thing, but he can't resist.]

[grunehexe]

The greatest of kings, it is said.

[Normally she would feel more apprehensive about discussing such a thing- she has the werewithal, young as she is, to think about the possibility of risks when dealing with "time"- if that's what this was. But didn't the tales say it was something Arthur knew from the moment he pulled the sword from the stone? So it was not so bad to say he would do well...

But perhaps details of the end tales were best kept to herself unless asked.]

... Alongside several other famous Knights. A wizard as well.

[But her image of Merlin had always been... Older...]

[servant]

[The greatest of kings. There's a wistful little smile on Merlin's lips at that. Sure, Arthur can be a prat sometimes, but Merlin no longer doubts that he'll make a good king, braver and kinder and wiser than his father.]

What, a wizard? [That's the part that throws him. Can Arthur really be that different from his father? Maybe there's hope.] Do you know his name?

[grunehexe]

[She hesitates just slightly, unsure due to his age- she'd always imagined Merlin a grown man of some years when Arthur was not yet King, but... Tales weren't always one hundred percent true, of course. And he asked.]

Merlin.

[She'll just wait expectantly for his reaction.]

[servant]

[There isn't any reaction, at least not at first. Merlin's too surprised by it, almost numbed. She surely saw his username, of course. There's really nothing that she couldn't have pieced together from what he told her, but-

He exhales, his breath shuddering. His entire thin frame is trembling somewhat.]

Er...it's a nice tale. I wish I could believe it.

[grunehexe]

It is a very popular one, yes.

[She did so want to press it, ask more questions... But the way he reacts sombers her, and she keeps her mouth shut. Maybe persecution of magic wasn't just part of her own world's nature? It could be anything, really, and as curious as she was, the last thing she wanted to do was dredge up painful memories.]

I could tell you about it another time, if you wished.

[servant]

I would like that.

[Even if it's a lot to take in at once, the more it sinks in, the more questions he'll have too.]

Maybe while I'm assisting you, if you're still looking for someone.

[grunehexe]

I am, in fact.

[After all, if he truly was Merlin...]

Since our worlds may differ, perhaps we may learn from each other.

[servant]

[Merlin's smile is a little bit relieved, and he nods his agreement.]

I'd like that. I'll be ready to start whenever you are.

[Anyone who knew him might say that he's never been so eager to work before.]

[grunehexe]

[She likes the sound of this!!!]

Are you available this day? I've several solutions I'd like to begin as soon as possible.

[servant]

Yeah, sure. No time like the present, yeah?

Where should I meet you?

[grunehexe]

I keep a room above the apothecary in the western market. I will alight and meet you in front?

[Stairs are something of a natural enemy of hers but she doesn't want him to miss it... !]

[servant]

Shouldn't be any problem to find. I'll be right over.

[He starts to head off, but then he pops off.]

What's your name?