5th Gate

[peacockherald]

[Well, residents. It is time for that question that seems to pop up at least once a month or at least several times a year when a holiday comes around. You all know that question. The question from the poor souls who have no idea what it is all the fuss is about, and not sure they want to know. But being as they don't want to be caught unawares, they ask anyways.]

I have been hearing chatter about this and have read some of it in some quite old entries in the journal, but... What, precisely, is Valentine's Day? 

Comments

[peacockherald]

Maybe somewhere in town? I need to pick up a few things and Yfandes needs to stretch her legs.

[solar_absorber]

Alright, I'll meet you there.

[peacockherald]

Excellent. I can be there in a few minutes.

_{[There is shuffling in the background, the jingle of something, and then the soft chime of Yfandes' hooves.]}

[solar_absorber]

I'll see you then.

[Since he's on foot and coming from the castle, it takes him awhile to get there. But he notices Vanyel and Yfandes almost instantly.]

Vanyel! Over here.

[peacockherald]

_{[He smiles, raising his hand back in greeting and dismounting, walking with Yfandes over to Apollo.]}

Good to see you, Apollo.

_{[Yfandes snorted her like sentiments.]}

[solar_absorber]

It's good to see you two as well.

[He pats Yfandes on the nose.]

Hello sweetheart. You been keeping him out of trouble?

[peacockherald]

_{[Yfandes rolled her eyes and Vanyel chuckled.]}

I am glad you and your husband made it through all that happened well. Paradisa would seem lonely otherwise.

[solar_absorber]

I'm glad you two made it as well. Though I doubt this place could seem lonely. It's full of people.

Seems we get more by the day.

[peacockherald]

True, I have been noticing that trend. It is... worrisome.

[solar_absorber]

You think it could mean the castle is getting stronger?

[It was a thought he'd been chewing on since every thing went crazy.]

[peacockherald]

Possibly, or.. preparing for something.

[solar_absorber]

I can't decide which I think is worse.

[peacockherald]

I think preparing for something is the worse. It means something is coming, but we have no idea what or why or when.

[solar_absorber]

Either way, the castle gains more power, leaving us that much more powerless against it.

[peacockherald]

Even so, I worry for what it might be preparing for than its power at the moment. If we do not survive the coming encounter, it will not matter.

[solar_absorber]

Well, we don't even know for sure that anything is coming, so there's no need to go into panic mode. We just need to be alert.

[He glances at Yfandes.]

What are the lady's thoughts on all this?

[peacockherald]

_{[There is a pause, Vanyel's eyes glazed as he listened and then - ]}

She agrees with us both. No need to panic, but no need to not be cautious and try and be as prepared as possible.

[solar_absorber]

[He nods and smiles at Yfandes.]

Sounds like a plan we can get behind.

[peacockherald]

_{[Yfandes snorted, bobbing her head in agreement and Vanyel laughed, stroking her neck.]}

I wonder if there is a way to put basic procedures in place - like where those less capable of fighting could go and where those capable of should go to.

[solar_absorber]

I don't know. The last time we had a battle here, all the kids and non-fighter types were left in the castle while the rest of us were out in the line of fire.

[peacockherald]

I suppose it would change depending on threat. I just.. it would make me feel better if there was some sort of safe-house they could go to - because what happens if the front line falls?

[solar_absorber]

Well, if there's a safe house around I haven't heard about it. Maybe it's something we should ask around about.

[peacockherald]

I would like to. If nothing else, perhaps myself and some of the other magic users can create one.

[solar_absorber]

There's a possibility. Have you met any of the other magic users?

[peacockherald]

Felix, mostly, but I know there are more.