four breaks of the stone

[craggyfaced]

[The journals begins by dictating the sound of heavy boot steps crunching over the January snow, as if perhaps this might be one of those random entries.

A few seconds later, however, sounding rather hesitant, is a gruff voice addressing the page.]

Ahem. Since it is evident to me that I will not be returning home immediately, I suppose it it best for me to get some manner of work her in Paradisa - unfortunately the Peace Patrol, worthy effort though it is - does not pay anything. I wondered if anyone could recommend a place that would need help?

Ah. Also, this may be an odd request, but might there be a place where I might be able to acquire alchemical supplies? I don't require much, but I would rather....

[The sound of walking cuts of rather sharply followed by a small sound of surprised]

It would seem the castle has taken to kidnapping animals as well...

[He doesn't sound all that displeased. It's nice to see Blackalock again]

((ooc:So yeah, Durge is in the stables and has discovered his castle gift, i.e. his warhorse. Open in person and via journal!))

Comments

[craggyfaced]

An idle curiosity. I dare say I'll be accomplished enough to do anything of note with it, let alone the Great Work.

[inafadingcrown]

The Great Work? What, pray tell, is that? [You've got her insanely curious.]

[craggyfaced]

To transform simple lead into pure gold, my lady. It represents the ultimate mastery and understanding of all alchemical processes.

[inafadingcrown]

I would not have thought it possible.

[craggyfaced]

So it is said. I am not a master myself by any stretch of the imagination, but properties of earths and metals interest me.

[inafadingcrown]

You would enjoy the company of dwarves, or mayhaps of the Noldor, were we not so few. Though each of those peoples have more skill in shaping metals than transforming them. Still, few of world may boast a more thorough understanding of the nature of earth, stone, and metal.

[craggyfaced]

Are not the dwarves of the fey folk?

[inafadingcrown]

I fear I do not entirely know your meaning. I have heard the term, most oft used to refer to the Elves, but it is not one that we use among ourselves.

[craggyfaced]

Forgive me. In my own world, dwarves are another name for dark elfs. Is is said they are the only type of their kin that can bear the touch of iron, though they are yet of the same temperament. They bear no great love for men.

[inafadingcrown]

[She laughs] It is well you said such a thing to me and not to another of my world! Dwarves and Elves are quite different folks and little love is lost between them for the most part. I may say also that my people have no aversion to iron. Indeed, as I alluded to, the Noldor were once great smiths and craftsmen.

[craggyfaced]

Curious how similar these words are, and how different things they are to each of us.

I think I would like to meet one of your dwarves someday.

[inafadingcrown]

It is something I have noted before. Even the other Elves here oft bear little resemblance to me and mine.

[A slight chuckle] Mayhaps you will have the chance. I would not wish this place upon any, but I may think of a number of dwarves who would make fine allies here.

[craggyfaced]

Mmmmm...I shall take your word on that, my lady. Allies are a fine thing, true, but what is it we are allies against?

[inafadingcrown]

Against whatever force holds sway over this world. I have not yet resigned myself to a lifetime of being subject to the whims of another.

[Oh, speaking of the castle's whims... Her voice softens a bit.] Whilst my mind is on this matter, I would thank you for the kindness you showed to me sometime ago. I was subject to what many here call a "loss" and spent nigh a week revisiting my childhood. I was called Artanis in my youth, so you would not have known me.

[craggyfaced]

The child was you?

[inafadingcrown]

She was.

[craggyfaced]

Then I am even more glad I was able to ensure your safety that day.

I did not know that castle had such power.

[inafadingcrown]

I have encountered few powers greater.

[craggyfaced]

I know I should not question it, considering that it brought all of us here, but even with all that I have seen, my lady, I have trouble understanding it.

[inafadingcrown]

As do I. As do most here.