Asgard Inbox

[demonicbeauty]

State your business with Ariadne...

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OOC: This post is an in-character inbox for anyone wishing to contact the character, Araidne, for asgardchrysalis. To contact the mun, please PM this journal or send a private plurk to wizera.

Comments

written in a bold, clear hand and finished with a smiling half-moon seal

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey
To Ms. Ariadne, of Signe's Cottage

My dear --

I hope you do not find it too presumptuous that I have addressed you so. Nor that I have written you this letter, when we have but spoken just the once.

I have, as you might have guessed, remembered our conversation and here it is. Your very first letter. Unless of course someone else has since instead had the honor. In which case I hope you will humor my ramblings nonetheless.

During our first conversation I perhaps neglected to introduce myself properly, which was no fault but my own, and I shall endeavor to correct this oversight post haste. I have given you my name -- John Grey. It is in fact in full John William Bertram Armstrong Grey, son of Gerard, Duke of Pardloe and Earl of Melton. I do have one older brother who has since inherited the title, which is why the proper address is "Lord" John, which you correctly guessed no doubt by the impeccable manners that my schoolmaster beat into me as a young boy.

I was so fascinated by your own career I further neglected to introduce my own. I am, I am sorry to say, a career soldier. I last served as Lieutenant Colonel in His Majesty's Royal Army, though I have since resigned my commission to spend time with family. An action I did not find so difficult at the time, though I am still coming to terms with it even now.

Perhaps you find it the same, difficult to find where you fit in, in a world where your role in life is no longer necessary?

Forgive me, I did not mean to take such a melancholy turn. I hope this letter finds you well. If you should like to send a return letter, you may find my address below. Though of course I will not hold you to it.

My good wishes to you on this day,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Written in plain, utilitarian handwriting. No seal, but left with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

I was entirely pleased to discover your letter. You'll forgive me if in my haste to return it, my hand is not quite as formal or as pretty as you may be used to. I was taught to read and write by missionaries who favored function over fashion. For a while, I attempted to learn some calligraphy, but I think I must lack the patience for it. Always in a hurry to go from one thing to the next. A trait that made me the devious child in my family.

It was a large family, at that. I can't imagine what it must have been like, growing up with only one brother. I'd like to learn more about yours sometime, assuming it's not a sore subject. Although I haven't a noble bone in my body, I know that the issue of inheritance can be difficult in some noble families. Forgive me if I speak out of turn. One sees a lot, living in a palace.

I would also love to hear more about the army. I imagine it's very different from the one back home.

For what it's worth, I know how it feels to find yourself superfluous. I'm struggling with it here, although I've started a garden, which occupies some of my time. I'm sure you cannot possibly inhabit a role in life that's no longer necessary. Not as long as you have your family. But if you're ever looking for ways to fill your days here, try building something. The gods--particularly Honir--seem to like it when we do.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

in the same hand, with the same seal

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus
To Ariadne, late of Valeria

My dear --

There is nothing to forgive, neither in the haste of your letter nor in the hand with which it is written. My own merely was derived from many a carefully tutored year, and a great deal of practice besides.

Nor do you speak out of turn. I welcome your curiosity, and your conversation, and I am happy to give you further detail of their character. I was not so lucky as to be joined by any of their number in this city, though I keep telling myself that perhaps that is for the best. Best that it is only myself, if the rest of them might remain safe and happy in their normal lives.

But I digress. I do, in fact, have three brothers, as my mother had been married once before. I do not know my stepbrothers Paul and Edgar all that well, however, as they are sixteen and thirteen years my senior, and we were raised in separate households. My brother Harold -- Hal, is still nine years older than myself, and remarkably similar in countenance, though I am told I am the spitting image of my father. I cannot say for certain, as I am sorry to say that he passed away when I was but a boy of twelve. Hal is doing his duty to carry the family name and has produced with his wife Minnie three sons and one daughter, and I do believe that she will cut him at the knees if they are to have any more. A day spent as Uncle John with Benjamin, Adam, Henry, and Dottie is perhaps even more taxing on the body than a day spent in drills. Was your family much larger than that? I cannot imagine how you might have had the energy.

Not knowing what the army is like where you are from, I cannot speak in any certainty of their differences. But I am happy to answer any questions that you might have on the subject. I fear there is far too much to write in one single letter, though I am willing to speak of it as much as I can.

You had sent with your letter a sprig of what I do believe to be rosemary. Did you grow that yourself in this garden of yours? A garden is quite a useful way to turn your hand. I fear my own skills are somewhat less so, and mostly contained to the gentlemanly sports of hunting, horseback riding, and fencing.

Perhaps there will be something for me yet. For now, it would seem, I write letters. For now, I remain,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

This time with a bundle of raspberry leaves

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

Three brothers. Now that's a much more familiar story. Although I'm sorry to hear you're not close to two of them, although I can understand how the differences in age can be complicating factors. And nieces and nephews too! I have to admit, I'm a little jealous. Although I had many brothers and sisters, I never had a niece or nephew. I think I would have made a good aunt, though. No doubt, I can be just as wide-eyed as a child. You must have some fun adventures with them. And just think of the stories you'll be able to take back home with them, if there's ever a way.

As for the army, I could go on for days and days about knights, their armor, their swords. But I'm not sure I could ever give you a clear picture of what a soldier's life is like. To be honest, things back home are complicated by the fact that we're under siege. Most of our knights are fortifying the walls and preparing for the worst, these days. I'm sure it wasn't always like this. There was nobility and gallantry once. But it's hard not to think of these days as the end times. A final stand against the tyranny of a man who we call "the Red Dragon."

I have no kind words for him.

But to continue answering your last letter, yes, that was rosemary. And with it this one are raspberry leaves. The healers back home used them to treat an upset stomach. And to sweeten the air. All from my garden.

You mentioned hunting and fencing. I think there are many here who could benefit from learning these skills. Horseback riding too, I suppose. Although, I'll admit, I have a terrible fear of horses. Still, we'll all have to learn to ride, won't we? If we want to go places.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

some day he will send her a gift as well, he promises

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus
To Ariadne, Sigyn's Cottage

My dear --

I am sorry. It sounds most dire, the circumstances from which you have been brought to us. Forgive me if my questions ask too much of you -- you need not answer anything you do not wish to share.

I am no knight myself, but instead an artillery officer. Which is to say that I have trained to know it all. Sword fighting, horseback riding, guns, cannons, the lot of it. It is a nasty business, being a soldier, though I am afraid to say that I took to it rather well. Perhaps it was the structure that spoke to me. Perhaps the camaraderie. I cannot say for certain, though I will say that I resigned my commission in the army several years before it was that I arrived here in Asgard.

I am afraid I have not been entirely forthright with you, and I hope you might be able to forgive me for this grievance as well, for I have already become quite fond of our exchange. Though I would be doing us both a disservice if I did not explain to you further the circumstances for which I resigned.

I have a step-son, you see. His name is William, and although he has only been mine for but two years I love him very much. He is eight years old and an absolute terror, but we are working on his manners. Or at least we were. I am afraid it's all very complicated.

He is not my blood, you see, but my wife, Isobel's. But he is not her child either, but her sister's, who died giving birth to him. Unfortunately William's father died that very same day and while he inherited his father's title, he was raised by my wife's family from birth. They were very kind to me as a young man, you understand, nearly adopting me as their son themselves. So when Isobel's father fell sick and died, rather than letting the estate fall into ruin, I married her.

And here we are. That was most certainly more than you ever wished to know about my personal life so I had better put away my pen before I scrap this letter entirely. Thank you for the raspberry leaf, I shall use it well. And I remain as before,

Your ob't servant,John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three  

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

I can't think of anything more important than a person's personal life. I'm sorry you didn't tell me sooner. I think I've been asking all of the wrong questions!

You must start by telling me all about your [there's a word that's been written and scratched out, possibly "mate"] wife. Isobel is a beautiful name. And if she's taken the responsibility of raising her sister's child, she must have a very beautiful soul, to go with it. As someone who was adopted at a young age, I admire people who are willing to care so deeply. I admire them very, very much.

Which, I suppose, means I have something new to admire in you as well.

But back to Isobel, you must tell me all about her. What was your courtship like? I've read all kinds of nonsense stories about magic potions and love-at-first-sight, but I'm sure that can't be how it really works. Forgive me for prying, but I know very little about matters of love and marriage, apart from what I saw from my parents in my childhood. I'm always curious about these things.

You must miss her so terribly.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

oh good lord what has he gotten himself into now

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus
To Ariadne, Sigyn's Cottage

My dear --

It would be my pleasure to tell you about Isobel. She is a very sweet woman, and an excellent mother to William. It is a pity that she lost her brother and sister both in such a way as she did.

We have been acquainted for a long time now. I myself but a young man in the army, and Isobel little more than a child. I wish I could share with you the long, romantic courtship you are no doubt looking to hear of, but I suppose you might say that our marriage simply made sense. They needed me. And I was there. An officer could have no better wife than Isobel Dunsany.

And a man could have no better son than young Willie. Though perhaps I am biased in such matters. It is true that I do miss Isobel. Though I must confess that it is my son who occupies my thoughts. He is still yet so young, and he has already lost so much. I am sorry to think that I may now be adding to that list.

But that is quite a lot about myself. You were adopted you say? As a man with an adopted son, I would be quite curious to hear more of your experiences as such.

With much curiosity, I remain,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

A FRIENDSHIP!!!

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

I'm glad to hear that you and Isobel are a good fit. Living in a palace, I've seen more than my fair share of arranged marriages. What I haven't seen are happy ones. For the most part, anyway. I'm sure there must have been an exception or two to the rule, but I can't really remember any.

I should apologize, though. I can only imagine how much you must miss your son. I didn't mean to scratch up any bad feelings. If I did, I'm sorry. But should you ever need to talk about him. Well. Obviously, I'd love to hear more.

As for my adoption, there really isn't much to tell. After I lost my family, I was taken in by my aunt, the royal translator. Her name is Alyssa, although everyone calls her "Lysia." I was ten years old when I came to live with her. I'm not sure she knew what she was getting herself into, taking in such a wild child. But we love each other, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters, isn't it?

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

he needs friends :c perhaps she can tell from his letters but he is lonely......

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus
To Ariadne, Sigyn's Cottage

My dear --

I am certain she did not know what it was she was getting herself into. Speaking from experience, having married into a family with a young child, I definitely did not know what I was getting into myself, even despite the fact that I knew young William very well. There is a difference between being aware of a child and being responsible for them. Though perhaps in Willie's case it was best I stepped in when I did. His aunt and his grandmother spoiled him rotten, and the pair of them together were wrapped so tight around his little finger the process of removing them was nearly as painful to me as it was to the rest of the lot involved. Only our groomsman seemed capable of keeping him in line.

He had been here, in fact, for a little while at least. Perhaps you had met the man? Jamie Fraser was his name. Very tall, very ginger, and very, very Scots. 

Do not regret your curiosity or your questions, my dear. If you strike a nerve then I will tell you so. But I think it does me good to speak of such things with another. I have spent too long with only myself for company. And if you are indeed interested to know the answers, more's the better.

For such reasons I will tell you that I miss him terribly. And Hal and Minnie and the children. I miss the life I knew, though I find myself wondering whether how much further it will pass me by, the longer I spend my time here. If Isobel thinks me dead and marries again, I have no claim to his relation. She is at least his aunt by blood. Who am I?

Forgive me for my melancholy. I shall end this letter here and promise you a better letter when next I write. For now, I remain,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three  

a new letter chain because why not

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey
To Ms. Ariadne, of Signe's Cottage

My dear --

I hope this letter finds you in good health. With the state of the city dissolving into what it was, I think we both might be forgiven for not writing in some time. Now that the dust is settling once more I hope that we might be able to resume once more.

How are you, my dear? How did you fare, during the siege? Please do write me back. I fear I may just try and invite myself to your door if not, and that would hardly be seemly, under the circumstances.

Though it would be good to see you again and know that you are well.

I will keep this brief for now, and indeed remain,

Your ob't servant,
John Grey
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

I'm afraid that I can't really speak to the siege.

I left the village. It was probably not the smartest decision I've ever made, but I felt compelled to do something. As a military man, I'm sure you can understand the impulse.

Before you get concerned, I'll add that I'm perfectly fine. Quite a few of my traveling companions were hurt (for lack of a better term), but I got by with little more than a few bumps and bruises.

And you? Are you all right?

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey
To Ms. Ariadne, of Signe's Cottage

My dear --

Indeed, I do understand the sentiment. I was in the fight myself, and as such, am grateful to hear that you were not injured. Those creatures were not natural, and even the more experienced soldiers among us are still not infallible.

I thank you for your concern. I too find myself having come to no great harm. A few cuts and scrapes, but such can be expected, from a battle.

But my dear, it was a dangerous choice that you made in doing so. Have you any training, against such circumstances? With any weapons? I sincerely hope that it was not just luck that kept you from harm.

Allow me to know if you have need for anything at all.

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

I'm curious about a term you used in your last letter. "Not natural." While I agree that the creatures we fought were horrific and monstrous, I'm curious about where you draw the line between natural and unnatural. I suppose it must be different in every world. So I suppose my question is more about how your world defines such things, rather than you personally. But I'm eager for the education. I find everyone here is terribly different about nearly everything. It can be hard to keep it all straight.

I've trained with a sling my whole life. I suppose that doesn't answer your question. I'm not sure any of us were prepared for the circumstances we faced. But honestly, the sling served me well, especially when I was able to pair it with those--

I'm sorry, I've forgotten the word people were using for them.

They were shaped like apples, but if you turned a switch on top, they would explode.

Well, at any rate, they had some wonderful heft to them.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage
Reply to this Th

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey
To Ms. Ariadne, of Signe's Cottage

My dear --

I suppose that it is different in every world. But in this instance I did mean that if you stab another person with a blade, they do not usually carry on as if you have merely inconvenienced them. I do not know the entire explanation of those creatures, but I have fought in enough battles to have found the experience highly disturbing. I myself am not nearly as resilient, much to my chagrin, and I found the experience most unnatural.

Ah, perhaps you are speaking of the grenades? They were a bit different in my experience -- though I am finding most things are. But the concept is the same. You light the fuse and then toss them at your enemy and hope for the best.

I myself was an artillery man. Have I told you thus before? About the canons?

If you are interested, I shall, though I will not bore you with the details otherwise. For now, I am grateful that you were not out there unprotected, and indeed I remain,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

Grenades! Yes! That was the word. My aunt would be mortified to see me forgetting new words so quickly, but under the circumstances, I didn't really have time to examine the etymology of the phrase, much less remember it, I guess. I won't forget again.

We have something similar back home, although I've never really meddled with it. In general, I find explosions to be counterproductive, more than anything else. This battle was definitely an exception to the rule, however.

I don't think you've mentioned cannons before. I would love to hear more. As you know, I have no experience in sailing. Everything I know about ships and the sea just come from stories and songs. I find personal accounts much more interesting.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

[iustise]

From Lord John Grey
To Ms. Ariadne, of Signe's Cottage

My dear --

I cannot speak for your aunt, but I for one will not fault you for misplacing the term, given the circumstances.

Though if you do not like explosions, you will probably not find canonfire particularly satisfying either. That is to say that canons are essentially controlled explosion. I will not bore you with the exact details but the use of it involves firing a ball out of the gun using black powder, which does explode when it is lit with a slow match, and fires the ball off out of the gun with a tremendous sound. There is a lot of other less exciting maintenance involved of course, such as cleaning the gun between each firing to be certain the whole thing doesn't explode at the wrong moment. Speaking from experience, you do NOT want your gun exploding on you.

As for sailing, I'm afraid I was in the army. Though I did serve abroad and thus needed to take a ship in order to get there. No sea combat, but there was a lot of sailing involved. Several months of it even, when I went to fight in Canada. Though I can tell you from experience that sailing such a distance as that is not an experience I should like to repeat any time soon.

I am no doubt making a muddle of this, and thus shall stop now before I make things worse. I am, as always,

Your ob't. servant,
John William Grey, Esq.
Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

[demonicbeauty]

From Ariadne of Valeria
To Lord John Grey, Heimdallhaus, Block One, House Three

Good Sir--

It's funny, but I've always associated cannons with ships. I suppose because of the tales we used to hear as children about pirates. By the time I came of age, of course, pirates were just a distant memory and the seas were controlled, instead, by the Red Dragon's navy. They didn't make much use of their cannon, I suppose because no one tried to sail past them in a boat large enough for them to hit.

Some Human armies tried traveling with cannons once or twice, but being that most of the Red Dragon's soldiers were Elves, such weapons hardly stood much of a chance.

Time is a precious commodity in battle. And a luxury you can scarcely afford when Elves are raining down fire on your location.

But enough of my confusion.

Canada? And why wouldn't you want to sail again? It sounds like it would be beautiful, nothing around you but the sea.

Sincerely,

Ariadne
Sigyn's Cottage

backdated to when Peter was super sad and she was visiting!!! | Benatar

[amongfriends]

People are concerned about Peter. They have every right to be. What Peter had to do on that battlefield would be difficult for anyone. A man as sensitive as her partner should not be forced to hurt his friends much less kill them. Another comes by as Gamora works on cleaning the ship. She doesn't check to see if Peter talks to them or not. She does offer a nod of greeting when they do leave later, wiping her hands before speaking up.

"How are you?" They're all struggling. Now the only thing she can think to do is lend some of her strength to whoever needs it. That is what she is best at these days.

[demonicbeauty]

Peter hadn't been in much of a talking mood. Ariadne respected that. And after leaving him a small basket of strawberries from her garden, she prepared to depart. Of course, leaving was a lengthy process, right now. She wrapped a blanket around her shoulders to hide her arms. And pulled a heavy hood over her head, trying to hide her hair. A lot of people in Asgard were tolerant of her skin.

Some might not be.

She hadn't completely made up her mind how much of herself she wanted to share. Even the fact that she was considering it was extraordinary. But today wasn't the day for decisions.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard the question and turned around. The second her eyes landed on the other woman, she knew three things right away. First, she wasn't an Alastrian. That was absolutely clear. Second, this was her territory and Ariadne was a guest in it. Third. Well. Obviously. "You must be Gamora."

[amongfriends]

She can't even be surprised at this point. Gamora is positive that Peter has told absolutely everyone in this city about her. She's equally sure they must see her in those same rose-colored glasses Peter has. She isn't quite sure how to feel about that so she rolls with it as gracefully as one can.

Her tone is flat, but there is just enough wry amusement underneath to be picked up on. "You've listened to one of Peter's stories." He does have a way of painting a picture with words. It's another thing she loves about him.

[demonicbeauty]

"Quite a lot of them, actually," she said, dipping into a respectful curtsy. "I especially like the ones he tells about the talking tree."

She was immediately keen on making Gamora liked her. Partly because she mattered so much to Peter. And partly because...well. It wasn't fair to judge on appearances, of course. But she was green. Maybe they weren't the same, but that didn't mean they couldn't have a kinship. Be cousins, of sorts. Like the Humans and Darucs back home.

It was nice to think of, anyway.

She stood up again, pulling the hood off of her hair. "Although none of his stories quite compare to the ones he tells about you. His eyes sort of...light up."

[amongfriends]

She's measuring Ariadne up carefully until the moment that hood comes down. Gamora's eyes widen briefly. It's been a while since she's seen anyone who comes close to looking like her. It's just skin. She knows on sight this woman is not one of her people. It's still enough to catch her off guard for a moment. She rallies quickly because Ariadne is talking about her favorite subject outside of sharp objects: her family.

Gamora dips her head respectfully once the shock wears off, smile creeping out despite that stoic demeanor. "He is a starry-eyed fool." She says it with clear affection. She briefly hesitates before asking, "Would you like to stay a little longer? I can make you something to drink." She can play host when the situation calls for it. She thinks it does with Peter needing time to recover.

[demonicbeauty]

A starry-eyed fool.

That may or may not have been, but Ariadne was hardly thinking of Peter, when Gamora said it. It was like a blow to her system. Not painful, just shocking. She knew Gamora would look like an Alastrian. Peter had made that very clear. But she hadn't expected her to sound so very much like her mother.

But Gamora had the same mastery of affectionate skepticism that Rotspine had, particularly when speaking about her own mate, Ariadne's father.

It was a powerful pull, even more so than appearances.

Ariadne had to know this woman.

"I would love a drink," she replied. "Thank you."

[amongfriends]

Gamora gestures for her to follow. She realizes a couple steps towards the direction of their kitchen area that she's relieved. She wants the other woman to stay. Maybe it's the resemblance to her people or maybe she's lonely. Who knows? She decides not to question it; just walk at a steady pace and keep her eyes trained ahead.

"We don't have anything stronger than tea." She warns if only because she used to live with people who hate that very much.

[demonicbeauty]

Ariadne laughed. "I grew up among Elves," she said. "I've developed a taste for tea." It would never be her favorite thing, to be sure. But in its own way, it now reminded her of home. Or her second home. "I'm actually thinking of growing some in my garden. At the very least, some maiden tea."

Which was...not the best way to start a conversation with a near stranger.

Somehow, it was Peter's fault. Ariadne was so comfortable with him, she felt like she already knew Gamora.

Both her mother and Aunt Alyssa would have been appalled. Fortunately, they weren't here.

She looked around the kitchen, to avoid embarrassment. Actually, kitchens were something a bit exotic to her. Alastrians didn't use them, after all. And Ariadne had been somewhat banned from the palace kitchen in Valeria. One little, tiny fire...