[ As soon as the lockets go down, there are signs and posters plastered around Caer Glaem and the outside areas of the White Citadel, advertising the following; Dorian Gray and Hermione Granger's new business, Artefacta, selling communication devices, potions and magical enchantments for anyone in need.
When the swans migrate into the main body of the Drabworld Hermione will go out to try and take down a few herself - she can be found doing it in lioness form, mostly, letting her larger hands and claws do the work for her - it's less messy, at least, especially when they turn into gold and leave her free to shove them into an enchanted bag. Anyone that needs help with their own attempts to gather swans need only ask for her and she'll come.
During time where she isn't brewing or making compasses, Hermione can be found in her usual haunts - around Caer Glaem, the Citadel (mostly the libraries) and in the Greenwoods - or, if you're around, she can be found wandering around Nimh Gleanne with Padfoot at her side, who is always happy to run ahead and lick at the hands of strangers. ]
[Gilgamesh has little interest in trinkets, truthfully; he hadn't used the locket much up until now, had always relied on strength of will to make his voice heard, but it's a big world, indeed. It's also a world that disobeys and punishes him at every turn, and with politics here so reliant upon communication...
Well, it's easy to see what's drawn him to Hermione's side today.]
Oh? All by your lonesome, young lady?
[...spying a pretty girl putting up posters on the castle wall is what's drawn him to Hermione's side today. He hasn't actually read any. At least he threw a shirt on for this encounter?]
[ Hermione isn't having too much trouble with her posters, really. A quick levitation charm and a bit of a sticking spell and things are going well. Hopefully, people will start stopping by and seeking out either herself or Dorian to try and start things going.
The voice makes her turn and she tilts her head, offering a smile. ]
Oh, I'm just outside to put these up, I'm hardly alone.
[ She shakes her head, though, sliding her wand up her sleeve. ]
There's only one left. No need to go out of your way, really.
[Gilgamesh is no stranger to magic, but he's never quite seen it cast this way. Simplistic as it is, the spell catches his attention, and he watches the poster float and seal itself into place with a flick of her wand. The casual familiarity of it tips him off that she's talented, indeed.
That and he's a natural bloodhound for any form of mana. Though he politely refrains from snacking on her, stepping up to the poster instead.]
Interesting... so it's his hand in this too, hm? [Glancing back over at her.] What do you make of that man? Dorian Gray.
[ Her eyes flicker up and over the poster, the nicely designed colours and the message of ease nudging them towards either of them for more information. The question doesn't surprise her, as she imagines anyone would want to know more about the people on the poster, but he seems like he knows Dorian already. ]
I like him. He's been nothing but good to me - and he's incredibly smart and talented.
[ She isn't sure why the stranger seems so... Particular about him. ]
[Gilgamesh's catty grin suggests that the innuendo was very much intended, but he's breezing past it fast and turning his attention upon Hermione faster still. He studies her through bright, lively eyes, countenance chipper.
They're also very, very red and very, very arresting, in a way that could also be said is quite Particular.]
That leaves one Hermione Granger. I don't believe we're acquainted, so you may call me Gilgamesh.
[ She frowns, feeling something flush over her cheeks before she stands up a little taller, lifting her chin and crossing her arms over her chest. He's certainly... Unique, but she'd doing what she can to not let that bother her.
[5,000 years of immortal life, and women still huffed and puffed exactly the same way since the dawn of civilization. He laughs a little, but he does take the hand in good spirit, tracing fingers over her palm.]
Ah, so it is! Magic flows strong within your blood. I thought as much, but yours is... different, you might say.
[Giving a tap, tap with the pad of a finger, a pleasant warmth spreads from Hermione's hand to her wrist. Magic of a "different" sort, too, not so practiced and refined. Raw and pure and deeper than the core of any mere wand.]
That must've been your catalyst just now. And your specialty must be alchemy and transference. Correct?
[ She stares at her hand as the feeling of warmth spreads along her skin, her eyes widening a little before she jerks her head up. It's different from her own, vastly, and she shakes her head, as curious as she is on edge. ]
My world is probably a bit different than yours. The magic is unique compared to others.
[ The power of it makes her want to ask a thousand more questions, to learn more about the things from his world. ]
My wand? Yes. I don't really have a speciality, but my favourite magic was always charms and enchantments.
[Gilgamesh quietly registers Hermione under the ever esteemed category of adequate sources for emergency mana. Also known as: food. Continuing to smile with all pleasantness, he lets go.]
A worthy field of study, yes, among the many that exist.
[To the poster, he gives a knock, knock with those same fingers. A golden glow surrounds its edges, and its surface sparkles with a fine sheen. He looks pleased with his work, beginning to read its fine print.]
Now, let us see... one gold coin for services rendered... these compasses look useful. What of those?
[ She tilts her head, curious even as he lets go, crossing her arms again. She could go off and lose herself in talking about magic, so it's a good idea that he's only talking about it in passing. ]
It's not the thing I use most here, not really, that's reserved for potions, but my magic has been incredibly useful.
[ Looking at her poster, Hermione smiles, pleased. It's doing it's job already. ]
They're a lot like the lockets that the monarchs give us, able to access the network, but they can be used far more privately, too, and they still work even though our lockets aren't right now. I enchant them all with magic to keep them protected, too.
[No hesitation, no hard sells, no further haggling necessary. Gilgamesh consents with almost overwhelming immediacy. He leaves with clear agendas just as he arrives with them, and this meeting was no mistake... and certainly no accident.
He does hum over that price, though.]
I may compensate you through traditional means. However, I'm told that among magi, knowledge is prized above all else. And my knowledge is very valuable, you see, so if you have some degree of aptitude already, I'm curious if you might make better use of a lucrative offer best suited to a lucrative individual such as yourself.
[...which is all a very lucrative way of saying this stupid world half-bankrupted me, I'm not letting go of the other half that easily.]
[ Is that an order, she thinks? She knows this is a business and she wants customers, but she is the one with the talent and the capability to make them, alongside Dorian. Being ordered to make one doesn't sit well on her and her hands rest on her hips, mouth pursing before she breathes out.
There's no need to get into a fight about it. He wants a compass and he's rude, she can manage that. She's managed Malfoy before. ]
A trade would be fine if a gold piece is too much. What do you think you can offer, then - or, I suppose, what would you like to offer?
[ Hermione isn't really in this for the money, after all, she's in it to help people. ]
[Lia has stopped by Caer Glaem once again in her travels. She has a baby to check on, and tasks to complete, and slowly she is trying to get used to the idea that this will be home to her and she should make the best of it.
That's when she sees notices. Communication devices. Enchantments? She is terribly curious and makes it a point to stop by and speak with someone before she leaves. Of course that is more easily thought than done and eventually Lia is left trying to find the proprietress rather than a shop itself.]
Mademoiselle Hermione?
[Lia's voice is quiet, polite when she sees her in the halls because it would not do to chase her down yelling like a banshee. Decorum is necessary, even if Lia is excited.]
[ Hermione turns her head when she hears her name, her eyes widening before they soften, her expression gentling into a smile before she nods her head. It's easy for her to step forward, to ignore any kind of protocol as she moves closer to the stranger, looking less like the Marchioness she is and more like the young woman she wants to keep being.
Then, she nods, brightening. ]
That's me.
[ She tries to make herself appear as open as possible, really hoping that news of her title hasn't spread too much and that people won't be entirely worried about formality and politeness, especially with regards to her. ]
[She's young. Lia hadn't really expected that, first thing. But she smiles never the less, brightly and pleasantly but with that restrained politeness because she knows far better than to grab at ladies in hallways.
Things are different here, and that's what keeps her from a curtsy, from the cool and civil words voiced until she is acknowledged and allowed to speak more freely.
But the question makes her wonder. Of course Hermione probably had better things to do. People to see who were more in need than Lia herself, but she has come this far.]
I had seen that you are offering means of communication which are not by locket.
[It all seems so foolish now.]
If you are too busy, then of course I beg your pardon for interrupting you.
[ At barely twenty-two, turning that age later this year, Hermione knows that her age betrays her a little. No one could know, of course, that she had been fighting and playing her part since she was a little girl, that battle and defending her friends and family was almost second nature now, so she didn't blame anyone for the misconceptions that came from a youthful face.
She only hoped that, eventually, her reputation would grow and people would see a stronger side of her.
The request doesn't make her scoff or ask for the lady to come back later, of course - no! Instead, she grins, beaming and nodding her head. ]
Yes! I make and sell compasses - did you see one of our posters?
[ They're working, and she's obviously pleased. ]
I'm not busy at all. We can sit down and talk about it, if you'd like.
Yes, I did. I have been traveling and a means of communication would be most useful for my piece of mind if nothing else.
[It is not as though she could summon help instantly to her side but a question, perhaps, or to check in on a baby. It would be quite useful for something like that and Lia is obviously quite excited for that even if she is restraining herself.]
Only if I am not interrupting you. I am certain you have important business to attend, especially if it is your own.
[Sometimes there are not enough hours in a day and that is especially so for someone with demands upon her time, Lia knows.]
It's really useful, especially since the lockets have gone a little haywire. I suppose they must be linked to the monarchs, a bit like the fairy rings...
[ But that's a thought for later, she thinks, all things considered. Hermione makes a quick mental note to bring that to Dorian for research and consideration before she turns her head back to Lia. ]
You're not interrupting anything, I promise. Come on, we can go to my office and have a talk about what specifications you'd like, maybe?
I confess I have not been paying the most mind to such matters. That would make sense. A Monarch is symbolically the health of the country, are they not? In a land such as this perhaps that is literal.
[Something to consider as she travels, she thinks. She bows her head again politely and starts to walk with Hermione. They don't have giant skirts to contend with, but the gesture feels familiar from when Lia was more the lady and less the knight.]
I am travelling and there are a few I would wish to keep in touch with. It would also be nice if I had a question if I might be able to contact someone.
[Beyond the idea that hearing another voice when she's alone somewhere might be comforting.]
I try to make sure I know what's going on in as many places as possible, but it does get a little bit difficult sometimes. So much is happening all the time that keeping up can be a job all by itself.
[ Hermione still gets lost sometimes, she still finds herself buried under the weight of everything that's going on and, at times, it feels like she might be crushed under trying to be in ten different places at once.
She nods, though, stepping down through the halls and speaking as she goes. ]
Of course. If they don't have their own device from me, Dorian or someone else then there's always letters or a courier service if they're in the same court as us. Otherwise things might get a little more complicated.
I may not see much use of it but it will be nice to have, none the less. Especially if I am moving about.
[Difficult for letters to reach her. Difficult to find time and energy to write letters, even if she used to document every movement, every subtlety, and mail it all off to the King.
Hermione is young, but she walks with purpose. She has a purpose and that is certainly something Lia envies greatly since she's found herself without one in a strange land.]
I have coin but if there is anything else with which I might assist you. It can not be an easy task. You have a position, do you not?
It should work when the lockets are working too. It'll connect to their network as much as it'll work on it's own one if there's ever a problem.
[ She's proud of her compasses, proud of how they've developed from a fledgling idea so many months ago to being a product she can sell and share with people. They're not just innocent little tools anymore - they're items of worth, value, and she's encouraged to do more to expand on what she can offer.
Shaking her head, she smiles, though, brushing off the difficulty of it. The compasses are second nature to her now. ]
I do. Marchioness of the Citadel and Sorceress and Protectress. But it's fine, really, I wouldn't start up the business if I didn't think I could handle it all. If you'd rather keep your money, though, I would trade a compass for a stock of potions ingredients if that's the sort of thing you'd be interested in doing.
It would depend on what potions ingredients you would need.
[Lia knows better, by now, than to think of witches. Think of those so detached from God who sacrifice newborns or make deals you can never hope to repay. They are as far away as children's stories in a place like this. But she's still cautious, because she has a job to do and a task that can not take her too far.]
I would be grateful for one, of course. Keeping in contact can be so difficult and I should like to have no excuse to step out of it.
[She needs people around her, really. As much as she's tempted to close herself off.]
Nothing too rare, I wouldn't want to make anyone go too out of their way. The things I normally ask for are things like flowers or herbs, that grow around places that people tend to end up travelling through anyway. It keeps my stocks up and makes a nice easy trade for anyone that asks for it.
[ But she does understand. Keeping in contact with anyone in the Drabworld had been easy when the lockets had been up and working and no one was keeping a sharp eye on the people around them, but with the way things were going now, with the battles between the Seelie and Unseelie developing into a real physical war, more than just one that took place underground, communication was all the more important.
She breathes out, refocussing herself.
There's a guard outside her room that she smiles at, asking him a quick 'how are you' before she turns, opening the door and holding it for Lia, her smile still gentle, not wanting the other woman to think that she's too busy for anything, be it Citadel business or Artefacta work. ]
It is. The other Marquis and I are trying to make sure we have a solid foundation and a good base for everything and then we're going to work as hard as we can to provide help, support and anything else the people need.
[ She was taking her title seriously and, as she offered Lia a chair, she moved to place her bag and jacket to one side. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
MAY ( all of month ).
early May, Caer Glaem
Well, it's easy to see what's drawn him to Hermione's side today.]
Oh? All by your lonesome, young lady?
[...spying a pretty girl putting up posters on the castle wall is what's drawn him to Hermione's side today. He hasn't actually read any. At least he threw a shirt on for this encounter?]
Did you require company, perhaps? Assistance?
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The voice makes her turn and she tilts her head, offering a smile. ]
Oh, I'm just outside to put these up, I'm hardly alone.
[ She shakes her head, though, sliding her wand up her sleeve. ]
There's only one left. No need to go out of your way, really.
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That and he's a natural bloodhound for any form of mana. Though he politely refrains from snacking on her, stepping up to the poster instead.]
Interesting... so it's his hand in this too, hm? [Glancing back over at her.] What do you make of that man? Dorian Gray.
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I like him. He's been nothing but good to me - and he's incredibly smart and talented.
[ She isn't sure why the stranger seems so... Particular about him. ]
I couldn't have asked for a better partner.
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[Gilgamesh's catty grin suggests that the innuendo was very much intended, but he's breezing past it fast and turning his attention upon Hermione faster still. He studies her through bright, lively eyes, countenance chipper.
They're also very, very red and very, very arresting, in a way that could also be said is quite Particular.]
That leaves one Hermione Granger. I don't believe we're acquainted, so you may call me Gilgamesh.
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It's not like that.
[ She frowns, feeling something flush over her cheeks before she stands up a little taller, lifting her chin and crossing her arms over her chest. He's certainly... Unique, but she'd doing what she can to not let that bother her.
Eventually, she holds out a hand. ]
It's nice to meet you, Gilgamesh.
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Ah, so it is! Magic flows strong within your blood. I thought as much, but yours is... different, you might say.
[Giving a tap, tap with the pad of a finger, a pleasant warmth spreads from Hermione's hand to her wrist. Magic of a "different" sort, too, not so practiced and refined. Raw and pure and deeper than the core of any mere wand.]
That must've been your catalyst just now. And your specialty must be alchemy and transference. Correct?
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My world is probably a bit different than yours. The magic is unique compared to others.
[ The power of it makes her want to ask a thousand more questions, to learn more about the things from his world. ]
My wand? Yes. I don't really have a speciality, but my favourite magic was always charms and enchantments.
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A worthy field of study, yes, among the many that exist.
[To the poster, he gives a knock, knock with those same fingers. A golden glow surrounds its edges, and its surface sparkles with a fine sheen. He looks pleased with his work, beginning to read its fine print.]
Now, let us see... one gold coin for services rendered... these compasses look useful. What of those?
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It's not the thing I use most here, not really, that's reserved for potions, but my magic has been incredibly useful.
[ Looking at her poster, Hermione smiles, pleased. It's doing it's job already. ]
They're a lot like the lockets that the monarchs give us, able to access the network, but they can be used far more privately, too, and they still work even though our lockets aren't right now. I enchant them all with magic to keep them protected, too.
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[No hesitation, no hard sells, no further haggling necessary. Gilgamesh consents with almost overwhelming immediacy. He leaves with clear agendas just as he arrives with them, and this meeting was no mistake... and certainly no accident.
He does hum over that price, though.]
I may compensate you through traditional means. However, I'm told that among magi, knowledge is prized above all else. And my knowledge is very valuable, you see, so if you have some degree of aptitude already, I'm curious if you might make better use of a lucrative offer best suited to a lucrative individual such as yourself.
[...which is all a very lucrative way of saying this stupid world half-bankrupted me, I'm not letting go of the other half that easily.]
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[ Is that an order, she thinks? She knows this is a business and she wants customers, but she is the one with the talent and the capability to make them, alongside Dorian. Being ordered to make one doesn't sit well on her and her hands rest on her hips, mouth pursing before she breathes out.
There's no need to get into a fight about it. He wants a compass and he's rude, she can manage that. She's managed Malfoy before. ]
A trade would be fine if a gold piece is too much. What do you think you can offer, then - or, I suppose, what would you like to offer?
[ Hermione isn't really in this for the money, after all, she's in it to help people. ]
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That's when she sees notices. Communication devices. Enchantments? She is terribly curious and makes it a point to stop by and speak with someone before she leaves. Of course that is more easily thought than done and eventually Lia is left trying to find the proprietress rather than a shop itself.]
Mademoiselle Hermione?
[Lia's voice is quiet, polite when she sees her in the halls because it would not do to chase her down yelling like a banshee. Decorum is necessary, even if Lia is excited.]
You are the one offering the magical aid?
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Then, she nods, brightening. ]
That's me.
[ She tries to make herself appear as open as possible, really hoping that news of her title hasn't spread too much and that people won't be entirely worried about formality and politeness, especially with regards to her. ]
Is there something you need? Can I help?
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Things are different here, and that's what keeps her from a curtsy, from the cool and civil words voiced until she is acknowledged and allowed to speak more freely.
But the question makes her wonder. Of course Hermione probably had better things to do. People to see who were more in need than Lia herself, but she has come this far.]
I had seen that you are offering means of communication which are not by locket.
[It all seems so foolish now.]
If you are too busy, then of course I beg your pardon for interrupting you.
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She only hoped that, eventually, her reputation would grow and people would see a stronger side of her.
The request doesn't make her scoff or ask for the lady to come back later, of course - no! Instead, she grins, beaming and nodding her head. ]
Yes! I make and sell compasses - did you see one of our posters?
[ They're working, and she's obviously pleased. ]
I'm not busy at all. We can sit down and talk about it, if you'd like.
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[It is not as though she could summon help instantly to her side but a question, perhaps, or to check in on a baby. It would be quite useful for something like that and Lia is obviously quite excited for that even if she is restraining herself.]
Only if I am not interrupting you. I am certain you have important business to attend, especially if it is your own.
[Sometimes there are not enough hours in a day and that is especially so for someone with demands upon her time, Lia knows.]
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[ But that's a thought for later, she thinks, all things considered. Hermione makes a quick mental note to bring that to Dorian for research and consideration before she turns her head back to Lia. ]
You're not interrupting anything, I promise. Come on, we can go to my office and have a talk about what specifications you'd like, maybe?
[ She nods down the corridor, gently. ]
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[Something to consider as she travels, she thinks. She bows her head again politely and starts to walk with Hermione. They don't have giant skirts to contend with, but the gesture feels familiar from when Lia was more the lady and less the knight.]
I am travelling and there are a few I would wish to keep in touch with. It would also be nice if I had a question if I might be able to contact someone.
[Beyond the idea that hearing another voice when she's alone somewhere might be comforting.]
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[ Hermione still gets lost sometimes, she still finds herself buried under the weight of everything that's going on and, at times, it feels like she might be crushed under trying to be in ten different places at once.
She nods, though, stepping down through the halls and speaking as she goes. ]
Of course. If they don't have their own device from me, Dorian or someone else then there's always letters or a courier service if they're in the same court as us. Otherwise things might get a little more complicated.
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[Difficult for letters to reach her. Difficult to find time and energy to write letters, even if she used to document every movement, every subtlety, and mail it all off to the King.
Hermione is young, but she walks with purpose. She has a purpose and that is certainly something Lia envies greatly since she's found herself without one in a strange land.]
I have coin but if there is anything else with which I might assist you. It can not be an easy task. You have a position, do you not?
[And positions come with responsibilities.]
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[ She's proud of her compasses, proud of how they've developed from a fledgling idea so many months ago to being a product she can sell and share with people. They're not just innocent little tools anymore - they're items of worth, value, and she's encouraged to do more to expand on what she can offer.
Shaking her head, she smiles, though, brushing off the difficulty of it. The compasses are second nature to her now. ]
I do. Marchioness of the Citadel and Sorceress and Protectress. But it's fine, really, I wouldn't start up the business if I didn't think I could handle it all. If you'd rather keep your money, though, I would trade a compass for a stock of potions ingredients if that's the sort of thing you'd be interested in doing.
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[Lia knows better, by now, than to think of witches. Think of those so detached from God who sacrifice newborns or make deals you can never hope to repay. They are as far away as children's stories in a place like this. But she's still cautious, because she has a job to do and a task that can not take her too far.]
I would be grateful for one, of course. Keeping in contact can be so difficult and I should like to have no excuse to step out of it.
[She needs people around her, really. As much as she's tempted to close herself off.]
How are matters here? Is the Citadel recovering?
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[ But she does understand. Keeping in contact with anyone in the Drabworld had been easy when the lockets had been up and working and no one was keeping a sharp eye on the people around them, but with the way things were going now, with the battles between the Seelie and Unseelie developing into a real physical war, more than just one that took place underground, communication was all the more important.
She breathes out, refocussing herself.
There's a guard outside her room that she smiles at, asking him a quick 'how are you' before she turns, opening the door and holding it for Lia, her smile still gentle, not wanting the other woman to think that she's too busy for anything, be it Citadel business or Artefacta work. ]
It is. The other Marquis and I are trying to make sure we have a solid foundation and a good base for everything and then we're going to work as hard as we can to provide help, support and anything else the people need.
[ She was taking her title seriously and, as she offered Lia a chair, she moved to place her bag and jacket to one side. ]
Would you like some tea as we talk?