( video )

[heron]

[ the feed starts to show a large, dainty looking man with large white wings peering at the feed before pulling back, satisfied. ]

Greetings. My name is Prince Reyson of the Heron Clan.

As you know, we have trouble lately with the breach. To ensure such a thing does not occur so suddenly, I thought about proposing a part-time perimeter guard of the walls. I think we would be better prepared should anything happen again.

Also, as I know some people were hurt or struggling, you are welcome to see me. I have the power of the galdr which means I can soothe one's spirit, trauma and pain. Should you have need of my abilities, do let me know.

Comments

[original_is_best]

Should you have spare time, I have something I would like you to see in private.

[heron]

What is it?

[original_is_best]

If you stop by my place I will show you.

[He didn't want to say too much publicly. There was already enough risk, but if Reyson could detect auras... His abilities might be different than that of others.]

[heron]

And where is your place?

[original_is_best]

[He inserted some directions, which weren't particularly difficult to follow. His place was like everyone else' - except he never took any roommates and annexed the entire townhouse for himself and the Niflheim Empire.]

( video > action )

[heron]

I will be there shortly.

[ though honestly, reyson should know better. the last time he visited someone so easily, he got kidnapped. but he remembered the man, and while he came on a little . . . strong, reyson did not sense any evil intent. he flies over as a heron, setting down near the place mentioned, keening. ]

[Action]

[original_is_best]

[As if waiting, it was only moments before the door opened and Verstael silently waved him in.

His home was not very homely. No artwork had been added or typical comforts. Instead, he had added a lot of shelving, which was slowly filling up with documents. In the corner a collection of scrap metal was piling up, some of it obviously being melted into lengthy, flat pieces. The uneven shapes reached out and curled up like ribs beckoning someone, only to feel as if they might snap closed on anyone who dared approach. Two of the spider creatures from their previous battle were laid out on his table, one cut open and neatly dissected with a plethora of notes nearby on a desk. Rather than vibrant and lively, it was sterile, kept meticulously clean but without the vibrant colors and decor that most would put up.

Another desk had even more paperwork on it - though, this time if one were to look they would see math. Very simple math. Obviously far below anything that would be of use to Verstael personally. Worksheets and explanations of how to do things like 'carry the one', all in the same writing as everything else.

After closing the door behind them, Verstael walked straight past all of it without a second glance, briefly raising a hand to indicate that Reyson should not follow. He disappeared into another room for a minute - again closing the door behind him while he did - before reappearing with something that appeared to be little more than a small grayish rock or crystal.

He held it out to Reyson, palm up.]

Are you able to sense anything from this?

[OOC: Will likely need a response from the mods to confirm what Reyson will sense.]

[heron]

[ reyson turns back to his normal self, wings fanning out behind him. a crystal? reyson squints at it curiously, looking it over. it strikes him as familiar, close to — ]

Ah. This feels like the barrier.

[original_is_best]

[Progress. That was something. Thus far he hadn't the equipment available to detect anything from it, but he knew it was important. It had to be.

His smile broadened and he leaned closer enthusiastically.]

The negative energy? This is... magitek then. A foreign sort but magitek nonetheless.

[His specialty. This was perfect.]

Are you able to manipulate it in any way?

[heron]

[ reyson cocks his head in confusion. ]

Manipulate it how?

[original_is_best]

Have you any powers that you could attempt to use on it? It may react.

[heron]

[ he frowns. ]

I could repress some of it, I suppose.

[original_is_best]

[With an enthusiastic wag of his hand, he encouraged Reyson to try.]

Be cautious as you do. It has not been tested before, so there is no telling how strongly it will react, nor what will happen.

[heron]

[ how reassuring. reyson sings a few quiet notes as he reaches for it. the light fluctuates and he pauses. ]

I don't think that's promising.

[original_is_best]

Quite the contrary, the fact that it is reacting is immensely promising. It means we may be able to use it.

[What was happening, though... He didn't yet know. He would have to research further.]

For the moment that may be enough.

[He readily retrieved it.]

I will do what I can to understand the properties of this crystal. I thank you for your time. Tell no one of this.

[heron]

[ reyson frowns. ]

Why not?

[original_is_best]

I'm uncertain how the natives will react if they discover my research into the way their technology works. They have been evasive with answers.

[heron]

[ hmm. ]

Do you suspect them?

[original_is_best]

I certainly don't trust them.

Even if they are innocent, it wouldn't necessarily mean they are on our side. If you think about it, they are machines now. They can be manipulated. Taken over by a virus. Minds wiped. Controlled.

Even if a native did not have any ill-intentions towards us, they themselves could be acting in a manner that they didn't realize was against our best interests.

[heron]

I do not know much about machines, I'm afraid.

[ manipulated? taken over? reyson didn't know that could happen. so he nods slowly. ]

Then I will keep it to myself.

[original_is_best]

Good.

[He bowed his head slightly, acknowledging Reyson.]

I thank you for your time.

[heron]

[ reyson inclines his head politely. ]

You are welcome to it.