ehh, maybe being drained of my life force will get me to do stuff for a chance -w-

Aw, but we want to keep you around!

well then, no celtic vampires for me i suppose : D

That's good to hear ^w^

Acrathia: It is interesting that a Leannan Sidhe did not find her way to Henry's bed, him being an aspiring author and all

Sinead: If he were not taken, believe me, I would have.

Acrathia: Yes it seems as though Henry is rather popular with the women of th sidhe. To each there own I suppose, but for the life of me I just don't see his appeal

Sinead: *shrugs* I'm not picky, really. As long as he isn't unattractive and needs a character arc, I'm game.

Acrathia: *Laughs at the irony* How appropriate! His entire character is going through an arc! *Laughs again*

Sinead: *smirks* Though, I think the fates were wise in keeping me from falling for him. My Seelie counterparts may not agree with me, but I love what Lady Moth is doing to him. It's poetic.

Acrathia: *waves a dismissive hand at the mention of the Seelie* Bah! Hypocrites! They have never had an issue with transforming a mortal in the past. They are just jealous they did not think to do it themselves...that and they all passionately hate Lady Moth. But they always tend to get self-righteous when the action comes from a source they hate.

Sinead: I can't blame them. She did do something pretty nasty. *rubs her thumb against her lips* But, yeah, we're mostly hypocrites, no use in denying that fact. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't side with either court if fate wasn't intent on me working under Lady Azura.

Acrathia: *gives a slight bow* I must apologise I mistook you for Unseelie. You exude an enregy of willful independence, it is hard to think of you as being with those stuffy blow hards.

Sinead: *shakes her head with a smile* I take it as a compliment, Lady Acrathia. Your reputation precedes you among the stuffy blow hards. *she cackles*

Acrathia: Oh? And here I thought they had all but forgotten me with all of the chaos as of late. Do they still speak of me in hushed whispers? Or have they upgrade me to stunned abject terror? *Laughs sadisticly*

Sinead: *cackles once more* Oh, hushed whispers of late. Your budding friendship with Lady Azura has given rise to all kinds of rumors.

Acrathia: Oh I do hope I haven't scandalized the poor girl.

Sinead: Perhaps, perhaps not... but you have definitely made her more conflicted. *raises an eyebrow* There are more grey areas than she realized.

Acrathia: Good, she will need a broader perspective if she hopes to rule the Seelie court. As I said to her, this time she has spent in the darker parts of the sidhe may be the best damn thing that ever happened to her

Sinead: *grins* It'd be my job if anyone heard me say this, but you are so, so right.

*To the fae* I'd ... rather not have to enter such a relationship. But I am happy to share ideas and stories from time to time as a friend. No contracts, though. I'm strictly a freelancer and my own man.

Sinead: *running a thumb across her lip in thought* So long as you don't expect any inspiration from me, that seems fair.

Now that's unfair, my dear. A stray comment, a random action, a spoken phrase, anything can spark inspiration in a writer. That's begging for a loophole.

Sinead: I didn't say I couldn't give it. I just said you shouldn't expect it from me. *she smirks* Relax, writer. I don't do deals or contracts. My magics are reserved for the one I love only if he loves me in return. *she bats her lashes and puts a finger to her lip coyly* Unless you're saying that you love me? *she cackles*

I'm taught to try to love all my brothers and sisters, Sinead. It's part of what makes me such a nice person.

Sinead: *she drops the flirtation* Ah, one of those types. That's sweet and all, but not the love required. I'm talking head-over-heels, give-every-piece-of-you, eros love. Otherwise neither party gets what they want. *she runs a hand over her scalp* So, the friend thing... can't say I've had much experience when it comes to mortals.

What a pity. You're missing out. Well, depending on the mortal you befriend. Some are good, others not, and regardless, there are always going to be at least some disappointments. We mortals are funny like that. But then again, who isn't?

Sinead: In my experience, strengths and flaws are universal things. There are very few beings in all the realms that are perfect. Which are you? Good? Not? Both?

It's difficult to say for sure. I try to be good, but I don't always succeed.

Sinead: *smirking* The desire for improvement is usually the sign of a good soul, in my experience.

Just don't go asking me to give you an absolute on me. You know how we humans are, always changing.

Sinead: *lifts her hands* Wouldn't dream of it. I'm of the opinion that absolutes don't exist. I've never found one in all my centuries.

Ah. There are some absolutes that watch, but it is very difficult to meet them or those who embody them. That's one reason why we're here on this world in the first place, I think, because we don't think or act in absolutes, at least not all the time.

Sinead: *raising an eyebrow* Where do you think the alternative place to be is? That is, if we did think and act in such a way.

I like to think that's where humanity's concept of heaven comes in. A dwelling place where gods or magical beings or what have you have set up their own rules that they say are absolutes. Or at least that are rules that need to be followed to get a certain outcome that you might seek. Honestly, I think that's the one universal absolute anyone can agree on. Actions have consequences. And we don't get to choose what they are, though we may predict them and attempt to choose the course that will lead to that outcome.

Sinead: *ponders the concept for a few moments* I like to think there is a heaven for "good" mortal souls. Some days I need to think that is the case. Whether it really exists, I don't know. I don't get to see where the souls get taken to and the good captain will not say.

That's not entirely his fault. The veil was placed for a reason, and it is a part of his duty to help maintain its integrity, though I suppose that's grown more difficult in the past few decades, what with how magic has been on the decline in the mortal realm.

Sinead: *shrugs* I wouldn't know. He isn't very chatty with my kind. He thinks we meddle in his work. If he knew how frightening it is to starve, he might not think the same way. But that's neither here nor there. You're right. Most of the veils waver now between what is visible and what shouldn't be. The realms are disintegrating little by little without the balance being kept.

And like it or not, the gods are remaining silent on this one. Which means it will be up to Man, Fae, and Spirit alike to decide this conflict, perhaps with the aid of certain higher powers, though I can't say for certain. This isn't a prophecy this time, merely a theory.

Sinead: *raises a brow* Oh? You're a seer?

To an extent. I have ... momentary bursts, you could say. One of the more recent additions to your court call it my damned perceptiveness.

Sinead: Hm. *resumes rubbing her thumb over her lips* How do they work? Can you look for something specific?

Sometimes. It varies. I guess you could say it depends on how attuned I am to that person, place, thing, character, etc.

Sinead: *looking a little disappointed* So probably no talking with the dead, huh?

As I said, it depends. I've communicated with a spirit before. We're on very good terms. I would need information about this person before I could contact him or her though. The more I know, the more likely it will be that I can gain the understanding and insight you seek.

Sinead: And what would it cost for you to do this? I have human money, but I am willing to trade favor for favor.

Honestly, Sinead, I just like helping people. If you'd feel better having something for something, I suppose the favor would be what I pick, since I don't think I can take your money. It's nothing personal, just that I don't think it could reach me where I am. And if I fail, then I fail and we'll at least have learned from the event. Though I do apologize if I do fail and cause you pain as a result. I don't like seeing people in pain.

Sinead: I can only offer you inspiration, if that is acceptable. To not have tried is painful as it is; I would not blame you for not being permitted to pierce the veil.

Well, in that case, can I decide to whom that inspiration might go at a moment of my choosing? And would there be a means for me to contact you, when I need to make that request? Also, in that case, lay what information you can on me, and I'll do my best to be of help.

Sinead: Yes, of course. Ah... *she whispers her True Name in your ear* just speak my name and I will be summoned. *she pauses for a moment and wrings her hands* Forgive me, this is going to be hard for me to say. I know regrettably little... um... her name was Aria. She had gorgeous blonde hair and eyes so dark brown they were almost black. She was so strong and full of life, but her time was so brief. She was headstrong, and a night owl, and her favorite food was dried salted meat. She was very small but her spirit was huge and brilliant. *her eyes water* Two of her toes were fused on her left foot, and she had a tiny birthmark on her hip that looked like a rabbit... *the tears spill over silently* that was all I was allowed to know.

Was she human? And is she a family member of yours?

Sinead: Half-human. Though, she was too young to tell if she carried any magic. She was... a gift to me? That is the best way I know how to describe our relationship. Familial bonds with leannan sidhe are complicated.

She was born as a result of one of your contracts, then? Hmm. That is a complication. Those who are half blood are often more difficult to track, let alone make contact with. And judging by the sound of things, you may have also been her muse at one point, based on what you said about her being too young. Or did you mean something else when you said that? Then again, you said it was all you were allowed to know. Does that mean that you were never allowed to see her as she lived?

Sinead: *voice breaking* I never did. There are things I am not allowed to say in this realm, but she was very dear to me even if I never got to see her while she was alive. I know it is very little to go on, I will pay anyway, please, please try?

*Sigh* I'll do my best, but this may be one that'll require the aid of one more closely aligned with this realm. She would probably be able to tell you more than I. *He raises his head* Yo, Dearshul!

Yo. ^w^

Sinead: *looks disappointed* I've tried her. She wasn't very much help.

I told you that you would find answers later, didn't I? That you would learn a lot from an unexpected source?

Sinead: *gestures to Omni* Unexpected source. He's a seer! You don't just run into those.

*Looks pointedly at Dearshul* Is this one of those things where it has to happen during the unfolding of events here and we're not allowed to interfere or were you expecting that unexpected help to be me?

*holds up hands placatingly* You know how fluid this online realm is. Different realities tend to crop up. There is one eventuality that will happen outside of this realm, but you're welcome to try in this circumstance if you feel you want to.

Sinead: *sniffing* You see? Not much help.

Actually, quite a bit of help. She's basically just promised you that you will receive the help you need eventually. It's difficult to wait, but it will come. That being said, I have to admit I don't feel much. I have a potential hunch in regards to her, but nothing concrete. Namely that there are certain entities of magic that exist in this realm who seem to be responsible for certain ... spheres within the realms. Humans, Fae, Monsters, that sort of thing. Depending on the nature of your child and the strength of her magic, assuming she had the potential, it is possible that she could have ascended to a different plane of existence and not passed through the veil, hence your not being able to make contact with her, despite having a talisman on you that could allow you to make contact with her spirit.

Sinead: *disappointed but not entirely surprised* I see. Thank you for doing what you could. *she very gently places two fingers to your forehead and a soft white light pulses into it* Use the inspiration as you wish. *she removes her fingers* If you deem someone else worthy of it, simply shake their hand and wish them well.

*chuckles* My dear lady, you don't know me very well, do you? I wish practically everyone well when I say goodbye to them. *he smiles* But if that's the case, then here's my gift to you. *I take her hand and shake it* I wish you well. *The magic surges into her* Now you'll have the inspiration you need to recognize that opportunity when it arrives and act accordingly.

Sinead: *She steps back instinctively and regards you with surprise for a few long moments. Her thumb goes absently to rub against her lower lip* You... *her voice breaks* you are something else, you know. Not one of my lovers has done something so kind, and here you are, just barely my friend... Why would you do this for me?

Because it's the right thing to do. I was raised a Christian with Christian values. I don't care if you're not human. To me, you're a mother who's grieving. In short, a sister in need of some comfort. I couldn't help you directly, so I thought this was the best way to do it.

Sinead: Christian... I see. I have met few in my time. You serve the oldest God and his heir, Yeshua? How does your kindness to me serve your masters?

It may or may not. All I know is it's what they would probably have me do. After all, we're instructed to love one another. I may not always feel that love towards people, but in this case, I think I can at least feel a certain amount of empathy for someone who needs the gift much more than I. *He shrugs* And if that doesn't fit, then I guess you can just chalk it up to me being a nice guy who wants everyone to have a chance at a happier ending, or at least a better resolution.

Sinead: *tension releasing in her shoulders a little* Forgive me for asking all of these questions. Where I come from, nothing is given without the expectation of something in return. I don't know how to respond to this.

Well, I suppose you could always follow the old mortal standby and say thank you.

Sinead: *she looks thoroughly confused* That's it? Just words? Then... thank you.

My pleasure. I figure if you miss her this much, she must miss you, too. Hopefully this will allow the pair of you to finally see each other for the first time and really get to know each other. Oh, and just so you know, we humans can be very varied in our personalities and ways of doing things. I just happen to be one of the ones who enjoys helping people out for the sake of their happiness. Admittedly, it helps in this case that there's no major cost to me for helping you this time. I just gave back something that belongs with you, anyways. I figured someone would need that inspiration down the road. I just didn't know it would be you. *Chuckles* It's a funny world we live in sometimes, isn't it?

Sinead: *nods, still touched by the gesture* Fate, or destiny, or whatever it may be, certainly likes to keep us on our toes.

I'm sure you wouldn't have it any other way in the long run, though. Granted, I prefer the happier surprises to the unpleasant ones. Don't you?

Sinead: *a smile breaking through* Doesn't anyone? Unless they're a bit touched, maybe.

It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world. Not sure I'd have it any other way, though.

Sinead: *smirking* Well, it's a good thing we're all mad here.

Of course. All the best people are, don't you know.

Sinead: Oh, believe me, my friend, I do. *lifts her head as if hearing something* And that's work calling. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope our paths cross soon.

We'll see what the fates and a certain author have in store. Until then, be well, Sinead. *waves farewell*

Sinead: Good magicks walk with you. *she disappears in a puff of white smoke*

I hope we get to see more of him!

Oh, there will be plenty more. She ends up being a pretty big player later on in the story.

are really bad D:

Sinead: Art is art. If you can tell what the artist meant, it still counts.