{Video: Open to Both Courts}

[rangerandking]

{Strangely, Aragorn's Locket is resting on a tree stump, left unattended for the time being. However that can be forgiven when the video focuses on the man speaking quietly to a pure white Unicorn. His words are like a melody, the language soothing for even the most skittish of beasts.

The Unicorn, who is named Ehtyarion, is nuzzling Aragorn's shoulder, his ears perked forward to hear every word.}

Prestad? {"Is there trouble?" Ehtyarion shakes his head, flicking his mane out of his eyes so that he can see the man better. There is intelligence in his gaze - the sort of wisdom that is gained from experience. King Thranduil has sent Aragorn a fine companion.}

Agorel vae, Ehtyarion. {"Thank you, Ehtyarion." The man leans his forehead against the Unicorn's neck, running his fingers through the silken mane. After a minute or so, he steps back, allowing Ehtyarion a clear path to leave.

It might strike some viewers as odd that there isn't any sign of tack on the Unicorn, but, even if Ehtyarion were a regular horse, Aragorn wouldn't need such devices. While a saddle is nice, he can communicate his wants and needs without employing dominance and control.

The graceful creature picks his way across the forest pathway, hooves hardly making a sound as he trots. Aragorn then scoops up the Locket and alters the settings.}

{Private to Arwen, Eowyn, Faramir, Gimli and Legolas.}

I am ever restless - even in this time of joyful celebration. Ehtyarion allows me to cover more ground, yet one scout - one Ranger - is not sufficient. Ensure that your senses are keen and not addled by food or drink.

{Because he can't defend everyone at once like he is wont to do.}

Should I discover news worth sharing, you shall be the first to hear it.

{/}

Comments

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[notyetlegend]

[For the briefest moment, Merida thinks perhaps she's had too much ale. Even in the land of fairies and legends she has heard of as a little girl, even a unicorn seems a bit far-fetched even for one believer of mythical creatures such as herself. Angus, her own horse, rests his head on her shoulder, his ears perked forward before he whickers. Merida seems almost reluctant to disturb the man and his beast, but curiosity, as always, gets the better of her, and her words are blurted out in a thick brogue.]

Is that really...is that a unicorn?

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[rangerandking]

{Her shock comes as a surprise, though he has never seen a Unicorn before entering the Drabworld. In fact, he is quite certain they don't exist in Middle Earth. Yet, from what he can gather, they are fairly well known magical creatures to others.}

He possesses one horn, so I believe that name is correct. His name is Ehtyarion; it means "spear carrier" in Elvish.

{Fitting, no?}

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[notyetlegend]

[She knows of them, has heard tales that they only let ones pure of heart near or something. Another tale from a traveler that stopped by in the kingdom and humored a young lass. She almost questions the 'Elvish' before she shakes her head, deciding that it's all quite possible, having heard murmurs from others of Elves scattered through the Drabwurld.]

He's magnificent. Ehtyarion did you say?

[His name sounds different in her accent, but nonetheless she attempts to say it anyway.]

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[rangerandking]

You pronounce it well, my lady. {The attempt is appreciated. Most shy away from the Elvish tongue, claiming it to be too complicated.} I see that you have a steed of your own.

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[notyetlegend]

Thank ye.

[Her mother always did tell her it was polite to try when one couldn't understand another. She bows her head in kind, then raises it again, smiling.]

Aye, he's been mine since I was a wee girl. Angus his name is. They told me a workin' horse couldn't be ridden but I was a bit stubborn.

[She giggles a bit.]

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[gloinul]

Do not worry, Aragorn. It will take more than wine to addle my senses so much that I am useless.

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[rangerandking]

I am relieved to hear such, though I did not doubt you, Gimli. It occurred to me that a revelry would offer magnificent cover for mischief and dark deeds.

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[gloinul]

As did I, but then again I doubt that the rulers that brought us here would be willing to dance together if there was a risk of danger. Mischief, perhaps, but nothing sinister.

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[rangerandking]

I do not know them well enough nor do I trust what they would or would not willingly ignore.

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[gloinul]

Perhaps not, but I do trust others here and they are not overly worried. When Thorin Oakenshield is relaxed, it is safe to assume that you are not in any eminent danger.

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[stillhope]

[Well, that is quite the travel companion.]

Ehtyarion... Strong name for a strong creature. I shall keep my senses keen - please be safe, melamin.

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[rangerandking]

{His entire expression softens at the sight of her.}

I thought it fitting; he carries his spear with him where ever he goes.

{The words of his message weren't targeted at her and he trusts she knows that. Yet -}

It is not you who concerns me. You know if you have need, there are many who would come to your aid.

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[stillhope]

Quite. I shall have to meet him. [She gives a small smile before continuing.] And I know, though it is my desire to not be placed in such a position as to require aid.

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[rangerandking]

He is a gift from King Thranduil. I should think he will be most enthused to be in your presence.

{If royal blood calls to the Unicorns, the purity of Arwen's blood can't be matched.}

Is it more likely that you shall come to my aid? {His lips curve playfully, but they both know she has done so in the past.}

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[stillhope]

And I in his.

[And she would happily do so again if needed. She gives him a look with a small nod, her tone light.] I shall have to acquire a steed of my own if that is going to be necessary.

[voice]

[raymondo]

If you're going to use this thing you could at least try speaking English.

[Someone hasn't worked out he's technically speaking Drabbish not English yet. Whoops.]

[voice]

[rangerandking]

English? {Sorry he doesn't know that language.}

[not here]

[playmakings]

[ She's not going to respond. She is, however, going to shriek and drag Ryan over to her locket to see, because unicorn. ]

[rangerandking]

{That seems like a suitable response. Aragorn doesn't suggest shrieking at the Unicorn, however.}

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[aliased]

Why does that horse have a horn? What is that? [ because it can't be a unicorn.]

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[rangerandking]

I am told he is a Unicorn. {It can't? Thranduil said differently.}

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[aliased]

Unicorns are like dragons, they don't exist in the world anymore.

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[rangerandking]

This one would take offense to such talk. {He smiles a little.} Dragons are extinct in my world as well.

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[aliased]

But I didn't mean any offense.

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[theywhowait]

Where one may not see enough, may not two suffice? You have but to ask, E... Aragorn, and I will do what I can.

[ admiringly ] He is a magnificent beast - easily the match of the Mearas, although I will thank you not to let my lady hear that I said that.