eachdraidh | {Video: Open to Both Courts}

{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.

{/}

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[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?

{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?}

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Thorin is wise; I trust his perception, yet I am not comfortable letting down my guard. {Peace, joy and laughter have not been his - or theirs - in some time.}

Understandably.

[He is from the very end of the War, after all]

Do not worry, Aragorn. I will keep my wits about me.

Your vigilance shall not be forgotten. {Plus he knows Gimli's alcohol tolerance is high, so...} Are our Elven friends treating you well?

[He snorts]

Thranduil Elvenking has offered Dorwinion wine from his own stores, brought here by the faeries. Does that count?

[He's still freaked out by that]

[Well, that is quite the travel companion.]

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

{His eyebrow quirks and he looks downright dumbstruck.}

I would say that is a high honor. {Especially from Thranduil.} The ties between Elves and Dwarves are beginning to mend.

That, lad, is an understatement. Either there is something in the water here, or I missed a very important meeting with the Elvenking back home.

{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.

The war put many events into perspective. Middle Earth is renewed upon Sauron's fall. Even the Elves of old must sense the change.

That did not stop him from being cold when we first met after the war. I am not sure what changed between then and now.

[Well, he has an idea that it comes from Celegorm's torture of Legolas that he was told about, but he's not sure]

Gifts come in strange forms. If the day comes where he reveals what changed his perspective, I trust you will readily listen.

{Until then, enjoy the wine, bro.}

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.

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.}

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.

Do you seek to spoil him with your affections? {Oh to envy a Unicorn.} A steed can be found - perhaps one resembling the breed the Elves favor? Despite his appearance, Ehtyarion is equipped for battle. His horn is not for show.

Well, my affections must be shared with others. [She teases, knowing her true affections will always be for him and him alone.] As long as it is light and swift. Though, I do not think I require one with such equipment for battle.

[If she could find a horse similar to that of the Mearas, it would be a fine steed indeed.]

As long they recognize the honor bestowed upon them, I see no harm. {Though his little smirk says that he knows she is teasing him.} You do not. Consider the search for a steed befitting the Evenstar underway.

[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.]

Page 1 of 3

{Video: Open to Both Courts}

video;

video;

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

Private

video;