eachdraidh | {Video (Open to Both Courts)/Action}

{He is drawn to the forest with the same intensity some crave drink or food. Underneath the trees, he is at peace and his senses are alert. Behind him, a short distance away Ehtyarion is grazing, his large white ears swiveling this way and that to catch the sounds of the forest.

Aragorn glances at the unicorn, smiling to himself before he goes back to fletching some arrows. His hands are deft and practiced as he works and he rises when one arrow is done. Picking up his bow - something he carved and fitted himself - he nocks the arrow and takes careful aim at a soft target. Said target is composed of moss and leaves that he has nailed to a tree.

The arrow flies true and hits the mark. Ehtyarion makes an indignant sound and Aragorn speaks softly as he retrieves the arrow:}

Av-'osto, Ehtyarion, av-'osto. {"Don't be afraid, Ehtyarion, don't be afraid." He chuckles as the unicorn tosses his mane imperiously.}

Goheno nin, hîr vuin. {"Forgive me, my lord." Stowing the arrow in his bushel, he places a hand over his heart and bows. With a quick, graceful trot, Ehtyarion closes the space between them and nudges his velvet soft muzzle against Aragorn's cheek. The man strokes his fingers through the unicorn's mane, eyes soft.}

As the chill grows, our companions become dearer to us. {His attention shifts to the Locket.} Surround yourself with laughter and warmth no matter the obstacles. Even if death should separate us, the bonds we forge will not dissipate.

{Gathering his bow and fletching materials, he stows them away on the unicorn's back. He has fashioned a special saddle for the proud creature - something light, durable and soft. Once everything is secured, he swings himself easily into the saddle, Locket in hand.}

There is much to see; much to enjoy. {Positioning the Locket just so - away from him and towards the trees - he urges Ehtyarion into a quick trot. The beauty of the forest is easy to see - emerald greens, browns, reds and even golds pass in front of the screen. Aragorn lets the view speak for itself before closing the Locket with a click.}

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[Muttered, half to himself:] And I thought the steed they gave me was an odd one.

[To Aragorn] Lad? You've too many pointy things. And this is coming from me.

Tell me more of your steed, Gimli. {He's curious!} How else should I defend those dear to me? With my fists?

I've seen that sword of yours at work, remember! You do not need a horse with its own weapon as well!

[Really now]

And it isn't any sort of pony, something they called a "bandersnatch". Grizzled old thing, very sturdy but looks like a cross between a mountain goat and bear.

He is intelligent enough to fight alongside me if need be. {Haven't they been in enough situations where one more warrior would be very welcome?} I am spare with the orders I give him. King Thranduil informed me that he only responds to those of royal blood.

{So he's not just deadly - he's loyal.}

I should like to set eyes on a...bandersnatch. {Will it try to eat him?}

By that logic, I should have one as I am...third or fourth in line for the throne, I forget.

[Maybe fifth. He's not sure anymore since it's never going to come up, what with Thorin III being young and all, but.]

The next time I am wherever you are, you shall. My cousins and I are in the Corthomac at the moment.

Speak to him. He granted me Ehtyarion upon my arrival. {A kindness, really, so Aragorn could cover as much ground as he desired without worry.} Enjoying yourselves, I hope?

[Gimli just gives Aragorn a look. He doubts they breed them small enough for Dwarves and anyway, the bandersnatch is fine. Comfortable to ride and everything]

We've been too busy helping with rebuilding and those damned dogs to "enjoy" ourselves just yet.

{He sobers and closes his eyes.}

I avoided facing them directly, though I dispatched some near the castle.

{Thus the bow and arrows.}

Do you require more aid?

No, we're hardly alone here and it is more or less under control. I've been asked to help with the gates here, however, planning their rebuilding and so on.

You will serve them well. The gates will be stronger than ever.

Funny, that's what you told me when you asked me to oversee the reconstruction of your gates, not that you remember that.

Why should my opinion of you waver? {Gimli has long since found a place in Aragorn's heart.}

It shouldn't. I'm just amused.

You have me at a disadvantage. Not that I mind.

You say it is an advantage, I say it's a headache. Nothing quite like running into a friend's wife and she not have even met him yet!

A problem easily rectified with Arwen, I assure you.

Wasn't talking about you. Faramir and his lady wife are both here, only she has not even met him yet!

He told me. {His heart aches for Faramir.} I pray they spend much time in one another's company so that their bond can be renewed.

Tch, he's a terrible sap over his wife. I've no doubt he has every intention of wooing her again. It's Faramir. Lad's as sappy and romantic as my father when his love is involved.

How should a man treat the woman he loves? {Amusement quirks the edges of his mouth. Gimli, come now.}

However she wishes to be treated, of course. That doesn't change that the boy is a romantic.

Did it miss your notice that I am one too? {Beren and Luthien - he and Arwen are reliving their tale.}

I was not present during most of your courtship of Arwen. All I know is you pine. Terribly.

[Teasing the King of Gondor? Naturally.]

I was young and inexperienced - unworthy - yet she stayed by side. I am still unworthy. {And that's okay as long as she loves him.} She is my weakness and my strength.

{Tease away, bro, he's happy.}

[Eyeroll, but he's smiling]

I'm fairly certain she'd have your head if she heard you talking about yourself like that. You're hopeless.

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