{Video (Open to Both Courts)/Action}

[rangerandking]

{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.}

Comments

[rangerandking]

A useful tool. {One so fitting for Faramir.} Must I put myself in danger for it to warm?

{...yes, he would do that. For convenience's sake.}

[theywhowait]

One that I am most grateful for, aye.

[ ........... D= ]

The fairies tell me this is the method of its functioning, yes.

[ Please don't do anything stupid ]

[rangerandking]

Then so be it. {Danger can be sought without actual injury. Spurring his mount forward, he begins a rather impromptu hunt for orcs.]

[theywhowait]

[ MILORD NO.... ]

Lord Aragorn! [ Aaaauuuugh. It's like dealing with some sort of strange combination of his brother and his father ]

[ Faramir sighs and drops his hand to the ring, waiting for it to warn him that he is needed at his King's side. If Aragorn has made up his mind, he does not expect to be able to change it. Instead, he goes to fetch his sword, and makes sure his quiver is full of arrows. ]

[rangerandking]

{The warning will come soon enough as Aragorn surrounds himself - through various baits and traps - with orcs.

Are you ready, Faramir? Swords are meant to be used.}

[theywhowait]

[ Faramir stares at the ring when it warms and heaves a sigh of exasperation. How, exactly, is he supposed to keep Gondor's king in one piece if he is going to go haring off like this? ]

Boromir, I wish you were here. Chosaint!

[ The switch is so sudden he almost stumbles, but then his hand is on his sword as he looks for Aragorn ]

[rangerandking]

{He will find Aragorn deftly disposing of the orcs - slicing a throat here and stabbing a heart there. Andúril shines brilliantly, glorying in the death of foes. His "danger" had been short-lived - more of a means to pull Faramir across the land and to his side than anything.

A somewhat sheepish smile brightens his features and he steps over the bodies to clasp Faramir on the shoulder.}

I thought you would never arrive.

[theywhowait]

[ A breath and Faramir shakes his head at his king scoldingly ]

While I am glad to see you took no hurt that was reckless, Aragorn!

[ The smile broadens shyly at the welcome and Faramir returns the greeting ]

I came as swift as I might!

[rangerandking]

I have fought many an Orc before. {Their moves are something he knows well. Only the strength of the Uruk-hai give him trouble.} I never doubted your speed.

{He whistles and his unicorn prances into view, head held high. With a cloth, Aragorn cleans his bloodied horn.}

[theywhowait]

I know you have sire, but as your once-Steward it is my job to safeguard king as well as kingdom, and I can hardly do that if you are seeking trouble far away.

[ But the scold is mostly exasperated fondness, in any case. Faramir is still not entirely certain how to deal with Aragorn, and not Elessar.

He looks up at the unicorn wonderingly, but does not approach ]

So this is your new companion - a most beautiful beast indeed.

[rangerandking]

Once-Steward? Are you abandoning your post? {He says it lightly. The title is there for as long as Faramir wishes to keep it.} Said from one Ranger to another.

{Though he must, once the final battle is won, leave his Ranging ways far, far behind.}

A gift, a mount and a warrior. {He chuckles as Ehtyarion nibbles on his sleeve.} And a friend. He should respond well to you.

[theywhowait]

[ He ducks his head shyly ]

I am hardly your steward here, although I am happy enough to serve that role as long as you wish for me to do so.

I am glad that you have found a mount to equal your speed. [ Faramir tentatively bows to Ehtyarion, keeping his eyes away from making direct contact the way Eowyn showed him to approach the wild herds ]

Good meeting Ehtyarion, thank you for caring for my lord so.