{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

voice;

[rangerandking]

I was far from her side when I arrived in this world. I thought I would never see her again. {All thanks to the Ring.}

voice;

[silmarils]

.. What could have sent you away from her? [ many things, in truth, given what aragorn was and what he is. but though he's far removed now from their world and has no intention to return, he still finds himself curious about times after his death. ]

voice;

[rangerandking]

There was a great dark power threatening to overcome the realms of Men, Elves and Dwarves alike. I left Arwen behind to fight it. I stood before the Gates of Mordor with the Army of Gondor at my back. {Then he was in the Drabworld.}

voice;

[silmarils]

[ a dark power? with moringotto in the void.. ]

.. Sauron, then. [ a quiet, weary sigh. ] Ever seeking to expand his power. Gimli explained this to me, I think. Over a ring of power, was it not?

voice;

[rangerandking]

None other. {The burdens of the future shouldn't rest on the shoulders of the past.} His Ring. It surfaced amongst the Hobbits and he prepared his armies to seize it.

{Don't ask him how it ended up in the Shire...or away from Sauron.}

voice;

[silmarils]

From what I have learned from Master Baggins, Hobbits are largely a gentle, untraveled people. And yet, 'twas two Hobbits that destroyed the Ring, was it not?

voice;

[rangerandking]

{Two? ...yes. Frodo and Sam. Aragorn smiles faintly and closes his eyes.}

The Ring was taken from Sauron by my ancestor, Isildur. It corrupted him and he did not live long under its influence. Then it disappeared.

We know now that it found its way into the hands of a creature named Gollum. He kept it for many years. Then, unexpectedly, it sought out a Hobbit who, like Gollum, did not know what it was. The Ring slumbered in the Shire for many years more until that same Hobbit took it out of its hiding place.

By then, the forces of Sauron had begun to amass, seeking their Master's Ring.

voice;

[silmarils]

[ there's silence for several moments, but at last a small, musing noise. ]

.. Would that we could have defeated him in my time. It should not have fallen to your generation.

voice;

[rangerandking]

The blame does not lie with you. I will give him cause to fear me if we meet in battle.

{For a very good reason.}

Blades can be reforged and your brethren have given me a mighty weapon; one that he will remember.

voice;

[silmarils]

You have reason enough to wish to meet him on the field. Even so, for Arwen's sake, I should wish that you will not be required to do so.

voice;

[rangerandking]

If he is not slain, she will die. {His life is forfeit if it means she will live.}

voice;

[silmarils]

Do not doubt that I wish him slain. [ he has more reason than most, perhaps. ] Even so, take care as you can.

voice;

[rangerandking]

I do not doubt your intentions. {How can he?} I wish to live to see the realm of Men reunited. I am told we succeed and Arwen becomes my Queen.

voice;

[silmarils]

Master Gimli did inform me of your success. [ his tone softens, then. ] .. I know that she will be a beautiful bride.

voice;

[rangerandking]

I dearly wish you could be present for the coronation, Maedhros. She is fond of you and I am beginning to understand why.

voice;

[silmarils]

[ startled silence, then a disgruntled noise. ]

I am one of the Feanoriannath. It would have been a bad omen, I am certain, for one of us to be there.

voice;

[rangerandking]

Time eases wounds and, do not forget, her father is one you saved.

He, Arwen and I owe our lives to you and Maglor.

voice;

[silmarils]

.. Aye, we saved them. But were it not for us, they would not have needed saving in the first place. That should not be forgotten.

[ even so.. even so, he cannot help but miss the twins, and so dearly. he sees elrond in arwen every time he looks at her. and to know that elros' line has not been broken.. ]

voice;

[rangerandking]

Forgotten, no, but you raised Elrond and Elros well. In his turn, Elrond showed me the same kindness. Your good deeds have lasted longer than your foul.

voice;

[silmarils]

.. I cannot believe that. We count our sins in droves. [ a small, shaky breath. ] Still, it gladdens me to have the chance here to know Arwen and to know you. 'Tis a blessing and a mercy that I do not deserve.

voice;

[rangerandking]

She is far wiser than I and you have seen her approach you with an open heart. For her sake and the sake of my ancestor, I wish you happiness. {And peace.} The past cannot be changed, but the future has yet to be born.

voice;

[silmarils]

She is very like her father in that. .. And I am.. well enough here. Happiness, I think, is asking for too much. I would be satisfied with some measure of contentment.

[ and then a subject change, because this is getting a little too open and uncomfortable for him. ]

Have you been informed whether the two of you will have children..?

voice;

[rangerandking]

I do not know. {There is a certain longing in his eyes.} I hope for a son, but I would delight in daughters.

voice;

[silmarils]

Perhaps you will have both. Doubtless you will be good parents, given the household you were raised in.

voice; okay I totally knew this was voice. brain, catch up.

[rangerandking]

All would be cherished. {Joyfully. He has a secret desire to see little girls that look like Arwen.} I will give them and Arwen the best life possible.