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[rangerandking]

{Boons are a thing of wonder. Aragorn is enjoying his first taste of magic, his grey eyes unfocused as he concentrates on the deep thrum of a spell activating. His body morphs seamlessly, which, understandably, causes him to inhale sharply.

But then it's done. He now looks through the eyes of a Sciathán Lion. Shaking his pale mane and stretching his feathered wings, he stands and lifts his chin to catch the scent of leaves, soil, living things on the air. Pale eyes aglow, he almost seems to smile.

This is a gift he will put to good use. His head dips and he slips the locket over his ears until it settles against his furry chest. There it stays as his feet pound against the ground, knocking up dirt and debris. Once he has sufficient speed, he opens his wings and lets the air catch against his feathers.

He has watched the Eagles fly - birds beyond counting too - yet nothing prepares him for the sensation of pure free flight. His feet still move, almost as if he is racing over the open air, and he roars his approval.

Back on the ground, there is a whinny of disapproval. A certain Unicorn is giving his master a skeptical look, head tilted to one side.

When will Men learn not to play with magic like it's a toy?

Aragorn makes one round in the sky, letting his wings become accustomed to flight before he lands quite near the Unicorn. Ehtyarion shakes his mane and paws at the dirt with his hoof. With an amused glimmer in his eyes, Aragorn nudges his friend gently and encourages him to follow him.

No one will be eaten today. Or any other day for that matter. He is not that sort of beast.}

Comments

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[bythewaves]

That is a new thing, Isildurchil. [ Maglor watches quietly ] It seems you are growing in estimation, in the eyes of the Rulers here, if they grant such gifts.

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[rangerandking]

{He responds only after he has returned to his normal form. With a sheepish smile, he nods.}

New indeed. {Falling silent, he considers what the Rulers want of him.} I have not made my stance on the war quiet. I sought a way to travel quicker and...gain strength. King Thranduil's other form gave me an idea, though I did not expect the result.

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[bythewaves]

The Elvenking has something of similar kind? [ Maglor raises an eyebrow and thinks guiltily of the number of animals he spooked bouncing in and out of the shadows when annoying Thranduil's guards and wonders if one of them was the Elvenking himself. Oh well. ]

Your great heart does you credit, Aragorn, although I fear you will struggle to find those to listen. The Kings and Queens know well how to twist us to their will.

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[rangerandking]

A White Hart or Stag, I believe. I came upon him in the forest and he was...insistently...himself. {What Stag stares down a potential hunter and then shows him affection? Besides which, the creature's fur was the same shade as the King's hair.}

I defend those who are innocent in this war. The royalty may do as they wish to persuade me or dissuade me, but my heart hasn't changed.

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[bythewaves]

[ Oh that's good, Maglor hasn't run into anything like that phew ]

A White Stag. Hm. [ a small curl of a smile ] I hope he was not in that form during the recent hunts!

Elros would be pleased. [ He says quietly ] He was always a stalwart defender of those who could not defend themselves. Elrond, as well. Thank you, Aragorn. It brings me joy to know there are those who would defy the machinations of the Rulers.

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[rangerandking]

He wouldn't put himself in such danger. {Hopefully? He has a feeling even if Thranduil was faced with hunters, he wouldn't flee. Oh the stubbornness of Elves.} I do not wish to meet the one who has the heart to kill such a creature.

{Aragorn has lived off of the land. He knows where to find food - and he knows not to hunt for sport. Hunting is for food and it should be done quickly and mercifully.

The compliment - for that is how he takes it - brings a warm smile to his lips and his eyes seem to glow for a moment.}

I have oft wished for a family; one that is like myself and shares my blood. I spent precious little time in my mother's presence and that which Lord Elrond taught me was tinged by his Elvish learning. It does my heart good to know Elros would have thought as I do.

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[bythewaves]

[ A snort ] Well if the tales are to be believed, tis a tradition that the White Stag allows himself to be hunted, on that day. [ He shrugs. ]

Celegorm would have enjoyed that [ soft and quiet before he comes back and smiles ]

If Elrond took you in, never doubt that he saw you as kin. But... yes. I think Elros would have been proud of you as well.

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[rangerandking]

Perhaps. {But allowing a hunt and welcoming it are two different things.} There are many with a taste for the hunt.

{His is a soft heart and he knows it.}

I am of the Dúnedain. Estel may have thought himself half Elven, but Aragorn knows better. I am descended of the Númenóreans and it is only Elros's blood that connects me to Elrond.

{He will think of Elrond as his second father no matter what, but to know someone who either shares his blood or is part of his line would be a blessing.}

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[bythewaves]

Never say 'only'. [ Maglor corrects softly ] Elrond's heart was always great, that he could love even someone like me, despite all that stood between us. Blood or no, I do not doubt that he saw you as his own.

Fortunate are the Dunedain! To have one in whom the best of both kindreds are seen.

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[rangerandking]

I have never spoken to him of the matter. {There is regret in that statement. With all the love Aragorn holds for his foster-father, he finds it difficult to put into words.} I would consider it an honor if he thought as much of me.

{Before her death, his mother told him of how Elrond had opened his home to them without question. She even spoke of how he gave her time to rest and grieve by tending to the - then - two year-old Aragorn himself.}

Fortunate am I to be blessed by years of friendship with many races.

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[bythewaves]

If you can, one day, whether here or back home, you should, Elrondion. He has known such grief in his life. To know that his fosterling returned his regard, would, I think, sooth at least a few of his sorrows.

You have had what most would envy in terms of friendships I think. Do not waste them!

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[theywhowait]

[ Down below Faramir shakes his head in fond exasperation. It is difficult enough keeping up with his king on a good day. ]

Enjoying yourself, Sire? [ He asks dryly when Aragorn gets closer ]

Always <3

[rangerandking]

{Abandoning Ehtyarion's side, he races over to Faramir, nudging his hand with his head. Then there is a blur and suddenly Aragorn is standing at his friend's side, smiling.}

More than I should, I admit.

\o/

[theywhowait]

[ Faramir is grateful to not have to wonder if it is polite to pet one's king when Aragorn changes back and he shakes his head with a smile ]

It rather suits you, I think. Do you know what sort of beast it be? I do not recall anything of the sort in our own world.

[rangerandking]

Neither do I. They called it a Sciathán Lion. {A creature that could prove useful in battle. It's a shame he hasn't seen others in the Drabwurld.} Through flight, I can travel faster and my body is stronger under the fur.

{Not that he's any push over as a Man, but it's nice to be able to take hits and keep moving.}

[theywhowait]

A Sciathan Lion... [ He repeats and shrugs with a wry smile ] I will have to look it up in the libraries, later.

Tis a good form for both defense and offence then, although I hope you will not have need to use it!

[rangerandking]

As will I! {He chuckles before growing solemn.} There is far too much unease. Where are you residing?

[theywhowait]

For the moment, I have not determined my own place. [ He shrugs ] The Elvenking suggested I go to Treun, but... with all the talk of war... I do not know.

[rangerandking]

The Dwarves are traveling to join the Elvenking. It is my wish that you do the same. {He will gladly accept Thranduil's reaction whether it be positive or negative.} There is room enough for everyone.

[theywhowait]

[ A stubborn set to his eyes at that ]

You would send me away to safety? Sire, I am your Steward. I belong at my King's side.

[rangerandking]

Where do you think I will be? {He promised Arwen he would return there. Should battle draw him out, it's not like he's going to sneak under the cover of night.} Be by my side should battle descend upon us.

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[edgar_of_etheria]

[Edgar is no stranger to transmogrifying magic, but this catches his interest.]

...how did you learn to do that? Can you do that on others, or just yourself?

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[rangerandking]

Only myself. {It was a boon, so he assumes it only applies to him.} I requested a gift the last time the Fae were awarding boons.

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[edgar_of_etheria]

Curious thing to ask for. Did you not like your usual form?

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[rangerandking]

I asked for more strength and versatility should war fall upon us. (Human bodies are great, but an animal can travel much faster.)