{Video/Action}

[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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[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.

[theywhowait]

[ Well okay that is acceptable and Faramir nods, relaxing ]

I am yours to command, Aragorn. Wherever you go, I will follow.

[rangerandking]

Woe to our enemies. Those who seek to harm those in our hearts will taste our blades.

[theywhowait]

As my king has spoken, so also may it be. [ Faramir nods ]

[rangerandking]

Shall I send you Ehtyarion to make your trip shorter?

[theywhowait]

[ Dryly ]

I am fairly sure I do not count as blood high enough to ride a unicorn, Aragorn.

[rangerandking]

He obeys me. If I tell him to bring you safely, what choice does he have?

[theywhowait]

He could always say no. [ Faramir points out in amusement ] I would rather not find out the hard way if he is as temperamental as King Eorl's Felarof!

[rangerandking]

{He chuckles and sighs. Faramir has a point and Ehtyarion is outrageously stubborn at times.}

What if I rode out to you and followed you back as... {Well, the lion.}

[theywhowait]

It would probably be safer. [ Faramir allows with a smile ] And I would certainly prefer it over the other method you enjoy to get me to your side. [ Don't go deliberately looking for trouble this time, please ]

[rangerandking]

He is more likely to abide by my wishes if I am near. {So there's no worry.} Ah but it worked, did it not?

{What are apologies?}

[theywhowait]

[ Stewards do not roll their eyes at their kings, but friends do and Faramir is rolling his eyes HARD at you Aragorn ]

It did. But kindly do not do so again!

[rangerandking]

Should an Orc claim my life, I do not deserve my sword. {That's the closest he will come to showing his pride.}

[theywhowait]

Should an Orc claim your life, that Orc's life is forfeit. [ Faramir retorts ] But even the greatest of warriors may be slain by an arrow, so said Master Peregrin, and he was right. I... cannot lose you, Aragorn.

[rangerandking]

My father perished at their hands. I know their malice and their cruelty. {But he speaks of experience - not hard-headedness.} Many have I faced and only the Uruk-hai gave me significant pause.

{Even so...} You will not lose me.

[theywhowait]

Do not make promises you know you cannot be garunteed to keep [ Faramir shoves half-heartedly in tease ]

I hope not.

[rangerandking]

{He catches Faramir's hand and clasps it between his own.}

We are brothers. Boromir's last words were: "I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king." I will not lie to you.

[theywhowait]

[ A pleased shy duck of his head and Faramir's hand closes on Aragorn's firmly ]

As a brother to me you shall be. [ He affirms ]

Although you are old enough to be my father. [ He adds cheekily ]