{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

[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 ]

[rangerandking]

I am old enough to be your grandfather. {Let's be honest, here. He chuckles and releases Faramir's hand.} But I have many years yet.

[theywhowait]

Well yes, but I did not wish to draw overly attention to your age, milord [ He grins back ]

For that, Gondor is grateful!

[rangerandking]

Should fate be on my side, I have only experienced less than half of my life. {Since he will live to be 210.}

[theywhowait]

You will outlive us all, I think. [ Faramir shrugs ] I hope any children of mine will serve you faithfully when I am gone.

[rangerandking]

A burden more than a gift. {His eyes dim with sadness.} They will never want for anything as long as they live within Gondor or Rohan.

[theywhowait]

I am sure they will not, and I know it is because the King will make Gondor flourish once again. We will see each other again, Aragorn, beyond the walls of the world.

[rangerandking]

I look forward to it. In that world, I shall need your guidance. {Since Faramir will have been there for longer.}

[theywhowait]

How strange, to be the one who leads you, rather than the other way around! I will make sure to prepare you a warm welcome, my lord. [ ^_^ ]