001 | video | open to both courts

[extramural]

[ The locket is floating.

It’s the only explanation for the view that the item gives – a young man, out on the walls of one of the castles, the moon curved behind him. His arms are crossed in front of him, not touching the device as it records. Black eyes (all black, like the depths of the sea) regard it for a moment and then one hand moves, gestures at the locket. ]

Well, well.

[ His head tilts, and while his lips don’t turn up, one may get the feeling that he’s smirking. ]

I must say, this is an interesting turn of events. One that even I did not see coming.

[ His voice is almost monotonous, but there is something like music in it – like whale song. ]

To be pulled away to the Drabwurld, asked to take part in this war. I wonder if they truly know what they are doing. [ His hand returns, head moving back so that he can look straight at the camera. ]

I hear there was a battle. One should expect such things, in war. I suppose I should ask about it. [ He doesn’t. Instead- ]

Tell me, Shardholders, something... interesting.

Comments

[bythewaves]

More or less. [ Maglor nods]

He did. [ why does it matter? ]

[extramural]

[ He does not take a breath, but only because it's something he hasn't had to do in 4000 years. Still, the intensity of his stare, of his voice, of the shadowy wisps of magic -- all grow. ]

Was it given to the monarchs?

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor's lip curls in derision but there is only the barest hint of... something in his voice as he answers ]

No. He was... is, our friend. We kept it in our keeping, in hopes he might one day return for it.

[extramural]

[ The intensity ebbs, but only slightly. ]

Good. Good...

[ Then- ]

I would like to hold onto it.

[ This is the Outsider trying to be polite. ]

[bythewaves]

[ A considering pause ]

Why?

[ Daud was his friend, and House's too - Maglor minds not yielding it to one who also would consider him so, but he is leery of this stranger ]

[extramural]

We are old friends.

[ In a manner of speaking. ]

Daud is one of my Marked, and there are few like him. I can assure you that it will be safe.

[bythewaves]

[ Again the considering pause and then ]

Ask for House then, and tell him so. It is in his keeping, as the one of us who had the closest dealings with him in Daud's time here. If he believes that you mean what you say, he may yield it. If not... then I am sorry. The doctor is generally a good judge of character, and I would trust his assessment over yours, your pardon.

[extramural]

'Doctor House', then.

[ There's a nod of his head. The Outsider is rather confident that he'll get his way one way or another. ]

[bythewaves]

If he asks who told you so, tell him Maglor spoke to you. He does not think much of my own judgement, these days [ wry self-depreciation, but it is true ] - but he knows I would not give out my friends names carelessly.

[extramural]

I will do so.

[ He's not very good at introductions just yet, not without being prompted, so he doesn't include his own name. Title. Thing. ]

[bythewaves]

And what name should I give to House when he asks who I have been talking too?

[ It's cool, Maglor only remembers because manners were drummed into him from very young ]

[extramural]

The Outsider. Though I am told it is a poor name.

[bythewaves]

[ on this end eyebrow goes shooting up, but his voice remains scrupulously polite ]

It is certainly less a name, and more a title, I would think. But if that is how you wish to be known, I will certainly let him know. Although if you mind not indulging me a question, I would ask if you are the Outsider, what you stand outside of?

[extramural]

The world.

[ My goodness that's a common question. His answering tone of voice sounds almost bored as a result. ]

[bythewaves]

[ A thoughtful hum ] All worlds, or only that one, I wonder. You seem a part of this one now - perhaps it will be a little different here, since you cannot slip outside any longer.

[extramural]

That one, I would think. It is already different here.

[bythewaves]

Are you enjoying it? Your new perspective? Or is it little different to before?

[extramural]

It is... trying, at times. But intriguing in others. I admit that I haven't had this much conversation in many, many years; there was never any need. I could see the choices most people would make, as drab and boring as their daily lives. But here...

Here, there are a great deal of interesting people from interesting worlds. New friends, perhaps.

[bythewaves]

Then allow me to welcome you to life, I suppose! Conversation would become boring, if you knew what the other would answer I would guess. But here - well. Friends are to be made where you can, I think, especially in such times and places as these.

I do not know if my world would be interesting enough (who can tell, after all - a world is just a world, to those who dwell therein), but if tis tales of different places you want, I certainly know a few.

[extramural]

And I thank you, Maglor, for the welcome -- and for the offer of stories. I would hear them all, eventually.

[bythewaves]

Well at the least we are all easy to find, these days. If you ever wish for a tale, you need only ask.

[extramural]

I will remember that.