❧ video; 01

[firith]

[ Tiny, delicate little hands are the first sight to be seen when the locket begins to broadcast, closely followed by a pair of bright grey eyes. A fairy flutters from Thranduil's arm to sit on his shoulder and, pointy-eared as he is with a river of pale blonde hair (not to mention a crown of red berries and leaves), they make a fine pair, though neither of them appears particularly human. It isn't locked to one court or another, singularly because he isn't aware it can be, displaying the brilliant golden walls of a private solar in Caer Glaem. A king's chambers.

The feed shuts off abruptly.

Minutes later, it clicks back on to the sound of the tinkling laughter of the same fairy; someone is clearly learning how to use the locket's functions via trial and error. Judging by the first glimpse of him, he needs the practice. The third time he speaks, the message runs along the screen like a river of inked words taking form: A charming tool. And they will be able to respond in kind, you say? I think I will, yes. How do I —? Ah. Thank you, little one.

Fourth time is a charm; the locket is held at arm's length, affording the best view yet of a fascinated elf. ]

I am Thranduil, Elvenking of Eryn Lasgalen, that which is the Wood of Greenleaves in the land from whence I hail. I would welcome those with greater knowledge of the Drabwurld and the creatures within it. Well do I understand the nature of being summoned thus — that is not a point of contention for me, as it is with many of you.

[ The fairy shimmers insistently, drawing a glance. ]

Lothdithen will visit any who wish to further discuss with me the matter of the war and lead them to where I will be in the castle until nightfall. The library will suffice with its maps of where we might strengthen this fortress with our differing experience and arts.

[ There is no thanks, no goodbye. The feed simply ends with the tone of one who is not accustomed to bandying idle words. ]

Comments

[chromosomes]

[ Legolas. He's met him, he remembers; pulling him away from fairies that wanted him to dance. Huh. ]

I met him, briefly. He's a good choice.

[ As good a choice as any, really, but he does seem kind and Thranduil trusts him. That's worth something. ]

We're probably going to need to teach people how to ride. I'm not exactly good at it myself.

[firith]

You will find me useless in that regard, for Elves do not use riding equipment. We do so bareback, as is our way. [ A hint of humour lights his eyes. ] You may have to teach them yourself, once you are through falling from a saddle.

[chromosomes]

[ He snorts. ]

Don't know, bareback sounds preferable. Not always going to have time to get the horse in a saddle.

[firith]

It would take longer to grow accomplished without a saddle. Learn with one, and then shed it once you are confident around the horse.

[chromosomes]

[ It isn't falling off he's worried about. It's breaking the tack and the horse with it. But Thranduil doesn't need to know that. ]

Guess I'll have to make a visit to the stables.

[firith]

You should go now, before anyone discovers there is riding equipment available and decides to assume ownership.

[chromosomes]

I believe we were going to talk about some other things, first.

[firith]

If you cannot ride or shoot from a saddle, that tailors my suggestion. I think the castle would be better served by your experience if you were to grow accustomed to its layout and direct new soldiers to do the same. I do not intend to rely on the defenses already set in place, without knowing the guards or having cause to trust them.

Not that I trust you. As you said, we must discover whether that is a possibility through trial and error.

[chromosomes]

[ There's a nod. It all makes sense, even if he's not too thrilled about having to try and learn to ride. It's for the best, he knows that, but John can't shake the feeling that he's going to end up hurting someone. ]

Time to start with the trial part, then.

[ He apologizes in advance, horses. ]

[firith]

Do you need anything else of me?

[ No nonsense, that's how he rrrrrolls. ]

[chromosomes]

[ can he start on a pony ride that seems safest ]

Nothing at the moment, sir.

[firith]

Then we shall talk more later.

[ Dismissed. ]