eachdraidh | {Video/After the Feast: Open to Seelie & Unseelie}

There is a magic here that I have never encountered in all of my journeys across Middle Earth. I do not know what to call it or even where it originates. {His anger over having been taken from the final battle at the Black Gate has diminished. In its place, Aragorn looks solemn and paler than usual.} I can only ask that it returns me from whence I came. It is of the utmost importance that I do not -

{For the first time, his voice cracks and he falls silent.}

There is a battle. It will decide the fate of my world. If I do not fight within it; if I do not lend my strength to my men, more of them will perish. {Perhaps they will lose heart. Perhaps all of them will die in the face of their greatest fear. All of the possibilities are incredibly grim.} I must return.

My name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn and I am the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. My place is with my people and my friends.

{No feast can distract him; food is naught but a texture against his tongue. Now isn't the time for joy and festivities. Rather, his entire attention is fixed upon that which he can't see anymore.

The Black Gate.

How far has he been transported? And by what sorcery? He holds onto his sword - the reforged Narsil - tightly, ready and waiting to draw it free from its sheathe.}

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How? {He is listening intently, his eyes fixed on John.} Are you a friend of Legolas?

The Shards. [ But he's hesitant to say more; like he said, Legolas can say more. ]

Yes. We met our first day here, at the feast. I'm a friend of his father's, as well, and Galadriel.

[ And named elf-friend by Thranduil. ]

Staff Sergeant John Grimm, or that's what I'd be called back home. John's fine.

King Thranduil is here? {Another surprise.} Then I shall honor your word as truthful.

{To make friends with Elves isn't an easy task.}

What does a Staff Sergeant do?

Only just re-arrived. He, Legolas, and myself all arrived at the same time, but Thranduil has been away from this world for several months.

[ Legolas tried to make him dance, it was awful. ]

It's a military rank.

Then Legolas has more to celebrate than I imagined. {Yes, he wants to be positive about this - for the sake of his friends and the children trapped here.} You too are accustomed to battle.

It can only get better from his second month, as far as I'm concerned. [ He doesn't truly mean to say it, grumbles it more than anything, but- well, honestly? He doesn't know if Legolas will tell of what happened to him at Unseelie hands, if he will impress upon them that no matter what you think of this war, there are others who will hunt you just for the side that has claimed you. ]

Yes. Though the battles here are filled with magic, which we don't have back in my world.

{He wants to ask; the question is on the tip of his tongue. But he doesn't because the information applies to a dear friend and if that dear friend wants to divulge it, he will. Regardless Aragorn will use the fact that Legolas has had a hard time to better aid his friend in recovering.}

It is a power which few possess in my world. I cannot say I know much of it - or how to wield it.

The monarchs here have given it as boons to people without it, or increased the magic that others have. [ He twists, just once, at the ring of red iron on his finger. ]

And the Shards are magical. Or that's my understanding.

Does that include yourself? {His eyes stray on the ring.} I should like to know their capabilities.

[ He nods. ] I was given the ability to heal, for my first boon. And this ring allows me to manipulate the earth.

Manipulate in what manner? {Healing is useful, but manipulating the earth could be tragic if used improperly.}

The rocks and dirt respond to my will. Well- when they feel like it.

That could be useful if you seek to protect yourself or others.

It has been. Even the best weapon has a hard time getting through rock.

I know of a Dwarf that would admire such a skill. They are masters at hewing grand halls out of rock.

I was told this ring once belonged to a line of dwarf lords. I wish I'd thought to ask what happened to them.

[ But he can guess. War. War and ruin. ]

That does not surprise me. {It's usually the same, isn't it.} You could not ask for a finer acquisition.

A woman I know received a clockwork arm from the dwarven king in this world. It was nice work. I can't quite do the same, but- they seem to be an interesting people.

With time, you could learn. {As far as he knows, Dwarves use their might, tools and intellect to craft wonders. Magic isn't involved.}

It's time I'm not sure I have. Not when this war involves people no matter their feelings on it.

{Ah, yes. Another war. He shifts and brushes his fingers against the stubble on his chin.}

Where do you stand? I cannot fight those who have done no wrong.

There are many that agree with you. Unfortunately, there are many that are very willing to fight, natives and Shardbearers alike. And I will fight them if it means defending the people here.

[ He sighs. ]

No matter your court, if you have a shard, someone else will always want it. Legolas and his father have left the courts, but that won't stop many Unseelie who know that they were claimed by the Seelie from trying to take them.

Defense is another matter entirely. I cannot fault you for shielding those who are in need.

{That is the path he will likely choose.}

Those who pursue them will find the task difficult.

{What with Aragorn pointing Andúril in their face.}

That I don't doubt.

[ And he sighs again. ]

I'd like to travel with them again, someday. If the damn war ever stops without both sides slaughtering each other.

Your company is welcome. We are accustomed to covering much ground quickly, which will aid us well in this land.

Our discoveries can easily be relayed to you with these lockets.

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