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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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.

Last I heard, Legolas had quite the group following him. That'll slow things down a little.

Only what you wouldn't mind being overheard. The rest you'll want to save for in person.

Then scouts would not go amiss. {Someone to hurry ahead and search for danger.} True enough. We must be wise and cautious with our words.

Easier said than done, sometimes.

I have practice holding my tongue.

It's funny how often that skill is overlooked.

There is a time to speak one's mind and a far greater time to listen.

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

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