ataraxion | 2 ❂ Video

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[He doesn't often get on the network like this. Responding to things, sure, but he doesn't generally have a reason to put himself out there like this. But he needs something to do now that the fledglings are independent. For those who've been around him the last month or so, he's looking better--more color to his face, definitely sleeping and eating more.]

I am Thranduil Oropherion. [Not my name is because Oropherion isn't a name, just a way of sticking out less in a crowd of Firstname Lastnames as opposed to saying son of Oropher and spurring more questions about how does he keep track of who he is without a last name.]

The number of you who have animals may be glad to know I am skilled in beast-lore and bird-lore. I would like to offer my services as such. If ever you believe something is wrong with your animal, or if they seem disturbed, ill, or uncomfortable, do not hesitate to ask for my help.

[Can't even offer his services without making it sound like a command. This isn't nearly as nostalgic as it should be. He's earned some nostalgia at this point.]

For my qualifications, I have done this a great number of years even for an elf, in three separate kingdoms. I am capable of quickly determining the problem and am an expert in their physical languages. ["I talk to animals."] If you wish for a reference, I have worked in this capacity for the lady Morgana these last two months. She might vouch for me.

[Not that he asked her to do so. Surprise!]

There are three young songbirds in the gardens now. Please do not disturb them.

Thank you for your time.

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I fear the lady Morgana is a woman so lost from herself. I should think you would be careful in her company.

[ He wants Morgana to see good again, of course, and part of him still yearns for her companionship and the gentility he saw in her when he was young, but he can't take chances. ]

But I am glad to know someone is doing Aithusa well.

Edited 2013-05-25 22:30 (UTC)

[Oh gosh, someone else who knows Morgana's special brand of crazy.]

I have often dealt with wild animals in the past. Both are, in this case, making some progress, the dragon more than the woman. Some damage will never be repaired, but I believe Aithusa can live a long and happy life nonetheless.

[But Morgana...]

[ He doesn't just know it, in fact, but he knows her long before that as well. ]

Progress? Last I spoke with the Lady Morgana I fear she was filled with nothing but anger. Fear, perhaps, too. It will consume her, but she was not always so volatile. She was once a woman of great compassion.

[ He wants her to have a happy life, he wants to heal her and protect her much like she did for him, but if she continues to hold so much hate for Arthur, then there is little else he can do. ]

That you have not seen it does not mean it is not there. These things take a great deal of time, and animals are much easier than people.

[That Morgana is now confused by his help rather than assuming Thranduil means ill is progress. It'll be a while before that confusion spreads into questioning how she thinks the world works, if it happens at all.]

Yes, of course. I have not spoken with her in some time, and perhaps it is best that way.

[ He did stab her at one point, after all, but he had to choose between lives. ]

Is she well, otherwise? This place is strange, and so different from our homeland.

[ Mordred cares for Morgana -- no matter how much he must protect his King, he still owes that woman something. ]

[So this is an old friend worried about someone he still cares for. Thranduil's heart stirs with pity. He'll give him whatever good news he can.]

The dragon, of all creatures, seems to encourage a strain of compassion in her. I think she is not beyond all saving nor reason, and that having Aithusa here brings her a measure of purpose. In body, she is well enough. She trusts me enough to lay hands on the creature she values most, and there is something to be said for that.

Yes, I suspect they are all one another has.

[ And how often he has tried to make Morgana see that it was not so, that she had many who would easily come to her side should she need it. ]

I am happy, at least, she has some little comfort. But, may I ask, how it is you have come to know her so well, even come near to Aithusa?

[ Mordred realizes suddenly that he should be more mindful, really. Morgana isn't all hate and spite, but there's enough there that should she find an ally with the wrong intentions, it could certainly work out rather poorly. ]

When I heard she had a dragon aboard, I made a bargain with her. You must understand--dragons from my world are not simply beasts like any other. They are powerful, intelligent, greedy, and have a certain sorcery to them. Not a natural magic that comes of achieving one's potential to create, but a sorcery that bends the minds of their victims. They have taken kingdoms in a matter of hours, sometimes only for their gold, sometimes at the bidding of a master. I made a bargain that she, as the dragon's master, would use Aithusa to protect those on board. In exchange, I care for the dragon often, for she is quite sick and a sick beast is far more dangerous than a healthy one.

[Not saying how much it still freaks him out because yes.]

You should be fortunate she let you near her and Aithusa both. It is difficult to speak with her, you will find, especially in matters concerning others. She has locked her heart away years ago I suspect. In our world, to have power over a dragon is a great skill, one only the finest of magic users may possess. It is a rare gift. She does hold that beast as a friend, something most valuable to her. Be careful, that is all. You likely know her far better than I now.

[ If Morgana cared for that dragon, then he knows the woman he knew has to be there somewhere, beneath the jaded surface. ]

I should never wish to meet the dragons of your realm. You speak of old magic, dark magic, that my people tell only fables of.

I do not know what dragons were before they were corrupted. But they can speak, and lead armies if they've a mind to. Their gaze alone inspires fear, or paralysis, or loss of memory, or even enslavement. But seldom do they leave their treasure hoards, unless a greater power wills it.

I imagine you have seen many terrible things, then. My home suffers most from those who misuse magic. It is greatly feared.

[ There are always other creatures and beasts lusting after the throne or trying to find power among the people of Camelot, so perhaps it's similar in a way. ]

Forgive me, I'm Mordred. Though it is best, perhaps, that you do not tell the Lady Morgana we have met.

[ Whether it's safe or not, he doesn't know. No doubt Thranduil will see true anger if his name is mentioned to Morgana. ]

Edited 2013-05-26 00:29 (UTC)

Then I will not. Still, I am glad to meet you, Mordred.

[So many names from these people that almost mean something in Sindarin, if they don't actually mean something. Mordred sounds half-Sindarin and half-Rohirric, actually.]

I do hope you understand I approached you about Lady Morgana only with concern for both yourself and her own well being.

[ It's easier to speak to this man, for some reason. Perhaps their worlds are similar in some ways. Perhaps completely different. It's difficult to tell here. ]

How long has it been since you've arrived upon this ship?

[He gives a nod of understanding. In response to the question, he holds up his wrist to show his tattoo.

013-086.

Mostly he does this because he doesn't really pay attention to days/weeks/months as a way of measuring time and doesn't actually know the answer unless he starts counting how many jumps it's been and does some math.]

[ Strange, how the tattoo is enough to communicate. Mordred, too has lost track of the days. Each jump is more difficult than the last, when he realizes he's not returned home. He fingers the ink on his own wrist for a moment, and sighs. ]

Longer than I, surely. How is it you came about caring for the creatures on board this ship? It must be difficult.

The sparrows arrived as hungry fledglings in my locker. Aithusa's story I have told you.

It is kind of you to care for them. They must enjoy the gardens. Sometimes I find that is the only room in this place that gives me some idea of peace.

[ Being locked in by metal walls was never comfortable anyway, really. ]

It is the growing things and the green smell of the air. The sound of water, even if it is a poor substitute for a true river.

My people lived and traveled through the forests. While this does not compare, I prefer it to the other places the ship offers.

Did they? {Thranduil perks up a bit with interest.] I am King of the Woodland Realm in Northern Mirkwood. My people are the wood-elves of that forest.

Yes. [ It's still strange to speak so openly about who and what he is sometimes that it doesn't come as easily as it should. ] I am a druid, and we spent much of my childhood in the forests that surround Albion. It is a pleasure to meet you all the same.

And what is a druid, I wonder?

A peaceful people, but a hunted one. We possess magic, used only for peace, protection. The former King of the land made sure to eradicate many of us, however. There are few remaining.

Then you are from the same world as Morgana and Merlin, I take it. I will never understand this. Magic is in all things. You might say that in us, it is our ability to mimic he who created us--to create on our own. Art and healing and lore are as magical as spells, yet few outside my world seem to see them as magic.

Yes, I've known them both for some time. Much of my life. Both have saved my life. It is different where we are, but my people see our simple lives as part of that magic. We had astounding healers, tales, traditions... but it does not seem to hold the weight that yours do. It is a natural ability then, not a learned one?

[ A world where magic existed without persecution? Without fear and hiding? He can understand how Morgana came to so easily trust this man. ]

2 ❂ Video

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