ataraxion | 2 ❂ Video

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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. ]

It is both, as with anything. I have an affinity with animals, but I could not fulfill my potential without instruction.

Yes, I suppose it does work that way with most things.

You begin to understand. It is not so different from, as you say, "most things."

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