◎ｆｏｕｒｔｈ ｊｏｕｒｎｅｙ

[ringbearer]

[ it's been a considerably long time since frodo made any contact with the network. times before he asked for companions, questions on stories, but instead there is silence. it's no secret he's kept much to him self in the passing months. even to those he'd call friend.

there's no denying that the person on the screen is haggard, shadows beneath his eyes and overall looking far from well. when he speaks it's distant, as if not quite present. frodo knows the risk, especially with him on board. his voice is like brittle paper. ]

I know some of you have magic. I'd like to know..

[it seems as if even coming to thoughts is difficult. a pause. ]

Is there any magic on this ship capable of weakening something else? Making it less potent -- anything that could restrain an object even a little..

[ wearily: ]

Should you know anything, anything at all .. I'd like to discuss it. Privately.

Comments

voice;

[longestnose]

Ah, Frodo. Thought we may have lost you, lad.

voice;

[ringbearer]

[ a pause, and a feeble look of apology crosses his face ]
Fili -- I'm sorry for it. It seemed to cause quite a fuss when it was all said and done.

voice;

[longestnose]

Well I was gone for the better part of a month as well, so I can't quite say what sort of fuss it caused. But we are glad to have you back.

[video]

[summerlord]

Frodo... [There is little doubt in Elrond's mind what has prompted this question -- and a dangerous question at that.] Perhaps we should speak.

[video/private]

[ringbearer]

[ it's a face he never expected to see again, but isn't that the way of all meetings in such perilous times? ]

Lord Elrond?

[ how long had he been here? there's hesitance, after all this isn't the wisest choice but as things stand there are very few options. none of which have ever crossed his mind as getting rid of it. ]

..It would be good to see you.

[ but he's much changed ]

[video/private]

[summerlord]

When and where, Master Frodo?

voice;

[tervelocius]

Perhaps you should ask our resident vampires.

voice;

[ringbearer]

[suspicion is too easy a thing for him to feel these days. the ring does little to help that. ]

And for what reason should I do so?

voice;

[tervelocius]

They're supposedly supernatural creatures. They might know something we wouldn't.

video;

[makalaure]

[ Maglor studies the face on the screen for some time before he makes an answer. The haggardness, the weary worn and wary look of one who carries a dangerous burden - it's something he recognizes in some degree, and he wonders what it is this hobbit carries (well, he thinks it's a hobbit; he is aware that he could well be mistaken, but Frodo bears some resemblance to Merry). Memories? Knowledge? Or something more physical?

But what grabs his attention more than anything else is the question about weakening something and restraining an object. ]

I know not the source of this ship's power and its ability to strip away enchantments, but I have observed such effects already on an object in my possession. Name your time and place and I would be willing to speak of it with you.

video/private;

[ringbearer]

[ before him is someone with presence, at least, by this screen. frodo doesn't need to know who it is to recognize it. an elf, by the sight of it. there's something about all of them that provide some measure of comfort, as fair things tended to do when one is surrounded by such evils.

still, it's hesitant, quiet: ]

As soon as it could be done. Though even then I am reluctant, as it is no small thing that I speak of.

Who are you? You speak of a similar situation.

video/private;

[makalaure]

My name is Makalaurë, though most now call me Maglor. In either case, you might say that my family has much experience with items of power...

[ He knows not what reputation - if any - his family has among hobbits, so he will not elaborate unless asked - but in any case, perhaps such things are best spoken of in person. ]

voice; piddly wizard encryption

[unapparent]

I know magic that could help, possibly.

voice; piddly hobbit..encryption??

[ringbearer]

What sort?

[ video ]

[tailcrook]

[It really is a face Konoe hasn't seen in a long time, and he's certain when he last did Frodo seemed so much better.]

I don't know a way to do that, except... hiding it away. [He's managed to resist looking for his mask again from long ago this way, after all. But something about this sounds all the more difficult to deal with if it must be asked about like this, and Konoe's concern goes unhidden.] But... I suppose you've tried that before?

[ video/private ]

[ringbearer]

[ there's a pause. he remembers this face, time spent in the gardens, ears that are unmistakable. but it's been some time, so it takes a moment to recall the name. the suggestions are the only thing he's been able to do and it still takes so much more than any regular ring should.

but it isn't a ring. since truly knowing it's weight it's been far more than that. ]

It's about the only thing I can do, on my part. Even now I speak too much.

[ → private ]

[tailcrook]

[It takes him a moment to remember how, but he shifts his message into a similar setting of secrecy, having difficulty imagining what could call for such a thing. Is it a curse...? He doesn't get to ask.]

Frodo... ["Too much" is enough for him not to dig.] There's more magic in this place than people talk about, I think... and people who'd know about it. Someone's got to find you.

[Unfortunately he can't say so without sadness. Only able to offer encouragement, as he did for someone else with such a familiar face....

He hopes for light to return to Frodo's eyes again someday, too.]

But - until then, do you have... time?

[Voice]

[ridesthesun]

That would depend entirely on the nature of what you wish restrained. I know a way to bind evil energy, but it depends entirely on what you need done.

[Voice]

[ringbearer]

Would it be able to lessen it? Even a little? I fear there are few things that could fully 'bind' such a thing.

Private video

[inafadingcrown]

I would speak with you on this matter also, Master Baggins.

Private Video

[ringbearer]

Yes, I imagine you would, and I as well.

[ a pause ]

Perhaps the only thing I wished to know if there as anything that existed that could. Even a little. Either way..I cannot seek further than asking on my own.

video ||

[blasphemous]

I have boxes that are able to hold cursed objects so they don't cause trouble.

video ||

[ringbearer]

Boxes?
[ to the point and yet..]

text;

[chaineddog]

[Well there's a face that Heine hasn't seen in a while. Cerberus can't help but make a snide comment that he's surprised the guy hadn't been stepped on seeing as how short he is, but Heine ignores it.]

You sound like shit.

[A beat later.]

You look like shit too.

text;

[ringbearer]

I don't think that answers any of my questions.