◎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.

[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.

voice;

[tervelocius]

Perhaps you should ask our resident vampires.

[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 ]

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?

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]

[summerlord]

When and where, Master Frodo?

voice; piddly wizard encryption

[unapparent]

I know magic that could help, possibly.

[ 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?

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.

voice;

[ringbearer]

[ if they were in person he might have passed for a feeble smile, but as is, there's little to be said now. ]

Back..yes, I suppose I am.

[ but he doesn't sound very sure of it ]

[video/private]

[ringbearer]

At a time of your best convenience -- although.
[ it seems the shadows under his eyes grow heavier ]
It might be best sooner rather than later.

[video/private]

[summerlord]

I will come. Where are you?

[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.

[video/private]

[ringbearer]

My room.
[ he quietly, making sure the filter is indeed on, says the directions to reach it. ]

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.

voice; piddly hobbit..encryption??

[ringbearer]

What sort?

Private video

[inafadingcrown]

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

[ 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.

[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

[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/private]

[summerlord]

I will come. [He says it again, simply for reassurance, before turning off the device.]

[Voice]

[ridesthesun]

I would need to see what it is I'm working with. But it should.

[video > action; ]

[ringbearer]

[ it isn't much, but he at least moves to make the room presentable. this place isn't as welcoming on 'refreshment' for a hobbit, but frodo cannot honestly say he's had much taste for food as he once did. still, there's water boiling by the time elrond should arrive. ]