ataraxion | [ VIDEO. ] never seen one without the other(s).

[ the feed starts to complete blackness — it resolves itself into a clearer picture of a leather uniform once aramis steps back, though he also just so happens to be upside down. at least aramis has learned enough in his days aboard the tranquility so far that he notices and fixes it a moment later, leaving it lopsided, but the right way around.

he steps back a little further, coming to stand next to porthos. they are both armed, swords strapped to their sides, and not in the ship's jumpsuits but rather in their leather uniforms.

aramis holds a pistol, considering it. his voice is thoughtful. ]

They do say I am quite good with these.

[ porthos, for his part, is still staring suspiciously at the sleek looking square on his end. but he lets up long enough to add - ]

Finest in all of France, I’d wager. The better to serve their Majesties, King Louis XIII and Queen Anne.

[ it’s a spiel they’ve been through before. aramis’ eyes narrow. ] Speaking of their Majesties — if they are here as well, rest assured that we will find them and not look kindly on anyone who has committed treason and harmed them.

[ there’s a gruff hemm of his throat, before porthos adds; ] And if you’ve done likewise with two men who go by Athos and D’Artagnon, it may not be treason, but we’ll be looking just as unkindly.

[ aramis smiles at that, cheerful almost despite the dangerous edge to it. ] To those who are likewise captives, we swear to aid you where we can.

[ and he tips his head. ]

( blue is aramis, black is porthos! musketeers in space, aw yeah!! )

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( there are few things in life that make aramis feel quite so accomplished as making a beautiful woman smile. )

Then that is what we shall do.

Your friend is welcome too, of course. Though I shall accept no blame if we find ourselves lost. This ship is quite big and there are no maps.

Oh, we are never far from one another. Where one goes, the other goes. Athos is usually with us as well, but he seems to have missed the kidnapping.

( trying for humour and mostly managing just fine. )

Perhaps he became lost on his way-- though I daresay it is for the best if he did. [She tries to return it, but there is an ounce of truth to her last words.]

Still, it is nice that you have someone dear and close to you on the ship as well. Often times the journey can become very lonely.

I am glad for Porthos' presence. I would be glad for Athos' as well, but equally it is good that he is in Paris still.

( someone needs to protect the king and queen, after all. )

[A slight tilt of her head.] Is that where you are from, Paris?

It is. Paris, in France. Are you familiar with it?

Not at all, my Lord. There is no such place in the world I am from.

[Curiously, she asks.] What is it like?

Oh, you need not call me that. Just Aramis is fine.

( his tone insinuates that they are fine friends already, aren't they? and so the intimacy is perfectly acceptable. )

It's — quite crowded, and you will find both the richest of people and the poorest there. The very best of humanity, and its worst.

Very well, Aramis. My name is Éowyn. You are well met.

[Most people on the ship are very informal, actually, so she really does not find it so odd or too forward that he asks it of her.]

It seems like quite a diverse place, though I would imagine that in any kingdom or world such differences always exist. I ask, though - is it a place with only those of the race of Men as well?

Yes. I have talked to one who says she comes from a place that has Elves and Hobbits, though I do not know what a Hobbit might be.

( he's kind of curious. )

There are only men, in our world. ( and animals, obviously, but well. )

Yes! That is where I am from as well, Middle Earth.

[There are a few people from there on the ship, it is not too surprising that he would have run into someone else from there.]

Hobbits are a race, much like Men, Elves or Dwarves. They are very short, but they have very big feet with thick skin on their base, and a patch of hair on top. Their hair is usually a bit long and curly, yet they do not have beards. They seem to enjoy eating quite a lot. They are a very peaceful race.

They sound quite peculiar.

( dwarves, too. reallY? )

[ Indeed. And she did not even mention the Ents, the Orcs, the Goblins ... ]

Oh, but they are. Even to me, and I come from the same world as they.

( please, don't break his brain just yet. )

At least I am not alone in it, then.

No, and in such a place as this you will find that most share your view.

There are a few hobbits on the ship, so perhaps you will get your chance to know them.

Now that, I would like. Are you quite familiar with them?

Not too much, I confess. I have only ever met two, and one of them left soon enough after arriving in our kingdom. The other, however, I have grown very fond of. He is one of my dearest friends, and he is on this ship as well.

What is his name?

Meriadoc Brandybuck, though he more often prefers to be called Merry.

[ VIDEO. ] never seen one without the other(s).

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