First Feather [Action/Voice]

[elessar_telcontar]

[He could hear running water, but it was not the Anduin. The flow was too fast and the bed too shallow: a bubbling stream rather than the mighty river. It was like the laughter of a child, not the roar of the great Anduin. Aragorn slowly opened his eyes. Above were dark trees and a cold, bright sky, but the sun had shifted and the season seemed wrong. His body was aching and sore, though he didn't recall being struck. There had been orcs, he remembered. They were under attack and he'd heard Boromir's horn and run toward the solemn call. Boromir. The memory returned to him and stabbed at his heart like an icy blade. He had arrived at the clearing too late and found the Gondorian dying on the cold ground, his chest pierced by thick-shafted arrows; his bright lifes-blood mingling on the hard earth with the black ooze of his felled enemies. With his last breath the man had pledged himself to Aragorn and called him king.]

My brother.

[Aragorn's voice was hoarse, his throat dry like parchment.]

Forgive me, Boromir: I have failed you.

[He sat up slowly, wincing in pain. He didn't recall being struck, and if the orcs had attacked him while he knelt over his dead friend then why had they left him alive? And why had they... taken his clothes? The cool breeze pricked at the man's bare arms and chest and he realised with a start that his clothes and cloak were gone and he wore only a thin pair of white trousers. His weapons were also nowhere to be seen. Nor was Boromir, though his absence seemed more reasonable when Aragorn realised that he was no longer on Amon Hen. As orcs were not known for stripping their enemies, moving them and then leaving them alive, if injured, in woodland clearing, it was clear that someone else had done this, though to what end Aragorn had no idea.

Moving more stiffly than he would have liked, Aragorn searched the clearing quickly for his weapons, but there was no sign of sword or bow or knife, nor of his clothes. All that he could find was a book resting in the soft grass, bound in dark leather. There was no title on the cover, but Aragorn could clearly make out an image embossed in the soft leather: a bare tree crowned with seven stars. Whatever the book was, it was clearly meant for him. The book was lighter than it looked. Leafing through a few pages, Aragorn was shocked at the contents, for the images on the pages moved, as though under some enchantment. He had seen images in fire and smoke and water, but even in Elrond's library at Imladris he had never seen such a book, with images that moved as though alive. And it was not only the images that were a surprise: there seemed to be voices speaking to him from the pages, soft and whispering like voices carried on the wind.]

Would that you were here with me, Gandalf, to tell me the source of this magic.

[Aragorn closed the strange book quickly, but felt compelled to hold on to it and take it with him. Unwilling to venture out both naked and unarmed, the man picked up a sturdy-looking branch and swung it as if wielding a longsword, inhaling sharply as a shock of pain ran up his spine. Aragorn laid down his new sword and began to run calloused hands up his back, searching for a wound that might need urgent attention, but felt no blood. He was surprised the find something protruding from his back, but it was not the sword or axe or arrow he might have expected. It was something... feathery?]

What new strangeness is this?

[There was thankfully no sign of any orcs, but perhaps there was someone close who could tell him what was happening. Perhaps, wherever he was, Legolas and Gimli were also here. Drawn by the sound of rushing water, Aragorn made his way to the nearby stream and began to follow it east, hoping that he might find someone along the riverbank, or that it might lead to a settlement. After a short hike of around two leagues, Aragorn crested a small hill and saw below him a fairly large but unwalled town. There were houses and a large open square, several larger buildings, though none looked fortified or seemed obvious great halls. The town was a mile away still, but Aragorn could see people moving around the market square.]

Why do they all have wings?

[Well, the best way to find out what was going on was to ask someone - even if he wasn't dressed for company. Carrying his enchanted book and his makeshift wooden sword, Aragorn headed toward the town, hoping to find some answers, and with luck his friends. And some clothes.]

Comments

[greenjacketed]

[ richard sharpe had been in the forest for a number of reasons: he had sorrows to drown; nerves to quell; game to hunt. but his sorrows had proved capable of swimming, his nerves indomitable, and his luck lacking, for he emerges with empty hands and a overly full heart.

and yet -- when he sees the new feather on the path -- he makes the time-old mistake of hailing the bugger: ] Oi! You!

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn stopped in his tracks at the shout and raised his 'sword', ready to defend himself. The face he saw when he turned forced the breath out of him as surely as a kick to the gut.]

Boromir?! But how? I saw you die!

[The ranger ran toward the other man, wanting to pull him into a tight hold despite the questions his apparent return to life and vigor begged]

[greenjacketed]

[ and -- sure enough -- the moment the man raises his makeshift sword, sharpe's hand is dragging at his heavy cavalry sabre. drawing it free of its metal scabbard. he doesn't lift the blade, but it's certainly in play.

and he certainly uses its presence to dissuade any confounding invasions of his personal space. ]

You're mad. [ the major says. rather simply. ] Bloody barmy. Get the hell back, would you?

[elessar_telcontar]

Aragorn stops himself when he sees the drawn blade - considerably more dangerous than his long stick, which is not even sharp. The ranger lowers his weapon and raises his empty hand in a placating gesture.]

Boromir, you know me. Though seeing you alive I think perhaps I am mad.

He took a moment now to take a closer look at the other man - the man that he had been sure was Boromir. His hair was shorter, though, and this man had no beard, only a soft fur of blonde stubble. His face, though, and his voice, were those of the man he had watched breathe his last that very morning.

You are not Boromir. He spoke of a brother he left in Minas Tirith - are you Faramir?

Eladan and Elrohir could not be told apart except by those that knew them well, so perhaps Boromir and his brother were just as alike - though he did not recall the Gondorian saying they were twins.

[spohkh]

[Spock was out for a walk when he saw a man wander from the woods with purpose...

...a 'new feather' it would seem.

Spock approaches.]

Greetings, are you in need of assistance?

[elessar_telcontar]

Aragorn could not hold back a smile at the sight of the elf. Though he did not know him, any elf was a friend and a welcome sight.

Mae govannon! Im erui ar urankh, ar ugulen sen dor. Ar im perianhell. Innas lin dangweth nin?

Translation: Greetings! I'm alone and unarmed and don't now where I am. And I'm half naked. Can you help me?

[spohkh]

[Spock tilts his head in confusion...]

I apologise, I do not understand the language you are utilizing.

[universal_charm]

<sub>[Well, Kirk was least partially helpful, if cheeky. He was wrapped up as close to the approximation of a marshmallow as he could manage. It was cold, he did not want want to be cold, but he was out because staying in the room all day was stupid. Plus, he wanted to go to the bar and say hi to Buffy and they needed some general grocery shopping.

He blinked when he saw Aragorn coming out of the woods, cocking his head.]</sub>

Well... I'm guessing you're new, by the look of you. How are your teeth not chattering yet?

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn looked the man up and down, marveling at his roundness. He could not believe that anyone so corpulent would be bothered by a winter chill.]

It is not so very cold. I have slept in the high mountains with no more than a hobbit's breath for warmth. Though I was wearing somewhat more.

[Aragorn smiled and glanced down at his bare chest and unshod feet. He was almost becoming used to his state of undress, but was glad he had not yet encountered any ladies, who might be shocked at the sight of him.]

I have just arrived here, as you guessed. Perhaps you could help me find something to wear, before I cause a stir. I am called Strider. And you?

[universal_charm]

<sub>[He was not fat sir! He was rather fit, though, yeah, the fluffy jacket did make him look round.

He gives the man a narrow-eyed look.]</sub>

Yeah, no problem. Makes me glad I arrived in the warmer months.

_{[But, to be nice, he shrugged off his outer jacket, proving that he wasn't as big as one might think as he suddenly shrunk down quite a bit. He held it out to Strider.]}

Here, put this on till we get there. I'm warm enough for a bit in my long-sleeve, and I don't want you getting sick in your first five minutes here.

[action]

[antivanleather]

[Now that is something you do not see everyday. Well. The cycle has come to a middle so random men waltzing about confused, curious, and dressed oddly- but they do not normally cart about long pieces of lumbar. A walking stick would make sense but that did not seem to be the manner in which this man held it. Curiosity bid him follow the man awhile. At the very least it would make for decent practice in tracking someone in a city's environment, using what he knew of stealth to prevent his steps from being heard and his experience as an assassin to blend in with the crowd. For now he is content to observe.]

Re: [action]

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn's spine tingles, a familiar sensation that has always been a welcome friend. He is being watched. Hunted like prey. He has been hunter and prey many times. He glances about as he walks, nonchalant so as not to signal his pursuer. There are many people, their faces all strange to him, but he cannot find the hunter. At least this is something familiar, though. Smiling grimly to himself, fingers tight on the hilt of his 'sword', the man strolls between two buildings, calm and slow, and croches to wait.]

[action]

[antivanleather]

[Ooh, a clever man. There are a handful of options available to Zevran- most would likely end with him meeting the business end of that stick, the rest a pleasant diversion. Or he could walk away.



But that would be boring.

Instead of ducking in after the man he circled around to the opposite side, creeping along the back wall to peer around at him. It was always more difficult to remain silent in the snow, so the trip takes awhile. He has his fill of observation before he leans against the wall proper, in full view were the man to turn around, and speaks.]

Not many know when they are being tailed- especially in this place.

[Action]

[ilyana]

[Despite the cold, the young mage was sitting on a bench near the edge of town watching the people walk by while eating a loaf of sliced bread she'd gotten from the bakery. She figured most people thought she was a strange sight with a miniskirt in the middle of winter, but she preferred to be outdoors. She was used to being outdoors all the time when she was at home, so it felt more natural to her. Yet she easily spotted the bare chested man making his way to the village, as the shortage of clothing in this weather certainly marked him as...]

You're new here... aren't you?

[She hadn't meant to say it out loud, but she did want to help him if she could, given all the help she'd received when she'd first arrived in Luceti.]

Um... you're probably cold like that. Would you... like me to take you someplace where you can get some clothes?

Re: [Action]

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn had seen the young woman sitting alone on the edge of town, but not expected her to address him as he slowly approached]

Good day. Yes, I woke in the forest a short time ago. Can you tell me what town this is?

[Aragorn tried to avert his eyes from the girl's long expanse of pale, exposed legs. If there were clothes to be had, why, he wondered, had she chosen not to dress?]

It is a chill day. Are you not cold, lady?

[ilyana]

[She motions towards the town around her a swoop of her arm.]

This is Luceti... a faction of scientists known as the Malnosso have brought us to this place much in the same way you have been brought here. Did you by any chance discover a journal near where you were dropped?

[She stands up, brushing herself off as if the reminder that it was cold out had made her feel a little colder.]

To be honest, I do find it a little cold... but I prefer to dress like this, than be encumbered beneath all the layers of clothes I would need to keep warm.

[Action]

[winds_voice]

[Eleytheria had been avoiding the village for the most part and was rarely seen in the forest recently either. Instead he spent more and more time in the mountains. However on this occasion he had also come to the top of that hill to... watch the people, as he would have done in his homeworld. Perhaps observing them as he used to would help him to come to a decision on whether or not to continue mingling with them.

He didn't expect to find a New Feather there however. The Wind Spirit keeps his distance but catches the man's speech. He too has small wings - white with gold tips.]

We are given them when we arrive here. You have them as well.

Re: [Action]

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn started at the sudden answer, for he had not noticed the speaker. It was rare that anyone could surprise him so. With some effort, the Dunadan kept his wooden weapon low, unthreatening, though ready should the stranger attack]

Yes, I had noticed my own. I woke with them, out in the wood. But why?

[Action]

[winds_voice]

[Eley stood his ground, apparently unaffected by the fact the man was armed. The Spirit himself had no weapons or objects that could be used as one about his person and saw no reason to use any of his powers yet, so he stayed where he was, calm and unmoving.]

I am not exactly sure why. There is an organisation here known as the Malnosso who are responsible for the wings given to us. They cannot be used for flight but do appear to be important to our wellbeing. Perhaps they merely wanted us to resemble the people of this planet as we lived among them.

[Action] sorry for lateness! didn't catch his ooc intro to get him added before

[sonofatook]

[Bilbo was in the village, minding his own business as a proper hobbit should (alright, so he was occasionally snooping around, too; a single day wasn't enough to make him comfortable in this place at all) when he heard the name Gandalf.

Gandalf! It was a name to conjure by, and it did its work of pushing the hobbit forward with some more boldness than he'd normally show. He looked straight up at Aragorn, with absolutely no recognition.]

Er. Excuse me, good man. Did you, in fact, just mention Gandalf? The old Gandalf, who used to visit the Shire lads and lasses? [He wished the man hadn't mentioned wishing for Gandalf; it meant the wizard wasn't here, and Bilbo could do with a kindly face himself.]

Re: [Action] sorry for lateness! didn't catch his ooc intro to get him added before

[elessar_telcontar]

[Gandalf. Someone who knew Gandalf. Aragorn turned to see who had spoken and was a surprised to see a Hobbit standing before him. Wherever they were, they were certainly far from the Shire, and he had not expected to see any Halflings on his travels apart from those who travelled with him.]

Yes, I spoke of Gandalf. I did not think to see a Halfling so far from the Shire. This must be quite an adventure to be on. We must both take care.

[Action]

[sonofatook]

[Bilbo had mixed feelings about adventures still, but he couldn't deny that this certainly was one. And if this was a companion or friend of Gandalf, then this was doubtless a person it would be worthwhile to stay by.]

I don't suppose you've had word regarding where Gandalf's gotten to? And the others?

[Action] if you'll accept another late-comer

[gonnawreckit]

[Ralph, all nine feet of him, is sitting bored on a bench in the plaza when he sees the New Feather come through. Looks like he stepped right out of one of those fantasy games... but he definitely looks a like more protagonist-y than that Garrosh person. So he waves his arms sarcastically as Aragon passes, taking note of the wooden sword.]

Whoa! Watch where you wave that thing, Warcraft.

Re: [Action] if you'll accept another late-comer

[elessar_telcontar]

[Aragorn turns to see who called out, and is shocked at the figure he sees. Larger than any Orc, almost the size of a small troll, though less ugly than either race.]

I had thought all giants gone from the world long ago, and yet you are too large to be anything else.

He holds his wooden weapon low as he speaks]

I would sheathe my... branch, but I have no belt. I meant no threat.

[Action]

[gonnawreckit]

[He smirks and rises to talk to him.]

It's fine, I was joking with you a little. Dunno if you could hurt me with that, anyway.

But a giant? I wouldn't say I'm that big. It might help, guy, to know you're not exactly in your world anymore.