- 2 - He that dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.

[toobravehearted]

[This morning The Doctor has secluded himself in a quiet corner of the Library. He has with him his notebook, pencil and his journal. The pages that were marked for him have been well read, several times over by now, and each time he looks at them he has a new question or theory. Poring over the information he does have and taking notes however, he's been putting off one thing in particular and decides that today is time enough.

Out of the information that Lady Galadriel and Phoebe shared with him, he's seen his own name crop up several times. Not only that, but he had known Ms. Lane at one time and had spoken with her. Some of the information referenced in the pages pre-dates the journal he has... all right, almost all of the information, which The Doctor finds nothing but frustrating. A particular reference appears to be to something he once reported, which brings mixed feelings.

He shouldn't learn too much about what might be in his future. Several things that Hermione had said though, have been on his mind. The temptation to look is huge and he knows what he is risking if he does; the thought that it might be too late for that also crosses his mind. He's already trounced over his own timestream by asking questions, and it's not good to know too much. 

And yet, curiosity always wins in the end, often to his detriment. He searches for, and finds, the last entry made in his hand. It's the only one he will read, for now.

After what he has learned, it's not a surprise that Lente was mentioned and he wonders if he ever did find her. Not that he would know.

Which brings him to another thought. He's not found any reference to what point in his time stream he was taken from last. To add, he has no recollection of ever being here in his Third, and the thought that he has to acknowledge that his memories have been tampered with... In his two weeks at Cair Paradisa, The Doctor has staunchly defended that he must have been here before from further along in his time stream. The truth of the matter is... he just doesn't know and he can't be certain. It worries him to think he might be wrong. 

He decides to start with a written filter.] 

Filter: Those that know me from my last stay.

Leaving anyone high and dry I'm sure was not my intention. I'm aware I likely don't need to, given the nature and apparent whims of Paradisa, but I would like to apologise. If you would allow me, I would like very much to get to know you all, again.

/Filter

[The next is dictated as he is on the move leaving the Library, and his tone is forced bright and chipper.] 

Good morning everyone, I hope you're all well. For those that don't know, I'm The Doctor and I'll be pleased to make your acquaintance in the course of things. Things to note: I can't get the TARDIS to move. Nothing serious, she's just a bit under the weather and I'm working on that since I know it was possible for her to travel before. Upshot of that, running off anywhere soon is unlikely to happen. Questions, I have a few of those still. If anyone can chip-in, I'd be very grateful.

1. Has anyone spoken with Lente in the last six months? 
2. Can anyone hazard a guess at the ratio of children to adults in the castle?
3. Phoebe, if you're available, do you have a little time to talk?
4. Aradia, would you like to meet me later today?

I think that covers what is immediately on my mind, but I do have an important discovery to share. There is a forty-cup tea urn in the kitchen. [Yes, he is very pleased at this discovery.]

I'm on my way there now and I'll be making a round, so if anyone would care to join me for a cup you are very welcome to do so.

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[She wastes no time in stepping forward and giving him her hand.]

I have been well enough. [She does look a bit better than when he last saw her, though. A little less solemn, perhaps.] You seem in high spirits.

[toobravehearted]

[Both of his hands cover hers in warm greeting before letting go.]

High spirits- high tea. [He grins.] I have been entertaining most of the late morning and what better way to cast one's mind from other thoughts.

I am glad to hear you are well and if I may say so, you do rather look it. Did something ail you last time we met? [Concern threads his voice with that.]

[inafadingcrown]

And I imagine there were many who were pleased to see you once again.

[He would be concerned, of course. How like him. She shakes her head lightly.] Nothing that need cause you concern. I am afraid you arrived only a day after my husband's departure from the castle; I was not at my best.

[toobravehearted]

[His forehead creases into a frown.] But that does cause concern. I- I'm sorry for the loss of your husband, Lady Galadriel. That must be hard very for you. [He is all the more grateful for her presence and advice on his first day; it shows her strength of character to him that she would take the time to speak while not at her best.]

[He nods.] Well, most places I return to I'm like the proverbial bad penny. So much that it should be my middle name. It's refreshing that here doesn't seem quite the case.

Will you join me for tea? I think I can squeeze in one more for myself. [His smile is warm and he points over to the kitchen table.]

[inafadingcrown]

Gladly. [She will follow his cue and seat herself at the table.] You are very kind, but I do not think of it as a loss. We have been parted for a time before and, as we were then, we will be reunited in time.

[toobravehearted]

[Following behind her, he makes a quick detour to the tea urn for their drinks before coming to the table, putting them down and seating himself.]

A comforting truth indeed. Your outlook is wise and positive. If only half of people had half of your wisdom.

[He raises his cup in the gesture of a toast. To a time we are reunited with friends and loved ones from home.

[inafadingcrown]

I have had a great deal more time than most to learn.

[She echoes the gesture] A fine toast, indeed.

[toobravehearted]

[He smiles, and drinks some of his tea. No, can never have too much of it.] What do you do to fill your days here? I find that keeping busy is the best or- I've been told that I act stranger than usual. Although, I have been keping busy. [He takes another drink, acting very innocent. Sitting around doing little tends to end in him arranging hat stands and knocking down TARDIS walls...]

[inafadingcrown]

Oh, there is much to do here. When there is nothing urgent to require my attention, I read, I write, I sing. The forest here is lovely, though not nearly as fair as my own; I have spent much time there and in the castle gardens. And above all else, I learn what I am able from the others here. [For a moment there's a sparkle in her eyes, something left over from the young eager elf that once was.] There are so many here from worlds I will never see, who speak of things I have never known. It is a wonder.

[toobravehearted]

[He sees that glint in her eyes and he's transfixed for a moment. It really is a wonder. His smile is broad and pleased that someone still has that zest.]

Spoken like a born traveller. Oh but to see them, thousands of worlds, rich and diverse, the smells, the sights. For now they are only stories, but for your wonder I wish that one day you would get to see them.

[inafadingcrown]

[She gives a soft little laugh] There was a time that I would have desired nothing more- when my heart burned hot with the thought of lands new and strange.

[toobravehearted]

But not now? I must say, I don't think I shall ever lose that drive to see new places. The experience, the excitement. The people and the times.

[inafadingcrown]

[She laughs softly and looks down at the table briefly. Perhaps someday she will tell him her story: of all the difficulties her desire to see (and rule) new lands caused her. But not today. It is too heavy a tale for so early a meeting.]

Now, I am an old woman who wishes nothing more than to gather what little is left of her kin about her and see her people live in peace and safety. [Even that will never be. There will be more partings between them before the end and she knows it.]