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[gottaknockhard]

( Frodo )

[Generally speaking, Spike has an excellent ability to put off things that he finds uncomfortable, largely by pretending not to notice them at all. It just so happens that the subjects he's most uncomfortable with are popping up so often lately that he's struggled to keep his record down. (Especially with his new found handicap.) And unfortunately, when the distractions of unexpected nights out at strip clubs and failed car races are over, he's back to the same issues he had a week ago.

Telling a queen about her own downfall isn't something he ever expected to be his responsibility. He can pretend that he only agreed out of spite, but what he knows is a lot more disturbing that he's ready to admit. It's days after he roped Frodo into helping with the research, on that same queen's orders, that he thinks it's about time they got back together.]

Hey. Are you around?

[The tone makes it obvious why he's calling, and that he's not thrilled about it. Hopefully Frodo had an easier time translating history books than he did.]

---

[He's about to close the journal and stand up to make his way to the library, of all places, when he nearly trips over a small dog that gets in the way of his foot. When he catches himself on a table, he glares down.

Ein...]

I thought I told you not to do that. [To which Ein tilts his head and stares innocently. It gets worse when Spike actually looks at the bag he brought home to find the contents spilled across the floor while he wasn't paying attention. (How hard was he concentrating, anyway?)] You know, if you're that hungry, you really need to learn how to use a can opener. [More staring.] What? ... [Ein nudges the journal that's still open on the table, picking up his one-sided conversation.

Smart ass dog.

Like he even cares if anyone hears him talking to himself. Then the dog's stomach rumbles audibly, and Spike sighs.] Yeah, yeah. I'll get it before I leave.

Comments

[gottaknockhard]

[He finally puts down the page he's been transfixed on. Frodo, if you only knew.]

About that...

[bronwe]

[ Oh no, that doesn't sound good. He doesn't hide his frown. ]

What do you mean?

[gottaknockhard]

[How to say this without getting too awkwardly personal...]

I'm pretty sure she asked to get you involved because she wanted to hear it from you.

[bronwe]

[ That's too awkwardly personal, Spike!! Frodo looks stunned for a moment, just staring at the man. What? ]

But-- you must have a better way with words than I do. I have never even met a Queen before her. You must tell her instead!

[gottaknockhard]

[Spike telling her she was beheaded after being accused of adultery... She might actually strangle him, and that's if she takes it well.

He takes a deep breath and moves the papers towards Frodo.]

I wish we had a better option.

[bronwe]

[ This feels familiar, like the time he tried to offer the Ring to Gandalf then Galadriel. He should have learned from then, now knotting his eyebrows and hanging his head. ]

I wish nothing so horrible has happened to anyone.

[gottaknockhard]

[He doesn't have a response to that for a long moment, even though he shares the sentiment.]

You can't change history.

[bronwe]

A wise one once said to me: all we can do is decide whatever choices given us in our time.

[ And that was why he chose to go because it seemed the best path he could take, the most he could do with all he has. ]

But she was given no choice.

[gottaknockhard]

[Kind of how he's not giving one to Frodo.]

I'm not sure she'll see it that way.

[bronwe]

Would she think it her fault to see such doom?

[gottaknockhard]

That's always a possibility.

[bronwe]

What must I say to comfort her?

[gottaknockhard]

If I knew that, she would have asked for me.

[bronwe]

Does she believe I know the answer?

[gottaknockhard]

She must think you have a better shot.

[bronwe]

She thinks too highly of me.

[ As too many of them do. ]

[gottaknockhard]

I don't think her expectations are set very high right now.

[bronwe]

[ He isn't so sure. She is still a Queen, proud and surrounded by people more intelligent and cultured than him, surely. Still he quietly collects all his notes again, rolling them up as neatly as he can. ]

Will you at least stay close... in case she would rather have your company?

[gottaknockhard]

[Maybe back where she comes from, but around her she has to settle for bums like Spike.

All the more reason she might flip out even more than usual when she gets the news, which is enough reason to give the little guy some back up.]

... Sure. I'll be just outside.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo is a perfectly respectable hobbit, but his people are simple folk, and the dealings of men are sinister and strange, their wranglings of power frighten him. If he had the choice, he would have no part of it, but this is for a friend, or two. ]

Alright then. I think I'm ready.

[gottaknockhard]

[Spike is completely aware that he owes Frodo for this, among other things. It's a shame that buying him a drink doesn't feel right anymore.

He nods silently and rises. Time to get this over with.]

[bronwe]

[ But Frodo doesn't keep tabs on debts incurred. That seems a dull thing to do when he would rather do what he can given whatever circumstance, which may not be the best philosophy in life either, seeing what that has earned him so far.

He slides off the chair and dusts himself before starting to troop off. He can do this... ]