☼ [Written] ☼

[aphoenixsong]

It seems many of the castle's residents have discovered that spark of adventure hidden within their hearts and minds. Yet one must remember that with adventure comes inevitable obstacles and often difficult choices. If you are unwilling to pass through the fire - metaphorically speaking, of course - then I urge you to continue your vigil within the castle's fortifications.

[However Albus has and always will be a Gryffindor.]

Should you require aid, contact me in the way you see fit. I have no fear of adventure or what waits for me on the other side as it were. But one must remember that I am an old and exceptionally cunning man. My mind and my body have wrestled with many obstacles and found themselves equal or - in some cases - greater than the negativity that stood against me.

I do hope that can bring you some comfort should you find yourself calling upon me.

Until we speak again, I wish you the best of luck.

Comments

[dog_eat_dog]

[This is probably the strangest post she's seen in the journals yet; someone dishing out old-wise-man style advice about courage and adventure and all that shit. Sounds like it's right out of a fairy tale, just like the rest of this place.

She's almost forty. Much too old for fairy tales. She was too old for them when she dispelled all ideas about romance and magic and miracles, ideas about the world being anything but a cold, dying place of violence and hatred.

Idealism is an old coat that doesn't fit her anymore, but one she'll still try on in times where desperation leaves her a little too cold.]

I've never heard the word "cunning" used for anything but describing villains in movies and books.

[aphoenixsong]

[He's alright with being strange. Who wants to be normal anyway? And he is an old-wise-man, so it all works out in the end, hm?

Also, he's one hundred and fifteen and one is never too old for fairytales.]

Is that right? Perhaps I should find a new description for myself.

[dog_eat_dog]

It's up to you. Right now you sound like the world's most diehard idealist.

[aphoenixsong]

I can't say such a description upsets me in the slightest.

[dog_eat_dog]

Nobody ever tell you that idealism is worthless?

[aphoenixsong]

I have found the opposite to be true, dear lady. Idealism can be, if you will forgive the redundancy, an ideal companion against the chaos of the world.

[dog_eat_dog]

[A scoff.]

I used to believe that, but I grew up. The only way to deal with how chaotic the world can be is to accept that it's only going to get worse.

[aphoenixsong]

Grew up, you say? I know better than to ask a lady her age. However releasing your ideals had nothing to do with age or maturity and everything to do with losing hope. For that, I am sorry the world has treated you so unkindly.

[dog_eat_dog]

[On this end, she could roll her eyes.]

Forty in the fall. So far I get the impression I'm the oldest woman here.

And the world hasn't treated me unkindly. That makes it sound like it targeted me and personally made my life hell, which isn't true. The world just screws over everyone, eventually.

[aphoenixsong]

Forty is still a child compared to my age.

[He is very proud to be so, well, ancient.]

Perhaps it targeted you personally; perhaps it targets everyone personally. Or maybe the world is what you make of it when you are given brief respites from the negativity.

[dog_eat_dog]

Oh, bite me. You don't know anything about me and I don't need any platitude about "thinking positive!"

[aphoenixsong]

I have no desire to bite you. [What a strange saying.] Has thinking negatively gotten you anywhere, I wonder?

[dog_eat_dog]

[A pause. Is this guy for real?]

Well, I'm alive. I'd rather be a living pessimist than a dead optimist.

[aphoenixsong]

[Quite.]

As am I. I can say that curiosity and pride have done me far more ill than being optimistic could ever hope to achieve.

[dog_eat_dog]

So? What are you even trying to accomplish, here?

Dictated

[fuckelves]

[The old man's words touch Thorin. They strike him as words that he would say to his beloved nephews. He smiles softly as he nods, silently agreeing with the words on the page.]

Well said, my friend. It is in adventure that a warrior faces trials, and becomes a man. But those same trials could be too much for those who take them on. Those who are not ready to face such obstacles should indeed stay away, lest they hurt themselves or others.

But that is not to say that a true warrior does not protect those who require protection. For that is indeed a warrior's job.

Those who charge into battle heedlessly need not enter the fray; I will not tolerate them there.

But I am glad for your wisdom, sir. And should I need advice, I shall indeed seek you out.

Dictated

[aphoenixsong]

Or a woman. [Let us not forget the fairer sex, Thorin.] Both genders are capable of great feats, however if they are unprepared to meet their foes, it is best if they don't endanger themselves unnecessarily.

[A small sound of approval.] I fear in this case those who are true warriors will have their hands far too full to rescue anyone. I do hope my fear is outrageously inaccurate. [Though something tells him it's not.]

I am not going anywhere. I shall stay with the castle, so should you require any advice, make use of these journals.

[fuckelves]

Aye, aye - woman too.

[Female Dwarves are particularly fierce, so he knows all too well the dangerous and strength of an angry woman. Merely an oversight on his part there.]

The actions of a true warrior may rescue those in need - whether he is directly shielding them, or fighting to defend an idea of the free people.

Your words ring true, sir. And rest assured, I shall most certainly seek you out, I feel I will come to need your counsel in the future. These journals certainly are useful, in that regard.

[aphoenixsong]

They are indeed useful, though I fear what the castle makes of our writings. Revealing our fears overly much might do us more harm than good.

[He is a man used to secrecy (and subterfuge in some cases). Since he did not create the journal network, he does not wholly trust it.]

Should you wish to speak to me and we cannot meet in person, we have no choice but to use these devices. However I feel it fair to warn you of who might be reading every word we speak or write.

[fuckelves]

[Thorin hisses a low curse in Khuzdul, the language of his people. This was something he hadn't considered, and he really should have.]

You're right...I should have anticipated such a thing - after all the bloody castle did indeed give us these things.

Aye. I'll try with all Mahal's might to meet in person should I find myself in need of your aid. And I urge you to do the same, should you require my services, or wish to speak to me.

[It's only polite to offer, though Thorin's not sure how much help he will really be.]

[aphoenixsong]

[Albus has a knack for seeing worst case scenarios and planning accordingly for them.]

Caution is merited, but I see no reason thus far to stop using the devices. They are useful.

I shall, thank you for the invitation.

[You never know and Albus likes keeping opportunities open and within reach.]

Dictated

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine smiles a little at the message. While she isn't one to ask of help, his honest advice reminds her of some of the older wizards (and one Power) back home.]

I don't think we need aid at the moment, but thanks for the offer.

Dictated

[aphoenixsong]

You are most welcome. I see no reason to keep my ample knowledge to myself.

Dictated

[wizard_redfive]

Are you very knowledgeable?

[This perks Dairine's interest. She likes knowledge. For a long time, she wanted to know everything there was to know.]