[Action/Dictated]

[technohap]

[Henry is still a HAP with a collar and today sitting outside, lying under some trees. He's been out here for a while since he's not a fan of his room right now. He growls a little, talking to himself while his journal is open and he doesn't realise it.]

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[Galadriel often takes walks around the castle grounds. She does not often come across large wolfish creatures while doing so.

Still, she's been around long enough to know that appearances may be deceiving and been in Paradisa long enough that she's ceased to be surprised by these things. So, unlike most people, who might run or scream, she just stands there, giving the unknown being a long, examining look.]

[technohap]

[Henry could smell someone close before he saw them but having not met Galadriel in person before, he didn't know it was her. The ears gave away her race immediately and he assumed her identity, though he didn't try to ask. He'd learnt that growling was just another reason for people to leave.

So, instead, he just lifted his head and stared back, watching and waiting to see what she would do.]

[toerags]

[ james had decided to stag it out today. despite him being trapped in his animal form on a loss before, and the most recent rendering him invisible to everyone and everything, he's missed being on all fours and with antlers. now he's back to his human self, venturing from the woods after his little adventure.

so when he sees henry, he thinks it's moony for a split second, back in paradisa but on all fours. he's stopped, looking at him, trying to figure out who he is, what he is, and whether he's on the good side. james is one to put his hand in the fire just because he can. ]

[technohap]

[Henry could smell the meat on the stag before he saw it. But then it was gone and that confused him. He looked up and saw a boy. One he recognised but he doubted the boy knew him. So he lay back down, waiting for the castle to stop playing it's cruel joke.]

[toerags]

[ well, at least he didn't attack him. that was a good sign. but james wasn't going to approach henry without having some confidence that he wouldn't be leaving the castle limbless. despite being someone who did what he wanted when he wanted, the main desire he felt was to be careful. so he kept his distance. ]

I'm guessing you're not a Paradisa local. I would've seen more of you out there if you were. You a castle member?

[ he should feel a bit stupid talking to an animal, but curiousity got the best of him. ]

[technohap]

[Henry looked up at the question and nodded. Then rising slightly more, he drew the number six in the dirt. He lived on the sixth floor.]

[toerags]

[ james has never really seen that before, and he's not quite sure what the six means. it could mean anything; how long he's been a wolf (hours, days, months, years), how long he's been in paradisa, anything. but it's a good sign, in his opinion. ]

Six. [ he's going to ponder that for a while. ] You been out here long?

[technohap]

[He nodded again. He's been living out here most of the time since he got stuck. Better than scaring everyone in the castle.]

[inafadingcrown]

[Hey there are a lot of elves around here. He shouldn't assume. But whatever fear she had initially is soothed by his reaction. He's clearly not planning on attacking anyway. She'll approach, slowly and cautiously.]

It is plain enough you are not native to this world; I have seen little wildlife so close to the castle and none so large. The question is, my friend, is this the form to which you are accustomed? Or one this place has bestowed upon you?

[It's unclear whether she's actually expecting him to answer or merely musing aloud. Maybe a little of both.]

[toerags]

Probably keeps you away from all the losses.

[ ... ] Unless you're currently on one. Was turned into a stag myself, a few months ago. Not exactly the happiest time of my life.

[technohap]

[Henry nodded. It had been over a week now and he really wanted his usual body back.]

[technohap]

[It's both really, Galadriel. He's used to the form but the castle has chosen to stop him from transforming at will. And he's tired of it.]

[heal_theworld]

[Martel has taken to walking around and exploring the forest too. It reminds her of her home, before she was kicked out. That's when she comes across the mysterious creature. She jumps back a bit, holding her staff out in front of her because she's used to creatures like that attacking her.

But then he doesn't attack.]

[inafadingcrown]

[She will eventually seat herself beside him and make some motion toward the collar.]

May I? [If he can't speak, maybe that will give her some information. And if he can't understand speech, at least her tone should show that she means no harm.]

[technohap]

[He understands and nods before turning his head so she can get a better look. But the collar has no answers. It's just the tech Henry needs to cope with his permanent loss while enduring this one.]

[inafadingcrown]

[Well, at least one thing cam out of that.]

You understand me, do you not?

[technohap]

[Henry smells her before he sees her. He looks up from his position and watches her, before laying his head back on his paws.]

[technohap]

[Another nod. He certainly can!]

[inafadingcrown]

[We're getting somewhere!]

Is this what many here would term a loss?

[technohap]

[More nodding. After more than a week in this state, Henry certainly believes he's lost something.]

[heal_theworld]

[She looks at him, then realizing he means her no harm, she goes over to him, leaning down.] Are you all right?

[technohap]

[A small nod. He's not in pain or anything. Just bored and annoyed.]

[heal_theworld]

[Well, obviously he's intelligent, so she sits down next to him. Though, she doesn't remember a large wolf around here.] So, do you usually look like this?

[inafadingcrown]

Would that we could speak with greater ease.

[detectivegenius]

[He's wandering around outside today for some reason or another when he hears a little growl, immediately tensing up warily. It doesn't take him long to stop the - what is that? - when he takes a look around.]