action.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo arrives rolling and tumbling across the floor.

There was a great shadow over him then, something with a terrible stench and legs too numerous to count. And now, light. He shields himself from the brightness and scoots back until he bumps against the wall, then scrambles to find shelter behind a couch. It hurts his eyes. The air is suddenly too clear, everything too clean. He fears it is a trick.

He speaks in a hush, afraid to alert the enemies but more afraid of being alone. ]

Sam? Where are you, Sam?

Comments

[magicus]

[ He notices the avoidance, but he doesn't push. Instead, he easily drops down to even the playing field, sitting on his heels. ]

A lot like you did, I imagine. I wasn't here and then I was. I won't lie to you - this castle's got its secrets, but for the most part, people seem to be safe here.

[ Then there's a pause, and he's slightly hesitant for fear of being rude, but- ]

Are your feet sore? I'm sure I could make something from the kitchens to help.

[ He was going to ask if his feet were swollen or meant to be that big, but that's probably definitely rude. Either way, he's clearly traveled a long way without shoes. ]

[bronwe]

[ The crouching helps! Frodo feels less intimidated now, though he still isn't sure if the man is just a terrible liar because that makes no sense at all.

He looks to his feet at the question. He remembers how sore they feel. ]

I am quite all right. Tell me more about this castle.

[magicus]

[ It's not so easy to lie about injuries to a physician's apprentice, but Merlin lets it slide. It's obvious he's frightened, and arguing with him isn't going to help that. ]

Well it's bigger than any castle I've ever been in. And beautiful, of course. But we've all been brought here against our wills, and I've been told it takes something from everyone who comes here.

[ There's an extremely awkward pause, because wow, that is not remotely what he meant to say. He sounds slightly unsure as he continues. ]

The people here are from all over - different worlds, and times. It's a lot to take in, but it's very exciting once you settle in a bit.

[bronwe]

[ Cue Frodo pressing his palm against his chest to make sure. He contemplates his next words heavily, though he is obviously eager to say it. ]

Have you ever heard of the Shire.

[magicus]

[ He can tell this is an important question, so he's reluctant to answer, though he does so with apparent ease. His voice is gentle. ]

No, I haven't. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you'll probably find you're a long way from home.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo nods slowly. That doesn't trouble him too much. ]

That is where I come from. We have no castles there, though.

[magicus]

Well, you aren't really missing out on much. They're terribly cold in winter. [ Usually. Magic castles seem to be an exception. Merlin's not quite sure what to think of the odd mix of fear and resolve he's getting from Frodo, but he can definitely respect the bravery in it. ]

Who's Sam? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

[bronwe]

[ He offers a small smile at that. Small talk is pleasant. ]

He is my best friend. He was with me last, when were pursued by some danger.

[magicus]

There's a chance he could come here, you know - if not now, one day. I've seen some very familiar faces since I arrived.

[ Not all ones he wanted to see, but details. ]

But even if he doesn't, I'm sure he's fine. You shouldn't worry yourself over it, though I know it's easier said than done. [ Also a complete technicality; he's more or less gathered the popular theories from others, namely the idea that things wait for you back home. ]

[bronwe]

[ He shifts his weight from one foot to another, then turns toward the castle entrance. Everything is so jarring. It feels too substantial to be a dream yet the change was terribly drastic. ]

Merlin. My name is Frodo.

[magicus]

[ That earns a genuine, bright smile. ]

It's very nice to meet you, Frodo.

You haven't found your room yet, have you? You should have one - you'll be able to get cleaned up, get some rest. It looks like you could use it.

[bronwe]

[ He can do this, return it genuinely though it's markedly smaller, muted. He doesn't even mind being treated like a child. ]

You said there is a room here for me?

[magicus]

[ The worst part is this is just how he treats other adults half the time, Frodo. But yes, you are quite child-sized. ]

There should be. There was one for me, and I certainly wasn't planning to be here. Do you want help looking for it?

[ He's happy to help, but he does feel confident that it's safe enough if Frodo wants to wander off on his own. He's not hiding behind a couch anymore, so it's a start. ]

[bronwe]

[ Then that just means Merlin is adorable. ]

No, I should not take more of your time if it is indeed safe here.

[magicus]

[ And/or patronizing, but yes, let's go with adorable. ]

Right. Well, you should find a book at some point if you haven't already - [ He glances to his side at the stack of books on the floor, digs out his journal for show and tell. ] You can use it to speak to others, and if you write their name at the top, it'll keep others from eavesdropping. Or just get someone's attention, if you need it.

[ And then he gathers up the rest of the books and pushes to his feet, offering one last grin before taking his leave. ] It was nice meeting you, Frodo.

[ He'll definitely be asking about your size and those feet next time he sees you. Twenty questions might be a bit rude for a first encounter, so he's saving it for now. ]

[bronwe]

[ Frodo is still all kinds of stunned, but counting his blessings, it seems that he is in a much safer and sweeter place than he meant to go. He isn't sure if that's worth celebrating, yet.

He gives Merlin a little bow. ]

I am glad to have met you, as well.