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

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

It is, yes. There are others here who have not yet lived to see it but I have. And I would not lie to you of this.

[He wouldn't lie to Frodo at all but that was beside the point. This was too serious a subject to make a light matter out of.]

[bronwe]

[ The news gives him much hope but then he is afraid of too much, lest it makes him too careless. Frodo swallows heavily. ]

I believe you. You wouldn't lie. Only it is difficult for me to see beyond the dark road still before me.

[ He isn't even sure there is any good end for him to look forward to. ]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I understand. For now, simply take comfort that you are safe here and you can rest well. I will pledge myself and my bow to you once more.

[bronwe]

[ Frodo frowns. ]

I will not hold you to your vow though I would accept your help, freely given.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Then you will have it.

[Urge to hug Hobbit rising.]

[bronwe]

[ Frodo tries a smile, somewhat unused to it, and moves in for a hug! Pardon the smell, Legolas. ]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Oh blegh, that is a smell. He can handle it though and wraps his arms around the halfling. There were worse smells during the quest, like burning orc flesh.]

[bronwe]

[ Orcs, yes, he probably smells like a little orc by now, so he knows to pull back after a moment. ]

I thought I would never see you again or Aragorn or any of the others.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He could smell worse.]

You will. They may not be here in the castle as far as I am aware but you will see them again.

[bronwe]

And Merry and Pippin too? Are they well?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

They are, yes. Very much different from the hobbits you recall though, I'm sure.

[bronwe]

[ He turns concerned. ] What happened to them?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Nothing terrible, I assure you. They survived and in one piece each.

[bronwe]

[ He sighs and smiles a little. ] I'm glad. I wish only the best for them.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Perhaps the castle will draw them in while you are here and you will see for yourself.

[bronwe]

Would you wish that for them? Is the castle so wonderful?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I would not wish them here, no. I would not have wished you here either but the castle has its own will.

[bronwe]

But isn't it safe here? I must admit I am glad to be here, though I would be more so were Sam with me.

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

I've found no danger that we faced in Middle Earth so far, merely tricks of the castle.

[For a moment, he has the sudden recollection of kissing Manfred here in the foyer.]

You will be safe though. As will any others from Middle Earth that find themselves here.

[bronwe]

[ Kissing is very dangerous business. ]

And are these tricks more innocent than sinister?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Especially with a man hundreds of years younger than yourself! it's scandelous]

Those that I have seen haven been innocent enough, so far.

[bronwe]

Tell me Legolas, what tricks have you seen?

[ ooc; this is here in case you missed it, whenever you want :3 ]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

The castle stealing away things from us for one. And more recently, small figures filled the castle. Being near them while with another person brought about the urge to kiss another.

[Cough. Not discussing that.]

[ooc: oh, totally forgot about that! Thank you!]

[bronwe]

[ Frodo chuckles. ]

Did you come into any trouble because of the little figures?

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

That depends entirely on what you would consider trouble.

[Look at him, trying to avoid answering.]