We're going on an adventure!

[instride]

Who: Middle-Earth cast!
What: Mission: Ossidia's quest
When: A couple days after the first week
Where: Castle Dyspros
Rating: PG-Hobbit

[A wizard and a man. Two dwarves. Three hobbits. The similarities catch the ranger's eye but his mind can't be fooled. This isn't home. He's had a week to come to terms with this peculiar reality, and as much as oddities abound in his world, this is unlike anything he's ever seen. Questions remain unanswered—concerns and fears and doubts unresolved—and it's hard and it's harrowing and yet they must move on.

Which brings them here, in the Castle, all reunited for an unusual quest. The change of scenery would have been a most welcome breath of fresh air were the times not so dire in Middle-Earth, and instead it is but a mere distraction, pulling them in a direction they have not chosen. Aragorn's heart is not fully present, but he does his very best to focus—he's used to prioritizing whatever the moment calls for, but this is strange and rather taxing, and he can see the same apprehension in the eyes of his companions. He doesn't flinch, keeping his own torments to himself, and after the brief reprieve they have allowed themselves in the nearest tavern, it is time to face their first adventure in Goldvale.

Aragorn stands tall before the group, hand on the hilt of his sword. There's nothing but determination in his gaze, and he looks at each one of them as if they all possess the same strength. As if he has complete faith in them, and he does.]

Do not wander too far. You may encounter creatures you've never before seen in these halls. [He nods towards the dwarves, a sign of both encouragement and respect.] Proceed with caution. [Wisdom over recklessness; the resolve in his gaze gives no room for arguments.] We shall meet again in one hour's time. [With or without rat tails. There's a brief exchange of glances between the ranger and the wizard, a silent acknowledgement, and he doesn't turn until the dwarves are out of sight, guiding the hobbits towards the first door.]

Comments

[kinginexile]

[He doesn't have to worry, Kili's aim is accurate and he'll go for the first monster, cutting it open along it's underside as it reared back. Once it's soft spot is cut open it thrashes about, trying to hit Thorin, but he'll easily dispatch it now that it's wounded.

The other one goes down just as easy with Kili's help. Thorin lobs the head off the second one as it doesn't want to die quick enough. He doesn't see the point in letting it slowly die, needless pain and all that.

He's more curious as to what they are, using his sword he'll poke at one, peering at the dead creature.]

... you did good, Kili.

[Thorin will glance to his nephew, knowing that he deserves to be told of his skill.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Once both creatures are most certainly dead, Kili relaxes. At least they hadn't been caught entirely unprepared, and if Thorin's poking at the things and they aren't moving, there's no danger from them anymore.

Already flushed with excitement and adrenaline, Kili beams at the praise.]

Thank you, Uncle.

[He crosses the room to join him beside the dead things.] I've never even heard of creatures like this. Have you?

[kinginexile]

Nay, [Thorin shakes his head a little, glancing at Kili.]

I have fought many an orc or goblin, wargs... but never these. They are strange to be sure. They look as though they belong in the deep dark of a cave, not the halls of a castle.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili shares a glance with Thorin before his eyes wander upwards, taking in the castle. It's certainly dark and rather overgrown, but not the sort of place for bug creatures.]

Maybe this place attracts them? I've heard the locals talking about it being home to some sort of... [He struggles for a moment to find the right word.] Vala.

[kinginexile]

This place does not seem impressive enough for any god.

[Yes he knows the term men use, he would rather call whatever could be in here that than give them any credit for being like their creator Mahal.]

Come, let us go and see if your trap has been successful.

[These monsters have made his desire for looking around diminish greatly. Hopefully Kili's trap has caught more than one rat. They needed five after all.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili looks a bit uncomfortable.] ...Maybe it's a fallen one. [Like Melkor, but he doesn't like saying that out loud. Thorin will understand what he means.

He's just as eager to leave after the unexpected attack and nods in agreement.]

Right.

[kinginexile]

[Thorin will give a side glance to Kili at that, not wanting to even think about that possibility. So without answer that possibility, he marches them back to where they had been before.

To their luck there seemed to be a rat caught in the trap, another was not, but was trying to steal some bread away from the trap now that it had been sprung. Thorin doesn't let them get too close, otherwise they will alert the sneaky rat.]

Can you hit it from here?

[A silly question, but he knows Kili enjoys showing off, he's merely giving him reason to.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili stops when Thorin does, sharp eyes having already caught sight of the rat. He draws an arrow as silently as possible then.

Thorin's question gets a derisive look. Obviously.

Inhale, exhale, release.

The rat never stood a chance. Kili grins in triumph, looking to his uncle for approval.]