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

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's spent many a day out hunting with Fili, laying traps and following tracks. Unfortunately he didn't have a lot to work with, but he at least set the bait out.

He looks up at his uncle in surprise once he's finished.]

Gandalf said it was the hardest task!

[kinginexile]

[Thorin will just give his nephew a look. Really, Kili? You actually believed that? Thorin had only gone along and not made a scene because Kili seemed excited to do this.

Way to ruin the fun, Thorin.]

Gandalf will say and do as he wishes to get things done.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili just scowls at Thorin and gets back to attempting to devise a trap.

It takes a little time, but he manages to set up a very rudimentary trap using a bit of string and his throwing knives. Satisfied with his work, he straightens up and goes to Thorin's side.]

I've only tried a trap like this once when Fili and I were really desperate one hunting trip. But it should work.

[kinginexile]

Come, if we stand here and stare it shall not happen faster.

[Thorin gives Kili a clap on his shoulder, his way of saying 'good job'. Kili was surprising him, but in a good way. The boy knew how to hunt of course, he'd just never really seen it like this.]

We can come back a little later, let us see if we can find any else where. It will not hurt to explore this place, seeing as it is where we first arrived.

[This strange castle... the one they'd been locked in until the mayor of the city let them out. Now should they stumble into some monsters, or merely walk about with no idea where to go? Just DON'T GO UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF THE CASTLE. The monsters will grind you into dust.]

woah i had this half written up and then apparently forgot i had it open

[kilimanjaro]

[For the most part, Kili's learned how to translate his uncle's actions into words. The shoulder clap makes him smile proudly, pleased to have Thorin's approval. He does so admire his uncle, after all.]

That first day was so strange. [Kili shakes his head slowly, recalling. He'd been in pain and confused and completely terrified. He's glad he found Thorin those first few days, though. It was hard enough on his own.

He'll follow his uncle's lead for now, sword drawn and hanging loosely from one hand.]

...Do you think Fili will come here too?

[He tries not to sound too pathetic, but Kili has always felt like the lesser half of a whole. He and Fili aren't meant to be parted. They've never been parted, really.]

man I hate when I do that... especially when chrome then decides to crash and loses it allllll

[kinginexile]

[The first day had been... terrible. He could handle the pain, but it didn't mean it wasn't terrible to deal with. Having to hobble about the city until he found the warriors guild and got patched up, it had not been his ideal way to start.

And then he'd found Kili and things felt slightly better, even if it was still worrying that most of their company was not with them. There was little to explain what was going on, which was more worrying.]

Perhaps.

[His response is slightly hesitated, which means he doesn't know. He doesn't know, but he doesn't want to say it. There's a nose up ahead, Thorin isn't sure what it is, but it has him stopping, a hand coming up to block Kili from walking further. He doesn't speak, only listens. There's more noise, but he can't make out what it is.]

... what do you make of that?

[Thorin will murmur back to Kili, voice low. There's something not far ahead of them just around a corner, but it's nothing he's ever heard before.]

i know that feel bro

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili sighs softly, gripping his sword a little tighter. Mahal, does he miss Fili. At least Thorin is here, but Thorin isn't Fili. Kili's brother is his other half. He feels...disconnected without him.

The noise is intriguing. Kili slows and listens intently, frowning. When Thorin asks the question, he shakes his head slowly.]

I don't know. [His admittance is soft and rather embarrassed. Kili's the hunter, he ought to know.] I have never heard anything like that.

terrible feels

[kinginexile]

[Thorin will not fault Kili for not knowing, this place was new to both of them after all. It's getting closer and the sound is a strange scuttling, clicking in a strange rhythm, almost like a bunch of little tiny feet running along the stone floor.

And then it turns the corner and they can see what it is. Or more can see two of what it is. Odd long bug like creatures, their husks a hard metallic looking black with red eyes.]

What creatures are those!

[Thorin will state in surprise and has to shove Kili aside and roll away as one comes at them. One for each dwarf it seems, as soon as they're parted the one that charged at them turns tail and comes at Thorin, the other one going for Kili.]

Kili!

[He'll call to alert him, if his nephew hasn't seen it already. His own blade is used to deflect the many legs of the creature as it tries to come at him, and he'll manage to hack a few off. It does not seem to faze the beast too much yet, only anger it, much to his dismay.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Yeah, Kili sees it, though he appreciates the warning. Despite everything, he finds himself freezing up until Thorin calls his name.

He puts a little distance between himself and the creature, noting how Thorin's attacks aren't seeming to do much good. Moving quickly from years of practice, he draws a knife from his belt and throws it, striking the thing in one eye. It lets out a high pitched squeal and rears back. Kili allows himself a smile.]

Eyes are a soft spot!

[kinginexile]

[During their journey, Kili has had to get used to responding to Thorin telling him what to do, what to attack, when to attack, when to run. It's no surprise that the calling of his name seems to send him into action.

What his nephew figures out instantly has Thorin formulating a plan.]

Kili! Attack again, at the eyes, I will strike their under belly once they've reared back. Keep away from them, don't let them hit you!

[If they work together and keep out of the way this should be easy enough now that they've worked this out. When Kili does it again he'll swoop in for the kill, at least on one of them.]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili responds with a brief nod before drawing his bow and backing off further. He's a good aim with his knives, but even better with his bow, and more comfortable with it.

A yellow-feathered arrow soars through the air and hits its target, completely blinding one of the creatures. Focused as he is on his task, Kili sends another two arrows at the other creature's eyes, anticipating Thorin to expect the action and be planning ahead for it.

Kili's aim is deadly accurate.]

[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.]