❦The Days of Old Align Anew [video; ]

[thelastking]

[ After much hesitation on his part to address the situation towards those who hold some sort of power here, Aragorn finally decides to step forward and do just that. He honestly believes himself ill fit for such a public role, but he shan't step back and watch from the sidelines anymore.

This may come as a shock for his companions who hail from Middle-earth. Aragorn was hardly the type to step forward and lead, but usually the one forced to lead when no others would. ]

I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and like many of you I've been drafted by the Initiative. Like you and countless others, we've been taken from our realms in order to fight a war not our own.

[ He finally stated once he realized that the tablet was recording. Aragorn possessed very little love for this means of communication, but for now he'll stomach it. Over time he'll realize just how useful these complex devices truly are but until then, he'll simply think of it as a nuisance. ]

We fight for a nameless cause, yet we're given very little initiative to fight on their behalf. While the rebels had been more than...adequate hosts; it would seem that many of us haven't fully explored this world or understand the reason of our plight. Our realms are in jeopardy by a force greater than our own, yet we know very little about our objective.

Therefore, I seek to know more about the efforts taken to achieve the Initiative's goal, and hopefully form a way for us to further our quest.

[ He paused briefly. ]

Is there anyone here willing to speak openly?

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[thelastking]

[ Despite all of the sarcasm and dry attempts at humor, Aragorn still remains rather oblivious to it all. Pride and arrogance is a plague that often claims the youth, but sometimes the old as well. This is something he'll mention the next time they speak. ]

A sorceress?

[ Well now that is rather surprising. ]

How familiar this tale sounds to mine, except not all who wield magic do so in favor of death nor destruction. The lands of Middle-earth are rich in both lore and magic.

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[futurarex]

[His expression thins a little at that. And here this was going to be such a beautiful alliance!]

Well. There lies the difference in our tales and kingdoms both. There is no good that magic can do. It poisons all that it touches.

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[thelastking]

[ Aragorn couldn't help but be somewhat shocked by that remark. ]

Is this something you truly believe?

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[futurarex]

Of course it is. I have seen its work for myself.

[thelastking]

Is that so?

[ Aragon has met a few who truly believed magic to be nothing more than devilry, but never has he met someone so convicted to such a thought. Surely Arthur knows of the good that magic can do along with the bad. ]

There's good and evil in all things, young king. Never forget this.

[futurarex]

[He does not say so, but he is thinking of Morgana--someone he once trusted, someone he once considered good and noble--and he thinks then of what she has become--and his mouth tightens and draws into a frown.]

I think you will find yourself wrong. There is good and evil in every man, that's so. But sorcery changes all of that.

[thelastking]

[ It's then that Aragorn decides to leave this topic be for another day. As much as he wishes to prove Arthur wrong, he knows when to leave well enough alone. ]

Not always for the worst if I may say, but enough of this. Are you any good with a sword?

[ Changing the subject is always a wise idea! ]

[futurarex]

[yes prooooobably a good choice, man. Arthur isn't stupid--he can tell that the topic is being changed--but he does not protest it.

(Perhaps he ought to. Uther Pendragon would not hesitate. So perhaps there is a touch of shame in leaving the topic--he is not his father's son--but he does so anyway. He will answer to the shame of it later.)]

Of course I am--one of the best in Camelot. My training in arms has been extensive. Why do you ask, sir?

[thelastking]

You're the King of Camelot and also the best swordsman as well?

[ He couldn't help but smirk now. ]

It's said that you can learn much about a man's worth through his blade.

[ His smirk widens. ]

[futurarex]

[WELL HE DID SAY ONE OF THE BEST that was some attempt at modesty anyway. but. look it's true. so there. anyway, he actually takes that bit of teasing into stride, because it's so very true.]

Only a prince and yet still the best swordsman. But I've heard of your test as well--so then I suppose I must ask, are you worth learning about?

[thelastking]

[ Anyone who could take a joke or two is definitely a man worth knowing. Aragorn is intrigued enough to challenge this prince to a duel. ]

You'll have to find out, won't you?

[ The gauntlet has been tossed. ]

[futurarex]

[yeah. this is the kind of thing he's used to. he smirks a little, pleased at the chance to fight and prove himself and all that stuff.]

If you're ever found in the place that's passing for a yard here-- [the training facilities. he's not pleased with them--too modern! too indoors!--but they're better than nothing.] --then I suppose I'll find out soon.

[thelastking]

[ Now he grins since it would seem that his challenge has been accepted. ]

Ah, so you prefer the outdoors?

[ So does he. ]

Very well. Then perhaps before the Hold shall do. Seems spacious enough for us to test our blades under the sky and sun.

[futurarex]

[better and better! he nods, and wow but this is a genuine smile--]

Then I will look for you there, sir, and hope that you are match enough for me.