exsilium | 002 | [video]

[Pippin looks unusually somber today, so people should guess something is amiss before he even speaks. When he does, his voice is soft and sad.]

I believe I heard when one cannot find their friend's name written upon the tablet's list, that it means they have been returned home. This has happened to Frodo's name. Frodo Baggins. He is my cousin. But he no longer appears. He is home now.

[And this would be the part where most people would say, "But don't worry; home's a better place than here!" But no such empty words pass Pippin's lips. Frodo is going back to the Dead Marshes, and Cirith Ungol, and spider poison, and succumbing to power, and to a finger bitten clean off. He's going back to all that, and when the journey is over and done, he will dwell in the Shire where he grows weaker and weaker.

Finally Pippin shifts, clears his throat, and forces a smile. He tries to sound like himself again, voice a bit lighter, but there is little joy there.]

I was thinking of having an adventure outside this city. I wish to journey to the wild and have a bit of a look around. But worry not; I had heard of the creatures that lurk out there, and so I was curious if any would wish to accompany me? We could set a date that suits us all.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It sounds nice. [ Even if she prefers the city and all its flashing lights and loud noises. ]

Well I certainly think so!

Have you lived there your whole life?

Oh yes! Hobbits born in the Shire hardly ever leave it.

In a way, that's lucky. Some people never get to stay at home.

I suppose so. I've known several wanderers of the wild, but I think that life suited them.

Not an easy life, that's for sure.

Oh no, I agree! I have done a fair bit of wandering myself, but I prefer regular meals and a comfy bed.

You said during a war... so not willingly? [ Traveling, she means. She knows war can uproot people. ]

I was quite willing to go on the journey at first, but then we came across the war as we did so. My friend and I were separated from the others, and then I had to leave him too. My friends and I have walked a great deal more than any other Hobbit has before.

I'm sorry. Do you know if your friends are okay? [ She supposes Frodo is one. ]

Yes. That has all ended now.

[And he sounds relieved for it.]

From one war into another. [ That sucks. :( ]

Yes. At least I have prior experience, though.

Can I ask what the war back home was about?

There was a Dark Lord who wished to enslave the lands of all the free people of our world.

[He pauses, and decides to omit the Ring of Power, just in case Frodo ever returns to Exsilium with it. One good thing about the hardships Pippin has endured is that it has made him more thoughtful, and less likely to blurt out every thought that comes into his head.]

But he was defeated.

[ That sounds more like a fantastical story than real life situation to Kate. ]

People with power always want more power... glad to hear he's defeated.

That is very true, if one is evil at heart to begin with. I know a king, and he is kind, yet powerful.

[ A pause. ]

Do you think people can change, though?

[He wrinkles his nose in thought.]

I think a person has many chances to turn back before all is lost. But there comes a point where evil takes hold, and there is no going back.

[ "Lost."

She thinks of Beth. ]

Yeah, I think you're right.

[Hold on. Give him a moment to bask in his rightness.]

I have seen much of it to become a bit of an expert as it were.

An expert, huh.

Indeed. War brings it before your eyes.

[ A pause. ]

War can bring out best or worst in people.

voice

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