002 | [video]

[foolofatook]

[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.

Comments

[foolofatook]

I have found that those in command prefer to listen to other high and powerful lords. Not foot soldiers or guardsmen or Hobbits.

[Which is why he had to run and find Gandalf when shit went down.]

[medusalith]

[ Well he's certainly right about that. It doesn't come naturally to someone like Medusa - her sister had always been the one to connect with the 'common folk'. ]

A leader must always act in the best interest of their people, but there are only so many hours in a day that we can hope to use. [ And thus the prioritization of issues. ] But I would still hope that communication channels exist for those who have no title so that their concerns can still be addressed.

[foolofatook]

I do believed they have been addressed, but the Initiative is very set in its ways and will not budge.

[medusalith]

Then we need someone who is adept in convincing them otherwise. Not in actions but in words.

[foolofatook]

Yes, we do!

[A pause.]

Do you know anyone?

[medusalith]

I am one - Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon of the Inhumans and Kree.

[foolofatook]

[His mouth forms an 'O' shape in surprise.]

Goodness! I didn't know I was speaking to a Queen!

[medusalith]

There are one or two of us around.

[foolofatook]

It must be very trying, to be separated from your people, my lady.

[medusalith]

It is. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of them. But my cousins are no doubt ruling in my stead.

[ As Medusa hopes and prays it's not Maximus. There's only so much she's willing to give her brother-in-law. ]

[foolofatook]

How fortunate!

[Though he's been thinking that they'll be returned to right when they left, so perhaps it isn't necessary.]

I have many cousins myself. First, second, third and on it goes!

[medusalith]

There's six of us that make up the royal family - Karnak, Gorgon, Maximus, my husband Black Bolt, my sister Crystal, and myself.

[ It's not just implying she married her cousin when she... did... ]

[foolofatook]

[Hey, in the future, Pippin will end up marrying his distant cousin, so no judging here. Most Hobbits are related to each other one way or another.]

Such interesting names you all have!

[medusalith]

They are nicknames, at least for Crystalia and Blackagar.

[ Definitely not thinking those are strange either. This is what you get when Stan Lee writes everything. ]

[foolofatook]

Mine is a nickname too. They must be popular no matter where a person lives, yes?

[medusalith]

Of that I have no doubt. What is your full name, if I might ask?

[foolofatook]

Peregrin Took!

[medusalith]

Then it is a pleasure, Mister Peregrin Took.

[foolofatook]

And for me as well. It was lovely getting to talk to you, my lady!