spiderbait | Two Humans. Action.

[ And here sets out one of the smaller New Feathers, from the shops and from the town and from all the buildings, he is walking. With a bag over his shoulder, Frodo goes, trying to bring as little attention to himself as he can.

How he longs to stay in a warm bed, here, and amongst the sounds of people. Mr. Baggins, he knows better. The subtle jingle of the chain around his neck is enough to remind him that, no matter how quiet, how distant and blurred the will of the Ring might be, he cannot risk laying madness on these people. Even Sam, in his steadfast loyalty, and Galadriel, in her beauty and wisdom, had their minds drawn, even if just a little, by the ring. As kind as their faces and offers are, would they really be strong enough to keep their hands and minds stayed against its seduction?

There is no need to test these poor people with such a thing. It is his burden.

So Frodo has decided to settle himself in a camp of his making, outside of the village, but, he hopes, somewhere away from this beast that wanders the forest. Where? He does not know... but wandering is a part of Frodo's stretched-too-big world, now, so he will bear a bit of exploration.

He will be passing through the town with his large bag and a somber smile, a sprig of grass in his mouth and a pub song quiet in his throat. Though he might be hesitant, feel free to stop him to chat or ask what a small child is doing wandering around with no shoes on. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If I knew my way better, I would offer my hand but... where is it that you need to go? Perhaps I can help, should I know it.

Community building seven? It's near the eastern end of town.

That, I believe, I can manage, if you'd like me to.

Are you sure? I don't want to keep you from anything.

My task is my own. I needn't worry for time, so long as I get to it today.

Well, if you're sure.

[He'll get back to his feet, then, looking down towards Frodo.] Just out of curiosity, mind sharing what task it is?

... I'll impart this to you alone, but there are things about me that may pose a danger to the villagers... or rather, it may make them a danger to themselves. I am bringing myself to the far end of the barriers, as far as I might go without trespassing upon the forest that the beast I've heard mention of resides in. That is where I plan to stay and mind my own burdens until I might have chance to leave.

[...right. Sometimes it's hard to remember that this isn't a fictional character he's talking to. Not here.

...does he actually have it? It's a thought that Giles can't stop from crossing his mind.]

...it might be a very long while before you have the chance to leave.

But this...these things...I suppose they're rather resistant to simply hiding, then?

That would be correct. They do not wish to keep hidden, for as much as I try to force them to do so.

Frodo, sometimes...sometimes things that are very powerful back home aren't so powerful here. The Malnosso keep a dampening effect on the village.

Your caution is admirable, but this place is different from home. These..."items" might not be as much to fear, here.

[Except...it's the sodding Ring of Power. Of course it is.]

I cannot take the risk. In no right mind can I trust in such hopes when even the smallest slip could end in disaster. There are far more evil things than what holds us here... far more evil... and even those than bind us cannot control this thing I bear. It can only control others. It can only take hold. I cannot trust that it can be bound and quieted for as long as I rest here.

...I understand.

[He pats the halfling gently on the shoulder.] But don't entirely disregard the idea of asking for help, here. You're going to have enough to manage without taking the full burden of the...whatever it is you're managing.

... I will keep it in mind, should I find my shoulders to heavy with this place. [ A lie, yes. He knows he has to bear the ring by himself. He's seen what happens when he so much as tries to share it. But, he wouldn't want to be a burden on Giles' mind, either. Heis a man that could soon become a friend, as far as he is concerned, and his first friend here should not be troubled so by him. ]

[Giles can guess at the subtext behind that answer, but he doesn't question it. Didn't really expect anything else.]

I know I can't be much help at the moment, but there are others who can.

Have you met many other people here, then?

I have met a few, but I haven't sought out many people. This experience is still overwhelming to me, and it isn't often that I've been alone, without kin or familiar face somewhere by my side.

You haven't found anyone here from home, then?

...that is a shame. I was lucky enough to have most of my friends from home here when I first arrived. It made adjusting...a good deal easier than it probably would have otherwise been.

Not hide nor hair of my friends from home. I am afraid I am the only one of Middle Earth in this place, so far as lives I am aware of go.

It is just a thing I must bear, but to bear the trouble on my own is a better thing than to see my dear friends in yet another place of dangers.

If they do appear here, what will you do? This place sometimes shows a fondness for bringing friends from the same home en masse.

That I do not yet know. I feel most of them are more capable than me, so I shouldn't fear much for their sakes, but still I hold much concern for them.

Two Humans. Action.

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