(Untitled)

[ranger_estel]

He's been away for a long, long, LONG time. But, as these things go, he's back. Armed with information, a better knowledge of the land surrounding the Mansion... and more determination than is appropriate for a single man.

In a serious, gravely voice that is rusty from lack of use, he speaks to any that will listen:"I know what haunts these woods

Comments

[illgotten]

Why don't you cut the drama and spill, and we'll compare notes?

[ranger_estel]

He appears somewhat bristled from being addressed like that. Being a ranger, he's encountered many things, but never -this-. So, being of Númenorean descent... he looks down at the (somewhat shorter?) man talking to him, though not in a condescending manner.

"And who are you, to be asking this question?"

Mun: >.<

[illgotten]

"Look, friend, if it's as dire as all that, I'd rather know about it sooner than later." He looks back up -- all the way up -- quite steadily. "Believe me, I appreciate theatrics as much as the next guy, but there's a time and a place."

[/sock] Apologies. >_> He's a pain. A pain with good sense, on occasion, but even so. [sock]

[ranger_estel]

He studies the man opposite him intently, trying to see if he'll back down from his gaze. When the man won't, he can't help but be somewhat impressed. A tiny bit impressed, really.

"All manner of wild creatures, for one. But that still leaves the question of -your- identity unanswered..."

The manner in which he is smiling, however, should give away that if Mordred chooses to answer, it will be a confirmation... not an introduction.

Mun: Oh, fear not. I am -vastly- amused. We love Mordred, we do!

[illgotten]

"Wildlife. In the woods. You don't say." One could be impressed by the sheer unmitigated gall, at least. He tucks his hands in his pockets. "The name's Mordred, if it matters so much. How about you, O bearer of cryptic tidings?"

[ranger_estel]

"They call me..." He thinks for a moment, debating which name to use. "... Strider."

"Thank you for your succinct assessment, but I wasn't referring to -ordinary- wild life. I was referring to creatures so bent on evil they manage to evade capture for many years. Of creatures bred for nothing more than the destruction of men."

He is, of course, referring to Sméagol, as well as Uruk Hai.

[illgotten]

Mordred's eyes glint at the edge in that remark. Approval, possibly. "That's slightly more informative, thank you. You want to go into more detail, or shall we just flee abjectly from anything bigger than a squirrel?"

[ranger_estel]

"I can't, of course, speak for -you-, but I dare say that a squirrel wouldn't be enough for me to advise caution." Despite the gruff exterior and attitude, there is a tiny trace of amusement to be found in his voice.

"As for going into more detail... If you -must- know, I was referring to wargs, Uruk Hai, trolls. Though the latter are easily outwitted, I might add. Especially by someone with a predilection for witty remarks..."

[illgotten]

"Hell with you," now with an open grin. "I'll have you know I've faced actual rabbits in my time." More seriously: "I know trolls. Or what I call trolls, anyway. The others are what when they're at home?"

[ranger_estel]

"Real rabbits? You -don't- say! Wargs are a particularly monstrous breed of wolves, who kill for sport. Uruk-hai are a cross between Goblin men and Orcs. Bred for no other purpose than to destroy the race of men."

[illgotten]

"Charming critters. Well, now that I know what to look out for, I'll do that. Thanks."

[ranger_estel]

Barely repressing a very tiny amused quirk, he nods.

"You're welcome. But did you not say we should... what was that word... oh yes... 'compare notes'. I delivered on my end of the bargain... where's yours?"

[illgotten]

Mordred outright laughs. "Sharp one when you want to be. And the answer is that I haven't noted anything out of the ordinary. Then again," with friendly malice, "I don't spend as much time in the woods as you obviously do."

[ranger_estel]

"I am one of the Dúnedain. It is my job to observe."

Friendly banter is always returned.

"And I can see that you don't... after all, you might be mistaken for one of your... what was it again... squirrels, if you do."

[illgotten]

"I'm an island man myself," cheerily. "We don't have so many trees that you have to be the size of one to stand out. Or blend in."

[ranger_estel]

He outright laughs now. It's a hearty, weathered sort of laugh, fitting his stature, and it has the added benefit of making his face look less grim.

"Well met, Mordred, son of..."

He trails off on purpose, hoping to have Mordred supply the missing information.