This, one knows, is not one's home. (OTA)

[foulnfair]

When night had come and quiet seemed to descend of a different kind than Macbeth had known, he crawled to the bed and slept as if dying. Or perhaps he was already dead, then awoke still in this strange place. Hauvratat. The water in the washroom was clean, and clear; he drank eagerly then washed himself, clothes cast aside and rank. New clothing

Comments

[faramir_hurin]

Spring is here in the village, and I'm keen for a bit of hunting. No matter how much anyone takes, there always seem to be more animals--more than the forest about the village can support. No one will miss a few rabbits, and Olore appreciates the fresh bits I give him.

Is dressed in clothing from home, carrying longbow and a knife in his boot as well as a hunting bag.

[foulnfair]

The forest sounded different here, too. More alive. Macbeth was slowly trying to find his way to his hatchet when he saw the man, stilling, half-hidden from a tree to watch, wary. He was, after all, no match for a bow.

[faramir_hurin]

I do not go far and know that there is something there. Someone--animals feel different. I have to wonder if it's one of those who mostly stays out here, or if they even still do that. There's no reason to hide from me. I relax the bow.

"Hello? I'm just hunting rabbits, which I've just let know of my presence. Is there a problem?" It might be that someone needs help, maybe even a new arrival.

[foulnfair]

That there were rabbits to hunt told Macbeth that this place was different.

After a moment, Macbeth stepped from behind the tree in his military jacket, eyes wary. Battle he was ready for; congeniality, he was not.

[faramir_hurin]

I know unfriendly when I see it. The clothing, and the man wearing it, is unfamiliar.

"Are you injured?" I ask. I do not see that he is, but he was hiding. "Is there a problem?"

Is he armed? I can't tell about that either.

[foulnfair]

Unused to so many questions without some ulterior motive, Macbeth stared. There was no problem; he shook his head again.

[faramir_hurin]

His behaviour is odd. I don't think he's injured but I have very little more information to go on than I had when I first heard him. Is he new and completely bemused?

"My name is Faramir and I come from the land of Gondor. Are you new to this place--the village of Haurvatat?" If he runs I could likely chase him down, but I don't want to. I just don't want him hurting anyone either and I can't tell if he's afraid, angry, or something else.

Perhaps Long Sight, despite its being intrusive.

Faramir can tell how people feel. A bit like being an empath, only he can't feel it, just knows it. He's Looking to see if there's ill intent, for the most part.

[foulnfair]

Macbeth shifted, gazing shooting away and back. He was new; he nodded. He was unfamiliar with Gondor. "Have you come across a sword," he asked, voice hoarse.

[faramir_hurin]

Ah, that helps somewhat.

"I have found no sword or other weapons out here. I can help you search, if you like." If this is the right place. For those unfamiliar with woods, and especially these, things might be more difficult. "At least there is little growth at this time of year to hide it."

It will not have gone under low plants.

[foulnfair]

"A sword. And a hatchet," came the quiet reply. "They were taken from me."

[faramir_hurin]

"Taken? Do you mean stolen?" I do not like the sound of that. "There are police here, men of the law. If your things were stolen from you they should know."

Especially since it is weapons that were taken.

"There are smiths of quality where you could get new items made, but the police should hear of it if there are thieves about. Very few here use swords."

[foulnfair]

Police. Law. Macbeth scoffed, face a snarl. He had no use for that. He shook his head abruptly. No men of law.

[faramir_hurin]

I am trying to be helpful. I put his not wanting men of law to be involved to perhaps they are not helpful where he comes from--it is not at all so in Gondor, but I've learned that it is in some places.

"Have you any idea who took them, then? Were you harmed in their taking?"

I take a step or two closer. I am very ill at ease over this man and do not wish him to run. It is uncharitable of me to think that he does not want law involved because he wishes to harm whoever took his things. That's certainly not a ridiculous thought, but I do not wish to allow it.

[foulnfair]

Only if provoked would Macbeth attack. "A witch," he said, remembering the blond one with fire in her hand. "I only wish to find what is mine."

[faramir_hurin]

"There are several witches here, though I can't imagine any of them would need your things." I don't them all or what kind of witches they are, but it seems odd that they'd steal.

"How long ago did she take your things?" She could well be within shouting distance, or I could track her. "I am a fair tracker and could follow her trail."

If it's as new as all that.

[foulnfair]

"Twelve hours or more," Macbeth replied, his brogue thick. A trail gone cold, he knew. "This way, perhaps." He headed deeper into the forest.