Scene #923:

Owner	Pose
Thranduil	Since Middle Earth's unification, Thranduil has had lights brought closer to the entrance of the forest to compensate for the lack of a moon in the sky which would normally provide the light at night. Guards stand attentively, keeping an eye out for any creepy crawlies running around or any enemies that might bring trouble to the kingdom. They are aware that there are corrupted animals and general forest dwelling creatures, ignoring them as they scamper around. It's the giant spiders, the orcs, mauraders and other things that they listen for with their keen Elvish hearing.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako floats about two feet off the ground, riding side-saddle on her floating broomstick. She's not going fast at all, and seems to be taking in the sights. The lights that have been placed at the entrance to the forest catch her eye, though! She floats twoards the lights with interest. And then waves hello cheerfully with a happy smile to the elves that are standing guard. "Ah." She hops off of her broomstick and picks up the floating cleaning tool with her right hand and pushes the stick together to collapse it. Yes, it's a collapsable broom! When she wants it to be, anyway. She secures the now shorter broom behind her with a few cloth straps on her muffler. "Good evening!" Her hands go to the side as she curtsies elegantly towards the elven guards guarding the forest entrance.
Jimmy Wen	Middle Earth. Jimmy's read about this place before. Definitely not to the extent that some other people from his Earth have, but he remembers bits and pieces. If it weren't for his troubling relationship with technology, he'd even spring a couple bucks to see the movie adaptations of the books. What this means is that he's a just a little bit prepared for what lurks in Mirkwood and this world at large. Securing a horse was a simple matter of securing something else--money. A few hours learning the local games of chance and finding out the right folks to do favors for? It's a worthy investment. Or, so he thought when he hopped on the saddle. The East Road is long, and for someone who doesn't have any formal training riding a horse besides what he saw in the movies of his childhood, it seems even longer. The saddlesore wizard happens upon Old Forest Road and is positively delighted. "Go down." He pulls the horse's bit, looking absent-mindedly at his map. "I mean--southeast." The horse doesn't do anything. "Ugh." Paying full attention to his confused steed, he uses both hands and... what was it he said to make it go that fast yesterday? "Hyah!" Ayako and the elves will soon hear the thud of hoofbeats and the pained, frustrated yelps of a rider.
Thranduil	The guards pull their daggers when they hear the commotion, and look toward the twisted entrance. "Is it another enemy that approaches?" One asks the other, and they both prepare to spring in case a band of Orcs is approaching with all the noise Jimmy is making. Birds scatter overhead, butterflies flutter out of the way and the other elves in the trees begin descending, but not too far just yet.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako blinks her eyes quickly and looks back when she hears the sudden commotion of a horse running in with the yelps of a confused rider. "Umm... Hey! Get that horse under control!" She glances around an notes the animals clearing out ant a few elves in the trees beginning to descend. "Uuu..."
Jimmy Wen	Jimmy had hoped to make it seem like he knows what he's doing. To his credit, he does have the Middle Earth traveler look down--unassuming clothes, a hood to protect him from the elements. The aviators are an exception, of course, but he has his reasons for wearing them. "It I-I-I-S under contrO-O-O-L!" The bounce of the horse's gallop makes his voice sound like he's stuck in a merry-go-round. Now, it's time to think. Gunsmoke. Dad would always have dubbed reruns of Gunsmoke on in the kitchen. Little Joe and Adam used to ride horses all the time--and did they say anything to get the horses to stop? Hmm... drawing a blank. So maybe it's something you do? Well, he's got the reins in his hands. Maybe just pull on them-- Holy SHIT. The horse comes to a dramatic stop, rearing up and kicking its front legs wildly, letting out a whinny that echoes through the forest. Whoever's in charge, don't let him fall off this animal. Thud. The horse is on all fours again, and Jimmy's still alive, despite the sudden migration of his heart to his throat. "Ho," -ly shit. "...there, friends." Now, if he can JUST get his legs off... ooh, that's tender. /Oh,/ that's sore.
Thranduil	One of the guards reaches up to calm the horse and keep it still as the other reaches to help Jimmy to the ground. "Who are you? What are your purposes for being here?" The guards don't seem hostile, at least, and the others that were coming to their aid seem to have gone back to hiding in the trees. In the distance, an animal of some kind howls, causing more birds overhead to fly away.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako's eyes close halfway as she watches Jimmy fumble around and then suddenly rein in the horse he's riding. She blinks her eyes slowly and opens them all the way slowly... and then giggles brightly at Jimmy's dramatic entrance. "Silly. You need to be much more gentle with that horse or it's going to start looking at you funny." She curtsies towards Jimmy and then smiles brightly. She turns back towards the elves guarding the forest. "Ah. I'm Ayako Hasekawa, a water spirit." Ayako smiles softly to the guard that's asking the questions. "I heard from a friend named Fang that I could maybe be of help to the elves that live in Mirkwood?" Her head nods once. "Although I'm not exactly sure what I can do to help, other than maybe offer healing water." She raises her right hand to scratch the back of her head at the nape of her neck as she turns her amber gaze off to the side slightly. "And... I know even less of the situation inside the forest." A bit of an awkward giggle escapes her lips.
Jimmy Wen	"We wouldn't want that." The shadows from Jimmy's hood don't conceal his grin, nor do they hide the glint of his sunglasses. He steps down, with assistance. The help from the elves is very much appreciated. "Thank you, thank you." He... sort of forcefully straightens himself, willfully trying to ignore the soreness. The wizard lowers his hood, revealing his face--and those aviators. "The name's Jimmy Wen." If only he'd bothered to come up with a sufficiently high-fantasy name! He'll really look stupid if he runs into any dwarves. Thorin, Gloin, Hadhod and /Jimmy./ Ah, well. "I'm just a simple traveler, looking to leave the world a better place than I found it." Those statements are true, after a fashion. He does travel a lot, and his heart's in the right place, but he's careful not to divulge too much. It's always wise to undersell yourself! "If what she says is true, maybe I can help, too. I've picked up a few things over the years..."
Thranduil	"You will need to speak to King Thranduil to ask if there is anything you can do. If Radagast the Brown cannot cure the overwhelming sickness in Mirkwood, I do not think there would e anything an outsider could do. If you wish to speak to him, you will need to follow someone to find the Halls of The Elvenking. The Path is difficult and elusive. Take care that you do not stray from it or you may become lost in the forest's madness."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly at Jimmy as he gets off his horse and then notes the soreness in his movements. She closes her eyes and cups her hands in front of her body. Water with a purplish tinge to it slowly fills her cupped hands. Her eyes slowly open and she flings the water at Jimmy. The water quickly vanishes on contact with his body and would try to heal the soreness and injury. "Ah! So you're Jimmy! We've spoken before on the radio." She smiles cheerfully and then looks back to the elven guard. Ayako nods her head once. "Hmm... I see. I'll be cautious!" She bows politely to the guard and then starts to walk carefully into the forest, eyes peeled for anything... odd appearing and careful to stay on the path!
Jimmy Wen	Jimmy's first reaction is to freak, and he does indeed flinch at the soothing presence of the water. He has to remind himself that A) she isn't with the White Council and B) she therefore hasn't broken any Laws of Magic. Still... it does catch him off-guard, nice as it feels. "...thanks, Ayako. Nice to finally meet you in person." He does remember speaking with her, now that she mentions it! Radagast's name rings a bell. "That old coot? Heh. Don't be so sure," he says to the elves.. "I may not be a wizard of his and Gandalf's caliber, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeves. I'd love to meet the Elvenking."
Thranduil	@emit The guard lifts an arm and another drops off a branch and approaches. The two exchange some Elvish words, and finally it seems to be decided that they are to go with the other guard. "Come with me and I will lead you to the Halls of The Elvenking. I advise you to remain close. Fresh water is more plentiful there. Perhaps you would feel better there. The corruption from Dol Guldur runs deep. We have become accustomed to the forest as it is and adapted. Perhaps oneday it will be restored to its original glory."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako giggles softly when she notes Jimmy freak out a little. She smiles cheerfully at Jimmy as she glances at him, "You're welcome! Eh heh... am I different than how I sound on the radio?" She giggles softly. Speaking of wizards, Ayako happens to be dressed like a witch right now. A cute one with a waterdrop motif, though! Not a spooky, scary, or imposing witch. Ayako nods her head once and then follows carefully after the guard. "Alright, I will. I'm not exactly familiar with this forest..." Her head inclines to the side gently as she continues to walk. "Hmm... you're right... the water here... it feels... icky." Ayako frowns softly and shakes her head. "I can't purify it well either..." She sighs softly. "So much for being to help on that account..." And then she blinks her eyes quickly. "Umm... I might not be able to enter the Halls properly... I can't enter places where people live unless invited." She blushes lightly. "It's... well... part of being the type of water spirit I am..."
Jimmy Wen	"No, no. You're not different," says Jimmy as he follows their elven escort. "You just surprised me, that's all. Don't worry about it!" An interesting fact--Ayako seems bound by at least one of the same limitations of supernatural beings from his world. "I'm sure they'll let you in," he says conversationally. "Who could say no to a good Samaritan like you?"
Thranduil	"You would not be taken to the Halls of The Elvenking if you were not invited. We live in this forest. You are here, so do not be concerned." He leads them around some brush sticking out and ducks under a low branch. "From where have you come? You are both strangers to Middle Earth, as I can tell. You speak differently. We have had many visitors recently. Thranduil will be able to tell you more about them, but be warned he has grown quite distrustful since someone abducted Legolas and caused harm to them both."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly to Jimmy and then giggles softly when he says that she surprised him. She nods her head slowly. "Well... we'll see, when we get there, I guess." And then she shakes her head slowly. "Not everyone likes water spirits. Or something... like me." A soft, slightly sad smile crosses her face... although only for a moment. Her gaze goes back to the elven guard and she cheers up a little. "I see... I'll try not to offend to live up to this invitation then." Ayako's gaze goes off to the side when where she came from has been brought up. "A-ahh... where I'm from... I... well... No... It's..." She shakes her head quickly. "Well, I'm certainly not from this world." She eeps softly when she hears that someone abducted someone. "I... Yikes... I don't blame him for being distrustful then... Well, I don't mean any harm!" Ayako quickly nods her head once.
Jimmy Wen	"Well, if you must know..." Explaining to them that they're fictional creations in his world isn't going to go well. For all he knows, he might be the exact same thing in someone else's! Kind of humbling to think of that. "I'm from a world with magic and magical creatures very much like yours. In fact, there are legends told about Middle Earth. About King Thranduil, the Valar... even the Shire, if you can believe that." "Mine..." How to explain the absence of elves? "...is a world of Men. We've long since left things like orcs and dragons behind, and we've become the masters of our own world, to an extent. Magic still exists, but things Middle Earth takes for granted have to exist in the shadows or not at all. Men of the modern era have no use and even less tolerance for things that challenge their perceptions of the world--to the masses, things like you and me don't exist. Stories and myths, nothing more. Sometimes I wonder if we wouldn't be better going back to the way things are, here."
Thranduil	"You live in one of the outside worlds with metal giants? They have come here and caused much destruction." The guard looks to Ayako and nods. "Yes, we know you are not from this world. Fortunately, Legolas was not injured. King Thranduil was, however, but of course refused to be looked after. He has since recovered, though he has become much more strict about watching our borders. We are almost there. I can answer questions if you have them, so you do not end up thrown into the dungeons."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako inclines her head to the side as she listens to Jimmy. "Heeh? Legends, huh?" She smiles softly. "Well... from wandering around myself... I know that you shouldn't put too much stock into what you read. The Multiverse can and will surprise you." She giggles softly. "It's probably best to see and experience things for yourself." Her head nods once. She shrugs lightly when Jimmy compares his world to the one he is in right now. "Oh, I don't know. I think both have their own charms." Ayako turns back to the guard and she inclines her head to the other side. "Metal giants? I don't know about metal giants... they certainly don't sound very nice, though." She smiles softly, "Well, I'm glad your king has recovered." She giggles a bit awkwardly as she scratches her cheek with her right finger and averts her gaze for a moment shyly. "U-uhm... huh. My main question is if I may be of help. I... I can't do much about the water's corruption but... I do have healing magic and can manipulate water all the same."
Jimmy Wen	Metal giants... could refer to skyscrapers, but he doubts it. If anyone explained the concept to the elves, they almost certainly explained that people lived in said 'giants.' It sounds like something else. The comic nerd in him says giant robots, but you'd probably have a hell of a time smuggling one into a forest without knocking down a couple of trees. Jimmy is now crossing his fingers for fallen trees. Not that he could get close to a robot without the hexing effect turning it into a glorified toaster, but hey. "Hear hear," he says in response to Ayako. "Metal giants are a new one on me, too. In really populated areas, we live in tall buildings to save space, but... I'm guessing that isn't what you mean." He's not going to make any specific offers until he can see the state of Mirkwood for himself. Warding a forest sounds like a huge pain in the ass, chiefly because it's not like a house, with clearly defined borders, and the threshold here can probably be seen from space if the elves treat the whole damned forest as their home. And they probably do, he figures.
Thranduil	They come to the bridge and the gates are opened to admit them into the Halls of The Elvening. Jimmy might be wise to not try and ward the forest considering it's over four hundred miles long and two hundred miles wide. "We are here. I hope you are not afraid of heights. It is quite a long way down to the lower levels from here." The guard continues on to go off duty, leaving the pair at the foot of the platform leading up to Thranduil's throne. The pale elf looks down upon them with ice blue eyes, his young features showing only the faintest iota of interest.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako looks around slowly... and admires the bridge and the gates. She isn't afraid of heights. It's not like a drop from high up can hurt her, after all. She does it all the time! And calls it 'rain'. Besides, she can fly if she needs to. She bows politely to the now off duty guard and then turns her gaze back to the platform, the throne, and the pale elf now staring down at them with his ice blue eyes. Ayako takes off her witch hat and hangs it onto the back of her muffler, just above her broom. She curtsies gracefully to Thranduil with her gaze towards the floor. And then holds that pose. She never knows how to handle these royalty types!
Jimmy Wen	"I'm fine with them. Just a matter of not psyching myself out by..." Looking down. Okay, so, he's not terrified, but he's certainly not chipper either. The wizard blows an indignant little breath between his lips, then steels himself. Focus on something else, like the tops of the trees. As it so happens, that's what he does, until he can focus on the Elvenking. "Lordship," he says, giving Thranduil a respectful bow. He figures treating with elven royalty can't be that different than doing the same with things from the Nevernever. "My name is Wen Zhengmin, and I represent the White Council of Wizards." He's certainly a far cry from Saruman's white hair or Gandalf's amazing beard. And unlike dear Radagast, there's not a speck of dirt on the man save what he's gathered from his travels--much less any of the Brown Wizard's more... outdoorsy acoutrements.
Thranduil	Thranduil uncrosses his legs and rises to his feet, holding his oak staff in one hand. He is quite the fancy looking King, not a hair out of place. "You may rise. So you are a wizard, Wen Zhengmin. What about you? What do they call you?" He steps down from his throne and eyes the strangers warily. "Welcome to the woodland realm. I am King Thranduil. The guard that led you here did not mention whether you were friend or foe. There is a steep price to pay for bringing conflict to our domain. What is it you want?"
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako slowly rises from her curtsey and smiles softly. "My name is Ayako Hasekawa, and I am a water spirit." She notes the wary gaze he gives them both. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty." A cheerful smile crosses her face. "I come here to ask if I may be of assistance." Her head nods once gently. "An acquaintance of mine named Fang told me that my water magic and ability to make healing water could be of some help."
Jimmy Wen	"Yes, your Majesty. I read tales of Middle Earth in my childhood. The Multiverse has given me the chance to experience it in person, and I've taken it. I have no interest in bringing conflict to a place that, if the... legends hold true, has plenty of conflict on its own. Maybe I can help, maybe not, but if you're open to assistance I'm open to lending a hand."
Thranduil	The guard around the borders of Mirkwood have been increased, exponentially so since Thranduil and Legolas were attacked. The Elvenking wouldn't let anyone tend to him in an attempt to not show weakness, but everyone could tell that the ill-tempered king was even more paranoid than usual. A pair of guards approach, one of which carries a bucket of sickly looking water and throws it onto the fire. "Who are you? Why do you feel the need to draw more of these wretched creatures?" The guards may have ruined the meal, but they're paranoid about the light from the fire drawing all manner of beasts. "If not spiders then Orcs or something worse. Who are you and what are you doing here?" Their weapons are drawn, and Mort might be able to sense that there are more than just two pairs of eyes watching him, hidden in the trees and bushes.
Thranduil	The Elven guards keep their weapons drawn. "They are not wise enough to fear fire. Where there is one there are many more. They are in the trees and lurk in the shadows. They are creatures of pure hate. If you are planning to eat them, then you are foolish. We are guarding the borders of the woodland realm. It is not safe to sit here. The stars are bright tonight, the Elvenking is likely holding one of his celebrations, closer to the Halls. What business do you have in these woods? If you plan on causing trouble for our people, then we will fight. There have been many strangers in our woods with ill intent."
Thranduil	"We do not dream as Men do. The spiders should not have come so close to the entrance. You lured them here. We have been attempting to drive them away but they keep coming from Dol Guldur. If it is known that a stranger has been attracting them, King Thranduil will be quite displeased. You would be wise to show respect within his lands or you may find yourself placed in the dungeon for eternity. It is your choice, stranger."
Thranduil	"Our lands have been invaded by those who are hostile to us. One cannot be too cautious. Leave if you wish, we will not stop you. Just know that if you venture from the path, the madness of the forest will consume you and you will become forever lost. You may request an audience with the king if you wish. I cannot guarantee he will see you but you may ask." The other guard decides to then pipe up. "If you enter another's world, perhaps it is you who should use better manners. You entered our realm, not the other way around. If you wish to act in such a way, visit Bree or one of the cities of Men."
Thranduil	The guards draw their weapons again and hold them at the ready. They've dealt with dragons, metal giants, madmen, people that are animals, animals that are people...and that's not counting the endless nonsense coming from Dol Guldur. "If you have brought someone that threatens our people, then you will be considered an enemy as well!"
Thranduil	"There is no straight line. The path is long and winding. It is elusive. If you stray from the path, you may never find it again. If you wish to be taken to the king, then you will follow an escort." The guards look to each other and then one of them calls out in Elvish, bringing another pair of Silvan Elves to the group. "One cannot be taken to the Elvenking without following proper protocol."
Thranduil	Weapons are drawn and aimed at the creature. You really can't blame them for being cautious. They found themselves unified with a strange set of stars in the sky and no moon, and then all sorts of people started wandering into their forest, threatening their king and even killing dozens of Silvan Elves such as wen Lezard attacked. The guards begin to slide to the ground despite how they try to fight it. They could have led Mortimer to the Elvenking easily, but now there is noone to show him where the elusive gates are located.
Thranduil	Making a noise like that is bound to draw some negative attention, and hundreds of Silvan Elves come out of the trees, pour out of the gate and are armed to the teeth, aiming their bows and arrows at the pokemorph. "Stand down, stranger. What business do you have here?" The only reason the haven't opened fire yet is because of the guards he carries. The blue gates open and a pale figure emerges, wearing a long robe and a crown made to look like branches with berries and pine snippets. He is quite different looking than the others. Instead of having darker hair and eyes, he has stark blue eyes and almost white hair. "Faarea!" The deep voiced man says, staring right at Mortimer as the gates are closed behind him. "State your intentions and release my guards at once or I shall order them to open fire."
Thranduil	Thranduil begins walking across the bridge, keeping one hand close to his side where his ornate sword is sheathed. "They are right to respond in such a way. They have been ordered to do so, afterall. By me. Do not attempt to lecture me in my own kingdom. I hold the upper hand here. Who are you? You have much explaining to do if you do not wish for me to have my army loose their arrows upon you." The guards are carried away into the Halls, but then the doors are sealed once again. "Speak, foul creature."
Thranduil	Thranduil seems less than impressed with Mortimer as he comes closer, though the guards ready their spears. He has dealt with the Skin Changers, afterall. "You will not come any closer. I do not care about whether or not you feel as though you were not shown proper hospitality. Others have come into these woods and have been welcomed. You obviously did not portray yourself in a manner deserving of the same treatment. I am very busy. If you do not learn to control yourself I shall return to my halls and you shall become target practice. Might I remind you there are thirty thousand of them and only one of you. It is your choice." Thranduil begins walking back across the bridge toward the gates, turning with his arms folded across his chest.
Thranduil	Thranduil does not dare show any particular emotion. "We have already been invaded, many of our people killed. Another took my son captive and would only release him if I defeated him in battle. I did, of course. We have endured without the help of outsiders for thousands of years. Within the walls of our kingdom we will continue to endure. We have survived without you before and we will survive without you now. If you truly had honorable intentions you would not have rendered my guards unconscious."
Thranduil	Thranduil nods to his soldiers who begin filing back into the safety of the halls. "Leave him for the Orcs and Spiders. The safety of those who show hostility is none of our concern. Let the madness of the forest consume him." With a flish of his long hair, he turns and begins walking toward the door himself. "Namaarie. Farewell."
Thranduil	One of the guards at the entrance holds his spear out to stop her. "Identify yourself. What are your intentions? You should not be here, it is too dangerous for a child. There are many threats in these woods." The Elven guard is trying to be diplomatic and polite, but doesn't really want to be bothered with more outsiders. "If you have come to seek audience with the Elvenking, you will need escorted there."
Thranduil	"Are you carrying any weapons?" The guard asks, holding a hand out to take them if there are any. "You must follow me closely. To deviate from the path could result in becoming lost forever. There would be no rescue party. We must begin our journey if we are to reach the Halls of The Elvenking by nightfall. With the moon missing from the sky, it is very dark in these woods."