INBOX.

[pippin]

“I wish Merry was here,” he heard himself saying, and quick thoughts raced through his mind, even as he watched the enemy come charging to the assault. “Well, well, now at any rate I understand poor Denethor a little better. We might die together, Merry and I, and since die we must, why not? Well, as he is not here, I hope he'll find an easier end. But now I must do my best.”

@ took

Comments

[pippin]

I'd never thought of it like that! I'm sure dear old Gandalf would agree, in his gruff way. I'm told my folk have a bit of the fairy people's blood in us, & it makes us a bit adventurous & magic like, but all I've known of it is a talent for getting into trouble. But it was rather a long journey!

Are you a wizard, then?

[dothelokimotion]

Adventure can be its own magic too. As can luck or skill. Magic isn't defined by tricks alone.

And no. I am Loki, God of Mischief.

[pippin]

I should hope not, or the elves would never get anything done!

Just the sort of thing a wizard would say. Are you the nice sort or the terribly cruel? Though I suppose if you are known for mischief, I cannot expect a straight answer, but a crooked one.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his response takes . . . a while. ]

I am myself. There can be cruelty and kindness in my actions alike.

[pippin]

As long as you don't go on about jewelry, I suppose you cannot be too bad a wizard.

Have you any fireworks?

[dothelokimotion]

[ wizard is definitely a step down, but loki doesn't feel too pedantically about it. ]

I suppose I could fill the sky with fireworks if I so choose.

[pippin]

Then you are most certainly the best sort of wizard.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki preens at that. ]

I should hope so. Gods are a step above wizards.

[pippin]

Perhaps so! Though we hobbits find it quite rude to discuss such matters, so you will excuse me for preferring my terms. Or perhaps magician, if that suits you better?

[dothelokimotion]

[ sighs. he suspects if this was thor, no one would have trouble saying that of him, but loki has always been held to a different standard. ]

Wizard will do.

[pippin]

& what is your color? I have heard all wizards have a color they call their own, to describe their Work & Ways.

[dothelokimotion]

[ uh. ]

Green?

[pippin]

Oh! Splendid! I have never met a wizard of green. I shall look forward to seeing you in person, when all this nonsense is over. Or maybe sooner; I doubt I will have much choice in my comings & goings for some time.

[dothelokimotion]

It'll feel like no time has passed at all, I'm sure. I look forward to it as well.

[pippin]

I will try to do my best to represent hobbits when we do. Oh! There I have said it & already I have failed. How terribly rude of me not to introduce myself as well, when I have interrogated you such.

I am Pippin Took, of the Shire, Tookland specifically.

[dothelokimotion]

I am of Asgard, though it is no more.

[pippin]

Oh, that is a terrible loss. One's home can never be replaced. Have you found new lands, or do you wander?

[dothelokimotion]

We haven't found our new home yet.

[ we, as if loki is still a part of that. ]

[pippin]

I knew such a fellow to suffer that fate. A terribly brave sort he was, & surpassingly kind. My cousin wrote a poem for him, which I think was meant to be a comfort & I hope will do you some good. Let me see if I can remember it.

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
Old that is strong does not wither,
Deepest roots are not reached by the frost.

From the dark a fire shall be awoken,
From the light a fire shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

[dothelokimotion]

[ this . . . is very hard not to read into. and loki is a master of reading Into Things Too Much. the intent is sweet but all loki can see is a poem that points out his own weaknesses. he has never been king. he is the frost.

carefully, he pushes all of it down. what does it matter? ]

A lovely poem, worthy of praise. I think my brother would appreciate it more than I.

[pippin]

[Pippin, meanwhile, continues to mentally gnaw on the fact that this man is not happy and has not been cheered; he'll have to work on that more, later.]

Oh! Your brother is here? That is very good, to have family. I'm sure he can give you more clever words than I; most can!

[dothelokimotion]

He tries his best. Wordsmithing is not his tool or trade.

[pippin]

Nor mine, I admit! Only my cousins have any skill with it, and only those of the Baggins clan. I am better at asking questions, usually the ones none wish to answer.

[dothelokimotion]

That is a shame. There is great value in asking questions to challenge what we know. Otherwise, we take too much for granted.

[pippin]

You give fair favor to this fool. I admit, my questions are often the bane of learned men. I've often peered into peril, just to know what sort it was, and made much trouble for my friends.