milliways_bar | (no subject)

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Moonlight.

Moonlight and stars and one needs no sharper knife in the darkness than the sky reflecting against the bright white snow. And so it is the stars on the snow that light his path as he walks beside the lake.

Winter is a cocoon. The stars are freedom. He could walk here like a man through dreams until sunrise and never know the time had passed.

Perhaps he could use some company, though...

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Faramir knows the wolf is nearby. He was a Ranger before he was a Prince, and he was an extremely good one. He slows his step, makes no sudden movements, and is aware in the animal's direction, though not looking there directly.

He does not reach for his sword. He cannot know if the wolf is a threat or a patron. Besides, even in Middle-Earth, only Sauron's wolves attack without provocation.

Sometimes the darkness is an ally. It's the ultimate camoflage. Especially when you're a bit on the dark side of the colour spectrum.

Eyeshine? That's another story. Anyone can see that.

Friend or enemy?

Faramir continues walking, slowly, casually.

He is no threat to any beast, whether they move on four legs or two. Though human, his body language mimics that of a stag: he has weapons, and knows it, but he is not an aggressor, he is not a danger.

Nor is Rabastan. Reined in by wolfsbane he's unlikely to attack. Unlikely to hunt down a human to bite him and savage him.

He moves a hindpaw, as though to move backwards.

Curiosity keeps him where he is.

Faramir turns only now to glance briefly at the wolf, pausing for a moment in total stillness. Truly he is like a stag.

He nods his head onc e in greeting to the animal, and in respect, and comes no nearer, nor offers any further communication, to allow the fellow night-walker his space.

But the wolf moves forward this time. Slowly. Brushing foliage out of the way.

What would Faramir do if Rabastan decides to take back his human form in front of him?

Does he want to change back? Now?

Faramir would probably watch solemnly then ask if the man was quite all right and would he like to go inside for a cup of tea?

For now, he continues to stand stoill and watch the wolf with stone-grey eyes.

Tea? Tea is good.

Firewhiskey is even better.

He continues the approach, stopping just a yard away from the stranger.

Faramir continues to watch the animal for several long moments after it ceases to move. He then speaks.

"Good evening."

His voice is soft and his manner gentle. He has a way with animals. Even real wild ones!

Headtilt.

Okay. Looks like if he's going to engage in conversation he's going to need a human mouth.

Strahan he is not. Though he does sometimes wish he could do what the sorcerer can do and talk in animal form.

This is so going to hurt, but what else is new?

Focus... Change... Ow... Pain....

It takes a few minutes, but when its done, he stands before Faramir as a man, though his eyes seem to reflect the starlight a little.

A wizard, then. Faramir waits until the transformation is complete. He can see the pain, and asks, "Are you all right?"

But not one of Faramir's wizards.

"It always hurts. But other than that I'm as well as anyone can be."

Especially given my ... condition...

"I'm.... sorry." He's not sure what else to say to a man who's just turned from a wolf to a man.

Rabastan'll take that over being screamed at, or worse, an attempt to behead him.

Questions first.

Like, "Who are you? I've never seen you before," and "What were you doing out here? It's bloody cold out."

"I am Faramir, son of Denethor. If you have never seen me, you have never incurred the wrath of Security while I was on duty." His smile does not reach his eyes. "I enjoy the night air. And you, sir?"

Umkay. Rabastan makes it a point not to upset security. He likes his head where it is kthnx.

"I am Rabastan Lestrange, and I'm out here because I needed the run. Too much to think about and none of it anything I wanted to think upon."

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