milliways_bar | (no subject)

She shrugs.

"What's average?"

"I know we used to have wide rolling countrysides; we used to have building one or two storeys high, instead of one or two hundred; we used to live next door to each other instead of on top, but now, there's just too many people, clustered in the cities for economic reasons more'n anything else."

"I would not like to live in such a place," Boromir decides. "I like the open fields and mountains, even if they are often dangerous to cross. There is so much beauty in my world. I would hate to see it overrun." He frowns. "That is why we have been fighting in my world. To keep the land alive."

"Seems a rather extreme form of population control."

"No, not population control. The orcs, as I said, do not grow or build. They steal and they use, and when they are done they move on. They would take my city and strip it of its beauty, kill my people and eat their flesh, wipe out the race of men. And then move into the next country and do the same.

"They are parasites. Nothing more."

"Like demons," she agrees, finishing her coffee.

"So you fight them with just your weapons and training? No mystical talents or anything?"

"Only elves and wizards possess magic. Strength and wit against brute force is usually enough."

"Right. I guess orcs aren't quite as strong as vampires, then. And less intelligent, from what you've said."

"Oh, no, not intelligent. They are more like animals than men, but with darker instincts."

She nods.

"Vampires have human-like intelligence. Comparabel to the person whose body they stole. And they're very strong. Normal humans aren't much of a match. Though they can be, with the right training."

"That sounds like a formidable enemy."

She leans back, smirking.

"Not as formidable as me."

He smiles, eying her big stabby, and says, "Would you like to spar sometime? I would like to keep my skills honed."

She laughs.

"Any time. I'm perhaps getting lazy stuck here."

"Wonderful. Once the weather clears, I would think."

"Sure," she confirms. "Just let me know."

"Thank you. I--I don't know how we can leave messages here."

"Oh, bar'll take them," Mel says helpfully. "Or there's a notice board over there," and she points.

"Or just find me. I'm Bound, so I tend to be around."

"As am I. It's part of being dead, I understand."

He stands and stretches a little. "Please excuse me. I think I'm going to walk around the woods for a while--my cloak will keep out the rain, I think." He bows to her slightly. "Have a pleasant day, Mel."