Voicetesting and, obviously, trying to kill boredom

[shieldofrohan]

I know the depths of desperation to which fear drives us. I know too well, too, the fever of helplessness, when one you love suffers and all hope seems lost. And I know the weary restlessness of illness, to be caged so in your own body. All these things, Mun, I know.

But there is no place for me in this. You have drawn me hence against my will, to ease your boredom, but I will not be your plaything or any man's. You have no plans for me, nowhere you would have me go... why then am I here?

Comments

[fearbringer]

They're considering their options, it sounds like.

[shieldofrohan]

Their options are few, and need not include me, for they assuredly have better uses for their time.

[fearbringer]

If they disagree, there's not much you can do.

[shieldofrohan]

That, sir, I do not accept. It is not in me to submit so easily.

[fearbringer]

Nor me. But these people-- they're like gods compared to us.

[shieldofrohan]

Then I will stand against them and perish. Sooner that, than dwell the rest of my life in such a gilded cage.

[fearbringer]

And if you don't have a choice?

[shieldofrohan]

There is always a choice.

[But her voice falters a little, uncertain]

[fearbringer]

No there isn't. You just wish there were.

[shieldofrohan]

[She meets his eyes, her jaw tightening]

There is always a choice, though there is not always hope. There is the choice to meet the shadow calmly, as one asleep, or to rage and burn to the end.

Who are you to tell me otherwise?

[fearbringer]

... Well, that I can agree with, I suppose.

[shieldofrohan]

Then this Mun must fain understand that I will not sleep. I slept too long already.

[fearbringer]

With that attitude, you might be sent to a game.

[shieldofrohan]

They must find one first. Then I may fear it.

[...there's a flicker of concern in her eyes, though]

[fearbringer]

You don't fear it already? The unknown can be terrifying.

[shieldofrohan]

[She draws herself up to her full height, swallowing, and raises her chin]

I am a shieldmaiden of Rohan, brother to the King, wife to Gondor's steward. On the fields at Pelennor, I slew the Witch-King. I strove against the great Shadow.

I fear nothing.

[so many lies in three words...]

[fearbringer]

A soldier with such bravery should know fear better than most.

Either you're lying, or you're a fool.

[shieldofrohan]

I have known fear, sir. I have known it, and strived against it more than you can imagine. I will not let it master me now.

[fearbringer]

Not letting it master you isn't the same as claiming you don't feel it at all.

Nobody knows fear more than I do.

[shieldofrohan]

[After a moment, she softens, just a little]

I am sorry.

[fearbringer]

[... That surprises him.]

You don't have to apologize.

I also didn't mean that in the way you likely think.

[shieldofrohan]

Then how did you mean it?

whooooops

[fearbringer]

I'm a fear spirit. There's nothing I don't know about fear.

[shieldofrohan]

[She's not wearing a sword. Obviously not; she's a Healer now. But her hand drifts, for a moment, towards the little knife tucked into her belt]

If what you say is true, then how can it be that I am unafraid of you?

[fearbringer]

Do you want me to make you afraid of me?

[Though honestly, he's not sure he could do that. His powers are weird here.]

[shieldofrohan]

I want to know how I can be facing such a spirit, and how it can be that it speaks so civilly. Do not presume to threaten me.

[fearbringer]

That wasn't really a threat. I have no reason to threaten you; you can't harm me.

This place allows you to see things you wouldn't normally be able to.

[shieldofrohan]

[She considers this for a moment, then nods, but doesn't relax away from her knife]

Not all creatures find they need a reason to threaten.

[fearbringer]

There would be no point in me giving you a threat I don't plan to act on.

[shieldofrohan]

[She smiles, rather bitterly]

Not all men find they need that, either.

[fearbringer]

If someone makes a lot of threats that they never act on, their real threats won't be taken seriously. Lying about that sort of thing is silly-- unless, of course, you're using it as a manipulation tactic.