nostalgia strikes again...

[aslandish]

It has been some time, hasn't it, dear heart? Ours was a grand adventure before the end came - last time and the time before that.

[ So...so you're not mad about that Thing that happened a year ago?

Aslan chuffs softly. ]

Nay, child. Even if it were within my power to do it all again, I would choose no differently.

I am pleased to be here once more, even if it's only for a short time. I think of you and others quite often.

Be of good cheer, and may the spirit of the season uplift you in all things.

Comments

[aurea]

[Don't mind Nero staring from off to the side, Aslan, she kind of has a thing for lions. A big thing.]

Oh, my! What a marvelous beast! Hail, good lion, the Emperor approaches! Spread your paws for me...! ♥♥♥

[aslandish]

[ Nero has good tastes, clearly! This is likely the biggest, most golden lion she'll ever see.

He considers her quietly and rumbles softly in response. There may just be a twinkle in his eye. ]

Good day to you, daughter of the world.

[ A fair enough greeting from a King to an Emperor, no? ]

[aurea]

[Hugging is happening. Hugging is definitely happening. Just go with it.]

Ohohoho~! So you recognize my beauty! This pleases me greatly. Enjoy my warmth, it is yours to share for as long as I might linger.

[aslandish]

[ Awww, that's cute, Nero. Consider him tickled! ]

I recognize you well enough.

[ He could mean a few different things by that, but Jesus Lion gotta be mysterious, you know?

He nudges her a little with the broad muzzles of his. ]

Well met.

[aurea]

[Nero sits down while looping a surprisingly strong arm around Aslan. Not quite Jesus strong, but she's a lot tougher than she looks, and obviously accustomed to handling animals.]

What is a creature of such majesty doing in this miserly place? It seems quite contrary to one of your fair nature.

[aslandish]

[ Well, you know, if you wanna wrestle, Nero, he'd be happy to oblige you. He does have a sense of humor and fun -- after all, Bacchus and Silenus are good acquaintances of his.

To the question, however, he answers with a deep, wild voice, that is...uplifting, in its way. ]

I have come to raise the spirits of those who might be in need of such comfort.

[ The holidays can be a low point for people even though they're meant to be celebratory in nature. He knows this well. ]

I was also dearly missed, and so, I am here.

[aurea]

Because you are clearly so lovely.

[Nero, please. Lion Jesus has no need of ego buffs.]

[aslandish]

[ Ah, Nero. That actually garners a low rumbling sound in his throat. A laugh, perhaps? It's hard to say. ]

There are those who would disagree.

[ He's humble, okay. And of course, he has been called nasty names before. Not even Jesus Lions are always loved. ]

Beauty is oftentimes in the eye of the beholder.

[aurea]

And as I am in possession of near endless beauty, both within and without, I am most qualified to judge!

[A hearty, reassuring pat to his side follows. Maybe a little too hard if he had been anything less than godly stock.]

I shall poke out any unworthy eyes that offer quarrel over the matter, roast them on stakes, and declare, "lo, behold the price of defiance"!

[aslandish]

[ Congrats, Nero. His sense of humor is tickled by your impassioned defense of his appearance. ]

And by what name should I call this, my most ardent defender?

[aurea]

[If only you knew, Aslan. Fun fact: your most ardent defender was also a frequent burner of all things and people Christian back in the day. But for now, she's harmless... mostly.]

The Emperor triumphant! Ruler of the people and representative of Rome! It is none other than I, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus!

[leftonjakku]

You are very well-spoken. [She is cautious to approach. Somehow she doesn't feel deserving.] We don't celebrate any seasons on Jakku. I don't expect there is much of a reason considering all of it is desert.

[aslandish]

[ No need to be shy!! He doesn't bite (most of the time), and his aura is one of warmth and acceptance.

He hasn't been out and about for a while so he welcomes the company. ]

The season I speak of is the time of year when many are celebrating holidays and spending time with their families.

Some places are warm; others are quite cold. It is the meaning of these many and diverse celebrations that mark the time, rather than the weather.

[ He tilts his head slightly. ]

What is your name, daughter of Jakku?

[liorafae]

[On one hand, the lion looks terrifying. On the other hand, his words are so wise. Liora allows herself a smile.]

Ah...your words do feel uplifting...

[aslandish]

[ Well, he is a very big lion, with a wild, rugged mane, and very large paws and teeth. He does radiate a sort of warmth, however, and his presence is calming.

He is not here to frighten anyone. ]

I'm gladdened you find them so.

A positive word is rarely out of place.

[liorafae]

[Liora, on the other hand, is a very small dragon, roughly as small as a human child. And she's used to having non-draconic beasts being after her, so she's become more timid than others.]

I can feel the warmth radiating from your presence. You are not an ordinary creature, are you?

[aslandish]

[ Aslan has some experience with dragons. Narnia is, after all, hardly lacking in mystical creatures many people would consider mythical, at best.

He smiles. ]

I am not.

[ He states it simply, without embellishment. For all that his presence is radiant, his demeanor is completely lacking in conceit of any kind. ]

[lilacwood]

(She is not what she seems and perhaps she is kin to him in that respect. Her steps are light and graceful as she comes to sit beside him, her white hair flowing like a mane in the wind.)

You are a grand lion. Do not tell me they have taken you prisoner too?

[aslandish]

[ Aslan rumbles softly in response. ]

Nay, daughter. I consider myself no prisoner.

Our desires aligned one with the other, and so I am here.

[lilacwood]

(She peers at him with open, innocent eyes.)

You are one of the few who does not complain. I am glad you are not kept in a cage.

[summersword]

Talkative, ain't you?

[Talking Lion? Not even remotely weird. Time in Arcadia warps any perception of 'weird' out of shape. Still... Ildi approaches gingerly.]

[It feels... warm. Like sitting in the sun on an early spring morning.]

From the way my mun's smiling... I'm guessing it's a good thing you're here, cat.

[aslandish]

In my experience, Beasts have as much to say as any son or daughter of Adam and Eve, if given the proper voice.

[ He should know, too. Talking Beasts always have a lot to say in Narnia. ]

It is my intention that it be so, and I am as glad to greet those who know me as those who do not.

Your mundane must know me well.

[shadowblends]

[Okay, Kurt's seen some peculiar things, but a talking lion? That has to be something completely new.

His movement forward is hesitant, possibly out of fear, but his curiosity has always gotten the best of him and this is no exception. He draws a hand up from his side, clawed fingers resting at his chin, the spade of his tail dipping over his shoulder.]

You are ... wise - for a lion.

My mun is extremely delighted to see you here, sir.

[aslandish]

[ Well, he is a very big talking lion, who looks as wild as he is beautiful. He isn't tame, to be sure, but his presence is a warm, calming one.

He does not seem remotely surprised by Kurt's appearance, either. Narnia has its own eccentricities, after all.

A soft rumble sounds in his throat. ]

Your mundane must know me well, then.

[ Sometimes, his reputation precedes him. Other times, it doesn't. He's happy with the outcome either way, of course, as he likes talking to people, regardless. ]

Shall we introduce ourselves, one to the other?

[shadowblends]

[He can feel it - that delightful serenity of Aslan's demeanor and it's so altruistic, so inviting that he can't stop himself from moving closer.

The fact that the large lion is not put off by his demonic features is also a plus, considering most people see him and automatically either run away in terror or try to attack him.

Kurt laughs, light and easy, golden irises glittering with excitement.]

Indeed, she does! She is proud to admit that she has watched the film you reside in at least twenty times.

[Once he is only a few paces away, he stops and places his hand over his chest as he straightens his posture.] Absolutely.

[Then, he slides down to rest on his knees, hands settling on his thighs, his tail curving around his waist and his head inclining toward the majestic creature.] My name is Kurt.

[practicality]

Oh, Aslan, I'm so pleased to see you!

[shoulda_toined]

(Almost says "Jiminy Cricket*, it's a lion!" but barely contains himself. Bugs knows how to behave...sometimes.)

You shore have a gift wid woids, pally.

((*Not the Disney character, mind you, but the epithet for "Jesus Christ".))