For mabofwinterdark and Court

[aiwendilofbirds]

It was a feeling on the wind when first he noticed it. A foul wind blew across the lands from a far end of the world. Radagast did not often venture out of his glade but when the Lord of Eagles spoke of a cloud growing on the horizon beyond the eyes of men and elves the feeling became something of a worry.

He did not walk across the land. It was in the form of a large brown moth that he took to the winds following the foul stink that clouded the air filling his lungs. Far he flew over many leagues and beyond the realm of men and elves and dwarves. Past it to a magical land spoke of in rumor alone among the text of elves.

This was the place where his feet once more touched gentle moss and grass. It was damp with dew but not from the clouds he saw at the edge of the horizon. The cloud was of death alone. Had he not witnessed the fall of Sauron himself he would believe that evil had returned to the world. It was not Sauron but foul indeed it was. Things stirred beneath the earth and those beings which feared none moved from the path of the growing blackness.

On the wind he heard to voice of Treebeard, longest living of all trees and ents. He called for aid to his people which died in the wake of this power. There were calls, calls from the wilds, the animals and the plants that knew him even if his feet had never touched this land in all his long days.

From a large Alder tree he learned the name of she who tended this land. Many were the rumors that were spoken to him in whispers of birds and insects as he walked toward the heart of this land. To her he would go and offer his services for he could not stand by and watch the world consumed.

Radagast had never understood the reasons Gandalf went to war with men but now his mind was clear. He now knew why his brother had set forth and why he could not turn back even when dark and grim the path became.

The guarded palace passed beneath the wings of a crow. There was no time for pleasantries of audiences. Far too naïve in the ways of interaction was the Brown Friend of Birds that he saw no offense in flying into the main audience chamber. His clawed feet came to rest gently on the stone floor before his appearance shifted back to that of a man. But he was neither man nor bird though as his staff reshaped in his hand songbirds flitted upon the gnarled end to tell of this place. They knew where she would be found, the one who ruled these lands. To her he went with intent and disregarded all else but the chatter of the wilds which spoke knowledge and words none but he could understand.


Words: 505

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[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

The room had once been called the war room but had adopted the name 'the Courtyard' for the doors, room, and people that lined it like it was the center of Roman home, the heart of the whole. Each doorway stood open, allowing doors to fly open and shut was too much of a danger when that much information was provided and that number of orders flew out the door. At its center was Mab. It is clear watching the flow of people and messengers, all turning toward her, why the term queen is used for beehives and anthills. She is their guide and intelligence, belonging to her, and she, in turn, belongs to them. It is the change in the flow of those messengers that first alerts her to the arrival of Radagast and his utter disregard to protocol. The messengers wee not afraid, did not see fit to warn her. He was no enemy, but something new, new enough they slowed and risked her wrath in the process. Despite the hundred different places her mind was being pulled and directed, she was intrigued.

There was some time before he reached the Courtyard, too many winding hallways for it to happen quickly. To inhuman eyes, the wildness he carried with him was visible, and she was not surprised to see him come, not when she knew that the wild woods were being devoured by the monstrosity of a spell. She wore no finery, in fact, one might call her disheveled, but she was no less regal for it, no less a queen. "Shall I take it you seek me?"

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

He was not surprised to find winding halls. There was much here that reminded him of Isengard when it stood a white tower with a still white heart. He walked without much notice of those who stopped to see the man who had entered. He stood tall and lean, looked old but not frail. His long beard was brown and silver gray adding to the appearance of aged wisdom. His robes too looked old and worn but untattered.

He did not hurry on his way. Wizards arrived precisely when they were needed by nature and without thought. He stepped into the room knowing the Queen by the presence of power and not outward show. He smiled briefly but made no motion to bow or otherwise acknowledge her until he spoke.

The birds which were his constant companions quieted and settled in on his staff or flew back to their woods. Radagast spoke with purpose but unlike the other Maiar he had not lost the child-like qualities of awe and wonder.

You are wise Snow-bringer.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

"Shall we call it intuitive rather than wise? You sought the center of things for a specific person, and I'm always at the center in my Court."

She crosses through the still moving mass of people, waving at them to continue their work and the mixture of love and fear they feel for her keeps them working in a rapid pace. Known for extreme rewards and punishments, they feared her wrath. More, though, they feared the death that was was ever approaching.

"Shall I assume you come because of the attack? The pain that sings in a voice even the deaf can hear? In truth, I would welcome the assistance. My resources are stretching thin."

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

Call it what you will.

Radagast stood where he was. He feared nothing but was not as pressing a presence as the Queen. His power melted away into the fabric of the world almost unnoticed.

The Great Eagles brought word to me when the destruction began. The trees now speak of it and the foul things flee from the growing darkness. You face great peril but I will aid you Snow-bringer.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Tell me, Flying-one, how would you feel about assembling the beginnings of a spell that will end that moving death so that when the time comes, I will have the strength to work it and return what things might be returned?

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

I will do what is needed. Radagast observed the commotion finally. Watching the people pass to and fro his gaze seemed to get far away. To return the woods is one magic that I am well versed in.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

The final spell will return the magic to woods, the buildings, the affected, and, if that which held the magic is too broken to take it, to the Land herself.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

It can be done. The elves for many generations renewed Lothlorien.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Of course. That does not make the destruction less painful.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

The cycles of the world will always continue. This is not the first time I have confronted a force set so clearly on the destruction of all in its path.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Nor the first time I have seen it. It is the reality of living long enough.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

We should begin working on the spell you propose.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

I will provide you with the most proper translation, if you do not mind I'm working on the second spell.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

You resources are strained. I do not require a translation.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

They have already been done, they had assembled for my use.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

What purpose does this phase serve. I will need to prepare myself for the casting.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

It shall carry the magic back to where it belongs.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

I will require some time to wander your lands that have not been affected. When you have need of me you can ask the birds. They will bring your request to my attention.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

You have a few days while the rest of the items are gathered. Please feel free and be careful. I will send word when it is available.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

I did not grow through the ages with a lack of wisdom. I'll be here when you call.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Very good. Your assistance is much appreciated.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

All are in danger from the growing darkness.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Not all care.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

As it will be in times when strength is needed to face a growing evil.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

Strength and bravery are sometimes difficult to find.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

When people are in need bravery and strength will find them.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

And so the world has survived for a long, long time.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

And will continue. There is much to do. I will leave you to your work until I am needed.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

May your path be well marked.

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

May yours be fruitful.

[mabofwinterdark.livejournal.com]

*she nods her head in silent thanks*

[aiwendilofbirds.livejournal.com]

He smiles before making his way out to explore her lands.