None, save that you nine remain loyal to me and do not compromise my rule; as any king demands.
All vassals must acknowledge my authority, but they may rule in their own right. Therefore, any affair that is not treasonous I allow– for did I not offer thee greater power than thou hadst before? And wert thou not a prince, who did as he liked?
I have no reason (nor desire!) to oversee your manner of dress, your choice of company. Love as thou wilt, Khamul! I am thy master, not a jealous rival.
“Of course. I may or may not accept, but you may always ask.”
Khamûl
bows deeply in respect and gratitude. “Your cats, my Lord. They are lovely creatures, and I have noticed that the Lady Adûnaphel is quite taken with them. It was my hope that she might be permitted a kitten from the next litter.”
“Oh, say no more! I can think of no better custodian for a wayward kitten than our own Adûnaphel!” Sauron rose with a smile, all too eager to drop state affairs for the important matter of kittens, who he’d been doting on tirelessly since they came into his possession, escorting his servant to the allotted chamber of his new pets.
“So young, and already such strong opinions!” He laughed, cradling the little animal in the palm of his hand, where it fit neatly. “She’s welcome to come and pick one out for herself, of course. Two, even! One ought to have company, don’t you think? They’re very playful, and strong-willed– aren’t you, you little gremlin?” He cooed as it gnawed the calloused pad of his finger. “No regard for authority whatsoever! Aren’t they delightful?”
Thank you for 4 years of glorious fishy shenanigans, soft wraith aesthetic, and chaotic-neutral minstrel elves! I’m sliding this in under the door late because timezones are a bitch!! You were one of the first blogs I RPed with, and I’m super stoked we are friends, because you never fail to brighten my day. All your muses are bae, 10/10, would develop adorable, heartbreaking, hilarious, and diversely awkward ships with all of them again. 🙂 ❤ Please accept this gift of dongs, salvaged statue ass, dubious jewelry, and six volumes of Sauron’s Sex Education And Relationship Advice, as well as my nerdy affection. *mwah*
I find myself at a loss when it comes to bestowing a proper gift upon you. All riches are already yours, and any material thing you desire is readily provided. I am no craftsman to attempt a work in your honor, and I cannot even offer myself as you own me already.
What does one give to a spirit who already has everything?
If there is anything you desire, anything at all that I could retrieve for you or offer to you, as always you need only ask. I hope this season brings you victory and satisfaction.
-K
Khamul, Khamul, old friend. You owe me nothing for this season or any other– your abiding service is enough.
But as you mention it, I recall there is something…
I’ve heard tell of a clever device built by the Men of old Arnor; I suspect with help from interested scholars in Rivendell. It is a kind of map and celestial clock combined, called an astrarium.
There are many such astronomical engines of course (I recall there was a sizable planetarium in Umbar before its sack), but most of these are more decorative than practical– especially now that the world is globed, and the old maps of Varda’s heaven are obsolete.
The scale of such devices is often greatly skewed, given the vastness of the celestial sphere; but this one is just large enough to simulate the movement of the stars and planets with some precision. It takes up the space of a whole chamber, and is as complex and complete a model as can be made with the tools of men. I don’t doubt I could improve it if I had it in hand; nor do I doubt I could refine the accuracy of my own calculations with its help.
I suspect it lies somewhere in Elrond’s kingdom, which would make it exceedingly difficult to extract, and more so to transport, given its size and the delicacy of the instrument… But if you truly wish to please me, and find something useful to my purposes, that would be a wondrous gift indeed.
MisbehavingMaiar: Tumblr Archive 