ataraxionlogs | 02 ▒ EVENT: STASIS SICKNESS ▒ MEDBAY

[ Aragorn has no patients currently, but he keeps his hands busied with studying the various types of herbs and plants that are available in the oxygen gardens. There are little here that he's familiar with - though it seems willows are available in a ship where there is no river and only metal, but at the sound of someone entering the medbay, he looks up.

It's a familiar face that meets his gaze, but the sight of Kirk already makes his heart sink slightly. He stands up and switches off his communicator, strapping it to his jumpsuit before he walks over to Kirk. Before the Captain can even speak, Aragorn reaches out and places a hand over his forehead. It's not to test his temperature like a child, for Kirk will start to feel a certain warmth and strength sink into his skin from that one touch. It doesn't last very long, but at the very least, it should give Kirk some relief from the symptoms of this strange disease.

A healer's touch gives around a healer's strength, and Aragorn feels the world tilt on its axis. But he only blinks, slow and deliberate, and steadies his gaze on Kirk. His hand slips down to grasp him by the shoulder. ]

You need care, Captain. [ Quietly. ]

Sit.

[the approach startles him, if not only because he hadn't been looking for it. he'd be more concerned about it if he knew he wasn't on constant alert when he was amoung what he'd come to consider his crew. either way, when this man- one he'd seen only a few times in passing- presses his hand to his head, too blue eyes snap up to his face.

the feeling is strange, one he can't quite put a name or a previous experience to, save maybe the time he woke in the closet with Nick standing over him, offering him a proposition for the wraith's own safety. a swelling of life, though this one was much more brief.

he can't hear what he says. it's only when the Sit. hits the air that the world comes back into focus around him, instead of being silenced like a blanket over his head.

it's less the order and more the look on Strider's face that has Jim taking a seat.]

I'm fine. [he lies, but makes no attempt to conceal that it's exactly that.]

[ It's common amongst those on this ship, Aragorn thinks, to claim to be alright even though all those with eyes to see can tell that they are not. He smiles wryly at those words before he squeezes Kirk's shoulder gently and moves towards his table where he keeps water hot and athelas nearby. He makes a cup of the tea and brings it over to the Captain, handing to over to him to sip at. ]

'Tis athelas tea. [ Softly. ] It will allow you to keep up your strength, though it seems that this strange ailment is resistant to more permanent effects.

[ Then he's pulling over another chair and dropping next to him. His eyes take in the deep blue that tinges Kirk's eyes, take in the same that colours his lips and fingers. The blue has seeped more into his skin than any others that Aragorn has seen so far, and he cannot help but be disturbed by it. For Kirk is the Captain, a leader amongst those on the ship, and Aragorn knows that if he falls, much will fall with him. ]

We have met once, when I first came. You showed me the use of this. [ He taps the comm at his hip. ] Will you tell me now of your symptoms, Captain?

[Jim takes the tea, gaze flicking up with some small dubiousness that flickers away with the ease of someone used to being offered remedies or solutions different from the norm. water off a duck's back, and he sips at the tea.

it had more flavor than Spock's Vulcan spice tea, and filled him with a warmth that crawled down his ribs, down his arms and into his fingers. like he'd just swallowed a little sun. not unlike the hand that had been on his forehead a moment ago.]

I feel like I've heard that somewhere before. [he says, more to himself, before his gaze comes around to the man.] Yeah, Strider, right?

[he exhales. he'd already spoken to Bones, but-]

Dizziness, aches and pains, loss of hearing. I also seem to be turning this lovely shade of blue. It matches my eyes, though, don't you think?

[he meets the situation with flippancy. maybe because he knows he can't outrun it. either way, his smile is tight.]

[ He does not mind the jokes, for from Merry and Pippin he has learned that those who jest in the times of adversity are ones who are truly strong. The little hobbits might not be able to fight; they might not be carrying the burden that Frodo does, but they are strong nonetheless, for it is they who taught the Fellowship that it is still possible to laugh. Even in the cold of Caradhas, or the darkness of Moria, or even in Lorien, after the death of a dear friend.

He chuckles lightly, looking at Kirk for a long moment. ]

Aye, it seems to.

[ He folds his hands, and though Kirk looks a little stronger, revitalised by the tea and from Aragorn's own hands, he cannot help but feel a little helpless, that he does not know how to heal him fully. ]

There is little I can do for the ink stains, except to caution you to be careful how you hold your pen. [ That's a poor joke, but he tries, nonetheless, and moves on from it quickly enough. ]

For the aches there is bitter orange peel to be chewed on, and if the dizziness leads to nausea, hold ginger under your tongue.

[ A beat. ]

I would give you the modern medicines that you are more used to, but they seem to have as little effect as the herbs.

[poor joke or not, Jim still chuckles at it. he shakes his head.]

And Spock thinks that McCoy's medicine is voodoo. [he pauses after he says it, lifting the tea to his mouth again with a slight furrow of his brow. to be honest, he's not sure if that's accurate or not. he's sure he's heard it said, but he can't remember when Spock would have said it. or why. but at the same time, he's positive it happened.

pulling himself from his own thoughts, his gaze flicks back to Strider's face]

Where'd you learn all this?

[and he gestures with his cup, signifying what he means.]

[ It's rare that he has conversations with his patients, for most times Aragorn works upon those who are so convalescent that they cannot speak. But it relieves him that Kirk still has his wits about him to ask, to joke, and he smiles slightly at the Captain. ]

In my foster home. [ Softly. ] Lord Elrond was my foster-father and I was raised in the Elven-home of Rivendell. He is known as the greatest healer of the lands, and under his tutelage I have learned some small skill.

[ A beat, and he tilts his head, smiling slightly. ]

There are many herbs and plants here that I know naught of, however, and those I learn from the library only.

[Rivendell is when it clicks, and Jim freezes with his cup halfway to his mouth, gaze sharpening on Strider's face.]

Did you say Rivendell?

[he asks, just to make sure he heard correctly (since his hearing was acting up), and his tone makes it clear he knows exactly what the place is. but the pieces snap together like a jigsaw puzzle when you know precisely how it should line up. Frodo Baggins. Legolas. that was how he knew this name name.

Strider was what Aragorn had gone by in the beginning.]

[ Aragorn blinks at the sudden frozenness in Kirk's movements. He tips his head to the side, looking like a curious bird - a remnant of his raising in the Elvenhome, amongst the Elves who seem to follow the gestures of the animals in nature than any company that speaks in words.

He nods. ]

Aye, I did.

[ He has met two who has heard of his legends. Jarvis, and Brendan. The latter has told him of the scholar of whom he owes the remembrance of the great legends through time - a 'Tolkien' - and he wonders if Kirk has read those tales as well. ]

[he debates not saying anything about it, for a fraction of a second. because while his crew and Sherlock could make sense of the complications of physics and space/time and alternate realities, he doubted (knew) that the people of that novel didn't operate on science. not like that.]

I've heard of it.

[he says, haltingly, then seems to give up and like he can't contain himself, blurts:]

You're Aragorn.

[ There it is again. A look of surprise, like Kirk doesn't exactly believe that Aragorn exists. He looks at him like the Men of Gondor had looked at Legolas when he stepped through the gates with his hair brushed back to show his pointed ears - that they can barely believe their own eyes that a creature of legends were standing in front of them.

He smiled slightly, and inclined his head. ]

Aye, Captain. That was the name I was given at birth.

[ He cocks his head slightly to the side. ]

You have heard of the legends of Middle Earth, then, though you come thence from the far future?

Someone's told you about that, huh? Don't worry, you aren't the only one.

[he can only guess it's true, because nobody should know what his true name is (if Jim remembers his lore correctly. he really needs to pick up that book again, provided he gets out of this. which he will.) either way, he's lit up now, like a kid in a candy store.]

Your story's an epic, people still study it in my time. Or, read about it I mean.

[and then he has that moment he had with Holmes and Watson. the i literally can't believe this is a real thing happening, and bright blue eyes search Aragorn's face.]

It's an honor to meet you.

[ There's a look in Kirk's eyes that immediately makes Aragorn uncomfortable, for though he has accepted his destiny as King he is still does not think he deserves to be looked at with such reverence, as if his hands are capable of anything if his mind wills it hard enough.

(He knows it is not true. He has his failings still. He could not save Boromir, or Theoden King. He cannot heal this disease.)

He inclines his head gently, lowering his eyes. ]

'Tis an honour as well. [ He speaks softly, and when he tilts his head up to meet Kirk's eyes, there is something in them that requests, not demand. ]

'Strider' is the name I wish to be called in this place, for I am but a Ranger, without Gondor or its Men to name me King. Will you abide by that wish?

Yeah, no, totally. Your secret's safe with me.

[although he might tell Spock and or Bones, though at this point both of them might have figured it out by now. the people he worked with were smart. but he also knew they wouldn't go running their mouths if someone didn't want them to.]

If it makes you feel any better, a bunch of people here know things about me that they shouldn't, too. So you aren't the only one.

[ Aragorn feels his breath comes a little easier at the reassurance. This is a Man who can be taken at his word, he knows; and he knows, too, that his secret is safe with him. It is not for the sake of shame that he refuses to reveal his true name, but the simple factor of his own uncertainty.

Not at the rightness of his place on the throne of Gondor, no, but the place of a King when there is no throne and no people to serve.

He inclines his head. ]

Thank you. [ A beat of hesitation, then- ] Are you a Man of legends as well, Captain?

Apparently.

[he says, but he sounds almost sarcastic about it. or like he doesn't fully believe the stories. but the fact of that matter is, he knows that his legend belongs to another man. someone who had grown up with his father, had learned all he needed to, who'd had a perfect fucking life.

I know your face, from Earth's history.

he enjoyed the recognition, the attention, but if given a moment to think about it, the feeling was as much bitter as it was proud.]

[ There's something strange in the way that Kirk had replied, and Aragorn cocks his head to the side, looking at him for a long moment before he rests his hands against his own lap. ]

You do not believe 'tis a boon, to be remembered? [ He cocks his head to the side. ] Or 'tis that you doubt your worth?

It's- complicated.

[he concedes, somewhat begrudgingly.]

Alternate universes and parallel universes and the question of whether or not I really existed or not. [Jim gesticulates, as though he could wave the words or the concept or the very idea out of the air after it's been said.] It's really confusing.

[ He looks at Kirk for a moment before he laughs quietly underneath his breath. Rocking backwards, he stands up and blinks away the slight dizziness that sparks at the back of his eyes. ]

You stand here before me, Captain. [ A little dry, and he cocks his head to the side. ]

Forgive me, but to doubt your existence when I can feel the chill of your skin under my fingers seem rather ridiculous.

[his gaze follows Aragorn when he stands, and the man's comment gives him pause, if just for a moment.

it was a good point. whether or not he was fictional in another reality didn't really matter here, did it? or in his own universe. and it was such a simple thing, that he wasn't sure why he hadn't thought of it.

his chin dips, and he chuckles to himself, cocking his head when he glances back up and nods.]

Touché, my friend.

[ At the term, Aragorn looks at Kirk for a moment- then he reaches out and places his hand on Kirk's shoulder and squeezing slightly. ]

You give me a great honour, Captain. [ His voice is quiet, but strong. ]

It will be my pleasure to call you friend as well.

[and there, Jim gives pause, his gaze lifting more fully to Aragorn. it had been half habit to say 'friend', because if truth be told, Jim didn't make them easily. but the gravity in Aragorn's voice, and the way he looks at him- it makes his chest turn over. the same feeling he'd gets when Spock speaks to him with some brand of familiarity. exciting and terrifying.

the moment stretches, before he hears more people coming in, and Jim glances to his right. left vaguely uncomfortable, and maybe a little embarrassed, he takes a breath and smiles up at the king.] Well I won't keep you.

[ There's an awkwardness to Kirk's movements that makes Aragorn cock his head to the side, wondering what had caused it. Perhaps he has overstepped his boundaries taking Kirk's word so seriously, but Aragorn does not think that the Captain is a Man with the habit of loosely using his words.

He nods at Kirk, letting his hand falls down by his side. ]

Keep safe, Captain. [ He keeps the heaviness of his voice, though he lowers it. ] The ship will need you in these coming times.

[Jim salutes him with a nod and a smile, but makes no move to rise when he moves off. his gaze, however, does follow him for a moment until Kirk turns his attention back to his tea and the people he will be heading out with momentarily.

whatever he'd been expecting when he had come down to medical, it hadn't been this altercation, but he feels almost different for it. what has changed, he can't quite put his finger on, though.]

02 ▒ EVENT: STASIS SICKNESS ▒ MEDBAY

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