Payment Due
Mar. 1st, 2007 12:55 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stuntie_jedAnother Saturday morning, another day of hell. Jed didn't understand how Pete could expect him to exist. He was afraid to leave his house, afraid to go to Weta, where Pete had told him the things Richard had made had taken their own fucking life. He was afraid to sleep, afraid to relax for fear that the beast within him would get free.
He couldn't eat, hadn't since he saw the papers New years, but he was trying for a bit of normal, making his favorite brekkie, bangers and mash. But the smell of them made him chunder and he threw the pan and contents into the rubbish.
Wandering the house, touching things to make them feel real, he wondered if it was time to divide the athelas yet, and if there were enough leaves for more tea.
It had taken an hour to equip themselves; Faramir had insisted that they dress in their familiar fighting garb, so as to be ready for anything that might happen. This meant Faramir needed to drive the three of them in Dave's car to the downtown warehouse to gather what Théo might need, and also to Sean's house to equip Boromir. That car was now parked a short distance from Jed's house, to allow the three would-be abductors to continue quietly on foot. Faramir approached the house, his boots silent but his leather breastplate creaking slightly as he crept towards the door. He sniffed the air outside Jed's house, and nodded, before whispering to the others, "He is most likely here. I smell freshly cooked meat."
Théo followed closely, dressed in Paris' black leather biking gear as unlike Faramir, he had nothing of his own in this world. He did however have a sword in it's scabbard, the one Paris sometimes referred to as "Théo's sword", although he had never explained how that had come to be. As they got closer to the house, Théo felt the same steely calm inside that he did when he was tracking orc. Their quarry may be merely a man, but the possibility of facing a Ringwraith had made him determined to be armed when they faced him, especially after Faramir had answered more of his questions about this evil shift in the car on the way. His face was grim as he nodded in agreement of Faramir's assessment.
As the three men crept quietly closer, Faramir muttered a whisper-soft oath, chiding himself. They were after his good friend Jed. Why the sneak attack? Jed would not have been put off by the arrival of the one who he knew as Mark, and his two companions could have been easily explained as other friends. How better to gain admittance to his home? But it was too late to change tactics – they were dressed for battle, and carried weapons. No, there was nothing for it but to barge in, by force if needful. But perhaps Faramir could temper that attack slightly.
As they approached the door, Faramir looked back at his companions and performed hand signals quite like those he had observed used by a leader on one of this world’s television shows, which dealt with a large round artifact through which one could travel to other worlds. It had amused him in a dark way that an artificial portal would be so popular among people who had no hint that a real portal between worlds did exist.
He finger-waved Théo to one side of the door, and Boromir to the other. He himself stepped up and briskly knocked on the door, calling out in as much of a casual tone as he could muster… “Jed? It’s Mark! Thought I’d drop by and see you. Please let me in, or I’ll certainly die of boredom!” He hoped his tone was pleasant, and did not arouse any suspicion.
Mark? Oh, yeah, the bloke from the movie last year. Jed wondered how the fuck Mark had found his new place. Fuck, what if the bloody bastard wraith attacked him? Gotta get him to leave and snappish. He paced in front of the door, wondering what he should do. Ah, shit, Mark had proved himself capable of dealing with shit. He wasn't helpless.
"Yeah, mate, been awhile," he said, turning the knob.
Théo’s followed Faramir’s hand movements and moved into position as did Boromir on the other side of the doorway, both out of sight of whoever was to open it. There was a pause after Faramir knocked and announced his arrival, and Théo tensed, ready for whatever lay on he other side of the door, be it man or beast. He kept his gaze on Faramir’s face so he could take his cue from him. There was a reply to the ranger from within, and then the door swung open.
Faramir’s face fell in sorrow as he replied to his friend in a miserable voice, “I wish it could be even a while longer, Jed, but some things cannot wait.” He stepped through the doorway, and laid his hand on Jed’s shoulder. “I am sorry.”
To be sorry was one thing, but Faramir was indeed a Ranger. He set his mind upon the task, and drew upon his training. This was not unlike other missions the rangers had accomplished from time to time. The only difference was that this time their quarry wore the face of a friend. Faramir raised his voice, speaking to those who waited out of sight. “Now! Take him!”
Boromir’s tense stance broke, and he was moving instantly into action. In truth, he was more accustomed to leading and not following, though he trusted his brother’s authority in this wholly, and at Faramir’s word moved fluidly into the room, instincts alert. There was only the smallest moment to take in the expression on Jed’s face, one of total surprise. Hopefully taking the man so completely unawares would aid in their cause. Moving in concert with Théo, Boromir seized Jed’s arm, sweeping his foot about behind Jed’s legs and robbing him of his balance. Boromir planted a hand against Jed’s chest, pushing him forcefully to the floor.
Théo, reacting perfectly with the reflexes of a warrior, snared Jed’s other arm, and helping to take the slender man’s weight, together they softened the blow as they sought not to hurt Jed, pressing him flush against the floor. It was over in the briefest moment, and Boromir kept his eyes trained upon Jed’s face as Faramir moved to his friend to assure him they meant no harm. The man was secured, though who could say what the beast within could, or would do, if anything.
"What the fuck?" Jed squirmed, but the attack had been too surprising and he was in a helpless position before he knew what had happened. "Mother fuckers! What the bleeding hell are you playing at?"
He tried to recall what the hell he might have done to Mark to provoke this, and all he could think was that the Wraith somehow had attacked the man.
Tightening his grip at Jed’s tone, Boromir well understood the man’s startlement, though this did not lessen the wariness he felt.
“Brother,” Boromir said warningly, looking to Faramir, whose eyes were still shaded with regret. They were counting on Faramir to soothe the man, as best he could, and explain the situation. At best, it would be up to Jed as to how they would continue, at worst, the wraith would decide for them.
Faramir nodded at his brother, then took a deep breath and turned to look at Jed. “We are not playing, Jed. We are trying to save your life.” Faramir felt there were two ways to effect Jed’s imprisonment – against his will, or with his understanding. Faramir felt that Jed’s grasp of the situation would involve more truth than had yet been revealed to him. Faramir knelt and leaned closer, taking Jed’s arm just above Boromir’s strong grip, to emphasize the fact that Jed could not escape, and to show his solidarity in this seemingly preposterous attack.
“We know you are innocent, but we also know of the beast that finds freedom through you. He is too evil to be allowed into this world again. People have died, Jed. We have to do this, for everyone’s sake. Look upon my face, and tell me you know who I really am. Who we are. I am Faramir, and proof that not all stories stay safely tucked inside the pages of a book.”
God dammit! He means that he's David fucking Wenham? Mark? The stunt guy he shot a movie with was David Wenham. His life was just too fucking unbelievable. Brother the other one had said. Boromir then. Fucking hell. He didn't know who the third one was, but he'd have to assume it was another, eh, shift was the word David had used.
"Yeah. Bloody hell."
He didn't like this fucking capture. The tea had been working mostly. There had to be another way, and when it got dark and the evil inside him got strong, what the fuck did they plan to do? He didn't recall Faramir coming off very well against the Wraith.
Théo looked down at the man he and Boromir had in their grasp, studying his face and wondering how the wraith possessed him when it was present.
“What Faramir says is true. It is in your own interests as well as the interests of others that the wraith be prevented from having any chance of roaming free. We know how you keep it at bay, with the Elvish tea, but no matter what magic it possesses, it is an intangible way to cage a monster.”
Jed squirmed, and Boromir kept his hands quiet but firm on the man, as well as his tone when he spoke. “Be calm. We mean no harm, truly.”
Glancing first at Faramir, and then Théo , Boromir gave a short nod to the other man, then looked down at Jed. “We will help you up to sit, if you will be calm.”
None of them really knew how likely it was that the darkness within Jed would rise forth, though it seemed plain to Boromir that keeping the man pinned on his back was not aiding their cause. Boromir fell quiet, giving Jed a moment to consider his words.
God, to surrender this burden. To give up his responsibility for this mess. It was so tempting. Jed knew it wouldn't work that way though, no matter what he did, there'd be hell to pay. And he was thinking that he meant that literally. He had a bad feeling that he wouldn't get out of this without losing his life.
"No matter."
Faramir almost preferred it when Jed had fought back. It would be easier now that he seemed to be giving in, but it was difficult to see the man seemingly give up. He was close to asking Théo and Boromir to release their holds, but bit back the words before they were uttered. What if the beast within was toying with them? It would be a classic ploy, to feign defeat and then strike back when defences were down. They could not take that chance.
"We will need to secure you, Jed, and your home does not seem to present a strong room for this." He looked over at Théo, who still held the man tightly. "Of all places I know of in this world, I would think the warehouse might be the most secure. Are there restraints there?"
Théo took a breath to answer no to Faramir’s question, but a sharp memory reminded him that there were indeed restraints at the warehouse, carefully hidden beneath boxes of sparkly spheres in the cupboard next to the training room.
“Yes, there are, and the training room could easily be made secure, although …” He paused and looked pointedly at Faramir. “The decoration on the walls would need to be removed to Dave’s cabin.” Théo did not think it would be wise to leave Paris’ collection of weaponry within reach of the wraith.
“Paris rarely uses the place now apart from the workshops in the yard, so I do not think he would object.” Théo used it more than Paris now, and although it would mean giving up a sanctuary he shared sometimes with his cousin, it would be worth it if it would help rid Wellington of the threat of evil.
Faramir's eyes grew wide at the mention of 'decoration', then narrowed as he deliberately regained control of his expression. "I am certain we could quickly adjust the room to accommodate our friend Jed." It was important to Faramir to remind the others that Jed was, indeed, a friend. They were not merely fighting a Ringwraith, they were also attempting to save a life. "Jed? Is there anything you would wish to have with you, from this place? It is needful to confine you, but there is not reason to deny you your comforts and needs, I would think. I can pack up anything you tell me you will want, within reason."
Boromir heard the sincerity in his brother’s voice, and wished, not only for Jed’s sake, but Faramir’s as well, that they might learn a way to defeat the beast within and yet leave the man unharmed. Sharing a look with Théo, Boromir nodded, and together they lifted Jed to his feet, though kept their hands about each of his arms, and their instincts sharp.
“Aye, we wish to help you, as best we can,” Boromir offered. He was not entirely sure that his words were of any comfort to Jed, though, and it went unspoken that the more comfortable and at ease Jed might be made, the easier it would be to control him. Exchanging a look with Faramir, Boromir gave his brother a small smile, and even in the midst of their current situation, he wished silently that there might be an opportunity to find time alone with Faramir.
"Bloody hell, either I'm your prisoner or I'm not." It was impossible to keep the bitterness out of his voice, and Jed wished the movies had come with warning labels. 'Take this role and imperil your soul.' He flexed his arms, testing the hold of Boromir and the other one. They were solid. He guessed that Dave and Sean didn't think they could handle him, so they'd called in their warrior alter egos. He wished he knew who the third man was.
"No I don't fucking need anything from here." He wondered how they'd get him to wherever this warehouse was and then he boggled a bit at the idea of a man from Middle Earth driving a car.
The absurdity of the situation was overcome by the need to act swiftly and with practicality - transporting a prisoner was often the weakest point of a mission. Jed was being cooperative, but the beast that could be lurking would certainly take any opportunity to break free. "Then we should be going. And though you say you do not need anything, I can see that you are much thinner than any of us."
Faramir nodded and excused himself, returning shortly with more pants and shirts. "Our clothing would not fit you well. We will go now." Faramir turned to Boromir, and spoke in a low tone that only his brother could hear. Those 'decorations' could be brought back to Dave's cabin, and thus would be well out of reach of Jed. He conveyed this plan to Boromir, in hopes that they could accomplish this together, after Jed was secured.
Théo was of the same mind as Faramir in his desire to be on their way. With Jed in surly agreement of their plan, and his things gathered, there was no reason to delay any longer. It would take a little time to prepare his accommodations when they arrived at the warehouse, and Théo was keen to get it done. A moment was all it took to secure Jed's house as they left with what was left of the tea safely in the bag with Jed’s clothes. Soon they would introduce Jed to the place that would be his home until a solution could be found to the problem of the wraith and Théo knew he was not alone in hoping that would be sooner rather than later.
He couldn't eat, hadn't since he saw the papers New years, but he was trying for a bit of normal, making his favorite brekkie, bangers and mash. But the smell of them made him chunder and he threw the pan and contents into the rubbish.
Wandering the house, touching things to make them feel real, he wondered if it was time to divide the athelas yet, and if there were enough leaves for more tea.
It had taken an hour to equip themselves; Faramir had insisted that they dress in their familiar fighting garb, so as to be ready for anything that might happen. This meant Faramir needed to drive the three of them in Dave's car to the downtown warehouse to gather what Théo might need, and also to Sean's house to equip Boromir. That car was now parked a short distance from Jed's house, to allow the three would-be abductors to continue quietly on foot. Faramir approached the house, his boots silent but his leather breastplate creaking slightly as he crept towards the door. He sniffed the air outside Jed's house, and nodded, before whispering to the others, "He is most likely here. I smell freshly cooked meat."
Théo followed closely, dressed in Paris' black leather biking gear as unlike Faramir, he had nothing of his own in this world. He did however have a sword in it's scabbard, the one Paris sometimes referred to as "Théo's sword", although he had never explained how that had come to be. As they got closer to the house, Théo felt the same steely calm inside that he did when he was tracking orc. Their quarry may be merely a man, but the possibility of facing a Ringwraith had made him determined to be armed when they faced him, especially after Faramir had answered more of his questions about this evil shift in the car on the way. His face was grim as he nodded in agreement of Faramir's assessment.
As the three men crept quietly closer, Faramir muttered a whisper-soft oath, chiding himself. They were after his good friend Jed. Why the sneak attack? Jed would not have been put off by the arrival of the one who he knew as Mark, and his two companions could have been easily explained as other friends. How better to gain admittance to his home? But it was too late to change tactics – they were dressed for battle, and carried weapons. No, there was nothing for it but to barge in, by force if needful. But perhaps Faramir could temper that attack slightly.
As they approached the door, Faramir looked back at his companions and performed hand signals quite like those he had observed used by a leader on one of this world’s television shows, which dealt with a large round artifact through which one could travel to other worlds. It had amused him in a dark way that an artificial portal would be so popular among people who had no hint that a real portal between worlds did exist.
He finger-waved Théo to one side of the door, and Boromir to the other. He himself stepped up and briskly knocked on the door, calling out in as much of a casual tone as he could muster… “Jed? It’s Mark! Thought I’d drop by and see you. Please let me in, or I’ll certainly die of boredom!” He hoped his tone was pleasant, and did not arouse any suspicion.
Mark? Oh, yeah, the bloke from the movie last year. Jed wondered how the fuck Mark had found his new place. Fuck, what if the bloody bastard wraith attacked him? Gotta get him to leave and snappish. He paced in front of the door, wondering what he should do. Ah, shit, Mark had proved himself capable of dealing with shit. He wasn't helpless.
"Yeah, mate, been awhile," he said, turning the knob.
Théo’s followed Faramir’s hand movements and moved into position as did Boromir on the other side of the doorway, both out of sight of whoever was to open it. There was a pause after Faramir knocked and announced his arrival, and Théo tensed, ready for whatever lay on he other side of the door, be it man or beast. He kept his gaze on Faramir’s face so he could take his cue from him. There was a reply to the ranger from within, and then the door swung open.
Faramir’s face fell in sorrow as he replied to his friend in a miserable voice, “I wish it could be even a while longer, Jed, but some things cannot wait.” He stepped through the doorway, and laid his hand on Jed’s shoulder. “I am sorry.”
To be sorry was one thing, but Faramir was indeed a Ranger. He set his mind upon the task, and drew upon his training. This was not unlike other missions the rangers had accomplished from time to time. The only difference was that this time their quarry wore the face of a friend. Faramir raised his voice, speaking to those who waited out of sight. “Now! Take him!”
Boromir’s tense stance broke, and he was moving instantly into action. In truth, he was more accustomed to leading and not following, though he trusted his brother’s authority in this wholly, and at Faramir’s word moved fluidly into the room, instincts alert. There was only the smallest moment to take in the expression on Jed’s face, one of total surprise. Hopefully taking the man so completely unawares would aid in their cause. Moving in concert with Théo, Boromir seized Jed’s arm, sweeping his foot about behind Jed’s legs and robbing him of his balance. Boromir planted a hand against Jed’s chest, pushing him forcefully to the floor.
Théo, reacting perfectly with the reflexes of a warrior, snared Jed’s other arm, and helping to take the slender man’s weight, together they softened the blow as they sought not to hurt Jed, pressing him flush against the floor. It was over in the briefest moment, and Boromir kept his eyes trained upon Jed’s face as Faramir moved to his friend to assure him they meant no harm. The man was secured, though who could say what the beast within could, or would do, if anything.
"What the fuck?" Jed squirmed, but the attack had been too surprising and he was in a helpless position before he knew what had happened. "Mother fuckers! What the bleeding hell are you playing at?"
He tried to recall what the hell he might have done to Mark to provoke this, and all he could think was that the Wraith somehow had attacked the man.
Tightening his grip at Jed’s tone, Boromir well understood the man’s startlement, though this did not lessen the wariness he felt.
“Brother,” Boromir said warningly, looking to Faramir, whose eyes were still shaded with regret. They were counting on Faramir to soothe the man, as best he could, and explain the situation. At best, it would be up to Jed as to how they would continue, at worst, the wraith would decide for them.
Faramir nodded at his brother, then took a deep breath and turned to look at Jed. “We are not playing, Jed. We are trying to save your life.” Faramir felt there were two ways to effect Jed’s imprisonment – against his will, or with his understanding. Faramir felt that Jed’s grasp of the situation would involve more truth than had yet been revealed to him. Faramir knelt and leaned closer, taking Jed’s arm just above Boromir’s strong grip, to emphasize the fact that Jed could not escape, and to show his solidarity in this seemingly preposterous attack.
“We know you are innocent, but we also know of the beast that finds freedom through you. He is too evil to be allowed into this world again. People have died, Jed. We have to do this, for everyone’s sake. Look upon my face, and tell me you know who I really am. Who we are. I am Faramir, and proof that not all stories stay safely tucked inside the pages of a book.”
God dammit! He means that he's David fucking Wenham? Mark? The stunt guy he shot a movie with was David Wenham. His life was just too fucking unbelievable. Brother the other one had said. Boromir then. Fucking hell. He didn't know who the third one was, but he'd have to assume it was another, eh, shift was the word David had used.
"Yeah. Bloody hell."
He didn't like this fucking capture. The tea had been working mostly. There had to be another way, and when it got dark and the evil inside him got strong, what the fuck did they plan to do? He didn't recall Faramir coming off very well against the Wraith.
Théo looked down at the man he and Boromir had in their grasp, studying his face and wondering how the wraith possessed him when it was present.
“What Faramir says is true. It is in your own interests as well as the interests of others that the wraith be prevented from having any chance of roaming free. We know how you keep it at bay, with the Elvish tea, but no matter what magic it possesses, it is an intangible way to cage a monster.”
Jed squirmed, and Boromir kept his hands quiet but firm on the man, as well as his tone when he spoke. “Be calm. We mean no harm, truly.”
Glancing first at Faramir, and then Théo , Boromir gave a short nod to the other man, then looked down at Jed. “We will help you up to sit, if you will be calm.”
None of them really knew how likely it was that the darkness within Jed would rise forth, though it seemed plain to Boromir that keeping the man pinned on his back was not aiding their cause. Boromir fell quiet, giving Jed a moment to consider his words.
God, to surrender this burden. To give up his responsibility for this mess. It was so tempting. Jed knew it wouldn't work that way though, no matter what he did, there'd be hell to pay. And he was thinking that he meant that literally. He had a bad feeling that he wouldn't get out of this without losing his life.
"No matter."
Faramir almost preferred it when Jed had fought back. It would be easier now that he seemed to be giving in, but it was difficult to see the man seemingly give up. He was close to asking Théo and Boromir to release their holds, but bit back the words before they were uttered. What if the beast within was toying with them? It would be a classic ploy, to feign defeat and then strike back when defences were down. They could not take that chance.
"We will need to secure you, Jed, and your home does not seem to present a strong room for this." He looked over at Théo, who still held the man tightly. "Of all places I know of in this world, I would think the warehouse might be the most secure. Are there restraints there?"
Théo took a breath to answer no to Faramir’s question, but a sharp memory reminded him that there were indeed restraints at the warehouse, carefully hidden beneath boxes of sparkly spheres in the cupboard next to the training room.
“Yes, there are, and the training room could easily be made secure, although …” He paused and looked pointedly at Faramir. “The decoration on the walls would need to be removed to Dave’s cabin.” Théo did not think it would be wise to leave Paris’ collection of weaponry within reach of the wraith.
“Paris rarely uses the place now apart from the workshops in the yard, so I do not think he would object.” Théo used it more than Paris now, and although it would mean giving up a sanctuary he shared sometimes with his cousin, it would be worth it if it would help rid Wellington of the threat of evil.
Faramir's eyes grew wide at the mention of 'decoration', then narrowed as he deliberately regained control of his expression. "I am certain we could quickly adjust the room to accommodate our friend Jed." It was important to Faramir to remind the others that Jed was, indeed, a friend. They were not merely fighting a Ringwraith, they were also attempting to save a life. "Jed? Is there anything you would wish to have with you, from this place? It is needful to confine you, but there is not reason to deny you your comforts and needs, I would think. I can pack up anything you tell me you will want, within reason."
Boromir heard the sincerity in his brother’s voice, and wished, not only for Jed’s sake, but Faramir’s as well, that they might learn a way to defeat the beast within and yet leave the man unharmed. Sharing a look with Théo, Boromir nodded, and together they lifted Jed to his feet, though kept their hands about each of his arms, and their instincts sharp.
“Aye, we wish to help you, as best we can,” Boromir offered. He was not entirely sure that his words were of any comfort to Jed, though, and it went unspoken that the more comfortable and at ease Jed might be made, the easier it would be to control him. Exchanging a look with Faramir, Boromir gave his brother a small smile, and even in the midst of their current situation, he wished silently that there might be an opportunity to find time alone with Faramir.
"Bloody hell, either I'm your prisoner or I'm not." It was impossible to keep the bitterness out of his voice, and Jed wished the movies had come with warning labels. 'Take this role and imperil your soul.' He flexed his arms, testing the hold of Boromir and the other one. They were solid. He guessed that Dave and Sean didn't think they could handle him, so they'd called in their warrior alter egos. He wished he knew who the third man was.
"No I don't fucking need anything from here." He wondered how they'd get him to wherever this warehouse was and then he boggled a bit at the idea of a man from Middle Earth driving a car.
The absurdity of the situation was overcome by the need to act swiftly and with practicality - transporting a prisoner was often the weakest point of a mission. Jed was being cooperative, but the beast that could be lurking would certainly take any opportunity to break free. "Then we should be going. And though you say you do not need anything, I can see that you are much thinner than any of us."
Faramir nodded and excused himself, returning shortly with more pants and shirts. "Our clothing would not fit you well. We will go now." Faramir turned to Boromir, and spoke in a low tone that only his brother could hear. Those 'decorations' could be brought back to Dave's cabin, and thus would be well out of reach of Jed. He conveyed this plan to Boromir, in hopes that they could accomplish this together, after Jed was secured.
Théo was of the same mind as Faramir in his desire to be on their way. With Jed in surly agreement of their plan, and his things gathered, there was no reason to delay any longer. It would take a little time to prepare his accommodations when they arrived at the warehouse, and Théo was keen to get it done. A moment was all it took to secure Jed's house as they left with what was left of the tea safely in the bag with Jed’s clothes. Soon they would introduce Jed to the place that would be his home until a solution could be found to the problem of the wraith and Théo knew he was not alone in hoping that would be sooner rather than later.
