video; crank caws

[restingstitchface]

[The video feed, active and recording, shows Crane in his study - but not as usual behind his desk. It rolls around and shows him leaning over the mantelpiece with his elbow, without his jacket, still wearing his sweater vest and tie, with his sleeves rolled up in a manner one might consider casual. He doesn't look at the camera as he gets to work removing an inkwell and quill and then sets down a wooden perch.

Without warning, there's a structured burst of cawing followed by a period of quiet.

Crane steps away from the fireplace and looks up at the lighting. Squatting on the lamp's metal arm is a short-billed black bird. It looks much like all the other black birds one can spot around town.]

If you are quite through?

[He ignores the camera a bit longer in order to bench it on its perch, but not for the first time it flies back to where it seems comfortable. He tries again, and not much to his surprise it returns home. Despite the clear camaraderie the two of them share, he leans on one side and directs his eyes at the ceiling. He is not generally fond of opinions from the masses but finally addresses the camera admist another round of cawing.]

I cannot very well invite him to fly around my office anonymously. If you would like to name him, I will take on board your suggestions.

[Trying not to sound too frustrated, he checks his sleeve. His face goes thunderous.]

Excuse me.

[He clicks his nails against the mantlepiece and then, in true fashion, at least to those who know him, preserves his dignity by switching off the video.]

{VIDEO}

[tauraran]

{One cannot hunt the great Evils of the cities unendingly. Even Elves need a rest now and then and Thranduil thinks, perhaps, his is well-earned. His golden hair is damp from a hot soak and he is wearing a silk bathrobe.}

I grow weary of facing crime. {As well as completing the duties of his job - of which partially explain why he is attired as such.} Is there any reward for our acts of heroism or are we expected to do them out of the goodness of our hearts?

{He lays himself down on a sofa, stretching out luxuriously.}

Furthermore, I suppose I must impart some of the finer secrets of Dorwinion wine if I am to enjoy another glass of it. The wine humans offer is...subpar at best.

{To enforce that point, he lifts up a half-drunk glass, swirling the contents.}

I feel nothing even after drinking a bottle.