(Arthur POV)
With the cameras safely delivered to Green Forest, we're on the brink of starting filming. As director, I've got to be on top of everything. But this time, I'm pulling double duty - I'm not just behind the camera, I'm in front of it too.
Yeah. Just like with "The Demonfather" where I played Michael Corleone, I'm taking on a role in "The Lord of the Rings." Aragorn, to be precise.
I've been prepping like crazy for this. Even dipped into the Skills Shop and snagged some entry-level acting skills for a cool ten thousand points. It's basic stuff, but combined with my own take on the character, it should do the trick. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.
Later that day, I swing by the studio to check on things. I'm looking for Imkrag, our Gollum, and holy hellfire - I almost don't recognize him.
In just a week, he's completely transformed. His once-bushy afro is now thin and stringy, just like Gollum's. And his body? It's like he's shrunk and stretched at the same time, all sinewy muscle and bulging eyes. Those potions really did a number on him.
"Imkrag," I call out, and the crew turns, surprised to see me.
Lilith pipes up, "You're back, boss?"
I nod, not bothering to explain my comings and goings. My eyes are fixed on Imkrag. It's uncanny how much he looks like the Gollum in my mind's eye.
"You've really embraced the role, Imkrag," I say, impressed despite myself. "That's some serious dedication."
Imkrag looks down, seemingly embarrassed by the praise. "I'm honored that you like it, your high-" He catches himself. "I mean, boss."
I make a mental note to check on his health. Those potions might be effective, but they're not exactly gentle. Still, seeing Imkrag's transformation, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. If this is the level of commitment we're working with, this film is going to be something truly special.
***
After wrapping up my chat with Imkrag about his health, I turn to Lilith. "How's the cast doing? Everyone settled in okay?"
Lilith nods, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yes, boss. We've got everyone comfortable, especially Ms. Evergreen and Mr. Darkflame."
"Great. Where are they now?"
"In the rehearsal room," Lilith replies.
I make my way down the corridor, lost in thought. The walls are plastered with "The Demonfather" posters - Don Vito's steely gaze, Michael's calculating stare. A smile tugs at my lips.This film changed everything for us. Without it, we'd still be crammed in that tiny warehouse, dreaming big on a shoestring budget.
As I push open the rehearsal room door, all eyes turn to me. There's a shift in the air - a mix of excitement and nerves. Firfel gives me a warm smile, already used to my antics from our previous work. Rupert, too, seems at ease. The others look like they've seen a ghost.
I wave casually, trying to break the tension. "Don't mind me, just popping in."
I make my way over to Firfel, unable to resist a bit of playful charm. "My lady," I say with a grin, taking her hand and giving her ring a quick peck. "How's life treating you post-Demonfather?"
Firfel laughs, a sound that never fails to lighten the mood. "Oh, you know, the usual chaos. Though I must say, this new gentlemanly act is quite the surprise. What happened to the scruffy director I used to know?"
I chuckle, shaking my head. "Just showing my appreciation. It means a lot that you chose this project over all those fancy human productions."
"Well," Firfel says with a twinkle in her eye, "someone has to keep you on your toes, don't they?"
Rupert chimes in, his voice carrying a hint of reverence, "It's an honor to be part of Prince Arthur's project."
I turn to him, unable to suppress a chuckle. "Well, well, Rupert... Looks like someone's learned the fine art of flattery."
Firfel giggles, and I catch a faint blush creeping up Rupert's cheeks.
"It's not just flattery," Rupert insists, straightening up. "This project of yours... it's ambitious. Groundbreaking, even."
I can't help but smile at his earnestness. "Funny, isn't it? You turned down Sonny because you thought the project wouldn't amount to much. Look how that turned out." I lean in, adding with a playful wink, "You're not trying to jinx us by singing praises now, are you?"
Rupert's blush deepens. "Rejecting Sonny was my mistake, I admit that." He pauses, his expression growing serious. "But I'm not jinxing anything. I genuinely believe in this project, Arthur. Even if the media tries to tear it down, I'm behind it one hundred percent."
I reach out, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. "Just focus on nailing your part, Rupert. That's all I ask."
He nods, a determined glint in his eye. "Of course. I've been living and breathing Boromir. I think I can do him justice."
"That's what I like to hear," I say, feeling a surge of excitement for what's to come. With this level of dedication from the cast, we might just pull off something spectacular.
I turn to Firfel, curiosity piqued. "And you, my lady? How are you finding your role?"
Firfel's smile is warm, but there's a glint of something in her eye. "I'm doing well, thank you. Though I am curious about something." She pauses, her gaze sharpening. "Arwen, my character, is Aragorn's love interest. Who, may I ask, will be playing Aragorn?"
I can't help the mischievous grin that spreads across my face as I point to myself, saying nothing.
Rupert's eyes widen. "You're playing Aragorn?"
I nod, watching their reactions.
Firfel doesn't seem surprised, but her lips quirk up in amusement. "I'm starting to notice a pattern here, Arthur."
"Oh? What pattern?" I ask, feigning innocence.
"You as Aragorn, me as his lover, Arwen," she says, her tone playful but with an undercurrent of... something else. "Doesn't this feel familiar?"
Rupert chimes in, realization dawning on his face. "Now that you mention it, weren't you two lovers in 'The Demonfather' as well?"
Firfel nods, her gaze never leaving mine. "Indeed we were. And now, here we are again. Be honest with me, Arthur... Are there any underlying motives I should know about?" She raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity.
I feel a flush creeping up my neck. "What? No, it's just a coincidence," I say, perhaps a bit too quickly.
Rupert, sensing the tension, starts backing away. "I think I know what you're up to, Your Highness," he says with a knowing smirk. "But I'll leave you two to it." And with that, he's gone, leaving me alone with Firfel.
I watch him go, suddenly very aware of Firfel's presence beside me. "What's he talking about?" I mutter, more to myself than anyone else.
Firfel's laugh is soft, but it fills the space between us. "Oh, Arthur," she says, her voice tinged with amusement. "For someone so clever, you can be quite oblivious sometimes."
I turn back to her, feeling oddly vulnerable. "I have no idea what you mean," I say, but even I can hear the uncertainty in my voice.