[ his leisure is that evening, presenting himself at maedhros' (and fingon's) door, one hand holding the strings of a purse, the other mid-air after knocking. ]
(Maedhros answers promptly, his copper hair bound into intricate braids. His attire leaves something to be desired - he never put much stock in dress after the Thrangorodrim - but he is passable. Upon seeing Thranduil, he nods and retrieves the blades, securing them in their sheathes as he walks back to the other Elf.)
Should he desire a change, I will see to it.
crystal; No rush on this I know there's a lot on I just didn't want to lose my thoughts
Thranduil, when you have time there are matters I would discuss about my mother. Theories you might be interested in. There...there was a thing overlooked, and another brought to light that I can discuss with so few.
[If she sounds worried, it's because she is. Because there are implications here that she will have to address.]
No, [ thranduil says, after a moment of observation, wherein he takes the blades out of their sheaths to admire them. maedhros does splendid work; his reputation in this is well-earned. ] These will do.
[ iorveth would hardly risk complaining, so thranduil considers his inspection for faults suitable in their place. he returns the blades. ]
You have my thanks, Maedhros. You may well have saved his life with these.
That is the idea. (He cannot make up for all the lives he has taken, but saving lives does seem a nice new way of moving forward. It's ironic that he does so by making weapons that kill.)
You look well. (His blue gaze passes over Thranduil's features.) I trust if there is a conflict, you know where to come.
As do you. [ in response to both of maedhros' comments. fingon seems to be keeping him well in hand. he never knew the other elf while he was stable, so he cannot comment on that, but if he were to have to describe maedhros of now to maedhros of their reunion, 'less twitchy' or even perhaps 'calmer' might make the list. ] I will pass his gratitude along, when he gives it.
I know you have much to look to at present. If I could trouble you for a meeting so we might discuss an idea I have had for approaching the Chantry and persuading them that supporting rifter phylacteries is against their interests, I would be much obliged. It relates to the discussed that we and others had via the crystals recently.
Do not fear that my hand will be stayed from the effort if you do not have time for such a meeting, I simply felt it might serve well to share information of my plans with you, and see if you had insights that might allow them to be better polished. I have been gathering information and efforts.
On Thranduil's desk the next time he enters his office, he’ll find a small wooden box containing a signet ring of roughly accurate size for him to wear.
Engraved intaglio in (cheap) black stone: A tree, its branches extending up toward stylized lines, not quite so explicit as to indicate daylight. But perhaps to suggest it.
The style and make are likely familiar — similar, if not an exact match, to that which Coupe uses on personal correspondence. No note’s been attached, because that would be far too considerate.
[ Kitty's voice is a touch on the awkward side. She might already have tried and failed to reach Thranduil due to grossly mispronouncing his name when she spoke it to the crystal. ]
Hullo. This is - My name's Kitty, and I'm a rifter who's probably going to join the research division. You're...the one in charge, right?
[ Kitty briefly toys with lying. I was a research assistant at the university, yes, I know, so young, well what can I say, everyone likes to give me responsibility all the time 'cause I have such a proven record of successes, Brilliant Kitty is what they call me, I just don't like to go around advertising it 'cause I'm ever so modest - ]
I was a shopgirl.
[ Because Kitty has only the faintest idea what a research-assistant-at-a-university does, and she feels like at some point she'd be asked to prove her skills. ]
But it wasn't because that was what I cared about. That's just the job that people like me were allowed to do. What I care about is understanding things in the world - the reason things are what they are.
[ because that comes first, before all the rest. ]
Eagerness is a fine thing to have, but it must be tempered by a knowledge of the courtesies expected of you in Thedas. That must come first, moreso now than ever before.
[ but that's hardly tempting for a young girl, and hardly addresses her concern. ]
Which pieces? The simpler things, such as the history of Thedas, or magic?
Can you learn the one without learning the other, too?
[ But, less glibly - ]
Political history, more than anything else. There's a lot can be done for the people here, and I want to do it. [ And, because she supposes she ought to ask, because proper behavior is not her strong suit but she knows she needs to stay on his good side: ] Did I do something wrong? You know - with the courtesies expected and all that? - Oh, and I am literate, yeah.
Most do not care to take the time, and must be persuaded.
[ he likes her. ]
I will bring you a list of books you should read, and I will arrange meals once a week where we will discuss them. If you wish to pursue that. I am fair, but my expectations are by no means low. I will also introduce you to Madame de Cedoux. I suspect that if you need further instruction, she is the best to provide it.
I have seen nothing lacking so far. I am an elf. You owe me much less than, say, a citizen of Kirkwall.
No I don't. Honestly. All that anti-elf rubbish makes me want to knock some heads together.
[ His manners and kindness have made her relax. And when she relaxes, her brasher side comes out. But, soon as it came, it goes again, replaced by an uncertainty. Because she's never had anyone actually offer something like this before. ]
But - you're serious? You're really going to teach me?
[The name is infused with both respect, and a sense of grimness. Neither one of them is going to like this conversation.]
This is Knight Commander James Norrington, serah. We have a problem. One of the Rifters has admitted to courting demons for favors. I am required, by recent events that have transpired, to report this to the head of Forces. I am coming to you first, knowing that you are highly regarded amongst both Rifters and the people of Thedas, especially within the Ranks of the Inquisition ... so I would ask for your assistance in not making this matter ... a political nightmare.
This is a grave matter, and because it is a grave matter, I would ask if you are positive that this is what you heard. If you could repeat what they say verbatim to me, I would feel comfortable acting, and acting with all due seriousness.
An act you should refrain from, child, [ and he says that fondly, ] but everything in due time.
Yes. Ignorance is a blight. Why would I deny you the best chance to succeed here? [ after a moment, slowly: ] And you will need to speak to Madame de Cedoux. She has a lady's polish.
I guess I'm just used to - well. I'm used to people seeing ignorance as a tool, rather than a blight. Still getting used to people with your point of view.
[ Kitty relaxes again, much cheered by his offer. ]
I've spoken a bit with Petrana, actually - she's taught me some about rifters and what we are. [ And she certainly hasn't picked up any ladylike restraint from Madame de Cedoux yet. Unlikely to happen. ] She's very clever.
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