thranduil oropherion (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rowancrowned) wrote2015-03-22 06:02 pm
rowancrowned) wrote2015-03-22 06:02 pm
Entry tags:
fade rift ✧ inbox
for notes, letters, etc.
for notes, letters, etc.
And yet you remain curious. Do you seek to better yourself with the information you hope to find? Do you seek to stop your mother's plans, whatever they may be?
Gwenaelle seems very fond of you. Fonder than she is of me. I suspect she would call herself one of yours.
Gwenaelle seems very fond of you. Fonder than she is of me. I suspect she would call herself one of yours.
Are you busy?
[ Her voice is distant and slightly hoarse, but still polite. ]
If you are, it's fine. I just...figured that I would ask.
[ Her voice is distant and slightly hoarse, but still polite. ]
If you are, it's fine. I just...figured that I would ask.
Beleth? Not in the least.
[ that's not a tone of voice he's particularly pleased to hear from her. there's a rustle as he puts down papers. ]
Is all well?
[ that's not a tone of voice he's particularly pleased to hear from her. there's a rustle as he puts down papers. ]
Is all well?
No. Everything is awful.
[ She can't be bothered to sugarcoat it, even if it makes her sound like a melodramatic teenager. Just wait until they invent the speaker system and CDs. ]
Can I visit?
[ She can't be bothered to sugarcoat it, even if it makes her sound like a melodramatic teenager. Just wait until they invent the speaker system and CDs. ]
Can I visit?
Of course. Third room on the left off the gardens— give me a few moments to gather my papers–
[ because this is a conversation neither of them wish to have in public.
he cuts off the crystal after that, gathers his papers as he said he would, and hurries to his room, his hair braided tightly and resting over his shoulder. samwise and bill are both out- he's glad at least that he doesn't have to explain a pony in his quarters- and he waits for beleth with a sharp expression, worry drawn harshly on his face. ]
[ because this is a conversation neither of them wish to have in public.
he cuts off the crystal after that, gathers his papers as he said he would, and hurries to his room, his hair braided tightly and resting over his shoulder. samwise and bill are both out- he's glad at least that he doesn't have to explain a pony in his quarters- and he waits for beleth with a sharp expression, worry drawn harshly on his face. ]
[ IDK Thranduil a pony in your room would be pretty cool.
But! Beleth arrives to the ponyless room promptly enough, expression sullen, and eyes red. Thranduil's own expression makes her feel a little guilty--it's not like she's dying. Sheepishly, she rubs her neck, glancing to the side. ]
I'm sorry--I just. Didn't know who else I could go to.
[ Admitting to her clan that she had tried to get together with a human would be nearly as embarrassing as admitting that he refused her. ]
But! Beleth arrives to the ponyless room promptly enough, expression sullen, and eyes red. Thranduil's own expression makes her feel a little guilty--it's not like she's dying. Sheepishly, she rubs her neck, glancing to the side. ]
I'm sorry--I just. Didn't know who else I could go to.
[ Admitting to her clan that she had tried to get together with a human would be nearly as embarrassing as admitting that he refused her. ]
Come here. All is well. [ except, of course, that it is not. dalish are as tough as their lifestyle requires them to be, which means that beleth's sadness isn't caused by something he could ever call small. he rests his hand on her shoulder and uses the other to open the door, ushering her in.
the room is- surprising not terribly elfy. two beds, one dwarf size, both neatly made. an assortment of books, papers written in sindarin- if beleth can read them, she'll notice a few words about the fade among words galadriel wouldn't have taught. he ushers her over to a small table and chairs, and sits her on one, gracefully sinking to his knees beside her. she'll speak when she's ready. ]
the room is- surprising not terribly elfy. two beds, one dwarf size, both neatly made. an assortment of books, papers written in sindarin- if beleth can read them, she'll notice a few words about the fade among words galadriel wouldn't have taught. he ushers her over to a small table and chairs, and sits her on one, gracefully sinking to his knees beside her. she'll speak when she's ready. ]
[ She nods, stepping in, and--even if things weren't all alright, Thranduil saying so made it seem like there was a better chance of it than she had thought. Much like her mother, it felt perfectly possible for things to be simply because Thranduil willed it. And despite her current emotional turmoil, she can't help but peek curiously around the room. She had pictured something...like Sera's room, but more regal, elegant. Instead of looking like Val Royeux threw up on it.
But then she's sitting, and Thranduil is waiting next to her. His presence alone is comforting in and of itself, and she allows herself a bit to simply sit there, rubbing her eyes and trying to look a little more composed. But Thranduil deserves to know that she's not, like, about to die or that someone else already did. ]
I'm sorry--Um. I know this is, ah. It's kind of. Not really...important, in the bigger picture. Or maybe even a medium-sized picture. I'm not injured, or--I mean.
[ Well, that's getting her nowhere. She glances to the side, lips pressing into a line. ]
Did you ever...have feelings for someone? Feelings that weren't returned?
But then she's sitting, and Thranduil is waiting next to her. His presence alone is comforting in and of itself, and she allows herself a bit to simply sit there, rubbing her eyes and trying to look a little more composed. But Thranduil deserves to know that she's not, like, about to die or that someone else already did. ]
I'm sorry--Um. I know this is, ah. It's kind of. Not really...important, in the bigger picture. Or maybe even a medium-sized picture. I'm not injured, or--I mean.
[ Well, that's getting her nowhere. She glances to the side, lips pressing into a line. ]
Did you ever...have feelings for someone? Feelings that weren't returned?
If my mother has plans, more than myself and whatever I find will be required. You would do well to remember that. I seek as I have said to stop the world from becoming mundane, that must suffice I am afraid.
Why would she not? I know what it is to be a young woman making my way in a world that would seek to bind me. I am curious, however, as to what you mean by 'one of yours'.
Why would she not? I know what it is to be a young woman making my way in a world that would seek to bind me. I am curious, however, as to what you mean by 'one of yours'.
Have no fear. My cousin and I understand. If you are in need of aid, and our goals align, we will come when called.
[ it was just kind of a Thing you did as one of the quendi. no biggie. ]
Your mother is your mother in name only, you had no choice in being of your line. You chose our mutual friend, I suspect, but she is kin to you despite having none of your blood.
[ it was just kind of a Thing you did as one of the quendi. no biggie. ]
Your mother is your mother in name only, you had no choice in being of your line. You chose our mutual friend, I suspect, but she is kin to you despite having none of your blood.
[ he hadn't a penchant for collecting things. books were his only vice, and those wound up in the library once he was done. oh, there are his papers, a few things from home (the rings ever on his fingers, a crown tucked away under floorboards) and several outfits, but they tidy away neatly. sam, he suspects, wouldn't be happy with anything less. he takes her hand, gives it a gentle squeeze.
(why couldn't his foster-daughter have been like this? this was much easier to soothe away with quiet, steady affection and a warm, safe place.) ]
It upsets you, Beleth. That is enough for me to consider it important.
[ she is good, and kind, and she may be short and thranduil knows that she cuts her hair without thought as to the pain of it, and wedding for her is different than the quendi, but she is all an elf ought to be, allowing for the-- drift in morals. she does not raise her hand in anger. she takes no joy in bloodshed. she loves her family.
his answer is easy: ]
Yes. I thought myself in love with the daughter of my lord King.
(why couldn't his foster-daughter have been like this? this was much easier to soothe away with quiet, steady affection and a warm, safe place.) ]
It upsets you, Beleth. That is enough for me to consider it important.
[ she is good, and kind, and she may be short and thranduil knows that she cuts her hair without thought as to the pain of it, and wedding for her is different than the quendi, but she is all an elf ought to be, allowing for the-- drift in morals. she does not raise her hand in anger. she takes no joy in bloodshed. she loves her family.
his answer is easy: ]
Yes. I thought myself in love with the daughter of my lord King.
[ She looks a little surprised at the idea that something could be important simply on the basis of it upsetting her, but doesn't move to contradict him. Instead, she gives him a small smile, squeezing his hand back. It was an honor, odd but agreeable, that he would take her distresses so seriously, and just that knowledge is a comfort in and of itself.
And as Thranduil talks, Beleth listens intently, eyebrows rising. Well. Alistair may be a royal bastard, but she doubted anyone would call him a prince. Going for a princess--well, she couldn't fault Thranduil for low standards, at least. ]
Did you confess your feelings to her?
[ There's a small, thoughtful pause. ]
--And how long did you take to plan it, because I have been given the impression that I might have gotten carried away, and possibly over-planned. Just a little. I didn't think that being sure that I was prepared was a bad thing, but. Um. It's possible I was incorrect.
And as Thranduil talks, Beleth listens intently, eyebrows rising. Well. Alistair may be a royal bastard, but she doubted anyone would call him a prince. Going for a princess--well, she couldn't fault Thranduil for low standards, at least. ]
Did you confess your feelings to her?
[ There's a small, thoughtful pause. ]
--And how long did you take to plan it, because I have been given the impression that I might have gotten carried away, and possibly over-planned. Just a little. I didn't think that being sure that I was prepared was a bad thing, but. Um. It's possible I was incorrect.
Yes. [ he's long moved past any shame he may have felt. ] In truth, half the court would have wed her if she had asked. I imagine a fumbling request to court her was something she graciously addressed at least once a year.
[ time is... different for him. he can no longer sink into reverie, but calling up lúthien's face is easy. he holds it in his mind's eye for a moment before letting it sink back to where it ought to rest. he looks at beleth, offering half a smile. ]
I suspect I was far too young for her. [ and gangly. he had taken time to grow into his limbs. ] I spent-- perhaps six months between seeing her as a maiden and not as a cousin for the first time and bringing her flowers.
[ niphredil, of course. very inspired.
he hides his surprise. so beleth had been fond enough of some young male to propose. and had been rejected. that is-- unfortunate. he cannot know the reasons why without asking, but won't risk stirring up further hurt unless she offers answers. ]
Why would you call it being 'carried away'?
[ time is... different for him. he can no longer sink into reverie, but calling up lúthien's face is easy. he holds it in his mind's eye for a moment before letting it sink back to where it ought to rest. he looks at beleth, offering half a smile. ]
I suspect I was far too young for her. [ and gangly. he had taken time to grow into his limbs. ] I spent-- perhaps six months between seeing her as a maiden and not as a cousin for the first time and bringing her flowers.
[ niphredil, of course. very inspired.
he hides his surprise. so beleth had been fond enough of some young male to propose. and had been rejected. that is-- unfortunate. he cannot know the reasons why without asking, but won't risk stirring up further hurt unless she offers answers. ]
Why would you call it being 'carried away'?
Edited 2016-10-27 03:24 (UTC)
[ Beleth has to wonder about this princess, who must have been beautiful indeed. And old, if Thranduil were too young for her. Did that matter as much to immortals? Was there a difference between someone who was 500 years old, and someone who was only 400? But it wasn't the time for asking those kinds of questions. ]
Six months. That's--[ She takes a moment to count on her fingers. ]--two months more than me. Maybe it wasn't so bad.
[ She pauses when he asks, because--It's embarrassing, now. All the effort she'd spent, the time she had deliberated over how to go about her confession. ]
I had one of my friends ask one of his friends what kind of woman he seemed to like. I planned out what I would tell him--it was several pages long, at first. I cut it down to about three paragraphs. Then I wrote a letter to his best friend, explaining why he should agree to the relationship--Ah. His best friend has a great deal of sway with him, and I feared he would disapprove. I got him to meet my mother. I asked several of his other friends what kind of present I should get him to accompany my confession, ah...I ended up going with a ring. A rather nice one.
When I told him, I included an explanation as to why I felt the way I did, that I was willing to discuss any concerns he might have with the relationship, and why I would make a good partner for him, along with an assurance that I was willing to listen to any issues he might have with my behavior and adjust accordingly.
He told me that I sounded like I was interviewing for a job.
Six months. That's--[ She takes a moment to count on her fingers. ]--two months more than me. Maybe it wasn't so bad.
[ She pauses when he asks, because--It's embarrassing, now. All the effort she'd spent, the time she had deliberated over how to go about her confession. ]
I had one of my friends ask one of his friends what kind of woman he seemed to like. I planned out what I would tell him--it was several pages long, at first. I cut it down to about three paragraphs. Then I wrote a letter to his best friend, explaining why he should agree to the relationship--Ah. His best friend has a great deal of sway with him, and I feared he would disapprove. I got him to meet my mother. I asked several of his other friends what kind of present I should get him to accompany my confession, ah...I ended up going with a ring. A rather nice one.
When I told him, I included an explanation as to why I felt the way I did, that I was willing to discuss any concerns he might have with the relationship, and why I would make a good partner for him, along with an assurance that I was willing to listen to any issues he might have with my behavior and adjust accordingly.
He told me that I sounded like I was interviewing for a job.
Edited (wrrrrong icon) 2016-10-27 05:55 (UTC)
[ he shifts to fold his legs a bit more evenly underneath him, settles in. ]
It seems as though he may have been merely stalling for time whilst he considered a better answer.
[ a very cruel way to do so, but likely unintentional. at least, he cannot imagine beleth having affection for someone with the foresight to string her along for months simply to take delight in severing her hopes. not without her sussing out their intent.
a ring, however. that's interesting. ] I have heard that you propose marriage with a gift of a ring, yes? I do not not all the steps in mortal courtship, but it seems as if you were being cautious. You asked for advice, you received approval from your mother. And your friends and his did not express concern that he would feel anything but delight, I assume.
[ he is at a loss for what else might have been done, but he has only courted once. he gestures with his free hand, palm up and fingers unfolded. ] You did not make some misstep along the way. I must ask-- why were you willing to adjust your behavior? Why were the first things you offered changes you would make to yourself? Did you suspect some part of you was disagreeable to him?
It seems as though he may have been merely stalling for time whilst he considered a better answer.
[ a very cruel way to do so, but likely unintentional. at least, he cannot imagine beleth having affection for someone with the foresight to string her along for months simply to take delight in severing her hopes. not without her sussing out their intent.
a ring, however. that's interesting. ] I have heard that you propose marriage with a gift of a ring, yes? I do not not all the steps in mortal courtship, but it seems as if you were being cautious. You asked for advice, you received approval from your mother. And your friends and his did not express concern that he would feel anything but delight, I assume.
[ he is at a loss for what else might have been done, but he has only courted once. he gestures with his free hand, palm up and fingers unfolded. ] You did not make some misstep along the way. I must ask-- why were you willing to adjust your behavior? Why were the first things you offered changes you would make to yourself? Did you suspect some part of you was disagreeable to him?
I suppose, that's certainly possible.
[ Alistair was pretty good at stalling and trying to divert attention. And particularly, she supposed, when he had to tell her something he knew would deeply upset her. Or maybe he was just being an ass, who knew.
Thranduil has come to several incorrect conclusions, and yet, Beleth doesn't have it in her to bother fixing them. Does it matter if she'd intended marriage or courting, or how her mother felt? No, as things now stood, very little of what she had done mattered. All she does is nod when Thranduil speaks about Alistair's friends (who were, admittedly, also her friends). ]
They said--well. Things friends say. That I was nice, and would make a good partner.
[ His questions make her blink in surprise, glancing over at him in confusion. ]
...Well, yes. Everyone has faults, traits that might be annoying to a partner. I wanted him to feel secure in knowing I am aware that I am not without my own failings, and that if any of them were particularly grating, that I would take steps to correct them. Is it so odd to be willing to take input from someone you care about, to improve yourself?
[ Alistair was pretty good at stalling and trying to divert attention. And particularly, she supposed, when he had to tell her something he knew would deeply upset her. Or maybe he was just being an ass, who knew.
Thranduil has come to several incorrect conclusions, and yet, Beleth doesn't have it in her to bother fixing them. Does it matter if she'd intended marriage or courting, or how her mother felt? No, as things now stood, very little of what she had done mattered. All she does is nod when Thranduil speaks about Alistair's friends (who were, admittedly, also her friends). ]
They said--well. Things friends say. That I was nice, and would make a good partner.
[ His questions make her blink in surprise, glancing over at him in confusion. ]
...Well, yes. Everyone has faults, traits that might be annoying to a partner. I wanted him to feel secure in knowing I am aware that I am not without my own failings, and that if any of them were particularly grating, that I would take steps to correct them. Is it so odd to be willing to take input from someone you care about, to improve yourself?
[ he unfolds himself from his spot on the floor, standing and smoothing his robes in one smooth motion. the room is utterly spotless, thanks to samwise, and there's a little tin filled with biscuits and a warm kettle of tea in the fireplace. how samwise manages this, thranduil isn't sure, but he picks up a plate and sets about fixing a glass for beleth. it's a hobbit habit he's picked up with alarming alacrity, but one he hasn't yet noticed. ]
How do you take your tea?
[ he doesn't bother making any for himself, stirring in her sugar with his back to her, thinking how to best choose his words. ]
And did you ask him to change his own failings at the same time? There are aspects of his character that displease you, I assume. Mannerisms or behaviors that trouble you.
How do you take your tea?
[ he doesn't bother making any for himself, stirring in her sugar with his back to her, thinking how to best choose his words. ]
And did you ask him to change his own failings at the same time? There are aspects of his character that displease you, I assume. Mannerisms or behaviors that trouble you.
[ Beleth certainly won't be the one to point it out to him. She watches Thranduil, slightly distracted by his last question. She's about to say plain but--Oh, he's already got sugar in there. Well, she's survived worse than sugar in her tea. ]
Just a little sugar is fine, thank you.
[ Would she ask Alistair to change his failings? Infatuation hadn't quite blinded her enough to think that he had none, but of course she would never ask him to change them. Not when he could do so much better than her (something he had, apparently, already figured out), and she was so...her. But she knows that people don't like hearing her say these things. ]
Well, yes. He doesn't think before he acts or speaks, he just. Does whatever occurs to him. And he doesn't take anything seriously, and he's as obtuse and dense as a rock. And! He chews so loudly, you can hear it across the room! But--
[ She frowns, staring at her hands. ]
None of that really bothered me, not to the point I'd make him change. But that's just me, I can't say that he would feel the same.
Just a little sugar is fine, thank you.
[ Would she ask Alistair to change his failings? Infatuation hadn't quite blinded her enough to think that he had none, but of course she would never ask him to change them. Not when he could do so much better than her (something he had, apparently, already figured out), and she was so...her. But she knows that people don't like hearing her say these things. ]
Well, yes. He doesn't think before he acts or speaks, he just. Does whatever occurs to him. And he doesn't take anything seriously, and he's as obtuse and dense as a rock. And! He chews so loudly, you can hear it across the room! But--
[ She frowns, staring at her hands. ]
None of that really bothered me, not to the point I'd make him change. But that's just me, I can't say that he would feel the same.
[ he considers the cup in his hands, nearly considering dumping it into the nearest vase of flowers that sam's set out so that he might remake it with 'a little sugar' but reconsiders and instead presses it into beleth's hands once he's sure the china won't burn her. ]
I ask because it seem so unequal to me, that you would offer yourself and show such willingness to be picked apart and yet not expect he do the same.
[ whomever he was, he certainly wasn't deserving of beleth, considering these behaviors. but the place beleth had put herself in wasn't fair either, acting like this man wouldn't need to accommodate her desires-- as if she didn't see herself as worthy--
he wonders again who this man might be, but that is for beleth's heart only. besides, he doesn't trust himself not to be cold in light of this. still: ]
I could make his life... difficult, if you would like?
[ he smiles, and there's a hint of something more behind it. more elvenking, less thranduil. no violence, of course, but- much fell under that header. ]
I ask because it seem so unequal to me, that you would offer yourself and show such willingness to be picked apart and yet not expect he do the same.
[ whomever he was, he certainly wasn't deserving of beleth, considering these behaviors. but the place beleth had put herself in wasn't fair either, acting like this man wouldn't need to accommodate her desires-- as if she didn't see herself as worthy--
he wonders again who this man might be, but that is for beleth's heart only. besides, he doesn't trust himself not to be cold in light of this. still: ]
I could make his life... difficult, if you would like?
[ he smiles, and there's a hint of something more behind it. more elvenking, less thranduil. no violence, of course, but- much fell under that header. ]
[ Beleth takes the cup without complaint, warming her hands while she listens to Thranduil. She doesn't say anything at first, and instead blows on her tea, taking a sip. If she minds the extra sugar, she doesn't bother to comment on that, either.
After some thought, she finally shrugs. ]
It didn't seem to matter, at the time. If it had helped convince him to be with me, it felt like it would have been worth it.
I mean--Being with the person you care for, and having them care about you in turn. Isn't that something worth...[ Don't say anything that's creepy ]...a great deal? People have done incredible feats in the name of romance.
[ Thranduil's offer should be politely dismissed, but Beleth considers it for a few moments, running her finger along the rim of her cup. It would involve having to tell Thranduil just who it was, but--well. Maybe he would understand.
That refusal, the way it was done--it had hurt. He'd hurt her. She still felt the sting. It couldn't hurt for Alistair to sting too, just a little. ]
...Not too difficult...?
After some thought, she finally shrugs. ]
It didn't seem to matter, at the time. If it had helped convince him to be with me, it felt like it would have been worth it.
I mean--Being with the person you care for, and having them care about you in turn. Isn't that something worth...[ Don't say anything that's creepy ]...a great deal? People have done incredible feats in the name of romance.
[ Thranduil's offer should be politely dismissed, but Beleth considers it for a few moments, running her finger along the rim of her cup. It would involve having to tell Thranduil just who it was, but--well. Maybe he would understand.
That refusal, the way it was done--it had hurt. He'd hurt her. She still felt the sting. It couldn't hurt for Alistair to sting too, just a little. ]
...Not too difficult...?
[ he holds his tongue, and offers tea and sympathy instead, returning to his chair and resting his hand on her back, below her neck. ]
As difficult as you would like, child, and not a measure more or less.
[ do not give him this authority, beleth.
he sets his cup down on the side table, making sure there's a coaster under it, and then crosses his legs neatly, still leaning just-so to keep his hand on her back. comforting. solid. ]
Someone will look at you as though you are the stars themself. You deserve nothing less, and they will not ask that you reshape yourself to fit them.
As difficult as you would like, child, and not a measure more or less.
[ do not give him this authority, beleth.
he sets his cup down on the side table, making sure there's a coaster under it, and then crosses his legs neatly, still leaning just-so to keep his hand on her back. comforting. solid. ]
Someone will look at you as though you are the stars themself. You deserve nothing less, and they will not ask that you reshape yourself to fit them.
[ Thranduil's words elicit a fond, bashful smile, and she ducks her head, a small smile playing across her lips. It would be nice, if it ever happened, for someone to look at her like that. For someone to think that she's something...good enough. More than good enough, even. It would be something.
In the meantime, however, there's pettiness to give into. And authority to give to Thranduil that he probably shouldn't possess. And yet. ]
...I don't want to be mean. I just--It hurt. I was upset, clearly so, when he told me he didn't feel the same way. And he told me I shouldn't have gotten so wound up.
[ Her fingers press hard against the cup, as she frowns at the tea. ]
I just want him to feel a little upset, too. Let him get a little wound up.
In the meantime, however, there's pettiness to give into. And authority to give to Thranduil that he probably shouldn't possess. And yet. ]
...I don't want to be mean. I just--It hurt. I was upset, clearly so, when he told me he didn't feel the same way. And he told me I shouldn't have gotten so wound up.
[ Her fingers press hard against the cup, as she frowns at the tea. ]
I just want him to feel a little upset, too. Let him get a little wound up.
[ allowing him to dad her means the full thranduil experience (tm). ask legolas about it sometime, oh wait you can't. his hand stops where the edges of her hair brush against his fingers, and then he smoothes her hair with his hand. ]
Come here, [ he says, meaning he wants her back against his legs. ] Let me tidy your hair.
[ she ought to at least have that in order, and there are a few silvan-style braids that look well even in short styles. ]
That was very rude of him, Beleth. A gentleman knows how to refuse in such a way that the lady or lord keeps their dignity and pride intact. Wanting him to feel the same confusion and disquiet you now harbor is... fitting.
[ thranduil no don't catfish him. ]
Come here, [ he says, meaning he wants her back against his legs. ] Let me tidy your hair.
[ she ought to at least have that in order, and there are a few silvan-style braids that look well even in short styles. ]
That was very rude of him, Beleth. A gentleman knows how to refuse in such a way that the lady or lord keeps their dignity and pride intact. Wanting him to feel the same confusion and disquiet you now harbor is... fitting.
[ thranduil no don't catfish him. ]
[ She looks confused as to what he's going on about for the space of two seconds, and confused as to why he feels tidying her hair is necessary for another three. She's an adult!! She already puts time and effort into making sure her hair isn't allowed to descend into an unkept mess.
But. It's been ages since anyone's fixed up her hair for her, and it sounds too nice to pass up, even if she wanted to be rude enough to refuse. So she swallows down the last of her tea, sets the cup down, and moves off the chair, sliding down to the floor in front of Thranduil. ]
Alright--um. Thank you. I appreciate it.
[ It's a relief to hear that Thranduil doesn't think she's being petty, or overdramatic. That she's not an idiot for being hurt by it. Of course, she's not really sure how returning the sentiment would be achieved, but surely Thranduil--
That's when she realizes she's missed telling him an important bit of information, and she's suddenly that much gladder that she's no longer facing him. ]
The man--um. It was Alistair. The Warden. [ She lets that sink in for a few moments. ] That's why I can't go to my clan about it. Going after some shemlen... It was a poor idea from the very beginning.
But. It's been ages since anyone's fixed up her hair for her, and it sounds too nice to pass up, even if she wanted to be rude enough to refuse. So she swallows down the last of her tea, sets the cup down, and moves off the chair, sliding down to the floor in front of Thranduil. ]
Alright--um. Thank you. I appreciate it.
[ It's a relief to hear that Thranduil doesn't think she's being petty, or overdramatic. That she's not an idiot for being hurt by it. Of course, she's not really sure how returning the sentiment would be achieved, but surely Thranduil--
That's when she realizes she's missed telling him an important bit of information, and she's suddenly that much gladder that she's no longer facing him. ]
The man--um. It was Alistair. The Warden. [ She lets that sink in for a few moments. ] That's why I can't go to my clan about it. Going after some shemlen... It was a poor idea from the very beginning.
[ he's setting to fix her hair as he did for his son. hers is pitifully short, but he'll make do, reaching for his comb so he might put her to rights as elves do. she is a good child, a sweet girl, and she ought to have some of the comforts of her people. it's-- an intimacy he'll risk. these are his people, though they are elflings, and elflings should not go uncombed.
his hand stills just as he's setting the comb into her lovely red hair, because he's not sure he's heard correctly, but she clarifies and he sighs, long and slow. 'men are dumb and hairy' is a bad way to reply, so he goes for a bit more eloquence, starting to run the comb through her hair in the slow, unhurried manner of the sindar. hopefully he can loosen some of the tension in her shoulders-- she's admittedly clever, to try and hide her face from him. ]
Perhaps, my dear, there is a Man who would treat you kindly, and love you as you ought to be loved. But there will always be a canyon between you, child, a depth they [ look he learned something from cyril. ] could not ever hope to bridge, a lack of understanding in their eyes when you spoke of your Clan, of how Men treated you because of what you are. I have seen Men wed elves. The sharpest of the pains, the loss of a spouse who goes where you cannot follow is lessened here, but you still have that depth between you. A lack of understanding.
his hand stills just as he's setting the comb into her lovely red hair, because he's not sure he's heard correctly, but she clarifies and he sighs, long and slow. 'men are dumb and hairy' is a bad way to reply, so he goes for a bit more eloquence, starting to run the comb through her hair in the slow, unhurried manner of the sindar. hopefully he can loosen some of the tension in her shoulders-- she's admittedly clever, to try and hide her face from him. ]
Perhaps, my dear, there is a Man who would treat you kindly, and love you as you ought to be loved. But there will always be a canyon between you, child, a depth they [ look he learned something from cyril. ] could not ever hope to bridge, a lack of understanding in their eyes when you spoke of your Clan, of how Men treated you because of what you are. I have seen Men wed elves. The sharpest of the pains, the loss of a spouse who goes where you cannot follow is lessened here, but you still have that depth between you. A lack of understanding.
Page 5 of 50