[ he offers, if hesitantly, a response, eyes flicking heavenward. ]It may simply be that 'magic' is the word the ignorant use to describe what they cannot understand.

[ not that he's covering for this rifter. he's the only one allowed to be a pretentious know-it-all, and he'll defend his title. reputation's about all he has left. ]

Ah. He was... presumed lost, returned to your world or dead. But you are so inspiring, it is clear why he took heart. [ he nods, decisive. ] They will not catch me, my friend. Though I will have liked to see you.

[ he's very, very bad at human ages, and mostly depends on height. how had the outsider looked, thranduil wondered, with the shroud of his fea dimmed?

too small, he thinks. ]

You will not lose me.

[ thranduil... smiles. it is not a warm thing, all sharp teeth and a feral set to his face. ]

Nothing Galadriel and my lord will not be able to compensate for. If Solas-- [ but someone went back to sleep, so fuck him. ] ... our options, as they were, were limited. I will admit something like relief at not needing to steel myself for the inevitable... losses.