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[rowancrowned]

 

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[rowancrowned]

It is, I believe, the one resource we have in great abundance.

[ he doesn't speak for a moment, but keeps the crystal's connection open. ]

I have an abundance of one more thing, Gwenaëlle.

[elegiaque]

Height?

[rowancrowned]

That, I am afraid, is not a resource I am free to give away.

[ there's a rustling in the background, and thranduil's voice, murmuring something in sindarin. ]

Perhaps this is something you would appreciate more if you were Ferelden. That is the joke, yes?

[elegiaque]

( there's a suspicious silence. )

What did you do?

[rowancrowned]

You asked for a present.

[elegiaque]

A ribbon doesn't make noises.

[rowancrowned]

A ribbon cannot mind you and keep you safe while I am away.

[ pause. ]

But I will also bring you ribbons.

[elegiaque]

Maker's breath. That's what all of these soldiers and stone walls are for, you know.

[rowancrowned]

And yet you still wish to learn to fight, despite the soldiers and stone walls.

[elegiaque]

( this answer comes savagely and instantly, the lingering warmth in her exasperation evaporated; )

No, I don't.

[rowancrowned]

I beg pardon. Need to.

There is still time for me to return her to the kennel. Please tell me if you would prefer I do so.

[elegiaque]

You can keep your ribbons, as well.

[rowancrowned]

They will look lovely in my hair.

Goodnight, Gwenaëlle. And again, congratulations.

[elegiaque]

I hope a chevalier rips your hair out from the root.

( gwen. )

[rowancrowned]

[ he thinks about letting her stew. he considers what might happen in letting them both take the same worn groove as a path again. he takes a deep breath, and then: ]

I never mean to cause offence. You are dear enough to me that I would not wish to hurt you. I am sorry, my lady, and beg only to know why exactly I earned your anger.

[elegiaque]

I'm not going to learn how to fight. I don't want to and I don't need to and it's never going to happen.

( some of those assertions are debatable, but that was a hard kneejerk - an irrational reaction based in fears she can't quite express, and like most of what gwenaëlle doesn't know how to deal with, it tends to come out as blind anger. )

[rowancrowned]

I know. I accept this. I have no intentions of trying to change your mind. Nor do I see reason to.

[ at least she's talking. that's enough. it's more than he would have hoped for even a month ago. ]

Can you understand why, in light of that, I might wish to provide you with other ways to stay safe?

[elegiaque]

( that she doesn't want to be mollified is as irrational as the tantrum she just threw, and she knows it. a moment of silence, and finally - )

Yes. I suppose.

[rowancrowned]

I will not treat you cruelly, I promise this. I welcome questioning of my choices. I welcome your friendship.

You need not fear flight nor unfaithfulness from me. If I am anything, I am steadfast.

[elegiaque]

( anyone can say that, she thinks. most people do. but it isn't unimportant that he chooses to say it to her, so - )

I still don't like you, ( but softened, a bit, muted. )

[rowancrowned]

I am proud of your works, and I hope to meet your smith.

[elegiaque]

He isn't--

( a rueful little sigh. )

Thank you.