eachdraidh | ❧ VIDEO; 04 (both courts)

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❧ VIDEO; 04 (both courts)

[ Thranduil hasn't vanished off the face of the Drabwurld again, contrary to popular belief, despite keeping his head down since Samhain. Ensconced in the Caer Glaem library pulling up certificates, maps, and all the other ridiculous paraphernalia required for a legalised contact to take place, he flicks on the locket from his desk in a corner of the vast halls, surrounded by stacks. There he sits sipping a goblet of the last keg of leftover Dorwinion ~~which is currently under strict guard in the cellars (looking at you Samhain revellers)~~. On the table are scrolls and books, all of which have been tidied, while in front of him lies a black leather-bound folder, ostensibly containing the point of the broadcast. ]

The High-King and I have come to an arrangement. In exchange for fair recompense, I have bought the rights to the woodlands south of the forest river and west of the Hidden Falls, within a crux of the mountain-range, to be easily identified on any common map. [ It's not quite as simple as that, of course, but he'll save everyone the pointless politicking. That, and he doesn't want to bring up Celegorm's shard in public; it would be bad taste. ] Aelfen and Elven tribes alike will be travelling to Caer Glaem over the next week or so to replenish their supplies, tools and gold, well within their rights to do so, before continuing on to their new homeland. Please show these former refugees every kindness.

[ As dapper as he looks, he clearly doesn't intend to faff about chatting idly about inanities; someone wants a nice long sleep. ]

If you have business in what will be renamed the Maechenibryth, come the turn of the winter season, or have done in the past which you wish to pursue in the future, you may bring the matter to myself, Thranduil, or to my son, Legolas, who will pass it on accordingly. There is much yet to do and I have little enough time to spare.

[ Sipping his wine, he shuts off the locket. ]

( ooc: if you'd like to continue anything from samhain just pop me a pm and i'll get on it, otherwise i'll take this opportunity to declare tag amnesty on that front as it broke my inbox and burned me out, sobs. tagging will generally be slow until after the weekend because of work. ty for waiting! )

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Did you rip it from his chest?

No. [ Grey eyes flicker, a little sharp. ] Elves do not harm other Elves where I am from, to do so is a heinous and unthinkable crime, even moreso than laying siege to the Men or Dwarves.

The shard came into the rightful possession of my son, who did not lend harm to its owner.

Then it was no betrayal. He sealed his fate when he tortured your son. [ Iorveth would have seen the kinslayer dead, even taken it upon himself to do the deed. What is another crime to the many others he already has to his name? ] And you a better man than those I have known.

[ A look of pain and anger flicks across his face, brief and gone as quickly as it appeared. ]

I watched my unit be slaughtered before my eyes as payment for a 'Free Elven State', I would have joined them had I not escaped. The leader of my people bowed before the dogs of Nilfgaard and sold out her own.

The price of a kinslayer's shard is steep, but more unforgivable prices have been paid for similar things.

He cut his hair and offered me his life, but I am no kinslayer. I would not bring myself so low, not for him ... even if I wanted to.

[ Thranduil falls silent for as long as he listens to Iorveth's story, sympathy and his own shade of understanding behind bright eyes. ]

The mountainhome will be called I Othrann-in-Heneb, 'the Fortress of the Many-Eyed' in the Sindarin tongue of my people. There shall be dryads and herds of the war-unicorns from the forests, birds that bring news to us, the river shall fall enchanted to spell asleep any trespassers into our lands. My son is keen to coax the scattered Elven clans of the Drabwurld to our cause, to be stronger together than counted apart; the Sindar have lent their strength to other communities in the past, notably the Silvan in my father's realm which passed to me. We immersed ourselves in a peaceful blend, seeking the rustic and beautiful ... and we defended it fiercely.

Quite apart from that, none may pass into or outside of my Gates once they are shut. That is my inherent art; to enclose and endure, along with any in my keep. I long for that security again, for that is where I may exert my greatest strength.

This is the realm I will build and where you will always be welcome, Iorveth. Safe.

[ To hear him speak of it sounds... peaceful. A place to lay down ones weapons and cast aside worries, expect Iorveth struggles with the concept of safety, of peace, he has fought for so long it is all he truly knows. Yet some part of him yearns for it, for a time where he can sleep for more than an hour, where he can look over his shoulder and not see enemies lurking in the dark.

Such things will never be, however. ]

I can lend my bow and sword to it's defense, for fighting is what I am good at and you may prove to be a man worthy of them. I have fought for over a hundred years for the same security and peace for my people, to ensure the same for those here will be not difficult task. [ Saskia would approve, he thinks. She would smile upon him, praise him for the decision. He needs something to busy his hands after all, idleness has never sat well with him. ]

I do not seek to call myself Elvenking over any who deem me unworthy, nor do I wish to rule all Elves and never have; only those who dwell under my protection.

[ An Elvenking but not the Elvenking, not of everyone and not to consider himself better than others. Just for the distinction of a ruling body, which he is comfortable undertaking when others are not; when it matters. ]

May I ask, cousin — were the scars you bear a product of your mistreatment?

You have already proven yourself more than those who would sell out their own for gold and land.

[ He has never desired a crown, he knows a better head for it. Perhaps he will know another in Thranduil, but only time will tell that.

At the mention of his scar, the elf tugs at his red headscarf. ]

A pig of a human thought he could run me through with a spear. [ Almost casually ( the muscles in his arm is tense ) he pulls it up to reveal the hideous scar, still red after all this time. ] He managed to rid me of an eye before I cut out his stomach.

Even the Eldar I know could not fully heal from losing an eye. Scars I have borne that have seared away half my face, yet it all vanished from sight in time.

[ A terrible wound, to be sure, and he cannot bear to think of Iorveth suffering any more than he already has. ]

Once I have settled in the Greenwood and my affairs are in order, would you permit me to use a boon to have your full sight returned by the might and magic of the monarchs? If so, I will gladly ask for it to be done at no expense to you or debt due to me.

[ Just as swiftly as he uncovered the scar he covers it again, headscarf falling back into place. ]

I am used to only having one eye, my skills have not dismissed due to the impairment. This scar is a reminder of the treacherous nature of humans, and I bare not trust for the monarchs and their magic. [ Sorcerers are just as bad in his mind. ] Their magic will one day come with a heavy price, do not pay it on my account.

As you wish. [ Gently, he adds, ] I think no less of your skills for the scars you bear. In all frankness, your shot with a bow is likely still better than mine.

[ A rare laugh passes through his lips. ]

Many have wished it weren't so. [ No, he doesn't take joy in shooting people. Nope. ]

[ Ivvy pls. ]

Many must underestimate you, cousin.

[ Not I, goes unsaid, a smile curving a corner of his own lips. ]

[ Can't stop, won't stop. ]

As many as underestimate you.

[ Laughing, he shakes his head. ]

Not enough have seen me in recent centuries to know I still exist, let alone to mistake me.

[ Way to make him feel YOUNG, only over a hundred years old. Gosh. ]

That must be nice.

[ Wow, Iorveth, only just legal in Elf!terms. ]

Why do you say that? I have never paraded myself for the eyes of Men, not even in the First Age when they were a curiosity.

[ So young and so angry.

He shrugs. ]

There are times I tire of the fighting.

[ He enjoys killing humans, that he will not deny, but he has been doing it for so long. The elf will not know what to do with peace, yet sometimes earns for it all the same. ]

All do, having once seen war. One battle is never unlike the next, bloody and brutal.

And more awaits me when this one is done.

My regrets go with you, for I never intend to return whence I came. That land is now under the dominion of Men and the Elves have all but faded; there is nothing for me there while they endeavour to bring dissent upon it yet again, with far more haste and far less wisdom than ever before.

[ A scowl twists his features, understanding bright in his single eye. ]

That is the very reason I must, my people are long lasting but few in number, we will die out if something is not done. There is a woman who seeks to bring the same peace and security you have done here, she is good and fierce in her convictions. There is no head better fit the mantle of leadership or a crown. [ Something changes in his expression when he speaks of Saskia. She is clearly very important to him. ] Dh'oine filth used her and because of their actions brought war down upon the entire Northern Kingdoms, everything Saskia built is now in jeopardy. I cannot let the last hope for my people crumble from beneath their feet. It is the only hope we have left.

Ah, fading is something that can be averted by sailing to the Undying Lands. Elves go there when they weaken or tire, in lieu of becoming wraiths. My enduring artes prevent me from feeling that way. I only answered the Seelie summons for the sake of my son.

[ Talk of Saskia brings about an interesting look on Iorveth's face. ]

What if your friend were to come here?

My people have not such luxury.

[ He does not intend to sound so bitter, but it lingers in his voice for a moment. Had they only such a place he would not need to fight his own war.

Surprise flashes across his face briefly, before his brow furrows. ]

If she comes here then Upper Aedirn is doomed, should to talk of the world not moving in our absence prove to be lies. [ He has his doubts, such a thing would require great magic to accomplish. Though it cannot be out of the realm of possibility, the Monarchs have already proven they possess great magic and power. Even so... ] I would not want her here, [ A lie. ] she would choose to involve herself in their war.

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❧ VIDEO; 04 (both courts)

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