eachdraidh | video - open to both courts

[The feed comes on sideways, and gives a good view of a big black nose. Bryndis, loyal to her master, has found some way to turn on Kìli’s dropped locket. There’s a brief snuffle from the pup and she draws back to her master’s side, who is lying on the ground with his eyes closed, looking half-beaten and certainly nowhere near sober. He is apparently completely unaware of the locket being on and is slurring out words in a mixture of English and his own native tongue. There’s a nice cut down his forehead, blood trickling down into a black eye, but he’s too gone to care.]

Thatrulkhud fandùna, bunmel, ulnas... She’s gone, Bryn, she’s gone... [He curls in on himself, giving a small little whimper. His fingers curl into the dirt.] I am makarfûn. Mahal, I...this is...this is... kherkhar.

[The pup whines, sitting down beside him. Kìli reaches for her, one hand stroking her fur before pausing in her scruff and tightening there.] Zusul, Bryndis. I...I thought...I thought she was my sabrel, that I could...ihrêr.

[The direwolf pup shifts, her wagging tail hitting the locket and sending it skidding another direction as she comes closer to comfort her master.]

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[ He has no real idea what has transpired, or with whom, until he browses the broadcasts's replies and notices Nerdanel mentioning Kili being Elf-touched and has to wonder where Tauriel has gotten to. The idea of she and Thorin's nephew being involved, as the drunken, miserable dwarf's condition seems to suggest (heartbroken) is an odd one, truth be told, but Thranduil ...

Thranduil feels responsible in some way, though he knew Tauriel but little, the Silvan who claimed he had raised her as his ward for six centuries. She was of Mirkwood, and he is responsible for everything she does, whether their lives in Middle-Earth differed or not. ]

I believe there are different versions of every world, every eventuality, since coming here. Tauriel has never existed for me, I knew nothing of her until she informed me she was the captain of my guard; quite simply, she seemed to hail from an altogether mirror-image of the reality I knew. I concluded that if she knew me and I did not know her, then there must have been another Elvenking to whom she was pledged.

[ He glances up at Kili through the lockets. ]

Perhaps she has simply returned home to the you who awaits her there, to be with him as she was meant to.

[ Which still hurts, but it is a lesser pain. ]

[the words are...surprisingly, almost comforting. Kili stares down at his hands and takes a deep breath before nodding slowly.

(Though with that in mind, was it another Elvenking that threw the Company in his dungeons? Something to think about later, perhaps. Right now he has other things to mull over.)

He's looking a bit better, the wound on his head cleaned up and he's sobered up enough for conversation. Kili licks his lips before finally looking at the locket.]

I...I hope that is true.

[ Thank goodness there is someone there to keep an eye on the young dwarf. He can offer him company, if it is wanted; Thranduil knows Thorin's nephews are wary of him. ]

I served an Elvenking once, in my youth, whose daughter fell in love with a mortal Man. He gave the boy a terrible quest in order to be worthy of her hand, but it was cruel and the completion of it brought ruin on his house. In the end, his daughter left with her love regardless and the king lost everything. Everyone did.

[ He tilts his head, resting it on the side of his armchair in the quiet of his new home. Nothing but a bare rock wall can be seen behind the seat, but firelight plays on Thranduil from somewhere off to the side. Reminiscing, his gaze tracks back to Kili. ]

In the foolishness of my youth I believed he was right to protect her so fiercely, to take such action, but now I think all he felt was his own powerlessness in the whole affair.

[Kili listens quietly, brow furrowed as he tries to follow. It's clear he's not quite making the connection that Thranduil is intending, struggling to piece it together.

It doesn't help that he's not entirely sober yet.]

I do not understand. [He speaks slowly, still mulling it over.] What are you saying?

I am saying that I am sorry your love has been separated from you. Should she return, I am not a tyrannical Elvenking who would prevent your union from taking place.

[ However, it is weird and he's fairly certain it isn't a good influence on Legolas. But Thranduil is old, and he doesn't like to keep lovers apart. He has better uses for his time, rather than playing the villain. ]

And she may return, Kili. I did.

[A small smile touches his lips and he inclines his head, clearly grateful.]

Thank you, my lord.

[He's never been quite this respectful towards the Elvenking before, but it's becoming clear that Thranduil is willing to mend the rift between dwarf and elf. He's been nothing but courteous and kind to Kili and his brother. Kili can't continue to hold a grudge against him.]

I pray that she does.

Until then, I shall be hosting a feast at the end of the month. You will receive an invitation, as will your kin, but it bears mentioning now. The native Elves celebrate a holiday loosely termed Yule and it is not my place to command the festivals of others, so we will be hosting it within the mountain.

You would be very welcome guests. I have permanent Dwarven chambers being prepared for Master Gimli upon my son's request, it would be no trouble to house you with him in there if you have no protests.

[ His lips twitch, then straighten. Mostly. ]

I give my word that they will be the exact opposite of a dungeon.

[ See? He can joke. ]

[A celebration! Mahal knows the Durins need one of those, and Kili nods eagerly.] You can expect us there. I imagine all of us need it, after everything.

[The remark about dungeons comes as such a surprise to Kili that for a moment he just stares before he comprehends. It was a joke.

Before he can even stop himself, he's laughing uncontrollably, partially out of hysteria.]

[ Well, at least it's hysterical laughing and not sobbing anymore. ]

I shall see you there.

[ And the locket shuts. ]

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