2: [video] Seelie and Unseelie

[silvergift]

[A few days could be excused. There was a lot happening, people were frantic, fires were burning and people had been hurt. So she hadn't worried for a few days. But a few days had passed and she hadn't seen or even heard from him.

Celebrían was understandably concerned. And maybe someone will have heard something that she hasn't.]

Elrond is missing. I have not heard of him since the attack and I worry for him.

[She's trying to keep herself composed but after everything that happened, a part of her is afraid and trying not assume the worst.]

Please. If anyone might know anything, tell me.

Comments

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[knavishness]

'cause no one with 'great skill' has never had someone get the drop on them.

[Really, what sort of world did these elves live in?]

I'm just being realistic here; it's not like we were brought here for parties and beer, and not everyone is as charming as me.

hijack- also video

[inafadingcrown]

[Alright, that's enough. This conversation is serving no purpose except to upset Celebrían further.]

My daughter is well aware of the possibilities, I assure you. What she seeks now is certainties- knowledge of what became of Lord Elrond. If you have none, then I suggest that you cease to torment her with what may or may not be.

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[knavishness]

[More elves? They're like rabbits!]

Right, right, no upsetting the lady.

[And he's just not ready to leave well enough alone. This is what happens when he's bored]

Maybe she can ask our dear Royals who would never keep secrets from their loyal guests. One of those favors everyone was quick to line up for.

[He laughs a bit before continuing]

Or wish real hard.

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[inafadingcrown]

Have you no compassion? Do you find some satisfaction in taunting a woman beset with fear?

If you cannot behave yourself in some semblance of a civil and decent manner, then you had best confine yourself to company which will tolerate your brutish behavior.

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[knavishness]

[His grin falls as he shrugs and looks anywhere but at the locket]

Sorry, compassion isn't for the heartless.

[He's not really sorry, just slightly bitter. Well, as bitter as he can be]

Don't worry about me, got a fine group here. One of your sort even, but with less drama.

[Will glances at Maglor like he isn't talking about the elf]

Mean no offence, Mags.

Action threadjack

[bythewaves]

Hm?

[ Maglor looks up from his own locket, his face gone drawn and pale, eyes tired and their light all but vanished. ]

Who are you speaking to Will?

Action

[knavishness]

Eh, some lady who lost her fellow and some other lady who's up in arms about something. Really I was just trying to let them know that given the sort of place this is, they might not find that fellow as alive as they left him.

[See how reasonable and nice he's being?]

[bythewaves]

[ If possible he goes even paler, and now his eyes flash with a dangerous fire, his voice gone tight and controlled ]

Will, that is my cousin and my niece, and the one they speak of is my son one dear to me as well.

[knavishness]

Didn't mean no disrespect, but you gotta admit that it's a strong possibility.

[He at least has the courtesy to put his hand over the locket to the women can't see their conversation]

This ain't a nice place no matter how shiny they make it look with fairies and magic.

Magic always has a price and this place is full of magic. Whose to say we're not here to pay that price?

[bythewaves]

[ Control yourself Makalaure and he takes a few deep breaths before he lashes out Will is not the one you are angry at he reminds himself

But who then? a soft voice asks him Yourself? ]

No it is not. But you did not need to speak so to one already worried. [ He looks away and the answer is quiet and despairing ] Why must my kin suffer for our... my mistakes? Can I never escape, even here? They should never have to pay my price...

[knavishness]

[And now he feels bad, not guilty, but bad enough that he puts away the locket and moves his horse closer]

Look, I didn't, see, sometimes I just run my mouth and don't know when to stop. Queen of Hearts hated when I did that...come to think of it, it's probably why she made me go after Alice in the first place; probably hoped Alice would off me.

[His hands move to his pack where his own burden lies]

Whatever happened here isn't your fault none. This place is wrong all over and no matter what side you're on, you're going to get hurt. Those two, being here together isn't a kindness. Love makes you weak and right there those two are each others weakness. That's the only price they're paying.

[bythewaves]

It is my fault. For I am here [ Running away like a coward ] and I left Celegorm to his own devices. [ soft and despairing ]

I knew Celegorm was called to war, and I knew he went eagerly. I should have known it would come to this. [ It always has before

Perhaps a small dark voice whispers I should have ended it before it began ]

What sort of brother am I? What sort of cousin, to allow this?

[knavishness]

You're psychic then? And all powerful? Wow, probably should have just left all that worm fighting to you.

[He waits for the other three to move ahead before pulling his horse in front of Maglor to force the elf to stop]

The only destiny you have control of is your own. Not your brother's or your cousin or anyone else. Just you. A very bad lady once gave me some very good advice: unless you move on that pain you feel will never ever go away. No more thinking that everything was your fault.

daww Will that's like. the nicest thing anyone's said to him here

[bythewaves]

(ooc: ... too bad he's too stubborn to listen sob)

I have seen how Celegorm reacts under pressure before. This is... exactly the same. I should have forseen his actions at least.

[ He looks at Will with empty eyes and his voice is dull. ] There will be no end to my pain - so it was foretold. I had thought to escape that doom here, but it seems that I cannot. But... I thank you for saying so, Will Scarlett. You are kinder than you deem yourself.

;;

[knavishness]

No I'm not.

[He was a bad person who did selfish things.

Will watched Maglor for a long moment before rolling his eyes and mentally telling himself that he was an idiot]

What if...what if there was a way to end your pain no matter what you've been told? A way for you not to feel all this guilt?

I am sorry to everyone

[bythewaves]

You have offered me comfort this day, and for that I am grateful. [ he corrects quietly ]

If there was... [ soft and soft ] I would seek it. But I cannot change my past, nor my fate.

[knavishness]

[Will reached into his bag and pulled out his golden bottle. The same bottle that had nearly caused him to leave his party during the sudden worm infestation. The same bottle that had cause Alice and then him so much frustration.

He held the bottle out to Maglor, making sure that the other three were well out of sight]

Then wish it away. Three wishes, that's it. No killing people, or bringing someone back from the dead. Can't make anyone fall in love and I can't change the past.

But you can wish the pain your feeling away.

[bythewaves]

[ His breath catches and interest sparks life back into his eyes as he stares at the bottle and then at Will ]

Like the boons the rulers grant. Will... you had such power? Yet if the past cannot change, how will my pain go? For they are tied together, inextricably.

[knavishness]

It's not...I mean...I'm a genie. Cursed to do the bidding of others.

[He was almost ashamed to admit such a thing to Maglor. They weren't friends, no, but Will didn't want the elf to think him less of a man because he was a prisoner to the bottle]

It's just the guilt and pain you feel that would be gone. Everything is clearer with that sorted, believe me. I'm not tricking you, in fact I'm kicking myself for even telling you, but I've felt your sort of pain before and it doesn't get better. Everyday you'll wake up hoping, believing that today will be better than the one before it, and it's not. Feelings leave you vulnerable and you make stupid mistakes because of them.

You want to help your family? Stop letting your thoughts be clouded by the past. It's no help to dwell on what you can't change.

[bythewaves]

There is no way to free you? [ Maglor tips his head to look at Will then looks at the bottle ]

I... [ For once the ghosts in his head are silent, but he can feel the weight of their gazes. ]

There are many who would say my pain is well-deserved. [ Himself included - but... he is so tired of all of this. ]

It would do you no harm?

[knavishness]

[Will can only lower his head before looking away]

A bottle must always have a genie. I was cursed because I wanted to keep a friend from her pain.

[He grin he gives to Maglor as he turns back doesn't quite reach his eyes]

It's sort of my job now.

[bythewaves]

I am sorry. Could the wishes not be used to free you? I would not leave any enslaved thus, especially not one who has been an ally and friend, and who has taken up this curse to defend another.

[ He cannot hide the longing in his eyes as he looks at the bottle ]

...It is tempting [ so soft he whispers ] To not feel this pain any longer...

[knavishness]

[Will shook his head]

Yeah, and then you'd end up here or your brother. Plus I'm not sure that sort of wish would work in this place.

Look, you don't have to wish for nothing dramatic. Oh, and you gotta be specific because magic has a price.

[Which is probably something he should have mentioned when he started this conversation]

Something like 'I wish I wouldn't feel this grief'. Specific.

[He sighed and practically shoved the bottle at Maglor]

Might not even work in this world, but it's worth a try. For yourself and your friends.

*does the thing*

[bythewaves]

I should not [ he murmurs softly, but his hand is already on the bottle ]

I deserve this pain but... Just for a little while. I am so tired.

I wish... for a reprieve from my pain and grief, just for a little while. A week and a day.

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[inafadingcrown]

Then I see no reason to continue this discussion further. You may congratulate my cousin on his fine choice of companions. [And she's tuning out. Bye, Will.]