eachdraidh | Accidental Video, unlocked to both courts, sometime during the event

[ The video flicks on to a song, soft and sweet and sad. The voice is familiar, it has been heard, in similar circumstances, before - the singer is also probably easily recognizable, and it is fairly obvious that the singer once again does not know that he is being recorded (this is something of a trend) There is a fearie who chitters at the screen before zipping off again ]

Hush now dear ones,
Rest your eyes
None will bring you harm
Sleep my sweet ones
Fear no noise
For I will keep you warm

[ It is a lullaby - an old one, sweet and gentle, but sung oh, so sadly. He wrote this, long ago for the youngest of his brothers, to keep them calm and help them sleep. He rewrote it, years and years later, when there was only one twin left, and sung it as a dirge. He rewrote it one final time, for twin peredhil boys, who he had stolen all joy from. He sings all three versions now, in a soft round, looping back on themselves - quiet peace, grief, and apology, all twining together to make something that says, as clearly as if he spoke the words:

I miss those days, when we were happy, for there is only sorrow now

Maglor is outside the station and he keeps his voice low, so as not to disturb those inside who might not want to hear one of the Feanorionnath. He does not look well (he will not fade, he promised, but he is so very close), but a bit calmer, perhaps (killing imps is good stress relief). He also has an audience which he does not appear to notice - namely, the faerie who turned on the locket (perhaps it was one of the Ainsel, before) ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Wow, that was... really something.

[ Maglor looks up, startled by a voice he does not know, and the fairy ducks to hide in his hair, peeking out shyly ]

My thanks, stranger. I did not mean to intrude but it seems some here feel the need to share my songs widely.

[He can't help but offer a reassuring smile, both at the singer and the fairy]

It didn't bother me at all. Honestly, I felt a little bit like I was eavesdropping. I'm glad I got to hear that though, since it really was amazing.

[ Maglor manages a smile in return, a tired, sad thing it is ]

You honor me, stranger. And I do not mind - I am glad enough that my songs may still touch hearts. Maglor I am, and who might you be?

Well, I'm sure I'm not that only one that thinks a song can sound great, even if it's also really sad. My name is Tokidoki Rikugou, but you can just call me Toki.

Tokidoki Rikugou? [ His accent probably butchers it, but he smiles a little, and bows ]

Well met, Master Toki, poor meeting though this is. I suppose most of my songs are sad these days, for I have little reason for joy. Yet, I suppose if my audience must insist on turning on and broadcasting my music [ he shoots a scolding glare at his fairy ] that I can find it in me to play some of the happier things instead.

Are you a music fan then, Master Toki?

[Since it's not the first time someone has had trouble with his name and it doesn't really bother him, he just offers a nod and a small smile.]

It's nice to meet you, too. You know, if you're sad and you want to sing sad songs, then that's up to you. You shouldn't force yourself to sing happy stuff if you don't want to. I think what matters most is what you feel like singing, I guess.

I used to just casually listen music back home, but some things changed so I haven't had the chance to listen to much lately.

[ he manages a soft amused huff ]

I thank you for your kindness, Master Toki. Well, I will have to see I suppose - there may be little cause for happy songs, here.

What sort of music did you like?

As bad as it is being here, there's always a chance we'll find some things to be happy about. I'm sure it's possible.

Honestly, I didn't have a favorite kind of music. I used to just listen to whatever was popular as kind of background noise. I actually think I used to take a lot of things like music for granted.

Perhaps. [ But not for me he does not say ]

I suppose we are all guilty of that - we seldom miss what things until it is too late. In a world like this one, I suppose you learn swiftly what you truly value.

Mm, it's like, even though in your head you know things can't stay the way they are forever, suddenly having everything taken away from you is still a shock. It's tough when you realize that everyone here has had to go through feeling that way.

[ a faint smile ]

You sound very experienced there, Master Toki. Wise words, however. Tis true enough - the Eldar - my people, that is - we have often been accused of clinging too tightly to the past. We change but slowly, and the wearing of time is grievous to us.

Well, it can be really hard to let go of the past. If it's that difficult for um, your people to change, is it really that bad to do it slowly? Slowly is better than not at all, right?

Especially when you cannot forget it. [ Maglor nods ]

True enough - change is inevitable, I suppose - and we adapt, as we must, but it wears on us, all the same.

[Toki makes a small, surprised sound that is quickly cut off.]

Hah, especially when you can't forget.

When I think about it though, I know that lots of other people have to struggle to deal with change too. It doesn't exactly make it easier, but it does make it feel a little less lonely, you know?

[ That gets a curious crook of an eyebrow ]

True enough - I suppose that one advantage of being thrown so cruelly into a war such as this is knowing that there are many others in similar straits. Misery shared, they say, is easier dealt with.

[He only offers an embarrassed shrug and nod at the statement.]

Right, it's not great, but at least it's something that we all have in common. I'm really glad that someone else understands.

[ He gets a smile back, a faint faded thing, but still a little more solid, a little more real ]

True enough. Alas, it seems too many are unwilling to seek for the commonalities.