memory + video // open to both courts

[justike]

[Video of the memory here.]



[The memory opens in an empty throne room, dusty with disuse, with the light filtering through a stained glass window illuminating a young woman on the throne. To anyone who's seen her before Elincia is easily recognizable, though her face is softer and younger.

Ike's voice, too, is a little younger:] "What's wrong? Everyone's waiting. Is it okay if they don't even see your shadow?"

[Elincia answers without looking up.] "I'm nervous. My existence has been hidden ever since I was born. I never received the education of one who would be responsible for a country. Is it all right for someone like me to be crowned? The people, will they recognize me?"

"What's this foolishness?"

"But Lord Ike, I..."

"If that's so, then... did you receive an education on how to hire us mercenaries?"

"Huh? That's--"

"Or an education about how to gather your scattered retainers, or take back your lost country?"

"But that and this are--"

"They're not different."

[The view shifts as Ike kneels with one gauntleted hand braced on his leg, looking up at Elincia's anxious face from below.]

"Up until now, haven't you done wonderfully? And from here on out as well, you'll be able to make it work."

"... Yes."

"Well then, let's go. Everyone's waiting. If you're uncomfortable alone, let's go together."

[Ike rises again, extending his hand. After a moment's hesitation Elincia accepts and he pulls her up towards him, her weight slight. The memory lingers on her warm smile as she clasps his hand in both of hers.]

"Thank you, Lord Ike. It was truly wonderful to have been able to meet you."

[The only answer he gives is taking her hand firmly again as they turn to walk together towards the light of an entranceway. The decorative mirrors in the hall catch his reflection briefly, showing a young man barely taller than Elincia and considerably smaller in stature than the Ike anyone in the Drabwurld has spoken to.]


[Sometime later, Ike's usual vaguely frowning face will appear in the locket:]

Hm. Another one of these. Um... Sorry.

Comments

video

[bythewaves]

Hm. I suppose I will have to apologise to her for failing to address her by her correct title later. She is fortunate to have such a boon companion by her side.

[ A pause ] Yes... and no. Tis nothing to concern yourself over, Master Ike. It seems that trouble is always a-brewing, but the current one is perhaps a little more personal than I would like.

[justike]

Don't worry about it. If she wanted people to use her title, she would've introduced herself like that. [Although that reminds him:] You really don't have to call me "Master Ike." I'm just a mercenary, Ike is fine.

[Ike nods a little bit at that.] Alright. I won't force myself into your business, but if you need a hand with something...?

[bythewaves]

I hardly think you just a mercernary, Ike. [ a small flash of real humor ] Not with such close bonds to a queen.

Thank you for your kindness, but in this... I would rather you stayed well clear of us, my friend. Tis a bad business, to be caught up in the affairs of the Feanorionnath.

[justike]

Feanorionnath again. Is this about that oath?

[Oh, oops. He smiles back a little sheepishly.] Sorry, I said I wouldn't push. But if it's trouble, I'm not going to end up sitting back and watching either.

[bythewaves]

It is. [ a shrug ] I mind not you asking - the Oath, you see, was only the beginning. For the deeds we did we earned ourselves also a Curse and a prophecy - what many call the Doom of the Noldor. And in part, what it said was this:

"Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures that they have sworn to pursue. To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well; and by treason of kin unto kin, and the fear of treason, shall this come to pass."

So you see - to even set your hand to our cause may well be reason enough to bring disaster - let it end with us.

[ Let it end with me ]

Keep your Lady safe, Ike - and far, far away from us.

[justike]

[More oaths and prophecies again. It's really no wonder Maglor looks so tired every time Ike sees him, he's starting to think.]

Well... We're not your kin, and I'm not really afraid of treason. But I'll let her know.

[He shrugs, almost sheepishly, and tries to smile at Maglor in reassurance.]

I'm sorry. I'm not much good with complicated things like this. If a friend needs help then prophecies or whatever don't matter to me. But if it makes you feel better, I'll try to stay out of it for now.

[Until it seems necessary, he supposes.]

[bythewaves]

[ a small humorless smile ] Perhaps you are not, but I have been betrayed before, by those under my command, and fancy it not again - tis why Celegorm marches to war but I chose a different path. Irregardless, the way my roads have always gone down to blood and darkness, I would rather take none with me who might remain apart and unstained.

[ a soft huff ] You are honorable and true Ike, and the Lady Elincia is fortunate indeed to have one such as you for a friend and champion.

[justike]

If there's a path to settle things apart from war, I'll support you how I can. Even if that means staying out of things for now. Though once the fighting starts, I don't think I can stand back and watch.

[Maglor, you'll embarrass him, cut it out.] I've just done the best I can with what my father taught me. Our situations are different, but I think we're alike in that.

Ike is the second person to say that to him here *he's only being honest*

[bythewaves]

I do not know if it can, but I must try. And I cannot stop you Ike - only, please stay safe.

[ a quiet little crook of his mouth that is too sad to be called a smile ] What my father taught me hm? I suppose so.

WHICH PART poor mags

[justike]

I will. Don't worry, I've seen battle before. I always come out intact.

[Which seems like a better track record than Maglor's running, honestly. It's pretty clear where the worry should be directed here.] You too. Stay as safe as you can.

[That's the part he's strongly suspecting Maglor did not learn from Feanor, if the memory was anything to go by.]

the getting embarrassed thing!

[bythewaves]

[ a small pained smile ] Near two thousand years of battle and seige I have survived and outlived all I love, my friend. Death is not ready for me yet, it seems. Good fortune to you.