video. open to both courts.

[orcsurfing]

[ Legolas has waited several hours to make this announcement. Grieving, weeping with quiet tears for the half of it, gathering composure and thoughts for the other. He still hardly feels the strength needed to say what he has to say, hardly feels himself having the competence, yet it must be said and he makes a good show for it.

His shoulders squared, head held high no matter the shame he still carries with his hair cut short as it is, his face seems carved out of stone into an expression of firm neutrality, yet not without the soft edges of gentleness. What suffering there is is hidden deeply and out of view. The light in his eyes has dimmed, and with the usual cheer and laughter missing from the picture he makes, his presence seems hollow.

A shadow of his usual self, yet he holds himself together all the same. The Prince he should be, his father's son though not once in his life has he been truly prepared to take over his father's role.

He never wanted to either and especially not like this. ]

Elvenking Thranduil has vanished from this world, leaving behind his shard.

[ His lip doesn't tremble, there is no pause, his voice is even. ]

What he has set out to do, I will carry out in time. 'tis a promise to the shard-holders and the natives of the Drabwurld alike. What begs to be repeat now, with my own voice, with my own words, is that I have forsworn all allegiance with either Court and I will build a home for all who wish not to be drawn into the madness of this foolish war.

[ Time for play is over, time for growing up at last has just begun. He takes no title, names himself no Prince nor King nor anything much really. ]

Those who had unfinished business with him are welcome to bring it to me, his son Legolas Thranduilion.

[ A beat of a pause then in a tone far gentler, yet at the same time tired, he adds. ]

And to those who are to partake in the upcoming battle, I wish you luck.

[ Be safe, he wishes he could say, but the words get stuck in his throat. Then mimicking his father's attitude, he shuts the locket without another word.

In what little time he was speaking the sharp edges of the shard in his hand cut through skin with the force of his hold on it, blood trickles down, painting red flowers on the floor, but he barely feels it. Body numbed to pain with the agony of the soul, he feels himself cracking and crumbling and shattering all over again. What strength that returned over the weeks spent at the Station, seems to be now fizzling out with every quiet breath.

He feels more alone than he has felt in all his life, not knowing if he'll ever see his father ever again. Not even knowing what has happened, in truth, just that today he was simply gone and on bed there lay a shard.

This isn't Arda, this is Drabwurld, will they ever see each other at Aman again? Or has he lost his father for all the rest of his life? ]

( ooc: there'll be a delay before he begins responding and all responses to this post will be in voice only. Thrandaddy is gone, babyleaf's gotta grow up asap and pull his act together. :c )

Comments

[chromosomes]

Not sure I believe in fate. But something like that.

[ He sighs. ]

You're not alone. Thranduil may be gone, but you have me and Hermione and others here with you. If it's eternity, then you won't be alone.

[orcsurfing]

You are ever kind to me, John Grimm. To us all. My father has rightfully named you an elf-friend and his departure changes nothing between us.

Thank you.

[ There's gravity in those words, but of the good kind. His grief may still ring clear - he needs the time to grieve - but what worries there were are soothed. ]

[chromosomes]

[ John isn't all that great with words -- Legolas is far better. But he knows this is important. ]

Of course. Any time you need me, and quite a few times when you don't.

[orcsurfing]

Like true family, regardless of all the differences?

[ No blood relation, different people and cultures and worlds, yet still, it seemed to matter little. Hermione already told him he is like a brother to her... kind words, those. He sounds... hopeful, somehow. ]

[chromosomes]

[ Oh. It's a hard question if John thinks too hard -- thinks about his parents, before and after they died, and his sister before they were thrown back together. But he's already speaking before his brain gets that far. ]

Right.

[ Brothers in arms, and then some. ]

[orcsurfing]

[ There is not much more left to say, and Legolas doesn't want to distract John from what's upcoming either way.

Though the relief colours his voice deeply, mixed in with concern and all sorts of other various emotions. ]

Be safe, John.