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

[goldsickness]

[ It is nearly impossible to ignore the similarities in the tone, brief a spark as it may be, and for a moment Thorin is quiet, his eyebrows arching just barely, almost imperceptibly as he answers. ]

I am sure you will be as much of a headache to them as the Elvenking himself would have come to be.

[ Poorly hidden amusement in his tone, or perhaps he simply is not trying as much. And frankly he cannot deny to be glad to see someone else sharing his view on all of this, even if that someone so happens to be a Mirkwood elf. ]

[orcsurfing]

Your words I will take for a compliment, Thorin Oakenshield.

[ In this too, he's a lot like his father. Thranduil is the one who taught him nearly all that he knew, after all, even this. And so there are threads of vague amusement in otherwise serious tone. ]

And express my thanks.

[ Odd as it is, perhaps, to have been comforted by him. His gratitude is genuine, though the truth of it hidden beneath layers of light teasing. As much as his current mood allows. ]

[goldsickness]

[ When Thorin speaks next, the words sound most unusual coming from him. ]

In this very particular case, indeed it is. If they come to force us to be in this place then we should do no short than to have them regret ever thinking we would be a good choice as soldiers in their war.

[ Reluctantly so: ] Much like your father would have, I am sure. It is in your very blood to be insufferable.

[orcsurfing]

[ Almost, yet Legolas takes them in stride, easy and without showing much surprise anymore. ]

Indeed. 'tis a matter in which we truly see eye to eye. I am glad.

[ Then with a tease that he somehow manages through the more serious (and still morose) mood: ]

Am I truly so insufferable, however? Cannot be so, if you still spare me your patience.

[goldsickness]

Then perhaps I ought to remedy that. You seem to enjoy whatever attention is given to you far too much.

[ Especially from him. Most likely simply taking great pleasure of mocking him, no doubt. Still, his tone is not quite so rough or offensive, despite the words. ]

[orcsurfing]

That would sadden me greatly, if you did.

[ Ah, but he sounds so very genuine in this. Not a hint of mocking, not a hint of play, just stating a fact. ]

That I have your friendly acquaintance is an honour.

[goldsickness]

[ As if that ever would affect him so. ]

We are not friends.

[ Not truly aggressive as one might expect from him, but a stated fact nonetheless, curt and dry. ]

[orcsurfing]

[ It's not surprising, much expected in fact. Still, for a moment Legolas is silent. ]

Of course.

[ There's no mocking nor any hurt in his voice, in truth. Much like Thorin himself, simply stating a fact. ]

[goldsickness]

[ And silence stretches on for a while longer after Legolas speaks. But Thorin has nothing else to say, and it seems indeed like a good time to go through with what he said just a few moments ago.

So with a soft click he closes the locket and ends the communication, effectively putting an end to their conversation. ]