❧ video; 01

[ Tiny, delicate little hands are the first sight to be seen when the locket begins to broadcast, closely followed by a pair of bright grey eyes. A fairy flutters from Thranduil's arm to sit on his shoulder and, pointy-eared as he is with a river of pale blonde hair (not to mention a crown of red berries and leaves), they make a fine pair, though neither of them appears particularly human. It isn't locked to one court or another, singularly because he isn't aware it can be, displaying the brilliant golden walls of a private solar in Caer Glaem. A king's chambers.

The feed shuts off abruptly.

Minutes later, it clicks back on to the sound of the tinkling laughter of the same fairy; someone is clearly learning how to use the locket's functions via trial and error. Judging by the first glimpse of him, he needs the practice. The third time he speaks, the message runs along the screen like a river of inked words taking form: A charming tool. And they will be able to respond in kind, you say? I think I will, yes. How do I —? Ah. Thank you, little one.

Fourth time is a charm; the locket is held at arm's length, affording the best view yet of a fascinated elf. ]

I am Thranduil, Elvenking of Eryn Lasgalen, that which is the Wood of Greenleaves in the land from whence I hail. I would welcome those with greater knowledge of the Drabwurld and the creatures within it. Well do I understand the nature of being summoned thus — that is not a point of contention for me, as it is with many of you.

[ The fairy shimmers insistently, drawing a glance. ]

Lothdithen will visit any who wish to further discuss with me the matter of the war and lead them to where I will be in the castle until nightfall. The library will suffice with its maps of where we might strengthen this fortress with our differing experience and arts.

[ There is no thanks, no goodbye. The feed simply ends with the tone of one who is not accustomed to bandying idle words. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I understand why we're here too. It might not be an ideal situation, but we're needed. We can't just ignore that.

[ After a moment's pause, she offers a slightly nervous smile - she doesn't want to bother him with too many questions, after all. ]

Is Lothdithen your new friend? And as for defence and strengthening - I know a large amount of protection spells and charms. I'm not sure how effective they'll be in defending anything here, exactly, but it's worth considering.

She is.

[ Protection spells and charms ... That certainly delves a note of interest in his voice. ]

Indeed? So too do my own arts lean in the direction of enclosure and fortification. We might speak if you were to join me forthwith. I would be glad to hear more about these spells of yours in person.

She's lovely, really.

[ ... Wonderful small talk, Hermione. Shaking her head, she takes a deep breath to try and calm herself down before she does something even worse to embarrass herself. ]

I'd love to come and see you and tell you what I know. I'm not sure how well my spells would work if it was just me casting them, especially over wide areas, but I can at least suggest some things that might be useful in keeping us all safe.

[ Lothdithen preens happily with a curtsey at the compliment, gently brushed aside so her light doesn't get in his eyes. ]

I will await you. Your name, my lady?

[ And, now, Hermione is simply entranced with the fairy, her smile turning a little more confident. ]

I'll come as soon as I can - and it's just Hermione, um, sir? Hermione Granger. I'm not a lady.

[ Not about to argue, she gains the ghost of a smile. ]

We shall be Hermione and Thranduil only, then. [ While she's on the line, he inquires further once he notices how eagerly Hermione watches the little green fairy. ] Have they left you quite alone? They appear to be treated as pests.

[ Though not by him, which is probably why he's gained a tiny vassal. ]

[ It's enough to make her a little more comfortable; all these strangers have her somewhat on edge and she doesn't want to accidentally offend someone, not if she can help it. ]

That sounds perfect, Thranduil. [ She glances around the emptiness of her room before she smiles, looking a little sheepish. ] I've had a few bad experiences with pixies before and - well, I think they might have noticed I had my nose in a book and thought it best to leave me to it.

You have encountered such creatures before? Already you stand in better stead to deal with them than me or my son.

[ 90% certain he saw a swarm of the little things flocking the prince in the corridor, oh dear. Then again, Legolas almost asks for the attention. ]

Only pixies, really, and they were nothing like this - they were far more irritating and prone to causing trouble than these faeries.

[ She pauses, leaning closer. He doesn't look old enough to have a son that's too old but... Maybe there's a little more to it. ]

Your son is here, then? That must be nice.

It is. We were parted prior to our arrival here, though for barely a century, and I intended to seek him out one day. It appears our reunion was to occur sooner than we both imagined.

... A century? [ Her eyes widen and she stares, blank for a long moment. ] I - um, I assume that kind of length isn't unusual for your people?

A hundred years is a mere blink in the eye of an Elf, yet an eternity to a father sundered from his child. We of the Eldar are immortal.

Immortal elves? That - I've never heard of that before. I expect your people are common in your world, then, the same way witches and wizards are in mine?

[ And then she smiles, a little sheepish. ]

I'm glad you and your son are together again.

[ A grateful look is bestowed, though he can't help his curiosity from overrunning the well-wishes. ]

Wizards are not altogether commonplace, but they make themselves known. The last witch, to my knowledge, was the Witch-King of Angmar, who fell at the blade of a great woman of Rohan.

None of those sound familiar at all to me, which makes sense if we're all from different worlds, right? I'm from a place called Britain, on Earth, and magic is almost commonplace. There are millions of witches and wizards and we're trained in schools and work jobs related to our magic.

Then I feel all the better for knowing a kindly witch, such as yourself, for surely I find no trace of darkness in your brow or in your bearing.

Oh, well, um-

[ Her cheeks darken and she smiles, softly. ]

Thank you, Thranduil.

[ Ah, charming. ]

You are welcome, Hermione. I look forward to conducting research with you.

❧ video; 01

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