eachdraidh | {Video/After the Feast: Open to Seelie & Unseelie}

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{Video/After the Feast: Open to Seelie & Unseelie}

There is a magic here that I have never encountered in all of my journeys across Middle Earth. I do not know what to call it or even where it originates. {His anger over having been taken from the final battle at the Black Gate has diminished. In its place, Aragorn looks solemn and paler than usual.} I can only ask that it returns me from whence I came. It is of the utmost importance that I do not -

{For the first time, his voice cracks and he falls silent.}

There is a battle. It will decide the fate of my world. If I do not fight within it; if I do not lend my strength to my men, more of them will perish. {Perhaps they will lose heart. Perhaps all of them will die in the face of their greatest fear. All of the possibilities are incredibly grim.} I must return.

My name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn and I am the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. My place is with my people and my friends.

{No feast can distract him; food is naught but a texture against his tongue. Now isn't the time for joy and festivities. Rather, his entire attention is fixed upon that which he can't see anymore.

The Black Gate.

How far has he been transported? And by what sorcery? He holds onto his sword - the reforged Narsil - tightly, ready and waiting to draw it free from its sheathe.}

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The fortunes of our world are no longer of greatest immediate import. Calm yourself.

[ It's the year of Eldarion's death, a genuinely decent length of time since his father Aragorn, King Elessar himself lived. But this is not the great king as he was known to Gondor; this is merely a ranger busy with his wars, climbing that ladder to greatness to prove his worth. Thranduil is rather glad of it, since Aragorn will be much more suited to circumstances here if he isn't toting an actual crown, recognised by a people, and drawing attention to himself.

It means the Walker can run around with Thranduil's son and keep Legolas safe. ]

I am Thranduil, Elvenking. You know my son, Legolas. Will you be travelling with him in the Drabwurld of Allaidh Darach? I would know your plans, if they fall into line with his.

{Upon hearing that the Elven King is present, Aragorn wonders how long it will be until they speak. Clearly he doesn't have to wait long. His eyes widen and he inclines his head respectfully, waiting for Thranduil to have his say. One does not interrupt a King - even if one happens to be a King (in the making) themselves.}

If my absence is not noted, I shall let myself be calm. {His voice is soft but steady. Should he choose to speak louder, it is likely clear to Elvish ears that he has the ability - capability, rather - to command and put strength into the hearts of Men who quake in fear.}

I shall follow Legolas wherever he leads. He has been too long without the companionship of Gimli and myself.

Edited 2014-10-02 02:36 (UTC)

[ He remembers Aragorn from the Man's earlier years, holing up Gollum in Mirkwood on Gandalf's designs and remaining with the wood-elves for a time. Thranduil trusts him. ]

You will have my thanks in keeping an elf named Celegorm far, far away from my son.

{Gandalf is one of the few Aragorn trusts unquestioningly. Though let it not be said that the two haven't had a serious discussion when dire action was necessary.}

May I know your reasoning, Your Grace?

It is a matter of utmost delicacy, for the state that Celegorm left my son in, after torturing him, is beyond the telling.

[ In short: ] There was a skirmish between the Seelie and Unseelie some time ago wherein Legolas was left behind, abandoned by the Seelie he fought alongside within enemy territory. [ His voice remains very, very level. ] Celegorm the Fair beat Legolas to within an inch of his life. He branded his flesh, broke both his arms, and cut his hair. Like a lost wretch, uncertain he wished to live, Legolas rode south to me at last.

He was changed. He yet is.

[ There's a pregnant pause, and he goes on with a mildly more conversational tone. ]

He would not wish for you to know the full extent of his shame, but I tell you the greater part of it so you will understand the urgency with which I make my request of you and Gimli. You are Legolas's beloved companions. I have no kingdom, no Halls here to call my own. Justice is not mine to dispense, so I do what I can in appraising you of the truth instead.

Do not speak to Legolas of these horrors, for you would only revisit them upon his memory. It is enough that you, his good friend, merely know to prevent the situation from occurring for a second time.

{The news leaves him far paler and scowling. To know his friend suffered so hurts him to his core. He wants nothing more than to travel as fast as he can to Legolas's side, yet he sees the reasoning behind pretending to be ignorant.

Elves are proud. For his friend to be so be so demeaned and by another Elf...

Gritting his teeth and forcing himself to breathe deeply, he barely conquers his anger - rage, really - and manages an even tone.}

Celegorm will find himself in much the same position should he ever approach Legolas a second time. {Aragorn is not a cruel man; he believes in justice, yet. Yet.} Thank you for informing me, Your Grace. I shall not reveal that I know to him or any other.

{Except he will treat Celegorm warily at best.}

Is Celegorm known for enacting violence upon other Elves?

[ Good, that is exactly the way he hoped Aragorn would take it. ]

This is the Celegorm known from the Feanorionnath of old. I was in Menegroth when its sacking took place in my youth and Celegorm, maddened and consumed by the Oath which bound him, slew Dior Eluchíl in pursuit of a Silmaril. He is called the Fair, which suits him as well as it might an adder with comely scales before it strikes.

{He presses his lips together, his fears coming to light. The stories of old are known to him, but encountering such figures in person is unnerving to say the least.}

If Celegorm desires an opponent, he will have one. I pray we never cross blades. {Because he knows it will end in one of their deaths.} Adders should be watched, but not approached unless they approach first.

You are strong, Aragorn, but a Man cannot fight this Elf if Celegorm so desperately chases combat. Legolas's endurance was pushed to the brink, I thought I would lose him. [ Even more sad than that, somehow; ] The sole reason he did not flee is that he could not conceive of a Kinslaying such as he was taught as a babe, and sought to welcome the Feanorian. He did not have to endure a sacking of his home.

[ As did I. ]

But that is done now. What of you and your arrival at Caer Glaem, how goes it?

A Man might try when the only other option is to see his friend in torment. {He flexes his fingers, clearly recalling the weight of his sword.} You, nor I, nor Gimli will lose him.

{The though is unbearable. Elves are meant to live forever. For them to feel the touch of the Gift of Men (i.e. mortality) is frightening and wrong.}

Legolas has opened his heart and mind to many who proved themselves worthy of the effort. I do not doubt his intentions were good and fair.

{Which makes it all the more heart-breaking.}

I prepared myself for a battle where the odds were greatly against us. We stood before the Black Gate of Mordor and Sauron's eye was fixed upon us. I do not feel I have left the danger behind.

It has merely changed forms.

You are a good friend.

[ It's little more than a murmur, but there. Then he focuses on other matters. ]

The Unseelie are unpredictable, as are the Seelie. I resent the latter more for their foolishness in leaving Legolas behind, and I urge you not to place the wealth of your trust in either faction.

Edited 2014-10-04 20:51 (UTC)

He would do likewise for me. {That he knows without question.} I have not and I will not. This war is unknown to me and I find no comfort in the lavish surroundings of the castles.

He would. [ The Nine Walkers share a bond that nothing can dissolve. With any luck, it will only be strengthened here, where danger comes in constant battering force and subtle cruelty.

Touching the bridge of his nose, it is not often that a shadow of Thranduil's age passes over his face yet it does so now, the sheer relief wearying his brow. ]

It is a gratitude I cannot express, to have peace of mind knowing you have kept your wits about you in this land. Forgive me, Aragorn; I should have expected no less of you. [ But he is not too proud to admit that. ] Call on me when you have need of aid, I will do what I can even should I needs must ride out to your side myself. I will not hold you here any longer, there is much I am sure you would wish to do this day.

{The fatigue on Thranduil's features causes Aragorn's expression to soften. He knows the Elf is proud - like father like son in that respect - yet carrying a burden alone is tiresome for anyone.}

I take no offense at being asked, Your Majesty. It isn't wise to make any assumptions.

{Those words coming from Thranduil mean a great deal to him and he smiles faintly.}

I offer you the same aid - should you find yourself in need of it. We will be helpless indeed if we do not keep one another abreast of what has passed.

{His wishes have changed drastically and he finds himself without a compass. Even so, he realizes he needs to familiarize himself with the castle at the very least.}

I thank you for contacting me.

[ Inclining his head in grateful acknowledgment, he looks thoughtful one last time. ]

Do you have need of a fierce and tireless steed? If so, I have a horned mount called a unicorn, Gelefn, who is the father of a herd within the forest. They use their horns to skewer their meals, oftentimes, but I have found Gelefn particularly useful against orcs.

[ Who doesn't want a steed that stabs monsters all on its own, really? No one. ]

If you wish it, I shall send him to Caer Glaem with one of his kin. They will serve you better than a horse as they are cleverer beasts and cannot be ridden by any who is not of royal blood, near-impossible to scare and steal.

There is always a use for such a steed. {His eyes widen and he tilts his head, clearly awed.} I can see why he would be a fit companion to have in the wilds.

{A small smile follows that. He will never tire of seeing Orcs skewered.}

I will care for them to the best of my ability. {Which shouldn't be hard since he can communicate with most animals.} You are far too generous, though I am not complaining.

Edited 2014-10-13 08:51 (UTC)

Expect your new steed in three days or so, they are keen racers and will not dally. [ His smile chuckles. ] If I were truly generous, I could say less and offer more. It is enough that you are well provided for.

We shall talk again, my friend. I will leave you to your immediate business.

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{Video/After the Feast: Open to Seelie & Unseelie}

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