bythewaves | iC: Inbox [Asgard]

[Two days after the return from Alfheim, Maglor will find this in his inbox.

And he can bet his foot Hamel expects to be paid. YOU HAD THE NERVE TO DIE AFTER HE HELPED YOU, YOU OWE HIM MAN.]

[ Maglor, for his part, stares at the bill incredulously for a long time before sighing. If he was the sort to facepalm, he'd be doing it right now. As it is, he really, really feels like he needs a drink. But... he did die, didn't he? So... Maybe Hamel has a point?

Eventually he picks up his pen (these ballpoint pens are amazing, and he likes them a lot - much neater than quill and ink) and writes you a response, which he'll drop off at Baldr at some point ]

Sir,

One might argue that several of those giants were killed as equally by me as you. However, I acknowledge that I reneged on any agreement to remain alive, for which I apologise. Having only been in this city for the space of one month, I find myself unable to return the full cost of the injuries you demand. In lieu of this, please accept this initial amount of 20 gold runes, and an invitation to [ insert name of Maglor's favourite pub here ] on [ insert random date ], where I have been invited to play. Wine and food will be provided for you from my account, and I will hope to be able to return you further balance of your fees at the close of the night.

[ He seals the envelope with his family's crest

[Wow, so official! A short while after Hamel recieves the letter, Maglor will be approaches by a walking storage chest. How if found him is unknown, but it's magical, so there. The lid snaps open, there's a sound like a cat trying to cough out a hairball and finally the chest spits out a hard copy of a new bill, and a note:]

Accepted. Here's the new bill and I even cut off three giants because us heroes are generous.

Hamel

P.S: Scratch the chest's lid. It likes it

[The chest is, indeed, waiting expectantly for some pettings.]

Edited 2014-01-21 06:34 (UTC)

[ That's what happens one you write bills to someone who was once a Prince~ Maglor, for his part, was minding his own business when the chest rocks up, and he cannot help but stare at it, before he laughs ]

And I had thought I had seen everything this world could bring.

[ he solemnly accepts the missive and on reading it obediently reaches out to pet the chest ] Well now, you can tell your Master thank you for the concession, hm? You have done your duty well, and I thank you.

[The chest leans into the touch. When he thanks it, it creaks happily and the lid cracks open to reveal… a tongue. Just a weird side effect of the runic magic that gave it life.

After leaving storage chest slobber all over Maglor’s hand, it turns away and marches back to Baldr.]

( OOC: handwave? tag his open log? )

Edited (whoops saw you put up a log!) 2014-01-21 10:07 (UTC)

[ Maglor is never going to get used to this world. But if he pretends the chest is a dog, he can manage, right? Right. ]

( ooc: haha, I figured it was the easiest option - up to you? we can say Hamel came, was very bored and got his cash, or we can play something out in the log if you like? )

[In honor of the Earth holiday centering on love, Freya sends out a little gift around this time.

A small box containing a piece of chocolate will appear on your pillow during the day. When consumed, the chocolate’s magic will lift your mood for a short period of time. It’s accompanied by a note.]

Where love might bring about sorrow, it also welcomes joy.

[ Maglor has never see chocolate before, so he's more interested in the note, which brings a sad sort of smile ]

"though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater" eh?

[ In honour of the god centering on love being a giant frilly prissypants, Loki sends his own little gift just a few hours after hers.

His box of chocolate will look, smell, and taste exactly like Freya's did, appearing right next to where Freya's was or is if you haven't picked it up yet. The only difference between the two is that Loki's won't lift your mood; it'll give you loud and embarrassing flatulence for the next three hours.

It's also accompanied by a note. ]

Where joy might bring about yearning, it also welcomes wonder.

[ He arrives at the bar a bit late, a small stack of books and papers tucked neat under an arm in tow.

Since Alfheim, there have been more elves in Asgard's streets, and with a distant pang of self-directed irritation, Albus realizes that spotting the man may be more difficult than he'd first thought. Pointed ears and fair features might stand out like a sore thumb, but that was of markedly less use in a room full of aching hands.

Smoothing the sleeves of his long, blue robes, Albus presses an easy smile into place, peering with bland curiosity to the corners of the room. ]

[ there may be many elves in Asgard these days, but few are as tall as Maglor, and none have his voice - lifted clear above the noise of the crowd is a voice as deep and wild as the sea - following it will lead Albus to the singer ]

Eärendil was a mariner
that tarried in Arvernien;
he built a boat of timber felled
in Nimbrethil to journey in;
her sails he wove of silver fair,
of silver were her lanterns made,
her prow was fashioned like a swan,
and light upon her banners laid.

[While Merlin's exploring this new place, wondrous and colourful and large in a way that his village has never been, he comes across a clear voice raised in song. The music draws him into the park, where he comes across Maglor.

Though he intends to creep closer silently, to observe without disturbing the bard, he missteps and a twig snaps beneath his shoes. Merlin winces, looking up to see if he's drawn attention to himself.]

[ Maglor's songs have been melancholy, the memory of Beleriand raised far too close to the surface by the recent curse

Why did mother leave us? Why did you kill them?

Other things have also been brought up too - including the warrior instincts that have his head snapping up at the sound although he manages not to draw his blade, which is a relief when he sees his observer ]

Well now, good meeting, tithen pen.

Good...meeting. [Merlin draws himself upright sheepishly.]

I didn't mean to interrupt you.

[ Maglor smiles and tips his head in invitation to join him ]

You did not, tithen pen - I am only indulging myself a little, and mind not. I think me I have not seen you before - I am Maglor. What brings you here this day?

[No need for him to ask twice. Merlin scrambles over to him as soon as he interprets Maglor's silent invitation.]

I'm just having a look around. I woke up here today and don't know where I am.

[ Maglor smiles at the eager face, though some of the light in his eyes dims at that last ]

I fear our patrons are not shy of catching up many who are ill-suited for this time and the task they set before us. I am sorry that you are one of them, tithen pen If it suits, I mind not providing some company until one you know comes, or you find some place more suitable.

Really? [He seems caught between being pleased and being wary. Most people who come from outside the village don't mean well.

If only he could figure out why his magic isn't working...he could defend himself if the need arose.]

Our...patrons. The traders in the market said something about gods, but they don't sound familiar. Are they like the gods of the Old Religion, the ones that live in the woods?

I do not mind, tithen pen. [ almost absently he begins to play again, simpler, more cheerful tunes now, mindful of his audience ]

I fear I do not know this 'Old Religion', and so I cannot say. They are powerful, certainly, but I have known others of equal or greater strength who do not call themselves by such titles, though Men have given them such.

[The music relaxes him, as Maglor probably intended, enough that he no longer looks like he's about to bolt at any second.]

Are they really powerful because they have magic?

[ Maglor shrugs a little ]

I do not know if it is 'magic', or simply that they are truly that powerful. But it was them who brought us here, that much is true - and also them from whom our powers are derived.

What about the ones you know--from your kingdom? What kind of power do they have?

[Even if Maglor isn't sure, this is the most "magic" Merlin's seen in...well, his whole life. Naturally, he's a little curious.]

The Valar are... [ how do explain the ainur in simple terms ] they are the Powers who shaped the world. They are not incarnates as we, but beings of spirit. Their powers are... vast, but most of them have areas of... I suppose you would say they were of 'special interest' - Lady Varda loves best the stars, for example, and she it was who hung them.

[Oh boy this is pretty much story time. Merlin looks fascinated.]

If she hung them, could she take them back if she wanted to?

I imagine she would, if she truly wanted to. When she walked amongst us in forms we could see, she would twine small bright ones in her hair.

So the stars really are jewels? [They must be, to sparkle so brightly in the sky.]

They must look beautiful up close.

Only to one such as her I think [ Maglor smiles ]

But they are, and so my people have always loved her best, who gave us such lights.

[Merlin nods. It makes sense to him, that they would love someone who brought such beauty.]

And what about the others? What did they do?

Well now, Lady Varda's spouse Lord Manwe had a great love of the wind and air - to him were all the birds beholden, and it was said that he could hear all that passed in distant lands. Lord Ulmo's love was water, and in water still his power lingers, though all else has drawn away from mortal lands. Lady Yavanna we called Kementari - Earth Queen, for she loves the earth and all things that grow. Her spouse is the Lord Aule, the great smith, who built the mountains and taught us how to work steel and jewels. Lord Namo is the Judge of the Dead and the Doomsman, who knows more than any of the fate of the world. His spouse is the Lady Vaire, who weaves the history of the world into her great tapestries. Lord Irmo is his brother, the Lord of Dreams, and Lady Este is his spouse, whose gift is sleep and rest. The Lady Nienna is their sister, who mourns ever for the hurts of the world. Lord Orome is a hunter, who rests not so long as evil remains in his view, and Vana the Ever-Young is his spouse. Last but not least we name Lord Tulkas, who laughs ever in play or war, and whose strength is unmatched, and the Lady Nessa who dances ever is his spouse.

[After that mess, Alice is so angry, so upset that she knows she has to at least find something to do to keep herself occupied. It feels oddly familiar asking about fires and the like, but she can't help it. She's upset and he at least knows of what happened, even a little.]

Mister Maglor...?

Alice? [ Maglor looks up from where he sits, he has been caring for his blades - seeing her he is immediately concerned something is wrong but he does not rise, knowing how she dislikes him looming ]

What is the matter gwilwileth?

[Does she do that bad of a job at it? Hiding herself? She tries to and apparently fails. There is a sense of urgency to Alice, who doesn't quite run up, but a quick walk of the sort up to him.

Something is wrong and Alice's hands are little too bruised and bloody. Guess who's been taking her fists against the walls?]

... Do you know anything else about that fire?

[ he can see those hands, Alice, and it makes him worry ]

Ah, gwilwileth what have you done to your hands? [ he murmurs, beckoning her over to him and setting his blades aside. He still carries a small pouch with basic first aid things, especially now. ]

The fire? I arrived there on my way home - Professor Snape was coming from the opposite direction, and I aided him in setting up a water chain before I ventured inside. What is it that you seek to know?

[The last thing she wants is for him to see her have another meltdown or any shred of instability. Alice does reluctantly trudges over, immediately clasping her hands behind her back.Alice feels like a reprimanded child right now. She won't deny it, but she won't outright said what she did in anger. She remembers tidbits, just flashes.

Water? She remembers something wet enveloping, nothing else. Alice, of course, still keeps an irrational distance. Maglor may be on her good side, but it takes a while for her to warm up to others.]

There is talk of them accusing my friend starting the fire. But he wouldn't.

[And somehow, she spills out the next.]

And... they're accusing Neville of starting it, but he was in it, too. But I recall nothing, nothing at all. Just fragments and images. It's not right to accuse others of starting fires, especially when they're in it.

[It hits a little too close to home.]

Let me look at your hands gwilwileth? [ he coaxes patiently ] At the least I can dress them for you.

Neville? Ah, I remember - the boy the Professor pulled out. [ his lip twitches in amusement at the memory of the state of Professor Snape afterwards ] No, you are right, I doubt that the one who set the fire would be caught inside. As for your friend, if you say he did not, I do not doubt that you are right.

[She doe seem to have a funny pace of approaching him each time. It's a bit of stop and go each time, once he gets her comfortable enough, Alice extends her bruised and bloodied hands.

She had been blinded with such rage that the pain didn't matter, she honestly wanted something to hit. Even with her composure, Alice can't help but tremble.

Again, there's a memory there, she's not sure why that bothers her.]

Well-

[She would like to say that she knows what it's like and it's not fair, but she nods. Snape had carried him out? Well, he may be an ass, but he can't be that bad.]

It's just completely unfounded accusing someone of that horrific act. It's tiring to see these things.

[ Maglor doesn't mind, very used to Alice's hestiation by now ~~If he ever learns who did this to her, they will be short a head~~ - when she finally allows him to look he tsks sorrowfully but doesn't ask questions, only carefully setting about cleaning and bandaging them, being as gentle as he knows how. ]

I am no healer gwilwileth but I do not think you have done much harm to them. [ yes, he can tell you hit something ] Still, if they hurt overly, I hope you will ask the healers to look hm?

Yes. [ he nods as he ties off the bandages ] It is never kind, but people are always looking for answers, and accusations may easily fly based on old grudges as much as evidence.

This is... this is nothing. I've had much worse.

[If he's made her feel like more like a child now because of his fatherly mannerisms and height, it has seemed to grown even more now. Alice doesn't directly look at him, not yet. She flexes her hands and drops them back to her side. She doesn't see it that simple, there's more to it.]

I am worried for them. When there are no answers, oftentimes, people will scoop up innocent bystanders and do more than accuse. It's a scorn that they'll wear, especially Pyro. He couldn't have done it.

[No matter how mad he was. Alice is getting a headache again, as she tries to push it out of her mind.]

It was inside, wasn't it? I heard voices.

No harm is ever nothing. [ he says gently, but he won't push further, putting aside his supplies - he'll restock later ]

Tis sadly true, alas. [ was that what they did to you? he wonders ] But at the least he has friends who stand by him, eh? If you say it was not him, then I believe you.

Inside? Ah, that I found you? Yes. You were searching the rooms. I could not convince you that there was no one left.

[There goes any hope that Alice could remember anything to help find out who did it. She hates to think about it, it gives her a headache each time.

And Alice will stubbornly insist that she will be fine despite her hands aching. The point is she can still grip.]

They will not find anyone at this rate.

[She gives an awkward shuffle, trying to push it out of her mind and go back to clasping her hands behind her back. All Alice can do is shake her head in gentle refusal. Being fret over like this is something she's not used to.

The same pace repeats itself, Alice shrinks away, gazing back up at him, finally. Tall men always make her nervous.]

What rotten luck.

Edited 2014-04-07 19:57 (UTC)

[ Maglor is unlikely to let her do much until he is sure she won't worsen the injuries ~~the hypocrite~~ but he simply nods. He stays seated as she paces, watching her calmly, and picks up the blade to continue sharpening it, hoping the repetitive movements will help to settle her ]

They may, or they may not. Many would say we make our own luck, in the world. There are those who seek for truth, however, as well as those who stir trouble. It will be well.

[It may, to some degree, it may not, not as Alice finds her hands wandering the back of her apron gripping the handle of the vorpal blade. There's a flood of feelings that she's trying to sort through no thanks to nightmares and build up of her anxiety. Nothing is simple to sort through, she's starting to notice.]

Things are never that simple to begin with.

Alas, no they are not. But all things come to light, in time.

[ He eyes her hand - he knows where that is gripping, let go and rest that hand young lady. ] Ah, and that reminds me - before he left, I asked Lords Fili & Kili to make you a blade - fortunately, it was completed before they were taken from us.

[ he tips his head at the small oil-cloth bundle near him ] Will you see if it suits?

[ it's a dagger, more dwarf than elf in design, but a curious blend of the two cultures nonetheless - almost as long as the vorpal blade and exquisitely weighted so that Alice will be able to throw it at need, and with a crossguard to she can use it to block as well ]

...

[Honest to god, she looks a little surprised, even a little sheepish to be given something. Gifts? Gifts are the last thing that Alice expects, even after this much time in Asgard. She does repeat the same steps -- reluctant, slow steps near Maglor, before she pulls it out to look at it. It is lighter than the vorpal blade, just as she gets to look at it in her hands. Of course Alice does step back to use it.

The same stance he's been teaching her before, the same way she's been told to arch it. It cuts the air fairly nicely, but Alice will still prefer the vorpal blade. She'll keep it, anyway, even with her knife unless someone convinces her otherwise.

She almost stammers when she ducks her head, finding it awkward to glance at him when she manages to work up the nerve to say it.]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Maglor...!

[She's still a little sheepish about, she's still not at all used to such generosity to begin with.]

[ he smiles at her fondly and approvingly as he watches her test it ]

I am glad it suits gwilwileth. We can look at some of the techniques for fighting with both of them, the next time. I only wish Lord Kili was still here to see his gift well used.

Come, this one will last a good long while - there are few who can match the dwarven smiths for such work, but unlike your Vorpal blade, this one will need caring for.

[She shifts in her disposition.

A little bit darker, holding it in her hand. Duly noted and it's a shame, but she's sure she can do plenty of damage now with it, especially with a blade that was never meant to dull. She shifts a little, still running with the idea of absolutely b-lining to Hel.]

I will remember.

[She says she will, but her voice is absolutely noncommittal, Alice isn't really paying attention for a moment. Yes, let's see how Pitch Black fairs against her now.]

[ he notes that shift and the eyes her contemplatively ]

You will need to learn how to keep it sharp - that we can do now, if you like. But what dark memory troubles you, gwilwileth?

[He's pretty preceptive, far more than she gives him credit for and it's a little frightening. With wild images and thoughts running through her head, she bites her lip. Alice's hands start to shake.]

At the very least, I wanted to learn how to fight better so that I wouldn't be pushed out of where I settle next.

[ he helped raise 5 brothers and 2 elflings, he hopes he's got in down by now ]

And you will, for I gave you my word. [ but the next kindles a slow fire in his eyes ]

Who has pushed you out, hinya?

[She wouldn't be that angered by it if it weren't for how he talked to Bunny. Or subtly threatened her friends by her actions.]

It's fine. I should go back and collect the remainder of my things. I don't want you being hurt.

No, hinya. [ Gentle but unyeilding ] This is more than that. What has happened?

[ a small crooked smile ] You will find that I am harder to hurt than most give credit.

[The vorpal blade comes out, although not in a threatening matter.

That's how it began, the vorpal blade and it should be simple enough. It's not.

Alice will try to explain, try her best to keep him at bay if she does sprint back to Hel for the rest of her belongings and to make a point to Pitch Black not to trifle any of her friends. He's like the primordial ooze that seeped in through Wonderland and like her darkest hallucinations and nightmares. She doesn't like being toyed with.]

This blade shouldn't exist.

[She says it firmly, hoping that she doesn't sound insane as she explains.]

It is... nothing more than a fragment of something that came from my mind. My imagination. I imagined a blade that would never dull, it always be keen and ready for service. It's important to me, because it came from my mind. I used it to slay many things bfore.

He took it from me.

[She doesn't really care if she's holding two knives, that's how angry she is.]

I suppose I let my curiosity get the best of me, so I followed him. He cornered me and I fought him off. Twice. The first time he took the blade from me and slid it underneath my door. Saying that he returned for me. The second time, I woke up with a wound on my shoulder and that time, he had a sword.

He said that he would harm my friends! I didn't want to come back to Hel after all of that. Even if Mr. North and Bunny say that he is nothing but a goad or a bully, I don't want that to happen! How can I? I've had nothing until I cam here. I'd never forgive myself if my friends were hurt.

[Alice doesn't mean to sound this urgent.]

Of course Pitch Black started to ridicule Bunny, even if Bunny's accusations were unfounded. He could have killed me, but he let me lived. I won't be bullied out of Hel for his personal amusement. If he crosses me again...

[Well, it won't be pretty, but it's obvious Alice is thinking about returning. Especially since Maglor is the first person outside of little Alice and Hatter to know about the true origins and significance of the vorpal blade.]

I am simply tired. There are others out there who could have been burned alive and it's nothing but a joke to others.

Oh Alice. [ He wants to weep or rage and he witholds it only because Alice does not need that from him now, but the fire is kindled in him now and his eyes blaze despite the gentleness of his voice and movements ]

A weapon of your own. [ he murmurs ] One that is a part of you in truth - such a marvel you are gwilwileth. To take such a thing... oh hinya. I am glad that I train you now, if such folk are to walk among us. [ Pitch Black, hm? Perhaps Maglor should have a pointed word with him - but no, he reminds himself. She has her protectors as well. ]

Death is never a joking matter. [ he agrees quietly, who has dealt it to so many and seen it come for all that he loves ] If you return to the Lady Hel's district, I think me that I will come with you. You are learning, still - I do not doubt you will be his equal, one day. But it would ease me to walk beside you - I do not doubt your courage! Only mine.

Me? I'm nothing special.

[She will argue she isn't anything outside of... well. She isn't sure anymore. Not some lowly maid and caretaker of children, Houndsditch is gone and the fate of the children there is ambiguous. Alice still doesn't do well with compliments. She still uses her apron as a make-shift way of sliding any weapon in the back for easy access.

Never in her mind - the real world - would she expect to be carrying around to deal with more than just Jabberwocks and queens. Her? Courageous? Alice has been hiding the insecurity she had to leave Hel district and nearly losing her composure in Alfheim. Alice waves her hands in reassurance approaching Maglor in a subtle plea. Not outright, but if angels, demons, and all sorts of immortal creatures can be reduced to a level of a human, how is anyone safe?]

Oh, no, no, Mr. Maglor, I... It will be alright, I don't want to do anything, I just want my friends to be left alone.

[He is right, death isn't a joking matter and Alice would say neither are mind games.]

You don't have to do anything on the account of me.

[Now she backtracks, regretting that she ever blew up in the first place.]

Oh, hinya, you are special if only for being yourself. But it is your courage that draws, I think, your courage and your care - the way you care for those around you, e'en at your own expense.

I understand, but I will feel easier if you let me come with you.

[Oh, no, not that. Alice frowns, feeling as if she's going to be a little ill for having another come back with her to her former district. Alice takes a few steps forward, again, making a small gesture as if she wants to clasp his hands to reassure him.

Alas, she can't do it, not yet, anyway.]

I... I think I'll wait on it.

[It wouldn't be fair to make herself that much of a burden on it.]

All I cared about was a picture of my family; I didn't have much to begin with, I'll be fine.

It is precious to you, is it not? [ he marks gently ]

I would rather you have it with you, and safe in your keeping, than where others might find it, although I think me that our rooms in the Halls are mostly safe.

[ by now he has ceased any pretence of caring for his blades and he makes an aborted gesture to reach out to her in turn

I don't like being touched whispers memory, so he does not ]

You need not fear for me, gwilwileth.

Mister North helped me get it back.

[Which was unfortunately a bit of a blur. Then again, it's the principal. Alice says she doesn't have a lot, but she has a few belongings there.

Things she never had in London, even a few of her own supplies. Alice still likes to draw, even after Rutledge. It's sad, Alice will insist the contrary.]

I'm not afraid of you, Mr. Maglor, I never was.

I am glad - he is a good man, is Master North.

Ah gwilwileth, you warm me. I am glad you do not see me that way, however. [ although perhaps she should whispers experience ]

Then let me come with you, hinya?

[He's given her a brief introduction to his history; perhaps years ago, Alice would have been frightened or enraged by it. But Alice knows the importance of family. The world is still in different shades, it isn't as binary as others think it is. There are monsters out there and Maglor isn't one of them.

Alice won't be fighting anyone today, at least not for real. She's dropping her usual guard, just a bit.]

Of course.

[She gives quiet response. Alice steals herself up, because this usually takes a lot of nerve for he to do. Which is a simple gesture of just. Plopping herself beside of him, but not too close! She's already fallen asleep too close.

Too close for Alice, anyway. She settles her skirts around her, tensely squaring her shoulders up beside him. She confuses quietly-]

But I should stop rushing myself. I shouldn't be so proud and I am very sorry for that.

[ Maglor stills with that preternatural lack of movement that sometimes creeps people out when she settles next to him, and his eyes warm with pleasure that she will trust him this much ]

Tis no good to rush [ he agrees quietly ] - you do that in your fighting too, you remember. But I do not think you proud gwilwileth, only hasty. You feel too deeply, I think - and it can be hard to reason when emotions may blind. You need not apologise to me.

[It is a little creepy, just a bit. And that's exactly why Alice steals herself up as she does, a little too rigid. It makes her nervous, because she really hasn't gotten a chance to even sit by him, not like this.

Hasty is a good word for it. He is right. Alice's fingers intertwine in her hands. While she's sought his advice and training, he's still fairly intimidating as warm as he can be.

He's like the white king, in a sense.]

I know.

[Well, that sounded absolutely hollow. She tries to assert herself again.]

No, you're right, I am, that is why I wanted to apologize. You've done me a great service by teaching me to wield my knife better and I am very grateful.

[As much as a taskmaster he can be.]

I should be a bit more grateful for that. I still want to learn more!

[ he reaches for the harp, now, and begins to play, idle and quiet ]

You are young yet, gwilwileth - you have time to learn. But if it helps, I accept your apology. [ he smiles at her fondly ]

You learn swiftly and well, and it is a joy to teach you.

[She just feels the need to assert her age, here. Even if it is a moot point compared to how potentially old he is.]

I am not that young, Mr. Maglor, I am only nineteen years old. But I am grateful for that.

[Likely the most awkward request ever.]

... May I stay with you, again?

For Men, I suppose you are not, hinya, but you are only as a butterfly to me. [ a teasing crinkle to his eyes. Guess how old he is, go on ]

I would be honored if you wish it.

Of course I do. I suppose I have the tendency to wander about.

[only because he has bated her ever present curiosity. She asks all the weird questions without even thinking about it. It is pretty rude, after all.]

Then how old are you, Mr. Maglor?

[ Maglor doesn't mind, somewhere in his head he keeps a book with a list of all the ways people react to his age. ~~it's the little things that make him happy~~ ]

Ah, well, I am not entirely certain, as I was born in a time before moon and sun, but I believe I have seen some nine thousand years of the sun or more.

[The guardians aren't that far off in age -- although he could be older than North, she wagers. It doesn't make it any less intriguing for Alice, who actually does look at him. He barely looks twenty years her senior, she figured. Although anyone could have gotten that inkling feeling from him that he was older than he appeared.

True to Alice, it doesn't really sate her curiosity. It makes her want to ask more questions as she gets a good look at him.]

Really?

[Yes, really, Alice. But he pails in comparison to Sandy.]

Why is that? Why do you not age?

[No, Alice, stop, you never learn.]

[ Older than North, Older than Jack. Who knows, with Bunny, and he never had a chance to find out if he was older or younger than Tooth. Younger than Pitch and Sandy, of course. His eyes crinkle with fond amusement. ]

Aye, give or take a few centuries. Tis hard to keep track, I fear.

Tis not so much that I do not age, but Elves are bound to Arda, to exist as long as it endures, and so I age, if you will, with the world - tis more a wear on mind than body. E'en if we are slain our fea - you would say, our spirit, our soul - does not leave, but only goes to the Halls of Waiting in the Uttermost West, there to rest and heal and perhaps in time to receive again a body and return to life.

[There is something a little sad about that. Possibly it's the unimaginable amount of time and what would anyone do with it. With wide, green eyes, Alice falters into silence, only to duck her face behind her hair. It's a nervous tick by now, one that she figures if no one sees her eyes, no one can see what she's really thinking.

That right there makes her feel really, really young. No wonder he treats her like a child, in the way he does.]

But you like it here in Asgard, don't you?

[Even if Alice can't stand people most days, there's people here and some of them aren't that terrible. The questions won't let up.]

You've always seemed very lonely.

[ Maglor smiles at the dark fall of hair next to him ]

I do. Asgard has been good to me. [ good for him too, possibly ]

It is. [ he admits quietly ] It has been, at times, very lonely. But mourn not for me, gwilwileth.

I don't.

[Alice confesses without hesitation, still keeping her hands tightly clasped together in her lap. She gives a soft kick of her feet.]

It's good for you, Mr. Maglor, I think.

[Yes, everyone that seems to be very lonely and without a good home.

After an awkward pause, Alice finally works up the courage to give a very, very faint reassuring hand on his shoulder.

It's the closest she'd ever get to physically reassuring someone.]

Ah, gwilwileth. [ he murmurs ] It has been hard for you here. You have done well to bear it.

[ he smiles at her, fondly, joy that she would trust him enough to venture touch shining in his eyes ]

I have been granted much here that makes me grateful. [ such as you, he does not say ]

[There have been worse things, she thinks, Asgard is fairly minimal compared to Rutledge and London. It's why she would rather be stuck here when it's all said and done. She doesn't want to go back to London. He can smile at her, Alice is automatically going to go back to squaring up her shoulders, hands tightly clasped in her lap, and pretend it never happened.]

I am surprised you didn't insist otherwise.

[Really, in the time she's known him, he is just as bad as her when it comes to accepting kindness. A wry smile comes across her lips.]

Even as old as you are?

[ Elves don't squee, or he totally would at her reaction. Instead, she only gets that amused and fond crinkle of his eyes ]

I would be a fool indeed to not be grateful for blessings unasked for. [ whiiiiich isn't saying that he accepts, them, mind. Technically. ]

Oh, but when you are as old as I, you learn to be grateful for the small things, as well as the great, for it is often the little things that make a life worth living.

They make me happy, too. I didn't have hardly anything when I first came.

[For Alice, having nothing after so long, even a few pair of socks for her is a big deal, let alone clothing on her back, but that reminds her how happy she was to even have a dog.

Or she should say puppy.]

You... wouldn't perhaps mind dogs, would you?

Do you have one, gwilwileth? [ Maglor shakes his head ]

No, I do not - my brother kept hounds, and it will not be troubling to me.

[At the very least, if Alice ends up couch surfing at his house next, Koyuki and her rabbit will be coming along with her.]

Well, she's not as big as a hound and just growing into the size of a cat. She is, indeed, a dog, I promise, although she looks like a snowball sometimes.

[Tiny, fluffy dog that Alice just so happens enjoys carrying around with her.]

Mister Will Graham gave me her! She was a stray and he wanted to find homes for other dogs like her. I wasn't sure if it was acceptable to bring her with me. She's still fairly young, but very sweet. She tried to play with Bunny and that didn't end well.

Only a little one then. [ Maglor's mouth quirks up amused ] Much less trouble than Celegorm's Huan, who was large enough for you to ride hinya.

She sounds like a good companion, and it was kind of Master Graham to do so. I do not mind, and I doubt me Master Irving will either.

[He's a gentle soul, of course he would approve. Or she was hoping that he would without worry. A plan begins to formulate in Alice's mind to just collect the things she didn't grab the last time she was there.

And let it be known he actually was responsible for Alice having a good night's sleep, as well as being burrowed underneath amass of blankets.]

I know I am not that very tall compared to other women, you need not remind me.

[She's joking.]

I'm glad! I mean to say that... I'm relieved. Mister Turlough tells me she's not a dog because of her size. But she's my friend and she's slept with me ever since I got her. I don't want to leave her behind. That was an accident the last time.

[ Only to those he chooses to be, but moreso now, perhaps. ]

Well, this may be true, but Huan was large indeed. [ he hums and pulls up the image of a huge wolfhound, easily coming up to his waist ]

He carried a lady taller than yourself once. I do hope your little one does not reach such great heights, for I fear we may run out of space if so. [ teasing ]

Ah, if Master Graham thinks she is a dog, I would believe him, above Master Turlough. [ who Maglor assumes is teasing ] I am glad to hear that she is such a boon companion to you and would be pleased to meet her.

[For the most part, any sort of teasing flies over her head and usually assumes it serious. She gives an incredulous look.]

No.

[Wait. WAIT. That was a joke! Alice almost makes the gesture to pull her own hair over her face, but she will ride this out, nothing big. She's been flustered before.]

I mean- of course! I just want her beside me for tonight.

[And the rabbit. Alice doesn't care if she's nineteen, she's never letting that rabbit out of her sight.]

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

Then we shall have to fetch her, hm? Do you want to go now?

[don't laugh, it isn't her fault she doesn't know joking! ]

Only if it is all right with you.

Edited 2014-04-11 05:03 (UTC)

Tis no trouble for me gwilwileth.

[ Maglor nods and moves to put away the harp and pick up his sword instead. ]

[she is sure that they won't mind if she practically ran in and grabbed Koyuki. Anyone in Asgard should know nothing by now how often Alice drops in to visit others. She may be a little too eager to introduce her puppy to him. It shows as Alice waits for him as she finds herself rocking on the heels of her feet. Today is decidedly not a bad day for Alice the elder, even after losing her temper.

[ Maglor smiles at her eagerness and moves to pace her. ]

Let us be off then, shall we?

[She'll show him how to get there. She feels a bit better after all of this. Like Sandy, his presence is very soothing, something that Alice could use every so often. Just like the white king. Perhaps even a little like her father when he was alive, to a degree.

And Alice shouldn't forget extra clothing this time. Alice proceeds ahead without waiting.]

[ Maglor, for his part, keeps pace easily, and although he smiles for her whenever she turns to make sure he is following, his eyes are watchful and his hand rests near his sword. No harm will come to her this night if he has any say in the matter. ]

( it's the same tavern they always meet it, the one that maglor lends his considerable talents to. mccoy orders his drink and heads over to the regular table, though there's a distinctly different energy about him today. he's almost... excited. )

[ Maglor waves and packs away his harp when McCoy comes in, heading down to join him at the table. ]

You seem very pleased today my friend. Has something happened?

Things are maybe not as shitty as normal, yeah. ( he takes a deliberate ship of his drink and tilts his head back. )

Should I ask how things're going, for you?

[ oh ho? Maglor raises a curious eyebrow ]

Things have been also 'not as shitty' for me, as well. [ he got to braid Alice's hair she is so pretty in his House colours! ]

Dare I ask?

You probably shouldn't. ( he agrees, almost too amiably. he leans back on two legs of his chair, considers for a moment. )

Jim-- you remember, I told you about him?-- showed up here a few days ago. And while I ain't glad that the Enterprise is losing more and more of her crew, it is nice to see him.

Ah! Your Captain, yes? [ Maglor smiles, pleased ]

It is a pity that they would take a captain from his ship, but I am glad that you can see each other here. Is he doing well?

Yeah, he's good at making the best of things. Maybe a little too good, but.

I'm glad to see him, all the same.

You will have to introduce us, some time. [ he nods and pours them both a glass - it isn't as good as the Dorwinion, but the wine here is decent ]

Tis a good thing, adaptability. Something my own folk could stand to learn, I sometimes think. What house is he in?

Freya. ( he says that with an air of fond exasperation, tipping his glass towards maglor. he supposes he should be grateful that jim didn't end up with charm. )

The good thing of it is, though, that if anyone can find us a way out of here it'll be him.

Or he'll at least improve our chances.

A charmer, then. [ Maglor laughs softly ] But an intelligent one also.

[ the most dangerous kind ]

Well, I will wish him every success then, although I think there are those here who are happy enough to remain

Even so, you'll want this place in better shape, won't you?

( he gives maglor a searching look over the rim of his glass. )

Have you decided on that, then?

"When I wad brought here, I had just watched the last of my family sail West, to Elvenhome, where I may not return." Maglor shrugs resignedly.

"We had finally won our long war and entered the beginnings of peace and there would have been little place for one such as I. I miss it, of course, yet there is little for me to return too"

McCoy just nods, thoughtful.

"I think I know the feeling. Not so much anymore, but I've walked away from home, before."

I sometimes wonder, if I had known I would not be able to return, if I would have still done so? [ Maglor muses sadly ]

But by the time we realized what we had done it was far too late to turn around. I hope your leaving was less cruel than mine.

Maybe not as grand in scale. ( he admits, wryly. )

I was born in a place called Georgia. Lived there most of my life, except for schooling. Got married there, started a life there.

And then it all went to shit, and my marriage ended. She told me I wasn't really fit for life on Earth at all.

( he chuckles darkly. ) So I left.

I am sorry to hear that it ended in bitterness for you. It sounds as if there will be no reconcilliation?

At the least you went willing, I suppose. And have you found happiness?

I don't know that we can find reconciliation, at least not by being in the same room. She called me, once, after a few years had passed and my ship was in a sort of life-or-death situation. She said she was glad I survived. I guess that's about as much as I can hope for, from her. And to be honest that's enough.

( he sighs and leans back, but when he continues it's almost with a smile. )

I don't know if I'm the sorta person who's ever just gonna be happy. But I like my life, most days.

I am sorry to hear that my friend. But do not be so quick to discount happiness, eh? It might yet find you unexpectedly. [ Maglor smiles back ]

Maybe. ( he thinks of evy, and his cheeks heat, but he figures he can blame that on the alcohol if it comes down to it. )

What about you? Going to make a run for happiness, here?

[ A shrug, and Maglor notes the flush with amusement, but will not press. Yet ]

I do not look for it - I learnt better than to hope for such things - and yet it has found me here, all the same. [ he tips his glass in salute ]

May it be so with you, also!

Hey, wait a second-- you can't just go convincing me to be happy and then say shit like that. "I learnt better than to hope for such things." C'mon. That's my sorta line.

[ Maglor does laugh at that, the alcohol slowly starting to kick in ]

Well, live as long as I have my friend, and you might grow tired of hoping too! It does not mean I do not appreciate them when they come, mind - only that I convinced myself long ago it was better not to seek after things that I might never attain.

Edited 2014-05-18 07:03 (UTC)

So you get old and you grow tired of hope. That's not exactly a fairytale, Maglor. ( he shakes his head. )

Y'might want to keep your eyes a bit more open, than that.

[ Maglor only shrugs, wry and weary ]

Whoever said life was a fairytale? I suppose I can but try.

It's not. A fairytale, I mean. But it's a bit self-defeating to consider it a tragedy from the get-go.

I was not always so. [ He admits ] But after... well. After the Oath, and our Doom came to its fulfilment, after watching everything I had loved crumble to naught... well. I decided it was better if I stopped looking for happiness.

Now that's a self-fulfilling prophecy if I ever heard one.

Perhaps. [ a wry twist to his lips ] Yet it has found me, in any case, which I admit to being pleasantly surprised by.

Then I guess there's a use for pessimism. You appreciate the good times more.

[ That gets a sly grin in return ]

Well I am certainly learning the truth of that here.

Just enjoy it, I guess. Before the world decides to end.

If we are to die anyway, we should enjoy it? [ Maglor tips his glass to McCoy and drains it ]

Wise words.

Carpe diem, Maglor. Carpe diem.

[ He tips his head curiously ]

That is not the usual language I hear - what does it mean?

It's Latin. An old, honored language from my world.

Means "seize the day."

Latin. [ Maglor rolls the words around thoughtfully ]

Carpe diem - Seize the day. Words of wisdom indeed.

There's a rule of humans for you-- anything said in Latin is smart. Primum non nocere, and all that.

Truly? [ Maglor chuckles lowly ] I will have to ask for lessons then - it sounds a fascinating language.

I'm no expert. ( he's trying not to laugh. ) Just know what comes up in the field-- it's a language of science.

Evy's an expert, though.

Evy? Oh your Miss Eveyln. [ a small amused smirk ]

Well, I will be sure to ask her for lessons then.

She's not mine. I mean, if anything-- oh, forget it.

[ Maglor laughs then, a clear chuckle ] My apologies, Doctor - I could scarce resist such an opening. I will not bring it up again if you prefer.

Yeah, but now I know you'll be thinking about it.

[ Maglor dips his head in acknowledgement and does not hide his smile ]

Aye, I suppose that is true! Well, I will have to be careful for next time, I suppose

Yeah, yeah. See that you are.

[ a low laugh and Maglor tips his glass in salute to McCoy again ]

Far be it from me to antagonise a healer.

Yeah. You remember that.

( huffing, now. )

[ a chuckle and Maglor tops up McCoy's glass ]

Aye, aye. I hear and I obey.

It's a good strategy. Maybe you should pass it around, some.

[ a low laugh is his only response, Maglor tipping the glass and draining it in salute ]

[ Before she forgets, Alice has been meaning to talk about this. This is serious, she's fretting again. ]

Mister Maglor, may I have a moment of your time?

Hm? What is it gwilwileth?

I need to speak with you about the little ones.

[ Clementine and little Alice to be exact. ]

Ask, yenya. What did you want to know?

So you did take Clementine in as well.

[ Clementine is different from little Alice; she's been forced to fight in a world that is ruthless and has been reduced to a jaded child. It pains her to see her change in that way, to watch her turn more cynical. At least Alice can say that she's proud of her for keeping her wits -- if anything, that makes her proud.

The little one, as Alice calls her still, she isn't sure. She is like her at that age. She must not become like her at nineteen. By the looks of it, she's pleading. ]

And what of the little one?

She told me you had sent her. [ weary and resigned ]

She is far too skilled at what little she knows, and not yet skilled enough. I would have kept her to bows, but she wanted to learn more.

As for Miss Wisdom... [ a soft sigh ] She wants to learn. And we move now with inexorable speed to war. I do not want to teach her, gwilwileth, but she wishes to learn.

Yes, I did, as well as advised her you were reluctant to take on the younger.

[ But her? Alice is upset. ]

I know she does, but she does not know, she's still very young. I'd rather take a strike than to see her fight. I'd rather be in her place.

I know. [ Soft and sad ] As would I, you know that. But if we are not there? What then, little butterfly?

Well, it won't happen! I don't want to be apart from her, I'm going to make sure of it!

You can no more promise that than I can, gwilwileth. Not all the good intentions in the world can assure you that you will be there in time.

[ soft and pained - how many times did he not get there in time? How many times did he fail his family, his men? ]

No.

[ She knows, oh, how she knows. The years she wished she could have saved her family outweigh her own age. She's pleading with him silently, until it finally comes out.]

I'm angry that she was taken up as a student in the first place! I'm very angry; adults are supposed to care and protect children, so that they can feel safe and protected. I resent them! I don't want her to see horrible things, but everything so far has prevented me.

I don't want her to become like me.

I know. [ Soft and sad and gentle ]

Yet I can no more refuse her than I could you, or Clementine, or any of those who came to me with open hands and begged 'teach me how to survive'. War is never so kind, Alice. If I do not, she will seek it anyway from others - she has your fire. At least this way I know that she will be as safe as I can make her.

But they're children.

[ She knows it's silly for her to say that when a few people in Asgard (even Will Graham) look at her as such. ]

I know. [ And that is all he can say, for it is true that war is never kind ]

I will do my best by them, Alice. You know that. But if not I, they will either learn from another, or not learn at all. And when the War comes for us...

I would rather it be me.

[ She wonders why it can't be her and her only. ]

I was that age when I lost my family; I dread to think that the same could happen to her as it has to me.

[ She pauses, taking in a breath. He has her trust, he's one of the few. He's become a father figure in a way, which makes it easier for her. She speaks low and softly, because it is really a secret. ]

I shall tell you secret, Mr. Maglor, I thought that if I were to protect the little one from harm, that perhaps I could stop it completely from happening, at least in another world. She can grow to be happy and healthy, she'll never know that agony. And her sister, too, her sister could live and never worry about being harmed. Lizzie deserves that much.

And I, myself, over all of you. [ What right has a kinslayer to happiness? ]

[ He listens quietly, then, gently ]

It will not be the same, Alice. It cannot be - it is already different, you see? You are here, with her. And if I teach her - as cruel as it is, then it cannot happen to her, for she will have the skills to prevent it.

[ Not Bumby, she feels, not him again. She tries to rationalize it in her mind once again. Being the stubborn girl that she is, she's shaking her head.]

You won't reconsider? The little one shouldn't have been taught these things in the first place. I could derail it, it won't happen in her world.

I could. But she would seek elsewhere Alice, and would you trust another with her?

[ quiet and sad ]

[ He has her silent in thought. If Alice had her way, anyone young as Ame, Clementine, and little Alice wouldn't be allowed to fight. Even Riley, Ellie, and many more. ]

No.

[ Still, she pleads. ]

She's seven and a half, Mr. Maglor. She grew up sheltered by her family and there are no siblings her age, they're all very much older than her. She doesn't understand the most grievous things and if she was exposed to it, her little world will crumble. I implore you, please keep that in mind.

I only took up a knife to defend myself from those who abused me.

I know. [ it is a barest murmur, and Maglor aches to offer her real comfort, but there is no promise he can make and they both know it ]

I will be as gentle as I can, yenya - but if she is to learn, I will make sure she learns well. If tis any comfort I hope to keep her to ranged weapons. She has Drawing Lide, true? Her pets will be good guards - a flying mount wilk keep her as safe as any can be, in times like these.

[ Before she starts to protest, Alice stops, setting back into seat to glower in disappointment. ]

Do you promise? She may be another version of me, but she is truly a sister to me.

[ He shakes his head at her ]

I can promise very little, Alice, you know that. But what may be done, that I will do. I will keep her as safe as I can.

Please?

[ This is a pitiful plea on her behalf. If Alice had her way, she wouldn't allow it. Her desperation to protect her sometimes clouds into darker territory. ]

What can be done, that I will do. [ He promises - it is the only one he knows he can keep ]

She will be as safe as I can manage, yenya.

That's my job, Mr. Maglor.

And I have a share in that now. Is that such a bad thing, little butterfly?

[ She says nothing, turning to glance over to something else. She doesn't say that it is a bad thing.

She's terrified of losing everyone again. ]

[ He knows, he'll sit here waiting patiently until she's ready to face it ]

[ Alice is almost incapable of lying to another; she won't lie. At this point in time, she can't answer it, not with her short temper and the anger that she feels for that question. The whole situation. For a moment, Alice wonders if it was ever worth doing what she could to protect the other girls. It's the story of her life. ]

So life is a series of unfortunate circumstances and I am, as always, fortune's fool.

You have never been anyone's fool, Alice [ he corrects gently ]

Unfortunate as they have been, you would not have survived them if you truly were. When I first came here, there was one who gave me courage - River, was her name. Do you know? She was broken, as badly as I have ever seen, but she danced still, a bird with clipped wings. She told me, before Asgard took her away, that she was glad that things had happened as they did, because they allowed her to befriend me. I will always grieve my past, and yours also - yet, I am grateful, for it has made you strong, gwilwileth, and it has not broken you.

[ Alice would say that she is broken. As usual, Alice feels that she is unworthy of such affection. She'll just take this a slight defeat, knowing that he'll treat the children appropriately in training. ]

I am glad to have met all of you, too, Mr. Maglor.

As I am you, yenya.

Ah-

[ As soon as the term of endearment comes to mind in his mother language, Alice awkwardly freezes up. She can't, it feels like she would be betraying her own father. Wouldn't she give for him meeting Maglor -- he would adore him. All of her family. ]

If you take the little one, I want to be there.

[ It isn't a question, it's a statement. He'll see how protective she is of little Alice. ]

You know you are always welcome, Alice. [ She knows the rules of the Citadel, after all - so long as she does not transgress them, Maglor is happy enough for her to be there at any time she pleases, with or without him ]

Good.

[ Alice is not making promises from being an overprotective sister, however. ]

[ A soft laugh ] Then I will see you there. [ he would not doubt it ]

Sir Maglor, when you've a moment spare, might I beg it off you?

Master Dumbledore? What is it?

I've run into a bit of a tricky little puzzle, and I hoped you might be able to help shed some light. The gods have granted you the boon of illusion, yes?

[ He'll take a gentle guess that the guy that sings all the damn time wasn't given drawing. ]

[ Maglor tips his head in curiosity and nods ]

Aye, they have. What puzzle might this be?

I've been quite curious as to the nature of an illusion's casting, as relative to the imagination and experiences of the caster.

[ It's not a lie, it's just not the whole truth. He really would rather like to know. Moran is only a mutton-chopped bonus. ]

In my world's past, illustrations of creatures from far climes have often been inaccurate; many artists relied upon descriptions from second-hand sources to construct images of rarer beasts.

It follows, I should think, that believable creations of illusion must act upon the caster's own, intimate experience with the image being shown. However, magic and the imaginative conscious being tightly bound across worlds, I wonder whether some universal, true image might at all influence such a construction. Much as certain names and concepts hold true between this Asgard, and that which some travelers have hailed from.

Do they have tigers in your world, Maglor?

Ah. A collective subconscious perhaps? It is possible, I suppose - many things are strange to me, yet, there are similarities also, in all the varied worlds I have met here.

We did - I have only seen them from a distance, however - the lands of Far Harad had many exotic beasts, and some of the trainers brought them as pets to show off in the courts.

Why?

Precisely. And if that might be ruled out, the degree to which description engenders effective illusion may be valuable knowledge in the coming days. If you are amenable, I'd be deeply grateful for the assistance; though I know time and energy more limited than ever of late. Too, I must at some point trouble you for tales of those courts.

I seize upon the subject of tigers as enormous, stripy cats are a relatively easy description to give another; or to alter as need be. There is a creature called the nundu which somewhat resembles them, [ It's rather closer to a leopard, but Maglor doesn't need to know that. ] And which might pose good measure for the influence of memory upon conjuring.

[ A soft amused laugh ]

Well, if you are wanting me to conjure the image of a tiger as they are in my world for you my friend, I can do so. Or are you planning on a different subject? I do not think we have a 'nundu' in my world, at the least, it is not known by that name if we do. Time is not pressing, at current.

As for tales of the courts - ask, and if I have time I will answer.

I'd be delighted to see your tiger -- and, perhaps, your conception of a nundu, for any difference in the quality of illusion between the two should say a bit about any limitations of the ability. Nundu are enormous stalking cats, when full-grown they rival the size of a cottage.

Perhaps the park might do for both, in the early evening? We might compare notes upon courtly manners then.

[ Or flush out one of old Queen Victoria's, if things go closer to plan. ]

[ Maglor makes an interested noise ]

They sound truly fascinating beasts - are they of a similar coloring to tigers? And the park will work well enough - is there any day that will suit? I can easily beg time off any evening."

Edited 2014-06-25 13:00 (UTC)

Indeed -- all warm gold-orange fur and sharp black.

[ It's not a lie per se. ]

Perhaps three days' hence, if that would not be too short a notice?

Three days - aye that would be plenty. Before sunset?

Certainly, I'll mark you then.

[[ OOC: And I'll stick up a log when Hannah's back from hiatus. :> ]]

I will look forward to your call then my friend.

[ ooc: roger roger! ^^]

[ He can guess what this is about, more than likely it has to do with her older sister and her departure. While it was a painful one, it will offer closure, not after Alice ends up shutting herself in her room for a few days. She's fearful of being alone again, much like the night she lost all of her family. She can't bare to face that feeling of loneliness, this grief. It's unbearable, she doesn't want to feel like this again. Worst of all, she feels more alone than she had when she first arrived here in Asgard.

Just for the momentary sake of her sanity, Alice comes up to her, trying to fight back tears. She's forcing herself to talk; when she was small, she didn't speak for years out of catatonic grief. Right now, Alice is fighting to revert to that -- Lizzie wouldn't want that. She can be strong! She can do this!

Alice forces herself to speak. ]

Mister Maglor?

Alice? [ Maglor lifts his head from where he has been dozing on the roof - he was up all night, saying farewell, and then retreating up here to grieve quietly beneath the stars ]

What is it, gwilwileth? [ seeing her tears he rises to come kneel before her. ]

Ah, yenya.

[ Even as Alice catches up with him, she tries to hold back her tears. And suddenly Alice feels like a complete child. She sniffs, rubbing her face unable to find the words. It feels so unlike her to seek comfort or company when the heavy weight of her distress makes her sag forward.

Alice settles down on the roof, next to him. Alice opens her mouth to speak to no avail. She manages to force out a pitiful sentence as she tries not to burst into tears. ]

Everyone is gone, then?

[ his voice is quiet and steady, with no hint of tears - he has wept all his long ago, and is far too used to good byes - but he sounds old and tired, all the same ]

They are. [ a hand comes up to wipe away her tears ]

Even your sister eh? I am sorry, yenya

[ And there it is, Alice finally drops her face in her hands, weeping softly as soon as he mentions her elder sister. Lizzie had left in the worst way possible, without any time to for her to heal. Pulled from death and thrown into the streets of Asgard. Three days weren't enough to help her. She had thought the mere sight of her would kill her, too.

Alice mutters coldly underneath her breath. ]

It's not fair. She-

[ Alice sucks in a breath, trembling. ]

Something terrible happened to her.

[ Although he aches to hold her close, Maglor knows better by now. Instead, he reaches across to press a kiss to her forehead and wipes away her tears with one hand ]

Do you want to tell me, Alice? Can you?

[that wasn't Lizzie talking in her sleep. She cringes at his touch and wonders if she can even get the words out to say it . It is easier for her to keep her hands bracing the sides of her head as she nearly crawls into a fetal position. She can't make eye contact as she speaks.]

He tormented her for months. Papa had forbade him from ever returning for tea. He... he broke in our house while they slept. I heard him, but I was far too scared to look.

I thought Lizzie was talking in her sleep, but no, he- he did the most unspeakable thing to her.

[Alice sinks further into despair, her breath hitches. She cannot utter the rest, not without having a panic attack again om front of him. Alucr, who was seven at the time had no concept of sex, wouldn't realize Bumby's horrible crime, not until she was older based on similar experiences in Rutledge. ]

Sick, depraved man! He killed her and took the lamp we had in the hallway and threw it in the living room. She never woke up again! The house was up in flames because he couldn't bare to be rejected- no, bard from harassing my sister. And he would have done the same to us, erasing our minds and turning us into dolls for perverse pleasure.

She woke up... After that. Why? And I couldn't heal her. Now what will she do? What will she do now?!

Edited 2014-06-21 08:10 (UTC)

[ Maglor sits quiet and still - no matter how much he wishes it, he will not touch her more than this. But he cannot help the low snarl or the way his hands flex as if to grip a blade (or a neck). He fights down the urge to tear something (someone) apart until he is sure his voice is calm before he answers ]

Oh yenya. I do not know why such darkness is allowed to walk free.

[ She can feel the ground underneath her begin to pull away, as she nearly snaps, like a broken twig in two as he says this. ]

Because it can! He was treating me, my family's murderer! He ruined them! That is why... that is why I had to-

[ She killed him. She still remembers the anger and triumph when she shoved him so hard, that he tripped and fell into the train as it came. The satisfaction she felt and then the grief afterwards that she couldn't save those children, as well. By now, Alice is starting to tremble, her hands raking through her hair, as if she's about to pull it all out. ]

A man of high social status compared to a lunatic like me. He's dead! Why doesn't it go away? Why couldn't she just stay here so that she may feel better?

[ The grief is unbearable. Never has uttered about the details of her sister's death in Asgard up until now. Alice slumps forward against him. ]

Don't call yourself that! [ His tone is even, and he never raises his voice, but there is fire there, in that statement, fire and steel to take down a world that would judge her so, and when she crumples he catches her, although he has to remind himself not to fold her in his arms ]

Oh Alice, Alice, you are not to blame, please do not hurt yourself so. And you are certainly not insane. You did what you had to do, to avenge your kin and keep yourself safe. I am sorry, yenya, I have no answers for you.

I just want to save the children.

[ She's shaking her head against him, with her hands balled up into fists, unsure of she wants to be comforted. Ten years in Rutledge and she could have stayed in there longer. She's ashamed of it; when she would walk the streets of London, there would be passing gazes, fingers pointed, and terrible comments. All of that gossip -- mad Alice Liddell, who burned down her family's house.

She had simply woke up one day, surprising the staff of Rutledge and even stood in front of a court, accused of setting the fire in a psychotic episode. It seemed for naught, especially as everyone still accused her of it. Wild speculations run through her head; had all of it been masterminded by Bumby himself to cover his crimes? In her trauma, Alice had sculpted a memory of her cat knocking down the oil lamp in her room, when it had been Bumby.

She doesn't budge. It feels relieving to speak of it, as much as it hurts. He is one of the few and arguably the first to hear the details of her past in the gruesome details.She's had terrible episodes where Alice had became violent against herself and hallucinated. Not now, she's gently weeping openly against him. It's exhausting, the whole twelve years mourning her family has been exhausting.

It's one step closer to make amends it was out of her hands. Not insane, he says; she still holds her doubts. ]

I'm alone again. Please don't leave me alone again.

I know yenya, I know.

[ He aches to draw her in her arms and tell her she is safe, but Asgard, and indeed life in general does not permit such promises to be made. He lets her weep, only gently carding a hand through her hair. ]

Never alone, Alice. Not so long as I am here. I will go no where of my own will. [ it is the only promise he can make her ]

Edited 2014-06-23 16:53 (UTC)

[ For a few minutes more, Alice allows herself to openly cry on him. The times she mourned for them were in catatonic shock, disconnected from reality followed by fits and ramblings of Wonderland. Rarely she cried over them and never with another soul to comfort her. It feels strange and foreign to have someone listen to her. Why couldn't anyone do this for her as a child she never knew and grew to accept. His presence here was unavoidable and as soon as she said her goodbyes, she came directly to him, like a child with a scraped knee.

His reaffirmation calms her that she won't be thrown in a padded room, left in a bed for days on end helps. What a childish fear! Long at last, when Alice has moved from uncontrollable sobbing to openly weeping, she's just now noticed her tears. ]

I'm sorry.

[ A bad force of habit and Alice hasn't shrank away from Maglor quite yet. ]

No yenya - never apologise for doing what is needful.

[ until she pushes him off, he simply keeps carding his hand through her hair ]

I only wish I could have spared you this.

[ He couldn't. No one really could. The world is not kind or orphans with no extended family and with plenty of manipulation to take her family's inheritance, but that's another story. She shakes her head gently against him. ]

I wish she could have stayed longer.

Mm, as do I. But I suppose we are not so fortunate as that.

[ Quiet and calm, despite the rage that boils inside ]

I am sorry I cannot do more, Alice.

[ If it would be any consolation, Alice knows her sister, she knows she would have no problems with Maglor. One more deep breath, Alice swallows with a quiet nod, after realizing how long she had been crying on him. A silence befalls Alice, before she speaks up in a trembling voice. gently pulling away from him. ]

Thank you.

[ Maglor twines a finger in acurl of her hair affectionately and shakes his head ]

You are always welcome, yenya. You need not ever feel guilty.

[ Anytime now, Alice could burst into tears again. Slowly, without a word, she sinks back down to sit there on the roof, lest she find herself in a catatonic grief once again. She won't, she knows that it will not help stave the pain away and it will make it worse. It's better if she keeps company with someone. ]

[ Maglor settles next to her, close, but not touching and begins to hum softly, a gentle melody of a sunlit glade. He will not speak unless she wants him to, but he will listen ]

[ A few minutes of silence falls, Alice slumps against his side. She's not ready to leave his side quite yet. She's fighting off tears again. ]

I haven't- [ A sniffle and a choke in between. ] No one has ever said these things, not since Pyro was here.

[ Will he think of her less if he knew what happened to her after she was orphaned? ]

I didn't speak for years.

It is not easy to speak of such things. [ he rejoins quietly ]

You honor me to share them, Alice. [ since she seems to want the touch he starts the carding of her hair again ]

Was there none to stand for you? [ such a cruel world, to leave its children without succor ]

No.

[ After a while, she grew used to it, often preferring her own company, even as she grew increasingly lonely. For as much as she hates touch, she allows him to fiddle with her hair. Or ether that, it's a conclusion that it must be a trait of his own kind, to fiddle with another's hair. Still, she finds it difficult to open up even more about Rutledge. ]

I want to shrink away and be gone again, but I don't want to be gone. I'm just a very strange person.

Strange is not always bad, gwilwileth. Men are strange to the Eldar, but that does not make us love any of you less - strange and wondrous thou art to me, fair and delicate as the first frost, but strong and hardy as the willow. I am glad you stay, yenya.

[ His own kind cared for humans so, even as they would do terrible things. Unspeakable things. Just like what Bumby had done to her family, especially Lizzie. As she leans into his side, her posture is relaxing. How can anyone care for beings so capable of pure evil? She holds that thought to herself, she doesn't blurt it out. She sniffs, wiping away the last remaining tears from her eyes. ]

I've kept my silence for ten years, I will not any longer.

[ Maglor, of course, would argue that he has done things just as henious, and his people are capable of deeds equally dark ]

I am honored that you chose me to break yout silence with me.

[ For a few more minutes, Alice keeps her head braced against his eyes, with her eyes closed. After some time has passed longer than she initially planned, Alice shifts forward. If anything, she would say he needed it more than her because of how many years well beyond the lifetimes of her family wandering alone. Just when she thinks she's finally stopped crying, she starts again. Alice pulls herself on unsure feet. ]

I forgot something. I was going to give it to you a few days before, but.

[ Suddenly the house became crowded with his extended family and Lizzie. She scurries off for a moment downstairs without giving him the time to ask. Alice is then seen coming back up, right there with a small paper bag. It's not a birthday, but the man deserves a present for his work and patience with these two. A tea and potion, although Alice doesn't say what it is, because it is a surprise. ]

Here.

Maglor will treasure those few brief days the rest of his life, for he knows full well that he will not see any of them in life outside of situations like this again. For those brief days, Asgard in general, and their house in particular, was treated to a faint glimpse of the joy and brightness that was Maglor's world growing up. It has settled him noticably, given him a strength and glow of peace in his eyes. Now he watches Alice with fond eyes.

"For me? What is the occasion, gwilwileth?" He blinks and accepts the bag, peering into it curiously.

It's good to see him happy; his grey eyes always seem to show that inner turmoil he carries. For now, this small moment has become worth the mourning. She watches him, hopeful that it will help him sleep more soundly. Alice voice cracks as she speaks.

"Tea," Here's to hoping that what she says next won't have him scolding her, "And something to help you sleep at night."

He smiles at her, fond and bright. "Thank you, yenya. It was kind of you to think of me despite your own cares."

He looks at the tea and potion curiously. "How does it work, do you know?"

Alice will do her best to explain from her memory of Roland's instructions. The only thing she dreads is his reaction of being told to take a day off. "Mister Roland explained that you can have the tea to unwind and then the potion to help sleep. He also recommend that you take a day off once I told him you help in the Citadel."

"A day off hm?" He laughs softly "I have had far too many 'days off', I believe. I suppose I might be persuaded, if you would consent to rest as well."

Hello, we are hypocritical and want you to take care of yourself, Alice.

Of course he would and Alice isn't really surprised. She lets out a soft huff of amusement. Being stubborn as she is, she gently shakes her head side to side, allowing her dark hair to fall in her face.

"Not unless you do," But that answer won't suffice for him. "Maybe."

He chuckles softly in return.

"Together then? I can do that. Perhaps I will 'take a day off' in two days time - I do need to tell my students, after all."

A smile breaks across her lips following his chuckle despite her tears. A faint memory is conjured from the deepest corners of her mind.

Whoever destroys a soul, destroys the world. There is much wisdom in that, Alice.

She nods. The answer is sufficient for Alice, as she pulls her hair out of her face as she speaks up. "All right," Her voice is still cracking. She'll agree because he will. "I will, but I still want to learn more. You'll teach me more, won't you?"

"I will. As much as you wish to learn, yenya." The Eldar never distinguished much between neri or nissi in terms of teaching - certainly not in Middle-earth, where they lived on the edge of a knife.

He keeps up the gentle carding of her hair, humming gently.

Alice will stay for a few minutes longer, settled right next to him. Of course she finds herself leaning against his arm, slowly becoming more accustomed to doing so. It's more tentative baby steps for her, to show physical affection. A few years earlier, she wouldn't have made it this far. She has come a long way, a far cry from the little girl who would hide underneath her bed in the asylum in fear. She's tired and eventually she has to sleep. Alice will likely fall asleep crying over losing her sister, huddled underneath the covers of her bed and toy rabbit.

She hates to do so, but Alice slowly pulls away, standing back up with her arms huddled to herself for security, "I think I will retire for the evening, Mr. Maglor. I'm sorry."

"Do not be sorry, yenya." He admonishes, watching her fondly although he does not yet rise, waiting until she is secure on her own feet before he does, knowing she dislikes him towering.

"Go and get some rest - I think me I will remain out here for a while. My cloak is in my room, if you feel you have a need for it."

She'll more than likely take it, as Kevin is likely to have a shirt of his already. She's silent, only offering a nod of acknowledgement as Alice starts to head back down for the evening. Thoughts are running through her head of her sister, but she stops to turn to him for one final question.

"Mister Maglor, do you think my sister will at peace now?"

He looks back at her, startled, the light of the stars and moon around him, and perhaps he looks like he might have done, in his own world.

"I do not know, Alice. The fates of Men are sundered from that of the Eldar, and where they go after death only two Elves have ever known, and they did not return to speak of it. Yet, I cannot believe that the One who sung the creation into existance cares nothing for his children. I believe she is, Alice. I believe she is Home."

Alice, who has lost faith in most things, needed to hear that after tearing herself up as Lizzie had left. It wouldn't be fair if she faded out into nothingness, with only three days breathing and thriving once again, warm in Alice's embrace. It will still not save her from a restless night.

She was on the balls of her feet, ready to descend down the stairs. Instead, she turns on a heel, with a slow approach towards him. It's easy for her to initiate affection with the little Alice, without hesitation. She can pick her up now and hold her, to calm the little girl who means much more to her than just similarity. So it's still awkward for her, to embrace him, especially with how he towers over her. She does, at least, brace herself against him in an awkward attempt in a hug.

It wouldn't be far from the truth to say she's forgotten how to. She hates it, but his words have given her a much needed piece of mind.

A startled pause - it is unlike Alice to initiate such contact, and Maglor debates for a long, long moment before deciding that she needs it, and bending, he folds her in his arms, ever so briefly, pressing a kiss to her forehead before letting her go.

(He would hold her close and shut out the world, but it would only distress her, he knows)

He would assume correctly; Alice had tensed from the initial display of affection, sinking her shoulders as soon as she's freed. It's her way of saying "thank you", since words seem to be lost on Alice at the moment. It's bedtime for Alice, who is dead on her feet, that she reluctantly staggers towards the stairs. She was going to say something else to him, perhaps a "goodnight" or verbalize her gratitude.

There is silence.

Alice just turning to him, as her dark hair falls into her face.

Unfortunately, Alice will not be coming out of her room for a few days after this.

He will be there for her - bringing a meal up and leaving it at the door. Singing for her when the nightmares get too much. Waiting, quiet and patient, as he did once for Elrond and Elros, terrified and so very angry.

Won't you tell Kevin not to cook on his own? There was smoke all over the lower level and I almost died of fright!

[ The locket chimes when he's up at the Citadel, during one of his cooldowns, so alas, poor Alice, your ada has his shirt off again ]

Alice? What have you and Kevin been up to?

[ OH, NO. Alice covers her face with a very large groan. ]

For goodness sakes!

[ She's already plenty exasperated and Alice refuses to move her hands until he's covered up. ]

There was smoke downstairs because he didn't know how to cook. I nearly had a heart attack.

Hm? [ Oh right, shirt ] A moment, Alice - you caught me at a bad time I fear. [ Give him a sec... there. Look he's wearing the new one? ]

Are either of you are hurt?

[ She pears through her fingers before removing her hands completely to ensure he's got his shirt back on. She doesn't understand it; maybe it's a man thing, maybe it's an elf thing. Whatever it is, it's a little weird to see your father figure like that. ]

No! But it gave me such a fright!

[ Oh good, and he relaxes - he did not truly think so, or Alice would have been more worried, but it is good to have that confirmation ]

Ah yenya - I am sure that it did, but am grateful that neither of you are harmed. And so? What happened Alice?

[ Had it been an actual fire, Alice would have had a panic attack. ]

I came downstairs to see him trying to cook a large piece of meat and he overcooked it.

[ He knows, which is why he is gentler than he might have been, otherwise ]

Ah, I suppose we will need to teach him then, you and I - so that this does not happen again.

I've already lunch for him, I suppose it wouldn't hurt.

[ It would be kind of nice, too. Maglor cooks and Alice appreciates the helping hand. Other than that, he's missed out on the general ridiculousness, aside from Alice kicking Kevin's wall when she braces her feet up against it. ]

Edited 2014-08-01 04:55 (UTC)

[ An amused chuff ] Mm, an oversight on my part as well, I suppose. I am sure he will be glad of the help, considering. I will be home soon, Alice.

You will?

[ She looks genuinely surprised. She manages the upkeep of this house without request because it's something to do and keeps her productive. But if he's coming back, then she may just have to stop being obnoxious to Kevin. ]

[ a raised eyebrow ] Yes? Is that not what you wished for, gwilwileth? But irregardless, I am all but done up here - it is not a hardship.

I have no objections!

[ Except that part where Kevin may also come to him and complain about Alice. ]

[ Amused ] Then I shall see you soon, yenya.

Of course, atar.

[ No big deal, just buttering you up. ]

[ Uh huh, he sees what you are up to Alice dear ]

Soon then, yenya

[ and off to hijack that log ]

Hey, did you go to Muspewhachamacallit?

Edited (grammar, oops) 2014-08-22 13:48 (UTC)

Master Hamel? [ surprise and almost... gratefulness. Maglor looks tired, haunted, and his eyes are bright, the way Hamel will remember them from Alfhiem, haunted by his memories, face soot smudged ]

I did aye - I did not see you about, where are you my friend?

In Asgard. Something unexpected came up.

[He sounds so displeased. He hates being left out of things!]

Ah. [ Maglor shrugs a little on his end ] But in any case aye, I am out here - did you need something?

Just wanted to know what you're doing there. If there's anything interesting. Since we got private messages and everything.

[PEOPLE BETTER NOT BE DOING HEROIC SHIT OVER THERE THAT'S HAMEL'S THING]

Not much, for the present. [ Maglor's voice is dry ]

There is little game to be found and the air is thick with ash. The only worry is the Giants, but they are scattered and disorganized. Easy prey.

[...ok he's pleased that so far he didn't miss any action but this gets an eyebrow raise.]

So why summon everyone in the first place?

That I do not know. [ Maglor sighs softly ]

They call us out - I would guess, because they suspect something here that might aid in the war. But they tell us nothing. They worry about the traitor I think.

Ginnawhatever was supposed to have something too and it turned out pointless. Better find that person fast, no one's gonna keep following orders without knowing why.

Aye. [ A soft tired sigh ] What news from Asgard, Hamel? What goes on while we are out here?

The usual mess. There an emergency drill or something, people running around like headless chickens. And we got demon rabbits.

[The camera pans to show one of the creatures, sleeping on a couch in the Welcome Hall.]

Demon... rabbits. [ Maglor's eyebrow crooks up, shaken from his thoughts by the sheer incongruity of the statement ]

It hardly looks that menacing, indeed, if not for the wings I would think it a normal beast.

Oh sure, it looks innocent and fluffly but if you touch it--

[He pauses, looks at the creature. Bites his lower lip like he can't help himself. Goes over and holds out a finger, gingerly, to stroke the animal between the antlers. His eyes lose focus for a few seconds before he retracts his hand. He murmurs, more to himself:]

Same images! What a rip off. [To Maglor:] Anyway, they show you people from home but if you touch them for too long, you get a splitting headache.

Hm. [ That eyebrow is crooked in the direction of the rabbit ]

Well, I suppose to some it might be a comfort, to see those left behind. Although I do not fancy the headache as a final end.

It's not a comfort! [It totally was. Worth the headache.] They're not allowed to do things without me!

Then it shows what goes on in real time then? [ Maglor murmurs softly and shoves down the bolt of pain that wants to weep at the knowledge that any such gift will (can) only show him loss ]

Are they well, your friends?"

They're fine. Raiel's having another nosebleed but he'll probably live.

Does he do that often then? What are they like, your friends from home? I only met Lady Flute, and then bu briefly.

Every time he's around girls. He’s an idiot sap but he makes a good comic relief so I keep him around. And his piano’s worth a lot in pawn shops.

I dunno what you thought about Flute but she’s no lady. She’s violent and bipolar and the most unrefined princess I’ve seen in my life, but I’ll admit she’s a decent assistant. And someone has to carry the bags. [Warming up now-- he misses them enough to be talking about them! Nothing but bad things, of course.] Oboe is a dumb old crow who should’ve been here ‘cause other people got to keep their animals. Seriously, it’s bullshit. [Translation: I miss my daaaaaaaad.] Then there’s Trom, he’s a prince but he’s like eight so really he’s just a stupid brat. Probably still wets his bed. Oh, and there’s Sizer. She’s my sister but I don’t know her very well ‘cause she joined right before I got here.

They're all idiots, but a hero needs his posse.

Not all princesses are demure and shy [ Maglor observes in amusement, watching and listening as much to tone as to words ]

You sound like you miss them - they must have been good friends.

If they were any good they would've followed their great leader.

You know they can no more help that than we can. [ dawww does someone miss them? ]

[NO NEVER YOU SHUT YOUR FACE.]

Psh. They're missing whatever the gods need to grab people and bring them here. Their fault.

Edited 2014-08-27 22:19 (UTC)

[ SUUUUUUURE ]

[ a low amused chuckle ]

And which of us knows what it is our patrons need? I will remind you Lady Flute was here for a brief time. I suspect the process is rather more random than they would like to admit. Rather I think, it might be kinder to think of them safe and away from this war.

[Grumble grumble]

Same war shit back home.

[ A tired sigh ]

That is true here as well as there it seems. Will you be well, Master Hamel?

Of course I will. Hope none of you guys do anything interesting, it's bad form when heroes like me are stuck in the city.

[Which also his way of saying "you better not be dying there".]

[ Maglor knows ]

We will do our best to come back in one piece and not indulge in overt heroics.

Whenever Maglor gets back, Alice is waiting, in front of the door for him to come back She knows what he does is of good intentions in order to protect others including herself. It doesn't make her any less happy to know that he instructed her to part ways, it was her father's insistence that she leave the house while it burned that brings back memories of anger and grief. Possessed by an irrational fear that he may never return, Alice is on edge waiting.

He is not back long after her, in honesty. He went as far in as he dared, further, perhaps, than was wise - but he saved as many as he could, knowing full well he could not save them all. His long hair is still in warrior braids, but soot streaks his fair cheeks and he limps slightly, clothes singed and smelling of ash and fire.

But mostly he is unharmed, little more than scratches and bruises, and he smiles wryly when he sees her waiting by the door.

"Suilad, little butterfly. I am home, it seems"

She practically leaps up, bounding forward and with her height she knows she can't easily grab him as much. With her fists clenching and unclenching, Alice is a loss of words for a moment. He even smells like fire and she has to double check that he's not burned in any way, worst of all.

All Alice does is take a balled fist and strike him in the chest. He told her to leave when she wanted to stay by his side, just to make sure that nothing would happened. It almost bordered on being obsessive.

Maglor lets her, knowing that she sometimes cannot find the words she wants. Kevin, too, is often that way. Kneeling before her he takes the hand she struck him with and brushes a kiss across her knuckles before releasing her.

"I am well, Alice. I promise."

"I could have gone with you!"

Alice knows that it may have never been possible that she could follow him. She would follow him, to the ends of that realm just to make sure he stayed safe. Those close to her would have to be subjected to her protective nature. Maglor does not know her father's last words to her. Separation was painful and with her wild imagination, the last few minutes felt longer when she waited for him to come back.

"I know." He says simply, and lets her vent her anger on him as she pleases. "But it might have cost us both dearly" It might have cost me you

"And there were the others to worry over as well. I am sorry that I sent you way Alice, but you know if this choice had to be made again I would."

No matter how painful, he would. He learnt long ago, after all, how to make such choices (my brother or my people? You had to leave me there Maedhros agrees quietly It was the only way)

Oh, how she would like to protect others from harm as much as possible, but Alice would prefer she stay close. In the rational part of her mind, she knows that it's a silly demand, even a little selfish. Alice doesn't say anything and she doesn't raise a fist other than her voice. "What if you didn't come back?"

"Then you would have met me at the door waiting for you, hm? Rather than the other way around."

The smile is sad and gentle.

"And if not here, then perhaps in another world, in a different time. But do not think of such things now, little butterfly. I am here - there is no point in worrying over might-have-beens."

"Well, I don't care!" She finds herself shouting and right on cue, Alice bursts into tears. She feels like a child as she does this, dropping her head into her hands as her shoulders shake as Alice breaks into quiet sobs. "I don't care if I was, don't tell me to leave!"

Edited 2014-09-05 05:26 (UTC)

"Ssh" He croons to her softly, hands across her cheecks wiping away her tears. Sere, sere it is well, Alice, see? I am here." He does not promise what he can not guarantee.

It's such a pitiful thing to ask that he doesn't leave her. She hasn't depended on anyone in years and the realization that she does now startles her. She's shaking her head as she tries to calm herself down. The reassurances are comforting, but they do nothing to quell that fear that he may never come back.

Alice is banking on never returning to London now, there's nothing left for her there. There's so much more in Asgard, even in a war, "Then don't leave again. Don't tell me to leave, there's so much more I can do."

"You know I cannot promise that Alice." He reminds her gently, still kneeling before her. "But I will not send you away unnecessarily, nor will I try and leave you behind without urgent need. I will not seek my death here, Alice. Not so long as you and Kevin remain."

Alice shakes her head again. She raises her fists fists as if she's about ready to strike him. "No!" This has already been trying enough and Alice hadn't intended to spill so much on him, "No, how can you say that? Please. I don't want to be sent away again and have nothing to return to!"

"Oh yenya" Soft and sad "Do not ask me to promise something I cannot fulfil. As long as I have strength enough to do so, I will always return to you. But I cannot promise more than that, Alice. Not in a world such as this."

"Papa told me to leave," She finally admits to him, exposing the route of her distress, "He told us to get out while we still could! I could hear him... I could hear his voice there in yours."

Still, she cries, knowing very well it's an irrational fear, an irrational thought pattern, "I don't want to lose you."

"And I reminded you - oh yenya, I am sorry. But your papa and I ... we both would chose you over ourselves always. I cannot promise that you will not lose me. Not when we go to war - but I will fight to come back to you Alice, always."

She feels like a child each time she shakes her head at his words. They're so hard to accept and they will be something she will go against. Alice clamps her eyes shut finding herself too angry to look at him. This isn't something she wants to hear; she rather have him promise not to get hurt or leave so that he won't. Alice doesn't come out and say it, of course.

He knows. But he cannot and will not make a promise he can not keep, and so he says nothing, only staying there on his knees in front of her, hands cupping her face as he wipes away her tears.

It's a few more minutes before Alice can respond. She isn't about to take no as an answer, being stubborn as she is. Alice allows him to cup her face as a reassurance this is still reality. Even now, she finds herself wondering if dreams will fuse with reality.

"I'm not leaving you again, I don't care what you say to me. It's a promise I intend to keep."

Edited 2014-09-08 05:44 (UTC)

"Have a care of making such promises, yenya. No good ever comes of making promises you cannot be sure to keep - You may have no choice, Alice."

A sigh. "Oh Alice. I have no words of comfort for you. War is always cruel."

War is cruel he says, but Alice would argue that life is cruel and she has grown tired of it. When Alice manages to speak between hiccups and tears, the admonition she gives to him is still strange for her to say out loud, "We think of you as a father," Kevin seems much more comfortable being frank about this than Alice, ironically.

For her, it took a while; after some time, his mannerisms reminded her of her father, "I just don't want to see your hurt anymore. I don't want to lose you, too. I don't want to wake up and have everything gone again. I want to fight beside you."

It still brings a bright burn of joy when she or Kevin says it, but his smile is sad. "I know, and I am ever grateful for this blessing. I do not want to see either of you hurt either you see, and so we are at an impasse. I will not send you away unless I have to. I cannot promise more than that Alice, do not ask me to."

"Please, let me go with you!" With desperation, Alice's trembling hands awkwardly cling onto his. She's still in tears and trembling with an overwhelming fear that he may vanish and never come back.

"I don't want to go back to London!" And Alice finds herself caving at the irrational thoughts, almost literally falling against him. "I want to go with you, please let me help you!"

"Oh yenya" He lets her cling, wishing that he dared to drag her close and hold her, instead contenting himself with running gentle fingers through her hair.

"I know, I know. If there is any way to bring you with me, beloved, I would, I will, this I swear."

That is an answer Alice will accept. Slowly, she warms up to tentatively resting her hands on his shoulders until it turns into an embrace that's not desperate. It's a hug and she'll allow the close contact this once to say "thank you", instead of "don't leave me".

He stays on his knees, and his hands curl around her comfortingly before one goes back up to card gently through her hair, and he hums gently.

Peace and Comfort

She feels small again, like a child as she freely braces against him. He's so tall and Alice already feels terrible for having him kneel like this. She isn't sobbing as much, her weeping has grown quiet as she slowly becomes more and more accustomed to being comforted like this. She's come a long way from hiding from him when he first found her.

If she was Kevin, he would pick her up and carry her inside, but as comfortable as she has grown with him, he knows better than to move such without necessity. He does not mind the kneeling, after all - and he can wait out her tears until she is calm again.

After a few minutes longer and Alice having her worries sated, she begins to calm down as her hands awkwardly rest on his shoulders. No more hiccups or sobbing, Alice finally opens her eyes to look through the dull lighting of the house. Maglor doesn't have the scent of the sea she's grown fond of, his trademark scent.

Just soot and ash complete with the dust of Muspelheim. It's then her heart swells with relief that he came back safe and sound and wasn't engulfed by flames. Her shoulders drop and Alice lets back one more relieved sigh, closing her eyes and recounting her father hugging her when he came home after a long departure. Slowly, Alice withdraws her hands away and straightens up. It's a miracle that she managed a hug this long.

Edited 2014-09-12 05:11 (UTC)

Maglor lets her go when she straightens, smiling a little. "There now my butterfly - dry your tears. All's well now. Shall we go in and break our fast?"

Alice has finally calmed down and there are no more tears rolling down her pale cheeks. She doesn't respond like she usually would with a faithful response of yes or tails behind him. She can't describe it, she's been far too shaken by Maglor's actions and no matter how much she tells herself not to be upset with him, she is. It will subside after a night if she sleeps well.

There's guilt building up as Alice silently shakes her head "no". She cares for him, but it is unfortunate that this has triggered an old wound. Her throat raw from the hot air in Muspelheim, "I am sorry," She breaks her own silence, choosing to look at his feet, "But I am tired, I would like to rest."

Maglor only nods and gets up, offering his hand if she wants it. "Come then - get you to bed and I will make you supper. Something light, hm? And then you can rest."

Alice nods softly in affirmation, turning on a heel to her room. It is just as she left it, even if it felt like she hadn't stepped foot in there in years. How befitting it is when she enters through the organized chaos with her drawings spread all over her old stuffed rabbit, and her dog sprawled on her back her father's eyes seem to glisten in the little light from the window in the portrait. She only stops, for a moment, with her boots and stockings off to gaze up at him and the rest of her family. She keeps them above her bed thinking that they will now watch over her sleep now.

She wishes she could have a verbal reassurance from her father, some sort of confirmation that he is fine with handing her off in the care of another, but it won't come, at least not when she's awake. Eventually, Alice is in her night gown and her own shawl, right underneath her family's portrait.

He taps at the door and pushes it open. He's made her chamomile tea and has the last of the berry cakes on the tray. Setting them down he smiles at her sadly but makes no move to touch her unless she allows it.

"Rest, Alice. I will be on the roof if you need me."

Alice doesn't make the motion to stop him, even if she turns to look at him. Alice will always be strict on not wasting food as they all know. She won't let it sit there even if her appetite has a history of plummeting when she's hungry. Alice silently comes to night stand to see what he placed there. Something of a soft smile comes to her lip as she sees it.

Berry cakes seem to be his trademark around here she's come to noticed. Already drained, Alice graciously finishes it along with the tea. Once she is done, she burrow underneath her covers, as always, with her stuffed rabbit and other toys with her all over the bed. It's childish, sure, but they're things of comfort and the rabbit means so much to her.

He comes in to collect the dishes later and smiles to see the bundle. For a little while, he sits and sings, low and sweet and soft, weaving gentle dreams of starlight on the waves for her before leaving. She never sleeps through the night, he knows, but he can grant a little rest, for a while.

Ada, what do you think about tattoos?

Tattoos? [ wary confusion ] I am not overly fond of them, although the dwarves favoured them as a form of art. Why?

Because.... Some girl was talking about them on the network. [No, he's not nervous at all. He's perfectly calm, Ada.] And some of them look cool.

[ .............. ]

It is your body and ultimately your choice, Kevin. As I said, I am not particularly fond of them, although I know my nephew Celebrimbor wore some as mark of his friendship with the dwarven smiths of Eergion and Khazad Dum.

Really? What did he get??

In truth I do not know? I ... did not have much to do with him after Nargothrond, and saw him mostly from a distance. Mm, from memory he had work done on his arms. What they meant and if he had others that I did not see I do not know.

I want to get something that looks badass. Maybe dragons?

[ EYEBROW ]

You are aware they are painful, also permanent yes?

Of course, they're permanent. [Duh, Ada.] And at least I'd get to decide.

[ A soft huff ]

If it please you. But mind, if you change your mind it will be too late, later.

I want to get something about fire.

A good match for you, aye. [ Maglor nods ] Although I would rather you ... not chose a dragon, if you must do this.

Why not?

[ long pause ]

I have... some very bad memories of dragons, yonya.

[Elrond really hopes Maglor isn't sleeping, but...ah ha...hi? He's back? And the first thing he does is make sure his ada's still around.]

Ada... Do you still live where you were before? It seems some time has passed since I was last here.

[ Absolute stunned silence and then ]

Elrond? Yonya is that truly you?

[At that stunned silence, of course he's going to chuckle quietly.]

Yes. Your ears do not deceive you.

[Probably one of the few good things about being back is Maglor is heeeerrrreeeee.]

Oh Elrond! [ Maglor cannot hide the bounding joy in his voice and does not try ]

Yes, we are still in the house in Sigyn, although Master Brax is long gone now. Where are you yonya, I will come to you.

[ sobering ] I should not be so glad to see you return. We march out soon - the last push, I think.

No, it is easier if I come to you.

[Already he's on his way, in fact. He might be a little disoriented, but he'll manage.]

...Yes. I have been approached already.

The conscriptors? [ Maglor nods ]

The healers will be right glad to have your skill with them I think. There is a curfew, as well, although rationing was lifted. We leave in two days time.

That was my thought as well. I intend to be part of the group whom go with those attacking.

[Simply because he can both heal and fight. Just makes the most sense. And if he knows Maglor, keep relatively close to him. Enough he can help him if it comes down to it.]

I am nearly to you. We will be ready. [No other option, but he puts quiet confidence in his voice. Even if he doesn't like war.]

[ Maglor nods - Elrond is a seasoned campaigner, and he trusts him to know where he is best suited ]

I gave my name to the army, myself - tis where I can of most use. It will not be the first time I have fought giants, eh? Although not of this sort, tis true.

[ which is to say he means to put himself of the front line, of course ]

You will fight well, especially as I am certain you have continued to train in my absence. [Yep, side by side this time. Or near enough to satisfy Elrond.] No, not quite the same.

[Siiiiigh. And minutes later, he lightly knocks on the door.]

I will do what I can. [ he shrugs wryly ] And I have found partners willing to match me in the ring, so I have done as best I can.

[ The door practically flies open, and Maglor simply stands there for a long moment, drinking in the sight of Elrond standing there in the flesh. ]

Oh yonya... I should not be glad to see you in such dire straits... but it is good to see you again Elrond.

As you ever have.

[For his part, Elrond also just stands there staring at him. Looking for any new injuries that Maglor 'neglected' to mention. But then he steps in and up to embrace his father fiercely.]

As good as it is to see you again, ada.

[ Well unless you count the sleep deprivation due to the recent nightmares, Maglor has escaped anything dramatic this time! Yay? ]

Oh Elrond. [ He returns that hug tight and fierce - this is something he never thought he would have again, and that would have been well, but he will seize this chance greedily all the same ]

Come in - you remember Alice and Kevin aye? They are both still here. In truth, I am glad for Kevin's sake especially - I learnt but recently that he struggles to read. I thought you might have some advice?

[Business as usual there then. He'll do his best to help with those nightmares if Maglor helps with the ones he's sure to get again.

He lets the hug linger a long moment before pulling back, because even if it's not been that long since he'd last seen Maglor, it's been enough time in general that they remain precious.]

I remember them, yes. [How could he forget the people his father has adopted here? Though the trouble reading has him pause in thought.]

If he permits it, I will see if there is a physical cause, and work from there.

I will see if we can coax him - he is embarrassed, eh? And does not like to speak of it.

How long has it been for you? [ Because Maglor has learnt how time works here ]

For us... mm, some five months, I think?

[He can understand that.] I will find a way.

[If Maglor asks, it's not a stupid question. And he's been getting hints of that since his return.] A day, if that.

[He stifles the sigh. Five months, and he just knew a lot had to have happened here during that time.]

[ A soft huff ] Ai... well, things have been moving, as expected while you were away. Siege and attack and counterattack. Thiazi attacked directly, at one point. As you can see, I have taken no lasting injury. [ He hasn't even died again! Yay? ]

The last attack saw our Patrons save the spirit of Lord Tyr, who Thiazi was using as ... a weapon, I suppose. [ A grimace - that sort of sorcery is as dark as it gets ] He was... not terribly sane, and we were all sore afflicted with our worst fears, over the last few weeks. But that is over now. This strike will be while Thiazi remains weakened by the loss of her most potent weapons. Perhaps... it will be enough. We shall see.

[A war wasn't something to take lightly, and he wasn't. Dying again was a good thing! No question!] A fact which I am grateful to see.

[The grimace at the word weapon told him quite a bit, if no details. Nightmares...Worst fears...He studies Maglor closely for a long minute, wondering just what he'd had to go through. But he doesn't ask, yet. Instead he nods a little.]

With good fortune, with as little cost to our forces as there can be.

[ Maglor catches the look and shrugs a little wryly ]

I have lived most of mine already hm? [ He says softly, and does not mention how at the end the visions made him chose between his fosterling and the Silmaril (and in the end it was never a choice at all) ]

Aye. I hope to see the same, but we shall see. Come in, though, come in - I will put on the kettle.

[He reaches up to rest a hand on Maglor's shoulder, holding on again. He really doesn't need to answer that, does he?

It was easier to act then than speak. To step in with the invitation and push past the mention of nightmares and memories.]

Thank you.

[ A smile, a little sad, a little tired, but always happy to see Elrond, and Maglor leads them both to the kitchen, where he sets the kettle boiling ]

Mm, Thank you, I think.

[The emotions mixed with that smile are nothing new.

Elrond follows a bare step behind, then moves on to pick through the cupboards for tea and cups for them, reminding himself where everything was and what had changed.

If there was more to say immediately, what couldn't wait a day, it would be Maglor that would have to speak up. Elrond hardly knows where to continue, from all that had already been said.]

[ The cupboards are a little barer this time, for they have been at siege. But the eggs in the fridge are fresh, for Maglor has two hens out the back, and the honey as well, from the small beehive.

Like Elrond, Maglor busies himself around the kitchen a little, for want of words to say, and eventually he chuckles softly ]

The bard without words to speak. [ He says in quiet amusement, and comes over to pour them both the tea ]

I have missed you. [ He says simply ] But I also wished you home and safe, so I feel guilty for being glad at your returning. The house has never been empty, nor quiet, not with Kevin and Alice both testing boundaries and learning to live with each other but... I confess that I have missed having another adult around to balance them.

[ A soft noise at the door and the Longtoothed Reinhare sticks its nose in, flapping its wings to bring it over to the table ]

And as you can see, we are becoming something of a zoo. [ He adds in amusement, reaching over to offer the creature a biscuit ]

Aunt?

[Yep. That's all he has to say.]

...........Ah. I see you have been talking to Riley.

[ That's all you're getting in response ]

Indeed.

[Archly. So many arches here, ada.]

Were you going to tell me?

[Pretending to be upset really doesn't work well against Maglor, but that's okay.]

..........Perhaps eventually.

[ So that'd be 'no' chirp the Ambarussa ]

......Surprise?

[Oh he knows. He gives a mighty effort to keep the amusement and pure mirth out of his voice as he gives a considering little sound.]

A surprise is so mild, ada, when learning one has an aunt.

[Must. Not. Laugh.]

Might I ask how it came to be?

[ So very very sheepish ]

In truth, I did not expect to see you again that it might become an issue?

[ Quiet and a little shy ]

Riley... has been very kind to me. She scolds me and worries over me, and has allowed me liberties with herself, as well. When... she told me she saw me as an older brother... Forgive me for taking such liberties yonya. I have always wanted a sister.

[...

Sorry ada. But that is indeed a soft chuckle at just how sheepish you are.

But it's short-lived.]

Nor had I, though I am glad for it.

[He lets out a quiet breath, almost a sigh but not completely one. Anyone not too familiar with Maglor who heard the phrase 'allowed me liberties with herself' would believe the worse and lock the elf up.]

No liberties have been taken, ada. [So gently said.] She is an intelligent young lady who has been here for you while I could not. I could not think of any other I would wish to be my aunt.

[ Considering what Maglor considers a liberty, it is entirely possible he subconsciously aims for such an outcome...

He ducks his head with a pleased smile ]

She is. [ said very fondly ] I am glad you do not mind. [ She makes me smile he does not say aloud ]

iC: Inbox [Asgard]

[day 392]

*laughing so hard*

:D

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I edit and there are still typos sob

*patpat*

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backdated to Day 400

Action, backdated like hell if that's okay??

Action; I am all about the backtagging <3

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action~

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... tldr?

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laughing so hard

patpat