iC: Inbox [Asgard]

[bythewaves]

My apologies for my absence
The wind may wander as it wills, and so betimes do I
If you wish, you may leave me a message

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[digophelia]

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."

[bythewaves]

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."

[digophelia]

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?"

[bythewaves]

"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.

[digophelia]

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."

[bythewaves]

"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."

[digophelia]

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?"

[bythewaves]

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."

[digophelia]

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.

[bythewaves]

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)

[digophelia]

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.

[bythewaves]

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.