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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[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[digophelia]

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.

[bythewaves]

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.

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

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 ]

[digophelia]

...

[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.]

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[digophelia]

[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.]

[bythewaves]

[ 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?

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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?

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

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.

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

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.

[digophelia]

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.]

[bythewaves]

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.

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

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.

[digophelia]

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.

[bythewaves]

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?

[digophelia]

[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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.