bythewaves | IC Inbox [Eachdraidh]

[ She hears it and she knows, bile rising in her throat, that her message to Celegorm was too late. She knows and she scrambles with her locket, in the safety of the Station (Aubri has been looked after, healed, and will not hear; she can't face his anger at Celegorm, not right now. She can't face the responses of others either, and so she tells the locket that this is for Maglor and Maglor only), so close but so very far to where she last spoke to Maglor.

She tries to say his name but at first there are no words, just a choked sound; syllables that won't pass her tongue, a sob that won't quite form. She has to take another breath, has to force her grip on the locket to loosen as her knuckles start to ache. ]

He-

[ Again, she falters. Again, she takes a deep breath, but this time it shakes, trembling with her heart. ]

Maglor.

[ It's all she can say, as deep and sorrowful and never-ending as the ocean on the shores of Limbo. ]

[ It is a week and a day before she gets a response ]

Ariadne.

[ He sounds... exhausted. As if all the joy has gone out of him, as if all the life has been drained away ]

They tell me Celegorm lives again. [ And the hate which was washed out of him with the loss of his heart flickers to life again - how could they bring him back, why could they not let him rest? ] He woke not a few hours ago.

What?

[ The response is so startling, the words within it even more so, that Ariadne can't quite puzzle out how she feels. Shocked, mostly. ]

I- I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but-

[ She pauses, shakes her head though Maglor can't see it. She will talk to Celegorm herself. ]

Do you need anything?

My little one - the fairy who stayed. She was by his side when he woke. She called me... [ He had wondered where she had gone, for she had been all but attached to his side, following Celebrian's instructions while he was heartless, only to vanish in the last few days ]

I... no, little builder. I will be well enough. What of you?

I'm glad she was there. [ Glad of many things, but most especially that when Celegorm woke up, he wasn't alone. ]

I'd feel better if there was some way I could help.

[ A soft noise that might be laugh or sob or both, perhaps ]

Ah Alcalassë. The best thing you can do to help us right now is to stay safe, please. [ By which he means: stay away from us ]

I'll try.

[ Of course, the true meaning of his words doesn't actually come across for her. ]

But you too, okay?

I can promise nothing, little builder, but so long as you are well I will count myself content.

[ e l v e s ]

Do you know anything about dryads, Maglor?

[ If nothing else, perhaps she can give him something new to think about. ]

[ Most of them aren't this insane, promise? ]

Dryads? Not really, Ariadne. I have only met the three who follow in Legolas' train.

[ Distraction get? ]

We had no such beings in Arda that I knew of, although they seem a little like lesser Maia, perhaps - ah, that is, spirits of the world, but with less power than I would expect, and tied closely to their homes.

[ did it work ]

I have a manor in the forest, but I didn't realize that building it might upset them. Someone suggested that I should plant a tree in it to appease them, and I want to grow a garden, but I've never done either.

[ y...es sorta? ]

In La Llorna? Hmp. That place dislikes all things that walk, human or otherwise. If you plant a tree, I would choose one carefully - a young one, tended with love and care, might yet learn to love its carers, but do not take the willows - their hearts are black and rotten. Yet it might be taken as a sign of good will, also. I would speak, if you can, to the haryon of the Elvenking. Legolas is King now, if he chooses to take his father's crown, but he is Silvan, I think - and the folk of the wood have ways with tree and branch that we Noldor never learnt. You could also ask to speak to the Lady Galadriel - from the tales her daughter tells me, after... we were estranged, my cousin moved to Lothlorien, and they dwelt amongst and on the trees there - she might have some advice.

And... no fortress should be without a garden, I think.

Would one from another forest do well, do you think? Though- noted about willows. [ unsure face @ trees forever ]

'Haryon'? And I've spoken to Galadriel and her daughter before; it'd be good to speak to her again, I think.

[ Pause. ] I don't really know much about gardening, like I said. But I think it'd be nice -- add some color to the forest.

It would be safer, but, perhaps not as politic. [ a considering frown ] If you could see if a dryad would speak to you? You might stand and call them politely, beg their assistance - they would know, if any seedlings were safe to take. [ The Willow tried to eat them, Maglor does not forget such things easily ]

Ah, your pardon. Haryon is... it means, prince, heir - he is the Elvenking's son, after all. Mm, she is grown wise and great, my little cousin. I am glad... [ his voice drifts off a little before he seems to return to the conversation ]

It takes little you will find, to raise a good garden - a little sun, a little water, a lot of love, amil used to say, was enough for most small things, and plants are no different.

But what if they don't answer?

[ What if she isn't worthy, isn't good enough? ]

And what you call me - what does that mean? [ c: you know, now that you're sharing. ]

I have a list of plants and herbs that can be used for healing; I'd like to try to grow those, especially.

Then you will have done the best you can, and none can say you did not try. [ firm ] The consequences will be on their own heads, then. [ Something dark flickers in his voice at that - for above Clarisse, above himself... he blames the Seelie Queen for Celegorm's death ]

But I think they will - they seem good folk. Certainly, Legolas has had no trouble, but then again, as I said, the People of the Wood have a unique perspective, in that regard. Always a good idea to have in a garden. [ He nods ] But grow things for pleasure too, little builder - fruit and flower may bring ease even in the hard times... and you may be grateful for the fruit in the lean!

Hm? Alcalasse? It means... mm, Bright, Glorious. You shine, Ariadne.

[ The bit of darkness in his voice makes her shiver, unseen by the locket. This is war -- this is what will happen, one by one, unless she can do something. ]

Oh, I will! Apples should be okay, right? With the weather? And... I always liked sunflowers, when I was younger.

[ Oh. She ducks her head, cheeks red; when she speaks, the pleased embarrassment is clear. ] Thank you.

I would think so, yes. You may be able to persuade a pear or plum tree to grow as well - I fear I am not the best suited to ask, however.

Sunflowers? Aye, bright and golden - they would suit you, I think.

[ a soft amused huff ] I speak as I see, Ariadne, no need for thanks. But I am glad you approve.

And tall, which suits me a little less.

Even without being an expert, you've been very helpful.

[ There, finally, she's won a smile, although she cannot see it ]

Perhaps, or perhaps not. There is something to be said, little builder, about the thought of you lying amidst a field of golden sunflowers, reaching high above your head in a bright cloud.

Thank you.

[ No -- but she can hear it in his voice. ]

I'll let you know if the dryads reply to me, okay?

I am sure they will [ not an ounce of doubt ]

But I would be glad to know their answer.

I'll talk to you soon, then.

I will look forward to it, then.

[ If I am still here he does not say. ]

IC Inbox [Eachdraidh]

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private

audio; private