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FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Thranduil
RECIPIENT: Anyone with a Crystal
WHAT: Thranduil tells a very elfy bedtime story for the benefit of any and all. Mostly all.
WHEN: Evening of Solace 10
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: ELF STORY TIME: BY ELVES, FOR ELVES (AND OTHERS)

It seems that there has been a bit of cultural exchange occurring lately. I would not have it said I did not do my part, so I offer the Inquisition a story. It is true—I was young when Beren came to our halls, but I vow that I speak only truth, if prettied to make it more appealing to all sorts of ears.

And if I stumble during the telling, I ask for forgiveness, for I know the Lay best in Sindarin, which so few speak here.

[ he settles into a more melodic tone of voice, one that rises and falls as he works through the story in an unhurried pace: ]

A king there was in days of old:
ere Men yet walked upon the mould
his power was reared in caverns' shade,
his hand was over glen and glade.
Of leaves his crown, his mantle green,
his silver lances long and keen;
the starlight in his shield was caught,
ere moon was made or sun was wrought.

[ for nearly two hours thranduil speaks for the benefit of all who care to listen. recalling from memory, he speaks of thingol and melian, of lúthien, with a fierce fondness that hints at a connection deeper than historical. of beren, he is less fond, clips the verses. he tells of their meeting, of thingol's reluctance to allow the marriage, of an impossible bride-price held by the deceiver. of trying, and failing, and the lovers succeeding once they came together. of the mortal fear of death, and the triumph over it.

the sun, hovering above the horizon when he starts, is set and skyhold's ramparts crowned with stars when he finishes. the heroes return to thingol and melian with the silmaril, healed the king, and looked to the queen: ]

His daughter returned to his halls,
his grief lifted, she was absolved.
When King turned to his Queen,
expecting joy at what they had seen,
Melian had naught to say,
knew where her daughter's Doom did lay.
She turned her back to Luthien,
and spoke no more of her again.

[ however unsatisfying the ending is to listeners, he ends it there. very faintly off to the side, there's the rasp of a glass against the wood as thranduil pauses to drink and recover his voice. the noise breaks the illusion he's spun so carefully, and sounds begin to filter in. crickets from the garden, a whuffle or two from bill the pony.

his voice rasps, a bit, when he speaks, despite best efforts. ]

Goodnight, Skyhold. May we all dream well.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Bellamy listens to the whole thing, more interested than he'd let on; too engaged in the story to fall asleep. The ending is unsatisfying, but that's not his first comment.]

What made you tell that one?

It is the shortest.

[ in reality: he knows what is coming in orlais, and thinks it prudent. ]

And I chanced that it had a variety of themes, enough to please.

['The shortest'. He huffs a laugh.]

Everyone must have really great attention spans where you're from. People here are so easy to read, huh? You already know what's going to please most of us?

What other entertainment suits so well on cold nights?

I do.

I think an answer to that one depends on who you're asking, serah. But I get it.

So what, we're just universally easy to read?

Thank you.

Somewhat. Or perhaps I am just talented. [ he relents: ] It is interesting because it is true.

You can't say that like it's a fact. If people were interested in history just 'cause it was true, everyone would know a hell've a lot more about it. They'd pay attention.

Bet you put some people to sleep.

You say that as if no one paid attention tonight.

And I suppose you are someone who is less interested in history.

I said some people.

[No, in other words. Not someone less interested.]

I know about Thedas.

But not about Arda.

Why did you listen?

[There's a short pause, as Bellamy weighs the pros and cons of confessing what he ends up just admitting outright, after that pause:]

I liked history. Stuff that happened. Learning about it, it was-- [He's very gruff in saying all this, purposefully so.] --it gives context. You understand everything better. Paying attention to it makes what happens next make sense.

Guess that's no less true of your history.

You liked it. What changed?

It is essential to know what has happened to know what will happen.

Not a lot of time for reading when things are going to shit. And I'd rather deal with one problem at a time than think that far into the future.

Is your history written down, or is it all like this--just stories that get told.

How you handle your problems now will change your future. If the Inquisition succeeds, even the most banal of details is like to be preserved and reflected upon.

Now, it is written, but most elflings are expected to memorize at least pieces of the histories. I expect it is just as much of a struggle now as it was when I learned them.

Yeah. And when they do, they'll have nobles and scholars do all that preserving and reflecting. Not me.

[Too aggressive to be self-pitying, even if it's a little self-pitying. Way more interesting than that, anyways, is,]

You're an elf and a rifter?

I am. There are elves in more places than Thedas.

[ and certainly ones with backs less bent from being forced to kneel. ]

Yeah? Sorry you ended up in this one.

I am not too displeased.

Because you like kitchen work that much?

Do I seem the sort to scrape and bow?

Honestly, no. Which makes you being okay with this weirder.

I am not 'okay' with the state of things. I am entirely pleased at being placed here.

[ can you feel the creepy smile through the network. ]

[Yes and it's creepy. Bellamy stares at his sending crystal.

Okay, guy.]

Just here in Thedas, or in the Inquisition?

I fell out [ dignity. ] of a rift. The shard in my hand means I am a part of the Inquisition, which seems to be traveling all around Thedas.

Convenient.

[And maybe worth keeping an eye on. You know. Just in case Rifters are demons, or instigators, or something. Not that elves don't deserve some kind of encouragement and reprieve but... still.]

They have the concept of fate, where you're from?

(no subject)

rowancrowned - 2016-08-23 21:08 (UTC) - Expand

nonsibi - 2016-08-24 16:36 (UTC) - Expand