therookery | (no subject)

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Thranduil
RECIPIENT: Everyone in Kirkwall
WHAT: Thranduil graciously eats humble pie.
WHEN: Today! (12th Wintermarch)
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Following the fire.

This past Friday, there was a small fire in the section of the tower reserved for the Division heads, specifically my own office and private quarters. Thanks to the efforts of several, including Ser Coupe, no one was injured, and our greatest losses were a few pieces of furniture.

The blaze was my fault. I failed twice, in not properly banking the fire and checking the new wood for dampness caused by the logs being outside during a freeze, and also in not informing the staff that I would be out for the week.

Given the recent cold and what measures we take to remedy it, I politely request that no one repeat my foolishness, stay attentive, and review Gallows evacuation plans in case of a fire. Those that wish to speak with me will find me in the library until my office is cleaned, likely by the middle of next week.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sometimes, that is the best course. We must grow and learn, after all.

[ He's certainly done enough of that in his time, even if his words come out a little more teasing than philosophical. ]

I do not covet your role. [ Honestly!! ] But I count myself among the relieved, my friend. It is good to see you safe.

And this is the sort of lesson with staying power.

[ already, he is making inquiries. she must be protected. he must find a way to bind myself tighter to this place. he and galadriel have no time to waste. ]

Not my office, nor the privacy of my rooms? Thank you. I will endeavor not to worry you.

Let us believe it will not be repeated.

[ But that is the nature of lessons - there are always people who need to learn them. Thranduil has learned, but who might come next? ]

I have enough privacy of my own. [ A quiet pause, then - ] Thank you.

[ that's the last thing he needs, more fire. at least this is the sort that can be healed from. ]

If the Gallows has anything in abundance, it is space. You needn't thank me. We are friends, are we not?

[ Solas wonders if there will be more, another attempt, but he knows better than to voice it. ]

Friendship or otherwise, thanks are appropriate, don't you think?

[ he cannot wallow in ignorance any longer. there are wards around his room, as strong as he can make them without drawing attention or exhausting himself. ]

Not when something is to be expected by route. The nug I keep does not thank me for his breakfast.

[ That, at least, makes Solas laugh. ]

I did not realise nug language had grown so much.

[ a smile behind his words. ]

I forget, sometimes, that my kin cannot listen as we can. Perhaps I may offer my service as translator?

Is what they have to say so interesting?

There is a good deal that goes on at a nug's level that most would not deign to notice. And who would notice a nug?

Ah, I see. So there is a network of nug spies that I am not privy to.

Well, given that someone has already recruited the rabbits.

[ A short laugh. ]

So I should not fear the nug, then.

Not at all. He is young, besides, and I am not so in need of secrets that I would send him into danger.

I will trust your judgement. Were there something to fear I am sure you would tell me.

So far, only the usual monsters.

I am surprised, [ gently, gently. ] that there haven't been more attempts to murder us as we sleep.

[ Hm. Solas considers, for a brief moment. ]

I am not sure that I would expect that to remain the same, given the circumstances.

No, indeed not.

[ let him connect the dots on his own, then. ]

Have you spoken with Galadriel recently?

We met in the library. I returned some books she had left at Skyhold.

[ It was hardly a deep conversation, though. ]

It has been some time.

She is remarkable, is she not?

Yes. [ Stated plainly: a fact. ] And a very keen teacher.

And you? A keen student?

Does it seem as though I would be anything but?

I wished to hear it from you, yourself. It pleases me that you and my cousin are happy together. She is in need of serious students.

[ 'Happy together' suggests a level of comfort Solas isn't keen on, but he says nothing, for now. ]

I'm glad to be given the chance to learn something new. Perhaps our communication will be in something familiar, one day soon.