when the northern wind blows [ota]

[mooninherhair]

Alice has been quiet these past few months. She remembers she came to the Mansion when it was winter (although summer back home), and now that it's getting colder, she's thinking back, looking at the past, recalling

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[doriath_prince]

Here comes Elurin, alone, and though he might have been planning on joining his brother, Robb and Benjen for a spar, he stops when he sees the lone figure brooding. He knows that emotion, and he's compelled to approach her.

He puts his training sword away, then, and says, "I'm sorry, are you quite alright?"

[mooninherhair]

Alice shrugs, a tad helplessly.

"Maybe it's the weather," she says, not wanting to give too much away.

[doriath_prince]

He nods, agreeing. "There is less sunlight, and it can make one's heart ache for lighter times." He smiles a little, then bows. "Perhaps I can offer meager compensation in the form of a distraction? I'm Elurin." A beat. "Of Doriath."

[mooninherhair]

"My name is Alice Munro," she replies. "I come from the colonies--the American ones, that is."

She smiles a little as well. He's certainly gentlemanly, she thinks.

[doriath_prince]

"I'm really sorry," he says, "I have no idea where that is - is that far from the United States?"

Because Elurin has met Americans, but he's never heard it called that way before.

[mooninherhair]

"The United States?" She may have read something about that in her time at the Mansion, and so she tries to remember.

"I brelieve I come from before the States were formed," she explains, finally.

[doriath_prince]

That's actually not incredibly weird to Elurin, seeing as he and his brother come from a different age than some of the elves in residence.

"So you are a precursor," he replies seriously. "It is a great honor to meet you, my lady."

More so because he does have a few American friends.

[mooninherhair]

"Is it?" she asks, surprised. She never thought if it that way.

"Well, thank you," Alice continues, because she is a lady and knows how to be gentle and kind.

[doriath_prince]

"You are welcome," he replies, inclining his head. He's still standing before her, and has not been invited to sit, so he remains there, as a prince should, if he truly knows his manners.

"Is that why you are so sad?" he asks, because Elurin is a nice kid and he does care about random pretty girls being sad.

[mooninherhair]

"I am sad for other reasons," she explains, smiling in a sort of melancholy way. "I shouldn't think on those matters, perhaps."

She shakes her head.

"You can sit, if you'd like."

Maybe she wants the company.

[doriath_prince]

"My thanks," he replies, and sits. Elurin takes a moment to look at her, and hesitates, then chooses to take the plunge.

"Forgive me," he says. "You have the look of one who is grieving."

[mooninherhair]

That smile is still there on her face.

"I am," she replies, suddenly relieved that she can admit it.

[doriath_prince]

Elurin can see it in her eyes, because that is a look he shares with his brother.

"If you would have company, I would offer it," he says gently. "Have you performed the rites?"

[mooninherhair]

"I have not had the chance to," she says softly. "Because I should be dead as well, truthfully."

[doriath_prince]

"If you'd had the chance, what would you have done?" Elurin asks, still kind and attentive.

[mooninherhair]

"To mourn?" She thinks a moment. "I do not know." She shakes her head. "It all happened so fast."