third ;

[thelifemeddler]

[The ever-cloaked dragon mage finds himself in the garden after last night's impressive rainstorm. He reaches out to inspect a new sapling with pale, gentle hands. It perks up a bit when he touches it, but that's probably a trick of the light and definitely not some obscure dragon magic.]

So there is new life in this world.

[He doesn't seem to

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[consecrat]

[ Arwen has been sitting by the new oak trees all night--she is still unused to the rhythm of this castle, how the hallways turn quiet at night when everyone slumbers. Recognizing him, she stands up and brushes away the dew drops from her dress. ]

Every new life is a sign of hope.

[thelifemeddler]

Perhaps every hope is a sign of new life. [He recognizes her from a few days ago and bows slightly. A soot sprite peeks out of his hood, then hides again. He smiles.] We meet again, my lady. I hope you have been well.

[consecrat]

[ She nods to acknowledge his bow, then looks at the saplings with a faint smile. ]

That I have. In our time apart, it has come to my realization that I know so little of you, Krasus.

[thelifemeddler]

[She is very sharp. He knew he liked her for a reason.]

I did not mean to appear suspect, if that is the case.

[Dude, you wander around dressed in a big black cloak and you never take it off. Of course you're suspicious.]

[consecrat]

Oft it is difficult to tell friend from foe, but for myself, I do not doubt your intentions.

[ She turns to him with a smile meant to be comforting. ]

I only wish to know a friend better.

[thelifemeddler]

Such trust placed in me would change me, were my intentions anything different. [He doesn't want to see her look of sadness, elf or not. Krasus hates disappointing people, especially ones that don't deserve it. He lets go of the sapling. For a poignant moment, its twigs stretch toward his withdrawing touch, and then they go back to as they were.]

How so?

[... Let the games begin.]

[consecrat]

How so, he asks.

[ She jests to herself, the faint curve of a smile on her lips. ]

Perhaps that we may share an understanding, exchange our ideas on matters trivial or otherwise and perhaps even to disagree.

Quarrel earns one a friend better than apathy.

[thelifemeddler]

It is also said that love and hate are not the opposites of one another, but of apathy.

[He folds his hands behind his back, and they disappear beneath the cloak.]

I must say that I am curious about your people. Elves on my world typically keep to their own kind, yet those I have happened upon seem open... accepting, even.

[consecrat]

[ She nods, appreciative of the banter. ]

There was a time when our people built enchanted walls to keep outsiders, men and other races, at bay. Yet the time of the elves will soon pass and the time of men is to come.

We do not wish to pass away in apathy to their plight.

[thelifemeddler]

I suppose my world is in a similar sort of turmoil.

A very long time ago, the great elves and their magic lorded over all, and the land flourished even as the souls of those people began to decline. High walls and thick forest cannot halt every intruder, you see, and the greatest danger to them was birthed from within. Greed, pride, vanity, and their dependence on certain kinds of magic made it very easy for deepest darkness to reach out... and it took many lives. It tore the world asunder and nothing was the same again.

The age of elves ended then. They retreated further into themselves, away from the world's memory. The remnant split due to political reasons, and in time, those divisions became physical ones. The world healed in what ways it could while the younger races, particularly humans, settled into a changed world and took root faster than anyone anticipated. [... Even himself.

He wonders if she can find some meaning to his story. He had hinted at such with Galadriel, but without elaboration.]