02 ✵ tâd

[thranduilon]

[You might think there's something buggy on your screen at first, because all that can be see is black with tiny points of light.]

The stars are different here.

[But then the camera moves and the silhouette of a tree obscures part of the screen. Legolas is on the outskirts of the park, looking up, panning around to take in the sky

Comments

[berryclever]

Why are the stars so important to you?

[thranduilon]

[For a moment he looks confused, he's never had to explain it before.]

The Elves first awoke under the stars, before either the sun or the moon were made, and they saw the stars first of all things. That is why we are named Eldar, people of the stars. The stars tell part of the story of Middle Earth, part of our history.

[berryclever]

[She's actually pretty interested in this, but she's in a bad mood, and she doesn't want to like this guy. She's not even sure why she replied to his post.]

They're different from the stars in my world, too.

[thranduilon]

Can you tell me anything of them, the stars in your world?

[herewegoto]

[Text]

They're not mine, either. Stars without stories would be a tragedy.

[thranduilon]

Voice, because he can't type on these things

It would.
If there are such stories here to be learned, would you like me to share them with you?

[herewegoto]

I would like that. There may be a book or two around that'll help us.

[thranduilon]

I have yet to find a library, but there must be one in a city of this size.

[trenchcoatism]

I'm also unable to recognize any constellations or specific stars here.

[thranduilon]

[Legolas nods.]

Are cities like these common in your land?

[trenchcoatism]

Yes, though they are heavily populated.

There is also the unsettling fact that this planet has no sun.

[thranduilon]

Perhaps it has yet to be created?

[elvenseer]

[ Galadriel had already been out on a walk by the park - what else would elves gravitate towards if not trees? - when her ears picked up on Legolas' voice some distance away. She walks over, comes to halt some feet away from the younger Elf. Clasping her hands together in front of her, she glances up at the star-studded skies herself. The arrangements are wholly unfamiliar.

Her tone is low and tinged with the same wistfulness Legolas must too be feeling when she finally speaks up a moment later. ]

They are, are they not? No great Huntsman, nor Eärendil the Mariner upon his ship. [ Tearing her eyes from the skies, she looks at Legolas, gentle compassion on her face. ] I need no gift of sight to tell homesickness weights heavy on your heart, Thranduilion.

[thranduilon]

[His eyes do not leave the sky and he makes no attempt to compose himself. ]

It is wrong for us to be here.

[elvenseer]

[ That garners Legolas a raised eyebrow, though he probably won't catch it as he's looking up at the stars. But he likely does catch the sterner edge in her voice at her reply. ]

Wrong it may be, for us and every other folk unfortunate enough to be stranded in this city, yet here we are regardless. We do not yet know the full purpose of this, and to pretend otherwise would be most rash.

[ Galadriel takes a few steps closer until she's standing next to Legolas, gazing up at the skies as well. With a soft sigh, she gentles her tone once more. ]

Alas, I do not fault you for your longing, for I understand it well. In some ways, better than you can perhaps comprehend. But we cannot give into sorrow and despair, Legolas. It is well to revere home, but do not let the memory overwhelm you. Draw strength from it, instead.

[thranduilon]

[For long moments his heart is too full to speak. He feels little more than a child in this world of things he does not understand, and mingled with his homesickness is a dislike for that feeling.

Eventually he nods.] Let us hope that with time our purpose here will be revealed.

[onen_i_estel]

[After seeing -- no, hearing his friend, Aragorn knew where he needed to be. He had not been far, across the park, walking slowly with his eyes and his mind taking in the area. It did not take long to find his friend, and when he did, he greeted him by placing a hand on his shoulder from behind and looks up into the dark sky.

He understood how Legolas was feeling, but he also knew that dwelling on it would slowly end up destroying his friend's typically upbeat and curious nature. That thought alone troubled the King.]

(Sindarin)]

It would be far more tolerable if there was at least a measure of light during these long days.

[thranduilon]

[He allows himself a smile.] Is the light in your Beloved's eyes no longer enough for you, my friend?