ataraxion | 2 ❂ Video

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[He doesn't often get on the network like this. Responding to things, sure, but he doesn't generally have a reason to put himself out there like this. But he needs something to do now that the fledglings are independent. For those who've been around him the last month or so, he's looking better--more color to his face, definitely sleeping and eating more.]

I am Thranduil Oropherion. [Not my name is because Oropherion isn't a name, just a way of sticking out less in a crowd of Firstname Lastnames as opposed to saying son of Oropher and spurring more questions about how does he keep track of who he is without a last name.]

The number of you who have animals may be glad to know I am skilled in beast-lore and bird-lore. I would like to offer my services as such. If ever you believe something is wrong with your animal, or if they seem disturbed, ill, or uncomfortable, do not hesitate to ask for my help.

[Can't even offer his services without making it sound like a command. This isn't nearly as nostalgic as it should be. He's earned some nostalgia at this point.]

For my qualifications, I have done this a great number of years even for an elf, in three separate kingdoms. I am capable of quickly determining the problem and am an expert in their physical languages. ["I talk to animals."] If you wish for a reference, I have worked in this capacity for the lady Morgana these last two months. She might vouch for me.

[Not that he asked her to do so. Surprise!]

There are three young songbirds in the gardens now. Please do not disturb them.

Thank you for your time.

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Ah. I have heard of this happening, as well.

From the gods?

You have heard the story.

[ She shakes her head. ]

Mine was given to me by a god.

So was Elwing's. She and you have at least one thing in common, then.

Elwing?

One of the great heroes of the First Age, whose deeds are remembered in song. She was the heir to a jewel made by the High Elves, though she was of the Grey-Elves. But the High Elves had fallen out of favor with the Valar--our gods. War raged on our lands, and no pleas could reach the Valar across the sea to aid us against the Great Enemy.

The husband of Elwing was Earendil, the mightiest mariner who ever lived. His mother was the daughter of an elven-king, but his father was human. Together they had twin boys. Earendil was often at sea, seeking a way to reach the Valar and plead with them for both kindreds he represented, but always was turned back, for the way was shrouded in shadow and mist.

While he was gone, the High Elves whose line had made the jewel Elwing possessed came for it. They trapped her against the sea and took her children, and in despair and defiance she flung herself from the cliff into the sea. But Ulmo, Lord of the Waters, raised her up as a great bird with the jewel on her breast. She flew a mighty flight to Earendil, such a long distance that when she fell to the deck she barely lived. Earendil was astonished that when she woke the next morning, he recognized his beloved. Together, by the light of the jewel, they found the way to the Valar. Earendil made his plea, and the Valar heard him, and the war was won.

Elwing did not take the form of a bird again, but dwelt among them ever, and now it is said she has wings. Earendil sails the sky with the jewel on his brow to bring hope to the hearts below, and when he returns to the land across the sea, she flies out to greet him. She can be seen at times, a streak of light on the horizon.

[There. The story you never asked for, Jaye.]

[ She may not have asked for it, but she eats it up anyway. ]

What was so special about the jewel? Its light?

That light was the light of the two trees that lit the Undying Lands across the sea before the sun and moon were made. Fëanor made three such jewels ere the trees were destroyed by the Great Enemy. The Silmarils they were called. But the Enemy stole them, and Fëanor and his sons took a terrible oath that they would do all in their power to retrieve them, whatever it may take.

The Enemy wore the Silmarils in his crown, for they caused all who possessed them to desire them above all things. One day, there came a Man--a human--to the Kingdom of Doriath, and he fell in love with the king's daughter there. Her name was Lúthien, and she was the fairest creature ever to be brought into the world. But her father had no love for humans, and as he had promised his daughter he would not slay the intruder, he bade him retrieve a Silmaril for a bride-price in the assumption that he would abandon hope or fail. But Lúthien abandoned her people and went with Beren her beloved, and together through much pain and sorrow they achieved the Quest.

I have not given the tale any justice, of course. But it is long, and filled with sorrow. From Beren and Lúthien who toiled for the jewel Dior was born, and from him and Nimloth came Elwing. Into Elwing's care came the Silmaril for which her grandmother and grandfather had made such a sacrifice. That is what was special about the jewel.

[ There's a long pause as Jaye takes it all in. ]

I like your stories, [ she decides, giving him a slight smile. ] Even if I don't really understand everything.

Like-- "The Great Enemy"?

[He wonders how she would react if she knew he was alive for most of this. Her question, however, gives him a little pause.]

Our name for him was Morgoth. He was once the mightiest of the Valar, till he came to desire power over all that lived. He sought to corrupt or destroy all things, most of all the Children of Ilúvatar--Elves and Men, made by he who made the Valar and gave them dominion over the world.

[ she'd roll with it ]

Sounds like a dick. Though most of the "enemy" figures I know of have stories kinda like that, where they got greedy or whatever.

[Now we veer off into important things as Thranduil frowns slightly.]

What is a dick?

[ Excuse her as her face contorts into something that looks like Jaye is either trying not to sneeze or trying not to burst into hysterical laughter. ]

It's a penis.

[There are a lot of things that can be said to that. None of them appropriate. A discernible blush appears in his cheeks, but he otherwise remains impassive. Between this and the use of "fuck," seriously.]

You language seems to center around making pleasant things sound very unpleasant indeed.

[ Making ancient elven kings blush +500 points ]

Yeah, people have this weird thing against sex. But uh... in this context, "dick" means like... a jerk? I guess.

Or just a really gross penis, if it's easier to think of it that way.

...For folk who dislike it so, you do talk about it a great deal. But you make no more sense than before. Dare I ask what a jerk is?

Well I like it.

A jerk is like... uh... a not-nice person? So. Yeah. Gross, disgusting penis equals not nice equals a dick.

[To him, a gross is an important number in the duodecimal system. And sometimes used to mean "large." So to her a large penis is disgusting?

...Why are they even talking about this]

You can change into many different animals, then. In that way, quite different from Elwing.

So I'm guessing you don't want to talk about dicks anymore?

[ because ]

But yeah, all kinds of animals.

[Elves are not ashamed of sex. They love sex as much as anyone. But some things just aren't talked about with strangers.

Firmly sticking with the subject change.]

Which ones?

[ boooo ]

All of them.

Then doubtless you may turn into some I am familiar with. But doubtless also you can foil me by behaving differently.

So it'd depend, then.

You might try one day and see if I know it is you.

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tumbleweeds - 2013-07-01 04:07 (UTC) - Expand

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