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[disfavour]

[ This isn't going to be sweet but it will be short, courtesy of your resident Prince Not-So Charming. ]

There are now three flets, which pass as treehouses, in the gardens. These are homes and if anyone is seen nearing them to gain access, they will be shot on sight. I assure you, an arrow is far more difficult to extract than a bullet. [ #EXPERIENCE, urgh. ] Additionally, you will find the Elven quotient aboard the ship is now officially in charge of garden-based security.

That means we need not apologise if your actions force us to maim you.

[ Can you hear someone sharpening a knife? Humming? Sounds a lot like Legolas in the background, right? Someone pissed off the Space Elves. ]

Thranduil is indisposed and has appointed myself in his stead. If you have any concerns which fail to be entirely moronic in nature, you may bring them to me.

Comments

[disfavour]

For his.

[ Undeniably, every effort Nuada puts forth is for Thranduil, though he sees him rarely these days and talks with him even less since Morgoth's attack. The last time they were together for any amount of time was when Nuada neatened Thranduil's severed hair, offering to cut off his own if it would make him feel less ... Less. ]

I do not entertain the notion that he thinks of me as a brother, as I do in turn, but I can behave in a manner that is fitting in lieu of it.

[ Brothers protect their siblings. Nuala, Thranduil, the other Elves by extension. Nuada blinks away for a moment, gaze roaming a different corridor in a different time (filth on the floor, rats and litter, a long walk through a derelict building into a so-called throne-room — Father, you were once a proud warrior). When he looks back, it's with a shake of his head. ]

I watched one king fall into ruin and terror. I will safeguard Thranduil from himself with his allies, if I must, until he is strong once more and has no need of my services.

Will you stay with him? [ A pause. ] I would be in your debt.

[doesntdohumble]

[Eric regards Nuada coolly for a long moment, before he responds. At any other time, he might have taken the piss and been difficult, but for once they are both speaking on a topic that they can agree upon, and will not butt heads over.]

If I am to agree to this, certain arrangements must be made, if I do. Because of what I am. [He pauses, before continuing.] I will agree, if they can be met.

There is a matter I would speak with you regarding as well. While I have your attention. It too concerns Thranduil.

[disfavour]

I understand your concerns, we can likely make terms on that count. [ There's a moment where his frown deepens. ] Has he worsened?

[doesntdohumble]

[Eric shrugs.] Yes and no. He is better than he was at first. He will be better, in time, with rest and low stress. [He raises his eyes to meet Nuada's levelly. How much to tell Nuada, here. How much to keep to himself, shared in confidence between bondsmates.]

Recent concerns spawned from your announcement that the elves might be taking over the oxygen gardens are not helping him to relax. He is questioning whether he has made the right decision, in appointing a regent. [He raises an eyebrow at Nuada.] Has he?

[disfavour]

At the time of my message, I was not aware the ship harboured so many sheer imbeciles.

[ From people threatening arson and pretending they didn't to boys squealing in a panic, arrogant texts that spat insults regarding his skill, poised as if he is a mere child to be taunted. Sick of them. He's sick of them, and now he knows which ones would be better off as unmourned stains under Morgoth's heels. ]

I will use prettier words to assuage their fears next time. [ 'Concerns' his ass. ] In any case, I agreed to hazarding the torture that Morgoth might bring down on a regent and refuse to allow another to risk his wrath.

There is nothing he can do to me that could cause me to suffer.

[ It's not what he says but what he doesn't say, and Nuada has never professed to being immune to physical pain. The stare he holds with Eric is one of the most honest he has shared with anyone on the ship since his arrival. It breaks when Nuada turns to walk away. ]

Tell Thranduil all is well and I am devoted as a hound at his heels, as I ever was from the moment we met, though he will not hear it.

[doesntdohumble]

See to it that you do. He's already stressed enough. The last thing we need is a revolt against those that live in the gardens because they are frightened of that which they do not understand. Believe me. [Been there, done that, got the tshirt several times over.]

[He understands what Nuada is saying, when he talks about suffering. He was set on fire, trying to protect Thranduil himself, after all. And he would do it all again, if necessary, despite the agony he suffered. It was nothing compared to the agony he had to suffer through, upon Thranduil's disappearance, feeling his torture through their bond and not being able to do anything about it.

He appreciates the honesty of that look, and the honesty of this entire exchange, really. Nuada is turning to walk away, apparently done with their conversation, but he calls out after him.]

He will not hear it, but I will tell him anyway. Perhaps it will sink in eventually. And I will reassure him that he made the right decision in appointing you as well. Nuada. [He calls out louder, to stop Nuada from walking away, for the moment.] I am trying to build his trust again. Do not make a liar out of me.