TEST DRIVE MEME

[fairyfoes]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping to EACHDRAIDH? Why not give the setting a test run here! OPTIONAL SCENARIOS 01. ARRIVING IN THE DRABWURLD. The Seelie and Unseelie courts welcome you with mirthful revelry and hearty food. After you have been briefed on your purpose here, you will find an endless feast and a night filled with entertainment to placate your concerns. Mingle with new arrivals, sneak down the castle halls and make sure your eyes are always on your glass; fairies and imps have no bias when it comes to tricks! 02. THE STATION. Looking for a little slice of home? The Station gives you all that and more. Take advantage of the wifi, have a cup of fairy-brewed coffee (the one they didn't spit in) or sit back and relax on the patio. You can even move your things into one of the available rooms! 03. WILDCARD. Your own scenario! Explore the Drabwurld or simply take advantage of your Locket!

Comments

[orcsurfing]

[ It was all ahead of them, the inevitable parting and the conversation - debate, more than likely - in which Legolas would try to convince his father to travel beyond the shores of Middle-Earth with him, before they have been spirited away to this world to lend their skills. And this now should be nothing more but a delay as well, until the day comes when their task is done and their time at Caer Glaem comes to an end.

Only so long can Legolas deny the yearning in his heart, only so long is he willing to do so. The delay is welcome, in any case.

In an instant the wind picks up, a single powerful gust that sends petals, shaken harshly from the newly bloomed flowers, and leaves dancing through the air between them. A colourful display that lasts a handful of moments, before it all dies down. ]

It is the most we can ask out of a mismatched lot such as it is, I suppose, so long as there is willingness to work together for a goal we all ought to share. [ He brushes off some that caught on the golden mane of the unicorn, plucks out those that tangled within the golden locks. ] It is a preferable lot, indeed...

[firith]

[ The stirring of the breeze brings his thoughts back to the present. ]

To orcs and sorcerers, yes. We seem to have collected our own band of murderers and thieves, if only by fate of their circumstances and not acts committed out of sickened hearts. [ A frown touches his brow as he watches Legolas's fingers tidy the unicorn's mane of petals. ] I ask that you journey no more northward than Nimh Gleanne, certainly not into the forest called La Llorona. No matter what you hear of it.

[ The Dead City of Quendi. An ill-portent, that, when he read the word in the library. No, better to stay far away from the shadows in the north ...

Thranduil's life in Menegroth taught him that well enough. ]

[orcsurfing]

[ The frown on his father's expression doesn't escape Legolas' notice and he listens carefully. A lot of his thoughts Legolas may not read, but certain undertones in this voice he has grown wise to. It took many years for him to learn to pick up what was genuine concern, what posed a real threat, and what was simply his... unnecessary protectiveness in Legolas' eyes.

It seems to be the former and he bows his head a notch in acknowledgement. ]

I will keep to south of the Forodwaith, unless a necessity presents itself that further north we must travel. On my own, however, I will go no further.

[ Though curiosity gets the better of him and it gives birth to the question: ]

What have you learned of those lands?

[ Perhaps he should take the time and study the libraries of the castle they lived at now, should have the patience for it as is the way of the elves, yet he cannot imagine coping himself up in what seems to him like dusty hallways and cold walls, when the alternative is fresh air, beautiful sky and rich nature all around. ]

[firith]

[ He trusts Legolas to keep his word, without a doubt, yet Thranduil shakes his head once and lays a hand on his son's arm. ]

Ask me another time. Such talk is not for a day as fair as this. [ Pacing on, the unicorn makes slow progress in his wake, nibbling the grasses and leaves as Thranduil's tone lightens pointedly. ] I have been fielding all manner of questions from young ladies, concerning your whereabouts.

[ The easiest topic change he has made in a while. ]

[orcsurfing]

[ Easiest for whom, truly. The weight of the previous subject dissolves immediately, for Legolas does understand the reasoning behind it and he accepts it, resolving simply to ask when the time seemed more right for it. However the new topic is an odd one for him, it lightens the mood, indeed, but it is something he's not entirely sure how to... approach when speaking with his father.

He's past the age when he would fluster easily, though it's a close thing and his gaze still shies away into the woods ahead of them, flickering between one tree and another, catching movement and the sight of a wild beast that flees from the approaching elves. Nothing out of ordinary at all, but a good distraction for his eyes and a pleasant sight to boot. ]

I was not aware my presence, and now lack thereof, has made such an impression. I hope they did not bother you too greatly.

[ Naive Legolas was not, neither was he awfully oblivious to attentions he sometimes received from those around him: whether it was back in the halls of Eryn Lasgalen, or at the castle here now. Polite, friendly and warm - if seemingly distant in it all - as was proper to all those who asked for his attention and time. ]

[firith]

[ It's a nice respite from discussing how it sounds, according to the library's tomes, like a whole elven race was wiped out long ago. He doesn't miss Legolas's mild exasperation, thinly veiled as it is with distractions aplenty from the forest, and raises his brows. ]

Not at all, they seem to be quite scared of me.

[orcsurfing]

[ Legolas mirrors his father's expression, both brows rising with a curious, sideways, look he gives Thranduil. It's an opportunity for him, now, to divert the subject to a more safe ground that has nothing to do with his possible love life, or rather lack thereof. Legolas seems to have grown into and beyond the years of highest passion for the elves without as much as a single flame of desire. Many he was fond of in his time, but none awakened a passion or a love to last the many years of his life.

In any case, it is a chance to avoid a subject that's really a no-subject at all. ]

And yet they still approach you with such mundane matters? Surely it must not be quite so bad as you believe.

[firith]

'I wonder if Prince Legolas would walk awhile with me in the gardens, if he is so fond of the trees.' 'Ah, so he enjoys archery a great deal, then?' 'What are his favourite dishes?'

[ Quoting the maidens, Thranduil's smile deepens and he looks away to brush his hand through a splash of bright red flowers hanging from vines. You sweet summer child. ]

It bothers me but a little. A natural course of things, though none of the attentions I find a suitable match.

[ Relax, kiddo. Daddy isn't going to pair you off with anyone here. ]

[orcsurfing]

[ ... he should have foreseen or expected it would not be quite so easy to get Thranduil off a track on which he set himself. Attempts subtle could easily be too subtle, without the force necessary to break through the train of thought, attempts bolder ran the risk of being too easy to see through. It was a nearly impossible balance to find.

And right now it seemed that said track was teasing his son about the events going on in the court. Legolas' eyes linger on Thranduil's back for a moment, before looking back to his new steed, giving it his attention as a means of distraction. ]

Do you indulge those questions, father? [ The curiosity gets the better of him, it's only natural to wonder just what does his father respond with when faced with questions such as that. ] What do you say to them?

[ He's grateful though, and glad that there is no need to worry about suddenly finding himself with a candidate for a mate... thank you, daddy! ]

[firith]

[ Actual laughter rises to the canopy as he slides an arm around Legolas's shoulders, mindful of the quiver and bow. ]

I say my son can speak for himself and has a mind of his own.

[orcsurfing]

[ On one hand: it is better this way, on the other hand: it means Legolas will have to field those questions himself upon his return. He sighs softly, though Thranduil's laugher is more than enough to make up for his slight exasperation now. A pleasant sound that always had a soothing effect on his heart and nerves and there were times when it was not a common occurrence, so now Legolas cherishes every moment.

The arm around him is warm and Legolas can't quite stop the curl of his lip in response. ]

Thank you for the warning of what awaits me shall I return to the castle.

[ But he does not sound too put upon, only in so much that... those are attentions he can't return and disappointment is bound to follow. ]

I will be sure to put away some time for this purpose...

[firith]

Cothromach awaits. A convenient excuse not to stay in the castle too long, perhaps.

[ Or their company. He knows you all too well, child. ]

[orcsurfing]

Should I count on a change of heart when I return?

[ Like many mortals are wont to, with time their feelings change easily, almost with no effort whatsoever on their part; a stark difference to the ways of the elves. The feelings of mortals could be fickle like a leaf on a gust of wind, fluttering here and there, driven by a force beyond their imagination.

Still, though, Legolas can't quite wipe the amusement off his face or out of his voice. ]

You need not more reasons to convince me to set out as soon as possible, however.

[firith]

Quite possibly.

[ And it's for that very reason he refuses to indulge them; they would only tire of his son in time, fickle and vapid in the ways of devotion. (Never mind the fact he will not, under any circumstances, condone his son surrendering his immortality.) ]

I would have you stay with me as long as possible, if it were prudent, but it is not. Return to the castle in a day or two, share a meal with me before you decide to leave again. That is all I ask.

[orcsurfing]

[ A thought that has not once took shape in Legolas' mind, not even during the years he has been witnessing the work of time on friends dear to his heart beyond any measure. Greying hair, backs bending under the weight of age, hands that once firmly held a sword or an axe weakening. Watching Men and Dwarves great reach the ages of ruin wounded him deeply, and he did what was only in his power to make the most of the time they granted to spend together, but there was one thing he could not and would not do or consider: joining them in their mortality.

He was what he was and he learned ways to cope with all that went about him. ]

You ask so little, father. [ Legolas tilts his head back, to look directly up at Thranduil. ] I could do more than that and please say nothing of the prudency of it. I have been amiss to leave the way I did.

[firith]

You have not. I would not bar you from exploring this fair land, not when it is like to the kind you ought to have had back home.

[ He curls his hand around the back of Legolas's neck in a gentle loving squeeze, then slides apart so they can walk as two again, not one. ]

You must take Estellio with you, when you go to Cothromach. [ The unicorn looks over curiously, tossing its mane. ] He will bear you swiftly.

[orcsurfing]

[ A gesture, like many others between them, that Legolas accepts and revels in for the seconds it lasts. Then they walk apart and at the mention of the unicorn, Legolas looks behind them to look at the creature. He smiles at the toss, at the flickering of ears.

Yes, beautiful creature, they are speaking about you. Legolas thinks to himself idly, putting a hand to Estellio's nose when he nudges his hand with it. That settles this matter, at least and Legolas nods his head in acceptance of the suggestion and offer.

Trust his father to find the most majestic creature and tame it so. ]

I know you would not keep me confined to the castle, when the alternative is... [ And there is still wonder in his voice when he speaks of the forest, glancing about it with a look full of amazement. ] this.

[ Legolas pauses, struck by a thought. ]

You ought to travel with me more often, in fact.

[firith]

[ An incline of his head in a nod passes for his agreement. No, he wouldn't coop up Legolas when there is a fair land to be explored. His son thrives when allowed to wander and seek out his own borders (although some needs must be implemented, such as those to the north. To the east, where the witches live, he knows Legolas is wise enough to have a care in his own right, without being instructed. The south seems a world given over to men, as ever it has been in their own world, and to the west ...

Thranduil is very curious about the dwarves of Troichean Beinn. ]

I will join you in Cothromach when I can. You need only send word.

years later I return...!

[orcsurfing]

[ True to the meaning of his name, Legolas does wander aplenty, like a leaf taken whither wind blows, but with a sense and reason of his own, unlikely to send himself into peril entirely unnecessary.

The smile remains, only sharpened around the edge for the tease that slips past, entirely lacking in any seriousness. ]

What if I send the word right now? Will you wind up joining me right away after all?

[ In truth, however, Legolas respects his father's wish to remain at Caer Glaem for the time being. Entirely content with the promise of Thranduil joining him at a later point in his visit. ]

[firith]

You know I would not.

[ The look he bends on him is amused, barely exasperated; he raised Legolas, after all, and knows his ways better than any other. His chin cants in what passes for a shrug, careless and facetious with the same undercurrent of straight-laced humour. ]

Currently, I haven't fortified the patience that would require waiting for you to keep pace.

[ #SHOTS FIRED ]