animus_network | ❦ Two

[ Seemingly quite distressed despite everything said and done, a weary Haldir appears after several days of pure silence on his part. While many seem quite grateful and thankful for the feast, Haldir seems utterly aloof about it. Many probably would assume he's just being his usual "self" but those who do know him could probably sense his melancholic state. ]

They give us a feast to celebrate, yet I see no reason why we should. Had those fools acted sooner, we could've avoided such needless destruction.

[ He grumbles. ]

Perhaps there's no reason to lament so, yet still...

[ Unsure what to say, Haldir gives up and tries to set his bad mood aside. ]

Tell me, friends, is all well? Alucard, Legolas? I have not heard from many since the travesty first unfolded.

[ A soft sigh escapes him. ]

I must know, what sort of fate has befallen upon The White Wizard? He is another I have not heard from in some days now. The same goes for so many others who I'm certain attempted to be valiant in the face of death.

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That shall do, mellonamin.

I shall await for you upon the tenth floor.

I will be there shortly.

[And Lenneth steps away from the terminal, flicking off the video and heading to the tenth floor.]

[ Once the Valkyrie took her leave, Haldir soon followed and turned off the screen. He then exited from the library, his heart still quite heavy and his mind clouded with doubt. While many testified that the Administrators had no way of knowing such an attack would come, Haldir couldn't help but loathe them nonetheless.

So much death, so much destruction...it's almost as if he hadn't left Middle-earth at all.

Making his fatigue ascent towards the tenth floor, it wasn't long until the weary march warden made it to his destination. He was wearing a regal plum-colored cloak that he managed to salvage a few hours earlier, covering the gray and green tunic he wore underneath. With his sword still sheathed by his side, Haldir leaned slightly against a nearby wall as he waited for Lenneth. ]

[Lenneth was used to being surrounded by death and destruction. She'd spent centuries serving as Chooser of the Slain though she lacked many details of those centuries. The point was, battlefields and entire armies slain surrounding her.

When she made it to the tenth floor, she immediately scanned the area for the elf. The Valkyrie was wearing a plain unassuming blue dress, looking more human than divine. No weapons were on her person but they were easily reached. As she spotted Haldir, she gave him a weary smile for all they'd been through.]

I am glad to see you are unhurt, Haldir.

[ As soon as he spotted Lenneth, Haldir gracefully kneeled before her just as he done once before. Forgive him but he does think rather highly of her. The Goddess might be donning the apparel of a mere maiden now but that doesn't make her any less of a goddess. ]

Lenneth.

[ A slight tinge of sorrow is laced with his words. ]

I'm quite grateful you are well. Too many have fallen.

[The kneeling was probably something she'd have to get used to, wasn't it? As much as she didn't like others kneeling to her, as inexperienced a goddess she was outside of matters regarding the collection of souls.]

I have heard that they will rise again, I only hope that everyone that has fallen with come back intact.

[Part of her wanted to embrace him and take away his sorrow but she was still at odds with accepting her emotions. It was enough that she was so compassionate toward Lucian and had grown attached to Platina.]

I wanted to give my thanks to you for helping my friend, Aelia.

[And with that, a sword appeared in each of her hands which she promptly laid on the ground.]

[ Daring to glance up once something was placed before him, Haldir's eyes widen once he found himself staring at nameless blade. ]

A gift?

[ He blinked his eyes owlishly as he gazed up at Lenneth in surprise. ]

I-I cannot possibly accept. T'was not my effort alone that Aelia lives yet still but rather efforts of many.

[ Feeling quite humble for the first time in many long years, the march warden could've sworn his cheeks were glowing in slight embarrassment now. ]

You are most kind, Lenneth. Too kind.

Perhaps not but I find it noble than an elf, despite being from a world separate of that which I rule, would assist a human. Elves are incredibly distrusting of outsiders unless they be gods in Midgard.

[There were definitely differences between the two swords that Lenneth had set down but many would make the mistake of assuming it was purely cosmetic differences. They'd be wrong, of course, since these were swords used by gods.]

I would be honored if you would accept this gift. You've the choice of Glance Reviver or Angel Slayer.

[She extends her hand to indicate which is which as she mentions the names.]

Both have served me reliably. And if they become damaged, I can use my Divine Materialization to repair them.

[ A small smile touches his lips as he eyes Lenneth quite adoringly with appreciation. The Goddess' words rang true within his heart, true enough to make Haldir feel moved. He couldn't explain why he possessed such a need to save others that day but he regrets nothing.

Allowing his fingers to linger upon the golden hilt of the Glance Reviver, Haldir slowly stood with the broadsword in his hands. ]

Then I shall humbly accept this blade with high honor, my lady. Shall it protect me as it has protected you in your quests before.

[Lenneth smiles, quite pleased with his choice. If there was anyone she could trust that sword would be well-used by, it was Haldir. It would serve him well, with the set of skills he was trained with. Nobody else in the tower could handle it, she was sure.]

Perhaps you would like to practice with it?

[ The smile she graced him with made Haldir almost sing for glee. He could tell that Lenneth was proud of his choice and he was even prouder. Still eying the mythical blade with a look of pure astonishment, Haldir gave the sword a few practice swings for the sake of testing his sword-arm. ]

Indeed, I would like that!

[ He struggled hard to keep the excitement in his tone at a minimum. ]

[As long as he was pleased with the gift and with the offer of practicing with it, then Lenneth was happy. The goddess took Angel Slayer in hand and her armor appeared around her body instead of the unassuming dress she had come to this floor wearing.]

I will allow you to make the first move.

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