animus_network | ❦ Third

[Something was off about the tower today.

For starters, there seemed to be far more people prowling about than Haldir last remembered. Over the years, there's been a steady decline of new arrivals here to Animus. Much of the friends he once knew were either dead or dying. Not many races could out live the Firstborns of Ilúvatar. The Elves, for better or for worse, have been cursed with longevity. Most of Haldir's kind are truly immortal in a sense. Many Elves never aged at all, including the march warden.

So this would explain why he seems so baffled as of why there's so many lurking about here. Has the Administrators found other worlds to ravage? Perhaps. He always doubted that they were doing more good than harm.]

How uncommon. There hasn't been this many newcomers since the old days.

[A slight frown settles upon his lips. Just why is there so many people here? It's so...sudden.]

I bid thee welcome! We seldom see so many newcomers; for it has been thousands of years, but we welcome all. If you're in need of aid, do not hesitate to ask. There's many amongst us who would be glad to assist you.

[Forcing himself to rid himself of his frown, Haldir actually smiles somewhat, though it's an awkward one.]

I can assure you that no harm shall come to you here. Just be certain to stay away from the floors above. That is where the danger lies.

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[He sighs deeply. There's always someone harping upon his words.] Do you truly believe I wouldn't speak of such details later?

Overwhelming them with information is hardly the way to greet them.

Nor is misinformation. If they look at the message and don't reply, they'll go on their way thinking themselves safe.

[The elf would argue that the tower is indeed "safer" than the worlds ruined by destruction and war, but he won't. This man, despite how blunt, does have a valid point. The tower isn't as safe as Haldir would hope it to be, but certain areas of it are safe enough.]

...I suppose so. [He utterly detests admitting his wrong, but he doesn't want anyone to get hurt on his account.]

Although, the Administrators have been rather lax in their efforts as of late. This certainly works in our favor.

Maybe they're getting old just like the rest of us. Or grown tired of their pet-project.

Let us hope it's a little of both. [He smiles sadly.] That would mean that freedom may come soon.

I wonder about that. If they allow us to go free, then where will we go? Into whatever is waiting in the rest of this world?

[Now he frowns.] That I do not know. Though I yearn to see real skies again.

Heh, wouldn't that be something. I don't know about you, but by now I've spent more time with these fake ones than real.

[A wistful sigh escapes him.] As much as I yearn to see the skies of my realm one more, I know that I never will.

It's possible to see them - I've been back home once or twice. But they weren't exactly worth seeing anymore, unfortunately.

How so? [He arches his brow in curiosity.]

T'was said that our worlds were destroyed by a force unknown. All that I once cherished about Arda is now lost.

And so they were. They've said it's some sort of malfunction, I've found myself back there, although it was nothing but a wasteland.

❦ Third - [video]

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