❦ Third - [video]

[marchwarden]

[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.

Comments

[marchwarden]

[The look within Aragorn's gaze made his heart sank. This is too cruel of a fate. Everything that the ranger once knew is now lost to him, and everything he would've gained will never be.

It takes Haldir a moment to speak once such a realization struck him. He feels so...guilty now.]

You have spoken with Frodo? [Yes, the hobbit. It's been far too long since Haldir last seen him.]

...Your yesterday mustn't be the same as mine, Aragorn. For you, it's only been a day here. To me, centuries.

[elfstonestrider]

[He's heard this before. He knows Legolas is from further on than he. And Frodo as well. Gandalf too. Perhaps well beyond any of them. The wizards are more timeless than the timeless elves.]

Yes, to the one here, who has spent time on the starship.

[Which he doesn't understand but that doesn't bother him as much as Frodo's eyes do.]

[marchwarden]

How curious.

[A starship? Even that wins an awkward glance from Haldir. He doesn't know what to think of that.]

I never heard of such a thing before, but Frodo claims to have boarded one. When? I do not know, but I shan't doubt him.

[elfstonestrider]

Nor I, but Frodo would not make such a thing up. And his eyes, more than anything else, point to it's truth.

I can not say exactly what happened to him or for however long, and though I have been told that this place has it's dangers, but I am grateful he is no longer left adrift.

He's been here longer than I but I still hope time will fix whatever happened, at least for the most part.

[marchwarden]

[A frown settles upon the elf's face as he tries to make sense of all this. Frodo did speak of this starship once before, but Haldir's neglect to discuss this matter fully prevented him from understanding all of the harrowing ordeals the hobbit once faced.]

The Ring Bearer has been forced to endure too much, Aragorn. There's certain things that time itself cannot heal.

[He's speaking from experience.]

Frodo shall never be the same.

[elfstonestrider]

[Knowing it to be true does not make it any harder to abide by.]

I do not plan to give up. I let him go once and I will not again.

[Without a world or a journey or a destiny, Aragorn has chosen to dedicate himself to the safety of those here. He just has no idea yet what that entails.]

[marchwarden]

[A deep sigh passes through him once. Must you be so difficult, Aragorn?]

Then certainly you won't embark upon this path alone.

[He rests his hand upon the man's shoulder.]

We are all that's left of Arda, my friend.

[elfstonestrider]

[Because he's Aragorn?]

A small number, I know. Legolas, Gandalf... I'll admit to not being too pleased with the odds. And, perhaps it's a good time to speak of what we can not elsewhere and move to warmer ground?