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[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[There's Legolas, sitting at a terminal and looking thoughtful. There's a small, leatherbound notebook in front of him and a fountain pen. He wasn't sure if they'd belonged to anyone when he'd gathered what he needed but he could return it all later. In neat script on the first page is a passage written in Sindarin. And below it, a translation of it.]

What is it you miss of home, most of all? What is it, that if ever we return, you will seek out first?

I want to write it all here in this book. I want to make sure that no one forgets what most they miss here. No matter what it is that we endure, we'll need only look into it to remind ourselves of happier times. Times that, with hope, are not forever lost to us.

Comments

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[More vocal than he wanted to be but the aftermath of Jason's experiment was wearing off. It would never vanish from him entirely but he was trying to be more like himself.]

I don't visit it so often as you might think. It's very useful for my purpose though.

[He smiled though, looking at at Haldir from where he sat and made a mental note to find more colorful clothes for his betrothed. Perhaps blue or silver, threaded with forest green.]

Happiness. And trying to make sure none of us forget it.

[action]

[marchwarden]

[ Haldir preferred neutral colors most because of his occupation. He is a march warden after all. The Lorien elf honestly has no need for such fanciful clothing. He would most likely shun all of Legolas's suggestions in the way of wardrobe, but he can't resist Legolas's whims for long.]

Happiness is a word often used but seldom understood.

[He replied after some thought.]

What is there to be happy for when trapped within such melancholy? Many cannot answer this question while trapped in this tower.

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Well, now he is betrothed to the Prince of Mirkwood. Which would effectively make Haldir a Prince as well. It would only be a matter of time before he figured something out.]

Understanding does not easily come but others do experience it.

[Reaching out and tugging Haldir to him.]

I have you. That is reason enough for me to be happy. And I'm sure that, despite the hardships we face, there are reasons for others to be as well. Friendships, memories, hope.

[action]

[marchwarden]

Hope.

[ A slight sigh left Haldir once he heard that word.]

Once before I almost forgotten that such a word existed when I lost you to the Administrator's wrath.

[ He leaned forward and embraced the younger elf within his arms. ]

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Oh, Haldir...

[Wrapping his arms around Haldir as well, he took comfort and tried to give some of his own.]

'Tis my own fault for being so reckless. For antagonizing them. I will be far more cautious from here on, I swear. If only to ease your worry.

[He still felt a bit of guilt for what he'd done, for letting Haldir see him after he'd come back up the elevator.]

[action]

[marchwarden]

Do not make a promise you cannot keep, meleth.

[The march warden closed his eyes briefly as he held Legolas tightly.]

It was not your fault. The Administrators are known for their cruelty.

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He doesn't comment on that, determined to try to lessen Haldir's worry. So he needn't concern himself overmuch about whether or not Legolas is hurt or dead when they are parted for one reason or another.]

I entered Riki's domain of my own will. I imagine that Jason had several of us kidnapped and... altered because we invaded the sanctity of their rooms.

[action]

[marchwarden]

[ A deep sigh left Haldir as Legolas spoke. ]

It was a foolish gesture to invade the realm of those fiends. You invited great sorrow upon yourself and others.

[ Haldir opened his eyes a moment later to stare into Legolas's blue gaze. ]

Yet, I cannot fault you. You dare to do what others cannot.

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He winced, not expecting to be berated for what had happened. He'd done enough of that to himself. And then Haldir caught him by surprise.]

I do what I can to make sure that others won't have to suffer. So that you won't have to suffer. I wouldn't stand it if you were hurt.

[action]

[marchwarden]

Yet, I am forced to see you wounded on my behalf.

[ Haldir allowed his arms to drop from around Legolas. A sad smile graced his lips as he stared into his lover's beautiful blue eyes. ]

For every mark you gain upon your skin; my very soul bears that mark. I wish not to put you in harms way.

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He stood, placing his hand on Haldir’s cheek and looking into his eyes as well.]

I cannot do nothing. I would gladly die a thousand times if it meant preventing your death even once. And if it takes standing against them, I will.

[His lips quirk into a smile.]

Just as you tried to defend me from 'Sauron' on Halloween.

[action]

[marchwarden]

[ A laugh escaped Haldir's lips once he thought back on that fateful day. ]

I do believe "Mithrandir" hasn't been very fond of me ever since that day.

[action]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Oh good, Haldir was smiling again! He could count this among his successes then. And that meant Haldir couldn't disagree if he still meant to protect Haldir and whoever else he could from the dangers here.]

He's been reclusive since then, I think. More prone to being alone, as one might expect of the wandering wizard. I don't think he bears you any ill will for it though. You were brave, very much so, my march warden.