paradisalogs | (no subject)

Who: Legolas and anyone.
What: NEW ARRIVAL ALERT! Oh, and exploring!
When: Oct. 25th.
Where: Just pick a place and we'll make it work. Love to anyone that finds the hippy elf in the forest.
Rating: G!

One moment he had been with Gimli, Aragorn and Gandalf, hearing messages passed to Gandalf from the Lady Galadriel. He'd been armed and ready to go to Edoras, content with the knowledge that Merry and Pippin were safe. Safer. And now he was...

Well, Legolas wasn't entirely sure where he was. He'd seen, in passing, the buildings of Men though never had he entered them. He'd been content enough to remain out of doors or in the forest. It reminded him very much of what he'd seen though. And this only raised the question of how he came to be here. Standing and doing nothing wouldn't answer his questions though, this he knew. Only by exploring could he find what he wanted to know and hopefully that would include a way back. It wasn't long after he started to explore that he realized that he was now also unarmed. His quiver was still on his back but it was empty of arrows and he no longer carried his knife or the bow that the Lady of the Golden Wood had gifted him. Guilt tore at him over the loss of such a precious gift. He knew that he could craft himself another bow but it would never compare to those of the Galadhrim.

Garbed in grey, most will find him, a cloak about his shoulders and unassuming. He was cautious, of course, because who knew if this was some trick of Saruman or of the Enemy.

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"We must wait and watch. This place continues to show its hand to the observant, but it is slow in doing so. In time, we will have our answers."

"I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with waiting."

He would though, if only because it was Galadriel suggesting it. She knew more about the castle than he did. And who doesn't listen to her? Really?

Of course he isn't comfortable with waiting. He doesn't know. She stops suddenly and turns to look at him.

"Forgive me, I should have explained sooner. Time flows differently here; however long that you are kept in this place, no time will pass in Middle Earth. It sounds queer, I know, yet I have reason enough to believe it to be true."

Her sudden turn to him is a surprise and he stops suddenly, taking a step back out of respect. And even then, as she speaks, the doubt is already starting to spread across his features. What reason would she have to lie though? He can't think of one.

"How?"

The idea is comforting, that Aragorn, Gimli and Gandalf will not miss him but that's if it holds true.

"That, alas, is a question I cannot yet answer. I still understand little of the workings of this place; it hides its secrets well, even from my sight. Yet, I assure you, it is true."

She continues walking, folding her hands behind her back. "Tell me, how long has it been since you left my woods?"

"Then there is little more harm to be done by being here." He doesn't doubt her. He has no reason to doubt her, really. And she doesn't have to share this with him except to help. Possibly to keep him from doing anything reckless too.

"It has been fifteen days since we parted from Lorien, Lady."

"It has been over two years since my arrival here." That statement is weighty enough that she will let it stand on its own.

It does enough that if she expects Legolas to move even one step, she'll be disappointed. He stands there almost gaping at her, completely floored by the words. He can't think of anything to say, anything that might explain how it's even remotely possible for her to have been here that long when only a couple of weeks had passed since she had seen them off.

"Forgive me, I have given you a start." She smiles sympathetically, remembering how difficult this all is at first. "Time flows strangely here. I can explain no more than that."

"There is nothing to forgive." It would have come as a shock no matter when it came. Better to have it out of the way than to wait. He'll just have to keep himself from wanting to ask about it to whoever he can.

"Dare I hope that was the most surprising of what I'll be told?"

"You may always hope, though I fear in this case it may be in vain. You have not yet been told of 'losses,' I assume?"

"Losses?" That's a definite 'no.' Be gentle, Galadriel. He's not sure how many more surprises like that one he can really take.

"A term used by the people here to describe two separate effects of the castle. First, I would speak to you of what most call a 'permanent loss.'" She glances over at him again, gauging his reaction. "All who are brought here have something taken from them- be it a memory, a skill, or a prized possession."

For a moment, he's more curious than anything. As she goes on though...

Automatically, Legolas' hand moves to feel where his bow might normally be, panic seizing him. What if that was what he'd lost? He isn't sure he'll be able to face her if it is.

She watches his movements, an understanding smile making its way onto her face. "I would not hold any responsible for what they have lost. This place will take even that which we would protect with our lives."

He smiles faintly, hand returning to his sides though still looking faintly ashamed. Even if she doesn't blame him, he'll blame himself.

"You are kind, Lady."

She shakes her head. "My Lord Celeborn was here for a time; this place took from him memories of our daughter. I know full well that we do not choose what it is we lose."

It's not a matter of kindness; it's a matter of facts.