prismatica | {Video; UN: elvenking}

Entry tags:

{Video; UN: elvenking}

{He is a king without his elegant trappings - but, really, he doesn't need them. The robe he wears catches the light with the smallest of motions, glittering faintly as if precious jewels are woven in the fabric. His hair is bound into a single thick braid that lays against his back and his circlet is elsewhere - as are his rings.}

How many parents reside in Lunatia? Are you separated from your children if so? {The flickering light on the table before him is all the illumination he requires as he works on a sketch. The drawing depicts trees and a variety of animal life beneath their mighty boughs.}

My fear for my son increases by the day and I have found no relief for it. I hardly realized how helpless I could feel as a father.

{His attention shifts from the sketch of the forest to a second sketch of a face much like his own - yet different enough that it must be his son.}

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What is your son like? {Family is family. Thranduil would not think less of a child he rescued and fostered, though they, of course, would be unlikely to inherit his throne.}

Kind. Polite. Strong.

[ There's subtle pride in Wangji's voice, and something rather soft to his eyes. But otherwise, his expression is as stony as ever. ]

Then you have taught him well. {Legolas has those traits - save perhaps the polite one - in spades. Maybe he didn't fail so utterly as a father.}

I am sorry he is in a place like this.

I had help. Guidance. [ His sect, his family, all had hands in raising Sizhui while he was...away. ]

Mm. [ A quiet noise of gratitude for the condolence. ]

I am sorry you are parted from your son.

[ However. ]

Faith in his skill to stay safe without you.

Unless you raised him alone in the wilderness, of course others helped. {He had councilors he trusted with his little prince now and then.}

He has every skill he requires to keep himself alive. I only wish he did not have to face hardship.

Part of being a parent.

[ But so is having a low-key fear of their safety, even when knowing they're strong enough on their own for most things. ]

Perhaps there was a reason Eru only blessed me with one.

{If he had a daughter... How does Elrond cope?}

Having a sibling is a joy in itself. [ Wangji would be utterly lost without Xichen. ] There are some things only a sibling can understand.

I would not know. I was an only child - as was my father. {The Will of Eru played a hand in their line. All sons meaning, at least, the line could survive.} Do you have a brother?

Edited 2020-08-03 16:50 (UTC)

[ Wangji nods - either in answer or understanding or both. ]

My brother, Xichen, is also here.

I suspect he is as kind as you. {Thranduil has no trouble seeing beyond Lan Wangji's controlled appearance.} When I find a home to my liking, I wish to see you both.

Kinder. [ He corrects staunchly. There is only one person he has never doubted the intent of even once. Wangji loves his husband, trusts him with all his heart and soul, but there had been doubts. There had been fights and arguments. Then he'd seen his error and has been working to correct his over-sight ever since. ]

I would like that. I will inform my brother of your invitation. [ Wangji bows politely at Thranduil's kindness. ]

That is difficult to imagine. {The tease is gentle, however there is truth behind it too. Lan Wangji strikes him as the sort that would have animals flocking around him without a care in the world.}

Please do. If there is any way I can assist you or him, do let me know.

[ The tease earns Thranduil a startled little blink! Good job. Wangji just doesn't know how to respond to that, so...doesn't. ]

...Thank you. I will be sure to let you know. The offer of assistance is returned.

{Which somehow makes him a thousand percent more charming! Thranduil holds back a chuckle - just barely.}

I appreciate your generosity. I cannot say what we will face tomorrow. It is good to have alliances.

[ Wangji never knows how to respond to compliments! Or teasing! At least he didn't snarl? He's done that in his youth. ]

Mm. It is.

{This one stems from a good place, Wangji. Thranduil would beat anyone who made fun of you.}

Have you visited the Greatmoon Grove?

[ You are good people, Thranduil. Wangji likes you. ]

Not yet. Would you prefer to meet there?

{He...tries. Thranduil is, ironically, well-aware of his flaws and he doesn't mind change as much as he originally thought.}

Yes. It is beautiful and quiet.

[ Change can be difficult. Wangji has gone through it himself - too late. But Wei Ying doesn't seem to mind the result! ]

You honor me with being willing to share it with me and Xichen.

{Isn't it nice when someone can forgive you? Thranduil is learning to be more forgiving himself and it has been...slow work. But good work.}

I am the one who is honored by your presence, Lan Wangji. The Grove will benefit from your visit.

[ It's true. Wangji feels fortunate and humbled by his husband. Resolved to be worthy of him. ]

Would it be impolite to bring my husband on a separate visit? I think he might enjoy it.

[ Despite the stigma of being a cut-sleeve back home, Wangji simply doesn't care. He loves who he loves. ]

The peace might help him.

Not at all. {Said husband must be a remarkable man and Thranduil brightens at the idea of meeting him.} We all could use a place to rest without the sounds of the city deafening us.

{This Elf has always had an eye for beauty - the gender never mattered. He married a woman, of course, and he will love her until there is nothing left of him, however he feels no guilt in opening his heart again. It isn't...common...or accepted in his culture, but he has never paid mind to the opinions of others.}

Then bring him with you as soon as you are able.

[ Thranduil earns a rare smile - small, but still an actual smile - when he brightens and immediately agrees. ]

Wei Ying is more used to cities. [ And makes his own noise to make sure he's heard. ]

Peace and quiet, tranquility, good for the spirit.

[ Wangji hadn't even considered marrying before he'd met Wei Ying. And then that beautiful menace had swept into his life and the rest is history. ]

Thank you.

Most Men seem drawn to that din. In my realm, you can hear the sway of the trees in the wind, the song of birds, the rustle of a thousand lives going about their days.

{The smile feels like a gift and Thranduil returns it gently.}

The natural world moves slowly. Tranquility is easy to find because of the pace.

{He shakes his head.} I do not lay claim to the Grove. However I hope to reside there one day.

Edited 2020-08-03 21:54 (UTC)

[Video]

gremlinkeeper - 2020-08-03 22:02 (UTC) - Expand

[Video]

tauraran - 2020-08-04 13:52 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only