{Video; UN: elvenking}

[tauraran]

{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.}

Comments

[shiliu]

I’m there as a Moon Knight, helping collect new arrivals. But anyone is welcome to come greet people at the Iris Moon Government Center.

Whether being here is a blessing or not, that depends on one’s perspective. My country is at war. Though my son and I will return home as soon as it’s possible, this place is a welcome respite for us.

[tauraran]

How does one become a Moon Knight? {Just for his references.}

My world too will soon be consumed by war. Many of my people will leave Middle Earth rather than risk themselves or their kin. Houses that have long been occupied will be empty and those of us who remain behind must bear the loss.

I can forget for a time whilst I am here.

[shiliu]

To become a Moon Knight, one has to demonstrate fighting skills and knowledge of Lunatian law, via physical and written examinations, and swear fealty to the government of Lunatia.

Refugees are a bitter fact of war. A swift victory and a lasting peace is the best we soldiers can do for them. Perhaps your people can return, once the war is over.

[tauraran]

I see. {Swearing fealty is a problem. The rest he could do without trouble.}

If there is anything left.

Many will Sail to the land where Elves first woke. They will not return. I will put it off for as long as necessary; I am not drawn to those Shores like my brethren. The trees matter more to me.

[shiliu]

[ For his part, loyalty to the legitimate government here is easy to give, as it is, in his opinion, the best way to preserve order and protect the people. If he ever goes home, his loyalty will naturally revert back to the Emperor (however little he may deserve it) for exactly the same reason. ]

"Put it off."
Is such a fate inevitable for you?

[tauraran]

{He is loyal to himself and to the Woodland Realm. Claiming loyalty to anyone else doesn't sit right, though if he is forced into it, Thranduil is not an Elf who will remain forever stubborn.}

It is inevitable for all Elves. Valinor is our home; the place of our birth.

[shiliu]

[ The inevitability of "returning home," that sounds like... ]

Is that where you must be laid to rest?

[tauraran]

You could say so, however we will not perish until Arda meets her end.

[shiliu]

Who is Arda?

[tauraran]

My world.

[shiliu]

[ ... ]

You're immortal, in other words.

[ Which begs the question... ]

But, I assume, you can be killed.

[ Otherwise, why would they run from war? They would otherwise be the perfect soldiers. ]

[tauraran]

I am.

{Unless...}

We can be felled in battle or by any sword, dagger or arrow.

[shiliu]

[ A lot to lose, in other words. ]

Your people's flight makes sense. Losing one's eternal life on the battlefield would be a tremendous sacrifice.

[ In truth, losing any life that way is a sacrifice; but in his world there are things he values more than his own life, and his fighting force is made up of men who feel the same way. ]

[tauraran]

Those who perish are sent to the Halls of Mandos until they are ready to be reborn. I suspect, in some cases, they will be deemed "never prepared for rebirth".

{Such as in the case of Fëanor and his sons.}

[shiliu]

We have a similar cycle of death and rebirth, where I am from.

[ And some who leave it forever. ]

I hope you are able to meet your son once more. I look forward to speaking with you again. My name is Gu Yun, courtesy name Zi Xi.

[tauraran]

Thank you for your comfort, Zi Xi. Is that the name you prefer? You may call me Thranduil. My titles are useless in Lunatia.