The fire of their hearts was young (open)

[inafadingcrown]

Date & Time: Starting Jan 19th, extending a couple of days. Vague vaguery
Location: See subsections
Characters: Aged-down Galadriel (AKA Artanis) and whoever
Summary: Artanis attempts to explore Exsilium and wrap her head around everything that's going on.

[To say that Artanis was not pleased with these developments would be an understatement. She’s found herself thrust into a strange world- yet another set of customs and rules she would have to learn- told that she’s to fight someone else’s war, and then comes across a child who is convinced that she is her mother.

It’s been a long day.

So, after ensuring that Celebrían was well cared for, she set out to explore Exsilium- a task that will occupy her for the next few days.]

[ooc: This is Galadriel (although she hasn't been named that yet) aged down to sometime during her first few months in Doriath. Using the same account and icons because lol immortality. Sections up.]

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[Well, at least he didn't seem likely to actually burst into tears. She still wasn't quite sure how she'd have handled that.]

It is a dreadful thing they have done, to take you from her. I know I miss my own brothers greatly and it is not quite so unusual for us to be apart.

[spellscry]

[He nods and wrings his little hands.]

Can I walk with you for a little while? The place I'm staying is dark and lonely. I don't want to go back until I'm tired.

[inafadingcrown]

Of course. [And she holds out her hand, offering it to him.] I could use the company also.

[spellscry]

[His teal eyes grow wide. A smile crosses his pale face and brightens it, like the moon. He takes her hand eagerly.]

Thank you. You're really kind. Caspa would like you.

[inafadingcrown]

[That's better. She relaxes a little as he smiles, her own face reflecting the expression.]

You speak of your sister, I assume?

[spellscry]

Mm-hmm! [His smaller fingers curl around what he can grasp of hers.] She's a priestess. Ever since I can remember, she's healed people and tried to help them. She's really amazing. And she takes care of me, too.

[inafadingcrown]

[She wishes she could say that about herself. Part of her feels like a fraud, talking to him like this, about healing and comfort. He doesn't know she's taken as much life as she's saved. That her heart is still filled with anger and resentment and no matter how much she tries to choke it down, the bitter taste remains.

It is what it is. She must just continue to pretend to be who she wishes she was.]

I believe I would like her. She sounds a gentle soul. [I'm not.]

[spellscry]

Everyone likes Caspa.

[He senses some sadness in the way that children do, and looks up at her, curiosity giving way to concern.]

I'm sorry you miss your brothers. I miss my brother, too. It kind of hurts, but I think the hurting is for a reason. If you saw your brothers but didn't miss them, you wouldn't be as happy.

[inafadingcrown]

[She looks down at him, surprised at both his perceptiveness and the wisdom of that. From the mouths of babes, apparently.]

Thank you. [Pause] I do not think I have yet asked your name.

[spellscry]

[His sister raised him well. For a while, anyway.]

Oh... um... [He brightens a little.] I'm Belthazar. [He bows his head.] It's nice to meet you, milady.

[inafadingcrown]

And you. [Her smile grows a little warmer.] I am Artanis. You may call me that, if you wish. [It seemed a little silly to insist on titles to a child.]

[spellscry]

Okay, Artanis. [He squeezes her hand a little.] Your name is pretty.

[inafadingcrown]

[This is...strangely charming. Maybe kids aren't as hard as they seem.]

Thank you. [She squeezes his hand back.] Yours is quite charming. I have not heard many names like it.

[spellscry]

[That makes him giggle.] Caspa always said it was a good name for a wizard. I'm going to be one someday.

[inafadingcrown]

A wizard? [Not exactly a thing in Middle Earth yet. She tilts her head, waiting for his explanation.]

[spellscry]

[He tilts his head slightly.] A wizard is someone who specializes in magic that isn't based on outside things, like the Light or the elements. They draw power from the magic inherent in the world, and they know a lot about it. If there's anyone who can undo a nasty ancient curse, it's a wizard!

[inafadingcrown]

I see. [Kind of. But she's not going to drill a kid for more information.] And how does one become a wizard?

[spellscry]

Studying. I like reading, so I study all my parents' old books.

[inafadingcrown]

We have something in common, then. I enjoy reading also. Do you like poetry, Belthazar?

[spellscry]

[His eyes light up.]

I like epic poetry! The kind with exciting battles and scary dragons and places no one knows anymore.

[inafadingcrown]

Then we have many of the same tastes. You must share with me some of your favorites one day.

[spellscry]

Oh! Oh! Can you share yours, too? I don't have any of mine with me, but maybe later.

[inafadingcrown]

I will share what I remember, leastwise. Alas, I have none of my books with me.

[spellscry]

Really? Thank you! [He squeezes her hand excitedly and looks up. His ears twitch. Hopefully he won't trip while looking at her.]

[inafadingcrown]

Of course. It is a fair exchange, is it not? [Oh, goodness. She's really becoming fond of this child. Tentatively, almost as if she's afraid he'll sprint off if she moves too quickly, she reaches down to ruffle his hair with her free hand.]