❅ Two (Video)

[stonebird]

(There is a pile of completed garments sitting behind her; signs of how hard she has been working. Of course that evidence is unnecessary when her bandaged fingers come into view.)

Lord Curufin... (Being too familiar still doesn't feel natural. At least in public, she must be formal.) I have finished the fire retardant suits. If any require alterations, I will need specific measurements.

(But they should do if there are any further fires. Seven above, she hopes not!)

If there are any still suffering from burns, the house I share with Lord Elrond is another option besides the clinic. He is an expert Healer and there is much he can do even in situations that seem hopeless.

(Private to Maedhros, Maglor & Fingon.)

I have been working on tunics for each of you, though I apologize for them being delayed. I thought the suits of more import.

(/)

Comments

[bythewaves]

Tunics? [ Maglor blinks at her shyly ]

Thank you, Sansa, but you did not need to?

[stonebird]

I wished to and all of you have such lovely coloring, it seemed a shame to not pick colors I thought suited you.

(That's part of the fun of it, actually.)

[bythewaves]

[ He smiles shyly, pleased ]

That is very kind of you, Sansa

[stonebird]

(Success? Success.)

It's my pleasure. (She smiles hopefully.) Do you mind small embroidery?

[bythewaves]

I would love anything you made. [ he says shyly ] And I would certainly not object!

[stonebird]

Do not flatter me before you see the finished product! (Or else he will be stuck wearing a tunic he does not like.) I will keep it subtle.

[bythewaves]

I am sure it will be lovely, no matter what!

[stonebird]

I think we must braid your hair for it.

[bythewaves]

[ He blinks and smiles ]

But it is only a new tunic!

[stonebird]

It is a proper excuse for me to...aid you...with your hair. (She really doesn't need an excuse, but this is probably more polite.)

[bythewaves]

[ Oh...

Maglor ducks his head shyly and smiles ]

You... are too kind, Sansa. If... you want to do my hair I don't mind.

[stonebird]

I know of the importance. I do not mean to make you feel you have no choice in the matter. (She gives a soft sigh.) Your hair is lovely; I pray you do not hold it against me.

[bythewaves]

[ He ducks his head shyly ]

I... would not mind, if you wish it.

[stonebird]

Thank you. (She will be very careful with those pretty strands.) I can teach you some of the braids of the North.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor aruges that her hair is prettier ]

I would like that. [ He smiles back ]

Did... I teach you any of ours?

[stonebird]

(Only because it resembles a certain brother's!)

They are simple - functional - but they can be more ornamental.

(She will have fun with his braids.)

Yes. (What she remembers of them is mimicked in her hair. She turns to show him.)

[bythewaves]

[ .... well that might come into play yes >.> ]

Oh! [ Maglor smiles to trace the braids that proclaim her, clearly despite an obvious uncertain hand, as a princess of the house of Finwe ]

You wear them very well.

[stonebird]

(She knew it! ♥ )

Have I done them some justice? (She pats a braid self-consciously.)

My memories of the other world are becoming a little fuzzy, I admit.

[bythewaves]

[ <.< ]>/small>

You have done very well! I can always teach you again, if you like?

[stonebird]

I would like that. My hair is long enough now for braids of all sorts.

[bythewaves]

Then we can try together, maybe - and learn each other's braids.

[stonebird]

If you would not be too bored doing so? I know I would enjoy the lesson.

[bythewaves]

I would enjoy doing so, I think.

[stonebird]

(She gives a small, playful smile.) I can make us tea for it. How are your hands?

[bythewaves]

My hands? Well enough, I suppose. [ he says thoughtfully ] They don't bother me at the moment.

[ suspiciously] Did Elrond ask you to check?

[utulien_aure]

You needn't apologize, Sansa. A gift unexpected is the sweeter for it.

[stonebird]

I pray this gift keeps you warm on cold nights. But, in order for it to do so, it must be completed, I think!

[utulien_aure]

Yes, I imagine that would help!

Take your time, Sansa. The gift is thoughtfulness enough to warm our hearts.

But you've not been spending all your time working on these gifts, I hope?

[stonebird]

You will not be so easy going when the weather develops a chill! (Except he probably will because...Elves.)

I have spent much time on the tunics and the uniforms for those fighting fires. The uniforms in particular were very time consuming.

[utulien_aure]

Perhaps, perhaps not. It would depend on how hard a winter here would strike.

[Resistant or not, the threat of cold is one Fingon takes seriously. Anyone want to bet the gods can't conjure up a Helcaraxe? Anyone want to bet that they wouldn't?]

I would think so. That was important work, and worth taking the time over. But what have you been doing for yourself, Sansa?

[stonebird]

No matter how the temperature drops, I will see you warm.

(Because that is the role of family! She only wishes she had some furs instead of fabric.)

Myself? I do take walks daily and I am enjoying residing with Lord Elrond. He is teaching me some healing techniques.

[utulien_aure]

You have a kind heart, Sansa Stark, to accompany those clever fingers.

[He relaxes slightly to hear that; he'd briefly wondered if she spent all her time on projects for others and none on herself.]

That is good to hear. Would you mind a companion on those walks from time to time?

[stonebird]

Would you do any less for me? I know the answer, so you need not answer.

(She tries to find balance. But the caverns are overwhelming at times and it's easier to do what she knows best.)

If you are the companion in question, you are always welcome to join me.

[utulien_aure]

[And that, perhaps, is the way she needs looking after. Not to worry, though, the Finweans are here to step in.]

I would be glad to, Sansa. I can think of no finer company.

[stonebird]

Are you free today? (The idea of walking around with him clearly excites her. What does she have to fear with him near?)

[utulien_aure]

I am. Would you like to go now?

[stonebird]

Give me a moment and I will be more than ready. I am at home rather than the shop.

[utulien_aure]

It will take me a moment to reach you, so you'll have plenty of time.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He smiles at the formality, and returns it. ] Thank you, Lady Sansa! You have my gratitude and that of the other firefighters. These suits will stand us in good stead if there should ever be another fire. [ A thing he is fairly sure will happen sooner or later. ]

We will check to make sure the fit is right, and let you know if we need any alterations.

[ And don't think he doesn't see those bandaged fingers! ] But you have been working very hard indeed! I fear you may need Elrond's services to undo the damage from overwork!

[stonebird]

Fires can do so much damage. Even when the flames are extinguished, the smoke has nowhere to go. I do not think we are meant to breathe such foul air.

(Which leads to another concern:) The suits are helpful - or they are meant to be, rather - but what of masks?

(She nods and gives him a small, secret smile.) These are my battle scars, ser, and I will not have anyone healing them!

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He can certainly agree with that! ] I think this cave has some sort of air circulation system, which must be why we sometimes feels winds or breezes. But the fire we just had must have strained it, because I was smelling smoke for days.

And you are right, I think we need masks as well. The other mechanics and I made respirators before the fire ever happened, but the work was done quickly, and I think we should revamp the plans in the light of experience. Perhaps we could meet sometime and make some patterns?

[ He smiles back. ] Well, you too are a warrior -- not only of the needle but of the sword! -- and so I will not press you. Battle scars can be badges of pride.

[stonebird]

I would like to know how such a system works. I know of nothing like it on Westeros, though there were fans and things called...air conditioners...in Ruby City. I could keep the temperature as I liked no matter the season with the latter!

(Technology amazes her and her cheeks flush at his request.) I would be honored. I think filters in the masks would make them very useful. They can be made out of tightly woven material that catches...particles? I read about small pieces of smoke and dust that can float around the air.

(She smiles and inclines her head.) These will not scar badly, I promise.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ The engineer perks up. ] Air conditioners? -- what a very interesting concept! And I, too, would like to know how the gods ventilate this cave.

[ And he respects her intelligence. ] Filters, made of fabric, eh? That's sounds like it would work. You seem to have a feel for materials and their properties, and for how to shape them to fulfill a need. You are a natural at this! We are lucky to have you on the project.

[ He smiles back. ] I'll take your word for it, then -- that those fine, skilled fingers will heal on their own.

And speaking of Elrond, I am pleased he is moving in with you. Much as I liked having so many people living in one house, I fear it was a little too crowded and chaotic.

[stonebird]

They were interesting machines! I wish I had studied them closer; I fear I enjoyed them without much thought! (There had been plenty other happenings to occupy her mind there.)

It is necessary in the North to make garments that can withstand the deepest chill. If my father or my brothers had gone on a hunt and lost their way, a single night could have turned deadly. We used furs most often, but I believe I can sew almost anything. Strong thread, tightly woven should prove some protection if we cannot find actual filters.

(She glances down at her hands shyly.)

Him living with me is a blessing. I feel safer and I think I sleep better at night.

[so_dark_a_road]

If you wish to study machines, you may get your chance here. [ Smile. ]

And that explains your deftness with fabric constructions. I too lived in the north, in my world. We had to learn much about making warm clothing!

Elrond is not only a healer but a guardian by nature. He seems to subtly radiate peace when he wants to, or even when he's not really thinking about it. I don't know how he does it.

[stonebird]

It would be a good use of my time. (Besides sewing and embroidery. Her fingers will need a rest.)

Warm clothes are a necessity. I was taught from a young age to never allow myself to get wet or stay wet. Even a simple Cold can turn deadly. (Her mother had given birth to babes that had not survived for one reason or another. It isn't uncommon in Westeros, but sad nonetheless in a place that has such harsh conditions already.)

I used to have tea with him and his wife in Ruby City. I loved visiting them.

[so_dark_a_road]

You can come to the firehouse and I'll teach you how to drive the firetrucks and how to maintain them, if you are interested in either or both.

Those who taught you taught you well, then. One cannot be too careful of children in such a climate.

Elrond's wife was with him in Ruby City? It is thought that he loved her well. It is a pity she is not here. But I am glad that they were there for you. You obviously need a family. And here in Hadriel, we Elves are quite happy to adopt you.