hadriel | [Video]

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You know...

I feel a rare opportunity was passed up. I'm not hunted nearly enough.

[Anakin.]

In fact, I don't need a stupid list. I'm looking for volunteers. I'll even return the favor if you like? It's only polite.

[Don't target innocent people; target assholes like him. He's fine with it. It will be comforting because everything in his life is upside down and has ceased to make sense.]

My name is Anakin Skywalker for those who have forgotten. Contact me anytime, day or night.

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If I can't encourage fear in them then I'd at least like some acknowledgement. [That's his version of respect.]

Why? [He looks genuinely puzzled.]

It's not the moment for that, I think. Not yet.

[It's not that your desires are invalid, Anakin, it's that you're not going to get much attention for daring them at the same time as the rest of the cave.]

We can't make it to them, and something that affects them directly is the only thing they'll acknowledge.

[Because even the best warriors have unlucky days- but Anakin's mortal, and twenty three besides. That he won't listen to.] Because my cousins will be so very upset if you're hurt, and this will comfort them.

Who gets to decide when it's the right time? Is there some sign I'm missing? Or is the potential murder of your family not enough?

[Yeah, he's a little mad about that.]

The best way to try to reach them is to lure them out. The Null likes hurting us, right? It likes to see our pain.

[He scowls and closes his eyes.]

Their names are on the list. That took it too far.

Anakin, if you know how to get to the Null from here, do share.

[Actually, don't- at least, not here.]

For the moment, this is a war of nerves. You win that war by not losing your head along the way- not to panic, and not to passion. We've fought wars before. We know that.

[And for a moment, the light demeanor dims, and Anakin can see exactly what Fingon thinks. There's a look in his eyes that has all the tension of a drawn arrow, curled and powerful and waiting to strike.]

Much too far. And they will pay for it, soon enough.

I don't have to get to them if I bring them out in the open.

[Reckless Skywalker logic!]

I fight wars with my lightsaber in my hand. Sitting around and waiting doesn't suit me. Besides, I'm not panicking.

[He's just furious.]

Mind letting me know when you're ready to strike?

Edited 2017-11-20 03:48 (UTC)

[Shaking his head.] These ones won't come out until they are good and ready.

[Sighing quietly] Oh, Anakin. You are not panicking, true. You have courage, and an eager heart. But when going to war, those are necessary, not sufficient.

[Nodding]

You'll be one of the first to know.

How bad off will we be by then? Will we be alive to confront them?

[He itches to move, to act. It's painful not to move.]

You sound like my Master.

[The one that isn't really his Master anymore. The one he misses and hates...and loves.]

I hope so. I want a piece of them for myself.

Do you think the rest of us have been spending this time drinking wine and braiding our hair? We have defenses going up. Others make their own preparations.

And while there are things we cannot prepare for, I think our dear rulers would notice an attack of poisoned gas or the like.

[There's a hint of sarcasm with "our dear rulers," but Fingon is fairly certain they're on the lookout for signs of an invasion.]

Anakin, you are twenty three. It's a lesson we all learn, if we survive long enough.

You'll get it. Never fear that.

You can't do what I can do. Ask Maedhros if you doubt me, but I could do a lot of damage to the Null on my own.

[He gives a brief smile.]

I don't need poisoned gas. All I need to do is get in their head.

[Mind control is a messy skill, but he doesn't mind using it.]

I've done a lot in my twenty-three years. Once they show their face, I can give them the bashing they deserve.

I am sure you can. That doesn't mean that you're invulnerable, and it doesn't mean that you can goad them out.

[He sighs a little internally. He's seen so many youths like Anakin. He's been a youth like Anakin. But a battle is a complex thing, and even for the most skilled of warriors speed and strength are only part of what makes a victory.]

Anakin. Please let us help.

Unless I try, how will I know?

[He is chomping at the bit and he hates feeling useless. The only time he can feel any relief is when his lightsaber is out and he is facing a foe. Of course he also realizes that isn't healthy and somehow that just frustrates him more.]

I'm not doing anything yet. [He doesn't sound petulant! That's just your ears malfunctioning.]

There have been many yelling at them these past few days, more than a few of my kin among them. You'll notice that the Null have not moved for them either.

[Which is, actually, irritating for him too.] No. They have the initiative and they know it; they'll not give that up easily.

[A slightly amused, knowing look.]

Not yet. But if I ask now, you can't tell me later you didn't hear the request in the din of battle.

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