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[bythewaves]

There's a creature here who killed my friend, and injured my brother. I don't know what it calls itself, but my friend describes a woman with eyes as black as pitch.

[ His eyes are far too bright to be human, a feral fire lit behind them ]

Have a care for yourselves, for it has, apparently, killed at least once and tried to do so more than that.

[ And then almost absently ]

Findekano, my king, I ask your blessing on my hunt.

[ And you know, permission to torture and play with his prey but he won't say that aloud ]

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<3

[bythewaves]

[ He refutes her immediately ]

Tis no frail heart, woman or otherwise, that worries for its friends! You have been sorely hurt, Margaery, not just your body, but also your sense of security. It is right and normal that you worry now, and no weakness.

[ He covers her hands and squeezes gently, but his voice is grave, and his eyes are inhumanly bright ]

A demon of fire and shadow, the greatest of the Enemy's servants saving only his Lieutenant. They were Maia of fire, once, and those he loved best to corrupt. They are great and terrible, but when they fell they bound themselves to a physical form, who do not normally hold such forms except as clothing. And so they can be killed, although the doing is hard.

<3!

[roseofthetyrells]

[she stares into his eyes]

I--I suppose. Just tell me that all will be well and I'll believe you.

[the squeeze stills her hands]

They sound awful. Just awful. I hope that one never arrives here.

[bythewaves]

So do I. [ Maglor says grimly ]

They are fell foes, and I have lost too many kin to them already.

[roseofthetyrells]

Surely, not even the so-called gods could be so cruel. . . [her voice trails off]

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor shrugs ]

I trust them not, but they would be fool indeed to bring in one of those.

[roseofthetyrells]

To torment the new arrivals, perhaps? I can't imagine any other reason.

[bythewaves]

They would be more like to be a new arrival.

[ he grimaces ]

[roseofthetyrells]

Truly? Ugh. Isn't that demon enough for us to contend with?

[bythewaves]

They are people too, after a fashion. [ Maglor points out with a grimace ]

Hardly mindless beasts, I'm afraid.

[roseofthetyrells]

Then let us hope that the gods do not see fit to bring such a being among us.

...may I stay here and await your return from doing battle with the demon?

[bythewaves]

I would certainly hope so, as well. [ He agrees fervently.

A nod, and he presses her hands gently ]

Yes - I would feel better if you did, in truth! Nothing evil will get past our wards without being a great deal stronger than it has shown itself to be. You'll be safe in our home, or you could stay with Sansa, who has the same protections enabled.

[roseofthetyrells]

[she squeezes his hands in response]

I'll stay here. I won't be able to rest until I see you back here, safe.

[bythewaves]

As you wish.

[ he agrees ]

Do make yourself at home! There's tea in the cupboards, or wine if you prefer. Bread and some basic staples too. We will endeavor not to take too long. Ah...and don't touch the fountain in the living room - I don't think it would do anything but Elrond set that one up and I don't think it knows you, yet.

[roseofthetyrells]

I think I'll have the tea. I don't want my senses to become blurred by wine. I'll wait for however long it takes. And I'll avoid the fountain.

Do be careful?

[bythewaves]

We will.

[ He smiles for her ]

We will return to you, Lady. No oath will I take, for my words too often go ill - but what we can do we will, and see you sleep again in peace.

[roseofthetyrells]

I--I can't describe how grateful I am to you. You've all done so much for me, I can never repay you.

[bythewaves]

There is no need of thanks, between friends.

[roseofthetyrells]

[and for some reason that word, "friend," is again like a knife in her belly]

You're offering to put yourself in harms way to avenge me. And Curufin. So please let me thank you.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor smiles for her ]

It cannot be borne, that such an evil would walk unopposed - I have fought for less noble a goal!

[roseofthetyrells]

[she manages a tremulous smile back]

Then let me thank you and offer you this as my favor. [she takes the blue ribbon out of her hair and offers it to him]

[bythewaves]

[ He blinks and then bows, accepting the favor with grave solemnity ]

Thank you, my lady. I will bring it back to you safely. Will you do me the honor of tying it on my arm?

[roseofthetyrells]

[she tries for levity, but it likely falls flat]

You had better. And I will.

[she ties it to his upper right arm, not too tight, but tight it enough that it will be secure]

[bythewaves]

[ He covers her hand with his own when she finishes and smiles ]

My lady's favor goes with me, how can we fail?

[roseofthetyrells]

[she blushes when he does so]

You can't. [she forces herself to try for a joke] Or I'll be very cross with you.

[bythewaves]

And that would never do! [ He teases ]

I promise Margaery. [ He says softly ]

We will return to you. And anyone can tell you, if we Feanorians are good at anything, it is keeping our word.