hadriel | [Video]

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[The sound of a lightsaber is unmistakable. Anakin wields the weapon with ease, running through the techniques in rapid succession. He keeps at it until he is noticeably fatigued. Then he speaks:]

If someone told you that there is a force that connects all things, would you believe them? Do you think there is a higher purpose to this world? Or are some of us stuck here until we lose our minds?

[Is insanity a higher purpose?]

I sometimes wonder if all of this is an exercise in patience. [A quality he lacks. Has always lacked.]

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I wonder why that is? [He is teasing, of course. He can find Maedhros just as easily.

Anakin shrugs, trying to lighten his words.] That's sorta the point of meditating.

Then there's the part of me that thinks I deserve the nightmares. I've done...horrible...things. I think I'll do far worse in the future.

We are far too much alike! {Which doesn't bother the Elf!}

Not when you start to lose yourself to them. Then what good do they do? {a sigh} We both have. But those days are not here. Not now. Perhaps what we do here and now will help your future.

Sorry about that. I know being like me isn't easy. [It might seem silly to apologize, but Anakin can sense the chaos within Maedhros. If he could heal it, he would.]

They're doing what they're meant to do. But I half wonder if....if all of these visions are thanks to the deities having such an effect on us? Could they be why I've seen some of my future?

[He doesn't look convinced.] I don't think I'll ever be ready for my future.

Do not be sorry, Anakin. Being alike means we are not alone here in being understood and accepted. {Their friendship has helped the Elf more, perhaps, than the Man realizes.}

Are they? If there is nothing you can do to change what you see yourself doing in these visions, what purpose do they serve beyond torment?

{A shrug. Maedhros starts for the edge of the city where he knows Anakin waits, pack over a shoulder.} All you can do is continue forward as best you can. Face the details and solve what issues arise as they come.

I didn't know someone like you could exist - and I've traveled all over the galaxy. I'm glad to know you, Maedhros. [Their friendship has kept him sane. Anakin has lost four people - Padmé, Luke, Hux and Kylo - and each time has gotten harder to bear.]

Torment I deserve. [He shrugs and looks away.] That sounds like a good plan, but I know I won't be logical when all of it happens. I can't be.

{A grin.} Perhaps only one of us can exist per galaxy to maintain balance?

I am glad to know you as well, Anakin.

If that is the gods' goal with these visions, I am surprised I do not have them myself. {Though that might be because Maedhros remembers all that he's done without any help, and dwells on what he should have done instead.}

Then indulge yourself in logic here while you can!

You know...you might have a point! [They do tend to cause a lot of damage. Anakin smiles and ducks his head.]

Elves are different, aren't they? Besides, I've always had visions. [Along with being able to see his opponent's move before they make it.

He forces a bitter laugh.] At least until we're all manipulated again, right?

Edited 2018-04-30 07:44 (UTC)

{So much damage.}

We are, yet we still do dream when we choose to rest. Some of us have visions as well, ForeSight. One of my fosterlings, Elrond, has it. There are more options than what is generally shown.

How do you know what will actually happen, out of all possibilities?

{Maedhros turns a corner and comes into view.}

We only get manipulated here every other day. Why not enjoy the odd day? {Deadpan.}

I...don't. I thought things could be changed. That's why I listened to my -

My Master. [Those words are tense, unhappy.] I wanted the power to alter what I saw. I wasn't successful with my mother, but I thought maybe with Padmé...

[He stands up and smiles faintly, moving to greet Maedhros. A laugh is surprised out of him at the statement, however.]

Will you help me enjoy them?

Your master abused you. You and I give all of ourselves, even when perhaps we should hold back. Fire runs through us, sometimes it sweeps us away as a river before we realize it.

{Maedhros walks up and casually drapes an arm around Anakin in offered comfort and support.}

Those whom we love, we want them to understand and accept us. Even when they cannot.

{He's lucky though. Fingon makes a very valiant effort, and he shares his mind!

The Elf grins, smug.}

I think I can spare the time!

...I see that. He took advantage of me and -

I know I'm more powerful than him. [Which puts him in a good position to give Palpatine all he deserves. Maybe that will save his family.

Anakin blinks and relaxes under the warm weight.] You're right. I don't think Padmé or Obi-Wan or...any of them...can accept what I've done. They would be horrified and disgusted.

[He wouldn't mind if someone argued with him. At least then they wouldn't be running away.]

How generous! [He pats the Elf on the back, returning the almost embrace.] Let's see what ugly monsters we can find.

I think you would make a better ruler than this Master of yours. {Maedhros would dearly like to give Palpatine a piece of his mind. And sword.

He tugs Anakin close for a proper hug before releasing him with a supportive look.} I wish understanding beings to find you when you must return home. I do not like the thought of you being forced into isolation.

{Being alone is difficult. Worse if it includes torture.

He nods, heading away from the city.} Quite a few, or there is no point!

That was my plan. I needed him to teach me how to...overcome death...then I knew I couldn't let him survive. [It's the Sith way, isn't it? Apprentice killing Master - and Palpatine deserved it after forcing his hand so many times. The faces of the younglings, especially, will forever haunt him.

Maedhros is warm and strong. Anakin is able to breathe easier after the embrace - which he returns shamelessly.]

Don't worry about me. I'm destined to survive for a few decades more, at least. [A few miserable decades.]

That's one thing this place is good for: bringing in monstrosities from all over the universe.

Has he? {Let Maedhros stab Palpatine! Please? He hates what he's learned Anakin's been forced to do.

There is no shame in a friendly hug. A reminder that they are currently very much alive and well.}

I thank you to let me decide whom I worry over! I would hope you could do better than survive, but I would be a poor soul to demand it. {He, who had flung himself to death because he'd seen no other option.}

This is a truth.

No. [He grits his teeth, gaze conflicted.] He's holding it back. He might...sense...my intentions.

[Or Sidious is just a wary, paranoid Sith Lord. Anakin wonders what happened to Palpatine's Master. Clearly they aren't around anymore.]

You have enough to deal with. I wouldn't be a decent friend if I added to your trouble.

[He smirks and nudges Maedhros's side.] I'd let you demand it of me. But I'm pretty sure I'll fail.

[With the wilds of Hadriel stretched out before them, Anakin calls his lightsaber into his hand.]

{The Elf scowls and rests a supportive hand on Anakin's shoulder.} He likes having you under his control. There is one thing you can do to end it. Perhaps that would get you the result you seek?

You are a good friend. I would be a poor friend if I were not willing to lend an ear or whatever else you need.

{He grins, nudging back.} You should have more faith in yourself - I could demand that of you too!

{He shoves playfully at his friend before drawing his sword and picking a direction to go. Away from the city with it's safety and people.}

[He glances up at him, one eyebrow rising.] ...I've thought about it. It was my original plan. But what if I'm wrong and Padmé dies anyway?

[He looks away and gets control of his emotions, sharply.]

I don't know about that. I could be a better friend. [And he should be. A small grin follows the nudge.]

But you wouldn't. [Because Maedhros isn't a hypocrite. That's one of his best qualities, actually! Oh and he's a wonderful friend. Anakin hurries after him, calling his lightsaber into his hand as he lengthens his strides. If ever they wonder where some of the arena monsters go, they are about to find out. Anakin frowns when he hears strange yips up ahead.]

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