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[handofsilver]

I have a thing to ask; a thing that is not acceptable in my world, but it is part of my story and I think I must acknowledge it. I have noticed that other residents of Hadriel share half of my inclination, at least, and I must ask:

Is it possible for one man or woman to be attracted to both genders? I mean no offense. I admit that my first love - unrequited - was female. My wife was surely female! But there was a male...briefly...though he was naught but a monster seeking to ravage the world.

Comments

[handofsilver]

You are right. They deserve one fate.

[swiftlet]

Don't lower yourself.

[handofsilver]

I would be saving Arda awful pain.

[swiftlet]

At the cost of your own soul? Don't be a monster because he was. Then he's won.

[handofsilver]

One soul to save many? Perhaps thousands? I think that a fair price.

[swiftlet]

It's never that simple.

[handofsilver]

I am not being dense or over exaggerating when I say he could end the world.

[swiftlet]

I never said you were. But it's never so easy.

[handofsilver]

His death can bring naught but good.

[swiftlet]

Can yours?

[handofsilver]

My death is a given.

[swiftlet]

Maybe so, but perhaps not. Things change.

[handofsilver]

I was dying when I arrived within Hadriel's caverns. My uncle told me what became of the world after my passing.

[swiftlet]

This place alone changes things.

[handofsilver]

Should the beast be brought here, I will not hesitate to cut him down. My family will support me.

The deities should know better than to invite such a being in the first place.

[swiftlet]

I suppose we'll see whether or not they do. Please don't give him any more power over you.

[handofsilver]

What he has already done to me are the only scars I will allow.

[swiftlet]

You can scar yourself, too. Don't damage your spirit and more on his account. He isn't worth it.

[handofsilver]

Would you rather I let him go free?

[swiftlet]

No. But there are ways to be better than him about it.

[handofsilver]

I am listening.

[swiftlet]

My father was given a choice. He could have lived if he could have changed. In the end it was his own pride that killed him. And still my hostling loved him, cared for him, gave him the best he could for his final days. I was there listening when Terzian told Cobweb he'd never loved him and Cobweb held him regardless. Despite the venom, and the pain, he was regal. If somehar had told be then he'd been made Tigrina, I'd have believed it. He was far kinder than I was to my father. Better. Worried more, I think, for the loss of a life that could have been spared than saving himself.

Even Ponclast still lives, though I'm not certain where. The beast who ruined my child and who I'd like nothing more than to tear apart myself is somewhere being held, maybe even rescued. Wherever he is, he's been taken out of my hands and perhaps that's for the best.

You don't have to love him or like him or even forgive him. You just have to be better than the beast he is. Because you aren't the monster. And if he's made you one, then that truly is the end of you.

[handofsilver]

You don't understand. There might be good in those you speak. There might be a chance at redemption. This creature, he is one of the Maia. Eru, the creator of all, first brought forth the Vala and then, from them, came the Maia. The beast who ensnared me allied himself with one of the Vala - the originator of Darkness and Chaos. The actions of that Vala were so foul that he was imprisoned by his fellows until the end of time. But his Maiar plead madness or some such nonsense and he was able to remain free.

While he is free, the Darkness will spread across Middle Earth unchecked, devouring entire cities and races. Already he has creatures - creations of his Master - that fall to his bidding. Dragons, Balrogs, Trolls, Orcs...

If the Vala see his death at my hands as me damning my soul, I can only think of all the families I have rescued from anguish and pain.

[swiftlet]

I suppose I can't stop you. I've said my piece already.

[handofsilver]

You would understand better if you met him, but I pray that never comes to pass for your sake.