(Video)

[handofsilver]

(Oh how he wishes he could simply write this instead of speaking to the populace directly. But his conscience will not allow him to take the easy way out.)

I wish to apologize profusely for my behavior. (He will not name anyone specifically - and further embarrass them - but his dark head is hanging dejectedly.)

For those who desired an Elvish sword, I have made five. You are welcome to come by the Forge to test them for yourself. I am certain you will not damage them.

(Because he made them and his works last.)

Comments

video;

[hotspurred]

[Henry is obviously not involved, but coming across this post shocks him enough that he decides to inquire. Some of that surprise lingers in his expression and tone of voice.]

I cannot imagine what you have done to make necessary public absolution.

video;

[handofsilver]

(This is embarrassing and Celebrimbor cannot meet Henry's gaze.)

I took advantage of more than one person. I could blame the mistletoe, but that would be cowardly.

[hotspurred]

[If Henry knew that it was over mere kisses then his reaction would be very different, but because of severeness with which Celebrimbor treats it, he wonders at worse improprieties.

Disbelief replaces the last remnants of his surprise, mingling with graveness. He never thought Celebrimbor the type to cross such boundaries. It's still hard to believe, even coming from Celebrimbor himself.]

...Took advantage how?

[handofsilver]

(It is unforgivable for him! He has always reserved his kisses for those he loves best. To give them freely and without any regard to those who received them sickens him. Perhaps because it reminds him of how a certain Maia treated him.)

I forced kisses upon them. (He raises his gaze at last and presses his lips together in a thin line.)

[hotspurred]

[Henry's expression clears at that — the whole point of hanging mistletoe is to kiss beneath it. Still, Celebrimbor's wording gives him pause, vanishing any humour he might have otherwise found in it.]

Forced...?

[The mistletoe was undeniably enchanted, but the urges had not seemed overwhelming to him personally — more of an encouragement. But thinking about it, Henry recalls Celebrimbor's aversion to being healed by those with powers.]

Are you particularly sensitive to magic?

[handofsilver]

...yes. (His voice is low and sad.) Magic was used as a weapon against me and my mind has not healed.

(Sauron had begun with the mind and then moved to the body. He had wanted to destroy Celebrimbor utterly.)

I could not think beyond what the magic urged me to do. It was almost as if I was not myself.

[hotspurred]

[The suffering Celebrimbor alludes to and the sorrow in the elf's voice is deeply sobering.]

I am truly sorry to hear it. Blame not yourself for the ills done to you.

audio

[unitas]

Don't be a coward, apologize in person. [ Not to mention apologizing for the actions forced upon them by the gods is dumb, anyway. Do something worth apologizing for.

Oh, but, shit, this is the dude with the elvish blades. Please don't be too upset with her harsh words. ] I'll come by and check them out. Do they come with a sheath or will I have to get thrifty?

[Video]

[elegant_and_proud]

I would be very interested in seeing what an Elvish sword looks like.

[handofsilver]

I was a leader. I had many who relied upon me for protection. They fell prey to the same enemy who held me in chains.

(Celebrimbor had been forced to watch everything he had built destroyed.)

audio

[handofsilver]

I do not know if those I wronged would wish to see me. (How is this cowardly then? He had thought this the most thoughtful option.)

Each one has a sheathe. (He frowns, somewhat offended.)

( video )

[handofsilver]

It matters naught; I still did it.

(If only it were that simple in his head. Magic is a poor subject.)

For many reasons. They are the finest from my world. Lightweight, they never dull, and most glow when an enemy is near.

[Video]

[handofsilver]

Then you are welcome at my Forge.

[video]

[kingslight]

[A quiet gasp escapes this kindly old gentleman once he peers at this recording. This is the second time he ever seen an elf, the first being Curufin. He stares at the seemingly immortal figure with such awe until realizing the gravity of this broadcast. It's then that Regis takes up a more solemn gaze.]

The Gods haven't been kind towards us, have they? Their need for trickery has left a foul taste upon the tongues of many. I pray that you find some sense of peace away from your troubles.

[hotspurred]

'Tis of little comfort, but I doubt not that you did your utmost.

[Evidently it was not enough. Sometimes one is doomed from the start, no matter how hard one fights.

Henry is the eldest son of an Earl, set to inherit; he has also held commands of his own. The weight of the lives that depend on you is the burden that every leader carries. To be haunted by that many ghosts... well.]

I grieve for your loss.

[video]

[handofsilver]

(Celebrimbor will tell anyone who asks that he is a pale shade of his father, though that is not true. He has completed great deeds of his own; deeds that will echo for Ages to come. Yet his guilt weighs him down and his scars - both inside and out - are reminders of how he failed himself, his family and his people.

He gives a faint shake of his head, agreeing with Regis's words.) They have not. It is unfortunate that I can say they are not the worst I have encountered. But they prick at old wounds and leave them open to fester.

Thank you. If I can be of any aid, all you need do is ask.

[handofsilver]

My naive utmost. (He had closed his eyes until it was too late. The Deceiver was talented with his tricks and he had blinded Celebrimbor with charm and the promise of power.)

You are very kind, Henry. I am relieved I did not force my attentions upon you.

[hotspurred]

As am I, now that I see how it has wounded you.

[Henry touches the back of his head, then tips it, a half-smile forming on his lips. Yet his eyes retain their serious air.]

'Twas a tradition familiar to me... a small piece of greater revelries whence I came. For that reason I merely regarded it with mirth.

[He did not consider how the mistletoe might be harmful to some. A friend, no less.]

[handofsilver]

I will gladly kiss your cheek without mistletoe, but I like to be the one to choose.

(That smile is a comfort and his expression softens tenderly.)

I can see the fun of it and I would have incorporated it in my court too if I had known of it.

[hotspurred]

A fair desire.

[He says with a touch of laughter, before Celebrimbor's next words catch him off-guard.]

What say you? Your court...? You are of royal blood?

[Where he is from, royals don't usually have trades. The smithing throws him. But no other rank possesses their own court.]

[handofsilver]

We can choose so little and the simplest of gestures can hold great meaning. I do not wish for my intentions to be confused.

(Except where Hux is concerned. He likes getting under that Man's skin.)

I was born a Prince and I later became a Lord. (So yes. Henry is speaking to the last Fëanorian to walk on Arda.)

video;

[souveraine]

Forgive my presumption, but are you able to make something shorter than a sword? I wish to learn to defend myself but a sword may not be practical for me.

[Anne may not be a musketeer but she wants to make sure she can defend herself here.]

[hotspurred]

[So one does not feel entirely powerless, he supposes. There are rare moments when even Henry feels that way. He does not linger on that thought. Instead he gives Celebrimbor a curious look. That Celebrimbor is a prince doesn't alter his behaviour.

He has never been one to be intimidated by his betters — it's part of why he has a reputation for being bold. Fortunately it is expected of Hotspur.]

Eschew you your title by choice or convenience?

[Though it occurs to him, he does not suggest guilt as a possibility.]

video;

[closerift]

[ Hmm. ]

I wasn't aware there was a forge in the city.

[ If only Dagna were here along with it. ]

audio

[unitas]

That's a really stupid thing to say. Chances are, they're just as embarrassed as you are and when you take into account that it was all some bullshit godly compulsion, then I think apologies are unnecessary. [ Sharon doesn't know what thoughtful is. ]

Oh, well, cool. That'll save me some time. What will you want for one? [ Maybe be more chill with people and less antagonistic. This is not how one asks for something. ]