inside my quiet heart

[theidlemaiden]

Who: Hilda and various!
When: Throughout the month of January/February
Where: Cadens, the Horizon, Aquila
What: Catch all with open + future closed starters inside
Warnings: Mention/discussion of death

( open starters can be found below, closed starters will be marked accordingly or you can hit me with a wildcard!
for specific things feel free to reach out to me on discord or timescars. )

Comments

[theidlemaiden]

I hope not.

[ Just the thought is enough to make her feel a little spark of anger. It has less to do with being lazy and more to do with forcing people who don't want to fight into a situation where they might very well have to. ]

But the Free Cities is known for its military focus. As much as I don't want to think that could happen, that's just a byproduct of war, isn't it?

[politicians]

It is, but not one I would consider acceptable.

[ still, he considers her words. ]

Have you ever been at war?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda is mid-sip when Elrond poses his question and she can't help but pause. The silence probably tips off Elrond to the answer. When she does speak though her voice is steady if not tinged with a hint of somberness. ]

We were in the middle of one when I arrived here. And by "we" I mean me. Claude is from a point when the war ended.

[politicians]

[ he had guessed as much, but it is a somber thing to acknowledge. ]

Did he tell you how it ends?

[theidlemaiden]

Nope.

[ It's said perhaps a little more pointedly than she intends. She's been playing her cards close to her chest up until this point even with her friends though she didn't necessarily want to. They had't been as forthcoming when it came to information, perhaps because they wanted to shelter her from the possibility of what she had learned during their trip to Luna.

Hurriedly, she tacks on: ]

I'm sure he has his reasons though.

[politicians]

Everyone has reasons.

[ good or bad, right or wrong, there's always something behind it. that's what elrond has to consider as a herald. it's not simply about his point of view, but all other considerations as well. ]

But I imagine you trust his reasons.

[ which is the key point here. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ A delicate pout forms on her lips at Elrond's statement. There's no need at all to pause or even think about her answer to his statement. She trusted Claude just as much as she trusted her brother and certainly trusted him more than aanyone else here in Abraxas - although it wasn't much more than her other friends that were here.

Finally a dramatic sigh flutters from her lips. ]

I do, unfortunately. [ She stills, moving the cup around on her saucer idly. ] Is there anyone for that like you at home?

[politicians]

[ elrond's expression turns uncertain. there is galadriel and he trusts her, but he's not sure if he's rewarded her well in turn. after all, he made the argument for her to return to valinor. to find peace.

everyone else is . . . gone. durin would count, but he's in an unfair position and while elrond trusted him, it's unfair to expect a change in allegiance. ]

I . . . don't think so.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda watches Elrond while he formulates his answer, noting the uncertain expression on his face. When he does answer she attempts to bring some levity back to the conversation, a kind smile flitting onto her lips. She doesn't want to poke and prod if he didn't feel comfortable enough to offer more up. ]

Maybe it's a good thing then. It's a lot of added stress that you really don't need to introduce to your life.

[politicians]

[ elrond chuckles at that. ]

I'm not sure. I am a little envious. My family passed on when I was young, so I imagine it must be nice to be so close to another.

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's a moment when the expression on Hilda's face falls. At the mention of family, she realizes belatedly that she sometimes does take people like her brother for granted. Without thinking twice about it she reaches across the table to grasp Elrond's hand gently, her expression settling in something like a teasing kindness. ]

Well if you want stress, we can be close. Depending on who you talk to, I'm a bit of a handful.

[politicians]

I imagine it would be a novel experience.

[ but he is touched and he does squeeze her hand gently. ]

But it's all right. It's enough that I see families flourish. I could not ask for more.

[theidlemaiden]

[ The corners of her eyes crinkle and she laughs softly. ]

No one deserves to be alone either though. [ A cheekiness edges into her voice. ] And if you're stuck with me that won't be happening any time soon. I'm glad we met Elrond.

[ There's a pause as she gives his hand one last squeeze before withdrawing it and returning to her side. ]

Now — did you want to try some of these cakes? I can't call myself your friend if I don't even know what kind of food you like with your tea.

[politicians]

[ elrond chuckles softly. ]

Yes, let's familiarize ourselves.