in regards to Exsilium closing

[kilimanjaro]

If you're looking for words of comfort, go bother someone else.

[A moment later there's a sigh.] ...No, I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you. I'm upset about this too. So much has changed since I've come to this place, and I don't want to lose it. I don't want to wake up back on the quest and not remember. Celebrian, Lady Galadriel, Caspian, Tempest... They're all my friends now.

Promise me I won't forget them.

[Kili drops his head into his hands.] My poor mother!

Comments

[daughteroftheforest]

It does not matter where you are.

I will always find you.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili might have gone a little weak in the knees just then. He manages a small smile.]

I know you will.

[ladyofrivendell]

[Bri is there almost suddenly, sitting by Kili and pulling him into a hug. And then pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head.]

I hope that you will be allowed to remember. As I hope that I will be able to.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili hugs back almost without thought, leaning in against her and letting out another sigh.]

I won't let this separate us, Bri. We're family now. Family sticks together.

[ladyofrivendell]

We are. Do not worry, we will find somewhere to go.

[Every one is already asking for game pitches after all.]

[kilimanjaro]

[He nods.]

I know, I know. I just...hope it works out properly.

[itisourfight]

You will carry them all within you, even if they may be hidden from your mind's eye at times.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili's quiet for a moment before he nods, slowly.] Aye, I think you're right.

[itisourfight]

All stories come to a close, but in this realm of infinite possibilities they all remain, too.

[ Tauriel smiles, though it is a weak and rather sad-looking attempt. ]

As you remain a part of all that I am no matter if I know it or not. Even if in this fractured existence I sometimes live a life where I never knew you.

[kilimanjaro]

[He watches her curiously, listening rather intently.]

It is a strange place indeed, that is true.

[ladyofrivendell]

It will, I promise. In the mean time, let us make everything we have done worth the time we spent there.

[itisourfight]

It is. And we are marked by each and every experience in it no matter how many times they attempt to make time flow backwards. The friendships you formed, the experiences you had... they will play a part in your future even if the influence must remain a hidden one at times.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili nods again, a slow smile lighting up his face.] Agreed. I don't want to waste a single moment.

[kilimanjaro]

You speak such wisdom, Tauriel. I cannot believe your people consider you a child when you have such knowledge.

[itisourfight]

[ Would you look at that, Kíli, you chased the sadness away from her smile. ]

To someone who saw the First Age with their own eyes, my years and knowledge are but the tiniest drops in an infinite ocean. But my king would not make a child a captain of his guard. I am considered young... and mayhaps a touch reckless.

[ See what she did there? ]

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili chuckles and steps a bit closer.]

Only a touch?

[itisourfight]

[ Well, hello to you too sir. ]

Just a very small one.

[kilimanjaro]

You disappoint me.

[There's a tease in his eyes.]

[itisourfight]

Then you lack vision. Much can be accomplished with small touches.

[kilimanjaro]

[Oh dear lord Tauriel please stop encouraging him.

Kili's eyes glitter, a smirk crossing his face.]

Enlighten me.

[itisourfight]

[ She came to cheer him up, and since this seems to be working she is most certainly not going to stop.

She bends down to ever so briefly brush her lips against his, a touch so light that it barely qualifies as being one. The key word here is "small" after all. ]

[kilimanjaro]

[Cheating.

Still, the tiny not-kiss definitely elicits a soft, almost dreamy sigh.]

I think I'm starting to understand...

[itisourfight]

[ Kili was daring her to do it without actually saying it in so many words, was she really supposed to back down from that?

Tauriel straightens back up, equal parts amused and charmed by his reaction. ]

Give it some time to sink in, and I think you'll understand more.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili gives a short laugh.]

If I didn't know any better, I would think you're enjoying yourself.

[itisourfight]

And what if I am?