voice test

[ringoffire]

I knew Uncle Bilbo had accomplished great deeds, but seeing it for myself is far different! That dragon was frightful, though I think his gold frightened me more. For treasure to have such power...

It is a sickness. It reminds me of...foul things that I would rather forget.

[A darkness enters the small Hobbit's eyes.]

Will I be able to meet more Dwarves? I am fond of Gimli. And what of the Elves? Prince Legolas and Lord Elrond give me a good impression of them.

Comments

[golden_prince]

Frodo!

[ Legolas is quite glad to see the young hobbit. It feels as if it's been an age since they let Frodo and Sam head out on their own, and as necessary as it was, it's impossible not to worry about them. He's not sure what to make of the mention of Bilbo's journey, and dragons and gold, though. That was a long time ago, by hobbit standards, but not so long to him. ]

How much did you see?

[ringoffire]

Legolas! [He practically glows with happiness to see the Elf. It feels as if it has been forever since they parted ways, though perhaps the Prince sees time differently.]

All of it. I watched it, from beginning to end, and I... [Tears shimmer in his eyes.] It was not easy.

[golden_prince]

[ Legolas understands that. The Battle of Five Armies was, ultimately, a victory for elves, men, and dwarves, but it came at a very steep cost. His attitude toward dwarves then was less... friendly, but even so, he did what he could to help them in the end. But Tauriel... ]

I imagine it would not be. Your uncle was fortunate to see it through to the end, and to be able to return home to tell the tale.

[ringoffire]

[He is hesitant to bring up Legolas's losses. It doesn't seem right and it isn't his business. All the same, the Elf is getting an embrace.]

You were fortunate too. I'm glad.

[golden_prince]

[ His own losses were insignificant compared to some of the others. Honestly, the worst thing that he had to endure was seeing the pain and loss on Tauriel's face. Even if she didn't feel the same way about him, he would have done anything to save from that.

The embrace catches him slightly off guard, he's still getting used to such open gestures, but he returns it warmly. ]

I was.

So you want to meet more of your uncle's old friends, then?

[ringoffire]

[Losses, whether great or small, have an impact. They cause change. Frodo doesn't count what Legolas endured as any less than what Bilbo endured. Though he is young for a Hobbit and he has never felt the sting of love.]

I think so? Gimli has never been anything but kind. I think his kin must be the same.

[He pulls back from the embrace and finds a good place to sit.]

They were good to my Uncle. I should thank them while I can.

[golden_prince]

[ Legolas would hope that if Frodo were to ever have such feelings, that it would turn out to be a much less complicated situation. As for dwarves, well, things are quite different for Frodo, being a hobbit and Bilbo's nephew, than they are for an elf. Especially an elf that said fairly unkind things about them in the past. ]

I haven't known too many dwarves as well as I know Gimli, but I know that they are a stubborn, but honorable people.

[ His opinions have certainly changed over the last fifty years. ]

I have seen some of Thorin's compamy around here lately. I'm sure they would be pleased to meet you, too.

[ringoffire]

[He might be too scarred for love to take hold. All he really wants is peace now that the Ring is gone. The Elves will grant him that in Aman, but he has some time yet before he joins them.]

You have changed and I think it for the better.

[There is no judgement in the statement; just fact.]

Have you spoken to them?

[golden_prince]

[ This is not the same hobbit that he first met in Imladris, not quite. Legolas can see the change in his eyes, and it does not surprise him. Such a journey, carrying such a heavy burden, is not the sort of thing one ever truly leaves behind. He, too, has changed since then, and even more so since Thorin's time. He smiles, and then shakes his head. ]

Very briefly. Dwarves never forget, and do not easily forgive, an insult to their pride.

[ He did what he could to help Thorin, despite their previous animosity, even after his father chose to walk away from the battle at Erebor's doorstep, but does not necessarily expect that to soften the dwarf's attitude toward him or his people. ]

[ringoffire]

[No, the journey has changed him much. He is tired on a level that no sleep can cure. But there is peace in him too. The darkness is gone. He can breathe the air and enjoy all the beauty in the world again.]

You must keep trying! Change may not be immediate, but it can come in time.

[Frodo knows Legolas's heart; he is not a bad Elf. His heart is strong and pure. Misconceptions can be carried from generation to generation, yet Legolas has broken that tradition.]

so sorry for my slow replies, my weekends are busy *-*

[golden_prince]

[ Oh, Legolas could blame so much on his father. When it comes to dwarves, in particular, he was told many things that turned out to be... If not outright false, then certainly a creative interpretation of the truth. But he was no child, he knew, even back then, that Thranduil had somewhat biased views. Understandably so, in many cases, but yet. He takes responsibility for his own prejudices. He is quite humbled by the fact that Frodo must know of what happened in the past, and yet still clearly has such a high opinion of him. ]

Indeed. Perhaps Gimli and I can do something to help change the attitudes of our respective kin.

I understand <3

[ringoffire]

[A Hobbit like Frodo won't let the past cloud the present or future - especially if it is obvious someone has changed. Everyone deserves second or even third chances and Legolas has kept him and his friends safe many times.

He doesn't doubt his heart.]

That's a wonderful idea. Once they see your friendship, they will know you are not lying to them.

^-^

[golden_prince]

[ Ah, the unfailing optimism of hobbits. Legolas is pleased to see it, and it's even s bit contagious. More and more of his people are leaving, perhaps it is not too much to ask for them to leave behind old grudges, as well. As for the dwarves, he's certain that words and assurances pale in comparison to deeds done. Acceptance may come in time. ]

We shall try.

[ He gives Frodo a fond smile. ] It may also help that certain hobbits hold us in such high regard.