gondolindrim | Out and about

Lúthien: *the day is lovely, bright sun and clear skies. She's out with Melui, throwing around a thick braided length of rope for the dog to chase down and return. Though she's been warned to be careful of going out alone, there are enough people here in the park that she isn't concerned about being accosted without witnesses. The pleasant weather and playtime with Melui help keep the worry from her mind.*

Huan: WOOOFF! *sprints toward the park, ball in mouth*

Celegorm: Wait! Stop, or you'll run over someone! *dashes behind him, and spies Lúthien from a distance. Skids to a halt, smoothes his hair and grins* Lúthien?

Lúthien: *looks up in surprise* Celegorm!

Melui: *trots up to Lúthien with the rope in her mouth, but drops it and barks at the new people*

Huan: Woofwoof! [Lúthien!] *trots over and shoves his head against her leg*

Celegorm: Hi...*wishes he had some flowers or something...anything* Huan needed some exercise, so here we are. You look well. *looks at her dog* And who is this? [asks in dog speak, what is your name?]

Lúthien: *pets Huan behind his shaggy ears* Exercise is good for them. Hounds such as these shouldn't ever be cooped up for too long. *gesturing to her dog* This is Melui.

Melui: *barks and sniffs at Huan, unintimidated in spite of his huge size*

Celegorm: *squats down and offers his hand to be sniffed* Hi, Melui. What a pretty one you are.

Huan: *turns and sniffs Melui, tail wagging* [hi!! new friend!!]

Melui: *approaches Celegorm warily and sniffs his hand* [Friend?]

Celegorm: *scratches her ears and neck* [Yes, I hope so. I'm Celegorm]

Melui: *closes her eyes contentedly at the scratching*

Lúthien: She seems to like you.

Celegorm: *grins* I have a way with animals. I wish I had more of a way with Elves and Humans. Animals are easier.

Lúthien: They are honest and trusting souls. *she smiles when Melui pulls back and barks at Huan in an invitation to run and play*

Huan: *excited, barks and runs off with her* Woof!

Celegorm: True. And they won't lie to you. *stands up* How have you been? I heard you had a...troubling discovery.

Lúthien: *tenses, having been warned not to tell anyone who didn't already know* Where did you hear that, pray tell?

Celegorm: Word gets around. I have friends in the guards. And I didn't know it was a secret. *steps closer* I won't spread it any further if that is the case.

Lúthien: *lowering her voice* Both Turgon and Ecthelion expressed concern for my safety, in light of my discovery. *ironic that she'd be telling this to Celegorm of all people, but she knows that he would at least not hurt her*

Celegorm: *nods* Of course. Forgive me for being so careless. I will not repeat it to anyone else. Do they have someone protecting you? A guard? Anything? *worried* If anything happened to you...

Lúthien: They both offered to have guards escort me, but I turned them down. I have Melui to protect me, apart from no small amount of magic. *lifting her head* I am the daughter of Melian; I am no one's victim.

Celegorm: Indeed you aren't, Princess. *bows to her and grins* I have no doubt you could turn me into a toad if you were provoked. I hope to stay on your good side.

Lúthien: I shan't say it is not within my power, but I would not cast such an enchantment upon you. *small smile*

Celegorm: *smiles* That is good to know. Hopping about and eating bugs doesn't sound like much fun. *glances over at the dogs* How long have you had her? She's lovely.

Lúthien: A few days now. *casts a fond look at the frolicking hounds* I never lack for company.

Celegorm: Company is a good thing. Huan knows how to lift my spirits. *looks at her* I know I said I would come by, but...after our last talk, I decided you needed some space. Some space without me in it. I hope you don't take that as lack of concern.

Lúthien: *shakes her head* I did not believe that to be the case. I was quite enraged at the time. You are fortunate I did not enchant you that day. *meets his eyes, still showing a bit of distance there. She hasn't really forgiven him, but she won't say as much.*

Celegorm: *nods* I know. I deserved it, and I won't deny it. I'm just glad that you're giving me a chance to prove that I'm not a monster.

Lúthien: Your plea was... very earnest. I am many things, but I am not that cruel.

Celegorm: No, you were never cruel. *looks back at the dogs who are tusselling with the chew toy* That was my forte. *turns back to her, forces a smile* Cruelty and dead bodies aside, how are you spending your time here?

Lúthien: Turgon gave me a seat in his council, which I attend with some frequency. Apart from that, I spend some time most days helping tend to the beasts that find themselves in the city. *she smiles* Some might think it beneath me, but it is a very satisfying pastime.

Celegorm: I think tending to beasts is a noble calling. They only like certain Elves and humans, you know. Not everyone can do it.

Lúthien: *animatedly* There are creatures here that are strange beyond description. Birds that cannot fly, some as tall as trees.

Celegorm: *grins, curious* Really? They can't fly at all? What do they do? Roam around and squawk? *flaps his arms and waddles to demonstrate*

Lúthien: Some of them live in the water. Others roam around, as fast as steeds, with talons long as daggers. Terror birds, they are called.

Celegorm: *interest piqued* Hmm. I need to pay a visit to the animal park myself. Perhaps I could ask them what could be done to make them feel more at home. You know...with your talents, you could probably learn the language Orome taught me.

Lúthien: *looks up with genuine surprise and interest* Do you think so?

Celegorm: Sure. If I can learn it, as thick-headed as I was in my youth, you certainly can. Maybe sometime soon, I can teach you some basic words.

Lúthien: To be able to speak the language of the beasts... That would be truly incredible.

Celegorm: *whistles for Huan, who comes running* Then, that's what we will do. When you are ready, let me know. I'll be waiting. *smiles* Until then, Princess.

Lúthien: *puts a hand on Melui's back when the dog trots up with Huan* Until then.