The world either breaks or hardens the heart.

4. Your character is trapped somewhere and mine can’t save them, try as they may.

It was not supposed to be this way, he only wished to show his friend where he came from. The lands he grew up knowing. Yet when they had made it through, to Midgar he found soldier’s of the All-Father waiting, for him, to make him pay for escaping his prison, to place him back where he was meant to be. But unfortunately the elf was with him, and it caused things to go so much worst.

He had been chained as his brother was, the magic limiting his power, reducing him to a serpent form, one barely two foot in length. Egil had fought, oh how his friend had fought, but he was but one against many and Jormungandr was helped to save him as he was bound.

So now he lay, horrified as he was pinned beneath a boot and forced to watch the black haired man being lowered into the water that had been his home, his hel, his nightmare for centuries, all the while ridicule being spat at him, “Help him, little snake, save the precious elf.”

He couldn’t they knew he couldn’t, and yet they could not have the decency to end it quickly. Instead they prolonged both their suffering. His for escaping and Egil’s for befriending the monster. They dipped him under, to the point he could last no longer, and then pulled him up. Only to repeat the process.

It felt like it went on for hours, this horrible game, he begged, he pleaded. Finally the captain agree, and the soaked and panting elf was drawn from the water. He hoped, he foolishly dared to hope that they would spare him, let him return to his home, to Arda.

But a kick launched his friend back into the water, with no rope, no safety net nothing to keep him from being wash-

Égil; Silent and somewhat enigmatic; used to do things on his own and therefore counted as a loner, completely devoted to those he loves however.

Galion; Cheeky and loyal; bottles up his own problems because he thinks it best that way, but has a warm and open heart to others if they desire to talk.

Gwedhiel; A devoted mother and wife, distrusting to those outside of the forest, yet open to those with a kind heart to her race.

Limdur; Caring father and husband, though he often frowns upon those outside of the forest, nonetheless he shows hospitality.

Lenfuin;  A playful young ellon, though his humor can sometimes be frustrating. He can be lazy and quick to temper, but is usually willing to take on most of the weight when the time comes for it. Laillaer; The quieter of the two, and also the more sensible. If his little brother is the lion, he is the mouse. Though he’s more well mannered and polite than his brother, he often takes the blame for the stunts Lenfuin pulls and gets painted poorly for it.

Thranduil; Sweet and childish, the young one of the family and quite adorable, though his mischievous streak often gets him in trouble, his intentions are never ill.

Merreloth; Nurturing and gentle with an open heart for her family, somewhat naive at times.

The discussion between King and Warrior had been long, there had been no denying in that. They had thought of all things. They thought this through. It was what Oropher wanted, Égil had merely given his advice on the matter. To help. The discussion had been heated, and granted there had been certain things where both had butted heads stubbornly. In the end they had worked things out. They had devised a plan. Gil-Galad had been informed. And as Égil had thought, the other had tried to get the idea out of the Sinda’s head. Though there was no way he would let go of it. He was determined on the subject. Gil-Galad had eventually faltered and— —prayed that the sight before him was not a mere illusion, grey eyes locked upon the Elleth who smiled so kindly to him. It was the first time he felt his heart drumming so quickly in his chest, and he could not help but sneer at himself as he rested a hand to his hip, closing his eyes with a smirk. “I am Merreloth, and you are?” Her voice was as melodious as he thought it to be, and finally he rose his eyes, giving a light smile. “I’m Égil. Training to be warrior.” he commented, a prideful smirk upon his face as he studied the Elleth before him. “I have seen many Ellyth. But so far you seem the most beautiful of all.” he finally grinned. —had let Oropher go despite his desires. In all honesty, Égil knew there were flaws in the plan… He knew full well… And so did Oropher… What drove him onwards was his pride… His pride of his own folk. His arrogance. They would be fine. They could deal with it. Maybe he was wrong in the end. That was the only thought that went through his head when he fought upon that battlefield, slaying enemy after enemy with a feral look upon his face, fighting aside the king he had defended for so many years. There was no way he— —could ever look upon the stomach of his mother in another way then feeling replaced by the new child that was coming. He wanted to pout like a young elfling… Yet he would not. He was an adult, for goodness sake… There was no way he was going to whine and sulk about the coming of a sibling. Beside that, his mother knew him too well. “You know I have love within me large enough for all of my family, Égil… You will still be my little warrior. My little knight, always so keen on protecting whom he cares for… Care for the life that is coming too, my dear son.” she whispered, placing her hands on his cheeks, causing a faint smile to curl around his lips as he dipped his head down. “Of course. I will protect each and everyone of them.” he vowed, giving a small frown. “Even if it is with my last breath.” — would fall here. On this field of darkness, without the woods to surround him. The woods he learned to love and hunt in. The woods that sheltered him so many times. The woods he had grown to know like the back of his hand. He wouldn’t fall here. Not without having seen the green scenery once more. A mere wilted flower within his armour was all he had of the woods he came from. Too little to accept—

—that the little elfling dashing about was his younger brother. The other had made him sigh so many times. It was only in moments when he found the other curled up and asleep, did he find himself ruffling the Silvan’s hair. He did not show much affection, but he cared for the other so much… Maybe it was his pride that caused him to act so cold at times. Or maybe it was just who he was. In the end… He did not think it to matter mu—

"… Eggg…" whined the younger Silvan, blinking sleepily up at the other before holding out his arms. "Play with me…?  I wanna play one of the heroes…" he murmured, causing Égil to snort once. "Égil. I told you before, say it as Égil." sighed the warrior, rising to his feet and carrying the other up with him, placing an affectionate kiss to his cheek, lips curving up in a smile.

"And I think i’d rather take you home now. Before you fall asleep again."

—death here.

A command was shouted out to the other warriors, a gesture to the side and the elves were upon their enemy once more as Égil turned with a snarl, side by side to the King he had been with for so many years. It would be over his dead body… He would not accept their fall here.

"Égil—"

There was a swift movement to the side, a weapon being stopped by two swords, a protection. “We can talk later, my Lord… We must focus on the battle first.”

It was wrong. A lot of Silvans whom had came, had never seen the horror of war, true war. And he knew that their king had… But he had received his scars. Scars that never healed. Scars that would only become worse with this.

There was a consequence—

—he would have to listen to. “Why are you telling me this…” questioned the Warrior, keeping an eye on the fair-haired that stood before him, a wary look upon his face. It had been long since the fall of Doriath… And though he had been angry at the other first… He became one of the Silvans Oropher would look to most. When Oropher became King of Greenwood, however. He had not expected to be asked this question. “Is the answer not simple, Égil…? You know the woods as if it was your child… I ask you one thing, and you immediately answer me. And rarely is your answer wrong when it comes to this. When you give me advise, you think of the words you speak before you tell them to me. You act cold, but your heart is on the right place. And even after Doriath’s fall, you didn’t leave my side. Even if I was the cause—” “You were not. Let’s not talk about that, Or— My King.” “What i’m trying to say—” “Yes. The answer is yes.” commented the dark-haired Silvan simply, stepping forward and hesitating for a second before finally he knelt down, closing his eyes and bowing his head down. “I am under your service, my King.

—to all this bloodshed…

A price they would pay when all was said and done.

And though their forces were strong, and their hearts were set upon the protection of those they cared for. In the end, it proved not to be enough. ‘It is the armor…’ thought the Warrior with a desperate glint in his eyes. ‘It has to be the armor… We are not as well-equipped as those of Noldor… ‘ he thought, gritting his teeth in worry before  swirling around, his swords slashing through the throat of his enemy. He would not fall here, that was one thing he could not do…

If ever… His desire had been to die surrounded by the trees.

Not here, this bleak surrounding—

—which made the one beside him gasp softly.

"You did not!" spoke the younger Ellon, making the Warrior heave a deep sigh and lean back, lightly tapping the flat blade of his sword against his boot. "Are you done whining, little lord? You wished to be taught a few lessons of me, now I am allowing you some and you complain about how I do it." he sneered, leaning forward with a smirk.

"Égillll…!" cried out a voice from far off; throwing a stick toward his older brother. One that was easily avoided and instead landed on Thranduil’s golden hair.

And whereas Galion gasped in shock, Égil burst out in laughter.

—with those darkening skies.

This was not where he had planned to let go of life. But he had sworn fealty. And he was loyal to he whom he swore it to. He knew this was inevitable. That it was something that would have happened whether they had a choice in the matter or not. Had they declined the plea of the High King, then in time darkness would have been upon them. They would have to fight too, but then within the woods. They would have lost it, maybe…

No… Like this, it was better.

"Oropher!" the shout was immediate as the Warrior dashed forward; protecting the other’s back with a quick slash before crying out in pain as another of their enemies managed to cut through fingers in one might blow, causing his first blade to drop as he stabbed the second one within the other’s heart, gasping softly in pain.

He never thought it would hurt—

—to see his brother growing up. See him move to Lindon to stay by Thranduil’s side. Though he admired and respected their friendship, often he worried for the two he had looked after. Lindon was far from here. A place he had not yet seen, for he was used to the safety of the woods. He disliked going past it in fear that he would not like what he saw. Too used was he to the voice of the trees that he didn’t desire to go away from it. He dreaded the day that he would…

"You know your brother is the best thing to have ever happened to our family…?" came the soft comment from behind the warrior, making him frown once before he turned to look at the Sinda, a light smirk curling around his lips.

"… Though I many times regretted his decision to follow after everyone and frowned upon his going to Doriath… I have to admit that in the end…" he gave a small shrug, hands clasped behind him as he closed his eyes. "In the end I wouldn’t have it any other way. He has grown into someone i’ve become so proud of… If anything, I wish I could be even half of the Ellon he is becoming." he stated, a gentle smile curling around his lips as Oropher moved forward, placing a hand to his shoulder.

"… Égil, you are fine just the way you are."

"You only say that because else you’d have no new blankets for the oncoming winter." purred out the Warrior in a jesting voice, causing the King to huff once before he laughed.

—this much to see defeat lick at his heels.

"Égil are you okay?!"

A growl was forced out as the dark-haired turned his head, staring at Oropher for a second before giving a faint smirk. “I am fine, Lord.” he uttered; though noticing how the other’s eyes strayedto his hand. A brief protection, a curse, following by the ripping sound of cloth before he felt his wrist being yanked to the King, in a swift movement his throbbing hand was wrapped. It did not do much, but for now it would have to do.

There was a war to be fought. And there was no time to fall back and treat the wounded. There was only one way out… And that came with defeating those that were upon them…

He feared however, that their time—

—was running out. The High King would expect an answer sooner or later.

"I know this, Égil… I know this but…" the King gave a frustrated sigh, pressing his fingers to his temple and rubbing them gently.

"… You know we will follow you, without question. If this is the right road. If this is what you wish. If this is what it takes to make the darkness go away. We are willing to fight for that we love." commented the warrior, narrowing his eyes a bit as Oropher glanced up.

"I know… Perhaps that is what scares me." he commented in a quiet voice. Égil understood in a way… Too many deaths had the other’s eyes fallen upon. Too many loved ones had been taken away. Perhaps, his King was terrified to lose more… But what if there was no other way… What if they had to fight. Or else there would be more death…

"… My Lord… We will follow. And we will fight."

—was limited…

It was a mere moment. A moment where he had not been focused upon his full surrounding. A mere moment. But the moment had been enough. The weapon was pushed through his side, causing him to scream out in pain, shutting his eyes tightly for a second. There was the fair-haired, dashing closer, killing the one whom had stabbed through the other’s armor, making the Silvan growl in pain, leaning heavily against the other for a second.

"We have to fall back." commented the King finally, glancing at the dark-haired who merely gave a growl of protest, shaking his head faintly. "We can—" he cut himself short, making a noise as the King turned, weapon slashing through the air and beheading one of the foes that had been upon them. "… You are right." he finally breathed. "Retreat.. Fall back, Oropher.. Fall back and…"

There was a silence, grey hues squinting in pain as he thought.

The front lines were too close. They would not escape. There was—

—a painful glint in his mother’s eyes as the elleth reached out her hands, gently placing them upon her oldest son’s cheeks. “You must return, Égil…” she finally spoke, her thumb rubbing over the other’s cheek, just under his eye. “… Safely… All three of you… Your father, your brother and you… My little knight…” she pleaded, lightly squeezing his face. “It pains me to let you all go… but I understand… Your desire to protect… And I know you will. You only ever made me proud. You know this, do you not…?” she uttered, causing the warrior to close his eyes for a second before he wrapped his arms around the dark-haired elleth, holding her close to him.

"I know, mother…" he whispered softly; closing his eyes tightly for a second before opening them as he drew back, shooting her a faint smile. "I will look after my little brother. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he’ll return home safely." he commented, blinking when his face was brought down and a kiss was pressed to his forehead.

"All three of you…"

He could not promise it…

—only death for those… But that did not mean the others would suffer the same fate. "I have served you with love and loyalty, Oropher…" he finally breathed out; trying to ignore the stinging pain as Oropher frowned. "… I know we have not always seen eye to eye… And there were times when both of us avoided… But… In the end… I am beyond proud to have been at your side…" he muttered, clutching to the other’s shoulder for a second as another enemy was slain.

"Speak not, Égil. Save your breath." grunted the fair-haired finally, causing the warrior to smirk once before he forced himself away from the other, pushing him back to the safety of the others. "Go. Tell them. Tell them to fall back. Save who you can. This shouldn’t be the end of all." he commented, his wounded  hand pressing to the gash upon his side.

He longed to see the woods once more…

"Your heart is that of the lion…"

"Égil…"

"Farewell."

A split second their eyes locked, the Sinda reached out for him, yet he had turned before the other could grasp him. His fingers  clutched tightly to the weapon he still had within his hand and he charged into the battle with a battle cry that roared out. He ignored the worry-filled cry of his name.

He fought with all that was left within him. The desire to protect more then woods. Memories. People. Better days. There would be better days once more. There would be laughter again. And if he was not there to hear them, then so be it. He had played his part. He had accepted what were to happen.

And even though he had accepted.. His heart still wept. Wept for the leaves that he no longer would see. The hunt would no longer be within him. The drumming of his heart when coming face to face with the more savage animals of the woods. The thrill of the moment. The life that was wrapped all around the place he had grew up in. It would be no more. He would become a memory… A memory of the past. And he found he did not like it…

The forest would no longer be within his eyes…

Though as the last of his strength left him and he was beat to the ground, he swore that for a moment, he breathed in the scent of the forest, he felt his body hitting grass. For a mere second. He could believe that he was among the forest once more.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

"Drop. Your. Sword."

"Life is pain, _____. Anybody who says otherwise is selling something."

"I am not left handed."

"As you wish."

"I wasn’t worried. Maybe I was a little bit concerned, but that’s not the same thing."

"You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept."

"Truly, you have a dizzying intellect."

"Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today."

"Have fun storming the castle."

"There’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours."

"Is very strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life."

"Have you ever considered piracy?"

"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."

"Good night, _____. Good work. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning."

"You’re trying to kidnap what I’ve rightfully stolen."

"You seem a decent fellow… I hate to kill you."

"You seem a decent fellow… I hate to die."

"You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles."

"Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don’t think they exist."

"You can die slowly, cut into a thousand pieces."

"You killed my love."

"It’s possible. I kill a lot of people."

"I’ve hired you to help me start a war. It’s an prestigious line of work, with a long and glorious tradition."

"No one would surrender to the Dread Pirate _____."

"I got married. I didn’t want to - it all happened so fast."

"Then you’re not married. You didn’t say it; you didn’t do it."

"Is this a kissing book?"

"A word, my lady/lord. We are but poor, lost circus performers. Is there a village nearby?"

"I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife/husband to murder and _____ to frame for it; I’m swamped."

"There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead."

"Yes, you’re very smart. Shut up."

"Please consider me as an alternative to suicide."

"There will be blood tonight!"

"That is the sound of ultimate suffering."

"Look, I don’t mean to be rude but this is not as easy as it looks, so I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t distract me."

"I challenge you to a battle of wits."

"You mean, you’ll put down your rock and I’ll put down my sword, and we’ll try and kill each other like civilized people?"

"Thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you’re at it, why don’t you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it?"

"She/He is alive, or was an hour ago. If she/he is otherwise when I find her/him I shall be very put out."

"You can die too for all I care!"

"So I’m here till I die?"

"I can cope with torture."

"I fight gangs for local charities and stuff."

"That was a warning, _____. Next time my hand flies on its own. Where I come from, there are penalties when a woman/man lies."

"I will never love again."

"You mocked me once, never do it again! I died that day!"

"To the Pain means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever."

"Never go in against a ____ when death is on the line!"

"We are men of action. Lies do not become us."

"They were both poisoned. I spent the last few years building up an immunity to iocane powder."

"I would as soon destroy a stained-glass window as an artist like yourself."

"I just work for ____ to pay the bills."

"It’s not my fault I’m the biggest and the strongest. I don’t even exercise."

"I believe everything to be a trap. It’s the reason I’m still alive."

And his foul mood was showing.

He wrapped the strip of deer hide around the quill and made sure that it fit into the knotch well before smiling, satisfied. Well at least his arrows were now in good condition. He gave Égil a look before tucking the arrows back into his quiver. Thranduil then unstrung his bow and laid it over his lap as he moved close to Galion to speak more quietly with him.

“Ignoring the last part, he did tell us that we were not to go out hunting alone.” He smirked before going on to whisper, “If we are together, we aren’t alone, are we?” He knocked his shoulder against Galion’s with a hum before he moved to place the unstrung bow in his quiver as well. Perhaps after Égil was busy or resting they could get away and catch a few rabbits. The warrior could hardly stay mad if they fed everyone the next night, could he?

Galion peeked from his brother to Thranduil for a moment longer before he slowly leaned toward Thranduil to listen to what he was saying.

And at the words spoken, he couldn't help the big grin that curled around his lips. Because, was Thranduil not right? They would not be going off on their own. They would be going together. So he had nothing to complain about.

Catching the other's hint, he stretched himself out and made a face. "Not too tired... But I think a good night's rest will do us well, friend." he spoke, pushing himself up and rubbing the back of his head as he peered over at Égil. "Don't let the bugs bite, Egg." he spoke, sticking out his tongue as Égil shot him a glare.

"Égil, Galion. Égil." he corrected, scoffing once before settling his attention back to his knife. "Very well, have your rest. We leave tomorrow morning."