ic contact.

[arcanepower]

[What is this strange goblin technology? Why is it not blowing up in his face?

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action, back around Arthur's post (SORRY I'M SLOW)

[faithfulwisdom]

[There's a knock on the doorframe of wherever Belth may be at the moment, and Finrod sticks his head into the room a moment later.]

Belthazar? Do you have a moment?

[Honestly, Finrod isn't looking too good himself; he seems worn, and that inner light he carries around with him seems a little dimmed, somehow. But his voice, at least, is still the same- melodic, calm, and even-keeled.]

YOU'RE FINE LOVELIE♥

[arcanepower]

[Belth is sitting crosslegged on his bed, a book of magic splayed on the blankets before him.]

Finrod? Come in.

[There is no trace of the enthusiasm he usually has, especially when greeting old friends. He may not be close to Finrod, but there is a sort of brotherhood there, a kinship; even elves from different planets have struggles that can be called similar.]

Is... is this about Syeira?

[faithfulwisdom]

[Among the Eldar, it is said that all elves are kin, and it's something that Finrod believes deeply, feels down in his bones. It's one reason among many that he's here. He feels he has a responsibility- as his (former) captain, as his elder, as an elf- to look in on Belth after what's happened, knowing how he's been affected.]

It is. [He sits down on the edge of the bed, sparing a glance at the book.] I thought... [He runs a hand through his hair.] She would want her friends to take care of one another.

[arcanepower]

[He gently shuts the arcane tome, takes in a breath.]

She would. You have both been good to me, and I-- I have always felt... [He rummages inside himself for the word.] ... inadequate. And now she is gone and I cannot tell her that she--

[He ducks his head, trying to bite back the tears.]

F-forgive me, I...

[faithfulwisdom]

There is nothing to forgive. [He wants to reach out and embrace the boy, but holds back, not knowing if it would be welcomed. Instead, he settles for placing his hand on Belth's shoulder.] Weep, if you feel the need; I have.


You know, there are forms of communication beyond words. She knew, I am certain, how much you cared for her.

[arcanepower]

[Belth reaches up not to shove the hands off his shoulders but to wrap his fingers around Finrod's sleeves, to cling in a way that he only allows himself to do when he is around his friends.]

She... she was so much like my sister. And now I've lost her too!

[He looks up at Finrod, desperate for an answer he knows won't come.]

Why does this always happen? Why does everyone always leave!?

[faithfulwisdom]

[That reaction is enough to help him decide; he pulls Belth into that hug after all, holding him close.]

I wish I knew. [His own voice cracks, just a little.] But, in this, I have no more answers than you.

[arcanepower]

[He trembles in Finrod's hold but doesn't push him away, doesn't try. Belthazar has spent so very long by himself and... and the truth is, he's tired of it. He misses Adra and his family. He misses his own family, even though he barely knew them outside of Caspa. He misses Syeira, but he has a few friends here and he won't take his time with them for granted.

He lingers in that embrace for a while, mostly silent aside from wracking sobs, until he's settled down enough that he can unwind his fingers from Finrod's shirt.]

... Do people come back from death here?

[faithfulwisdom]

[He thinks back to Tek. To his death and his return- but also to the powers that he knows the dragon to possess.]

In truth, I am not certain. I know one who returned, yet... he possessed magic of such a nature that I cannot be altogether sure of the cause.

[arcanepower]

I see. [He tries to keep his voice even, but he doesn't altogether succeed.] I hope she finds some measure of peace.

[faithfulwisdom]

[It's too even, too collected for a little one, though. It troubles Finrod a bit- Belthazar just seems too practiced at keeping himself under control.]

As do I. [A pause.] Do you hold with any particular faith?

[arcanepower]

[That is exactly the problem. He's lost people so many times. He's lost everything, and he's built so many walls he can't see over. It's amazing he's let anyone into his life at all.]

The Light. It... it binds the universe as pure, benevolent energy and creation. Every living thing is tied together by the Light. Even people from other worlds, like Syeira, would-- would find respite in the Light.

[faithfulwisdom]

[He gives a slow nod. It's not what he believes, but it's lovely.]

If there is anything you would like to do in her honor, I would help you.