Tl;dr: Screw accurate calendars, let's celebrate anyway

[faithfulwisdom]

Who: Finrod Felagund
Broadcast: fleetwide
Action: Bishop
When: backdated a few days, let's say the 26th.

[Congratulations, Drift Fleet. You are being treated to a little tune of Finrod's own composition. Because some days, you just feel like announcing things in verse, apparently.]

When the night is at its longest, we gather ‘round the fire
Drink is shared and tales are told as the flames grow ev’r higher.

The custom comes to naught without a sun to mark the days,
But merry voices hold shadows of many kinds at bay.

Our journey is no garden path; we do not walk with ease.
Any reason for song and drink is one that must be seized.

[Okay, okay. He'll put down the harp and address the camera a bit more serious. Only a bit, though- there's nothing truly serious about any of this.]

In other words, my friends, Turuhalmë, an annual celebration of my people is, I think, here. It’s impossible to truly know, since I have no notion of how my calendar lines up with any other used here. Regardless, I think the occasion worth marking. According to tradition, we should gather around a fire, tell tales, and make merry long into the night.

However, as I am not precisely enthused about the idea of making a return to the planet and our ships are not equipped with hearths, I will settle for the making merry and telling of tales. You are all welcome to join me; I am on the Bishop for the moment, though if the group should grow large, we may have to relocate.

[ooc: With apologies to Tolkien and poets everywhere. It's been a long time since I've done anything that's not freeverse]

Comments

[dancingmd]

[Beverly once more arrives on the Bishop, this time bearing a small wrapped gift rather than medicine. She grins as she approaches Finrod.]

I had no idea you were such a musician! That was quite lovely.

[She looks around.] I hope I'm not too early.

[faithfulwisdom]

[He gives a little laugh] It was an amusing ditty, really- nothing more. But I am glad it provided some mirth.

And no, of course you are not. [Meaning even if you were, he wouldn't mind too much. There is no 'too early' for Bev.'] Come, sit with me.

[dancingmd]

[She takes the seat next to him, resting the box on her lap and angling herself to face him.]

Truth is, I wanted to come a little early, to give you this.

[She holds out the gift for him. When he opens it, he'll find a simple but elegant gold bangle inside. Even she hasn't failed to miss your love of bling, Finrod.]

In my culture, we also have a holiday around this time of year, where we give gifts to our loved ones.

[faithfulwisdom]

[Finrod already has a smile on his face, but at that, the smile grows brighter, lighting up his face.]

I consider myself both honored and blessed to be counted among your loved ones, then.

[He accepts the package gladly and gratefully, opening it carefully. And, yes, Bev, you know his taste perfectly already. He slips the bangle on his wrist, continuing to beam back at her.]

It is lovely, truly. Thank you. You needn't have.

[dancingmd]

[Oh, that smile. It’s almost pure sunshine and wonderful to see again, in full force, after everything: after Tek, after the calibrations, after getting sick. Her own smile is almost as radiant, with only the faintest shadow of a doubt flickering across her face. One day she’s going to need to tell him, but not now, not in the midst of a celebration.]

But I wanted to. Your friendship means a lot to me.

[She takes his hand, in order to admire the bangle more fully on his wrist.]

I’m glad you like it - [She back up at him with another smile.] It suits you.

action;

[invigorates]

[ being new the bishop, the first thing she sets out to do is to find her crewmates and acquaint herself with them. she doesn't get very far though, before she hears the music and song echoing through the ship.

she finds the source eventually, and patiently waits for him to finish speaking to the network so she does not rudely interrupt him. ]

What luck that I would be assigned here, just in time for such a celebration.

[faithfulwisdom]

[Oh, a new crewmate! And... if Finrod were less well-mannered, he would stop and stare. He's seen many new types of beings since arriving on the Fleet, but blue skin and visible veins are a first for him.]

In truth, if you had missed this one, it is quite likely you would have arrived in time for another. Midwinter seems to be a common time for these sort of festivities.

[invigorates]

I suppose you've a point. But, as it stands, I have not yet missed this one - so I would do well to participate.

[ she opens her mouth to ask another question, but stops short when she realizes something. ] Ah, forgive me for being so forward without even introducing myself. [ a bow. ] I am Lioriley, a new arrival to the ship. Well... new to the Bishop at any rate.

[faithfulwisdom]

There is naught to forgive. [He answers her bow with one of his own.] A pleasure, Liorlley. I am Finrod Felagund. Am I to understand that you have transferred from another ship, then?

[invigorates]

[ she shakes her head. ]

Nothing quite so simple, I am afraid. I was here previously, though, a few months ago aboard another ship - and have since been returned and thus assigned to this one. [ how overly complicated. ]

Either way, I am pleased to be aboard the Bishop, it seems I have been blessed with a pleasant crew from what I have seen thus far.

[video]

[actsmagnificent]

Can I take a rain check?

[ This sure looks like the Bishop's therapist office, but someone has decked the couch out with pillows and a blanket. Propped up among this embarrassment of warmth is a rather flushed-looking handsome fellow, clearly suffering from some sort of ailment.

Haruka made it through Hearthswarming before coming down with this....whatever it is...but it seems she won't be quite so lucky for this festivity. ] I'm partied out right now.

[faithfulwisdom]

Of course. [This is the most sympathetic expression in the world. Finrod was recently sick himself and it gave him a whole new perspective on these things. He doesn't know how mortals stand it, frankly.]

And if there is anything I might bring you, you need only ask.

[actsmagnificent]

Compassionate guy. [ Especially for someone he's never met before. Haruka should probably get out and about on the ship more, but for some reason she always seems to end up either in the cockpit or the therapist's office. Perhaps she has a lot of issues that need talking out. Long, detailed discussions. With Dr. Michiru.

She looks like she wants to say something else, but it's interrupted by a coughing fit. She brings up an arm to cough into her elbow, suffering. But aesthetically. ]

[faithfulwisdom]

[A wry little smile] Well, I was recently taken ill myself. It has given me an entirely new perspective on illness. [Namely, a first-hand one. And he really didn't like it.]

Action

[preformthisneigh]

[Of course Cheese is here, it's a CELEBRATION, he can;t miss those. Besides, Finrod attended Hearthswarming, so fairs fair. So here's Cheese, trotting over happily. Sup brah.]

Happy uh... Turuhalme, Finrod. [He shuffles, clears his throat. ] Did I say that right? I kinda feel like I didn't.

ANYhoo, here for all the merrymaking and tale telling.

[faithfulwisdom]

[Somehow he knew Cheese would show up.]

It is close enough. Quenya seems to be particularly difficult for most here. [He doesn't appear to mind that much, though, judging by the smile on his face.]

Excellent. I have a feeling you will excel at it.

[preformthisneigh]

Well, I'm sure willing to give it a shot.

[GRIN.]

It is what I do.

[faithfulwisdom]

That is all anyone can ask. [He finds a seat himself and gestures for Cheese to join him.] Come, sit. We may be awaiting the others, but that is no reason we cannot begin.

Shall I start open with a tale?

Telling tales go here

[faithfulwisdom]

Very well, then. A tale! [Finrod took his seat and clasped his hands together, leaning forward.]

I have had more than my fill of war; I will begin with a tale of love, I think.

Our story begins when the world was yet young, during the Great March.

The Valar- the Powers of my world- sought to protect the elves from the dangers that lurked in the darkness. For this reason, they wished to bring them under their protection, to their homeland, Valinor- also called the Undying Lands. But they would not command or force the Eldar. Instead, they attempted to persuade them, and it was decided that three great leaders would go forth and see Valinor with their own eyes, that they might bring back news of it to their kinsmen. These three were Finwë, Olwë, and Elwë.

As anticipated, the three were awed by Valinor and encouraged their people to make the journey. Thus began what we call the Great March- where the elves who desired to go to Valinor began their journey to the Western Sea.

Finwë was the leader of those elves who would come to be called the Noldor, and it was he and his people who first arrived at the shore and were brought to the Undying Lands.

Olwë and Elwë were brothers- Elwë being the elder- and their people lingered longer then the Noldor, for they had a great love of water and wished to stay some time along the streams and, eventually, the shore. Now, it came to pass that on one of these occasions, their people were lingering near a forest. By chance- or fate, mayhaps- Elwë entered the woods.

Whilst he was there, he happened upon something very strange- or someone, rather. In the midst of a glade stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her hair was long and black as night, her skin was fair, and nightingales followed her every step. Melian was her name and she was one of the most powerful of the Maiar- great beings, akin to the Valar, but lesser in power.

Their eyes met and, in one movement, they both stepped forward and took one another's hands. An enchantment fell over them and the time seemed to slow, the world falling still around them. And so they stood, enraptured, gazing into one another's eyes for far longer than they were aware.

Though they did not know it, long years had passed whilst they stood there and Elwë's people had searched for him far and wide. When their efforts proved fruitless, some turned to his younger brother, Olwë, to lead them across the Sea. These we now call the Falmari, or the Teleri. Others stayed behind out of love and loyalty to their king, and to continue the search- and it was these who became the Sindar, alone among the Eldar who have not seen the Light of Valinor.

But they have a light of their own, for, at length, Elwë and Melian emerged from the woods, hand in hand. Elwë now appeared as one of the lords of the Maiar himself, tall beyond the measure of even the Eldar, with flowing sliver hair, and a piercing depth to his eyes.

He wed Melian and together they established the kingdom of Doriath, said to be the greatest of the Elven kingdoms East of the Sea. And never did he regret forsaking his journey to Valinor, for he saw its light each day in his beloved's face and he was content.

[preformthisneigh]

[Cheese listens, hanging on Finrod's every word. A love story is always welcome, there aren't many of those in Equestria, unless you count the DON'T PREFORM LOVE SPELLS THEY'RE THE WORST sort. It's nice to listen to one with a happy ending.]

Wow, that's super nice. I mean, sure he gave up a lot but he had something even better, right?

[faithfulwisdom]

He certainly believes so. And the world is better for it- Doriath is a wondrous place and without the love of Thingol- for that is what they call him now, 'Grey Mantle,'- and Melian, we would not have the princess Lúthien, their daughter. And she is, I think, fated for greatness.

[preformthisneigh]

With parents like that? I sure wouldn't be surprised! Destiny just works that way, sometimes.

Re: Telling tales go here

[child_of_bhaal]

[Syeira is a well known sucker for a good tale. And she likes this one. Simple but elegant. A little sad, but still very nice.]

How romantic. And this really happened?

[faithfulwisdom]

It did. King Thingol- for that is what they call him now, 'Grey Mantle,'- is a distant kinsman of mine. And my sister is now a pupil of Queen Melian.

[child_of_bhaal]

A kinsman? So is he a cousin or a direct ancestor?