[muffled spooky scary skeletons playing in the distance]

[geonomy]

Who: You! Me! Everybody!
Broadcast: idk but we've sure got a pretty broad cast of folks eh, eh
Action: HECK YEAH PLANET MINGLE
When: 10/7 until plot update or recaptcha

It's a deep, deep forest filled to the brim with fungi, mysterious life forms, and pitch black darkness. Explore if you dare and discover all these things and more! Just don't get lost...

Comments

[beardstrokes]

It's best not to assume the worst until more has shown itself.

[ At least he's wary of doing so . . . or tired of it. It's hard to say. ]

[twicewed]

That is the best we can do, while remaining vigilant.

[Finwe glanced to the side, hearing an animal that seemed to resemble a deer making its way through the brush but it was gone a moment later before he could make out what it actually was.]

[beardstrokes]

It's not like you to be so tense.

[ It's certainly a side of Finwe Obi-Wan had never seen. ]

[twicewed]

[As much as Finwe tried to be strong for his family and his people, he was not above admitting his own weaknesses when necessary.]

I admit I feel lost, Obi-Wan. I was not able to see Darkness in front of me before, I do not wish for that to happen once more.

[beardstrokes]

[ Doesn't that sound familiar? ]

Isn't that normal? You can't be expected to see it all.

[twicewed]

I could not see pure evil living among my people for centuries. He lived among us and we learned from him, trusted him. I sensed nothing in that time and now our world will be plunged into darkness and death because of that.

[And that will always haunt him. He looked over at Obi-Wan sadly, he would never pretend or hide his own shortcomings. Here, in this forest, it seemed to weigh heavier on him.]

[beardstrokes]

You can't be expected to see through everything.

[ A repetition but it bears repeating. Still, it's a painfully familiar story, one Obi-Wan has heard far too often since he came here. Since it is Anakin's story. His story. The story of the Republic. ]

[twicewed]

You understand- this has happened to you as well.

[It's not a question, Obi-Wan seemed to speak from experience. Finwe's gaze was sad, Morgoth's darkness wasn't unique to just Arda.]

[beardstrokes]

No.

It's something that will happen.

[twicewed]

And there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

[He doesn't need to ask if Obi-Wan could or would be able to change it. Finwe knows that if he could, he would do whatever he could have to stop Morgoth if he had the chance.]

[beardstrokes]

[ It would be easy to respond with despair, but Obi-Wan chooses not to. ]

I don't know that yet. And I believe I can. Even if it closes around me, I'll keep fighting.

[twicewed]

Then that is what we will do.

[Even if Finwe knew his time back home was over, he knew his family would fight on. But here he was not willing to give up.]

We should explore a little more before we go back, if we are able to.

[beardstrokes]

Are you sure?

You can take more time for yourself if you like.

[twicewed]

I am certain. [Finwe assured him with a smile, he didn't like to linger on sadness if he could help it. Especially in dark places such as this.] Stay close, there don't seem to be any clear paths.

[beardstrokes]

[ He's vaguely bemused by the advice. ]

I'm sure I'll survive.

[twicewed]

I know but it's best to be safe [Finwe said fondly, he would do the same with his children or grandchildren no matter how old they were.

He looked around for a moment, the tree were giving him nothing to go off of but he knew the direction they had come from.]

Do you sense anything different in any direction?

[beardstrokes]

[ Obi-Wan glances at where Finwe was looking. ]

No different than most of this place.

[twicewed]

Then we will have to trust ourselves. [Finwe said with determination as he started walking. He did glance back at Obi-Wan to make sure he was able to follow in the light Finwe gave off.]

[beardstrokes]

[ Easier said than done, he finds, but Obi-Wan doesn't voice that as he trudges along the leafy forest path. ]

Do you trust yourself?

[twicewed]

Not yet.

[Finwe felt it was best to be honest. He asked his children, his grandchildren, and now Obi-Wan to always be honest with him so he would always give them the same in return.]

My grandsons have forgiven me but I am not certain if I can forgive myself just yet what I caused between my eldest son and Morgoth.

[beardstrokes]

What happened?

[ Obi-Wan's tone makes it clear that Finwe doesn't need to answer. ]

[twicewed]

My eldest son, Curufinwë, never forgave me for remarrying after his mother faded and fell into sleep. He hated his half brothers, he threatened them and caused conflict. Morgoth helped, encouraged his anger and rage- I didn't see it at the time, I didn't stop my son because I felt guilty for the pain I caused him.

[Finwe stopped as he stepped over a tree root, making sure Obi-Wan didn't trip before he walked on. He didn't mind being their light in the dark forest.]

[beardstrokes]

[ He hesitates. ]

I don't think feeling more guilt over what occurred can absolve it either. Guilt is a cycle. It doesn't end.

[twicewed]

No, it really doesn't. It's heavy as well.

[Even for an old Elf such as Finwe.]

[beardstrokes]

And it's meant to be, but it's not meant to consume you.