interfaith dinner mingle!!

[stefanged]

Who: Interfaith Center regulars & the not-so-regulars (party crashers are welcome too!!)
Broadcast: Nope
Action: Interfaith Center on the Iskaulit
When: Forward-dated to November 4th

[The Interfaith Center sounds far more bustling and busy than usual - and anyone peering inside would quickly figure out that a communal dinner is underway! Take off your shoes and walk in: the lounge has extra tablecloths on the floor as well as buffet tables with non-alcoholic beverages and all sorts of food, including Jordanian cuisine (or the outer space equivalent of Jordanian food).

The board games are out of their hiding nooks; the furniture's arranged for the maximum seating possible; and even the teddy bears donated by Kitty & Winn are out for cuddling, should anyone want them.

The kitchen's bustling with helpers - Stefan's running around at vamp-speed to make sure everything's a) done on time and b) cooked to perfection - but he sure wouldn't mind an extra hand. And if you're still not up for some food? Well, the prayer rooms are open as usual. There's always a quiet moment to be found, even if the laughter's louder and the scent of freshly-baked mansaf's wafting through the long corridors.

Anyone and everyone who's ever been inside the Interfaith Center has been invited (via text message - and Stefan even used the fancy emoji). If you're not particularly faithful or devout? Well, drop by anyways. There's more than enough food to spare.]

Comments

[stefanged]

Thank you. [He bows his head in respect - sometimes, he's not sure if he deserves that kindness.]

Me too. She's so effortless about it, you know? Brightens up the whole place without trying.

[bythewaves]

I think I should be saying that, hm? You are the one who has accepted a stranger in your kinsman's place.

Aye. [ he finds her unerringly in the crowd ] You should guard her well.

[stefanged]

But you're not a stranger. I mean - nevermind, it's complicated.

[He's going to forever be conflicted about this, he can already tell.]

That's the plan. Between you and me, though? She's more than capable of holding her own.

[bythewaves]

It is. [ Maglor chuckles softly ] We will both have to muddle through, I suppose.

[ he smiles ] This is true, but light always draws shadow, so I am glad she has defenders. Are the two of you courting, or just friends?

[stefanged]

[ . . . ]

Why does everyone think that? I swear, we're just friends. Nothing more.

Because your uncle's soul is a gossip so sorry Stefan

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

Do they? Perhaps they see how close you are and wish for the happiness of you both.

uncleeee :(((

[stefanged]

I'm glad, but between honesrly? That guy isn't going to be me.

[He glances over at Misty, stifling an almost wistful sigh.]

She deserves someone who loves nature just as much. If she didn't drag me out, I'd never go.

UNCLE JUST WANTS YOU TO BE HAPPY

[bythewaves]

You do not need to be exactly alike, nor to have all the same interests, you know.

[ Maglor points out amusedly ] Tis clear that you care for her a great deal.

S T I L L

[stefanged]

Of course I do. She means a lot to me, and this place really wouldn't be the same without her.

[He lets out a small huff of amusement,] But I'm still not interested in her that way. Trust me, you'd know when I'm in love with someone.

W H A T

[bythewaves]

Ah, well. I suppose I will save my meddling for that time then, as your uncle would undoubtedly wish of me.

nothing :'>

[stefanged]

[There's a long moment as Stefan stops and realizes that Maglor thinks that Uncle Arnold would refrain from such a thing . . .

Maybe there AREN'T that many differences between them.]

Uh, um... thanks. I think.

he loves you too <3

[bythewaves]

[ Well they are technically the same person.... ]

Thank me later. [ Maglor chuckles softly at the look on his face ] But I would see you and her both happy, if I can, whether with each other or with another is of no account.

<3

[stefanged]

I know, and I appreciate that. Really. [beat] But so you know? If that were on the table, I wouldn't have denied it.

[bythewaves]

I see! [ A sly smile ] Then is there another?

[stefanged]

There used to be. [His smile doesn't quite reach his eyes.] I don't know when I'll be ready to jump back in.

[bythewaves]

Oh Stefan. [ Maglor sobers instantly, eyes compassionate ]

I am sorry. I did not mean to open old wounds.

[stefanged]

Ah, no, you're fine. It's more... it happened, and I'm okay?

[As okay as a reincarnation can be, anyway.]

I'm just taking some time to figure out what I'm like when I'm not dating someone.

[bythewaves]

It is still painful. [ Maglor says soberly ] But I am glad that you are taking your time to work through it.

[stefanged]

Thanks. I miss her, but... [He pauses.] I don't know, life moves on. I can't keep living in the past.

[bythewaves]

It has to. [ Maglor says softly ] Such is the price of being mortal, I suppose. Time marches ever on, whether we will or nil.

[stefanged]

[Hm, that's right. He never got around to saying that he was immortal.]

It's a worthy price. I can't imagine anything was meant to live forever.

[bythewaves]

Nothing of Arda... well, of earth, I suppose. [ Maglor nods quietly ]

Not even we Elves, although I know some people think of it that way.

[stefanged]

Well, you've got that whole reincarnation thing going on.

[His voice sounds more... regretful? Like he has way more Experience with that than he wants to let on.]

It's not the same, but I can't blame your average person for thinking otherwise.

[bythewaves]

Only until Arda ends. [ Maglor murmurs softly ] And what comes after, not even the Valar knows.

[ He pats Stefan's hand ]

No, nor I - I do not usually bother to correct them, as it makes little difference, in the end.

[stefanged]

Yeah. When it's not part of their culture or faith, they don't know - and sometimes, that's the worst thing.

[He blinks back surprise, instinctively reaching over to squeeze Maglor's hand]

I'm sorry. Still sucks.