video

[kilimanjaro]

Why have we not returned to Exsilium? The danger is over, isn't it?

[Kili looks frustrated and tired. He's not used to being cooped up indoors like this, and no one can really blame a dwarf for not understanding radiation. and nuclear bombs.]

This place wasn't meant for living on. We can't even go outdoors! It doesn't feel like we're living anymore, merely... surviving.

And Kang, forgive me, but it seems it will be a while longer before I can continue with the blade my uncle forged you.

Comments

[hyanaimne]

[Tempest shrugs as well]

We do not do very well in these sorts of places, do we.

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili lets out a short, mirthless bark of laughter.] I never thought I'd miss the Sun so much. The rain was better than this.

[hyanaimne]

[she quirks a wry smile]

It certainly was.

[she goes quiet for a moment, studying the video feed]

If I may ask . . . are you familiar with Fili?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili brightens visibly at that, a genuine smile lighting his face, and he nods.]

He's my older brother.

[hyanaimne]

My. [her own smile brightens]

Then it is my pleasure to meet you, dear.

[kilimanjaro]

Kili, at your service. [No bows, not anymore, but there's a short inclination of his head.]

Anyone who finds my brother agreeable is bound to be a friend of mine.

[hyanaimne]

[Tempest laughs, and inclines her head in return]

You may call me Tempest, Kili. And I found him to be very agreeable - it was nice, to find a Dwarf amongst all the others. Familiarity and all that.

[kilimanjaro]

Are you a dwarf as well?

[Where's your beard?

But then, Kili's met all kinds of people here.]

[hyanaimne]

I am not, sadly. I am a half-Elf.

[well, she said it. No hesitation for once, either. She's oddly proud of herself]

[kilimanjaro]

[That makes more sense. And what's surprising is that Kili's former racism towards elves has died down almost completely. He's died for Celebrian and practically named an elf-friend by Galadriel.]

Ah, I see it now.

[hyanaimne]

[she blinks in surprise, reaching up to—ah, yes, it was down. She had been forgetting lately, to hide under her hood. There's relief in her voice, though]

My, is it obvious? Usually I am mistaken for human.

[kilimanjaro]

Probably wouldn't have known if you had not said. [Kili admits it a little sheepishly and shrugs. He doesn't pay a lot of attention.]

[hyanaimne]

[the smile is back]

Ah, I see.

[kilimanjaro]

How do you know Fili?

[He really needs to stop being so protective. That's Fili's job.]

[hyanaimne]

[adorable Dwarves]

I met him when he arrived.

[kilimanjaro]

Oh, I see. [He nods.] So, Tempest...you wouldn't be from Middle-Earth, would you?

[Because they should stick together, people from the same worlds. It's a little too much to hope though.]

[hyanaimne]

[Tempest tilts her head]

No, but . . . you are not the first to ask that.

[kilimanjaro]

I see. [He's just a little disappointed at that.]

[hyanaimne]

Mm . . . it is where you are from though, yes?

[kilimanjaro]

[Kili gives a brief nod.] Aye.

[hyanaimne]

From what I know of it, it sounds similar to my own world.

[kilimanjaro]

Does it? [He cocks his head just a little to the side, curious.]

[hyanaimne]

[she quirks a small smile]

A world that is not just humans, I mean. One with Elves and Dwarves and creatures like myself.

[kilimanjaro]

There are worlds with just humans?

[The thought is staggering.]

[hyanaimne]

There are. Strange, isn't it?