From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 16:33:22

*is still half-asleep when they touch down in Delving*

So--so your brother's been gone for less than twenty-four hours and you're sending out search parties?

	From: irisse	Date: 04/10/2007 16:41:54

Clearly you do not know my brother.

*lights a cigarette as soon as the plane door is opened* OK. I'm going to take the nice, upmarket shopping area. Gil-galad may well be there. You know people in the police, right?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 16:45:29

*half-smiles* My Lady Aredhel, there was a time when I was the police. I'll ask around. If I start in the dodgy pub entertainment district and work my way north, we'll probably cover most of Delving.

*immediately heads for Larry's, pretty sure that she'll get some answers*

	From: irisse	Date: 04/10/2007 16:50:04

*goes towards the shopping district and sees Gil-galad's car parked outside the Grand Hotel*

*walks up to it and peers in through the window*

*blinks a few times before rapping on the window*

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/10/2007 16:54:30

*sits bolt upright in the backseat* *does not know why the inside of his mouth tastes like dead people*

*sees you glaring in at him*

Uhm? Írissë? Where am I?

	From: irisse	Date: 04/10/2007 17:00:40

*wrenches the door open* Findekáno, what on Órë are you doing?

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/10/2007 17:04:19

*mumbles* I think I was sleeping I have been working a few late nights recently and with looking after Gil-galad and Maeglin and everything, I've just been so exhaus--

Hang on. Gil-galad and Maeglin.

	From: irisse	Date: 04/10/2007 17:22:36

*nods. slowly* Yes, 'káno. Gil-galad and Maeglin. Our respective sons. I left them in your care. Now. Where are they?

*puts her hands on her hips and looks at you as though she expects you to produce them from behind your back*

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/10/2007 17:39:13

Ah. Well. They were here. Certainly. And then Gil-galad went to see his daughter. And Maeglin said something about going to Larry's? Does he have a friend called Larry here?

	From: irisse	Date: 04/10/2007 18:03:59

*baffled* I wasn't aware that Maeglin knew anyone in Delving.

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/11/2007 12:39:13

Look, the best we can do is split up. I'll stay with the car because I know it's like a homing beacon for Gil-galad. How about you ask in the hotel about this Larry individual? Perhaps he's a well-known personality about town? It's certainly not a common name.

	From: irisse	Date: 04/11/2007 12:43:47

*sighs* OK, OK. That's a surprisingly good idea, 'káno. Just -- just wait here.

*goes into the hotel*

*--*

*comes out in about ninety second* LARRY'S IS A PUB IT'S A BAR MY LITTLE BOY HAS GONE TO A PUB I LEAVE HIM IN YOUR CARE FOR LESS THAN A DAY AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS?

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/16/2007 12:32:54

*winces* Look, Írissë, maybe he was just meeting people there? Or something? *sighs* Do you want me to go there? I know you don't like to be exposed to the Great Unwashed at the best of times.

	From: irisse	Date: 04/16/2007 12:37:49

No, certainly not. I'll go myself. Honestly, Findekáno. That's the last time I ever leave my son in your hands. And I do mean ever. How on Órë has Gil-galad managed to survive this long unscathed?

*laughs dryly* Wait, how foolish of me. He has already knocked up at least one innocent girl, that we know of. Perhaps he's not so unscathed after all.

	From: skilledhero	Date: 04/16/2007 13:15:04

*oh, you did not just cast aspersions on (a) his fathering skills and (b) Gil-galad's integrity, did you?*

*takes you firmly by the arm* Dear sister, I will thank you to remember that my son is less unscathed than you or I or your own offspring. He did rule Middle Earth for thousands of years and he ruled it well. We can forgive him an occasional indiscretion, just as I have been forgiven mine. I will further remind you that you live in high esteem in Hithlum by my good grace. Gil-galad and I will be returning there as soon as he shows up first thing in the morning. Assuming you and Lómion wish to accompany us, be back here at sunrise. Understood?

	From: irisse	Date: 04/16/2007 13:22:14

*takes a step back* *tilts her head to the side* Sometimes, brother, I can believe you are a King.

*draws herself up to her full height and pulls her arm out of your grip* I will see you here in the morning. We will be quite the happy family.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 16:51:28

*has decided that some major, major criminal stuff has been going down in Larry's lately and that he needs to keep a close personal eye on the situation*

*is currently being very faithful in sticking by his post*

*managing not to slur his words even a little bit* Well, well, well. Aren't we a sight for sore eyes?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 16:56:50

Mablung. How did I know you'd be here?

*walks over to your table* I'm here on business. Perhaps you can help? You'd better not be running my precinct into the ground or I'll be very annoyed.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 17:00:12

*does a poor job of looking offended* *honestly* Things have been running pretty smoothly, for the most part. No thanks to you. Deserter.

here on business

*stands and steps over to you* I have never heard such depressing words in my entire life. Tell me you've at least missed me. *leans down to kiss you*

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 17:06:42

*turns her head to the side at the last minute so that you end up kissing her cheek* Of course I've missed you, silly.

Now, tell me honestly. Has there been any word about two Noldorin hooligans princes out on the town? Because Aredhel is doing her nut over them.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 17:12:17

*thinks* I heard something last night. Something like moaning. Nothing major going down though.

But that kid of Aredhel's...Maeglin? That fellow's left a trail of petty crimes behind him over the space of more than one visit here. I was right on top of him myself at one point like last night but the clever devil managed to slip through my fingers. Like silk. *considers the odd look you're giving him* Or slime. The slimy fugitive bastard.

two

Who's the other one?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 17:17:25

Be careful, Mablung. You don't know where he's been. You really don't want to get on Aredhel's bad side, you know?

*shakes her head dismissively* The other one's Gil-galad. Fingon's son?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 17:21:36

*snorts* Oh, please. Are you afraid of her? What are they feeding you up there? *gasps in mock horror* No. You can't be turning on your own, can you?

Ah, right. Elu's been bitching about that one now for...what? Two months? He's pretty well-behaved, though. Relatively speaking.

But how've you been, Beleg, seriously? Eru. I really have missed you. *orders you a drink*

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 17:29:42

Are you afraid of her?

Have you ever met Aredhel? She is almost as formidable as Melian, only eighty times grumpier.

*orders you a drink*

*blinks* *reaches up and presses her palm to your forehead* OK. So you don't have a fever. But really? Are you feeling OK?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 17:34:59

*feels your forehead too* And are you somehow unaware of my close, intimate rapport with Mels?

*grins* Seeing as I told management that as your best friend, I have your permission to liberally drink on your tab, yep. I feel pretty fucking fantastic. *ushers you into his booth and slides in next to you*

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 17:41:39

Mablung, I really don't have time to stop and drink. Although I suppose that just one won't hurt.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 17:45:28

*actually looking a little wounded* I shouldn't think so. Fuck, Beleg. I haven't seen you in weeks and all you want to do is talk shop?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 17:52:01

*jostles you with her shoulder* Oh, don't be like that. I barely know where I am, you know. Today has just been a rush.

*pauses carefully* Say, have you seen Túrin recently? *savours the flutter she feels in her abdomen when she says his name*

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 18:02:06

*sighs* Everybody's in a rush these days. *waxing philosophical...ish* It's sort of the defining characteristic of this world, I think. You know?

*eyeroll* Including Túrin. Boy is busy as fuck. I ran into him in the street this morning and he said something about Morwen going out to Basic today to start a new drill series and interview Lalaith. I think there may be sense in there somewhere if you want to find an interpreter.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 18:05:38

I like being busy, though. I think this world suits me. Or I suit it. Or something.

*sips her drink before spluttering* Morwen's back? Lalaith is back? Oh, he must be so happy. *smiles at the thought*

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 18:09:57

*chidingly* It's all well and good until you leave old-timers like me in the dust.

*shrugs* Like I said. Too busy for a roll in the hay with me, that's all I know. Who knows about happy? But he's not marrying that chick, anyway. Did you know that? One would assume so. Eru knows that would make me happy.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 18:15:35

*laughs and plants a kiss on your cheek* Don't be like that, Grampa. We'll still come visit you in the nursing home.

But he's not marrying that chick, anyway.

Yes, that I knew. I can't believe someone would do that to him. I mean, lying about expecting his child?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 18:29:08

*drapes his arm over your shoulders* It'll be a spry two hundred and ninety. Bring condoms.

*frowns* I thought she was being kinda obvious. *remembers that he's supposed to be talking up Finduilas and decides he probably needs practice* But whatever. She was just scared of losing him, I guess? For some mysterious reason she thinks he's a catch.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 18:33:35

*laughs and relaxes a bit, but not as much as she usually does in your company*

For some mysterious reason she thinks he's a catch.

*laughs* *mildly* Hey, you're the one who wants in his pants.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 18:47:08

*lifts his chin* I fail to see any similarity between the two scenarios.

*lets his hand settle on your thigh* What about you and me, Captain? We go back Ages. Did you know?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 18:53:17

*snorts* You wouldn't, of course.

*picks up your hand and settles it back on your own thigh* We do go back Ages, it's true, but not tonight, darling. I have a headache.

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 19:06:36

*with somewhat forced lightness* You buy you a drink and you won't even spend the night?

*leans his elbows on the table* *not looking at you* I'll call you if I see Maeglin or Gil-galad again, sound good?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 19:10:44

Oh, don't pout, darling, otherwise I'll feel obligated to ravish you on the spot and I just don't have the time!

*climbs out of the booth over you* I appreciate it. Really. *presses a firm kiss to your lips* I have missed you.

*offers you a smile as she walks out of Larry's*

*reaches into her pocket as soon as she is out the door and dials Túrin's number*

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 19:24:58

*sees your name on his phone readout and smiles*

*answers* Daeron's in the army. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid. I love you.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 19:28:06

*laughs* Well, rather you than me, honey. I'm sorry but it's true. I love you too. I'm in Delving.

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 19:32:57

*breathes deeply* I'm in the fresh air looking at the sunset. Nothing can take that away from me.

Where in Delving?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 19:36:21

*laughs* And now I'm jealous.

Oh, I'm just walking up the street, away from Larry's. I'm looking for a pair of Noldorin princes who slipped the leash.

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 19:42:50

*softly* Hang up and count to forty.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 19:46:18

*surprise* Count to--? Okay.

*hangs up and starts to count*

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 19:54:17

*appears in step with you at precisely the count of forty*

All right, it took thirty-five, but I wanted to just look at you for a second before— *watches your smile slowly form* —that.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 19:56:33

*inhales deeply and smiles even more* Show-off.

*lets her knuckles graze ever so lightly over the back of your hand, as though accidentally*

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 20:03:01

Mm. Incurable.

*brushes an invisible speck of nothing off your shoulder with a brief caress touch of his hand, casual-like*

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 20:06:43

*as casually as though she's commenting on the fake-weather* I missed you.

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 20:11:42

*pulls you into the small alcove formed near a building's entrance doors, under the shade of an awning*

*cups your face with both hands* When do you leave?

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 20:14:53

*covers your hands with hers* Whenever we find Gil-galad and Maeglin.

*--*

I hope the little buggers never show up.

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 20:19:02

*leans down to kiss you once, fully*

*steps back out onto the sidewalk and resumes walking*

*easily* That's no way to treat an assignment, Captain.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 20:23:01

*a little breathless from the kiss* I don't know what to say, Sir. *glances over at you, a smile in her eyes* Perhaps my emotions have gotten the better of me.

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 20:27:43

*gives you a smile that's plainly just for your eyes*

*magnanimously* If you'd like my advice on the matter, Cúthalion, I may be free at around— *checks his watch* —twenty-three hundred hours? I'd be happy to show you what can be done about those emotions.

	From: belthronding	Date: 04/10/2007 20:31:53

Twenty-three hundred hours, you say? I shall pencil it into my diary.

*laughs softly and gives you an open, happy smile*

	From: gorthol	Date: 04/10/2007 20:36:58

*tips a suggestion of another kiss, his fingers brushing your skin into your mind*

*gives you a short little wave and disappears*

	From: maeglinlomion	Date: 04/10/2007 19:11:43

*topples out of the men's room*

*blinks at you owlishly* What time is it?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 19:26:14

*a bit sullenly* Time for me to turn you in, apparently.

*...*

Unless you fancy another go?

	From: maeglinlomion	Date: 04/10/2007 19:29:32

*runs his hand over his hair*

*raises his eyebrow* Oh, alright then. I'm sure we've time for a quickie. Even if I can barely walk today, man. *reaches down and takes a slug of your drink*

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 19:35:44

*sits you down* You'd better eat something. *thrusts a menu at you*

*retakes his seat across from you* *watches you with an unreadable expression* Your mother's looking for you, you know.

	From: maeglinlomion	Date: 04/10/2007 19:38:14

*looks up from his menu* Why does she keep doing that? Honestly, you'd think I can't take care of myself and I so totally can. *nods firmly* Ooh, can I have pizza?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 19:44:01

*very definitely laughing at you* How old are you, Maeglin?

	From: maeglinlomion	Date: 04/10/2007 19:47:35

*looks up at you defiantly* Old enough.

*--*

With fries?

	From: mablung	Date: 04/10/2007 19:56:16

*amused* That's telling me.

Only if I get half.

	From: maeglinlomion	Date: 04/10/2007 19:57:45

*smiles brightly* Deal.