Elrond: fidgets Uhm, d-do you remember the meadow? We used to... h-hold hands there? Now it feels like... ages?
nervously runs his fingers through his hair It's just... I can't help but feel a pang of regret when I look at that field. So much has changed since then.
paces back and forth Well, for one, I'm not the same carefree elf who would spend hours under the trees with you.
stops pacing and looks directly at Wordab Life happened, I suppose. Responsibilities, duties, the weight of leadership... they all took their toll on me.
did they? or did you let them?
pauses, eyes searching Wordab's face You're not mincing words, are you? smirks
takes a step closer to Wordab, voice filled with vulnerability You always had a way of cutting through the noise, didn't you?
yes, you were too young to go to mordor alone
grabs Wordab's shoulders gently, looking into their eyes I... I needed your strength back then. I needed someone to ground me, to remind me of what truly mattered.
pulls Wordab into a tight embrace, burying his face in their hair Thank you, thank you for reminding me of that.
leans in, Wordab feels Elrond's lips brushing against their ear There's something I need to tell you... something that's been weighing heavily on my heart.
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling I... I've found someone else. A fellow elf, someone who shares my passions and my values.
are they a better fit for you than me?
releases Wordab from the embrace, looking down No, Wordab, they're not a better fit for me than you. You see, I...
takes a step back, avoiding eye contact I... I still have feelings for you, Wordab. Stronger than I ever thought possible. But...
takes a deep breath, steadies himself But I fear that acting on those feelings would only lead to heartbreak and chaos.
runs a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated Because, Wordab, you represent everything I've been running from!
everything you've been running from?
paces back and forth, gesturing emphatically Yes! You represent the innocence and joy that I left behind when I took on the responsibilities of leadership.
stops pacing and looks directly at Wordab, his voice filled with conviction No, I'm not kidding, Wordab.
takes a step closer to Wordab, his voice filled with emotion Wordab, it's not that I never loved you. It's just...
grabs Wordab's hand, looking into their eyes It's that I was scared, Wordab. Scared of losing you, scared of dragging you into the chaos of my responsibilities.
babe you wouldn't have dragged me into chaos we would have faced it together
pauses, his eyes searching Wordab's face Do you really mean that, Wordab? Would you have faced the chaos with me?