nénar. he's still not used to it - the title feels clumsy in his mouth - but he would never doubt mato's judgement. well - yes, he would, and he is, but at the same time it's validation he didn't ever expect from the silvery prince.
part of him thinks it's just a consolation prize for being the one who stuck around.
but whatever his conflicted feelings, he is tindómë's nénar now and he will wear it proudly and do his best to make morwinyon proud. the singing-sunlight is jolted out of his thoughts by a howl from the border - feeling more than a little surprised as he gets up and makes his way towards the source. the cry sounded a little odd, like the caller had a cold. as glad as delight is that winter seems to be pushing every straggler toward their borders, a typhoid mary would be so not on.
the androgyne finds her quickly, sharp moon eyes sweeping over her form in obvious appraisal. she doesn't look sick, just a bit damp like him, and a bit on the thin side. better shape than matteo though (he hopes the scrawny albino is settling in a bit and makes a mental note to check on him). he draws himself up to his full, petite height, clears his throat, and says, "hey." maybe not the most powerful opening statement but he's still him, after all. "what is your business here?" he adds, studying her face curiously.
interesting is the variety that winter has pushed towards tindómë's borders - bold sunflower, sharp but weary jomyo, traumatized but bright matteo, and now this withdrawn creature, young and delicate and, frankly, to the point. he wonders what she's been through to have scratched her throat raw the way it sounds - he can't smell any lingering illness and her eyes are clear and intelligent.
he glances at mato, then clears his throat, addressing the woman. "the name of this place is king elk forest, and we are tindómë. we don't have a traditional hierarchy but value trades and skilled members - do you have any particular skills - or things you like to do?" delight pauses and adds, "also, what's your name?" figuring this was a good enough start unless mato had something more to add.
delight squints, studying her as she thinks of - how to answer he supposes. he's not sure yet if her reticence is a personality trait or borne of something else (she doesn't smell of illness, but there are kinds that aren't physical, he knows that). the clarity of her gaze can reassure him for now at least.
and her answer. herbs. plants, huh? delight doesn't really get the appeal but it is useful - and again he is quietly pleased by the variety of their come-lately's, a nice mix of skills that will surely help the pack flourish. rocks he doesn't get at all (what is there to know about rocks?) and hunting is - well, everyone pretty much says that one. anyway, it's all on the up and up. the nénar pauses, waiting for her to supply a name, and sighs. okay. "and your name?" he repeats, slightly fussy, though his expression isn't offended (look at him, a diplomat even.) he doesn't really have much to say on her skills - they're cool, it's fine, and he glances at mato in case the morwinyon has an opinion.
but on to other things. "like the name suggests, we share the forest with a large elk - and his cow - named the king elk. he's not to be hunted or ... pestered," delight says (though honestly the idea of any of them being able to annoy the ethereal being is sort of funny), "if you can abide that - and you're willing to prove your skills to us - we'll have you." right? right.