eachdraidh | 1st Hope {Video} Both Courts

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1st Hope {Video} Both Courts

[It takes a moment, given these things are a little different from a phone, but Snow figures it out, thanks in part to some memories as Mary Margaret. She peers at the locket, a slight frown initially as she hopes it is working, brushing some long dark strands behind her ear in some small hope of looking presentable. If her trademark dark locks, bright red lips and pale skin invoke any sort of familiarity, well. They're supposed to. Though she may not necessarily be the Snow White from the fairytales in the most traditional sense.]

Right. I assume....this is working now. So. For those I haven't yet met, I'm Snow White, in the Seelie Court. And I've got a--no, actually quite a few questions since I recently arrived here myself. First and foremost regarding this war. I can hardly decline anyone a hand when they're in need, but if I am to help fight, I'd like more details. How large a conflict is this? Is there to be limited or no access to speak to friends or family that may be in the Unseelie court? I ask because I know if some others from home show up, they won't all be placed in this castle accommodations, from what I gather.

The other thing is I'd like to use this to ask about if there are any weapons around? Unfortunately, I wasn't exactly brought here with my own bow, so if I am to fight and there is no other way around this, I'd like to at least be able to defend myself. And I imagine I'm hardly the only one curious about this hunt.

Of course, there are plenty more questions, but I think for now that covers the main two for now. I'll just end this here and thank everyone in advance for the help.

[Snow purses her lips and her hand moves to end the video, after a little fumbling.]

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I wonder if there might be a way to figure out. There must be something in common with those in each Court. Some pattern that links us....

[Though Snow has no idea just how to figure something like that. How to go about it and eliminate each possibility.]

Seeing Stones? I've not heard of them before. Though I imagine with stones they might well have been too heavy to transport depending on the size. But you're right that phones were very convenient. We just didn't have them back in the Enchanted Forest. I'd try to show you mine if I had one on me.

[ Faramir shrugs a little helplessly ]

They say the Seelie court is 'Order' and the Unseelie 'Chaos', but I do not know by what criteria they judge such things. While I, myself, would agree that I favour order over chaos, I do not know that the same could be said of all of those within this court, nor that I could say as much of those in the opposing e'en if I knew them.

The Palantiri are the last remnants of Numenor-that-was [ Faramir is happy to explain ] where my ancestors came from. Lore tell us that they were gifts from the Eldar to our forefathers, in honor of the old alliances - some say Feanor himself, the greatest craftsman to ever live, made them - they speak to each other across great distances, and allow those with the will enough to use them to see much that passes in distant lands. But... of the seven stones, only 2 now remain that any can use, and even then the cost of their use is very high. I think I would much prefer your phones, myself!

'Order'. Well, I suppose I can't deny I believe in following the laws and doing what is best for my people rather than letting there be anarchy without anything to guide them. Though From what little I have spoken to others in the Unseelie, I don't immediately find them to be so distrusting.

[She listens, not recognizing the names but managing to follow well enough in spite of that.]

It allows them to see across distances as well as communicate? That's more than our phones could manage. What is the cost? I know they aren't here to use, but I still find myself curious.

Mm, that was my thought as well - perhaps there are some who would claim to prefer chaos on the other side, but I think me that such generalisations are over broad, perhaps?

[ Faramir nods ] Yes! It was... an exercise of will, as I understand it, and took considerable mental powress to direct the stone as you willed it - else, it would simply communicate with the nearest stone. I am given to understand it is truly quite exhausting to use!

Perhaps. I imagine so, but then I imagine there must be more to it than something so general as chaos or order. Some other requirements that help them choose which Court to place us in.

[Her head tilts slightly as she listens.]

I imagine it would. Not that I'm most familiar with using such magic myself, but that would not surprise me to hear. Magic is powerful but it can rather drain someone using it that is lesser experienced or even powerful sorcerers depending on what they are trying to achieve.

I wish I knew what it was. [ Faramir shrugs ] But I fear that that knowledge they will be content to keep secret.

I suppose so, although the Palantir are not...strictly magic, as I understand it? They are elven-make, and the Eldar would tell you they did not dabble in magic, for such was the province of the Enemy, but rather Art. [ an impish grin ] But I think it enough like magic to serve.

Time might tell. If they do keep tight lipped or not.

[She catches the grin as she listens, tilting her own head as she considers.]

Art. Because that explains such power and Stones. It sounds like magic to me. But then, magic could work differently from what I know compared to that of your home, I suppose.

It will - all we can do is wait, I suppose, and keep eyes and ears open.

[ He shrugs back wryly ]

So they say! But never have I known such Art as might cause any who drink from a stream to sleep, or shut a door that it might not be opened without the correct word, excepting amongst the Eldar. They dislike the word, but it seems very like to me!

And I will.

[Yup. That definitely sounds like magic. Snow frowns, considering for a moment as she bites her lower lip.]

Perhaps it is magic, but they use another name? Or a specific sort of magic to them? I don't know, magic isn't really my....expertise, shall we say. That and the magic you know could be different to what I've experienced. Which has mostly been curses. Not so much the nicer charms or spells.

[ Dark memory in his eyes before he shakes it away - despair and the cold hand of fear and madness in his father's eyes ]

Oh, we have plenty of experience with curses, milady. But tis true that perhaps they dislike the term because it is mostly associated with the workings of the Enemy in my world, and dark indeed are those. But you would have to ask them, I think, if you wished a better answer!

I could perhaps understand that side of things, if they wish to differentiate to ensure they aren't grouped with those that use their powers for less helpful means.

[That last possibly gets her attention though. Is he implying that these people were here?]

But you're saying at least one of them is here?

Oh yes! [ He smiles, and the look in his eyes is that of a boy who has had all his childhood dreams come true ]

Very many of them - some drawn from a far distant time in the past! But... of those I know well, the Lord Legolas is here, and his father, the Elvenking Thranduil, as well as the Lady of the Golden Wood and her Lord, the Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel. My lord's queen is here also, the Lady Arwen, and she is of Elvenkin, as is her mother, the Lady Celebrian.

Oh. I see. I might have talked to them already myself, possibly. We had dwarfs back home but now elves. So it's interesting, at least to me to consider. But some are from the past? I suppose that isn't so surprising when we are brought here from such different worlds, that they could pull us from different times as well.

[That in particular is interesting to note and file away.]

If you do, you will find them a good people - they are fair and perilous, but I have found them good comrades, as well. But yes - the two Elven lords that my king speaks of are the Lady Galadriel's cousins - for me in my time they are a rumor and a tale, half-forgotten names of a far distant Age. But they are come but fresh from their battle, or so I heard tell.

There are dwarves here also! My good friend, the Lord Gimli, and two of his cousins, I am given to understand. I wonder how similar or different they are to those of that kindred in your own world?

I see. I've not met elves before, at least, back home. But that is interesting to have such a chance. And to know that some might come from home at different points in time.

[Which perhaps worries her, though she tries not to show that just now. Later once she has more time to consider this and the possible consequences. But talk of dwarves soon put her in much more familiar territory.]

I'll have to meet this Lord Gimli to be sure on how similar they might be to Grumpy and the rest. But I'd like to. I do miss them, and it would be wonderful to meet other dwarves. Something at least a little familiar from home among all of this.

[ He laughs softly ] You will find them interesting, I think - they are a people great and noble, but sad also, I find - their time is ending, and they watch the world go by without them. They love deeply and their emotions burn hot, but slow.

'Grumpy'? [ another low laugh and he shakes his head ] Oh dear, I do hope that is a nickname. Although I suppose Lord Gimli and Lord Legolas have called each other worse! And Lord Gimli can certainly be grumpy, but usually only when Lord Legolas has been teasing him.

How do you mean, their time is ending? They're....old?

[Though for all she knows, elves are supposed to live for centuries past what ordinary humans might. Snow doesn't take too long to consider that though, joining him in her own light laughter.]

Well, he was called 'Dreamy' before. Dwarf names are a little...different, at least back home. Though I've found them to be very loyal friends in my time of need back home. But I imagine most wouldn't entirely appreciate the teasing, even from friends at times.

[ Faramir laughs softly ]

Old? The lady Galadriel remembers a time before moon and sun, as does her lord husband. The Eldar do not age as we do - time for them moves very slowly! But... they are leaving the shores of Middle-earth, returning to Elvenhome. So we say their time is ending, for soon enough there will be no more white sails headed West.

Dreamy? Well! They certainly sound different, aye. But yes - the dwarves are very loyal, staunch friends and formidable foes.

Yeah, that is - pretty old. I mean, considering us normal humans are lucky to reach like, a hundred. But them going back home is....a good thing, right?

That they are. It seems in that our dwarf friends are no so dissimilar.

I think... [ Faramir says slowly ] That it is... a good and a bad thing. For those like the Lady Galadriel, it must be joyous to return to the home of their long ago youth. But... my good friend Legolas is afflicted by the Sea-Longing and one day must sail, and for him it is a grief indeed, for he was born in Middle-earth and loves dearly the woods of his father's kingdom. And... the Straight Road runs but one way - they leave and return not, and Middle-earth is the poorer for it, I think.

[ he nods ]

Aye - It is good to hear that the Dwarves remain as constant as ever!

Why would they not be able to return or even stay if they so chose? It seems unfair to make all of them go if some might prefer to remain. Though I suppose there could be more to it that I'm not understanding here, easily.

It is. That there are dwarves at all is something familiar enough for me at least. I'd be glad to meet them.

Some will stay, I have no doubt - the Sindar and Silvan would be hard put to leave their woods. But they say that once the Sea-longing wakes, there is no rest until they Sail. And the road to Valinor runs but one way - there is no returning. [ Unless your name is Glorfindel ]

As to why that is, I could not tell you. The stories say that twas not always so, but in the days of my ancestors we broke the ban to sail West and sought to claim what we had no right to, and in consequence our lands were destroyed and the world bent. Only the Elven ships know how to find the Straight Road now, and it is, I understand, very much a one way trip.

I will ask Master Gimli when next I see him then, if he might oblige to a meeting! I understand he is quite busy at present, however

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