eachdraidh | 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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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