{Video: Open to Both Courts}

[rangerandking]

{Aragorn's quarters are impressive, though they seem to be rarely used. The covers on the bed are neat and the pillows are without dent. His personal belongings are sparse - mostly consisting of that which he can carry on the run - however he has amassed a nice collection of books. They are tucked away neatly on a shelf with an admirable stack of notes - in an ornate hand - beside them.

The flickering light foretells that a fire has been lit in the fireplace, yet he is lighting another, smaller, flame in a pipe. Once the herbs begin to burn, he brings the pipe to his lips, inhaling slowly.}

There is unease in the Drabworld. Foreign magic molds the land to its will and we are inclined to feel helpless before its might. I do not blame you for keeping counsel with only those you know and trust.

{He breathes out, smoke rising in the air like a mist.}

Yet are we not brothers and sisters in this plight?

{Unity might be an impossible dream. Even so, he has not given up hope on it.}

The danger I incur for speaking plainly is upon my head. I do not fear pain or death. But I do fear watching each court fall into ruin save for those who survived in the Drabworld long before our arrival.

Comments

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[sculptor_of_aman]

Are you proposing something? Or merely opining?

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[rangerandking]

I propose an alliance. Instead of losing ourselves in the courts, we stand together, Seelie and Unseelie alike.

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[edgar_of_etheria]

...what do you mean by "foreign magic molding the land to its will"?

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[rangerandking]

The world has changed. I know not if the transformation is natural or artificially wrought.

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[wolvering]

[There is a little snuffling, and a snout with dark fur for a moment when the video starts. A soft "Kiga" in a girl's voice and the snout pulls back to reveal a wolverine. And a girl with hair white as snow. She looks troubled.]

Your words ring true, but...

[What can they do? Pod doesn't like being here, but she doesn't know what to do besides what she's been doing all along. And as far as working with others, well, she's doing that, at least, so finally, she shrugs a little.]

Maybe I should leave such thoughts to those better suited than I.

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[rangerandking]

{He begins to smile when he sees the Wolverine, halfway wondering if someone dropped their locket in the forest. But then he sees the girl and his eyebrows raise curiously.}

I welcome your thoughts. Your perspective could be insightful. {Adults often overlook that which is obvious to a child.}

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[notyetlegend]

[It's him again...]

I have both Seelie an' Unseelie friends. I wish harm tae none of them.

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[rangerandking]

I share your wish, Lady Merida. The courts will not alter my opinion of those dear to me.

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[thebreakingwave]

Where exactly was this'foreign magic' worked?

[Or, in other words, Harry wants to know if it's his fault.]

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[rangerandking]

On the land, though I cannot say where. I believe it occurred far from the castles. {Or did it? He has a hard time tracking it. Too much in the Drabworld alerts his senses.}

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[desperate_times]

Just what are you suggesting?

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[rangerandking]

I suggest we stand together instead of letting the courts divide us.

( video )

[graciousness]

Thank you, my Lord.

[ spoken with relief. this divide of seelie and unseelie scares gwen much more than any magic of potential war. to see potential friends, brothers and sisters as he said, turn against one another is frightening and more importantly, it's unnecessary. ]

For your words. I - could not agree more. I hope others shall listen.

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[rangerandking]

I have not earned thanks; not yet. {He hopes he can truly accept her gratitude in the future.} There is much good in both courts. I believe there are those who will listen.

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[disheartening]

I will hear about this 'foreign magic' you speak of.

[ mostly because she doesn't intend to fight anyone unless it benefits her, of course. and also because regina is so deeply aware of magic that any mentioning of it is worth looking into.

some of this magic might yet eventually carry them all home. ]

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[rangerandking]

It exists in the land and it is unlike any magic I have ever encountered. {Thus why it's "foreign".}

[athousandcurses]

[This one at least seems to understand what Aragorn is suggesting.]

I have been long thinking about ways to end this war peacefully, if there is no way other than to end it to return home... Morla said to me once the kind of power the... gem has cannot be shared. But are we not sharing it now with the shards?

I wished to approach Solais about opening a diplomatic venture, but I have studied history of the war and it may be there is no time where this world was not at war. I have found no histories yet that shows what this realm was like before the war, at the least. It would indeed take many shardbearers to start such a thing, I believe... but from the exploits of shardbearers in the past, I think it may be possible.

But I have been reluctant to suggest such an endeavor myself. Not until I knew of interest, at least.

[rangerandking]

I will accompany you if you still wish to approach Solais. You are not alone, my lady, and time is on our side. Even if war should fall upon us, if we do not participate, the forces are greatly diminished.

{He would much rather defend - not attack. Standing alone before a army of foes isn't new to him.}

We are powerful. Our flame shall continue to light this world for good or for ill.

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[gloinul]

About time someone suggested it. I've too many friends on the other side of this war to really care to hurt them.

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[rangerandking]

Then I can count on your support? {He already trusted Gimli would help - as his smile clearly says.}

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[souveraine]

I could not agree more. Those of us who have been taken from our homes share that one common aspect and we cannot be fighting each other.

[With those she knows and care for on the other side, Anne doesn't want to see another world torn apart has Europe so often has been over one war or another between nations.]

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[rangerandking]

Victory for one court would mean pain for everyone. Peace would not follow and regret would make us easier to control.

{Everyone has to find a place to stand. He would die for this cause because he has come to admire those from many worlds.}

There is another option. We are not few.

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[baseborne]

The Cothromach stands apart as best it can already, and offers sanctuary to those called by the Seelie and Unseelie courts alike who do not wish to take up arms. [There are other places too! But Jon probably shouldn't presume to speak for them.]

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[rangerandking]

As it happens, I journey there now. I have been separated from some dear friends for too long. {i.e. the Dwarves - mainly Gimli.} For those who do not wish to fight, it would be a safe respite.

private video... for now.............

[stillhope]

[While he may not fear pain or death, the thought of possibly losing him to this war for attempting to unite both sides is troubling... Though she stands behind both him and what he seems to be proposing. Erring on the side of caution, however, seems to be the best course of action right now - considering she had been drawn in by one court and was currently residing in the other.

She was in a precarious position, having to choose her actions and words wisely lest they come back to hurt her. The temptation to forgo the locket and just hold this conversation in person since he was so close still bubbles beneath the surface... A choice she might make soon enough.

She avoids a more focused approach, how much this war affects them - how being pulled to opposites sides seemed to doom them. It's something she hasn't let herself linger on for long and yet it's unavoidable.]

Do you think a union such as that truly possible?

Private Video {Arrrrweeeen...}

[rangerandking]

{Her counsel is the one he values the most. Even so, there are times when he feels the need - the drive - to follow his heart. Yet no matter how reckless his actions may seem, he plans in steps. Speaking out is just the first step and he knows it might put him in danger.

Royalty does not often take kindly to naysayers. Thus, before replying to her, he ensures the wards are securely in place. He has no desire for backlash to injure Arwen.}

Yes...and no. Some will agree and join the cause whilst others will turn their backs. For those who want to act, I offer open ears.

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[survivra]

You'll not ever find an agreement among all people, if you even have a vision beyond talk of fears and ideals and magic we already know exists.

[ not overly impressed by his speech, but she knows for what he's aiming and agrees—mostly. ]

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[rangerandking]

This is only the beginning. Those who believe as I do are capable of changing much - I put my faith in them. For that reason, I will not speak for them prematurely. Meetings will be organized and all voices will be heard.

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[bythewaves]

They will not listen Isildurchil. I watched the Queens on Samhain - they are so caught up in their private war they care only for the winning and not for their pawns, and so their pawns learn the same. There are too many here who care only for their own perceived glory.

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[rangerandking]

If I cannot appeal to the royalty of this world, I will appeal to its people. Violence will not give us the victory we seek. It may take time, but we have that in abundance.

hits you with both because lol why not Video

[theywhowait]

[ Faramir looks tired and sad, missing Eowyn ]

We are, but my lord knows well how difficult it can be to trust those who are painted as enemies. What would you have me do?

Video -wiggly fingers wants them all-

[rangerandking]

{He loses some of his zeal upon seeing Faramir's face.}

I would have you tell me what ails you.

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[aliased]

I do not fear death either.

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[rangerandking]

I fear your death, Lady Arya.