{Video}

[rangerandking]

{Open to Both Courts}

{It's easier to dress like a Ranger in the midst of battle. Aragorn is unharmed - even some Elves cannot match his skill with a sword - but he looks tired. For the time being he is camping under a rocky outcropping, his sword across his lap as he cleans it of filth.}

Our time runs short. Will we let this world separate us and bend us to its will or will we look beyond our differences and stand together?

I have spoken of such a possibility before and my hope has not dwindled. Animosity will not serve us - nor will contempt.

{He breathes out and returns his sword to its sheathe.}

I ask for compassion and if you wonder how it will serve you, you need only imagine a future where you need not look over your shoulder warily as you travel this land.

{His words are strong and he is fighting to remain undaunted, but he can see a rift growing. The monarchy have chosen the members of their courts well - those with turbulent pasts - and he knows there will always be a strong reaction when it comes to ideas of compassion and peace.}

{/}

{Closed to Arwen.}

I am weary of heart and body. I say I have not lost hope - {But...} There are many questions I cannot answer. How can I reassure everyone that we have the strength to defend ourselves against the Fae?

I want to believe we do; I want to see peace come to both courts...

My dreams are restless. There is no clear path that I can see.

{/}

Comments

video. private.

[rangerandking]

I thought to give them a chance, but they do nothing to ease the conflicts and unease that exist between their courts. Perhaps we are nothing more than pawns to them - I do not particularly care. My heart lies with those that feel they have no choice but to take up arms.

{If the war cannot be stopped, he can give guidance instead.}

I have been better.

video. private.

[gloinul]

Funny, thought your heart lay with a pretty lass.

[Gimli no]

Haven't we all, though? Hopefully this nonsense drilling will be done soon and we can get on with ignoring this so-called war.

video. private.

[rangerandking]

{It's nice to smile and he's grateful for Gimli's quip.}

My heart is large. {Too large for his own good sometimes. All of the time.}

War becomes...tiresome. {He's phrasing that way too nicely.} I try to turn my back on it, but then it touches those dear to me.

video. private.

[gloinul]

Too large, one might say.

[Yeah, he knows. He knows just how large Aragorn's heart can be.]

That does not mean you have to get involved, Aragorn, or at least not directly. But I know you. You would anyway.

video. private.

[rangerandking]

Rather too large than too small. {He knows Gimli suffers from the same...ailment? Not that he sees it that way.} There will be death and suffering - not unlike the misery we experienced in Middle Earth. I cannot, in good conscience, stand aside.

video. private.

[gloinul]

[Sometimes it is]

Of course not! But you do not have to get involved with the fighting. You in particular have more skills than slicing down foes.

video. private.

[rangerandking]

I have considered training... {He shrugs and takes a swig from a water skin.} I will go where I am needed most.

video. private.

[gloinul]

Of course you will. I would think worse of you if you did not.

video. private.

[rangerandking]

That I cannot abide.