eachdraidh | {Video}

{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.

{/}

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ /sprays with water bottle ]

I don't know if I can be as optimistic about it anymore.

[ Being in the path of the approaching army does that to a person. ]

All you can do is what you think is best. We will see the end to this conflict. {He has to believe that.}

What I'd really like to do is lock the queens in a room and make them work things out, but unfortunately that's not an option.

{She surprises him into a chuckle.}

What would become of the room, I wonder? Without an able-bodied - and magically strong - negotiator, only pieces of it would be left behind.

They can't hurt each other without hurting themselves, or so I was told. They're sisters.

[ Even just thinking about that makes her frustration ebb away into sadness. ]

Family shouldn't be at such odds. {It's sad to think about, but he has to think more about those caught between the sisters.} If only their parents could intervene.

If they didn't start them on this path to begin with. Still, when you believe in your cause with all of your being -- and I think both queens do -- it can be difficult to... compromise.

The tension will mount and then... {Yes. A war.} My sword will defend you and anyone else who finds themselves in peril. It is all we can do to lessen the brutality.

[ She wants to believe that. She does. But experience in this world is making her more and more jaded.

Still, Ariadne offers him a slight, somewhat sad smile. ] We'll see.

Action speaks louder than words.

And what actions do you plan on taking?

I will fight and aid others in finding solace where it manages to linger.

But what will you fight?

Those who seek to harm my friends and my family; those out for blood with no reason behind their attacks and perhaps even those who serve the courts solely.

Planning on stopping the upcoming march, then?

I will go where I am needed.

Do you always answer questions this vaguely?

Let's try another one -- what's your name?

I cannot say where my path will lead me. A war is unpredictable at best.

I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn.

Ariadne. [ And various Drabwurld titles that she's still weird about unless she needs them. ]

Well met, Lady Ariadne. {He has more titles than he can say in one breath - and that's not including his other names.} I pray you survive this war and see better days.

Thank you. So do I -- and the same to you.

Ni 'lassui. Galu. {"Thank you. Good luck." His eyes sparkle somewhat playfully. More people need to learn Elvish!}

[ Hey, it's not her fault Maglor's been teaching her Quenya and not Sindarin. ]

And whatever that was to you, too.

{Sindarin is far more useful. Goodness, Maglor. Stop being so ancient.}

Thank you and good luck, my lady.

[ He's learning French in exchange and everything. Clearly getting the better end of the deal. ]

Well then definitely that back to you.

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