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.

{/}

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The taint of Mordor will soon be but a memory... {And that's, partially, a problem.} There are shadows in the future under my son's reign. King Thranduil told me of them.

There is always Shadow. [ Faramir nods ] If not Sauron, no doubt another will rise to take his place. This is, after all, Arda Marred. But your son will endure, I am sure, as did his father.

{His silence probably isn't comforting, but he nods.} There is much I need to teach him. The years are long between now and then. Men do not have the memories of Elves or Dwarves.

We do not, but, father said, that was why we write things down, eh? And Eowyn would say, that was why they employ the King's Bard. To remind us of things that we might otherwise forget.

To read of a war; to hear a song written about it is not the same as experiencing it first-hand. The fear is distant - imagined - instead of a physical sensation.

Tis true - but tis all we have, eh? We must make do, with the elves all sailing.

I implore you to share your tales, Faramir, and I shall share mine.

[ A grin ]

I rather think you have far more tales to tell than me, Aragorn. But if you wish for stories of growing up in Minas Tirith I can do so.

Each tale is precious and should not be forgotten. {He smiles warmly.} Thank you, mellon.

For my king I would do anything he asked of me.

[ Shyly ] For my friend and brother, I would do more.

I would not ask you to do that which made you uncomfortable. {Even as a King.} I shall not take advantage of your loyalty and I encourage you to speak freely.

I know. [ He bows his head ] It is for that reason that I would go anywhere and do anything you ask, for I know you will never abuse it.

Our friendship matters more to me than our duties. {Though the duties are important.} A Steward of Gondor shares many of the same roles as a King. We would be poor indeed if we fought.

[ A pleased smile ] I am glad, for I value that friendship highly. I do not expect that we will always agree, but I am sure we will find ways to reach common ground.

I promise you my temper shall not rule my reason. Your words will reach me and each decision will be made as a whole; not a half.

Your temper never has, and I am sure that will continue to be so. I will do my best not to dissapoint!

You cannot disappoint. {Failings are inevitable, but certain kinds of pride are unshakable.} Any failings of Gondor or her people are shared by her King and Queen.

Flattery. [ Faramir flushes, pleased ] But if strength you see in me, I have had good teachers.

You have a strength beyond that of your father and brother. Your heart will see you safely to the right decision; that I trust.

[ Another pleased duck of his head ]

You flatter me. I do the best I can, as I have been taught - by their example, and yours.

I was not around nearly enough to set an example. {But he intends to change that.}

But what I have seen and read is plenty. [ Faramir retorts cheerfully ] Although I look forwards to many more lessons to come.

Edited 2015-02-06 13:10 (UTC)

What have you read? I should like to correct any misconceptions. {Mostly teasing.}

Ah, you would ask me to reveal my grandfather's own notes? For shame! [ Two can play at that game ]

I assure you grandfather was most proper.

I remember him well. {He was a Man Aragorn felt comfortable leaving on the throne.} I was grieved to hear of his passing.

{Though much of his best qualities have been reborn in Faramir.}

I do fear he was biased, however. {But only because they were friends.}

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