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

I have no skill in battle, so in that you would be picking up arms where I am not.

War is fought on many fronts, my lady. Do not count your efforts less than those who fight.

And yet, it will be your sword that pierces their chest and not mine.

If need be. I do not relish it. {Unless they're Orcs. Then he relishes it a little bit.}

Then you do as your duty commands. [She struggles with it. Without an emotional reason to do it, she's just finding the politics of it self serving. But then in her own way, Lucrezia is becoming the same.]

We can do no better for those dear to us. {He wishes for far more in times of peace. War limits things so.}

I suppose it would matter little if those dear to us are on the other side. [Should her brother return to her again.]

It does not matter to me. {He will fight for them - with them - nonetheless.}

You don't care who your enemy is? [She tilts her head, questioning him.]

I care who I defend. {There is a difference.}

A noble man then. [And she offers a kind smile.] Though some may argue that knowing your enemy would be beneficial, but I have no skill in battle and cannot attest to that. I would rather have a reason to fight than be a mindless pawn, easy to sacrifice.

I wish to encounter no enemies, but each being is given free choice. {It's nice to know who you battle, but that's not always possible.} On that, we agree, my lady. You should never be a mindless, unquestioning pawn.

And so if another comes with a blade at you, or any other means of weaponry, you will fight. [She finds that honorable, smiling slightly at his answer.]

I find it is too easy to be overlooked if one does not at least question the duties asked-- or even made of them.

[Being forcibly married off for an army will do that to a girl.]

I can fight without ending their life if need be. {But if they seek to end his life or the lives of others, they have made his decision for him.}

Those in power become focused on their desires and forget to give voice to those who hold their tongue.

To injure then-- even if death is not permanent here. [It will at least allow them to return home should the war ever end.]

You speak true. Even if the ends may justify the means, it is the blindness of power that consumes many.

I can take them to a place of safety. {And hopefully change their minds about fighting for greedy or largely unknown causes.}

Such is the nature of Man. {Even Elves and Dwarves aren't immune to it.}

You would do that to a so called enemy? Even with the hostilities between courts and the power the monarchs possess? [He must be a man of strong beliefs, though she is finding more and more less agreeable to the king and queen.]

And so it is here.

[And it truly is a pity. The place she once considered a dream is far too soaked in reality for her comforts.]

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