video; open to both courts

[psalmed]

Someone told me once that it is not a sword that will change the world, but words.

[The locket picture is a bit askew. It's set on a table like a dressing mirror, showing a blonde woman sitting, the beads of a rosary flowing over her fingers.]

Then again someone else swore to me it was our duty as ladies to pray for those who kept us safe. Who fought and died for our country. It is the same concept, is it not? That wars are won and lost over words.

[Enough waxing philosophical for now, probably. It's time to face facts and there's still a polite, pretty smile on her lips even if she can't quite mask the concern in her gaze.]

It has been explained to me already but I must admit I still find it puzzling. There is no one better to explain a situation than the people living it so I beg a moment of your time. What is hoped to be gained by this or feared lost? What is needed of the people here and what might I do to make myself of use in a greater effort?

[A quick duck of her head, polite, and she glances up again as she reaches for the locket.]

I thank you most deeply for your consideration.

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Text, permaprivate

[psalmed]

The people whom have an interest in if battles are fought by the sword or by our words. A King and his page may have the same interest in something which affects their country so deeply, even if they do not have the same investment.

[gordianknots]

So fellow shardbearers and the populace of this world proper. The monarchs, it seems to be, gave up on the talking it out option a long time ago.

[psalmed]

Sometimes I do believe there are no ways around war and the resultant bloodshed but sometimes one hopes. One can also gain an idea of the climate based on the thoughts of a variety of people.

[gordianknots]

In my experience, there's always a third option. Even here, and even if it's been hidden.

Of course, the climate you'll find is nothing short of hostile and divided. War's running red hot and there's anti-shardbearer sentiment among those that live here that does nothing to help.

[psalmed]

A hidden third option? How promising that would be.

There are levels of hostile and divided, I have found. It makes it quite the challenge but not an impossibility to resolve matters. Then again when loyalties are so divided, it might be no reasonable side is victorious.

[gordianknots]

A goal worth striving for.

You've come in at a bad time. Ten months ago, things were calmer, the war wasn't on in earnest, and there wasn't so much ill will brimming at the surface. Then again, it isn't like either side has been victorious yet in slaughtering the other en masse.