Forward dated to June 2; video

[inafadingcrown]

[The woman who appears on the screen is sitting on the floor of a forest in what is obviously a makeshift camp. The chirping of birds and the faint sounds of horses can be heard in the background. Her first message is short and simple, open to everyone (though, admittedly, there are a few who she is particularly hoping to hear from).]


I am curious;  how many of you hail from Arda? When did you see it last?

For those who do not, tell me something of your world, if you will. I have time enough for a tale or two.

[Locked to Seelie]

Gi suilon. I am known to some of you already; for those to whom I am not, I will offer a short introduction. [She gives a little nod of her head- not a bow, but still with a slightly formal air.] I am Galadriel, formerly of Lothlórien.

I regret very much that I am not able to offer my greetings in person to those of you who have newly arrived, but, alas, circumstances necessitate my presence elsewhere.

Regardless of my absence, I would offer you- and those who have been longer in this world- use of the lembas and miruvor I received as a boon. Lembas, for those who are unaware, are Elven waybread. My supply of these is dwindling and even a little will provide nourishment for days, so I ask that you take only at need and sparingly. Miruvor is healing cordial, though it may also be used simply to renew strength. Of this I have more, but, again, do not use it needlessly. Both the lembas and the miruvor I keep in my quarters; my maid is likely to be about and able to show you to it. If not, you may contact me and I will find a way to make arrangements.

Upon my return, I will no doubt meet many of you for myself and I will be glad to offer what assistance I may, for I know well that this place may be frightening and strange, however welcoming our hosts may mean to be. Until then, keep well.

[Locked to Maglor]

[Ordinarily, she would deem this unnecessary, but she does know that he was traveling recently. And it's best he know as soon as possible.]

I do not know if you have heard, cousin, but yet another kinsman has found his way to this world.

Comments

video;

[inafadingcrown]

[Galadriel might have said something about doubting that there was nothing of note, but as Alice continues she thinks better of it.]

Then I will be glad that you have found your way to this place, pity though it is that you did so during a time of war.

video;

[digophelia]

Indeed it is, but life is a series of unfortunate circumstances, much like this.

[She's cynical and she still stands by her sentiment. She would rather be here than London any day.]

[inafadingcrown]

Not all unfortunate, surely? [It's really amazing that Galadriel isn't any more cynical than she is. And it troubles her a bit to hear such a jaded sentiment from one so young.]

[digophelia]

[All she does is shrug. She knows it's a terrible way to think, but it's survival to her. The world is not simple and not of duality to her.]

If it is, I have yet to see it, I confess. But if it is a war, then it is a war. How many empires and countries were formed without them? Or kingdoms? There's no point to fret over it; one must do what they can to survive.

[inafadingcrown]

And how many realms have fallen to war? [It's not that she necessarily disagrees entirely; she knows better than most, when it comes down to it, survival often wins out over sentiments. But that's precisely why one should fret over it.

She pauses, giving the stars a thoughtful glance before turning back to the locket.]

Have you seen battle before, Mistress Liddell?

[digophelia]

I haven't, no.

[ Not in her time, at least. Those wars on British soil are long gone. She must think of Alice as a child even more. ]

But I've seen my fair share of cruelty against innocents.

[inafadingcrown]

I am sorry to hear it. [And she's sincere about that.] Yet it may help you understand what I would say next.

I would simply observe that it is simple to speak of war as the formation of kingdoms, as a force of history, when one has not taken part in it. One does what one must, as you say, but... that is less simple than it sounds.

[No, she doesn't think of Alice as any more of a child than she did before. It's a fortunate thing, to have been spared firsthand knowledge of battle. If anything, she's sorry that Alice won't remain ignorant of it for long, in all likelihood.]