VIDEO | SEELIE + HERMIONE-NET (backdated to the 25th)

[aslandish]

[ The video opens to the woodlands surrounding Caer Glaem. Aslan rests not to far away from a shrine to the White Hart, which is visible in the distance.

His expression is grave, indeed, but his address is made with poise. ]

To those of you to whom I have never spoken, greetings. My name is Aslan, and I arrived in the drabwurld approximately a year and a half ago by this world's reckoning.

I speak to you now, to those who may be unaware, of events that may be coming in the near future.

Earlier this month, I dreamed a dream like unto the visions that came to a number of individuals at the turn of last year. In my dream, I saw great beasts made of metal ravaging the lands with fire. They destroyed everything in their path, and the light of their eyes glowed like unto the very Shards we bear.

I cannot say when, but I believe this vision will come to pass.

I give this warning so that you might not fear, but prepare.

The End comes, and we must be ready to meet it.

[ He lets his words sink in a moment, then- ]

Be well, all of you.

[ With that, he ends the feed. ]

---

[ ooc: Please check out Aslan's permissions post if you would like him to know your character, and make a note in your tag so I know to look! c: ]

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[aslandish]

Gilgamesh.

[ A soft answer. He has known it would come to this, had a sense of it ever since his audience with Ridire when a great many things were made clear to him.

He does not begrudge Gilgamesh his island, nor is he as hard-nosed about it as Solais. Did he not, after all, help those who wished to save Mount Verla, at their request?

He cannot do the same now, not with things veering so close, with other dangers looming near, but he will not wish the other ill. ]

Life goes out of the world even as we speak. Those who tend the shrines of the White Hart have told me so, and though by my power and the power of others, the taint of the Jabberwhelp was undone, this is something far larger in scale.

[ He brought his own world into existence, maintained it for many long years, but even his power is not enough to bring about the life, death, and rebirth of countless universes. ]

I do not begrudge your efforts, your wish to save that which is precious to you, but the world itself is at the end of its lifespan.

This place is the beginning, the source of all that ever was or shall be, the breath and scope of who and what we are included. It is not our place to judge, but rather to be as true to ourselves as we are able.

The Void brings destruction, but in the twilight hour, when all is still and dark, a new day will rise out of the ashes.

[ Aslan does not need to see. He always knows, and though it may be a small comfort, he will offer what he can. ]

When all of this is over, I would tell you the story I shared the last time we spoke. Every chapter, from beginning to end.

[ Their paths may be diverging, but the bond they share is still something Aslan cherishes; he'll not destroy it, especially not now, at the End of All Things. ]

[babbylon]

It should not be this way.

[His voice cracks. He sounds like a child now. He hates it.]

I know it in my bones; I understand it, the laws of destruction and rebirth, engraved into my very blood. But there's so much I fought for, so much I've accomplished, so much I've yet to accomplish—I am loathe to give it up. I wanted it more than anything.

[Why is he not nearby? There's no convenient fur to bury himself in. He hates that, too.]

I wanted to be a hero. Instead, there is only hell in my wake. What misery! What gloom! Such wretched righteousness tomorrow brings!

[aslandish]

My friend.

[ Softly, gently. Words he knows Gilgamesh will not use, but he does now, just the same. Perhaps it is because they are so close to the end now, he does away with all formalities. ]

You have accomplished much in the short time since your arrival. Your accomplishments, your valor, the connections you have forged with those you have met along the way -- these things are not rendered meaningless or without effect because the End is now upon us.

It is by fire that we are tried, through fire that we are purified, and made stronger than we were before.

You are the hero of your garden that you always wished to be.

All may be darkness and shadows to you now, but the morning never comes until the darkest hour has passed.

Whatever path you choose, do not fear, and do not stumble.

[babbylon]

We are not friends.

[But it is apparent in his dismal tone that even Gilgamesh no longer believes it. That even if he disagrees, he loves his fellow king to the very end.]

If what you speak of comes to pass, I would spend my final moments with you. I would die at your side. You need only ask for me.

[aslandish]

[ Aslan knows he doesn't. It's why he said it. ]

We began this journey together.

[ So long ago now to him with the passage of time that brought Narnia to its end, but he remembers it well. ]

I would end it in the same way.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh definitely isn't crying. If you think you heard any of it just now, Aslan, you're mistaken.]

[aslandish]

[ Oh, Gilgamesh. It wasn't his intention to cause you such sorrow.

Some time later, wherever Gilgamesh may be, Aslan will find him. ]