memory/video- open to all courts

[inafadingcrown]

[A dark tower looms before the owner of this memory, filling the screen of the locket-as it had filled her vision- but only for an instant. There is no time to stand and contemplate it. There is too much that must still be done.

The last vestiges of battle still rage around her, the sound of steel and the singing of bows echoing in her ears. But a quick scan over the battlefield reveals that she nears the end of it. Only a small number of Sauron’s soldiers- orcs and other foul creatures- remain. The rest lie dead or dying, slain by the combined armies of Mirkwood and Lórien

The video settles on two men, both unmistakably commanders. The first man, for those who know him, is easily recognizable as Thranduil. But it’s the second man who is the focus here- tall, strong, with handsome features and silver hair that can just barely be seen around the edges of his helm. He turns to look at the viewer and gives a solemn nod, communicating without saying a single word.

It is time.

With slow, deliberate steps, she moves forward, coming to a halt once she has positioned herself directly in front of the tower. Then and only then does Galadriel speak, her calm, clear voice ringing with power.

The words will be strange to most; there are not many in the Drabworld who speak Sindarin, after all. But, as it so often is with elven tongues, the meaning of her words somehow remain clear. With utter confidence and certainty, she declares her mastery over the tower, dissolving the fell magic that has seeped into the very stones of the building.

And the tower listens.

She raises her arms in one final, dramatic, gesture and the walls of the tower begin to crumble and collapse upon themselves. In only a moment, nothing remains but a pile of rubble and a cloud of settling dust.

The memory fades to the sound of cheers.]

Comments

video.

[impeaches]

I find myself promising not to get upon your bad side, my lady.

video.

[inafadingcrown]

[She makes no attempt to hide her amusement.] Fortunately, very few have given me cause for such drastic measures. Unless you intend to wage war against me, you need not worry.

video.

[impeaches]

I would hardly think to, lady. I wage war on wrong doers, not gentle queens.

[inafadingcrown]

You would call me 'gentle' still, after what you have seen? [Not that she minds, but it's a bit incongruous.]

[impeaches]

A woman can be gentle and yet still be stern and strong when necessary.

[inafadingcrown]

You are generous in your assumptions- not wrong, if I may flatter myself to say so- but generous all the same.

[impeaches]

I would like to think I do nothing but speak the truth, generous or not.

[inafadingcrown]

A claim few can boast, in my experience.

[impeaches]

I'm afraid boasting might be a fault of mine, my lady.

[inafadingcrown]

It is a common fault and, fortunately, one that is not terribly difficult to forgive.

[impeaches]

Then I hope you will continue to forgive my lack of modesty. As I told a friend, once - kings must have some faults.

[inafadingcrown]

[Her eyes crinkle in amusement.] I have known enough kings in my time to be certain of that.

[impeaches]

I hope to be one of the best for you to know, then.

[inafadingcrown]

A fine ambition to have. But I will warn you, I have high expectations of a king, coming from a royal line myself.

[impeaches]

I am sure, of anyone, I would be most like to fill them all, my lady.

[inafadingcrown]

Your confidence suits you well. Might I ask your name? I would do well to remember it, it seems. [There's just a hint of a teasing lilt to her tone.]

[impeaches]

I thank you for that kindness, truly. To give my full title... Well. Renly of House Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. [ He laughs. ] I don't expect you to use it or remember it.

[inafadingcrown]

[That is quite a mouthful, isn't it?] Will 'King Renly' suffice, then, for most occasions? [Best to ask. Titles are complicated enough when you are only dealing with multiple cultures. Multiple worlds is sure to trip things up.]

[impeaches]

My lady, anything coming from you would be more than enough, I'm sure. [ Flirtatious? Renly? Hardly. Never. ] You may call me whatever is most comfortable for you. I must admit that I may no longer be considered a king - death does remove one's right, I think.

[inafadingcrown]

[Ah- this is a situation for which there is no established etiquette. Fortunately, (or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint), it's not the first time she's experienced something of the kind since her arrival in the Drabworld, so it's not as awkward as it might have been. She settles on a respectful bow of her head.]

I am truly sorry to hear of your circumstances, my lord.

[impeaches]

[ He lifts a shoulder, doing nothing more than offering a soft smile. ]

It's quite alright. I have come to accept it, my lady.

[inafadingcrown]

Then you show great strength already. [It would be easy to give in to despair, under those circumstances. Or so she imagines.]

But I have not yet introduced myself; you must forgive me for that. [She gives another little nod of her head.] I am the Lady Galadriel, formerly of Lothlórien.

[impeaches]

It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady Galadriel. Your name is as beautiful as your face, to be sure.

[inafadingcrown]

[A chuckle] You seem determined to flatter me, my lord.

[impeaches]

I'm sure you're aware that I mean it not as flattery but as truth well spoken.