Video/Action; pretend this was posted at a normal hour

[inafadingcrown]

[The video feed flips on, focusing (after a few seconds of jostling around) on Galadriel, sitting on the steps of the Initiative Hold, her sheathed sword beside her. Having just finished training, she’s attired appropriately, wearing a simple dress and with her hair braided and wound about her head- displaying those pointed ears quite prominently for those who might have missed them before.]

I grow weary of the constant grey here. It is overlong since I have heard a running stream or seen the sunlight filtered through the forest canopy.

Tell me, those of you who have journeyed outside this city: does greenery yet remain in this world? It would do my heart well even to hear of it.

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[Ah, another voice she recognizes. There's a light smile in response.] And who could not be comforted by such a reassurance? You do not strike me as one whose determination is to be taken lightly.

[ladyspitfire]

[She laughs lightly.]

That's true enough, my lady. I have to say I miss the countryside. The town, as small as it is, feels too crowded for me.

[inafadingcrown]

I am accustomed to living within a city, but it is a city of a different sort; Caras Galadhon lies within the heart of my Golden Woods, built into the branches of the Mallorn trees. [She glances away from the tablet, into the city.] I find it troubling to feel so disconnected from the land.

[ladyspitfire]

[Her tone is thoughtful when she speaks.]

You truly remind me of the Dalish, Lady Galadriel. They are much more connected to the earth and to nature, though they no longer live in cities after what the humans have done to them. I can appreciate their love of the wild. I can see why you would feel disconnected from it, being in a place like this.

[inafadingcrown]

[And that rings a bell with her.] The Dalish... I have heard the term before, from a rather charming young elf. Merril, was her name, I believe. Do you know of her?

As for my people, it is said our souls are bound to the land itself and this is why we do not age as Men; we will walk the earth until Arda itself is unmade.

[ladyspitfire]

I know...of her and we've met briefly, but I did not meet here back in my home. She is one of the Dalish. She seems very sweet.

[And scatterbrained. It's cute.]

Arda?

[inafadingcrown]

She does. [Adorable. You don't meet that many Tolkien elves who are that enthusiastic. Age tends to beat that down.]

It is the Elvish name for my world- most you meet will call it simply "Middle-Earth." It is not precisely the same, but it is close enough for our purposes.

[ladyspitfire]

What is the real meaning of your word?

[inafadingcrown]

It includes also Valinor, the Undying Lands, whereas the term "Middle-Earth" does not. I do not think there is a word for the whole in the common tongue, for mortals have little reason to speak of it.

[ladyspitfire]

Why wouldn't they? Do they not know of your home, or are they so far separated from those like you that they are not permitted to know it?

[inafadingcrown]

They know of the Undying Lands, certainly, but only as one knows of something distant and unattainable- they are closed to them, with rare exception.

Thus, when they speak of our world,"Middle-Earth" suffices for them, more oft than not.