❦The Days of Old Align Anew [video; ]

[thelastking]

[ After much hesitation on his part to address the situation towards those who hold some sort of power here, Aragorn finally decides to step forward and do just that. He honestly believes himself ill fit for such a public role, but he shan't step back and watch from the sidelines anymore.

This may come as a shock for his companions who hail from Middle-earth. Aragorn was hardly the type to step forward and lead, but usually the one forced to lead when no others would. ]

I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and like many of you I've been drafted by the Initiative. Like you and countless others, we've been taken from our realms in order to fight a war not our own.

[ He finally stated once he realized that the tablet was recording. Aragorn possessed very little love for this means of communication, but for now he'll stomach it. Over time he'll realize just how useful these complex devices truly are but until then, he'll simply think of it as a nuisance. ]

We fight for a nameless cause, yet we're given very little initiative to fight on their behalf. While the rebels had been more than...adequate hosts; it would seem that many of us haven't fully explored this world or understand the reason of our plight. Our realms are in jeopardy by a force greater than our own, yet we know very little about our objective.

Therefore, I seek to know more about the efforts taken to achieve the Initiative's goal, and hopefully form a way for us to further our quest.

[ He paused briefly. ]

Is there anyone here willing to speak openly?

Comments

[thelastking]

They believe within the Initiative for there's naught else.

[ He muttered aloud after some thought. ]

Why else would they aligned themselves so freely with forces unbeknown to them?

[deathwarder]

There is the potential that lies within ourselves. I am not without my strengths, and you not without yours. The thought that we need some ragtag bunch of rebels leading us is ridiculous.

[ Shrugging. ]

But ultimately, the choice is with the people who they decide to follow. Those who know better are left to shake their heads in dismay.

[thelastking]

Who are we to fault them when we possess no leadership amongst our own?

[ His stern gaze falters a bit, especially now that he's giving this matter more thought. ]

Their belief within the Initiative is well-founded even if we cannot bring ourselves to be so easily coddled. They must believe that these rebels shall free them of their duty, and fight for the chance to return home.

[ A sigh escaped him. ]

This does not mean that we forsake them.

[deathwarder]

[ Curiously: ]

You speak as though you've led before. They are words I have heard before... from a king.

[thelastking]

[ That comment silenced him momentarily. ]

I have led men through countless battles, but I have yet to lead them to peace.

[deathwarder]

[ Yeah, he has that sort of effect on people. Sometimes literally. ]

A king leads through times of both war and peace. That is what makes him a king—to guide the hearts of the people, whenever he might need them.

[thelastking]

If so, then I am no king.

[ A slight pause. ]

...Not yet.

[deathwarder]

[ This prompts a knowing smile. ]

Born of destiny, are we? But can you live up to their expectations, I wonder? For that matter, can anyone? Can a king call himself such when he is no more a man than those he rules?

The complications of leadership are truly endless.

[thelastking]

These complications are only minor at best, more like a riddle that has yet to be solved.

[ Aragorn isn't very fond of that all-knowing smile. ]

For one who knows so much of kings; you seem rather hesitant to give a name.

[deathwarder]

I suppose that depends upon who you ask.

[ In response to the veiled accusation, Prestor gives a subservient bow of his head. ]

I come from humble enough means, I did not find it worth mentioning. But most simply know me as Prestor, a lord of Alterac and a servant of His Majesty, King Terenas. So you see, I am quite accustomed to royal affairs.

[thelastking]

[The name "Prestor" rings rather hollow within his ears, and stir no emotion from him. It's a name his utterly unfamiliar with along with this land of Alterac. Aragorn knows nothing of King Terenas or his vassal, but he does realize that Prestor's worth might be greater than that of any king.

There's something different about this man, something that Aragorn couldn't quite understand. ]

Is this why you seem so familiar with would-be kings and dynasts alike?

[deathwarder]

[ Then Aragorn is wise man indeed. ]

I suspect the world we are drawn from is not so different, sir. That is all.