exsilium | ❦The Days of Old Align Anew [video; ]

[ 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?

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[ See, this is what he had been saying all along. Finally someone to cut through all this Initiative nonsense. Up high, spirit brother. ]

I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine. Details are awfully hard to come by here.

[ A look of skepticism settled within his gaze, but soon it waned. ]

In my understanding, the Initiative has held their tongue for too long.

[ His face darkens momentarily, as if overtaken by a brief storm. ]

Hence my suggestion we not so readily take their promises or their leadership for granted.

Edited 2012-12-26 06:13 (UTC)

Willing? Among those of the Initiative? Not many. We are better off searching for our own answers than to ask for them.

[ The ranger arched his brow once this hooded stranger appeared. It would seem that his message has intrigued even those who would linger amongst the shadows. ]

Then where shall we begin? This land is vast and plentiful in its secrets. With no clues, we'll be searching within the dark.

Their promises ring silent within my ears and hallow within my heart.

[ A frown crosses his face. ]

It would be unwise to bite the hands that feeds, but are we truly eager to serve a nameless master? I would hope not.

I cannot blindly fight a war when I still have unanswered concerns.

[ Ah, finally. A promising candidate. Prestor nods his weary agreement. ]

If only all present thought the matter over so thoroughly. But as it stands, most are content to simply accept their lot, what they are told, what they must do.

Disappointing.

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?

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.

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.

[ Curiously: ]

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

[ That comment silenced him momentarily. ]

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

[ 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.

If so, then I am no king.

[ A slight pause. ]

...Not yet.

I can tell you what I've seen for myself, but I highly doubt the Initiative will give you any more than they have to.

[ 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.

They claim it is because our very homes are in danger. That is our initiative to fight.

[She doesn't look so taken by that truth.]

Besides that, the United Earth will destroy us anyway. They have dropped explosives on our heads and attempted to choke us with gas. Their soldiers tried to kill us.

I would like to say that I fight for our survival, not for any one cause.

Aragorn, son of Arathorn, hmm? How interesting.

I'll speak! What do you mean, efforts? You mean what have we done so far to beat the other guys?

Pretty sure the Initiative feels we don't need to know more the pure basics. Why trifle the menial labor with details like objectives or the full story, after all.

[ And here we go again. Takegami stifles his sigh of annoyance and instead just offers to answer everything he can. So have a rather glammed up Japanese guy on the screen, with a slightly clipped accent and wearing enough jewelry to open his own shop. ]

I do hope you are not trying to recruit for another army. There are several recruiters out there and we do not have need for more.

But if it is answers you wish, I can provide what I can. Mind, most of what I know comes from being here for only ten months and is not considered that much information at all.

[ Yes, he is a little snarky about it. He just is getting tired of this. ]

[ At last, someone with the willingness to speak. While he had hoped to hear from the Initiative themselves, this woman shall do for now. Aragorn just needed an idea of what they're dealing with. ]

Then speak as freely as you wish.

Interesting, indeed.

[ See that smile of his? He's doing his best not to chuckle. ]

In truth, I don many names, Elza. Yet, I was born "Aragorn" but renamed "Estel".

[ It's then that Aragorn arched his brow somewhat when this strange woman appeared upon the screen. She had skin as pale as ash, and hair darker than night. However what stood out to him was the set of small amber horns that matched her yellow eyes. ]

Precisely. What sort of efforts have been taken thus far?

[Why yes, there is what appears to be a talking bear on the video screen, giving Aragorn a friendly wave!]

Hi! I'm Po! I've been here a little while so I can help. Well, then I went home for a bit, and then I came back! But it still counts.

The Initiative wants our help in fighting the bad guys!

[And that's the only reason Po needs, as far as he's concerned. It's what a hero does!]

And we know they're the bad guys because they tried to make us explode! It was really scary!

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❦The Days of Old Align Anew [video; ]

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