ｖｉｄｅｏ.

[matre]

Ah!

[ her little exclamation of surprise has all the delight of a child discovering something new. vanozza looks off-camera for a moment to someone who remains unseen as if to say, "Look! I did it!" her broad smile settles into something more controlled when she returns to the tablet.

vanozza has her dark hair plaited back. she wears her red silks again, dry now, for she knew she was to address the network. a rosary lies around her neck, the cross tucked into the bosom of her gown. ]

What a curious toy! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Vanozza. [ her family name she withholds. she knows not who may be listening. ]

As I am sure we are all occupied, I will make this brief: I require a seamstress from whom to commission several gowns. I have one with me that may serve as a template.

A maid, too, to assist me with daily chores. Nothing difficult, I assure you. Matter of payment can be arranged after meeting.

[ her son will be vetting applicants fyi. ]

Lastly, directions to a church. A chapel will be as welcome. [ she only seeks the peace of one. her son is a cardinal; her sins are forgiven. ]

So many youths gathered here. [ she had again looked off-camera, her smile fond, before speaking. as she returns her attention to the tablet, the smile adopts a wry turn. ] Perhaps I should be honored to be an exception.

Comments

[matre]

[ here is a different face. vanozza's eyes widen a little before schools her expression. ]

A lesson that must be learned the hard way. With enthusiasm and vigor comes the belief of immortality.

[inafadingcrown]

[The corners of her mouth twitch upwards as she enjoys the irony of that.]

Or the belief of invulnerability, leastwise. A rather dangerous delusion in times of war.

[matre]

Yet would they be so bold if not for it? Disillusionment can be even more dangerous, I have found.

[ she smiles as if imparting some great secret between old friends. ] Let them be bold. And hope they know to listen.

[inafadingcrown]

[Absolutely charming. Galadriel approves.] Spoken as one with much experience. Have you children of your own, lady?

[matre]

[ though her smile remains the same, a little tightness comes around her eyes. she gives a small assenting nod. ]

And one here with me. [ a mixed blessing. ]

[inafadingcrown]

[And that is something Galadriel understands well.] As do I.

[matre]

[ vanozza does not linger on dark thoughts. she is all friendly curiosity once more. ]

A son or a daughter?

[inafadingcrown]

A daughter- Celebrían is her name. [A beat. She hasn't introduced herself yet, has she?] And mine is Galadriel.

[matre]

What beautiful names, Lady Galadriel. [ thank you spanish background that name rolls off her tongue so easily. she thinks lucrezia would love this woman, and feels a pang for her daughter. ] I have not heard their like before. Like music.

What do they mean in your language?

[inafadingcrown]

You are kind to say so. They have always been close to my heart. [She would scarcely be an elf is she did not think such things important.] My own name means "Maiden crowned with a radiant garland" and Celebrían would translate as "Silver Queen."

[matre]

You must have been born with a halo. Else your name proved prophetic.

[inafadingcrown]

[A soft laugh] The name was given to me by my husband, in fact. At birth, I was called Artanis- "noble woman."

[In a different language, but that's beside the point.]

[matre]

Ah. [ that is so precious :') ] I rather like "Galadriel."

[inafadingcrown]

I have always thought it beautiful, sentimentality aside. [Because, let's be real, half the reason she loves it so much is because Celeborn was the one who gave it to her.]

But your name is lovely as well, and like few I have heard.

[matre]

A pity I have no story to share like yours.

[ rodrigo never gave her a name like that :| ]

[inafadingcrown]

Oh, I am quite certain you have tales enough of your own. [You seem like an interesting woman. You're too charming not to be.]

[matre]

I fear I may have lost what storytelling skill I once had. I've not had to tell any since my children were very young.

[inafadingcrown]

You must wait until you have grandchildren; you will regain it swiftly enough.

[matre]

Then it seems I am in luck. My grandson and I can learn from each other.

[inafadingcrown]

And a grandmother also! I had begun to fear that I would be alone in that throughout my stay here.

[matre]

I believe we are meant to be friends.

[inafadingcrown]

I hesitate to suggest that fate smiles upon us, given our present circumstances, but perhaps it is not as cruel as it might be.

[matre]

There are always blessings to be found if one will only look. The difficulty lies in knowing them for what they are.

[inafadingcrown]

This blessing, at least, is plain enough. [You have made her day, you have no idea.]

[matre]

[ when she smiles, her entire face changes. ]

You must tell me of your home. I imagine a fantastic place filled with light. Do I strike close?