i. arrival

[borgiararity]

[ There is a lady in flowing renaissance garb wandering down your hallways, Paradisa.

Lucrezia is peeking through doors left ajar and knocking on closed ones. She has stowed her device in her coat pocket and it turns on to catch her muttering timidly through the open doors. ]Pardon me, I have been searching for the--master of this house. Only to

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[inafadingcrown]

[One such door is opened by a very tall lady, dressed in a white medieval-esque gown. And she can't help but be mildly amused at what she hears.]

To thank him, of course. [She truly doubts that.] When first I arrived I sought him for a confrontation and to make demands, but requesting to give thanks is more likely to gain an audience. Still, you will have no more luck than I.

[But the amusement shifts into compassion quickly enough.] You have just arrived, I gather.

[borgiararity]

[ A very tall and beautiful lady who makes the memory of Giulia Farnese pales in comparison. The awe is clear on Lucrezia's face before she offers a meek smile and an insistent nod. ]

Yes, to thank him. He has saved me, I believe, and been so generous as to offer me one of his rooms.

[ She lowers her gaze to salvage what is left of her self-esteem. ]

And yes, I arrived only yesterday.

[inafadingcrown]

Saved you, child? [The concern comes through in her voice. She can't help it; it's in her nature to nurture and this girl seems so lost and so in need of it. But at her last sentence, Galadriel gives a little nod and what she hopes is a comforting smile.]

Then explanations as well as introductions are in order. Mayhaps we should be seated. [And she'll step aside and gesture for Lucrezia to enter. It's hardly hospitable to leave a guest standing in the hallway, after all.]

[borgiararity]

Yes, from a fate worse than-- [ No, she shouldn't be so ungrateful.

She shakes the thought away and nods as she steps inside the room, her eyes wide with wonder. With a grin on her face, she twirls around to face the lady and gesture to herself. ]

I am Lucrezia. Borgia.

[inafadingcrown]

[That is not reassuring, Lucrezia. Her brow furrows a bit before the grin and the twirl banish her worries for the moment. She gives a slight nod in return.]

Well met, Lucrezia. I am Galadriel. [...no last name to give.]

[borgiararity]

Galadriel. [ She pronounces the name with a sigh. ] It is a lovely name for a most beautiful lady.

Does it mean anything?

[inafadingcrown]

I might say the same of your own.

It means "Crowned with a radiant garland," after the manner in which I often wore my hair in my youth. The name was bestowed upon me by my husband.

[borgiararity]

[ She replies with a bashful giggle and steps closer to see the namesake hair. ]

You still are, crowned with a radiant garland. And your husband, what is he like, Galadriel?

[inafadingcrown]

My Lord Celeborn is a fine man- wise beyond measure, valiant when he need be, yet gentle and kind. He is my partner in all things and I would not have it otherwise. [After thousands of years of marriage, she's still very deeply in love and it shows in the way her eyes soften when she speaks of him.]

But you must have questions far more urgent than those regarding my family. [She seats herself on a couch nearby and gestures beside her, inviting Lucrezia to do the same.] Though I will answer those as well, if you wish.

[borgiararity]

[ She beams as Galadriel sings him praises. ]

Perhaps, perhaps not. I would rather hear about your family, if you would tell me. [ But she takes a seat beside her nevertheless, arranging her skirt around her as she does. ]

Where are we?

[inafadingcrown]

You are far more collected than I was when first I arrived. [Her expression is a mixture of curiosity and admiration.] But very well, I will answer what you wish. Would you have me speak of my daughter? Of my grandchildren?

As to the second matter, both the castle and the world itself are called "Paradisa" by those here. You will find no master of this house, I fear. It seems to govern itself, through some magic beyond my ken.

[borgiararity]

Perhaps I do not regret my departure as readily as you. [ The smile on her face is still bright, laced with a secret. ] You have grandchildren? And you are still so young.

There is magic in paradise. [ She takes a few strands of her hair and twirls it around her finger. ] Is there death, too?

[inafadingcrown]

Perhaps. [It's a familiar look, one that is currently reflected on her own face.] Let this be your first lesson, Lucrezia. Judge not on appearances, for much here is not as it seems. I am far older than I look, for my kind does not age in the manner of Men.

[She brushes her own hair behind her pointed ears.] I am of the Eldar, "elves" in the common tongue, and my years number well over eight thousand. Yes, there is magic here, but it is no paradise. Death there is also, but it is not lasting. It is unnatural.

[borgiararity]

[ The wonder is clear on her face. ] Elves. I should call you an angel. Your name is akin to an angel's and you are the loveliest.

[ She ventures a hand reaching out to brush her fingers against the golden strands. ] Does that mean you will never die, Galadriel?

[inafadingcrown]

[She laughs] Nay, I am no angel, though you are quite kind to say so.

[Oh, Lucrezia, you are so charming and sweet that she will allow you to touch that famous hair of hers.] None of my kind will die, unless we are slain or fade from grief. We are bound to the land of Arda and will there remain until the unmaking of the world.

[borgiararity]

[ She replies with a grin, her eyes dropping to where her fingers brush against the infamous hair. ] Soft.

So time has no bearing on you while grief-- you must never be unhappy then, Galadriel. I shall do my utmost to keep you so.