Neder

[inafadingcrown]

[Room 304 has undergone quite a few changes. Most noticeably, it’s not really so much of a room anymore, as it is its own little world.

Anyone who enters will find themselves in a beautiful old forest, surrounded by Mallorn trees, their golden leaves shining as the starlight hits them. And starlight it is, for there is no moon. But it should not be

Comments

ahhhhhhh lateeeee

[payback]

[This would be one of the few rooms Rin is interesting in venturing into.

She's close to the entrance, though, staring with fascination and hesitation at the surroundings. She's intensely curious, but... this feels like an invasion. She's waving as to whether she'll leave.]

[payback]

[Indeed, Rin follows obediently, looking around at the woods as she does. Galadriel's mind feels peaceful and strong, in contrast to Rin's own lonely inner world.]

I would like to. [She nods, at the question. It might be her only chance.]

[inafadingcrown]

[She'll take Rin just a little further, then, and stand her on the beach directly in front of the distant shores. This area of Galadriel's mind feels slightly different: still calm and tranquil, but it has a kind of sadness to it.]

I have not seen those shores since first I left them.

[payback]

[Rin squints over the water, at the brilliant light of the trees which reflects off the waves...]

Are those...?

[inafadingcrown]

I have told you of them. I had almost forgotten. Yes, those are the Two Trees of Valinor: Telperion and Laurelin.

[Even from this distance, you can feel them. They're beyond sacred-warm and full of life. And Rin may recognize the feeling. It's said that the light of the Trees is echoed faintly in the faces of those born under them and Galadriel is no exception.]

[payback]

[Rin stands watching, her face still. More than anything - it reminds her of the tree Alexstrasza made, and the feeling that comes from the Life-Binder's presence.]

... Have you ever met someone named Alexstrasza?

[inafadingcrown]

I have. Indeed, when first we met I was reminded rather strongly of she who sang the Trees into existence: Yavanna, Queen of the Earth.

[payback]

These remind me of the tree she grew here...

[inafadingcrown]

It is something of the same feeling. I had not thought-[But she shakes her head and cuts herself off.]

I should not be surprised. Different though they may be, our worlds share much.

[payback]

[Curiosity caught -] Thought what?

[inafadingcrown]

[Just a little wistful.] I had not thought to experience it again in my lifetime.

Nor, in truth, had I thought to once again feel the presence of one such as the Lady Alexstrasza. Our acquaintance is an honor unsought for and unexpected.

[payback]

[Rin nods slowly. And lapses into silence for a moment. That was a quite personal question, in retrospect.]

It's really nice... that she's around. Her world is lucky she's there.

[inafadingcrown]

They are. May they not forget it.

[That may have sounded a little darker than she had intended. There's a part of her that's amazed Alexstrasza will speak with her at all, so similar is she to those who had enforced her exile. She lightens her tone and turns to Rin.]

Your world has no such beings, then?

[payback]

[a small hesitation.]

I don't know about anything supernatural like that in my world at all... although it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

[inafadingcrown]

[A slight pause]

There are few in Middle-Earth who have known the Valar as I have. Yet they are remembered in the songs of the Elves and Men oft worship them as gods.

[payback]

[Well, she nods there.] There are Christians at home. And lots of people at home are Buddhist... but Shinto shrines are still all around too. But I guess I've never personally met a god or spirit or whatever at home I... think.