Seven | Dictated

[loveandstrife]

[A soft sigh comes and Cloud shuffles to sit down, thumbing the edge of the page. He's lonely, anxious, tired of hiding in his room or walking through the city just to have somewhere else to be than in his room. He wishes he was able to do something about it but making friends has never been his strong suit. Even the friends he had were brought

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[inafadingcrown]

Others of my world have come and gone, but I alone remain. There are those I miss most dearly, but I would not have it otherwise. Better we be parted than they be subjected to the whims of this place. [That's what she keeps telling herself, anyway.]

[loveandstrife]

That's what I tell myself but it doesn't make it any easier. Everyone is just a little selfish and doesn't want to be really alone.

[inafadingcrown]

Must you be alone? It seems to me there is camaraderie enough here for those who would seek it. It does not ease the ache of longing for those we have left behind, but it may bring a joy of its own.

[loveandstrife]

But friends made for the sake of not being alone aren't ever going to be as good as the friends made through hardships and pain. The ones you needed by your side for the worst moments of your life.

[inafadingcrown]

And what of friends made of discourse and commonality? I know well that strife may forge bonds of great strength, but I cannot believe it is necessary for people to come together.

Besides which, there is hardship and pain enough in this place. You may well receive a chance for such friendship.

[loveandstrife]

[Cloud actually laughs quietly at what she says.] Interesting choice of words.

I guess you're right... I just... miss home, I suppose.

[inafadingcrown]

Is it? [This is one of those private jokes, isn't it?]

That I understand well enough. It is a feeling shared by most, I imagine, even if we do not always speak of it.

[loveandstrife]

Yeah... my last name is Strife. "Strife may forge bonds of great strength, but I cannot believe it is necessary for people to come together." It's kind of appropriate.

Mm, I think I need to make a few more friends here or I'll never relax properly.

[inafadingcrown]

[A little chuckle] I see. May I ask a first name to accompany the last, Master Strife?

[loveandstrife]

Ah... it's Cloud. Sorry. I was supposed to be getting better at introducing myself.

[inafadingcrown]

No matter, I am pleased to meet you regardless. I am Galadriel. [She's getting better about leaving off the title(s).]

[loveandstrife]

It's nice to meet you, Galadriel. [A short pause.] Have you been here long?

[inafadingcrown]

It has been half a year, by my count. A brief time, compared to some, and yet long enough to know of what I speak. And you?

[loveandstrife]

Since everything happened with Riful. Not too long, really.

[inafadingcrown]

Time enough to become discouraged, it seems. [It's more a question than a statement, really, and the gentle tone should reveal the motivation behind it.]