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[handofsilver]

What you have seen in the mirrors is no different from experiencing a nightmare while you slumber. The images need not be reality, though if that must be so, I encourage you to face them bravely. They are the worst, are they not? All else is, therefore, better, by comparison, at least.

(He, for one, refuses to give his enemy (one of the Enemies of his world) power over him. It helps that he is surrounded by his kin and they are daily reminders of why - and how - he can overcome.)

You are not alone in your suffering.

Comments

[evocation]

yeah, me too.
so what's your kingdom like?

[handofsilver]

Broken. I failed my people, but hopefully not forever.

[evocation]

what happened?
wait, sorry.
you don't have to answer that.

[handofsilver]

I do not mind.

A powerful being tricked me into doing his bidding. He held me in his thrall until I became trapped.

[evocation]

i'm sorry.
you got rid of it though, right?

[handofsilver]

I have planted the seeds of his destruction. My uncle tells me I am successful.

[evocation]

oh, cool.
i mean, good job.
what was your kingdom like before?

[handofsilver]

Beautiful, peaceful... Everyone was equal and welcome whether they be Elf, Dwarf or Man. We had forests of green trees and architecture that was as functional as it was enjoyable to see.

[evocation]

oh, cool, you know what elves are.
i've only met two so far. it's weird.

[handofsilver]

Being that I am one, yes, I do know of them. How is it that you have said knowledge?

[evocation]

i am one, too.
well, half-elf anyway.

[Please don't be one of those snobby elves that gets weird about that!]

[handofsilver]

I take it you do not hail from Arda? (This is a rare opportunity!)

[evocation]

no, i'm from earth.
but i guess elves aren't a thing on most versions of earth.
or not a real thing.

[handofsilver]

It is strange that the continent I have known best is called Middle Earth.

If that is so, I find it gravely disappointing. Are your ears pointed? Do you require slumber?

video!

[evocation]

[Kyna switches to video just to demonstrate, tilting an ear towards the camera. They are pointed, but they aren't especially long.]

Yeah, they are. And yeah, I have to sleep, but full-blooded elves don't.

video!

[handofsilver]

(He too makes the switch, giving the sight of her ears a small smile. Drawing back his long, dark hair, he reveals that his ear are similarly shaped.)

You are a Peredhel. (His gaze softens.) I am honored to meet you.

[evocation]

[Not at all the reaction she was expecting, and as she turns back to face the camera fully, she blinks.]

A what?

[handofsilver]

Half-Elven and...Half-Human? (He has some Peredhels he is very fond of and considers family.)

[evocation]

Oh! Yeah, that's me. I've never heard anyone call us that before.

[handofsilver]

It is the name for your race in Sindarin. (It is a very exclusive race on Arda.) There is another like you who calls Arda home here.

[evocation]

Really? Who is it?

[Usually she wouldn't care, since half-elves aren't exactly rare back home, but she hasn't met any here. It's a little weird.]

[handofsilver]

Elrond. (The name is said with such affection!) He is the Lord of Imladris.

[evocation]

Oh, cool. I mean, I'm not the lord of anything. Or lady, I guess. I just live in a shitty apartment in Brooklyn.

[handofsilver]

That does not make you less. (Some Elves might disagree, but he has never held that opinion - or that loftiness - over others.) You should be proud of your heritage.

[evocation]

Um... Thanks.

[She pauses for a second.]

Why?