(Galadriel is fairly used to getting mail but she'll be a bit shocked to receive any in Thedas. For any notes, missives, letters, or other communications.)
[It is not often that Galadriel is surprised and even less often that she expresses that sentiment in her tone. There is a pause as she gathers her thoughts. When she finally speaks again it is in a metered and careful tone.
It is a shame she cannot see into his heart and know the source of this, it would be faster.]
I was told such things were consecrated, a mark of devotion to the gods of these lands? I imagine the Valar would dislike it if you...affiliated yourself so, but they are often fickle.
Of course not. Whatever those elves were, they were not the One. They failed, they were indulgent and wretched fools, if even half of what the Dalish stories say about them- an abundance of kinslaying and lechery, even then.
[ his tone calms, loses some of the edge. ]
And beyond that- the Noldor regard has always been... stronger. More intimate. You lived closer to them, with them. We had only Queen Melian. [ cautious: ] Merrill suggested... perhaps a halla?
[Galadriel refrains from expressing her relief quite as sharply as her shock, but her tone is far less stiff as the conversation continues.]
A halla? [She cannot say she disapproves, even at a distance they are beautiful things. They would not have been out of place in the west.]
The Valar are fickle and distant, their moods shift with centuries and their consciences are often unpredictable. I cannot say if they would dislike such things, not for certain, but I doubt tattoos would merit their attention, even if you stood bared before them.
Are you concerned that such markings would be a slight against the One?
[ it doesn't have as much bite as it could. they've made some progress- some- in understanding one another, but she had assumed--
well, they were still speaking. it was something. ]
I owe the Valar nothing, and if I ever stand before them, it will be with you, giving an accounting of this place.
Not- entirely. He is compassion. I do not think He would- [ this is hard for him. hard for elves. how do you put words to this? ] I know it is no great ill. I know I do this for a larger purpose.
[There's a smile in her voice, subtle though it is, as she continues. It is a tense subject, the Valar, but his vehemence is...nearly heartwarming. His hesitance, however, is something that she can understand.]
I cannot say I would make the same decision, were I in your place, but it is for our purpose, is it not? The purpose that He sent us here to achieve?
[Galadriel agrees (in a fashion that is less than helpful, overall.]
But, we are new to this place, this world. We do not yet carry a part of it with us, not as we do with Arda, with Aman. Perhaps such markings would help tie us to this place; we shall be here for some time, after all.
[ in halamshiral, the mallorn grows, patient, steady. ]
Perhaps a decade before fading beyond notice? They are done willingly, and what heals can be reinforced by craft until the designs can be reapplied if needed. I- would not know.
[ he pauses, considers. ]
Both of us are wed. Unless more arrive, there will be no elflings. No marriages between Elvhen and Quendi.
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voice ;
No. I am considering what might be, shall we say, forgivable heresy here.
voice ;
I am, perhaps, a poor source of such information...given my own relationship with the Valar, but I will help you if I can.
What heresy are you considering, gwanur nin?
voice ;
Merrill has offered to tattoo me. In the Dalish style, though not on my face.
voice ;
[It is not often that Galadriel is surprised and even less often that she expresses that sentiment in her tone. There is a pause as she gathers her thoughts. When she finally speaks again it is in a metered and careful tone.
It is a shame she cannot see into his heart and know the source of this, it would be faster.]
I was told such things were consecrated, a mark of devotion to the gods of these lands? I imagine the Valar would dislike it if you...affiliated yourself so, but they are often fickle.
voice ;
Of course not. Whatever those elves were, they were not the One. They failed, they were indulgent and wretched fools, if even half of what the Dalish stories say about them- an abundance of kinslaying and lechery, even then.
[ his tone calms, loses some of the edge. ]
And beyond that- the Noldor regard has always been... stronger. More intimate. You lived closer to them, with them. We had only Queen Melian. [ cautious: ] Merrill suggested... perhaps a halla?
voice ;
A halla? [She cannot say she disapproves, even at a distance they are beautiful things. They would not have been out of place in the west.]
The Valar are fickle and distant, their moods shift with centuries and their consciences are often unpredictable. I cannot say if they would dislike such things, not for certain, but I doubt tattoos would merit their attention, even if you stood bared before them.
Are you concerned that such markings would be a slight against the One?
voice ;
well, they were still speaking. it was something. ]
I owe the Valar nothing, and if I ever stand before them, it will be with you, giving an accounting of this place.
Not- entirely. He is compassion. I do not think He would- [ this is hard for him. hard for elves. how do you put words to this? ] I know it is no great ill. I know I do this for a larger purpose.
voice ;
I cannot say I would make the same decision, were I in your place, but it is for our purpose, is it not? The purpose that He sent us here to achieve?
voice ;
at least iluvatar had a reason. free will, and the valar had chosen not to act. ]
Yes. I have not changed any piece of myself before by choice. I am as He made us and this is- this will be... new.
voice ;
[Galadriel agrees (in a fashion that is less than helpful, overall.]
But, we are new to this place, this world. We do not yet carry a part of it with us, not as we do with Arda, with Aman. Perhaps such markings would help tie us to this place; we shall be here for some time, after all.
[She cannot help but ask:]
How long do such markings last?
voice ;
[ in halamshiral, the mallorn grows, patient, steady. ]
Perhaps a decade before fading beyond notice? They are done willingly, and what heals can be reinforced by craft until the designs can be reapplied if needed. I- would not know.
[ he pauses, considers. ]
Both of us are wed. Unless more arrive, there will be no elflings. No marriages between Elvhen and Quendi.
Re: voice ;
[Galadriel nods, her agreement insofar as it matters.]
A decade is easily forgotten, but the effects of this will permeate beyond that time.
[The risk, overall, seemed worth the reward.]
voice ;
he cares far more about her opinion than he ever, ever imagined doing before. ]
Yes. I will inform you when matters become clearer. I do not intend to do this tomorrow.