Everyone seems to have a good time in the realm of Nessa, and the reasons are pretty clear. After all, where else can you find a close-knit group a friends who love sharing huggles, laughter, a partiality for certain furry creatures, and an unfailing delight in our favorite books and movies, The Lord of the Rings? Still, we wanted to find out what it was, exactly, that made the realm of Nessa so special to its members. Erwood decided it would be neat to interview two of our most active members, Vanyar and Rodwen.
Erwood: When did you find the Realm of Nessa and how?
Vanyar: I joined the CoE site around the Fall of 2002, and just sorta stumbled upon the Realm section, and decided Nessa looked nice, and I’ve never turned back!
Erwood: And how old were you when you found the Realm?
Vanyar: Hmm…18 or 19, I’m thinking 18, but I could be wrong, lol.
Erwood: What do you like most about the Realm?
Vanyar: Our strong sense of community. We all get along so well, and we haven’t really had any trouble makers in all the years I’ve been a member. We all have a lot of the same wacky interests, and, quite frankly, how many sites do you know of where you can bond with such a wide range of people over llamas and pop-tarts? I also love the fact that we all come together in times of need, like recently when our Realm Head Morlothwen’s town was in the path of Hurricane Rita. So many of us came together and prayed for her and her family, and we do that for anyone who needs prayer, whenever they need prayer. We’re such a caring group.
Erwood: What does the Realm mean to you?
Vanyar: I’ve been an active member of the Realm for several years now, and each member I’ve bonded with has touched my life in some way. We’re a very tight-knit group, and we’ve all formed friendships with each other. That’s very special.
Erwood: What do you think of your fellow “Nessians”?
Vanyar: hmm… I think the “Nessians” are all crazy, and any minute now our llama driving licenses will be revoked and they’ll be putting on the strait jackets. LOL! No, I wubble all the Nessians, they’re all crazy, much like myself…which makes for good times!
Erwood: Was Nessa always your favorite of the Valar?
Vanyar: I don’t think I really have a favorite Vala. Nessa is undoubtedly cool though, I mean, she dances on lawn of never-ending green…if that’s not a sign of coolness, I don’t know what is.
Erwood: Is there anything you would like to say to anyone who might be “Realm shopping”?
Vanyar: The Realm of Nessa are a very caring, tight-knit, crazy bunch of people. If you want to form a bond with someone, and share laughs, you should join, regardless of having any dancing skills or not.
She then interviewed the lovely Rodwen.
Erwood: When did you find the Realm of Nessa and how?
Rodwen: I first found out about the realm of Nessa shortly after the realms were introduced here on CoE. I didn’t really understand what a realm was, and I never really looked into it because I was happy with the regular forums. But gradually I began to notice that some of the people I saw on the forums seemed to be having an awful lot of fun in a realm called “Nessa”…it looked like I was definitely missing out on something! So, I decided to go check it out…
Erwood: And how old were you when you found the Realm?
Rodwen: I think I was sixteen…*checks date next to her name on the members page* Yeah, sixteen. My CoE age was about 8 months.
Erwood: What do you like most about the Realm?
Rodwen: There are a few things I really like. I like the fact that it is small and friendly, casual and relaxed. I like the pervasive sense of humour. And, last but not least, I like the people in it!
Erwood: What does the Realm mean to you?
Rodwen: I guess it means a place to go chat with nice people who are fellow LOTR fans, a place to go have fun playing goofy games and joking around, and a place to go when you have a burning need to discuss some aspect of the LOTR books or films!
Erwood: What do you think of your fellow “Nessians”?
Rodwen: I think they’re an AWESOME bunch!
Erwood: Was Nessa always your favorite of the Valar?
Rodwen: Uh-oh, now the truth comes out…*blushes* I have to admit that I knew next to nothing about the Valar before I joined Nessa, and haven’t learned much more since…*cough*never-read-The-Silmarillion*cough*
Erwood: Is there anything you would like to say to anyone who might be “Realm shopping”?
Rodwen: Don’t be afraid to join the realm that looks the most fun to you, even if it doesn’t appear to fit your interests and personality type. And if you’re looking for a friendly, slightly silly group that’s always ready to welcome new members, the realm of Nessa might be just the place for you!
From hearing what Vanyar and Rodwen have had to say, we came to the conclusion that the heart of the realm of Nessa is the fellowship and camaraderie that we share. Like the Fellowship in our favorite books, we’re there to support and encourage each other in our real life struggles. And sometimes, like Merry and Pippin, we find that the best way to deal with difficulty is to laugh out loud and act a little crazy. Our fellowship makes the world seem a brighter place, and gives us a warm community of friends to come home to.
Erwood tells us what makes the Realm of Nessa special to her:
When I first joined the wonderful Council of Elrond, I would roam the message boards for days, talking to people and having fun, but I had never really become part of a “community” One day, as I was staring blankly at my computer screen, I typed in CoE’s address and went to the forums again. What to my wondering eyes should appear but a forum that said General Realms Discussion! I immediately wanted to know more. I researched and looked far and wide and finally came across the Realm of Nessa. Nessa had always been a favorite of mine, so figured, why not?
So I joined the Realm of Nessa and it had to be one of the best things I have ever done. I met some of the kindest, friendliest and most random people you’ll ever meet! It had everything I was looking for and I probably made my greatest friends in that Realm. In my offline life I was going through many troubles and I don’t think I’d be here right now if it wasn’t for them. Their love and friendship is something I shall treasure forever. There was never a time when I have gone in there with a frown and didn’t come back out with a smile.
I have always found the Realm of Nessa to be a place where I can be who I am and everyone still embraces me. I can share my love of llamas and randomness in there and everyone will simply join right in with me! There aren’t even enough words to say all that this realm has to offer, and the same goes for everyone in it. Everyone has also taught me so much! I’ve learned to “Dance like nobody’s looking!” and that being silly isn’t stupid- it’s fun! I’ve also learned how kindness, caring, giving, compassion, and sharing are things you should have throughout life. The Realm of Nessa has helped me in a way no one may ever know and I owe it so much. I love everyone and everything in it so much that I could have no desire ever to leave.
by Erwood and Fealome
