eachdraidh | video, open to both courts (action if you are at the barrel)

[ Alice has been at the Barrel for a few weeks now. No one's asked her to cook and clean, but it's been a bit of an engraved habit brought over from her time in London. It's only through getting children's clothing and interacting with the nearby town that it's been plaguing the back of her mind. Unlike the last time she's popped on the lockets back in December, Alice looks healthier, but she is still pretty thin.

As usual. And as usual, her white rabbit is sitting there beside her, munching away at a bowl of food. She's not good at public speaking. ]

Hello.

These may be strange times to open a dialogue about this subject while both of our courts prepare for another skirmish. There are plenty of natives here of various ages who have been hit the most by war, especially children. I used to be the maidservant of an orphanage back in Whitechapel London.

[ Her face only flashes with a hint of pain when she mentions it. ]

Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth—if you heard of it. And the children there came from similar backgrounds, that they were all traumatized and lost family either by sickness, death, or murder. These children are often overlooked, sometimes they are swept up by those with ill intentions and treated even worse. But they are still children and they still have pieces of their innocence left.

I may not have the resources nor the... capacity right now to replicate that orphanage, but I still want to help the youngest natives here have the smallest comforts like food or clothing. I've only had a handful of opportunities in Redgate and the Station to make good on my word and clearly I need the additional hands.

In addition to natives being sent away from the path of war, I hope that there can be a way to provide resources for them or find them the appropriate care somewhere down the line. I know that it is silly to think of such a thing when all the adults in this world are preparing for battle, but they are so young and they deserve so much more while they are being guided to safety.

But if I were to oversee these things, I reserve the right to be very picky. The children I cared for weren't even spared from the cruelty of adults, even the proprietor of that orphanage.

Surely my friends will be thrilled if I focused my attention on children rather than them. I know they must tire of my nagging.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A noble endeavor.

[ Won't get flustered- too late. ]

Well, papa was dean of the Oxford University. When I was little, I wanted to be a school teacher to children, but those plans.. they never came to be. But if I had my way, I would make sure they were cared for and had a proper education.

But it's more than that, it's the right thing to do.

You are correct. Those children are the future of the land.

[ She actually smiles. ]

Yes. But do you really think they would open up something like that? That would be wonderful!

I think they can be persuaded to provide a promising Unseelie shardbearer the funds to do so. You would have to open it.

Me?

I'm not... that very high-ranked. I wouldn't have a lot of funds, so I would have to rely on others to help me.

Did I not say I was willing to petition them? Such would be on your behalf, though I expect you to be present to speak your mind on the matter and lend voice.

If that is the case, then I will do my best.

[ Awkward shuffle. ]

Th- thank you.

You are most welcome, Alice.

May I ask you something?

You may always ask me something.

[That doesn't mean she'll answer, though.]

[ How can you say "no" this face? ]

If I was granted such a thing, would you be upset with me if I honored it after my father? I know that you do not like to advertise your kingship and his name came from you.

My understanding is that 'Arthur' became a fairly popular male name when certain authors took to spreading my legend, fantasizing it a bit. And you are not honoring it after me, but a man worthy of it.

I will not be upset.

[ She said worthy! Arthur Liddell was a good man, her hero above anyone else. ]

I am glad... that is all I wanted to know.

[Saber nodded.]

Just keep in mind to remain in good standing in Their Majesties' eyes. Should you fall out of favor, I am not certain my support will overcome their doubts.

I would not ask you to put yourself in such a position. Your proposal would be enough, Saber; even that feels like I am ask for so much.

You are not asking, Alice. I am offering.

Mm. [ "I know." ]

You're very generous. Thank you.

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