♔ I ► video 【open to both courts & backdated to 02/01】

[skjalf]

( Her progress in working out what her locket does is very much a WIP. Still, she has fiddled with it enough to activate whatever magic controls the moving images of people. This is in an invaluable tool in her eyes, because she has precisely the purpose to put such a resource to use. Keenly aware that appearances matter especially so upon making a first impression, she is dressed elegantly, and her hair is mostly left in loose waves, some cloth-of-gold ribbon threaded throughout. She keeps the look on her face pleasant, but cool.

There is no benefit for the time being in playing the fool, as she had at home. The warmth of her smile does not extend to her eyes, not yet. Instead they hold a light of curiosity, and a great amount of seriousness. Her awareness of the situation at hand is dim but for this: she is not dreaming. She has lost all, and stands to gain everything if she but works for it. Just as her father had won the throne of England: with smiles, charm and good business sense.

Her address, then, is an earnest one. )

Good day to you, one and all. I know not how many of you there are, or from whence you come. Yet if I may, I would humbly beg a favour, if you would be so gracious as to indulge me: your acquaintance.

Indeed, I would meet as many of you as might be possible. And, if you would be even more indulgent, information pertaining to the state of affairs in this land and abroad. I find myself possessed of a desire to know the full scope of things here ere I chart my course and navigate myself through whatever trials I may face here.

( Now, finally, the warmth enters her eyes. She has no choice; it would not do for all the land to bear witness to her grief. )

I am Elizabeth Plantagenet of England. It is my hope that I will be able to repay any kindness shown me sooner rather than later. I look forward to meeting and speaking with many of you!

Until then, farewell. Deus vobiscum.

Comments

{Video}

[skjalf]

( If a man who appears as battle-hardened as this one has such words to say as a description of the situation at hand, then things are grim, indeed. Elizabeth bites the inside of her cheek and narrows her eyes in thought. )

Understandably so. I am sorry that things are in such a terrible state; it is as though the conflict from home has followed me here.

( That isn't right. These people don't all know each other, do they? So how can they be the enemy of strangers? It is a strange and worrisome thing, and she will ask about that in a moment. )

Has there been any attempt at diplomacy? I understand that perhaps the state of things is too far-gone for such a tact now, however...

( It is an avenue worth considering. ) I know none here. I find it odd that anyone is meant to be my enemy, speaking from a personal perspective.

{Video}

[rangerandking]

{Her reasoning softens his expression and, suddenly, he is in doubt which court she has been sorted. Ah another Seelie - and one with honor at that. He empathizes with her greatly.}

We bear Shards. They are magical and highly sought by those who wish to have more power. {Hasn't power - prestige - always been tantalizing for some?} There are some who would think nothing of taking your life to claim your Shard for their own.

{As for diplomacy, his lips curl unhappily and he frowns.}

The courts have a keen sense of how to manipulate their followers. Once we are backed into a corner, diplomacy is but a dream. We must act or sacrifice our lives.

However, as I said, there are those who ignore the ploys. They are the ones who will organize safe havens and stand in defense of those who cannot defend themselves.

{Video}

[skjalf]

( Sadly, her actions and self-preservation have marked her for the Unseelie. But she is much like her father, and he valued cooperation and peace. She rewards the softening of his expression with a small smile of her own. He is a kind one, no matter which court he is part of. She will remember. )

Where and how do we bear these crystals, my lord? ( Of course. And it is troubling. Her brows draw together in thought. ) I confess, I know not how to defend myself. I would thus be an easy target.

( A fact which galls her on both fronts, because women just do not bear weapons in her country yet. )

A third faction, then. They remain neutral, I would assume? I wonder how the courts manage to manipulate those who do not choose to be part of this other group of people. Do they threaten our families, or lands back home? What manner of leverage, save our own personal safety might they possess?