♔ 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.

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[skjalf]

Indeed. The poisoned stinger once belonged to the boar, and yet the dragon somehow managed to obtain it. Trickery and deceit and no small amount of cowardice won this battle. If not for that, the boar would have won the day, the kingdom, and my hand.

( Here she has just lain bare her own position in this conflict; as much a prize, a spoil of war as the kingdom itself. Her country should be free. Her people deserve better. After half a century of civil war, and a long war with France and the Plague a century before that.. yes.

They have been through enough. As surely as she has. )

We are not meant to see Him. His presence is meant to be ever felt, never doubted. ( And yet, she might. A little. But a little is a seed, a kernel, and that is enough to grow into more if nurtured. She has both seen and felt more proof of the existence of her ancestress the river nymph than of God.

And Elizabeth still is uncertain as to how to deal with that. This man's words are bold, as his appearance is startling. But she has seen and heard many startling things even before her arrival here. She smiles wryly, inclining her head. )

Et in Arcadia ego.

( Everyone does; that much she knows of a surety. God and Death both spare none. Young or old. )

[babbylon]

[It all starts coming together, behind the little puzzles and witty exchanges. A prospective hand in marriage equates to a pawn on a board; this indeed was a lady of the court, perhaps a princess, perhaps higher, but certainly no stranger to the games of men and attempts to maneuver them as a second class citizen.

This was a Saber who put down her sword in favor of politics. Not a King of Knights, but someone simply lost in the shadows, trying to fumble their way about the last place they ever wanted to be.]

So we are among Arcadia. A land of miracles, where some are fated to die and some are fated to prosper, yet all is well, as God is with us.

[The locket presents her a handsome face and a handsome smile. And he almost sounds kindly, almost...]

Did you know that I once fought this god of yours? And I drove him into the ground, for daring to think himself above me.

[...if not for that sharp remark and blatant reveal of sharp teeth.]

[skjalf]

( Nay, she is no King Arthur. It has not yet dawned upon her that any woman in her day and age might wield such power. She is no woman of the Ancient World, a time where women have held far more power than in her own. However, she is very much capable of it; she is her father's daughter. He was born for greatness, and so, perhaps has she been.

To be a piece on the board of life has been her calling since the day she was brought into the world. Being a woman, and all. But perhaps she will fumble for a time and find her footing, and become who she is meant to be. Whether that be a King of Kings, or a powerful woman in her own right. )

Even those who prosper are fated to die, are they not? Death comes for us all, as the plague has shown us. But God is ever with those who believe in Him, yes.

( The man's words give her pause, driving a chill down her spine. Her only outward reaction to them is to turn pale, though she is equally confused and frightened as she is utterly aghast at the gall of this man to claim such blatant blasphemy as a truth. )

However did you manage to climb your way to Heaven to do so, I wonder? Or have you wings?

( Yes, she is doubting very much that this man, king or noble perhaps but still very much a man, might deign to think himself higher than God. )