♔ 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

[burping]

Yes, I suppose they are. I did not know them but they were from the neighboring kingdom of Camelot. I was acquainted with their king. [ betrothed, more like. ]

I will not judge you based on your court placement. Perhaps you may find a way here. Or to a neutral zone, as they call it. A place where both Seelie and Unseelie are welcome.

[skjalf]

Camelot! ( Upcoming fangirl moment in 3, 2, 1... ) That kingdom is legendary in my realm! As a point of fact, England, they say has been built upon the remnants of it dating back to a time long ago.

And you, my lady, you have met King Arthur? Goodness! I would not know what to say to him, myself.

( She would probably flirt, lbr. But, also be starstruck for a very long time. her cheeks flush in embarrassment as she catches herself. )

Apologies. I thank you for your understanding. I should like to see the entire length and breadth of this land one day, if it be possible. If there were no war, would you say this land might be a good one upon which to build a life, and settle?

[burping]

[ she blinks at this reaction, surprisingly, it is the first of it's kind. so enthusiastic. still, she smiles and nods, although her lips are curved in a rueful way.]

Our kingdoms are allies. [ she hopes. at least. he broke off their engagement but surrendered the disputed lands that had caused a rift between their two kingdoms.] I was to be his wife, at one time. [ she is able to admit that, the wound is not so fresh as it was when she arrived.]

Yes, it would. Although I must admit I miss my father, my kingdom, and it's people.

[skjalf]

( She grew up learning songs about this King and his knights! To meet someone who knows him is absolutely flooring her. Although— )

Ah, I did not know that. I am sorry, my lady. ( Her features soften with empathy. ) I endured somewhat similar, when I was betrothed to the dauphin of France for a time.

I.. yes, I feel much the same. My family, my land, my people. I miss them all, as well. Does it become easier, with time?

( The missing of everything. )

[burping]

I suppose my name would not be in the legends. [ it was a short betrothal. and she is more comfortable with the idea of remaining anonymous, even if she is over the slight.] He chose to follow his heart. I cannot fault him for it. [ she admires him for it now.] I am certain that if he is to wed, it will be her name that is paired with his in the stories you speak of. [ although she does not know the name herself.] I hope that your situation did not have a tragic end...

You speak as though... [ she stops and tries to reword] Do you hold regency over this...land of England?

[skjalf]

Nay, my l—no, it would be Your Highness, would it not? Forgive me. ( Her features soften. ) But I should like to know you, even so. I am glad to hear that he is as good and decent a man as I have heard in the songs sung of him.

Perhaps you are to create legends of your own in this place. He freed my—our land from would-be invaders so that we might live out our days in peace. The songs tell the tale of a Hero, and the men who followed him. You would be proud, I think. Is it easier, now? I know, how sharp a sting such a slight truly is.

( She inclines her head. ) His father reneged upon the betrothal agreement, and he married my cousin, instead.

( A very simple problem compared to what she has seen of late, despite how terrible a humiliation it was to her at the time. )

In a manner of speaking. My father has king, and I am his eldest living child.

[burping]

Yes, but such formality is not necessary here. [ She is not a princess here, her birthright means nothing in this place. ] And yes, King Arthur is a good man, with a good heart. And loved by his people. [ She had seen such loyalty.

she does not comment on whether or not she should be proud. be proud of being refused by a good man in favor of blacksmith's daughter. although if she knew that it was guinevere, she would feel differently. she would understand. but she has yet to be told the name of the woman by anyone.]

That seems to be an action without honor. [ take-backies = dishonor ]

So you are a princess as well. I am to rule should my father die. I am his only child.

[skjalf]

Very well, as you say. ( She dips her head in a gentle incline of acknowledgement, though personally, she will hang on to her own title in certain cases for a while. Without a name, birthright or fortune, it is all she has left to her at home. In time, she will make something of herself here and grow to think much as Mithian does. But in time. )

The songs and tales certainly say as much. ( She leaves it off there, sensing the obviousness of how awkward the topic of Arthur is for this woman. She smiles faintly. )

It was. And I was humiliated. However.. ( Her smile broadens, turning mischievous. ) They did fashion me an entire wardrobe and fund my education in their language at their own expense. So some good came from it.

( Elizabeth stills, realizing the significance of just what Mithian is telling her. ) And will you rule in your own right, or be married to someone who might do so in your stead?

( Having been through what she has, she would rather die than suffer the latter. )