♔ 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

[skjalf]

I.. thank you, my lord. ( Wise is never a quality which anyone has attributed to her save for perhaps her father. ) Perhaps when the coming battle is over, or should there be a lull in the ensuing war, I shall ask more. If that would be acceptable.

And I must thank you once again. The people who live here do not like us, from what I have heard, and I cannot rightly blame them. Fostering mutual trust and goodwill, God-willing even friendship could only be beneficial for all.

Perhaps I may. I expect it to be no less than entirely biased, if I may be honest. But I should like to hear the answer from her own lips, all the same.

( For the public record, ofc. She's thinking a bit ahead. )

If titles are necessary, then Princess Elizabeth will do. If nay, then simply Elizabeth.

I shall do so. There is usually some small kernel of truth to rumour, unless it is an exceptionally well-fabricated lie. I will be gathering all the information I am able to glean for myself ere I decide which position, if any I should take in this conflict. Truth be told, I am not over-fond of conflict as a rule.

Whether or not I may ever be able to remains to be seen, but it would certainly do no harm in trying. I may be new here, my lord, but I wish to help as much as might be possible.

[gordianknots]

More than acceptable, and it is better to have these conversations in person. These communication devices can be easily compromised, and shouldn't be relied on heavily.

It's an argument that's hard to counter. Our mere presence upsets and threatens their way of life. As individuals we're fine, but as a group we create destruction. But I repeat what you've already concluded.

Morla will prove interesting no matter what, I am sure.

Elizabeth I can do in private, and for public I'll happily add the appropriate title. Does that sound fair?

As far as conflict goes, ah, well, you'll need to find ways to make peace with that dislike. It's unavoidable here, sadly. But finding information is easy to do, if you set up the right fronts.

With an attitude like that, I think you'll get very far with that goal indeed.

[skjalf]

Then I shall look forward very much to meeting you in person, my lord. And many thanks for that bit of information. I shall henceforth be mindful of the content of my words when I use this strange device.

Do you believe that one day it might be possible to form positive ties with them? I would very much like that.

( Oh, wow. That is actually pretty fair! ) It certainly does! Fair enough, indeed.

It seems as though I shall have to learn quickly, if the gossip I am hearing of a coming battle holds any truth to it. Tensions here seem to have been thick for some time. I smile, I dance, I sing. And people talk all around me. It is not my fault should I overhear and listen, is it? Surely.

( He can't see it, but she is smiling on her end, because she is jesting. Nobody ever suspects the frivolous little girl when they believe she's the renfaire equivalent of an airhead, do they? )

I should hope so. I cannot go home; nothing awaits me there. Here is where I wish to make a life for myself, for good or ill. Have you any advice, then, on that score?

[gordianknots]

If I have any use at all here, it is in giving out warnings. Don't mention it.

It's possible, I do think, but there's been so many breeches of trust that it will be a very long uphill climb. But all the more reason to try to do it, because anything with a positive impact here is worth doing.

[He's suggested it if only because that's what he does himself. Regular name for those he trusts, the nom de politique for everyone else.]

Not your fault at all, and if they're fool enough to speak so openly, then shame on them. Being clever is the be weapon, and manipulating appearances is one of the best forms of it.

At the end of the day, you get out of this place what you put in. If you're intent on doing well with those that live here, then you find ways to live among them rather than stay within the castle. If you wish to fight you stay within and you learn from the monarchs.

Whatever you do, know where you mean for it to end.

[skjalf]

What you have said tells me that we have every reason in this world to keep the door open for them on our side of the matter. As it seems my descendants and those of my people should have when they decided to set out exploring and to expand the reach of my country.

( Is she upset about that? Yes. It is wholly lacking of any and all honour. Deplorable and shameful are not words which can even begin to describe her feelings on the topic. )

I thank you for the compliment, my lord. My Uncle's court was a veritable pit of vipers. I cannot expect any other to truly be different in terms of their inner-workings.

A decision not made lightly, and one I will not make until I have seen and heard more. Rashness is not the best course, I would expect. Both roads or neither could easily lead me to a good and prosperous existence here.

May we speak further in a more secure fashion, my lord? I mislike asking too many questions upon this necklace.

[gordianknots]

Last statement first: yes. When things blow over, we'll be in touch.

As for everything else: I feel like a broken voice agreeing with everything you're saying here, so let me just give a blanket "yes, absolutely" to all things - but especially your comparison to dens of vipers, and avoiding rashness.

[skjalf]

You and I seem to have much in common, my lord. Would it be too forward, then, to suggest that we speak of a possible alliance when the imminent conflict is done?

I think I should very much like that.

[gordianknots]

Let us see where things fall and what areas can be gotten to in the aftermath. Sound like a plan?

[skjalf]

That is more than fair. I accept.

[gordianknots]

I look forward to speaking face to face.

[skjalf]

As do I, my lord.