♔ 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

[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.