♔ 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

[foraneye]

So it seems, and not only the long-running conflict of which I heard so much upon arriving.

[Real battle potentially so close at hand is more than a little worrisome. She's not a soldier, but moreover she doesn't know the what safehouses may exist and she can count on no ally save one—in the opposing court.]

Have you any training in combat, my lady?

[skjalf]

Indeed not. There is an air of expectation here, as though something terrible will imminently occur.

( Nor is she, and she has only emerged from being caught within the middle of the mother of all civil wars. It is interesting, too, that the greatest ally she has yet found is a subject of hers within the opposing court. Things are truly complicated. )

No, I do not. ( She feels at ease enough to mention this: ) After what was done to St. Jeanne, it has been heavily frowned upon.

[foraneye]

Then I recommend you get some as quick as you can, in whatever form you can.

[And not just because of whatever war they may face. Court alignments only mean so much when real personal loyalty hasn't been won—and even loyalty can be broken.]

It's rare any woman finds someone she can trust to protect her. In a place such as this, we must be prepared to protect ourselves.

[Actually she considers that sound advice in any time or place, but not everyone was as lucky to have such an openminded father.]

[skjalf]

You are quite right, my lady. And in any case, my King and brothers are slain. There are none I trust left to defend me.

( The prospect is daunting, but when has that ever stood in the way of a Plantagenet? Never. )

Is there a weapon you might suggest I begin this education with, by any chance? I happen to be a decent shot with a bow, but I own a pair of daggers.

[foraneye]

A bow is a good start, but you're smart not to rely on that—distance isn't always a luxury you'll have. Daggers are good if you can wield them effectively.

[Carefully, she tilts the locket to briefly show the sheathed sword she carries at her side.]

Myself, I feel naked without a sword on my hip, and others can see immediately that I'm armed. But that isn't always a good thing.

[skjalf]

I had thought so. My Uncle was a-horse before he fell, and that did naught to save him. I know a capable young woman who might be able to teach me how to wield the daggers. I otherwise have no defenses left to me.

( Save for her magic, but she is still feeling out just who it is safe to tell that to, and when. It may come up at some point in the near future.

Elizabeth tilts her head, taking in the sight of the other woman's sword carefully. )

Is that not quite heavy, as well? Once, I attempted to lift my father's broadsword as a child and nearly fell flat on my bottom. ( She laughs a little. ) You must bear a good deal of strength, my lady.

[foraneye]

[Élise chuckles as well, though if she thinks about it, the words aren't terribly funny. Perhaps it's merely nice to know she still can here.]

It was acquired through considerable time and effort, but it's not as heavy as it looks—a blacksmith is capable of forging strength and lightness together, if he has enough skill.

[And if his customers have enough coin.]

If nothing else, I can be sure I'll die with a blade in my hand, not running away.