video; open to both courts

[psalmed]

Someone told me once that it is not a sword that will change the world, but words.

[The locket picture is a bit askew. It's set on a table like a dressing mirror, showing a blonde woman sitting, the beads of a rosary flowing over her fingers.]

Then again someone else swore to me it was our duty as ladies to pray for those who kept us safe. Who fought and died for our country. It is the same concept, is it not? That wars are won and lost over words.

[Enough waxing philosophical for now, probably. It's time to face facts and there's still a polite, pretty smile on her lips even if she can't quite mask the concern in her gaze.]

It has been explained to me already but I must admit I still find it puzzling. There is no one better to explain a situation than the people living it so I beg a moment of your time. What is hoped to be gained by this or feared lost? What is needed of the people here and what might I do to make myself of use in a greater effort?

[A quick duck of her head, polite, and she glances up again as she reaches for the locket.]

I thank you most deeply for your consideration.

Comments

[psalmed]

Prayer does not even work often times for the pious. We can not ask something and expect to receive it so easily.

There is another side to every course of action, I agree. It is rather difficul as well to decide how each might turn out.

[foraneye]

I'm afraid there's no way to know for certain, and refusing to act until one can be only leads to indecision.

[psalmed]

You do have a point there. One must act and simply hope that they will do the right thing which will cause the most good.

[She's bad at this introduction thing, still.]

My name is Lia de Beaumont.

[foraneye]

Élise de la Serre.

[And if the name is unfamiliar, its place of origin should be less so, just as Élise recognizes Lia's accent.]

You're also from France.

[psalmed]

Mademoiselle.

[It's good to hear a name that would be familiar, even if it is one she doesn't recognize right off. But just because they are from the same place doesn't mean they would know one another.]

I am. I live in Versailles, most of the time. In the Court of His Majesty Louis XV.

[foraneye]

[A brief, fond smile passes over her lips at the mention of home. It seems they have more than one thing in common.]

I grew up in Versailles, though I've spent more time in Paris of late. But France is currently ruled by King Louis XVI.

[For now.]

[psalmed]

Auguste-

[She doesn't complete that thought. Nor can she help that her hand almost curls toward the locket, as though she can touch a time she hasn't lived yet.]

Then it would seem we are from different times, no?

[foraneye]

It would. But when compared to those who come from places that have never heard of France, our origins are quite close.

[It's more reassuring than she would have guessed.]

[psalmed]

It is very much of a relief to hear someone speak familiar names.

[Because what is one child she knew grown to manhood in the grand scheme of this?]

I have so any questions to ask you but I should perhaps wait until we are face to face.

[foraneye]

I find myself without much to occupy my time at the moment. Perhaps we could meet if you're not otherwise indisposed.

[psalmed]

Of course. Perhaps with the two of us we might discover what to do with ourselves during such a time of unrest.

[foraneye]

Perhaps we will. Where shall I find you?