ataraxion | ♕ 7th - video

( now that she's had some time to recover from the outbreak of "plague", elizabeth deems herself presentable enough to appear to the ship as a whole. she might have pinched her cheeks a little to inject some colour and done her hair up in ribbons to look her best; but she has done so for more reasons than simply to flatter her pride or vanity. her smile is sweet and gentle, though it does not reach her eyes. her gaze instead is quiet and thoughtful, because this is a tremendously bittersweet occasion for her. )

Greetings, Tranquility. Within the past several months, we have all suffered and lost many who are and will ever be dear to us. Far too much to be borne by anyone within the realm of reason. Yet we have, and I daresay grown together as a community as a result. That gladdens me a great deal.

Each day we have is precious. We know not when the next bout of unpleasantness may strike upon us, nor when any of us might vanish from this ship, returned to our homes. While things are peaceful, I would celebrate that fact. That we are here and alive, and in the company of those we have come to care for. Some of you are as dear to me as members of my own family.

( ok, the sappy part is done with. her eyes light up with good cheer now. )

Thus, I invite all of you to a feast held within the kitchens of the first floor, four days hence. It will do us good, I think to feast and be merry together.

I will need some aid in this endeavour, though, should any of you wish to lend a hand in acquiring foodstuffs and preparing the meal itself. I will both owe you a favour and be eternally grateful. Also, should any of you wish to have a specific dish at the table, please do share the recipe for it with me if you know it.

What say you?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We could do a mixture of both if you are willing? I know some English recipes as well as some French...

[When Hermione studies something, she goes all out.]

The French cuisines are finicky, though the results are well-worth the effort.

That is more than reasonable, I think. I know English recipes, as well, but from what I suppose must be known as the late middle ages.

( in that, they are also alike.

there is some irony to learning to cook french cuisine, given her history. her smile turns wry, but her enthusiasm remains exuberant. )

The French have ever been a challenge, my lady. I shall gladly take on their cuisine, and learn to conquer it.

Oh. Oh! [Hermione covers her mouth, barely hiding an embarrassed laugh.] I know the relationship between England and France has been strained for you.

[For everyone back then, really.]

But I have no doubt you can conquer their dishes. I was thinking more along the lines of a French dessert.

Quite! ( distanced from that country as she is, she is able to smile about it now. ) I was called Madame la Dauphine for many years, until the King of France found a more palatable match for his son.

( on the heels of the 100 years' war, too, yes. very much so. )

I have no doubt that you are nothing short of an accomplished tutor in such things, my lady. I am most grateful for the lesson. And I would see how true the rumours of the decadence of French dessert are.

The political arena is never constant. [Though things have improved...? If one ignores Voldemort, Death Eaters, corrupt Ministers of Magic...] I imagine you were often in a precarious position.

[Being a commoner is easier. Unless you're a Witch or a Wizard living in the midst of non-Magical commoners.]

I don't know about that. [Her cheeks and neck are turning interesting, embarrassing colors. Praise is appreciated; she has always craved it.] If we succeed, you will know exactly why they are called decadent.

You are absolutely correct. Fortune's wheel never favours one overlong. Things were ever uncertain at home.

( once her father died. then being a magical noble living among non-magical nobles was troublesome. but also, perhaps the least of her problems. )

You seem to have studied with great diligence. I will not doubt your skill, and nor should you. ( her smile turns into a smirk which bears some mischief to its curve. ) And we shall enjoy it with more grace than the French.

Your...era...

It was written about in historical books. You are very brave for facing your situation with such optimism.

[She knows she is prone to pessimism - or is it realism? - but she wishes she could be more like Elizabeth and find the tiny diamonds in the rough to cherish.]

I learned from my mother. She is an excellent cook, but she doesn't make her desserts very often. They're bad for your teeth. [All of that sugar is a nightmare for dental hygiene.]

A friend of mine has told me some of it, and it is truly horrible. But I can do naught else but survive. Your words are most kind, my lady. I thank you for them, truly.

And I have not introduced myself! I have been terribly remiss, forgive me. My name is Elizabeth Plantagenet, at your service. It is a pleasure.

( since she can't very well curtsy without disappearing from the camera's range, she dips her head, instead, smiling softly. were she made aware of hermione's thoughts, she would appreciate them immensely and be humbled by them.

but also think that this girl has the strength in her to survive in her own ways, which should not be discounted. )

I have also learned from my mother in that regard. ( she grins a little. ) I doubt it not. Would that such things as tooth brushes and paste existed in my time.

Though, I believe on occasion, such treats are well-worth any trouble.

♕ 7th - video - feast of plenty

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