♕ 7th - video - feast of plenty

[skjalf]

( 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?

Comments

[skjalf]

I confess, I am astounded that they would teach a woman to defend herself. It is incredible, and far beyond what even my father might have thought to do for me. You are fortunate, indeed.

( she tilts her head, smiling faintly. ) I had four brothers, once. Two were given the name of Richard, one being the son of my mother's first husband. They were both good and kind to me from the day I was born onward. And loyal first to my mother, I think before even my father, the King. Both were brave and kind.

The younger too, ah. I miss them the most of the four of them, to be honest. Edward from what I know grew to be a serious and noble youth. He was sent away to be fostered in another castle when he was still toddling about, and so I knew him little, other than accounts from my mother's brother whom raised him. But little Richard, or Dickon as I called him was a little ray of light.

Bright and curious, and able to charm anyone he met. He was very much fond of reading, as I am, and we would read and play music often together. Other than my sister Mary whom was taken from us by illness, he was my favourite sibling.

[inafadingcrown]

In this, our peoples differ. While it is rare for women to take up arms, it is nearly such an astounding thing as it would seem to be among your people.

[And she can't help but smile throughout the whole thing.] They sound wonderful. I, too, had four brothers, once: Finrod, Angrod, Aegnor, and Orodreth. Some day I will have to tell you the tales of their exploits, for they were all great leaders of our people.

[skjalf]

The women among your people are fortunate, then. In that, perhaps I am a trifle envious. For while I do not prefer to do so myself, it is useful to have the skill, should the need arise to defend myself. And the knowledge.

( and she's acquired some of that here, but here family, people and the church would all have a collective fit. one more sin to tack on to the list she's committed since arriving here. wouldn't you know, she is not in the least bit ashamed. )

I would not mind hearing one such tale now, if you are not pressed for time. For I am not, and indeed, rather am most curious.