Ovid once said, sunt superis sua iura.

[ the gods have their own rules. ]

And so does this ship - and they are always changing.

[ a pause and a smile. ]

My skill with a blade is pitiful at best. One cannot name me a warrior or a knight.

[ some would name her a queen. ]

I find it most useful to fight against armed with gioia di vivere! Such a small battle but I cannot say I have ever lost it.

Captain Tauriel has gone.

[That's it. That's all there is to be said, save for everything unsaid. But those things were never meant to be spoken. They were too deep to be put into words. The daughter he never knew he had is gone.]

I am King Thranduil. [Which is a title he doesn't point out unless he's being official about something. This came after the bit about Tauriel for that reason. He is stoic but relaxed, and there is a warm tone to his voice.] Nederlands has contracted me and mine to protect the gardens alongside ship security. I am sending the rules he has written for us to enforce. [True enough, a link appears.] Unfortunately, half of us are gone, and therefore I would encourage you to speak to Tyke or to Miles Edgeworth if your interest is in helping to guard a sanctuary that gives us life every day we are here. To be a part of my force, I would expect your fealty.

Which brings me to another matter altogether. A number of us were accustomed to feudal rights in our homelands, and these I offer to any who wish for the comfort of a feudal lord. I would uphold your rights as a vassal and hold you to my laws and those of this ship, and in return you would uphold my power to protect you and others. It will not stop any trouble you might have with ship's security, but at least you would have a lord to speak on your behalf.

[Or damn you, if you've really screwed up that badly.]

My law does not supplant that of this ship, but it will give you the right of a feudal lord. Unless you wish it otherwise, you will be under my protection, not in my service. I am not seeking to build a private army, nor does this absolve you of past lawbreaking or troublemaking. In another's country, we must obey another's law.

Lastly, there are two nests of fledgling sparrows in the gardens. If they are natural prey for an animal in your possession, you will ensure that your animal has been properly fed before bringing it to the gardens. I encourage all to come hear them sing.

Good day.

[ hello, tranquility. it’s lucrezia and robb on your screen. robb’s holding her hand, thumbing lightly over her knuckles, grey wind sat at his side. his hair is still damp, curling wildly, but he looks content, gaze lingering on lucrezia for a long moment before he addresses the device. ]

If I could take a moment of your time, the lady Lucrezia and I have a matter to set before you. One I shall allow her to announce, as there’s a poetry in her words that I sorely lack.

[ and let’s not pretend this isn’t lucrezia’s show through and through, even if robb wasn’t his father’s son, too much a northman to do this announcement justice. ]

Sweet Tranquility which is dear to both of our hearts solely for its people -

[ and, you know what, wait a moment guys. it’s her show, which means she can turn and at least muss down robb’s hair since this isn’t legit. ]

We wish to invite you all, friends and families and those who wish to partake in our happiness to our wedding which will be held in the gardens. We would be honored to have you all as our guests.

[ she looks over at robb, all smiles. go on, you’re the king. he squeezes her hand in return, a small gesture. ]

We can offer you wine, and dancing, and my bride would delight in sharing both with all those who come in friendship and good will. [ which is a very thinly veiled, do not ruin this day or there will be hell to pay. ] We should hope to see you all in attendance.

[ ooc | now with an accompanying mingle log!! for all your wedding minglin' needs. ]

Another Jump has come and gone.

[ hey, Tranquility. Lucrezia Borgia's hair falls freely down her back today and her cheeks are rosy and her lips are smiling. though if you know Lucrezia Borgia, and many do by now, you would perhaps recognize something in her smile, a twinkle in her eye which is impish. ]

I have counted more than twelve jumps, near fifteen and my days on this ship had been many yet today I come to you with a plea, Tranquility.

[ notice the faux!serious expression on her face. ]

There is a man upon this ship who had promised me a most wonderful promise many months ago and failed to see it through. I do not know if it is a regular affair in this person's world to break a promise made to a lady but I have come before you seeking justice from him so he would see it done. Duel him, pester him, chase him down at my name, if you wish it. Only bring him before me or tell him to present himself to me and be given punishment for said offense.

His name is Sirius Black. He is taller than me with dark hair and mischievous eyes and a talent in magic and he had given me his word that he will hold a Christmas upon this vessel. I do not know the months but surely not celebrating it at all is worse than trying to. My Holy Father would say the attempt is as important as the result. I trusted Sirius Black with such and here I am, months afterwards and nearly married -

[ allow her to look very pleased for a moment ]

And not a Christmas in sight. That said, I call upon my friends to deliver him to me so we may settle this matter once and for all.

[ lucrezia borgia sits on the swing in the garden, pale blue silks and hair held up against the heat. despite it all, she's all but running on sunshine, not walking on it. ]

a verse!

[ listen carefully, tranquility, it's been a while, after all ]

Set me where the sun burns flowers and grass,
or where he's conquered by the ice and snow:

[ a meaningful look, here. ]

set me beneath his temperate chariot,
where it rises or where it descends:

set me far from fame, or let me be known:
I'll be what I have been, live as I've lived,
continuing my fifteen years of sighs.

[ a hum ]

a bargain, tranquility. I have sighed all that I can for weeks, it would seem. smiles would do better, dancing would be sublime, if you care to join me.

I am looking for a dog, or else a pup. Unwanted or unclaimed, though it should go without saying.

Some have expressed concern for their animals in this heat. Provide them with water and they ought not to grow dangerously hot. If they do, wet a cloth with lukewarm water and rub their skin.

[Thranduil is sitting stiffly against a tree almost like it's his own throne. Most people who've seen him have seen him grumpy. He is not grumpy now. He is pissed.]

In all things I have tried to show patience. [His voice is dripping with ice.] I have lent my aid and resources to this ship, I have offered my hospitality and friendship and asked nothing in return, and what has happened? I have been robbed.

[His lip curls in a slight snarl.]

One of you took from me a precious necklace, a gift to me from a friend I am unlikely to see again. It is silver with pearls and diamonds and was wrapped in a cloth and hidden from sight. If you return it to me, I will be merciful and no charges will be pressed. If you do not, I have many eyes aboard this ship. It will be found.

[The feed cuts off.]

This day has found me sad.

[ there is not much of an introduction today. Lucrezia Borgia, wrapped in a blanket in her bed, pale fingers flipping through a book which lies open in her lap. ]

What can be done to expel such?

While all of you are no doubt rather busy with your reunions and other such things, I believe it is prudent to take this moment to offer the services of myself or my colleague, Miss Sommers, in dealing with any of the issues that many of you have been confronted with in the last few weeks.

[ Hannibal is all neat collars and cuffs as usual, his black hair neatly groomed back, the lights adjusted so that the red in his black eyes stays hidden; the kindly and professional Dr. Fell, that's all. But for those who received memories from him, there might be a rumble of some familiar evil that menaces them; perhaps something they can't quite put their finger on. ]

Memories, particularly those of the kind we experienced, are difficult enough to overcome when they are indeed our own. Emotional conflict, losses, and for most the absence of friends and family that is not even your own to mourn, can be devastating if not turned in the appropriate direction. Some of you have been the victims of more vicious and unsettling images, such as may conflict with your own peaceable nature. I urge you not to combat these on your own. The psychological impact may be more grievous than you might at first imagine, and in those cases, the experience of a professional is a crucial tool in your continued well-being.

You are welcome to drop in any time. Please do not hesitate. If a confidential meeting or 'home visit' is required, please contact myself or Miss Sommers directly. Thank you for your time.

Causa latet, vis est notissima fontis.

[ and if lucrezia is bothered by -- well, everything, it doesn't show. if anything, she insists on a smile that is brilliant and light as she sits on her swing in the garden, feet bare and the edge of her dress painted green as if she were sitting on the grass before ]

The cause is hidden, but the result is known.

[ and how true that seems to be, isn't it Tranquility? the cause is always hidden and the result is always known; and a bit too late, at that. ]

But why wait until mine are known? I would play a game, Tranquility, and spoil my own surprises. A memory for a memory and a secret for a secret.

[ and who does not want a secret from a Borgia? ]

If I shall find a daring enough partner.

Tranquility!

[ though it's been a while since she had spoken to the ship, Lucrezia seems to be in a merry mood. All silks and ribbons and pearls and most importantly, a cheerful, bright smile that has been somewhat absent during the last few weeks.

She might seem exactly as she did when she first arrived here. ]

I am bound to announce on the presence of one very important on our ship. I have given him enough time to present himself and since he had neglected such, I will be handling his introduction.

[ this is the life in the Borgia family. ]

Announcing the arrival of His Eminence, Cardinal Cesare Borgia whose robes have not been provided by the ship yet it cannot take from his devotion. A man of brilliant thought and sharp mind, wise and knowledgeable in languages, history, strategy and certainly in dance!

[ oh my God, Lucrezia, he would want them to fear him not wish to dance with him but what can you do. ]

One of the finest men our Rome had ever cared to deliver and I promise myself not to be terribly biased by being his sister.

[ a smile and then. ]

I would wish for you to show him the same kindness you had shown me; I have told him only gracious things about the ones who inhabit this ship, it would not do for him to think his own sister a liar.

Dante had said, remember tonight! for it is the beginning of always.

What shall we be doing tonight, Tranquility?

[ it is late but not too late and Lucrezia is keen on avoiding nightmares and so sleep is not a Thing. ]

I shall be spending my own in the garden. I never before slept upon grass.

Do you remember the first man or woman who greeted you upon your arrival to the stars, Tranquility?

[ Lucrezia Borgia sprawled on her bed, a dragonfly ring in hand. ]

I loved the first person I met upon sight, with a love that was stronger that anything I expected to feel at such a time. A love of tales and songs and I carry its mark on my heart until this day.

[ she could end it there but not without the slowest grin of the century. ]

Poets would kill for an opportunity to love so fiercely among stars. It would produce beautiful words for them to deliver to the world to show that love is not a selfish whim.

[ never that, not to Lucrezia Borgia who is still a romantic here. ]

God knows I never sought anything in you except yourself; I wanted simply you, nothing of yours.

[ since the elevators malfunctioned, arthur's returned to dressing in full armour constantly, and so he's clad now in chain and plate as he addresses the screen. he's sweaty, dirty-blond hair plastered to a forehead pinkened with exertion, though his breathing is even. ]

Evening, Tranquility. Back home, in Camelot, I spent a large amount of my time training the knights; and with their honour and devotion, as well as their skills, I honed them into the finest warriors in the realm.

[ there's something rose-tinted about that nostalgia. he's right at the point where he's starting to forget to miss camelot, sometimes, and he's clinging onto thoughts of it fiercely. ]

Though my men are not with us, and I'm lacking an armoury—

[ some amusement in his tone at that. ]

—I thought perhaps I'd extend the offer to any who wish to learn to defend themselves. You'll be assigned training tasks to improve your general fitness and understanding of strategy, and I'll teach you the sword. I'm skilled in plenty of weapons, but not many of them can be substituted with sticks.

[ and then he draws his blade from its scabbard, twirls it in his hand with idle showiness. ]

The amount of time I'll have available will obviously depend on the level of interest. I've already got a couple of pupils, but I welcome more, so long as you're willing to work hard and obey orders. You may think it absurd, but a blade never runs out of bullets.

[ obviously nobody's told him about blasters. ]

Tranquility!

[ Guess who is back in her high spirits. Lucrezia is wearing red silks and is evidently strolling the gardens this morning ]

It is my birthday today, I have decided.

[ a pause in which she just looks pleased with herself and then she explains ]

As I do not know how to count the days here when compared with the count common in Rome, I have chosen today for my birthday. I shall accept my greetings at the garden.

[ prim and proper but those who know her by now can see the jest in her words. ]

And I have decided what I wish as my gift, if you would hear it!

[ wait for it. ]

For the birthday of the one called the illustrious Lucrezia Borgia, me and garden both require - a swing!

[ a beat. ]

And cake.

[ that would actually be all. Lucrezia Borgia, ladies and gentleman. She would be sitting in the garden, reading a book, for those who wish to find her. ]