01 video (private to Henry Percy)

[thequitecontrary]

[ Mary has just about figured out how to use the farcaster, which reminds her of a wireless radio mixed with a film camera. She even figures out how to send a private message, the first of which goes out to Henry. ]

Lord Henry, I hope that this message finds you well. [ She smiles. ] I thought that I might share some information with you.

Comments

[hotspurred]

[Henry blinks at the device, a furrow in his brow. While he straightens up the initially awkward angle quickly, the edge of a thumb in the corner of the feed shows his inexperience with this level of technology. His expression smooths out before he speaks.]

Lady Mary.

[He dips his head in greeting, his curiosity clearly piqued.]

You have my full attention.

[thequitecontrary]

[ Her smile widens just a bit as she watches Henry fiddle with the farcaster. If this technology is beyond her, then it is quite clearly beyond him as well. She will try to help him, the next time they meet. ]

Were you able to meet with the Queen when she had her audience at the pavilion in the bazaar?

[hotspurred]

I fear that I was not.

[The implication, he grasps, is that she did. She definitely has his attention.]

[thequitecontrary]

It was quite interesting. I learned that no one but her First Circle, or the inner circle of her male supporters, knew about we Strangers coming here to Draega.

[ He's certainly smart enough to draw his own conclusion from that. ]

[hotspurred]

Oh?

[He frowns at that news. It's far from ideal, and he has little patience for such dishonesty.]

...Evidently not for long. One must wonder how she chose her inner circle. It would appear they cannot all be trusted.

[thequitecontrary]

Indeed. Apparently a Queen must have twelve Blood males join her circle in order to rule. Fayura does not think that all of them are terribly taken with her though.

They serve her because they must, not because they choose to.

[hotspurred]

I see.

[While the system of government is different, it sounds like the nature of court changes little between worlds.]

Be it that the traitor fears we are the Queen's weapons, beholden not to the twelve? Or merely the impact of our presence upon their ambitions? One must wonder.

[thequitecontrary]

Indeed. It is certainly possible that we are a threat to them.

[ In theory they are here to help, but there's nothing to say that some or all of them might not change their minds as they learn more information. ]

She is very odd for a Queen, preferring to be addressed as 'My Lady' rather than 'Her Majesty'.

[hotspurred]

[Henry tilts his head, frowning.]

...Humility suits not a ruler. Especially one with bold enemies.

[thequitecontrary]

I agree. She was so casual it was unnerving. I would not have guessed her for a Queen.

Perhaps that is why the warlord princes do not flock to her.

[hotspurred]

Hm. Yet she reigns. And she held the power to reach us and bring us here.

[He shifts his weight idly.]

Aside from her avoidance of her own majesty, what made you of her?

[thequitecontrary]

I believe she does hold great power, but that the strength of the magic needed to bring us Strangers here has weakened her. I do not know how long it might take for her to recover from it.

[ She sighs and gives a little shrug. ]

She hopes to unite the different groups that vie for power here, but I do not know if they will unify under her leadership.

I find her to be kind, but that may not be the best trait in a ruler.

[hotspurred]

Now would certainly be the time for her enemies to strike. No doubt she has her defenders, but we ought to be vigilant too. 'Tis fair to surmise that she is our greatest ally among the natives.

[thequitecontrary]

I think we must firstly look out for ourselves in the wake of not feeling true loyalty to a monarch here. Lady Fayura has not entirely earned mine yet. I would be interested to hear what the guilds have to say.

[hotspurred]

I would know what you learn, if it is not too bold a request. But for my part I must see my wish realised.

[And that requires Queen Fayura.]

[thequitecontrary]

Of course I will share it with you. I find you trustworthy, Lord Henry. It must be because we are both from Yorkshire. [ She smiles. ] I understand what you mean about wanting your wish realized though. My fear is that the Queen may not be strong enough to do it.