[It has been about a week or so since the whole ordeal with the AI and reset and what not when Mitsuru receives a surprise visitor to the Casino! Because, suddenly there is a white boar walking around the halls with a handwritten letter in its mouth, addressed to Mitsuru Kirijo.]
To the most honored lady, Mitsuru Kirijo. I hope that this letter finds you well and that you have managed to recover from our harrowing travels to the desert. It would appear that our struggles and efforts were not in vain as the peace has once again fallen upon our world. I must admit, that your performance of courage and grace that I saw that day left me impressed and delighted. I find myself visiting that memory of you wielding your sword again and again. You truly are a proper lady, your shine shadowing many of the daughters of nobility I have encountered in my life. There has, in fact, been certain things bothering me and I believe you would just be the right person to help me with my trouble. If you will it, I would request an audience with you, my lady Kirijo.
[ To say that Mitsuru wasn't expecting to come across a white boar roaming the halls is an understatement. Although when she discovers that it's not in fact about to attack any of her patrons and is carrying a letter from Richard - well, that almost seems too on the nose. A white boar. He actually has his heraldic symbol as a pet and delivering letters for him. It's almost comical.
Of course the done thing here is to send a letter back with said boar first - after she had offered the creature something to eat before his trot back home. Hopefully he likes fancy vol-au-vents - pork free ones of course. Provided he tucks into those nicely, she'll use that time to write her reply, on her own stationary of course.
God his letter is so... Well, she can definitely tell what time period he comes from with such grand language and florid description. Hers will read as follows: ]
Your Grace,
Thank you for your kind words. I am flattered.
I think it is a relief to us all that peace has returned, although I find that one must always question for how long that will be in this place.
I would be happy to discuss whatever it is that troubles you. You are already familiar with my establishment and I have a private office there that I work out of if that would suit. Please do not hesitate to stop by at a time of your choosing this afternoon.
[Oh sweet! Whitey is everything but pick boar when it comes to food, and he noms on the offered treats with enthusiasm. And once he's done Whitey politely looks around the casino while waiting for Mitsuru to be done with her reply. He's well-behaved boar and makes sure that he doesn't bother patrons, at least too much. If they are offering some pets and scritches he's not going to refuse! Well, anyway. Once she's done with her reply Whitey gently accepts the letter and trots off.
And! Sure enough, after couple of hours there is a knock on Mitsuru's office.]
Lady Mitsuru Kirijo. It is me, Richard Plantagenet.
[ Whatever doubts Mitsuru had about how well behaved a boar could possibly be in a casino are quickly set to rest by Whitey and his exceptional decorum. It must come from belonging to a king and being at court - or soon-to-be-king she supposes.
She’s engrossed in paperwork when the knock on the door comes later and it momentarily startles her, given how hard she was concentrating on her work. Business accounts really are mind numbing she realises.
The redhead smiles, reserved yet friendly enough as she opens the door to admit Richard. It’s still odd and surreal to hear someone actually introduce themselves with that famous surname she knows from history books. ]
Your Grace, welcome. Please take a seat.
[ She gestures to the two chairs facing her desk. It feels weird admitting an actual monarch to her office in a casino and asking him to sit but here they are. ]
How may I be of assistance?
offers you a dusty, crusty tag. seasoned with love
[Holding his head high and back straight, Richard holds up his posture with dignity when Mitsuru opens the door. Bringing his hand over his chest, Richard offers the red head a polite bow.]
My lady. [Richard greets her. Well, at least he isn't trying to kiss the back of her hand or anything? Well, either way. He straightens his back and moves inside the room. He strides across the office and settles down on the chair, holding his head up and crossing a leg over knee. He might be a guest here, but that doesn't mean that he will be lacking of any of his usual poise or dignity.]
I am overjoyed to see that you are healthy and faring well, from the look of the things. I hope that my companion wasn't too much of a trouble for you or your staff. Ah but yes, the reason behind my visitation. I believe that I am in correct to assume that you have been received a proper education that is to be expected of women from high social standing. Correct?
[ Describing himself as "overjoyed" while conveying only restraint - she has take the briefest of moments to observe that the mannerisms of the upper classes really don't change, do they? Even all of these centuries later and she could still recall so many instances of the same sort of behaviour amongst the upper echelons in her own world.
Mitsuru nods, taking a seat back at her desk with the same easy grace. Perhaps just to illustrate the point. ]
Your boar was perfectly well behaved, thank you.
[ As to the question of the topic at hand, which is apparently going to be her education: ] I have. My education has been extensive - not just for a woman, for anyone.
[ Might as well get that one out of the way. After all, she's well aware what kind of education a woman in his time could have expected compared to a man. Best make it plain that there is no differentiation between the two here. ]
Being my father's heir meant nothing less than that.
i see we are only able to tag if there is a layer of dust...
[One must be stay cool and controlled all the time, Mitsuru! It would not be proper to jump around and rejoice like a peasant. Anyway, while 'overjoyed' might be pushing it, there is an ounce of truth to his words. He might not understand the ways of Mitsuru's culture but it did serve his purposes greatly to hear that she had indeed been provided with a proper and extensive education.]
Your father sounds like an outstanding and respectable person. Someone I would wish to meet. [Aka he sounds someone with some influence and power, making the man worthwhile in his books. Anyway,]
I have found myself from a rather troubling situation, miss. As you must know this world is vastly different from mine. More often than not I find myself quite a loss here, not knowing what to say and how to act properly. I was wishing you could offer me some guidance on the matter. Teach me the proper etiquette and manners.
[ Was. Past tense. She doesn't elaborate on that because she doesn't feel the need to do so. It should be obvious enough from her wording that her father is gone and that there would be no chance of such a meeting. Then again, the dead have been known to show up here on more than one occasion - something she keeps in the back of her mind... Look at Shinjiro.
She listens as Richard goes on, intrigued. ]
Truthfully, I can only imagine the depth of your confusion at all of this. The course of human history changed so rapidly over mere centuries... There is a great deal to take in.
[ She pauses a moment, thoughtful. ]
If it is lessons in modern etiquette and manners that you seek, I think it may also be beneficial to give you proper context - a brief summary of historical and anthropological context and so on. Without going into so much detail, unless you wish to.
How can one understand our behaviour now if you don't possess knowledge of the events that lead to this?
tags moving the snail mail pace, you are absolutely correct.
[Richard merely makes a small nod of recognition at the usage of past-tense. It is not all uncommon for one to have lost one parent or even both as they reach the age of adulthood. But the loss of a father would explain a quite lot about her demeanor, at least to Richard. When the guiding hand and the support of a parent is gone it will force one to step up and learn to take the responsibility for themselves. In that light, he supposes that Mitsuru Kirijo is an astounding young lady, admirable even.
He makes a mental note to ask about late mister Kirijo, but for now he is more focused on the matter at the hand, feeling relieved that she seems to understand his struggles.]
I know we all are nothing but strangers in this unknown land, but I must admit. It truly does feel like I have been transported into another realm where nothing makes sense. At times it does seem like everyone is mad in here. [He says, exhaling deep as he speaks.] All while it is quite apparent that they think I am in the wrong in here.
[Richard curls his hand in a fist on his lap. He could very well see the way people looked at him, he could hear them whispering behind his back -- deeming him as wrong. The thought alone is enough to waken frustration and old, buried anxiety.]
I need to adapt. And I am aware I can not do it alone. I will accept any help that you can lend to me. From history lessons to etiquette and customs.
Some of the populace assembled here are a rather... [ Um. ] motley bunch. [ She's not being rude... Right? Well, maybe a little. ] I don't think you necessarily have to have come from another time period to think some of them a little mad at times.
I will assist you, but I ask for simply one thing in exchange: a contest of swordsmanship. A practice bout of course.
[ Perhaps he won't approve of such a challenge being issued by a woman? Maybe she's totally counting on that and issues the challenge regardless. Either way, she's still got that serenely aloof look on her face as she smiles a little. ]
I am doing my utmost to not allow my skills to grow rusty while I'm here and I would like to see how a future king compares.
[It does bring him some relief to hear that Mitsuru shares at least some of his grievances towards the other population of the Chosen and their well.. peculiar behavior and culture. The only other person who he had heard to voice out similar issues to him was Silco, who no doubt found it difficult to relate to others due to his relatively old age compared to others.
Though, her request does manage to bring a confused frown his face. Richard had seen her wield the unique looking thin sword, and had to admit that her talent was impressive. However, a contest? Against him? The idea was ridiculous, of course. For Richard personally did not care for the contest of arms, preferring to hone his skills for real battle rather than for fun. Now that he thinks of it, Anne had once suggested something similar. And thus his answer will be the same:]
I do not mean to deny the talent you possess, my lady. But if you were to truly raise your blade against me I fear that I would end up accidentally killing you.
[ He gets an immediate raising of eyebrows at that from the redhead sitting across from him. Shinjiro had always been right in saying that she might hide it better but she possesses a streak just as competitive as Akihiko's under the right circumstances.
Her tone gives away none of that of course, just the faint steely glint in her eyes. ]
Are you underestimating me, your grace?
[ It's understandable, she supposes. As much as she might personally disagree with it, women didn't usually fight with swords back then and even if they did, well... He doesn't exactly know that it's not only a sword that she has in her arsenal, should the need arise... ]
I do not mean to deny the talent you possess, your grace... however you could do no such thing to me. Rest assured.
[Oh? Well, that sure is a reaction that Richard did not expect to get from her. He eyed her up and down, measuring her with his gaze. There had not been many women who had the courage to showcase such sass and rebellious nature in front of him and he could not help but think back to a certain witch he had, for better or worse, come acquainted with.
However, Jane was smart. Knowing when to pick her battles and when to submit. Now, he was not entirely sure what to think of the red head in front of him. He had seen Mitsuru wield the blade and perform.. some kind of magic. He did not question that she was skilled, no. But would she be at his level? Unlikely. He had dedicated his body and soul to the blade his entire life, won countless battles and reaped glory in the war. There were not many in England who sought out to challenge him like this.]
Nay, milady. As a soldier I would find it distasteful to raise my blade against a civilian. Not even in a friendly contest of arms.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
a letter, dated early October
To the most honored lady, Mitsuru Kirijo.
I hope that this letter finds you well and that you have managed to recover from our harrowing travels to the desert. It would appear that our struggles and efforts were not in vain as the peace has once again fallen upon our world. I must admit, that your performance of courage and grace that I saw that day left me impressed and delighted. I find myself visiting that memory of you wielding your sword again and again. You truly are a proper lady, your shine shadowing many of the daughters of nobility I have encountered in my life.
There has, in fact, been certain things bothering me and I believe you would just be the right person to help me with my trouble. If you will it, I would request an audience with you, my lady Kirijo.
Signed,
Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester.
no subject
Of course the done thing here is to send a letter back with said boar first - after she had offered the creature something to eat before his trot back home. Hopefully he likes fancy vol-au-vents - pork free ones of course. Provided he tucks into those nicely, she'll use that time to write her reply, on her own stationary of course.
God his letter is so... Well, she can definitely tell what time period he comes from with such grand language and florid description. Hers will read as follows: ]
Mitsuru Kirijo
no subject
And! Sure enough, after couple of hours there is a knock on Mitsuru's office.]
Lady Mitsuru Kirijo. It is me, Richard Plantagenet.
no subject
She’s engrossed in paperwork when the knock on the door comes later and it momentarily startles her, given how hard she was concentrating on her work. Business accounts really are mind numbing she realises.
The redhead smiles, reserved yet friendly enough as she opens the door to admit Richard. It’s still odd and surreal to hear someone actually introduce themselves with that famous surname she knows from history books. ]
Your Grace, welcome. Please take a seat.
[ She gestures to the two chairs facing her desk. It feels weird admitting an actual monarch to her office in a casino and asking him to sit but here they are. ]
How may I be of assistance?
offers you a dusty, crusty tag. seasoned with love
My lady. [Richard greets her. Well, at least he isn't trying to kiss the back of her hand or anything? Well, either way. He straightens his back and moves inside the room. He strides across the office and settles down on the chair, holding his head up and crossing a leg over knee. He might be a guest here, but that doesn't mean that he will be lacking of any of his usual poise or dignity.]
I am overjoyed to see that you are healthy and faring well, from the look of the things. I hope that my companion wasn't too much of a trouble for you or your staff. Ah but yes, the reason behind my visitation. I believe that I am in correct to assume that you have been received a proper education that is to be expected of women from high social standing. Correct?
offers you an even dustier one
Mitsuru nods, taking a seat back at her desk with the same easy grace. Perhaps just to illustrate the point. ]
Your boar was perfectly well behaved, thank you.
[ As to the question of the topic at hand, which is apparently going to be her education: ] I have. My education has been extensive - not just for a woman, for anyone.
[ Might as well get that one out of the way. After all, she's well aware what kind of education a woman in his time could have expected compared to a man. Best make it plain that there is no differentiation between the two here. ]
Being my father's heir meant nothing less than that.
i see we are only able to tag if there is a layer of dust...
Your father sounds like an outstanding and respectable person. Someone I would wish to meet. [Aka he sounds someone with some influence and power, making the man worthwhile in his books. Anyway,]
I have found myself from a rather troubling situation, miss. As you must know this world is vastly different from mine. More often than not I find myself quite a loss here, not knowing what to say and how to act properly. I was wishing you could offer me some guidance on the matter. Teach me the proper etiquette and manners.
authentically Medieval
[ Was. Past tense. She doesn't elaborate on that because she doesn't feel the need to do so. It should be obvious enough from her wording that her father is gone and that there would be no chance of such a meeting. Then again, the dead have been known to show up here on more than one occasion - something she keeps in the back of her mind... Look at Shinjiro.
She listens as Richard goes on, intrigued. ]
Truthfully, I can only imagine the depth of your confusion at all of this. The course of human history changed so rapidly over mere centuries... There is a great deal to take in.
[ She pauses a moment, thoughtful. ]
If it is lessons in modern etiquette and manners that you seek, I think it may also be beneficial to give you proper context - a brief summary of historical and anthropological context and so on. Without going into so much detail, unless you wish to.
How can one understand our behaviour now if you don't possess knowledge of the events that lead to this?
tags moving the snail mail pace, you are absolutely correct.
He makes a mental note to ask about late mister Kirijo, but for now he is more focused on the matter at the hand, feeling relieved that she seems to understand his struggles.]
I know we all are nothing but strangers in this unknown land, but I must admit. It truly does feel like I have been transported into another realm where nothing makes sense. At times it does seem like everyone is mad in here. [He says, exhaling deep as he speaks.] All while it is quite apparent that they think I am in the wrong in here.
[Richard curls his hand in a fist on his lap. He could very well see the way people looked at him, he could hear them whispering behind his back -- deeming him as wrong. The thought alone is enough to waken frustration and old, buried anxiety.]
I need to adapt. And I am aware I can not do it alone. I will accept any help that you can lend to me. From history lessons to etiquette and customs.
no subject
I will assist you, but I ask for simply one thing in exchange: a contest of swordsmanship. A practice bout of course.
[ Perhaps he won't approve of such a challenge being issued by a woman? Maybe she's totally counting on that and issues the challenge regardless. Either way, she's still got that serenely aloof look on her face as she smiles a little. ]
I am doing my utmost to not allow my skills to grow rusty while I'm here and I would like to see how a future king compares.
no subject
Though, her request does manage to bring a confused frown his face. Richard had seen her wield the unique looking thin sword, and had to admit that her talent was impressive. However, a contest? Against him? The idea was ridiculous, of course. For Richard personally did not care for the contest of arms, preferring to hone his skills for real battle rather than for fun. Now that he thinks of it, Anne had once suggested something similar. And thus his answer will be the same:]
I do not mean to deny the talent you possess, my lady. But if you were to truly raise your blade against me I fear that I would end up accidentally killing you.
no subject
Her tone gives away none of that of course, just the faint steely glint in her eyes. ]
Are you underestimating me, your grace?
[ It's understandable, she supposes. As much as she might personally disagree with it, women didn't usually fight with swords back then and even if they did, well... He doesn't exactly know that it's not only a sword that she has in her arsenal, should the need arise... ]
I do not mean to deny the talent you possess, your grace... however you could do no such thing to me. Rest assured.
no subject
However, Jane was smart. Knowing when to pick her battles and when to submit. Now, he was not entirely sure what to think of the red head in front of him. He had seen Mitsuru wield the blade and perform.. some kind of magic. He did not question that she was skilled, no. But would she be at his level? Unlikely. He had dedicated his body and soul to the blade his entire life, won countless battles and reaped glory in the war. There were not many in England who sought out to challenge him like this.]
Nay, milady. As a soldier I would find it distasteful to raise my blade against a civilian. Not even in a friendly contest of arms.