dear_mun | Mun is looking for a Arthur / England to talk to. ;;

Trust me, the way he goes on about you, I think you'll always have a place with him, your majesty.

[He doesn't kneel, but he does give a gentlemanly nod of his head.]

I'm...well in your time I was just the New World. I've made a few England muns aware. I'm sure he'll be along in a bit.

... Ah, truly?

[She gives a nod back, stately as always.]

Yes... well I know of you. How could I not? You are the great hope of my time, the great far off country.

[Her smile is small but true.]... Ah, thank-you my lord. Thank you for things you cannot even possibly imagine.

You were...are a great woman, and he reached great prosperity because of you.

[It was a bedtime story for so long. "Engwand, what is the pewfect woman?" "Let me tell you of my Virgin Queen, poppet."]

Don't call me a Lord. None of my people are lords or ladies. If you want to be formal, just call me Mr. Jones, though I like Alfred better.

... I see. [She's looking down, smiling to herself, fiddling with her only ring.]

[~~brb the mun just keysmashed to death with joy of that cuteness.~~]

... Would Master Jones do? I... honestly it's just how I show respect. It's a hard habit to unlearn.

[He laughs and gives her a coy wink.]

Well, I suppose I can make concession for you, your majesty.

Anyway, England isn't hard to miss. He's a little shorter than me, slightly thinner, with blond hair and green eyes. I think you'll like him.

[She laughed lightly, oh she liked him~]

Thank you, master Jones. I suppose you're the closest thing I shall ever have to a child of my own. I do so hope my settlers do well there. [She's got no idea.]

Well, I hope I do. It would be a hard thing to not like the anthropomorphic personification of your own country to whom you declared yourself married to get rid of men who otherwise seek to rule you. On top of everything else, it'd be incredibly awkward. [She's teasing mostly. Though it really would be awkward.]

Haha! I don't know how much I can say to you on that. Just there's gonna be bumps in the road, but you already know you won't give up. After all, I'd say I'm pretty well grown now.

England...well lets just say he'll feed off of you. I think...for most incarnations of him, he feels the same for you and he'll be twice as awkward about it.

Yes, you've grown very well. So I guess things worked out better then any of us expected.

[... This is all a little overwhelming. Now she's just nervous.]

... Alright then. Feed off of--? I won't question it, I suspect I won't understand. My poor country, awkward around me? He really ought not to be, I do love him so. He's my everything. All I have left. But then after all the abuse he received at my sister and father's hands... [Sob, her poor little country.]

More of the awkward that comes with a pure love. It's hard to explain, but if you ask any of us, we have that one leader we could honestly claim to love like that. If we meet them now, different from who we were in their care, we worry if we are still the same countries they loved. [He considers her a moment, then rests a hand on her shoulder.]

Don't worry. Be yourself and it'll be fine, your majesty.

... All of you? Even France? [Laughing a little.] But truly, we're just one of many, and we rule for a time. Then we are gone. Time dulls almost everything and to still be felt the same about... is... well it's humbling. Completely so. It means I did not fail my family or my country.

[She's grateful for the affection, however slightly, and puts her hand over his.]

Thank-you for your words. I shall remember this kindness.

[And there's his million kilowatt smile again, and he nods.] It wasn't a king or queen for France, the way my twin tells it. His was a sweet girl named Joan. Prussia has Old Fritz, though he won't be around for another century or two from your time.

And if you can, just tell England. It will be worth the dazed look on his face. He thinks he failed in the "Make the North American twins into gentlemen" front.

[Very charming~ If she were another woman, she might be smitten with that kind of smile.] Joan of Arc? ... I suppose that makes sense. She did a great deal for France. [Perplexed look.] Prussia?

[She's laughing at that.] Gentleman? I wasn't aware that Pirates new how to be Gentleman~ But I'll be sure to tell him that he ought to be proud of all his time and effort. You may have abandoned our customs, but I do not think you would be so foolish as to forget who gave them to discard in the first place.

Prussia...I'm not sure what he would be called in your time...he's a Germanic nation. I think he was formed by a group of crusaders, so he's pretty old.

[He laughs a well, taking off his glasses a moment to clean them.] Oh god, I'm glad you recognize that. Iggy, I mean England, is like that.

I will admit that some who came after you aren't remembered fondly, your majesty. I would probably be rude to them on purpose. You though? You are always amazing.

... Oh! [frowns for a second, thinking.] Yes, right. I know that family now. They're not of much prominence yet I don't think. But the only way is up I suppose. That or assimilation.

[Curious, she's never seen ones with such fine glass.] Like what?

[That's a little hard to hear, because there is so much pride to consider. But then she thinks of previous monarchs, even her own family.] It's to be expected, that there are those of us that are not liked. I know plenty before my time. King John I to start with, and I don't think very much of King Richard the Lionheart either. [She looks down again at his words, smiling but trying very hard not too.] Such flattery, did England teach you such clever words, master Jones?

A pirate. He doesn't want to acknowledge that he was, or in someways still is a pirate. Though if I hit the right button, he'll curse like one.

It happens. I've had leaders that I sort of what to mark out of my mind...hell I've had history I wanna just try to forget, but if I do, I'll end up doing it all over again.

[He slips his glasses back on, pushing them up a little as his eyes focus.] I give credit where it's due. You were a bold, strong woman. I admire that. Maybe England taught me how to wrap it up in a nice package, but it doesn't make it any less true.

... I'll set him to rights about it. We did that together, I asked the privateers to do such things, I gave them contracts to. To deny it, is to deny the work that was done for me. That stolen gold helped rebuild... well almost everything. But you do what you think you must.

[Morally questionable as that was... ]

I guess I should not look a gift horse in the mouth, so thank you.

But of course you will always be notable, my Queen.

[She's the first he has seen around here and that makes her more than notable in his eyes. And of course Elizabeth gets a smile, because she's just that special.]

... [blinkblink. You are not what she expected. But she's not sure what she expected it.

So have a curtsey like she would of given her father, until she makes her mind up what to think.]

Hardly, your grace.

[The curtsey surprises him and he goes ahead and bows back, trying to do it as gracefully as he could given circumstances.]

Please, Your Majesty, you've no need to bow to me. I am your servant.

... You're much more then that. After turning every King, Prince, Duke and Earl from here to Sweden down, how could you say that?

[She gives him a smile then, little and secretive as it is.]

[Ah. Well. That smile makes him flush, clearing his throat and looking away. Having her here brings him back to those days and he feels young and embarrassed.]

They weren't worthy of you... [They weren't. She brought him hope and he was loathe to give her over to anyone else when they all were unworthy in his eyes.]

[She stepped forward a little then, trying to get a better look at him.]

Exactly. So how are you just my servant? Do servants talk of their masters that way? [Eyebrow raised, seeing if he'd give her a straight answer.]

They shouldn't. [But he was (and always since then) quite obstinate. He's gone through so much hardship and by the time Elizabeth was in power, he was well sick of being pushed around. She'll have to forgive him his willfullness.]

And yet you do. So what should I make of it then? [She forgives him for all of it, always has. She was quite sick of being shoved around by different men all trying to control for their own gain.]

My fate is in Your Majesty's hands as always. [He'll take whatever punishment she'll deem him worthy.]

[She sighed a little, then reached forward to take his hand, holding it between her own, letting her fingers lace lightly.]

And my fate, was to be in the good graces of your heart. You're my companion, my partner, my country and my husband. Till death do us part. Or need I say it again? Without your acknowledgement, I am just a bastard daughter of a woman who reached too high, but with you, I am Queen.

[It's been centuries since he last saw her and it fills him with a tender feeling to have her address him so fondly and graciously as always. He smiles to her as he gently lays his hand over hers.]

I am always honored by your regard, My Queen. I always will thank you for the love you've shown me and your people.

[She lets go of his hand then. For some reason, it hurts when he talks of her as already gone, already passed over to just a memory and she looks away then.]

Is that all? Just thanks?

[It saddens him to see the hurt that flashes on her expression just then. He doesn't try to reach for her, at least for now, afraid that he'd hurt her more though she's certainly more formidable than she looks.]

I apologize, my dear. I do. [He lets himself use a more familiar address. She's here. She really is here. His voice drops to a soft whisper, holding his neglected hands to himself.] But it's been so long. I still can't believe you're here. I've dreamed of speaking to you again and I never knew how to do it. Until now, as you can see, I fumble.

[Elizabeth kept her eyes off him, while he talked, but she was listening. She was always listening.]

You silly fool... I haven't changed. Talk to me as you ever did. If you missed me, then why would you ruin the chance you do have? [She didn't take his hands again, but just stepped closer, brushing the hair out of his eyes lightly.] I'm standing right here, and for the time being, I am not going anywhere. So make the most of it, rather then thinking on your loss.

[Her tone is as no-nonsense as ever. She's the same and it makes him smile again to have it confirmed. She's always been able to make him smile. After she touches him, he looks up at her to meet her eyes, that wry smile still on his lips.]

I have missed you so much...

[He doesn't touch her, but his gaze is fondly caressing, taking in her face and committing it to memory once more.]

You are one of a kind.

[Gently then she cupped his face, running her fingers down. He never seemed to age, was always the same, even as she got older. It did no wonders for her vanity.]

And I you, my foolish England. Were you always this sad? I distinctly remember a pirate who brought me gold and told me of far off lands, and grinned like the world belonged to him.

[She drew her hand back to herself, but she's glad he's not addressing her like she's a memory any more.]

I try to be, else I'll be easily replaced.

[He leans into her touch, happy enough to let her see for any changes in him. They're probably minimal.]

A lot has happened, dear one. The world has changed so much and I've grown older, sadder as well.

[He shakes his head, still smiling in fondness to her.]

No one can replace you so easily. What makes you think you will be?

[She certainly can't see anything different, no matter how her eyes search his face.]

I am sad to hear it, I did so much to make you strong again. My laughing privateer no longer has his smirk, whatever shall I do with him now?

[It was difficult to keep to herself though, but if he wasn't touching, then should would not either. It'd be improper to say the least.]

... My brother and sister were, whose to say I am any different? I could be like any other member of my family, like any other monarch before. It's arrogant of me to assume you will never find another to love, as I have loved.

[He doesn't touch her as he's grown into his reserve along with his sadness. But he's trying to be cheerful as it's her. And see, she makes him smile, really. There's only probably one other who is really able to do that nowadays.]

He's still here, my lady, just battleworn and older. It's not so bad as all that, I assure you. [England's tone lightens as a touch of that old smirk lifts one side of his lips.] Your privateer just lacks for adventure, unfortunately.

[Speaking of another love makes him smile more tenderly again.] You're special. Always. And I would never call you arrogant for thinking of such a thing. [His loyalty to her will never be shaken in some ways. He will always love her, of course, but now, he is quite in love with someone else.]

[Elizabeth glad for that smile, hard as it was to get.]

What a serious mask he has taken up, do you hide it from the others? Do they fall for it? [His faint smirk makes her grin openly.] Then he best go find some, or I will want to know why. It's my job to become my mask, and it's my place to breath, live and die like that. You are to be yourself, to keep my humble, regardless of what we foolish leaders do. Please do not hide it, my love. You recovered from my sisters burning's after all... you can recover from whatever this is too. [Whatever had made him so sad. So withdrawn even from her.

She shook her head then.] Hundreds of people are capable of love. I just happened to love that which was immaterial and yet still kept me safe.

They do for the most part. [He chuckles softly. No need to tell her that he's gained the reputation of being a crotchety old man.] Your privateer also lacks a ship. It's been a while since he's properly set out to sea. It's a true tragedy, it is.

And I am trying, I assure you. Indeed, someone is helping me recover little by little, though I doubt I'd fully get back to how I was before. [He flushes minutely as he continues to speak. It's only because it's Elizabeth that he can speak so freely of something so personal.] He... doesn't seem to mind me how I am now all too much.

[At that, he couldn't help but reach to gently take her hand in his if she'd allow it.] Much as an inconvenience it can be at times, we can't help who we love, dear.

Then they're as foolish as you are. [That'd make her sad, considering how it used to be.] Oh please, we never had any to start with, that never stopped us. I don't want to hear any more excuses. [Still 'we'. Always so.]

I'm glad. Very glad, your grace. I tended your wounds once, but that's no longer my place. Does he know how much you forget to take care of yourself sometimes? Because I'll tell him every horrible detail, so you never escape it. [She laughs quietly.] Oh good, you deserve it in all truth.

[Smiling, she let her fingers curl around his, happy for it. Happy that some part of him still reached for her, even if it wasn't the same any more, and he had another.] No, I could of loved another, it was easy to do that. Dudley, Essex, even Anjou... but no, I picked you. Never could of been anyone else, really. Why you loved me, I'll never have any idea, but there it is.

[He smiles more. Such an incomparable woman, his Queen. He inclines his head to her in a bow.] Then he shall sail once more. [Somehow. Oh, how Elizabeth would probably love the modern ships.]

I think he does try to take care of me in his own way, though his efforts can be far too smothering at times. [America and his smothering affection and care. His words are vexed, but his tone is anything but. It's obvious he's very fond of him.]

[He leans and bows his head over her fingers respectfully.] For you brought me hope and victory when I needed it the most, my lady. How can I not love you when you gave me so much?

[She's glad for the smile, even if it is only for an idea that they once had. She knows nothing will come of this, talking for old times sake. But if he could find the will to smile even over that, over the one that had taken her place, over something, she will not have failed.] You'll break my heart Arthur, if you don't. [She would, such brilliantly crafted things.]

Just as yours were at times, so you should perhaps know that it's for the best. [Teasing a little, because she reserved that right a long time ago.

There was so little she could say to his words, that had not already been said, that didn't sound false, vain or hadn't already been said a hundred times before. Instead she turned her hand in his, that she could tilt his face up with her fingers lightly under his jaw. Just enough, that she could brush a soft kiss on his forehead.]

[He closes his eyes against the kiss. It's a fond, familiar gesture and it makes his heart seize up with emotion. Elizabeth is here, but for how long? He knows he cannot keep her here, they don't belong in the same time, and the thought fills him with melancholy. All the more reason to try and make a best of it.]

I'd love for you to meet him, if you wouldn't mind. I think he'd also love to meet you.

[He'd always spoken with pride of her to America. How wonderful it'd be if they actually met.]

[She draws back then, smiling at him, her fingers curling between his, not letting go this time. It felt more natural at least.]

I wouldn't mind in the least, I've a lot to tell him. No doubt this strange seriousness in you doesn't let you tell of the things you used to be.

[She smiled as encouragingly as possible.]

He was very young during our time. I doubt he remembers much of how I was. [He curls their fingers loosely together. It's very nostalgic.] And we rarely talk of the past.

[Too much hangs on the past for them to be really comfortable about talking about it though they have gotten better about it recently.]

He was? Ah, it isn't America is it? [She beams at the mention of it.] Our colonies did well then?

[That thought pleased her immensely, if her people were her husband, then America was her child as far as that thought went. Her perfect, innocently created child, which like any mother she simply wanted the best for, had done her best to make prosper, that she would never see fault in.]

Ah, yes. Quite well. [So well they're all gone. If anyone were to ask and he were to answer frankly, he's rather proud of how the now-free colonies and territories are prospering now.] Have you seen him around here? He tends to visit this place every so often.

Yes I did see him, he was quiet charming. [Dashing might be the better term for it.

But there was something else that was ticking in her mind, soft as it was. It hurt a little. It was very softly spoken, she didn't want him to think she was angry, in truth it just hurt a little.] He told me I had to remind you of what you used to be. That you pretend it didn't happen, or something like that.

[An eyebrow lifts a little at that.] Did he? [It's not really that he pretends it didn't happen. He takes pride in what he has accomplished before, of course, but times change. One can't be the pirate forever...]

He did. I expect you to change of course, as you have. The war is over. No one shall hurt us now, peace I hope for a time will rule. If only because people are sick of blood shed, but I... it hurts to think you hide it in some way, even the parts where I asked you to steal, to rob, for me. When they write of me, I should take the blame and be condemned for it, not you my love. You should not feel bad for doing what I ordered, there is no shame in duty, I made those choices, not you...

[It was worrying her badly. So very badly, that he might blame himself for those things. It was her fault, he must never condemn himself for it.]

Mun is looking for a Arthur / England to talk to. ;;

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Driveby for now as I need to go to work, but I'll be back later!

<3

<3

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this is making me so happy, idek --

Awww <3

Sob. He makes her so happy it's ridiculous.

I'm glad!

<3

'Hope you don't mind the USUK stuff, aha...

S'all good~ Forgive her affection, she's forever in love with him, silly woman.

It's totally fine! <3

<3

<3

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