it was necessary.

[raihts]

You say it so, and I find little backing to your claim.

My lady, without plan and promise, your endeavour - while generous, and I am grateful - seems fruitless. I ask you not pull me from duty to indulge in flights of fancy, you have others with far more available time on their hands to place in whatever situation you please.

To say that there are those you'd enjoy meeting with, that the strongest of bonds could be forged, and yet not knowing where to begin, it is not the wisest of strategies. Reconsider, leave me to my bidding until such time when decisions are made and a plan in motion. I'll not wander aimlessly in nothingness waiting to be brought to surface on mere whim.

Comments

[kyrria]

[ Ella's lips twitch into a small smile. ] They don't seem to listen very well.

[raihts]

A lesson I have learned very early on in our relationship.

[kyrria]

Has she at least told who the sorts of people she would like you to meet? Surely, that can't be so terribly of a command, could it?

[raihts]

She has not been ... terribly descriptive with her suggestions. "Fantasy" is a word oft used, though such could mean any number of potential folk to meet.

[kyrria]

As in ogres and such? Because I can tell you that those are a little bit overrated.

Mostly overrated. Giants are much more pleasant to be around.

[raihts]

[ well- okay, he has to have a little laugh at that. ]

While they would no doubt be of interesting company, I'd wager such company is not what m'lady writer originally had in mind.

[kyrria]

I didn't think so either. Not many seek their company unless they've a death wish, honestly.

Oh, sorry, I haven't given my name. [ And here is an awkward curtsy. ] I'm Ella of Frell.

[raihts]

Then it would indeed be wise to be avoidant.

[ ah- well, a proper bow is in order, and don't mind him if he takes her hand for a kiss to her fingers. ] A pleasure, my lady. I am Henry, of England.

[kyrria]

O-oh. [ Some Lady she is, fighting a smile and letting the blush on her cheeks speak for itself. She's lost her train of thought for a moment. ]

It's nice to meet you, Henry, of England. Would mind terribly if I called you Henry? Because I wouldn't mind if you called me Ella. It's short for Eleanor, of course, though that was my mother.

[raihts]

[ What's Shakespearean for score? Ah well. He'll just nod, smile, gentlemanly as ever because that's what kings do. ]

I mind not, miss Ella. [ sorry he has to be a little polite. ] After so long hearing little more than titles and formality, one longs for the sound of their own name on another's lips.

[kyrria]

[ Ella wouldn't know if there's such a word in Kyrrian or Ogre or what other languages she dabbles, in but - anyway. ]

I can understand that. Have you ever heard that riddle: What is it that you own, but is used more frequently by others? Well, it's your name, of course. A shame for us all if our names were only used by the shrill, the belching, and the phlegm-y. [ Mm, maybe that is not the best word to use around royalty, but it's already out there and there's no one to scold. ]

[raihts]

[ maybe we'll just stick with "verily" and call it a day. ]

[ and that just makes him laugh, what a nice and amusing lady. I've heard it, yes. Far better to hear it in honey sweetness and gentle tone than--

[ pause ... ]

Well. Phlegm.

[kyrria]

[ Ella has to laugh, not even bothering to cover her mouth with her hand, as so vigorously taught by Manners Mistress in finishing school. ]

Never, phlegm. Goodness. And then there are names the other people call you, when you really prefer one over the other.

[raihts]

[ Manners and propriety surround him on a daily basis, it's nice to be around someone who doesn't mind laughing out loud for once. it makes him happy, for once. ]

Some are less tasteful than others, no doubt. [ hm- headtilt. ] Surely there would not be such names for a kind young lady like yourself?

[kyrria]

You would have to ask my step-sister, Hattie, for a complete list.

[ Ella simply shrugs that off her shoulders. It wouldn't do to bring up such unpleasant thoughts now, anyway. ] All I can say is that I am, quite simply, Ella, and that is my preference.

[raihts]

[ The fact that such a seemingly sweet lady has a "complete list" of distasteful names to her has him wondering. Only sweet on the surface? Or the victim of undeserved mocking? ]

If simply Ella is the only title my lady wishes to be spoken, then of my own volition at least, simply Ella is all that will be said here. [ have a polite nod. ]

[kyrria]

Thank you, Henry. [ She nods politely in return. ]

Now that I've spoken too much about myself, I suppose it is best to ask you something, if that is alright. Is there anything you desire, something you would like to do, outside the world you already know?

[raihts]

My own desires are oft left to simmer, when greater responsibility takes priority. [ but he pauses, considering. ] Though, I suppose I'd like to see the ocean once more. With different purpose than before.

[kyrria]

[ She's thoughtful, rubbing her chin. ] I should like to go sailing, one day.

Perhaps you will find yourself an opportunity in a new location. Wouldn't that be good for you, to breathe in the sea air!

[raihts]

[ well that's a bit saddening. ]

My lady Ella does not have such opportunity?

[kyrria]

[ She simply shrugs a shoulder. ]

Not while I am under Dame - Mum Olga's "rule," I am not.

[raihts]

[ that has him frowning. ]

Even here? I was under the impression that this place is meant to be more liberating.

[kyrria]

For most, certainly, but I'm afraid I have a unique predicament that I'm not allowed to explain.

[ Another shrug. It's the most noncommittal gesture in the world, but she did promise mother she would not tell a soul about the curse. ]

[raihts]

[ ah. Well, that explains it, sort of not really. he decides not to pry. ]

If that is your decision.

Though, if fear of repurcussion is all that may be, rest assured I'll not tell a soul.

[kyrria]

Oh, I wouldn't doubt that you'd keep it to yourself, but I've made promises.

[ She presses the tips of her fingers together, perhaps finding a way to hint at it. ]

I - fairies. One fairy in particular, she does not think her blessings through when she grants them.

[raihts]

... fairies.

[ tiny winged folk he'd read about in stories? wat. ]

I was unaware that these creatures even existed. [ then again-- ] Though, if ogres are common in your world, fairies would not be a great stretch of imagination.