☂ 24; and thus within the lady's view / this mighty dragon straight he slew

[is_an_island]

[out on his porch

petting his cats]

Comments

[someday_a_queen]

[Elizabeth walks over with small box in her hands.]

Hello England.

[is_an_island]

Hullo, Elizabeth.

Something for my cats, there?

[someday_a_queen]

No. It's for you actually.

A birthday gift.

[is_an_island]

... I see.

You didn't have to go through all this trouble. Your presence is quite the present enough.

[someday_a_queen]

I wanted to.

[And she'll pass him the small box. Inside is a book with some poems written in it. A few passages of parts in different languages. All hand written. There is a note written in the beginning of the book that reads.

For my beloved nation.
May your future days be bright and prosperous.
And know that every citizen you have, loves you very much.
Though none so much as I do.

your,

Bess.]

[is_an_island]

...

[he holds the book in his hands for a few seconds, with his fingers passing over the note a few times. then, he rises from his old man chair and kisses her on the forehead]

[someday_a_queen]

[She smiles at that.]

Happy Birthday England.

[is_an_island]

[holding her hand tightly]

It must have taken you quite a while for... for this.

[someday_a_queen]

I have a great deal of free time here.

[is_an_island]

It means a tremendous amount to me, Bess.

I wish you could feel my happiness.

[someday_a_queen]

[She smiles fondly. Not bothering to hide her emotions as she usually does.]

I'm happy knowing you like it.

[is_an_island]

It means more to me than you'll ever know. [holding the book tightly to his chest]

Come, I'm being a bad host. Have some tea. Sit down. Eat something.

[someday_a_queen]

Some tea would be nice, thank you.

[is_an_island]

Would you... Might I make a request?

[going in bustling with tea ho hum]

[someday_a_queen]

If you wish.

[is_an_island]

Would you mind reading out loud any poem?