Speech Thirteen: "I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married."

[someday_a_queen]

 [She'd been hesitant to open another package from the town, but curiosity wins out and soon Elizabeth is smiling again, spreading out her books on the table. Housemates feel free to notice her looking them over.

/Filtered away from Spain]

I know this may sound like an odd request. However the town does not supply many books on the history of other

Comments

[generose]

( She listens in on the call, but doesn't say anything at first. After all, she always did wonder how it would effect her original to know all the details of her life before it happened... becoming Queen was one thing, but...

Napoleon did say he didn't remember this place when he went back home, or rather he thought it all a dream. So perhaps it wouldn't matter? Elizabeth finds herself giving a sigh into the phone. Besides, the way this sounded she was going to find out something. Why not from someone that actually knew what they were talking about then? )

I recently got some of my books from home, a lot of them about... ( A pause. ) Well about you, so if you'd like to come over, I'd be happy to try and explain whatever it is you're wanting to know.

[someday_a_queen]

I would like that very much.

[And because she feels you deserve and explanation.]

You see Spain arrived recently and apparently thought I was a ghost come back to haunt him. I'm rather curious why.

[generose]

... I see. ( Elizabeth has to pull the phone away so the other won't hear just how loud she sighs hearing that. )

We have a lot to discuss then.

[someday_a_queen]

Very well. Do you mind if I come over now? Or would another time be better?

A

[dearest_austria]

[Sitting a few metres away from her, very happy about today being a Catholic day here. She very obviously knows all the prayers by heart, even if, should you listen closely, you will notice that she uses the Latin words.]

[someday_a_queen]

[After mass Elizabeth will come over to meet her.]

I noticed you were speaking latin before.

[dearest_austria]

[She smiles politely, in a way that seems to belong to some court, and nods.]

Yes, I were. It is what I am used to in mass... this place is quite strange in every aspect that I can find.

[someday_a_queen]

[A familiar smile, her own is similar.]

It really is. Especially since the type of service changes once a week.

I don't believe we've met. I am Princess Elizabeth Tudor of England.

C

[pants_yourmove]

[[Sees her checking out things and smiles.

Walking on over.]]

Whatcha looking at?

[someday_a_queen]

[Looks up with a smile.]

A telephone pole I believe. I still don't understand how it works but I've been told it isn't magic.

[pants_yourmove]

Oh, yeah, it's a while after your time.

[[Staring up at it himself.]]

Not magic, not even fully reliable. Useful though.

[someday_a_queen]

Why isn't it reliable?

[cramschoolgod]

[Hmm, a good enough reason as any to review some of her studies...]

I've studied European history to some extent. By all accounts, the reign of Elizabeth was a stable and lengthy one. How much do you want to know?

[someday_a_queen]

[Oh, that sounded promising.]

Anything you'd be able to tell me.

fff european history memories

[cramschoolgod]

Ah... okay. The Elizabethan era put an end to the religious battling of the previous decades and the seesawing between Catholic and Protestant rulers. Elizabeth adopted a neutral, state-serving system of moderate Protestantism, the Church of England or Anglican Church. She ruled for nearly fifty years. During this time, the other ascendant European power was Spain under King Philip II, who alternately wished to form an alliance by marriage and tried to seize power by force. Elziabeth's Royal Navy, however, defeated the Spanish Armada. Ah, it was also a great period of literature, which saw playwrights as Marlowe, Jonson, and of course, Shakespeare himself.

[someday_a_queen]

[Listening intently.]

......that's...quite of bit of information.

Thank you.

C

[pasodoble]

( ( Today was a good day. Spain knew it was going to be a good day when he went to Church. He's on his way back from the grocery store when he sees the ghost Elizabeth. ) )

You're by yourself today?

[someday_a_queen]

By myself? Who would be with me?

[pasodoble]

Anyone?

( ( His only memories of her are of her surrounded by her court. Or with England. ) )

[someday_a_queen]

I'm afraid I only know a few people well here.