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[givetheslip]

[If text had a tone, this post would carry a hint of uncertainty despite the writer's efforts to be forthright and calm. But it doesn't; only the chosen words matter, and that's why Maria has opted for this method of communication.]

Where I'm from, writing down one's thoughts and expecting any kind of reply without sending a letter through a courier would be considered mad. Even after being here for a while, it still feels as if it should be, although being here at all seems even more so—and if that's the case, we're all mad together.

I was born in England and didn't think much of it when I left, but I didn't imagine it would ever be reduced to this state. Yet for all the strange things I've witnessed since arriving here, seeing so many women brought to fight a war is one of the most startling. Such a thing would never be condoned in my time. It may be one of the only things I can approve of here.

And at least our 'hosts' have been considerate enough to offer us ways to stay occupied. I doubt most people are given the opportunity to train with weaponry after being spirited away unwillingly.

[There's a pause before she types more, slowly hunting and pecking, as she suppresses a wry chuckle. Certainly none of her previous captors had stood for such a thing.]

If anyone reading this is skilled with a sword, I could use a practice partner in one of the training rooms. My name is Maria.

[action!
option a! come spar with Maria. fighting style's not so important. got a blade? it's all good.
option b! bump into Maria on her way back from training. she'll be slightly sweatier but generally satisfied.]

Comments

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[givetheslip]

I suppose it's comforting to know I'm not alone with these thoughts, for whatever such comfort is worth. Have you ever picked up a weapon to defend yourself before?

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[ensorceler]

Not in such a case, no. Even in hunting, the men have handled the beasts in close quarters were it necessary.

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[givetheslip]

I may not approve of us all being conscripted into a war that isn't ours, but I recommend you try to learn whatever weapon was given to you. Every woman should, even if few do; we have to look out for ourselves.

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[ensorceler]

[ But why when she has men tripping over themselves to take turns escorting her places... ]

It is a matter I would be remiss if I did not see to it, soon...for times are less gentle than they once were, and so I must adapt.

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[givetheslip]

[Because then you can kick ass when those men turn out to be d-bags, Anne. Maria smiles and nods.]

Smart thinking. Too many of us seek to make this place like our homes rather than adjust to what's around us.

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[ensorceler]

But I think there to be no fault in finding ways to improve upon this time with our own experiences brought from home. There are none who can honestly say this island is not for wanting.

[ Anne herself is guilty for trying to encourage more artistry here... ]

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[givetheslip]

I can think of a few improvements myself. But I still recognize that this is a war of sorts, and conduct myself as such.

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[ensorceler]

We all must fight for the crown in our own way, no matter the time we hail or now reside.

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[givetheslip]

Well said.

[She may not agree with fighting for the crown anymore, but duty and responsibility—those, she still believes in.]

I don't believe I got your name.

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[ensorceler]

Forgive me, I have forgotten my own manners. I am Anne Boleyn.

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[givetheslip]

Anne. Good to meet you.

[That name...means nothing to her, since she's literally a bit behind the times when it comes to English royalty.]

And what weapon did you take from our hosts?

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[ensorceler]

A poignard. What of yours?

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[givetheslip]

A longsword, but I brought it with me. I prefer my own steel to a strange weapon.

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[ensorceler]

I cannot say I had one prior to coming here... Not of this nature. You are a soldier?

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[givetheslip]

I was. And now it seems I am again. At least it's a job I know how to do, however unwilling I was in taking it up again.

permavideo;

[ensorceler]

However did you find such a calling? How were you...permitted?

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[givetheslip]

I was not, at first. I dressed up as a boy and ran off to fight in the Crusades in disguise. Later, though, I met a man who was willing to give me a chance, despite my sex.

[ensorceler]

The...Crusades?

[ w o w ]

For true?

[givetheslip]

[A sigh, and then a rueful smile]

I take it you're one of the many who comes from an England far in the future from mine.

[ensorceler]

It is 1526, in the year of our Lord.

[ Said like clockwork. She has to answer so often here... But it's expected, she supposes. ]

It is difficult enough for a woman to accomplish such things new, let alone in such a trying time as that.

[givetheslip]

It is. Very much so.

[And it's really nice to know someone understands.]

So many of the 'modern' women I've spoken to in this place—their autonomy is the most normal thing in the world. I envy them that.

[ensorceler]

Would that they did not think less of women who do not conform to what they consider the standard.

[givetheslip]

Some do, some don't. Others simply don't understand.

[ensorceler]

As well as we may yet understand them.

[ Although even if she says 'we', this one is not that similar to her... Not in the sense of being battle ready, at least. ]

[givetheslip]

In time. And we shall adjust to our current circumstances.