Court Gossip

Oh, my dear. I’m sure you would very much like the answer to that, wouldn’t you?

Well, firstly, I think all our merfolk would be able to live quite long, they’d just go out into the sea and survive quite happily. I think the first to die is very likely our dear Cassemir. Likely, he’d sacrifice himself for everyone else’s safety. And I do believe Captain Blythe Briarcliff has no issues with murder. Consequently, I do think she’d live long enough to be rescued because of that. And I think a small circle of people she trusts would join her.

Well, that’s an interesting question. I would have to say Miss Bellegarde. She seems quite interesting, and I’m sure she has a secret or two to uncover.

“I would have to be a fool not to want such leverage,” Lucasta pointed out, “and the knowledge, merely for my own amusement; this game of thrones is too kind thus far, no? And perhaps that is our fault — courtesy is the nature & the death of most of us — but I’d like it to get interesting. If only to benefit from it and enjoy the drama. Though, I hope, not at my own lady’s expense: for now, at least.”

Blythe dismissed the thought of the knight the moment her affections for Isira were brought into the occasion, as though to present how insignificant any such ‘affection’ he may feel toward her was in her own mind. When the conversation turned to the former, she sighed; there was no good in denying it here, not when faced with an expression so knowing. “Even the small distances we keep are… like hell upon waking. But the rest of court cannot know, lest we lose it another time over, so we must…” 

“Affections?” Blythe let out a laugh, shaking her head in absolute disbelief; she paid little attention to men, particularly little to the fact it wasn’t the same vice versa. To her mind, her burgeoning friendship with the knight was based upon sparring ( though less of that part, of late, on account of her injury ) and mutual appreciation of the written word; there was nothing else to it. “That’s hilarious — and jealousy? What cause is there for jealousy in the first instance?”

Fingers flexed at her sides, as though to ensure the last of the brief flame were abated. When she spoke again, there was a distance to the Captain’s tone — as though coming from some other place — that was less than typical; something of the void left behind when the tide of anger draws away. “I certainly don’t doubt that you would; and that many wouldn’t. Unfortunately, though, it somewhat loses its lustre when you’ve considered it every day for many years.” 

Such a thing excited many, this Lucasta knew; but she would likewise like to know who exactly presented interest in such dangerous pursuits. ‘Couple’ was disheartening wording, but could likewise be loose wording, could it not? “Then perhaps someone ought to steal the chair and see what comes of it?”

“My reaction? Next time you plan to make a joke—” for the briefest of instances, it seemed that fire curled around her clenched right fist, before it was gone, like a trick of the light — “pick something funny. But to satisfy your rampant curiosity, if that bastard comes to court, I will not hesitate to relieve him of his head.”

“I wonder whatever — or whoever — could have given you such an idea?”

I saw Blythe and Alessandra talking at the wedding. I’d quite like to see them talk more. Nezetta and Genevieve, too. There are quite a few I would like to see get closer.

Oh, this is a question that only has one answer to me. 

Lucasta

Everyone else

Don’t ask me why. I have no idea. It just makes sense.

Oh, I do love drama. Let’s see. Ah, here we go.

Isira and Phaedra. The two barely seem to stand each other, I think it would be quite interesting.

Elias and Alessandra. I can’t say why, exactly, but I do want to know what would happen.

Genevieve, Reuben, and Aphria. I highly doubt the little sister wants to share a room with her sister and her husband. It’s sure to be interesting.

Blythe and Lucasta. The two seem very ambitious. I want to know if plots would form.

Nezetta and Cassemir. Likely, this would give the least amount of drama. But I think the rest works quite well.

Oh, I know. I find it rather intriguing. I think the captain is rather clueless to the knight’s affections. But our dear Princess Isira is certainly not. I think I detect a bit of jealousy there.

Well. That wouldn’t happen to be our dear Captain’s father, would it? I wonder how she’ll react.

Well, yes. I am curious to know how you think she cheated her way up the ranks. Perhaps you would like to ask her.

Oh, yes, my dear. I’m well aware. It’s quite exciting, the thought of getting caught while in the throes of pleasure. Granted, I know a certain couple is smart enough to put a chair against the door to keep anyone from entering.