( 01 ) ( video / action. )

[feigns]

[ when the video clicks on, it shows a teenager — not uncommon in and of itself — looking distinctly bemused, not wet and somewhat out of sorts. what can be seen of his surroundings show him to be near the fountain, like most new arrivals, although he doesn't look especially surprised. when he speaks, his tone is primarily level, whilst his accent belies his british origins — southern english, with a noticeable undercurrent of welsh. ]

The last time I was here, I was greeted by a multitude of redheads and a blonde. I also, as it happens, momentarily believed myself to be Alice, although rather than having taken a tumble down a rabbit hole, I found myself the victim of a short drop into water. This time, I find myself in possession of all of my faculties and wholly dry. Alas, there appears to be no redheads in my immediate vicinity — recognisable ones, that is — or the solitary blonde bearing a cup of delightful coffee with an awful name. [ a beat. ] If it helps, I could go for a short paddle in the fountain and recreate my arrival from before; the sympathy and pity were quite welcome.

[ there's another pause, albeit a longer one, and the humour briefly fades from his expression and is replaced by a rather marked lack of surety. ] Tessa—. [ nope, nevermind. refuge in the familiar; awkward conversations can come later. ]

I wonder, will I have to spend my first night under a bush again?

Comments

[deadly_legacy]

[It's not red hair or blonde hair, but pink falls somewhere between them maybe.]

You spent your first night under a bush? Ah... There are beds at the welcome center. You are more than... [She was about to say welcome, but that sounds a little silly now.] Please feel free to stay there until you find something more permanent.

[feigns]

I forget the reason — perhaps it was merely that it had seemed appropriate, or I'd wished to indulge in such ridiculous and romantic notions such as gazing upon pale stars flooded with glory. I've no such wish this time, so perhaps I shall.

[deadly_legacy]

[She smiles at that, remembering nights sleeping under the stars with her siblings as a child.] During a warmer time of year it could be nice I think, but you've made a good choice.

The center is very close to the fountain. Maybe you can see the blue sign from there.

[feigns]

It has been known to happen on occasion. [ a beat. ] I shouldn't imagine I'll have too much difficulty in finding it.

[deadly_legacy]

Good. [She smiles at him.] My name is Euphemia. I don't think we met when you were here before.

[feigns]

Not from what I recall; William Herondale.

[deadly_legacy]

I'm glad to have the chance now. It's nice to meet you, William. I work at the welcome center if there is anything I can help you with other than lodging.

[feigns]

If I didn't know any better, Miss — Euphemia, I'd say that sounds a touch forward.

[deadly_legacy]

[She smiles at the pause and then laughs lightly.] Euphemia li Britannia is my full name, but you're welcome to call me Euphie at the risk of sounding more forward. It's fortunate you do know better.

[feigns]

Britannia. [ a mildly amused huff. ] And if I didn't know better?

[deadly_legacy]

Then I might be embarrassed?

Is it a funny name? [She has a twitch of nervousness. He couldn't be from her world, could he? But then he wouldn't be amused by her he'd... Well, how do you respond to the massacre princess who is dead by all accounts?]

[feigns]

Then I believe I'll retract my previous comment: I don't know any better and, Miss Euphemia, Euphie, you sound awfully forward. Not only have you offered a young gentleman a bed, you've offered him whatever else he might require of a day. Or night.

—And guardian angels sang this strain: rule, Britannia! Rule the waves. [ a pause and a shrug. ] It's merely unusual. I don't believe I've met many people named after a nation, personification or no.

[deadly_legacy]

[The other curiosity staves off the blush she might have grown at that and the playfulness.] You might be the one who sounds forward now.

I don't think I've heard that phrase. It's not so unusual in my case. You know of Britannia the nation though? [She pauses] Could you mean Britain? They are separate places where I'm from.

[feigns]

Might I? What a shame.

It's from a poem and song — unsurprisingly called Rule, Britannia! It referred to the nation of Britain, although it's fallen out of use. Now, it refers to the personification of the nation — a woman clad in robes and armed with a trident and a Greek shield. She represents nation, empire, queen, and Her Majesty's forces. [ a wry smile. ] I dare say we're from quite different places regardless — I'm yet to meet a Briton with pink hair.

[deadly_legacy]

Oh. [She touches her hair absently and smiles, feeling some relief.] I forget it can be surprising to some.] There is a Britannian Empire where I'm from, but it's located in an area many from here recognize as North America. And it's led by the emperor and not any of his wives. [Of which there are many.]

And your forwardness is easily forgiven.

[feigns]

The queen is rightful ruler in and of herself in my world. [ he eyes her for a moment, curiosity evident. ] Do you not think a woman is capable of running an empire, Miss Britannia?

[ a hum. ] I shouldn't think you know anything of my forwardness to forgive.

[deadly_legacy]

Not at all. It's just not how it is currently over the whole of Britannia. Many of the areas are governed by princesses. [She was one of them after all.]

I was teasing mostly. Perhaps I shouldn't when we've only met.

[feigns]

The devolution of power, in a manner of speaking? Though I must admit, the monarchy has never much interested me; there's far more to the world than those who sit and govern and watch, more to the lives of their subjects than they'll ever be privy to.

If we don't have humour even in first meetings, I doubt we have anything.

[deadly_legacy]

I agree completely. It's just what I knew best of my world.

[She smiles.] You may be right about the humor too.

[feigns]

I'm right about a great many things.

[deadly_legacy]

What a confident thing to say.

[feigns]

False modesty is wholly unbecoming; the truth is preferable, wouldn't you agree?

[ the quirk of his lips would imply that he's not being entirely serious with regards to himself, however. ]

[deadly_legacy]

The truth usually is. It's a good way to feel in a City like this knowing how the curses tend to bring it out.

[feigns]

No. The truth deserves respect, and the City tends not to give it.

[deadly_legacy]

Why do you say that?