01.

[shri]

FORM: Sending crystal.
SENDER: Lakshmi Bai
RECIPIENT: Anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Polite requests.
WHEN: After the recent group of rifters arrives back.
WHERE: The Gallows.
NOTES: Tired Queen is tired.

[ There's a little laugh of wonder and then - ] To think I spent all my time hungering after Tesla's machines... [ Clears her throat with the end of that wistful sigh, no time for what-ifs, and she adopts a far more even a tone. Dry, clipped and careful to not muddle her words. Not Tesla's machines, no, but she has heard plenty of poor announcements across radios, to want to make sure that she doesn't do the same. ]

Greetings. I am... Rani Lakshmibai, the, ah.. widower of the King, Maharaja, of Jhansi. [ There's a hesitation, unsure. But like the titles she just gave, she brushes over it quickly. ] I have a request for an individual, who would spend a few hours telling me of this place and its manners, so I might be a better guest of this... Inquisition. I have no more than what I am to receive you, but I can provide honest company in return for yours.

[ pause, and then a moment later. ] And where may I exchange jewels and gold for coin, find a decent cloth merchant and tailor, and whether the weapons the armies here supply are worth the metal they're made from. I prefer a shamsher or talwar, by preference, but any long, heavy blade suffices if its decent enough quality.

Comments

[shri]

[ Her eyes slide over them and the disgust is palatable in her voice. ]

To remind people of their place.

[strangel]

( A little snarl, though it is one of agreement, if such a thing is possible. )

Yes. Owning other bodies. Doing with them as they like.

( She makes a grizzly sound, and slinks to the other end of the boat, to wait for their landing in Kirkwall, and knobbly curve of her spine pulling her skin taught. )

I think slave owners, those who break— they should be the one broken.

[shri]

Do you know? I much agree.

[ her tone is nothing less than contempt. Utter disgust over such a notion.

But it's settled for now, as they pull into dock. Rising out of boat to cross over to the jetty in light quick steps. ]

[strangel]

( Helena moves onto the docks on all fours, crouched down low. )

If you are telling truth, perhaps you are good queen.

( A big if. Authority is rarely trustworthy. )

[shri]

I do my best, as only anyone can.

[ Firm, if she was to be respected for herself, it would be by that. By acting, moving, deciding, and refusing to compromise on that which was monstrous.

But to a slightly more pertinent issue - ? ] Do you ... not prefer to stand?

[strangel]

( She holds a hand up to Lakshmi, just a moment, just wait, as Helena slinks backwards into the shadows of a crate. Waits a few moments.

Lunges out to snap at the ankles of a passing merchant who makes a sound of undignified terror, and laughs as he scurries away. Only then does she straighten up, looking at the queen curiously. )

Both good.

[shri]

[ She steps back when prompted, watching - seeing what she was up too with a curious gaze. What on earth?

The merchant goes squealing and she's glad for the veils not for the first time when she laughs. ]

None of that. I am told we have to be on our best behaviour.

[strangel]

( Her smile is very, very innocent. )

This is best.

( Ah, wait: it's not innocent at all. Helena unfolds, straightening up, and begins to lead the way through the docks to lowtown. )

On left, you have Kirkwall. On right, more Kirkwall. Moody people.