paradisa | ♔ dix-huit || that i shall lead an endless life with them in peace

[Skilled Fighters & Soldiers]

[ This is written on a different page from anything else, with handwriting slightly sharper than her norm. An attempt at being anonymous. ]

It has now been over a year since I awoke here, and still I find myself seeking warriors only to be disappointed. I wish not only for guards and soldiers to keep peace, but also to learn after skills of a savage nature myself. This is not my world, and I cannot continue to treat it as such. If either prospect interests and pleases you, then say so here, written to one named 'Nan'.

[/Skilled Fighters & Soldiers]

[The Doctor]

[ She doesn't know there is more than one! ]

To The most esteemed Doctor,

You have shown a clear, if misguided attention for my concerns and well-being. I recall once that you put forth your efforts into seeing after the livelihood and humors of the Queen Elizabeth on my behalf. Though she has gone, I have not, and would ask after your unusual skills once more.

I understand you say that you are no court physician, but still there is a matter that must be sought after and none other to look to for it. I shall pay you what you please, to look towards the health of one Spike Spiegel. He is in a most grievous state, though he speaks not of it, and he is of little use to me and cannot share the Lord's work while so immobile and pained.

With a cautious but hopeful faith,
Anne the Queen

[/The Doctor]

[Ben Paul]

Young Master Paul,

I require your presence in my apartments. Please do not question, or tarry.

In humble guidance and request,
Anne the Queen

[/Ben Paul]

[General Windrunner]

General and Ranger Windrunner,

Should you fancy a ride, I find myself unable to wait for kinder airs. My horse rides well enough in the snow, and I will have no shortage in sustenance. I think you to also be interested by an even longer ride I am thinking after soon enough.

Your friend,
Anne the Queen

[/General Windrunner]

[ Dictated in her handwriting; ]

Residents of Cair Paradisa,

I bring you both hopeful tidings and the most sad news. I have seen the matter as far as I must, but there is no helping it. The Master Once-ler has departed this cursed realm, and for where he goes to requires our most devoted and kind prayers. Just as he understands that his world must be so bettered, he strove to strengthen the love and warmth of this one. For any who have not seen the grand orphanage he tirelessly worked over to place before the first snow fell, I bid you to think of him whenever you look after it on your way to the market; whenever you see children well and good and looked after in a building that seems a realm of it's own. It carries his character with it forever-more, and in such a small way he will never truly leave us.

But though I continue to seek the betterment of the peoples both within and without the castle, and I do promise you I will not allow May Day to go uncelebrated, I still cannot condone the curses we must suffer in trade of supposed gifts and enticement. I will be leading a progress when the ground has thawed and the world beyond beckons those who would brave new possibilities. For some, there is no returning, and it is those who ought to think the most on such a matter. Shall you live here forever, or shall you discover another kingdom entirely to settle? Then there are those who merely need to wander, who have felt trapped for too long but do not wish to stray overlong — you are also most welcome.

Do not worry overmuch for your decisions now, as there is time yet, but to those who can offer protection and guidance, I urge you to not dally in your response. Such charges require planning.

— Anne the Queen

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

My handwriting is something I will spare you.

[ It wasn't terribly neat in the first place, but it has only gotten worse after arriving here. ]

I am willing to aid in learning, if you do not have objections in that I am particularly... obviously handicapped.

Not overly obvious to me, so I must request how. Have you a name?

Duke, and the castle has chosen to make it so I cannot see.

[ Assumes he just means that's his title, whatever. ]

My apologies, Your Grace, but how is it you expect to train any without sight?

My apologies, it is more a name now than a title.

[ He's not used to being called 'Your Grace'. Maybe he should think about calling himself something different, or another way to introduce himself. ]

I am one of those who have magic. There is a concentration where I can feel movement through the air about me, and it is easy enough to hold. It is not perfect, but I can at least aid others in how not to injure themselves ... or those they are attempting to aid.

I wish not to learn of magic, and I have already discovered one who will teach me of swords and fans and another may yet teach me of guns.

That is not what I would attempt to teach. Although with such a list, I am likely of no aid. My skill with staffs and spears is far less than with swords, and archery I can be of no aid other than stances and how to strengthen limbs.

I am impressed already that you would make such an offer with such limitations. Think you to truly fend off an enemy without sight?

It depends upon the opponent.

[ He didn't do well against the Gentlemen, for example. But that might just have been because of what they were. ]

Something small will be harder for me than something of a similar height.

This means you must rely on your hearing, hm?

Yes.

[ And his magic, but he already mentioned that. ]

I mean no disrespect, but were it not forced upon you, it would be a mighty skill to have. To fight without seeing.

None taken. It is considered a cheap trick to blind an opponent, but it does not stop such things from happening, or fights from taking place in areas where lighting is easily removed.

♔ dix-huit || that i shall lead an endless life with them in peace

Filtered to "Nan", but spoken

written to this man;

Filtered to "Nan"

Duke

Nan

Duke

Nan

Duke

Nan

Duke

Nan

Duke

Nan | I THOUGHT I ANSWERED THIS