The Age of Fashion

I always loved vintage clothing. From poodle skirts to floppy hats everything is just too beautiful!
And though, I do truly wish to sports these little outfits I can't help but find it strange. Imagine your just casually strutting down the streets...while wearing a venetian mask and royal ball gown. Sigh, I guess I just don't have that confidence :(

But god! Were clothes gorgeous back then...I mean today's clothing is nice as well but I don't know..I just believe that it can't compare. Anyhow, what was your favourite fashion era?

And just for the heck of it, I dare you to don it just for a day! It'll be fun! :)

Till next time faithful readers!

A drabble

Whilst contemplating for over a few weeks now, on what to post on my blog, I decided to take a look at my much older documents...somewhere hidden in my computer files.

Luckily, I found this darn old thing.

A fan fiction.

Yes, you heard me...a fan fiction for Anne Boleyn. I mean can you blame me? Who wouldn't want to write a story, in which THEY control. Anyhow, I'll give you a sample for now...just keep in mind this is a fan fiction not everything I write is true, and some are even fictional (take my main character for instance).

Alright goodbye for now faithful readers :)

***

I march abruptly down the stables, as Caroline trots, wailing angrily. “Where are you going now?!” I turn upon her viciously, while my painted lips fixate into a distasteful smirk. “To Hever, I must retire with the Boleyn’s. I think it is best that I rest, you have given me quite a headache dear sister”

“Blanche, you will displease father most gratefully. We distrust that plotting, ambitious family most! Now stay here like a good daughter and obey Mistress Shelton!”

“In God’s name, neither man nor women commands me! I fare thee well”

“Blanche! You shall shame are families name! Our blood! What shall the Londoners think of a disobedient daughter, heir to the greatest title of England?!”

“They shall think not sister! For they will keep their tongues still, and speak nothing against me! Now good Lord William, I beg of you to bring me my horse” as the frightened man turns to obey I turn to cast my sister one last burning look of anger before saddling high upon my stead and whipping quickly throughout the cold airs.  Caroline of course, clutches her throbbing temples and shouts such curses that even the men of the house wince. She knows well though, that these simple words have no effect on me, and so she yells for our mother. But I am already gone.

I have already left.

***

The squire receives me rapidly, helping me down with his clammy hands and upon the household. I have already walked with his guidance to the gardens, where to my greatest delight I see a hair made of raven curls peak through the bushes. “Milady, must you need anything more?” the boy inquires.

“Nay, Adieu my good man”

As soon as I excuse him from his services, I return to peak at the family sight. Anne, graceful as ever has been adorned with a rich cloth of blood red, emphasizing her exotic colour. With her dancing eyes, looking to heart struck another eligible suitor. We all presume, it must be the acclaimed poet, Thomas Wyatt. But Anne was always the unpredictable, wherefore you can never be sure.

Mary, the “traditional” beauty, has been plaiting her golden hair. She, unlike her dark sister, has decided to wear a pretty yellow, which matches her pale complexion. Her cheeks have been pinched, giving her an innocent pink that blends well with her bright blue eyes. She is bejeweled with rubies, and gold that can be surely a sign that the lusting king is in her favor. Mayhap her many admirers, but highly unlikely. 

  George, the handsome proud George has been wearing his usual grin. An infamous smile, known to fluster girls and even wives. I have never fallen under his enchantment though; I cannot love him for I regard him as my brother, a loving sibling. And such thoughts would cause a wicked of disturbance.

I stroll quietly upon their laughing sides, before Mary screams in recognition and embraces me tightly. “Blanche! My god you are as quiet as the wind! How do you fair?”

“Fine” I huff before settling down. Anne and George smile delightfully as they indulge me into the latest court gossip. “King Henry, has planned to name his bastard, a duke”

I can only hardly stifle a laugh. “Does he plan to make him his heir as well?”

Mary gives a little shrug before piping; “His grace is a good lord, a good man. If it is his will, we should learn to obey”

“Mary, we are not offending, King Henry” Anne snaps. “My god you have gotten so protective, after he flourished you with gifts!”

“My god is this true!? When had this happened? Where? Please do tell!”

George beams as he snakes an arm around my waist. “This court festival, our pretty sister danced into his eyes, it seem he was…well how can you say it…captured”

He roars a quick approval, earning him a sharp slap across his arms. “Must you?” I tease, all in whilst Anne slams close her novel. She plasters a firm smile, her eyes darting dangerously. “Yes, we are all so proud”

But to no suppress, I know the real meaning behind her icy words. For now Mary shall be the beloved of the King. She shall hold the grand title; “Royal Mistress” yet when the king tires, he will replace her with another. Her marriage market will lose its customers, and in custom his highness shall wed her off to a baron, perhaps even a soldier.

So for the better, we close the topic, before entering a new.  

“What bout you Blanche? You are nearly sixteen are you not? I presume your father has been arranging suitable matches”

“Tis true” I sigh. “They expect a profitable marriage; some names have flown by, including the aging duke, Richard”
At this, Mary shrieks ghastly. “That old lord? He is almost fifty!”

“How sad; it seems you will be more a nurse than a wife to him” Anne snorts as I hang my head. “Indeed, but I shall be left a wealthy widow, much to my parents delight. But please, do not freight dear friends these are just simple rumors”

“Blanche, are you blind to see the truth? He is old, and a pretty wife will do him well. Perhaps even please him” The three glance at me pitifully as I widen my jaw in protest. “For god’s sake, these are just suggestions! You speak as if I am already his bride!”

“Please forgive us; we must have lost our tongues”

“You are forgiven, but please let us allow these private matters to my parent’s hands”

Music

It always fascinated me on how, music changed so quickly. From the classical violin to today's present rapping, music remains a large role in today's society. When thinking on this, I couldn't help but think of my top songs. This was a difficult task, considering all the different and diverse ranges of music there is. So I decided to select some of my favorites (not in order).


And here it is:
5.  Imagine by John Lennon
4. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel (A song so overlooked, that truly is wonderful)
3. Ordinary World by Duran Duran
2. I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
1. Very Superstitious by Stevie Wonder


I'll provide the links below:


Imagine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLgYAHHkPFs
Uptown Girl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCuMWrfXG4E
Ordinary World:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDLiVwpv89s
I Can See Clearly Now:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HagzTRmUBIE
Very Superstitious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE

Greetings

No word's can explain my horrid behavior. But I will try.

I am so dearly sorry for not publishing a post for over so a month. Thank you for my reader's who, or may not, be still following my blog. I was unable to maintain a balance between my work and hobbies, so posting an article seemed like a far away dream.

Never the less here I am with my new topic.

William Shakespeare.

Today, I strolled on by a store when spotting one of his stories, laid neatly on a set of books. My curiosity getting the better of me, I headed in, picking up the clean copy. It was King Lear.

I you are not familiar with the story, it runs on the lines of a mad king splitting his land with his two wicked daughters while the angelic one is left owner less. He eventually loses his marbles and his daughters.

I was shocked to find a book, so old still found in stocks of stores. Maybe it's me? But then, I entertained the notion that other novels (*cough Twilight*) remain such big franchises, only to be forgotten after a few months.

So I took on the task to write out a small scene of King Lear (abridged). Enjoy.

Narrator: In ancient Britain, the great old king Lear planned to subside from his throne and share out his kingdom with his three daughter.
Lear: Bring me forth a map. Now tell me daughter's, which loves me most
Narrator: First Goneril stepped forward
Goneril: You majesty, I love you dearer than eyesight, than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor. As much as a child ever loved (Shakespeare Words)
(Lear hands her a piece of the map)
Lear: Such a great daughter! Obviously takes after me, you shall be queen from this line to this.
Goneril: Thank you
Lear: Regan come forth!
Regan: Ditto to what Goneril said
Lear: How lovely, I make you queen of the third of the kingdom.
Narrator: Next came sweet Cordelia who loved him more than words can say. So when he came to her side and said...
Lear: Speak now child or forever hold your peace!
Narrator: She said...
Cordelia: Nothing, father.
Lear: Nothing?!
Cordelia: Nothing
Lear: Nothing will come out of nothing! Speak again!
Narrator: But then again, like I said, no words could express her love. Anyhow the king was furious.
Lear: Get out of my sight!
Cordelia: I take my leave, sire.
(Cordelia leaves, whilst Lear rips her part of the map in two and hands them to Goneril and Regan. They grasp at it greedily while Lear leaves)
Narrator: And so the kingdom has been split, but if Lear is to think that Goneril and Regan will take care of him, he is very wrong...

So that's it for now I hope you enjoyed and see you next time!
P.S
Apologizes once again
 

A Blast From The Past

Here you go my faithful readers :)


***

Elizabeth: Robert, what in god's name do you do here?
Robert Dudley: I've come to see you my sweet. Every moment caused my heart to ache with longing.
Elizabeth: *Blushing* Robert you are so dramatic
Robert: *Grinning devilishly* And you my dear, Elizabeth are a beauty.

Anne Boleyn: *Pulling tightly at Jane's hair* you little wench!
Jane Seymour: Get off of me! *clawing viciously*
Henry: WHERE IS THE DAMN HEADSMAN WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
Anne: Just shut your large, greasy, fat, mouth Henry! No ones going to swipe my head off again!!!!
Jane Seymour: HMPH! No one would execute me, after all I gave Henry a son-
Anne: A SON THAT LIVED TILL THE AGE OF FIFTEEN!!!

Marie Antoinette: *Rises from seat, and struts towards Napoleon* Hello sir
Napoleon: *puzzled* Hello Madame?
Marie: Do you not recognize me?
Isabelle of Castile: Not now! We are discussing tactics!
Marie: *Ignoring* I was Queen of FRANCE! MARIE ANTOINETTE!
Napoleon: You do strike very similar resemblance
Marie: *fuming* BECAUSE I AM HER!
Napoleon: *laughing* Now I see it. They say she was very temperament.   
Marie: *Clenches teeth* You little----

Catherine of Aragon: Arthur what religion do you follow?
Mary Tudor: Yes, sir, what is your faith?
Arthur: I am Catholic
Mary Tudor: *Admiringly* You would be a perfect father
Catherine: And husband *smiles*
Henry: WHAT ABOUT ME???!!!!!

Elizabeth: Robert, I've missed you
Robert: *brushing her hair* Shall we go see your family?
Elizabeth: *Swallowing* Perhaps, if you'd wish
Robert: You seem nervous
Elizabeth: *Glancing back* They may want to relax...

Anne Boleyn: *Punching* Come back here you demure Blondie!!!!!!!!!!
Jane Seymour: Eagle eye!
Anne Boleyn: Milk shop!
Jane Seymour: Cheater!
Anne Boleyn: Schemer!
Jane Seymour: Witch!
Anne Boleyn: Uneducated wench!
Jane Seymour: Flirt!
Anne Boleyn: Mouse!
Jane Seymour: Heretic!
Anne Boleyn: Try to write something Jane! Go ahead!
Jane: *huffing*
Henry: LADIES!
Both: SHUT UP HENRY!

Elizabeth: Let us just stay here
Robert: Agreed.

That's it for now :)
Till next time

BLAST FROM THE PAST 

Greetings...

I know, I am awful.

Now I truly apologize for my lack of updates, and this time I shall post much, much, more often.

And to show my respect, I will like to present my faithful readers with a video from a great channel named; "Horrible histories BBC"

Make sure to subscribe to them! ;)

This song is labeled; "The Wives of Henry VIII (Terrible Tudors)"

I do not own the song, nor the video.

Alright here it is :)

***

I just love this song! It's witty and funny!

Check out their other videos!

And till next time.....

A Blast from the Past

As promised.

***

Anne Boleyn: *huffing* Get her out of my sight!

Elizabeth Tudor: Mother, calm, steady breathes...

Catherine of Aragon: *Ignoring the commotion* So Jane how do you fair?
Jane Seymour: *seating herself* Fine, and you?

Catherine of Aragon: Tired, I could not sleep

Mary Tudor: Neither could I. Oh Jane I've missed you and so has Edward! 

Jane Seymour: *Plasters a demure smile* So have I dear.

Henry VIII: *Comes bursting in* AH MY SWEET JANEY! 

Jane Seymour: Majesty

Anne Boleyn: Oh please, must you act so mousy? Get a back bone!

Elizabeth Tudor: Mother?!

Marie Antoinette: I think I shall go discuss a bit with Julius Caesar

Julius: Yes, Cleopatra come join us and Isabelle of Castile if you'd please

Cleopatra: *Smiles dashingly* Why of course, Alexander the great would not mind if I took a break

Isabelle of Castile: *Shrugging* I see why not. Now let's seat next to Napoleon, I have war tactics to discuss.

Anne Boleyn: *Scorns* I think I shall join as well. Arthur would you join?

Arthur: Of course Madame and your beautiful daughter as well? 

Elizabeth Tudor: *Laughing* Flattery does not suit you sir

Arthur: It was worth a try

Maire Antoinette: *Sighing* I think I shall seat with Rasputin. Looking at the man that preceded after my head was swiped from my neck leaves a unsettling feeling in my stomach.

Isabelle of Castile: As you please, daughter shall you join?
Catherine of Aragon: I shall stay here to chat with Arthur

Arthur:*Stops Following Anne* Alright.

Anne Boleyn: *Glaring at Jane Seymour* wait one second my darling Bessy

Henry VIII:SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT!

Anne Boleyn: No it is not! Come over here you stealing husband, bloody, schemer! 

Jane Seymour: You are angry because I gave birth to a son! Something Henry always wanted!

Anne Boleyn: Ha! I should care less my Lizzy created the golden age! Become the greatest ruler known to man!

Henry VIII: ladies no need to fight

Anne and Jane: SHUT UP HENRY!

Catherine of Aragon: Do you ever think of what would have happened had we married

Arthur: I would have treated you with the most respect *smiling*

Catherine of Aragon: And would you have accepted Mary as you true heir if I had given birth to no other child

Arthur: Of course! 

Catherine of Aragon: *Sigh* We shall never know

Arthur: No we shan't 

Catherine of Aragon: Perhaps life would be more peaceful *gazes to Jane and Anne*

Isabelle of Castile: BRILLIANT! You sir are a genius I should have thought of that

Napoleon: Thank you Madame ze is the most kindest of compliments *grins*

*At other Table*

Marie Antoinette: I don't have an appetite today

Rasputin: May I? *Pokes at her plate*

Marie Antoinette: Of course *observing at Napoleon* He does not recognize me!

Rasputin: ?

Jane Seymour: It is not fair why should you have a whole website dedicated to you?

Anne Boleyn: What feeling Jealous?

Jane Seymour: NO! I gave birth to a son

Anne Boleyn: A boy who was ruled over by his Uncles.

Henry VIII: Janey, my sweet, let us go

Jane Seymour: NO!

Anne Boleyn: Hmph not sweet anymore is she Henry?

Elizabeth Tudor: This is getting ridiculous, Mama I will be in my room Adieu!

*Enters at the west wing pressing at the button*

Unknown: In a rush dear?

Elizabeth: *Muttering* No, no

Unknown: Love, have you missed me?

Elizabeth:  Missed you? *Looks up* Oh my god! Robert Dudley what in heavens are you doing here!

Robert: Joining in on the fun, you know I can't resist

Elizabeth: *Sighing* This is going to be really complicated....

That's it for now. I'll try update soon, so enjoy your week and remember till next time...

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Sorry :(

Before I post anything, I would like to begin with an apology.

I was busy with so much work and publishing any post was difficult. Any how, I'll try to become more active, so for now I'll leave you with a chapter of Madame Royale.

Next time is Blast from the Past.

Thanks for all the views and support!
 ~Annie

 

***

The pounding of a strong fist causes me to startle, from my cold sleep. I wipe urgently at my damp skin and slip open the window, only to find William frantically pulling at the handles. “Your grace, you must run! They are to escort you back to Paris! Run you grace! Run!”

“William, calm yourself! What in god’s name do you speak of?”

I see the anxiety rush across his trembling face, whilst he chokes; “Your majesty, they have discovered the plan, they are to take your family back to Legislative Assembly, you must leave!”

My hands reach for my throbbing temple as I catch a deep breath. “No, it cannot be...where are my father and mother, the King and Queen?”

“Your family has been taken, your grace. But they beg that you leave, to not seek any pain or harm”

“No harm?” I let out a strangled sob before darting open the doors. “William pull free a horse, I must ride...”

“Where will you go, Madame?”

“To the docks, perhaps there will be some merchants that can lend me traveling gear. But before I go William, I shall want you to send word to my family”

“Anything for you, Milady”

This causes a smile to curl up my dried lips as I turn to the exhausted horses. “Tell them, that that I have flown to my homes nest”
His face fills with a complete confused looked, yet he still lowers himself and swears to his loyalty. “I stay true for you milady, and your family”

“God bless you William” Soon as he helps me saddle onto my horse, I pull the reins of my mare tightly and burst on forwards. “God speed!” He shouts and in return I bow.

I must muster an army in Austria, I must restore my family. 

Survival Quiz

So after weeks of testing and checking out quizzes I thought about and gave it a go. Now I will ask strange questions...or offer weird answers, but the choice is yours...

Welcome....

Summary:
 The year is 1545
You are a pretty lady at court under the favor of the king Henry VIII and perhaps even his eye. It seems he has surfaced the idea of wedding....will you survive this man's marriage? Will you keep your head intact?

You'll just have to wait and see....


Questions #1: It is a hot summers day at the gardens and you and Henry are indulging into discussion when suddenly Henry questions your faith. You;
A. Proclaim that you are a firm Catholic
B. Confess that you are Protestant
Or C. Tell him that you are a firm follower of the church of England

Question #2:
All hail Queen you!
After a humble of weeks Henry has asked for your hand and proclaimed you Queen of England. Sadly Henry has quickly taken in a mistress. You;
A. Lash out in jealous rage
B. Ignore the affair and turn your head
Or C. Await to have the girl alone, then rip out those pretty locks!

Question #3
Henry seems to flourish a certain family of high class. Your friends complain of this injustice. You;
A. Cleverly slither the topic with Henry during a discussion and change his mind
B. Ignore! I don't want to risk losing my head!
Or C.  Create a burning argument until both you are worn out and leave in a tired fury

Question #4
You are ordered to Henry's chambers were he lies ill. He begs of some entertainment. You;
A. Read the bible aloud
B. Dance and discuss of the new clothing in France and Burgundy
Or C. Play him a soft tune on your lute until he has fallen asleep

Question #5
You awake one tired morning to find yourself in a terrible state. Hearing upon Henry's request to visit you stumble to get ready. But not much time awaits. You;
A. Bathe in donkey milk
B.Supply yourself with pomanders with musk
Or C. Simply do nothing

Question #6
As Henry and you sit alongside the grass enjoying cups of tea, guards barge through revealing a arrest warrant. The king stays steady while you suppress your nerves. You;
A. Beg forgiveness from the king, for what deed you have ever done that may have displeased him so
B. Weep gently turning to the broken lord.
Or C. Sweep away with the guards without any sort of acknowledgement to Henry

Last Question
Henry's family is at it's ruins. You are caught in between and must find a way to respond. You;
A. Ask that the king may bring all his children to court for the Christmas
B. Visit without his majesty's permission
Or C. Spoil Edward, the prince and ignore the daughters.

Answers
1. C (confessing you're a protestant will probably cause you to be in flames...literally)
2. B (Best to be silent, Henry is quite notorious for his temper)
3. B or A (Preferably B)
4. C (Henry takes enjoyment in theatrics and music. Fashion will just bore him)
5. B (Donkey's milk is quite effective, but will take a while. And C...that just simply not a good answer)
6. A (If your dealing with your life at the hands of Henry...Fight for it! Shower him with compliments or proclaim yourself his loyal loving wife...something like that)
7. A (Show equal love to all of them. Try to reconnect this broken family)

Well that's it, hope you survived this mans marriage life. Quite the stress isn't it? Let's just hope he won't get married again.

A Blast From the Future

Continued....

*The group head down for break fast*

Anne: So how did you sleep?
Marie Antoinette: Fine suppose, the bed is not as soft as I am used to... but fine
Isabelle of Castile and Julius: The bed is like armor, perfect for battle
Catherine and Mary: We had not slept, we prayed to gods guidance back home...
Elizabeth: And what of you mother and father?
Anne: *Grinning* I slept well, how bout you Henry?
Henry: *Rubs his neck groaning* Fine
Catherine: Finally he sees how it feels
Anne: *nodding* It was hilarious you should have seen it
Elizabeth: Father, mother compose yourself. Please make amends.
Anne: *Beaming* Of course, my good queen Bess
Alexander the great and Cleopatra: To your seats, madame and sir
Mary Tudor and Marie Antoinette: Oh what pretty style
*Henry seats down with Anne by his side* 
Catherine and Isabelle: *Smirking* I see you two do not mind each others company
Anne: No! By god I cannot stand that pig
Henry: PIG HOW DARE YOU SPEAK THIS WAY YOU....WITCH!
*at other table*
Rasputin: Pretty ladies will you do the kindest of favors and leave that sweaty boar for I?
Marie Antoinette: *Giggles Child like* Oh you flatter us Monsieur
Mary: Indeed...what would my husband think
Elizabeth: *Patting her sister* oh Mary you deserve so much better
Anne: And how bout you Elizabeth where is Robert? *Teases*
Henry: DOES NO ONE HEAR THIS MAN INSULT ME!
Cleopatra: Sir we will need you to lower you voice, or the manager says will have to kick you out
Henry: and who is this manager?
Alexander the Great: Why your brother Arthur...
Catherine: My husband *rises quickly while Henry chokes in fear*
Arthur: My brother and Cat! *Turns to the girls* and who are these beautiful woman? *Plants kisses on Annes hands*
Anne: Anne Boleyn sir, and you?
Arthur: Prince of wales, madame...you must be Henry's sixth wife...no wonder he kept you
Anne: *Grinning* No I was second, he had my head swiped
Arthur: My god! Who could kill just a lady! Oh brother have you no taste? Ane what of gorgeous Catherine? Divorced?
Henry: JUST SHUT UP ARTHUR!
Arthur: *narrows eyes* Secuirty
Henry: WHAT ABOUT MY FOOD!?
Anne and Catherine: I think you've had enough *smirks*
*Everyone bursts into laughters as the crapes are brough*
Elizabeth and Mary: Good day father! *Henry is carried by five sweating servants*
Cleopatra: Sorry to interrupt, but this miss says she is a part of your party...
Isabelle: Well show her in
Anne: *Gasps* No It could no be, get that wench out of my sight!
Marie Antoinette: What can ever be the problem
Elizabeth: Mother, calm down...
Mary and Catherine: Oh poor girl, you've just missed Henry
Unknown: It's fine, just go tell him...Jane Seymour is here

So it's been a long time since I posted something and I apologize, again. Anyhow I decided to bring in Anne's greatest enemy Jane (well not greatest but still an enemy) and see how the next time things unravel. Yes, Anne and Henry are starting to feel for one another and Rasputin decided to take a quick camo.
Next time Elizabeth will recoline with a "friend" Jane and Anne are going to have a cat fight, and Arthur and Catherine will ponder how life would have been with them married.

So till next time;
"A Blast from Plast"

Madame Royale

So here is the next chapter of Madame Royale! I'm still contemplating if I should post more Joan of Arcs chapters...not sure yet. So anyhow, here is Madame Royale!

***

Louis clings dearly to me as I soothe a quiet whisper. “Brave Louis, be a brave Prince” I pat down his blonde curls, while I plead for myself to be calm for his own sake. It does no use, he still whimpers in fear, cowering in the shadows. “Sister, why must Uncle and Auntie Therese leave?”

I purse my lips contemplating if I must lie. “Father thinks they will be safe, Louis. He thinks it will be best for them”

His mouth rises to ask yet another painful question, but to my fortune mother interrupts as she walks over solemnly through the door way. “Children, come say goodbye” Her eyes quickly catch mine and at once, I notice the emptiness. Mother usually carries herself with such grace, and dignity, but it seems that this swan Queen has fallen.

But who can blame her? So many deaths have arrived at court, taking our precious Sophie, and Louis. We have all become the fallen royal family.

“Yes, your grace” I tuck my hands into Louis’s as we march out. “Brave, Louis” I continue to mummer and he listens so carefully as if his life depends on it.

“Dear children!” My aunt bursts as she races to embrace us. Louis gives no second thought as he releases from my grip and clutches her tightly. I come in gradually, kissing the heads of my little cousins, bowing to my Uncle and finally reaching upon my hysterical Auntie, who in return pulls me in whispering prayers, and victory. “Everything shall be fine, we shall have our glory, those shall be punished, and everything will be fine”

Louis simply nods at this, but I know better, I know that nothing will ever be the same.

***

Elisabeth quickly fixes my hair, while she helps carry the luggage. We all rush into the carriage as she tightly clutches me, swiping my curls. “Listen, Marie, Listen”

I cannot even look at her face as she kisses my cheek gently. “You will go to the borders of Montmédy, I will come afterwards, but I must warn you child, that you will be questioned. If this does come so, you must keep in mind that you are no longer princess, so do not expect the same grace you receive. You must identify yourself as Rosaline, crossing to visit her ill grandfather, is this understood?”

I dare not trust my voice, so instead I bow my head, and with this she kisses my pale forehead smiling weakly; “God take care of you, my darling”

“I’ll pray, Aunt, I’ll pray god keeps you safe”

With this little exchange, she rises, stares upon me strongly- bearing the last picture of this forgotten princess and disappears without a second glace.

“Princess, Marie-”

I turn inhaling a sharp breath. “Lady Rosaline, Master William, I am to be Lady Rosaline” He nods and opens up the doors. “Of course, Milady”

“We shall start riding, soon. Shall I go tell the others?”
“No they will see, god speed William”

He inclines his head and strides forwards without another word. And as soon as the carriage begins to hustle and the heart of my childhood, my memories disappear from sight, I allow myself to grieve; I allow the long awaited tears to spill down my cheeks.

***

A little sample

I have decided to take a small break from Madame Royale, just for the moment and instead, experiment with a short writing piece, voiced from the great warrior, Joan of Arc. So here I present you with my draft copy, that most under go plenty of editing, so do not rage out at me because the writing may be sloppy, or boring. Anyhow here is the first sample of "The Virgin Warrior".

***

I stare dumbfounded as I bite nervously at my delicate lips. The flood of blood enters my mouth and I turn to wipe with the ends of my sleeves.

My food lies beneath my chained feet, left untouched, uneaten. And the wall isolating me from my army, from my victory, holds me tightly in a room that smells of death. I stare hopefully at the ceiling waiting for the angels- that once had lead me to the win of France, to lead me again for the mercy of my life.  

But the room remains plain, no glow of life sparks, or wings of heaven. My clenched hands unroll while I beg myself not to cry as my fingers pull at my hat and untangle my brown cropped hair. It is done, is it not?

I will be burned, as a heretic a stupid peasant. I will be flamed with a long pain of agony, of shame.

They shall not remember me as god’s servant nor the Virgin Warrior.

They shall not remember that I am, Joan of Arc.

***

Mother always taught us in Gods way. She brought us to chapels to pray, educated us throughout the bible and gifted us with the craft of spinning wool.

My family, along with my two wild brothers, and young sister Catherine live in a small cottage by the church near the village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle. Father works as a farmer and tax collector, while mama stays as a devoted wife, mother, and catholic. Our town is isolated by the Burgundian lands but still remains faithful to the true crown, the French.

The hundred year’s war has caused deaths of many round the country and the plague that had suddenly struck, killed half the population, and we not even third the number of the English army, lost to a miserable defeat. Our village was burnt to the ground by the blood lusting Londoners, and we poor and ill as ever struggle to rekindle it.

Mother hopes, and prays that god restores the king to his rightful throne. Father on the other hand, wishes that the people of England suffer a long painful agony.

“The damn English!!” Father bellows, pounding his fists against the wooden tables. Mama casts him a patient gaze as she serves the potatoes. “Jacques not in front of the children”

“They stole it Isabelle! The damn English stole the lands of Calais!”

“Jacques!” Her voice is sharp and powerful. She rises with authority and soon calms down her composure. “Let us say our prayers and eat quietly” This causes father to flush and nod in agreement. “Forgive me children; do as your mother says”

My sister knits her eyebrows pulling at my dress, inquiring so sweetly; “Why do Mama and Papa Fight?”

“Do not worry, now eat Catherine”