one ♘ video

[oathofdevotion]

--on? I don't think I'll ever-- oh, it says its recording.

[Lizzie pulls away from the camera so that her face is visible, but she's holding it at an odd tilt, betraying her lack of knowledge with technology. For one brief moment uncertainty flashes in her eyes, but then she is smiling politely and speaking confidently.]

Good day, everyone. I hope this finds you well, and that you've been able to settle down properly. My name is Elizabeth Middleford, and, like you, I've been brought here very suddenly from my own time and world. There are some things I've noticed that I'd like to ask about, now that I have the chance.

Firstly, is there anyone here that was taken as far back as the late 19th century around Queen Victoria's reign? I was taken from the year 1890 and I would very much like to make the acquaintance of anyone who was from that time, or any English gentlemen or ladies in general.

Secondly, seeing as we have several young ladies like myself in this city, I would like to extend my hand in friendship to you all and suggest something of a boarding house for us to live or spend time together in. In my time, boarding schools were meant to give its residents a sense of community with each other, as well as offer emotional support. I believe many of us could benefit from that in this city. If anyone is interested, I'll see to finding us an appropriate building and other such business things so we can all be settled comfortably as soon as possible.

[She pauses, and then a fierce blush rises over her cheeks despite her efforts to remain composed.]

Lastly...as I am from an older time than most, I find that my outfits and dress are...well, equally as outdated in comparison to the other ladies here. A-And I am very, very sorry and ashamed to bring up such a private and embarrassing matter over such a public forum, but I will need help getting dressed in the morning. I, um...I need someone to lace up my corset, you see, it's very difficult to do on one's own, my maid Paula usually did it for me back at home...but as Paula isn't here, I would be grateful to any young lady who could spare a few minutes every morning to help lace me up.

[Cheeks still burning from humiliation, Lizzie gives the camera a small nod before fumbling and turning it off.]

Comments

[video]

[jundere]

I'd totally support the girls only building! I'm Jun Kuga, by the way. I figure it's for the best if I tell you my name right away, right?

[Nod nod nodding away over here]

And I used to take care of a sort of modern day princess - that's the early 2000s to me, in case you were wondering. I could help you get dressed in the morning; it'd be my pleasure.

[video]

[oathofdevotion]

Oh yes, I remember you, you were protecting the laboratory like I was. [Lizzie gives her a small smile in greeting.] It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jun. Do you know how to lace up a corset, though?

[video]

[jundere]

Oh yeah; now that you mention it I'm shocked I could forget a face like yours, Lizzie-chan.

I'm pretty sure I can lace one up, I'm a pretty good seamstress.

[vidya]

[sky_child]

...you need help with what?

[ Look, see those red spots on Link's cheeks? Totally not him blushing. ]

[vidya]

[oathofdevotion]

[Lizzie's blush gets darker and her gaze drops down to her lap.]

M-My corset.

[sky_child]

I, uh... H-hope you f-find s-someone t-to help...

video

[deathbylipstick]

[Kanaya turns on the video so that Lizzie can see it's her calling, and not some random person with green text.]

I, for one, would be in full support of this 'boarding school'. Though we would have to find some teachers as well, correct? One does not simply laze around and talk in the middle of a school day. [Kanaya, what do you know? You've been homeschooled your entire life. Seriously.]

[There's a short pause before she continues, as if debating how to say this.] ...I am also familiar with most styles of clothing, including corsets, so I would also be available for the second job as well.

video

[oathofdevotion]

[Oh, thank goodness, it's Kanaya! She hadn't gotten a chance to talk with her after the whole fiasco of needing to protect the city, so she's very excited to see her again.]

Oh, Kanaya dear, I was hoping you'd answer! I'm so very happy to see you again. And I would be very grateful if you could help me lace up.

[She reaches across the table and brings over a pad of paper and a pencil, starting to write.]

Governesses and teachers would be a good idea, but we would need to interview anyone who applies to make sure they would be appropriate, don't you think?

video

[deathbylipstick]

[Kanaya folds her hands and leans forward on the table in front of her; typical body language for her when she finds a new project she's interested in.] Certainly, certainly. Whoever is given a position of authority in this school must be trustworthy first, or else we will find ourselves in all manner of compromising and unproductive situations. [Distantly, and with more than a bit of biting sadness, she wishes that the Virgin Mother Grub were here. Even if she didn't speak a language that the rest of them were familiar with, she would certainly know all about how to run a boarding school...]

[Kanaya's mind drifts off for a moment, expression wistful and pained, until she realizes what she is in the middle of doing.] ...Oh, goodness, I'm sorry. [She clears her throat in an attempt to regain some composure.] Anyway. Perhaps we should meet in person to talk about this? It would certainly be beneficial if we are going to take notes, and perhaps we could start looking through your clothing afterward.

Video -> privating b/c of topic

[greatseal]

[As fascinated as Minako is by this girl saying she's from the Victorian era, it's the last topic that draws her attention the most. And since it's obviously embarrassing for her (if not really for Minako herself), she filters her reply.]

It's nice to meet you, Elizabeth-san... My name is Minako. I'm from Japan, in the year 2010.

...Are you sure you still want to wear a corset, though? I've heard they're not really that comfortable. There are other things now that give you just as much support. [Although she's really not sure Lizzie's old enough to be worrying about that...]

private video

[oathofdevotion]

[Lizzie gives her a nod of greeting, pausing a moment to consider her answer.]

I'm very grateful for your offer, Miss Minako, but I think I would like to continue wearing my corsets, even if there are better underthings in the future. My clothes are my only tie to my own time at the moment, and I would like to keep them close. My corsets are fitted to my body and are actually very comfortable, besides.

[electricyousei]

I'm from 2203, but I have a little experience in historical reenactment. That and the clothes that I generally had to wear whenever I visited Peaceland were heavily based off of Victorian themes.

Perhaps if you like I could help you find contemporary things that require less assistance in preparing?

[oathofdevotion]

Thank you, miss, if you could help I would be very grateful. I think I'd like to keep my corsets though. They are very important to me.

Video

[universebeware]

Or, you could adapt to whatever's...current here, or whatever the terms are. You organics and your fascination with coverings is strange.

video

[oathofdevotion]

[...oh, is this the giant robot she'd heard about? She blinks at him in surprise for a long moment before shaking her head, pulling herself out of her reverie.]

Perhaps it does seem a little strange, to cling to it as I am, but my clothes are from my time and I would like to keep them and use them for as long as I can. [She draws herself up proudly.] I am a lady of Middleford, and I will continue to be so, as my mother would have wanted.

[video]

[guidemethroughit]

I am Elizabeth as well. [Names whatever u no u no] Would lessons be taught in the boarding school, and if so, who will be the teachers?

[She's been to a high school before and taught ???? there! She has experience!]

[video]

[oathofdevotion]

Hello, Miss Elizabeth, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You can call me Lizzie if you'd like!

[Lizzie can't help but notice that the older Elizabeth has striking yellow eyes, and while she's less startled by them than she would've been several days ago, she has a strange feeling of déja vu looking at her. She ignores it for the moment and starts writing on a pad of paper.]

I was hoping that some sort of governess or teacher would be there, yes. I've yet to find anyone who would like to teach, though.

[video]

[greyerrant]

I shall never understand human shame with their bodies.

[ Booms the voice of someone who clearly isn't human, at least, probably not behind such thick armor. ]

[video]

[oathofdevotion]

[Lizzie visibly jumps, eyes wide.]

It's common decency to keep oneself covered up, sir-- all the more so for ladies. At least, that was how it was in my time.

[Video]

[delinquentkun]

[ Shinagawa only blushes a little at the image of a cute girl who needs help to get dressed. It's only natural, damn it.

But he's not here to talk about fashion and decency. ]

The hell're you thinkin' about school for, kid? Can't we keep this place a school free zone for at least a couple months? Seriously.

[Video]

[oathofdevotion]

[Her proverbial feathers have been ruffled at the 'kid' comment, but she only gives him an even stare.]

School is an institution that is tied to many people's normal lives, sir. If you have no desire to join, then you needn't apply. I do believe it will be ladies only, regardless.

video;

[empressive]

[Mitsuru, for one, is really rather impressed with her ability to adapt and curious about how she's handling things. The Victorian era wasn't always an easy one from the little studying she's done on it.]

A pleasure to meet you, Miss Elizabeth. My name is Mitsuru, and while I haven't heard of anyone coming from that timeframe before, please don't be hesitant to ask for assistance with the city's technologies. Many of us are familiar, somewhat, with the level of technology here and can assist you.

How exactly would the boarding school be funded?

video;

[oathofdevotion]

It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Mitsuru, and I am grateful for your offer. I may have to take you up on it sometime soon. [She pinks, pleased that such a distinguished looking woman like Mitsuru is conversing with her.]

Ah, I was hoping that I could petition to the city officials for a small building somewhere or another, but we have to, Miss Ruri has offered her ship for us to use.

[video]

[clusteringstars]

[If it's any consolation, Yuusei doesn't seem bothered by the last question, leaving it for those it would actually concern to discuss and instead focuses on the part that caught his interest in particular:]

Late 19th century...

[Having experienced time travels himself, although to a much closer time period in the past, the duelist can imagine it must be... confusing at the very least for the girl to find herself in a city like this one.]

Do you need any help with technology?

[video]

[oathofdevotion]

Oh, Mister Yuusei, how do you do? [She smiles warmly at him.] I would certainly appreciate anything you could teach me. It was a struggle to learn how to use this little communicator all by itself!