compnetwork | one ♘ video

--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Lastly...as I am from an older time than most, I find that my outfits and dress are...well, equally as outdated in comparison to the other ladies here.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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.

[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?

[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.

Yes, exactly. If we keep up the school, it has to be of good reputation for the sake of interesting future ladies into joining us.

[She pauses a moment, watching Kanaya's expression, letting her think over whatever painful thing she is thinking of. Lizzie has had several similar moments before, and she doesn't begrudge her new friend-- or anyone in this place, really-- moments like that. Everything is still so uncertain, after all. She gentles her voice when she speaks.]

It's quite alright, dear. And yes, I was just thinking the same thing. It would be lovely to meet up. And then after that, it will be late in the day, so maybe we can find a place to take tea. Which room can I find you in?

That sounds delightful. [Hooray for tea!] My abode is found in Libra 5-03.

[Really, this is quite exciting for Kanaya. Technically, it was the first time she's ever had a friend over, and even though it's not really her hive and they've only just met a little while ago, she's still bubbling with anticipation. After this meeting is over, she noted, I simply must get this hivestem cleaned up. It was perfectly neat anyhow for want of possessions; the only things out were her sewing machine and a few sketchbooks, which she had taken to making designs in because the real things were out of her budget at the moment.]

[That was another thing on her never-ending to do list. Find a job. Hugely intimidating, and to be honest, she'd been putting it off for a little while, but it was getting to the point where she simply couldn't carry on with these meager earnings...]

Why, Kanaya dear, you're right next door!

[Lizzie laughs delightedly, clapping.]

Is it alright if I come over right now, then?

[...Oh, well then.]

[Kanaya smiles nonetheless; she feels a little bit silly now.]

Certainly. I will see what I can prepare in the meantime. [Because cheapity cheap Kanaya hasn't gotten a job yet, whoops.]

[Shush Kanaya, Lizzie hasn't either.]

Oh, you needn't prepare anything, especially since everything has been topsy-turvy since our arrival. But you're kind to do it anyways.

[The door the next room over open and closes, and then there is a knock on Kanaya's.]

[But Lizzie could sell one of her hats and have enough money to live for, like, a year. ~~Or at least that's what it seems like to Kanaya. Girl has some expensive tastes.~~]

[The troll pushes some of her bolts of cloth into a rough pile and opens the door, smiling -- genuinely.]

Hello.

[While Lizzie would be more than willing to sell a hat, she's not quite sure there's a market...

Lizzie beams.]

Hello, dear! May I come in?

Of course!

[She steps aside, returning Lizzie's smile and discreetly reordering some library books sitting in a pile by the door.]

I am sorry that this hive is not much to look at for the moment, but please, make yourself at home.

Hive?

[She blinks curiously before daintily stepping in.]

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