Silk Cat & Marie Antoinette (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
iwantcandy) wrote2018-02-01 01:24 pm
iwantcandy) wrote2018-02-01 01:24 pm
regained.
Unless I feel like I need to essay, I will just collect all the gained memories and the discourses on them here. It's functional!
★ Shopping.
What It Means: Pure and utter decadence! The set-up for the sequence is Marie finally getting release from all her pressures, so it's a very relaxing and cathartic time for her emotionally. It's just her and her girls getting to indulge themselves and have a lot of fun without anyone ruining the party. So, Silk Cat chases after, so to speak, that sort of freedom and distraction from outside pressure. (I decided to give her this memory first to encourage her run-away mentality. When given pressure, this is the outlet she resorts to.) So, while she doesn't get much from it about herself, aside from that this isn't unheard of for her, Silk Cat enjoys it greatly.
Naturally, she will and does try to replicate the artistry of it all when she can, but she does understand that Aather will not give her full freedom to have dress-up parties. She can still try though. ♥
★ First breakfast with Louis.
Marie: So, I hear you like to make keys as a hobby?
Louis: Yes.
Marie: And do you enjoy making keys?
Louis: Obviously.
What It Means: And this is that outside pressure! Marie wants dearly to encourage a good relationship between and her husband, so she tries to be sweet and charming . . . And gets shot down immediately. While Silk Cat doesn't know this is her husband, she does know this is an important person—Someone she wants to be liked by! In Aather, she hasn't had much trouble winning over everyone she wants to, so this doesn't bear too strongly with her. If someone did, then she would be frustrated six ways from Sunday, because it isn't only that person who would do something like that. Still, it's not a factor in Aather yet, but it is a glimpse at the other side of the story of herself that she is aware of by that cathartic release from her first one.
Also, for smaller details, Silk Cat did take notice of basically being on parade while she eats. People are shuffling in and out while she enjoys her bowl of, likely, cold soup. She isn't treated equally nor does she know what to do in this situation. Somehow, it seems like she doesn't belong . . .
★ Her affair with Count Fersen.
I want to be forgotten / And I don't want to be reminded / You say, "Please, don't make this harder" / No, I won't yet
What It Means: For my own reference, this includes the return from Petite Trianon to when she asks to be excused from the parlour room. It is a fairly sizable chunk, but I wanted all of Fersen collected together aside from the masked ball. It doesn't have much by way of other content that isn't related to him as it's mostly the same flashes shown in the movie, not the entire span of time which appears to be lengthy.
Now, that aside, Fersen is Marie's romantic and sexual awakening! She meets him as Marie and is captivated by him once more. She has feelings for him that are returned without a very long and laborious delay, like with Louis, nor does she have everyone's eyes upon her, expecting something of her at all times. It is her chance to be a normal woman, and she blossoms with that attention. Now, how much Marie truly loves him is debatable, but she is fond of him and cares for him which is enough. Even without seeing him again, he is a bright spot in her life.
As for cheating on Louis, well . . . She certainly had no qualms about it! There are no negative feelings attached, because Louis and her are form and function, not a true couple. He has a different place in Marie's heart, though not Silk Cat's yet, that doesn't conflict with Fersen's. In Aather, I doubt there will be any conflict, either. Silk Cat loves and welcomes everyone whoever catches her eye and heart without discrimination. If she wants to sleep with them, then she will, but it won't be an issue otherwise.
For Silk Cat, the memory is really just the same as it is for Marie—A bright, beautiful event that she was lucky to have. So, she will be giddy and elated, but she won't carry it too strongly, just the impact of having possession of her own self and getting the chance to fall in love. That aside, there is also the small appearance of Louis once again! She still doesn't know who he is, but she sees more and more that he is someone that everyone wants to please, not just herself. So, he is difficult for everyone, so it dulls that first memory of him a bit, but she still would rather ignore that difficult spot in her memories.
★ SKILL: French.
What It Means: What is says on the tin.
★ Death of her mother.
Oh, my brother, I am devastated by the news of our mother's death. You alone are left to me in Austria which is, and always will be, so dear to me. Remember that we are your friends, your allies. I embrace you.
What It Means: In this scene, Marie is speaking with Ambassador Mercy about the current situation of France when the Princesse de Lamballe interrupts them to deliver the news that the Empress Maria Theresa, her mother, has died. While it is significant . . . It really isn't for Marie right now!
Throughout her life, Marie was always dictated by her mother's demands and had the utmost respect, almost fear, for her. The separation from Austria when Marie moved to France did not lessen her mother's grip on her. Really, it only began a long line of communication where her mother was just as needling as the rest of Versailles, except that Marie actually weighed her mother's opinion much more heavily. Still, without this background information, the death of her mother is truly devastating for Marie. She may not know her mother, but she does feel the loss of a person that has grip on the situation when the world seems to be spiraling more and more out of control. Marie does not have the means or the desire to face the troubles before her, and she is now without someone to guide her through them.
There are a lot of interesting facts that also crop up in this scene, though! Marie is now aware that she has a child who is referred to as Madame Royale. Ironically enough, Marie named her daughter, Marie Therese, after her mother which only highlights her importance to Marie. In line with her daughter's nickname, Marie is also referred to as Your Majesty which is the first time that being royalty has entered into Marie's frame. Then, she addresses the issues facing France which are the deficit, the bread shortage, and their growing illicit propaganda against her. So, she is acting in accordance with her station! Though, her actions are a little lacking since when it's suggested that she do something she decides that she will just refuse any more diamonds.
As for what Silk Cat gains from this . . . Well, it is an information dump! She is the queen of France, but she is from Austria. She has a mother, brother, daughter, and presumably a husband, though she can't place who that is. While she does realize that she has some debt to the people of France, Silk Cat doesn't put much effort into helping them. She doesn't ignore them, but she doesn't have much of an idea of what can be done nor does she try to find out what she should do. Then, on top of that, she doesn't have anyone else to seek guidance from except the man that was counseling her who must be a close friend of some sort. (She doesn't dislike him, but he isn't the kind of person she could see herself naturally gravitating to on her own.) So, while there is a lot setting up that she should want to be home . . . Silk Cat doesn't see what good she does that place! She is more worried about how her child is and the like, then she is about how France is doing.
★ The masked ball.
Fools rush in where wise men never go / But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
What It Means: This is a short scene that sets up a lot of future events. After her shopping extravaganza, Duchesse de Polignac suggests they go to Paris for the masked ball, even coming up with a good excuse that Marie happily goes along with. At the ball, Marie meets Count Fersen briefly before heading home, clearly smitten with him . . . Then, arrives to find that King Louis XV has fallen ill.
So, the characters that appear are the most interesting! First of all, it seems to be her first meeting with Count Fersen, and he makes it very clear that he wants her, even before he knows she's royalty. More than her possession of self, Marie is truly falling in love with this man. He wants her just as she is, and she is so taken by that. It seems she was much younger in this memory, so she's curious to how long they've been dancing around each other. Perhaps, their affair wasn't as short-lived as it seemed. Then, the bothersome man appears once again! Marie doesn't know why she brought him along and still doesn't understand why she wants him to like her. She does let him put a stop to her fun, though. So, he truly must be someone important . . .
And, for those playing at home, this is Marie's third memory with a party involved. Interestingly enough, she seems to have lots of parties despite her position, since it inhibited her going to this one. The pressures that she keeps feeling unconsciously in her memories seem to be coming more and more from her being royalty.
★ Chocolate in bed.
What It Means: After three attempts at seducing Louis, Marie decides to let bygones be bygones. She enjoys chocolate while Louis reads about locks in bed with her. Truly, this is a very trivial scene, but it is a stepping stone to the eventual harmony that Louis and Marie manage to strike with each other. They are both cut from very different clothes with Louis enjoying books and mechanical items while Marie is more hedonistic with sweets and clothing. Still, they manage to accept and enjoy the differences between them after time.
Despite the pressure placed on her, Marie has decided not to pursue sex with Louis any further, letting him pass the time with her as he likes. With that, she gets a peek at what makes her foreign husband tick. Ultimately, she leaves this meeting only confused and amused by Louis. Notably, it is the first time that she is left alone with Louis that doesn't end in frustration, especially when she recently nears contempt at the incompetency of her husband.
For Silk Cat, there is some slight significance in this scene. The man that has often puzzled and frustrated her is present in her bed at night without any reason, like Fersen who she had a great interest in. They aren't engaging in any act nor does she have plans to . . . So, it's a very confusing scene for her to come upon with what she knows of her life thus far. She isn't drawing any conclusions, but she will keep her eye out for Louis even more. At the least, Silk Cat is pleased that the meeting isn't as bad as the ones she remembers thus far.
★ Threat of dissolution of the alliance.
Marie: Which sleeve do you like? With ruffles or without?
Mercy: Have you been listening to anything that I've said. Your mother is expecting you to smooth over this crisis.
Marie: Where will I be if there is a rupture between our two families? Am I to be Austrian? Or the Dauphine of France?
Mercy: You must be both.
What It Means: The scene opens with Marie taking a bath with her maids attending to her which is followed with her shopping with the Princesse de Lamballe while Ambassador Mercy looks on. He then proceeds to interrupt the proceedings to talk politics.
To Silk Cat, there are quite a few key points. First, the Duchesse de Polignac is not present, so she must have met her later in life. Indeed, the proceedings are a lot more fun with her around, but the Princesse is still a good friend and fun person to shop with. It seems that she has more friends than she first thought, so Silk Cat is wondering over those present in the background of her memories, like the Comte de Provence and Comte d'Artois. Then, Ambassador Mercy appears once again, guiding and remonstrating her. The connection between him and her mother is made apparent. He is likely another Austrian residing in France, like herself, so Silk Cat is only more fond of this man who serves as her advisor.
Still, this memory is another example of how difficult and constrained her position is. There are a lot of conflicts with this memory . . . Following her mother's wishes which she wants desperately to do or to fit in with the court of Versailles which would balk at any pro-Austrian act on Marie's part, admitting her powerlessness in any political matter rather than taking action or attempting to have something done and having her inability shown to her . . . And Marie is not given reason to take any side. With the French, she only feels distinct pressure and lack of acceptance; With Austria, she cannot admit to failure and will only suffer for it. Neither of the two kingdoms she knows will fully accept her as she is.
For Silk Cat, the pressure of her position is not new. However, she can know and feel more immediately where these pressures are coming from and the result of them. She cannot escape them, because they are either a part of her, such as her heritage, or something that is very important to her, like her mother. For Marie, she has no way to give release to all these pressures outside of shopping and other frivolous activities. However, while Silk Cat does respond much the same way due to her first memory when pushed, she also knows that she does have some control over her environment in Aather. Where France is a delicate balancing game between etiquette and politics, she has the freedom to act as she wishes to and is almost always rewarded for her behavior as Silk Cat. So, this is another memory that doesn't encourage Silk Cat's desire to have anything more to do with France outside of her daughter while giving her more courage to do what she can in Aather.
★ SKILL: Singing.
What It Means: Also, what it says on the tin. Marie had formal training in music, including singing, which she further practiced as Queen when she constructed her own playhouse to perform in. She is actually notably proficient in singing, such as climbing scales, performing arias, and so on rather than playing with it as she did before. With this skill, she also has non-contextual memory of various operas, most often from Ramon, Gluck, and other contemporaries on the scene.
★ Marriage to Louis.
Louis XV: To the Dauphin and Dauphine of France! May you have many healthy children and produce an heir to our throne.
What It Means: Soon after arriving in France, Marie marries Louis Auguste in a grand ceremony, followed by a wedding party and fireworks. While the scene is especially quiet, Marie and Louis Auguste don't speak a word, it does show off the great pageantry of Versailles and gives ominous hints of what difficulties will come to plague Marie's marriage.
As for what Silk Cat takes from this . . . Well, well! She knew that she had to be married to someone, considering all of the circumstances surrounding her presence in Versailles. However, she could never place who as she never seemed to especially spend time with anyone, except for her memory of sharing a bed with Louis previously. Still, she isn't pleased with who her husband is! What she knows of Louis is nothing like someone that she can see herself in love with, much less enjoying. Silk Cat doesn't have any of the few but strongly positive memories from her time with Louis, so she doesn't have any reason or desire to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. It's apparent that there is no chemistry between them, even moreso as he seems nervous around her at all times. However, she understands the reason for that now; she is the foreigner, the Austrian.
The memory is strongly significant, even positive, despite all this. At this time, Marie had nothing more than a brief exchange with the awkward Dauphin, but she was fulfilling the mission given to her by her mother—To marry the Dauphin of France in hopes that she will one day be Queen. Long before the troubles between Louis and Marie becomes apparent to either of them, she is a girl who is being married to a man selected for her by a mother. Even more simply, she is being married. As a woman in her time, this was the pinnacle of her life, having already seen her sisters and brothers be married off as part of her mother's plans to secure alliances with marriage. Unfortunately, all of this is hampered by Marie's current knoweldge of Louis behavior . . . And the coming knowledge that he will fail to help her accomplish her duties in whole. Even at her best, Marie can't attribute the stress she is aware of surrounding her with this man she has as her husband.
★ Life at Petite Trianon.
Until the play is performed. And, yes, that is Phoenix at the beginning of the clip.
What It Means: Upon the birth of Marie Therese, Marie maneuvers to secure the Petite Trianon as her private retreat. She spends much of her time enjoying nature, spending time with her daughter, and taking a respite from court life. This scene is a strong contrast between the pleasures she indulges in as a young princess and her pursuits as a more mature queen. Marie still escapes the pressures of court life in her own fashion, but she is more interested in wholesome pursuits as well as doing her best to fulfill her role as mother. Unbeknownst to Silk Cat, she wanted the retreat, because court etiquette dictated that she shouldn't have much, if any, hand in raising her own daughter.
Speaking of Silk Cat, this memory helps greatly with her coming into her own as she assumes more mature role in Aather. While her escapes always concern pleasing herself and are never her healthily facing her situation, it suits her inclinations now. She must behave herself as she is a mother, and this scene shows exactly how she is with Marie Therese given the chance. She wants to show her daughter a peaceful and lovely world. And Petite Trianon is just that—A world of her own creation where everything goes into maintaining the illusion. Still, even if it's in the wrong direction, it is a show of Marie being able to secure what she wants despite the court. She has the confidence and ability to handle her position given reason to; she didn't have any inclination to, however.
The memory also has a lot of practical applications, such as Marie knowing her way around a garden and so on now. While she wasn't strongly involved in it, she did witness enough to be a touch more in the know with her own garden and the vegetable patch. She will definitely want to do more with both of those now. Then, she has an idea about farm animals! So, she may see about having a hand in something with that. There is also a new found interest in books as well as a low-level appreciation for philosophy. While she isn't reading books about locks and keys in bed like some people, Marie may pick one up every now and then. Lastly, music and acting make their first appearance in Marie's memories, but she clearly enjoys both of them deeply. If only there was a way to acquire it in Aather . . .
★ First morning ceremony.
(A bit backed up with memories, so these will be short-handed for a bit. ♥)
After her first night with Louis, she is awakened by Cometesse Noallies. What follows is a quick but firm explanation of how things are done at Versailles . . .
Marie is not allowed to do anything for herself and must allow all others to wait upon her. She is at the center of attention, and she must spread her favors evenly by rank. ❦ The difficulty with touch, and lack of being touched, is introduced. ❦ Foremostly, this does not put Versailles in a positive light. Her own actions later on of creating her own place of comfort make more and more sense, so she is pleased with herself in that aspect.
★ "I heard she adopted a young boy."
The court is rife with rumors of how she has stolen children, refuses her husband to spend time with her favorites, that she is a spy for Austria, and much more. Once again, Versailles is even more disliked. The insinuation that she would steal a child is a strange one . . . But she's also been accused of having orgies in the past, so that may just be where people's fixations lie.
★ Being seen off by her mother.
Marie Theresa: The court of Versailles is not like Vienna. Listen to Ambassador Mercy's counsel. And, remember, all eyes will be on you.
Before she leaves for Versailles, Marie is presented to her mother who imparts some words of wisdom. As a young girl looking to please her mother, she is happy to do whatever she can to make her mother happy, so she's delighted to be able to go to Versailles and marry the Dauphin.
What goes unsaid is that Vienna had been quiet for some time as all of the Empress' children had been married off and sent to other kingdoms already. Marie was already ill-fitting at Vienna, so she hoped that Versailles would suit her sensibility more while being able to accomplish her great mission of uniting the two families. Unfortunately, this aspiration is marred by Marie's knowledge that none of this ended up turning out quite as she had hoped . . .
★ Storming of Bastille.
Before the news is broken, there is a long period of silence and quiet at Versailles. While Marie has little memory of what life outside of her circle is like, it is still an unnatural solitude. With it, Marie retreats into her family, happily left alone to her children. So, she does not mind the quiet as she is significantly older with different priorities . . . It is a bit strange without any explanation as to why the court that was once full of life is not anymore.
As for the news of the Bastille . . . Well, Marie knows that it is significant, but she does not know what effects it has upon her. As far as she can tell, there is still unrest in the people and it has finally released itself in this way. However, there is a lingering sense of worry for the safety of her family.
★ Shopping.
What It Means: Pure and utter decadence! The set-up for the sequence is Marie finally getting release from all her pressures, so it's a very relaxing and cathartic time for her emotionally. It's just her and her girls getting to indulge themselves and have a lot of fun without anyone ruining the party. So, Silk Cat chases after, so to speak, that sort of freedom and distraction from outside pressure. (I decided to give her this memory first to encourage her run-away mentality. When given pressure, this is the outlet she resorts to.) So, while she doesn't get much from it about herself, aside from that this isn't unheard of for her, Silk Cat enjoys it greatly.
Naturally, she will and does try to replicate the artistry of it all when she can, but she does understand that Aather will not give her full freedom to have dress-up parties. She can still try though. ♥
★ First breakfast with Louis.
Marie: So, I hear you like to make keys as a hobby?
Louis: Yes.
Marie: And do you enjoy making keys?
Louis: Obviously.
What It Means: And this is that outside pressure! Marie wants dearly to encourage a good relationship between and her husband, so she tries to be sweet and charming . . . And gets shot down immediately. While Silk Cat doesn't know this is her husband, she does know this is an important person—Someone she wants to be liked by! In Aather, she hasn't had much trouble winning over everyone she wants to, so this doesn't bear too strongly with her. If someone did, then she would be frustrated six ways from Sunday, because it isn't only that person who would do something like that. Still, it's not a factor in Aather yet, but it is a glimpse at the other side of the story of herself that she is aware of by that cathartic release from her first one.
Also, for smaller details, Silk Cat did take notice of basically being on parade while she eats. People are shuffling in and out while she enjoys her bowl of, likely, cold soup. She isn't treated equally nor does she know what to do in this situation. Somehow, it seems like she doesn't belong . . .
★ Her affair with Count Fersen.
I want to be forgotten / And I don't want to be reminded / You say, "Please, don't make this harder" / No, I won't yet
What It Means: For my own reference, this includes the return from Petite Trianon to when she asks to be excused from the parlour room. It is a fairly sizable chunk, but I wanted all of Fersen collected together aside from the masked ball. It doesn't have much by way of other content that isn't related to him as it's mostly the same flashes shown in the movie, not the entire span of time which appears to be lengthy.
Now, that aside, Fersen is Marie's romantic and sexual awakening! She meets him as Marie and is captivated by him once more. She has feelings for him that are returned without a very long and laborious delay, like with Louis, nor does she have everyone's eyes upon her, expecting something of her at all times. It is her chance to be a normal woman, and she blossoms with that attention. Now, how much Marie truly loves him is debatable, but she is fond of him and cares for him which is enough. Even without seeing him again, he is a bright spot in her life.
As for cheating on Louis, well . . . She certainly had no qualms about it! There are no negative feelings attached, because Louis and her are form and function, not a true couple. He has a different place in Marie's heart, though not Silk Cat's yet, that doesn't conflict with Fersen's. In Aather, I doubt there will be any conflict, either. Silk Cat loves and welcomes everyone whoever catches her eye and heart without discrimination. If she wants to sleep with them, then she will, but it won't be an issue otherwise.
For Silk Cat, the memory is really just the same as it is for Marie—A bright, beautiful event that she was lucky to have. So, she will be giddy and elated, but she won't carry it too strongly, just the impact of having possession of her own self and getting the chance to fall in love. That aside, there is also the small appearance of Louis once again! She still doesn't know who he is, but she sees more and more that he is someone that everyone wants to please, not just herself. So, he is difficult for everyone, so it dulls that first memory of him a bit, but she still would rather ignore that difficult spot in her memories.
★ SKILL: French.
What It Means: What is says on the tin.
★ Death of her mother.
Oh, my brother, I am devastated by the news of our mother's death. You alone are left to me in Austria which is, and always will be, so dear to me. Remember that we are your friends, your allies. I embrace you.
What It Means: In this scene, Marie is speaking with Ambassador Mercy about the current situation of France when the Princesse de Lamballe interrupts them to deliver the news that the Empress Maria Theresa, her mother, has died. While it is significant . . . It really isn't for Marie right now!
Throughout her life, Marie was always dictated by her mother's demands and had the utmost respect, almost fear, for her. The separation from Austria when Marie moved to France did not lessen her mother's grip on her. Really, it only began a long line of communication where her mother was just as needling as the rest of Versailles, except that Marie actually weighed her mother's opinion much more heavily. Still, without this background information, the death of her mother is truly devastating for Marie. She may not know her mother, but she does feel the loss of a person that has grip on the situation when the world seems to be spiraling more and more out of control. Marie does not have the means or the desire to face the troubles before her, and she is now without someone to guide her through them.
There are a lot of interesting facts that also crop up in this scene, though! Marie is now aware that she has a child who is referred to as Madame Royale. Ironically enough, Marie named her daughter, Marie Therese, after her mother which only highlights her importance to Marie. In line with her daughter's nickname, Marie is also referred to as Your Majesty which is the first time that being royalty has entered into Marie's frame. Then, she addresses the issues facing France which are the deficit, the bread shortage, and their growing illicit propaganda against her. So, she is acting in accordance with her station! Though, her actions are a little lacking since when it's suggested that she do something she decides that she will just refuse any more diamonds.
As for what Silk Cat gains from this . . . Well, it is an information dump! She is the queen of France, but she is from Austria. She has a mother, brother, daughter, and presumably a husband, though she can't place who that is. While she does realize that she has some debt to the people of France, Silk Cat doesn't put much effort into helping them. She doesn't ignore them, but she doesn't have much of an idea of what can be done nor does she try to find out what she should do. Then, on top of that, she doesn't have anyone else to seek guidance from except the man that was counseling her who must be a close friend of some sort. (She doesn't dislike him, but he isn't the kind of person she could see herself naturally gravitating to on her own.) So, while there is a lot setting up that she should want to be home . . . Silk Cat doesn't see what good she does that place! She is more worried about how her child is and the like, then she is about how France is doing.
★ The masked ball.
Fools rush in where wise men never go / But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
What It Means: This is a short scene that sets up a lot of future events. After her shopping extravaganza, Duchesse de Polignac suggests they go to Paris for the masked ball, even coming up with a good excuse that Marie happily goes along with. At the ball, Marie meets Count Fersen briefly before heading home, clearly smitten with him . . . Then, arrives to find that King Louis XV has fallen ill.
So, the characters that appear are the most interesting! First of all, it seems to be her first meeting with Count Fersen, and he makes it very clear that he wants her, even before he knows she's royalty. More than her possession of self, Marie is truly falling in love with this man. He wants her just as she is, and she is so taken by that. It seems she was much younger in this memory, so she's curious to how long they've been dancing around each other. Perhaps, their affair wasn't as short-lived as it seemed. Then, the bothersome man appears once again! Marie doesn't know why she brought him along and still doesn't understand why she wants him to like her. She does let him put a stop to her fun, though. So, he truly must be someone important . . .
And, for those playing at home, this is Marie's third memory with a party involved. Interestingly enough, she seems to have lots of parties despite her position, since it inhibited her going to this one. The pressures that she keeps feeling unconsciously in her memories seem to be coming more and more from her being royalty.
★ Chocolate in bed.
What It Means: After three attempts at seducing Louis, Marie decides to let bygones be bygones. She enjoys chocolate while Louis reads about locks in bed with her. Truly, this is a very trivial scene, but it is a stepping stone to the eventual harmony that Louis and Marie manage to strike with each other. They are both cut from very different clothes with Louis enjoying books and mechanical items while Marie is more hedonistic with sweets and clothing. Still, they manage to accept and enjoy the differences between them after time.
Despite the pressure placed on her, Marie has decided not to pursue sex with Louis any further, letting him pass the time with her as he likes. With that, she gets a peek at what makes her foreign husband tick. Ultimately, she leaves this meeting only confused and amused by Louis. Notably, it is the first time that she is left alone with Louis that doesn't end in frustration, especially when she recently nears contempt at the incompetency of her husband.
For Silk Cat, there is some slight significance in this scene. The man that has often puzzled and frustrated her is present in her bed at night without any reason, like Fersen who she had a great interest in. They aren't engaging in any act nor does she have plans to . . . So, it's a very confusing scene for her to come upon with what she knows of her life thus far. She isn't drawing any conclusions, but she will keep her eye out for Louis even more. At the least, Silk Cat is pleased that the meeting isn't as bad as the ones she remembers thus far.
★ Threat of dissolution of the alliance.
Marie: Which sleeve do you like? With ruffles or without?
Mercy: Have you been listening to anything that I've said. Your mother is expecting you to smooth over this crisis.
Marie: Where will I be if there is a rupture between our two families? Am I to be Austrian? Or the Dauphine of France?
Mercy: You must be both.
What It Means: The scene opens with Marie taking a bath with her maids attending to her which is followed with her shopping with the Princesse de Lamballe while Ambassador Mercy looks on. He then proceeds to interrupt the proceedings to talk politics.
To Silk Cat, there are quite a few key points. First, the Duchesse de Polignac is not present, so she must have met her later in life. Indeed, the proceedings are a lot more fun with her around, but the Princesse is still a good friend and fun person to shop with. It seems that she has more friends than she first thought, so Silk Cat is wondering over those present in the background of her memories, like the Comte de Provence and Comte d'Artois. Then, Ambassador Mercy appears once again, guiding and remonstrating her. The connection between him and her mother is made apparent. He is likely another Austrian residing in France, like herself, so Silk Cat is only more fond of this man who serves as her advisor.
Still, this memory is another example of how difficult and constrained her position is. There are a lot of conflicts with this memory . . . Following her mother's wishes which she wants desperately to do or to fit in with the court of Versailles which would balk at any pro-Austrian act on Marie's part, admitting her powerlessness in any political matter rather than taking action or attempting to have something done and having her inability shown to her . . . And Marie is not given reason to take any side. With the French, she only feels distinct pressure and lack of acceptance; With Austria, she cannot admit to failure and will only suffer for it. Neither of the two kingdoms she knows will fully accept her as she is.
For Silk Cat, the pressure of her position is not new. However, she can know and feel more immediately where these pressures are coming from and the result of them. She cannot escape them, because they are either a part of her, such as her heritage, or something that is very important to her, like her mother. For Marie, she has no way to give release to all these pressures outside of shopping and other frivolous activities. However, while Silk Cat does respond much the same way due to her first memory when pushed, she also knows that she does have some control over her environment in Aather. Where France is a delicate balancing game between etiquette and politics, she has the freedom to act as she wishes to and is almost always rewarded for her behavior as Silk Cat. So, this is another memory that doesn't encourage Silk Cat's desire to have anything more to do with France outside of her daughter while giving her more courage to do what she can in Aather.
★ SKILL: Singing.
What It Means: Also, what it says on the tin. Marie had formal training in music, including singing, which she further practiced as Queen when she constructed her own playhouse to perform in. She is actually notably proficient in singing, such as climbing scales, performing arias, and so on rather than playing with it as she did before. With this skill, she also has non-contextual memory of various operas, most often from Ramon, Gluck, and other contemporaries on the scene.
★ Marriage to Louis.
Louis XV: To the Dauphin and Dauphine of France! May you have many healthy children and produce an heir to our throne.
What It Means: Soon after arriving in France, Marie marries Louis Auguste in a grand ceremony, followed by a wedding party and fireworks. While the scene is especially quiet, Marie and Louis Auguste don't speak a word, it does show off the great pageantry of Versailles and gives ominous hints of what difficulties will come to plague Marie's marriage.
As for what Silk Cat takes from this . . . Well, well! She knew that she had to be married to someone, considering all of the circumstances surrounding her presence in Versailles. However, she could never place who as she never seemed to especially spend time with anyone, except for her memory of sharing a bed with Louis previously. Still, she isn't pleased with who her husband is! What she knows of Louis is nothing like someone that she can see herself in love with, much less enjoying. Silk Cat doesn't have any of the few but strongly positive memories from her time with Louis, so she doesn't have any reason or desire to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. It's apparent that there is no chemistry between them, even moreso as he seems nervous around her at all times. However, she understands the reason for that now; she is the foreigner, the Austrian.
The memory is strongly significant, even positive, despite all this. At this time, Marie had nothing more than a brief exchange with the awkward Dauphin, but she was fulfilling the mission given to her by her mother—To marry the Dauphin of France in hopes that she will one day be Queen. Long before the troubles between Louis and Marie becomes apparent to either of them, she is a girl who is being married to a man selected for her by a mother. Even more simply, she is being married. As a woman in her time, this was the pinnacle of her life, having already seen her sisters and brothers be married off as part of her mother's plans to secure alliances with marriage. Unfortunately, all of this is hampered by Marie's current knoweldge of Louis behavior . . . And the coming knowledge that he will fail to help her accomplish her duties in whole. Even at her best, Marie can't attribute the stress she is aware of surrounding her with this man she has as her husband.
★ Life at Petite Trianon.
Until the play is performed. And, yes, that is Phoenix at the beginning of the clip.
What It Means: Upon the birth of Marie Therese, Marie maneuvers to secure the Petite Trianon as her private retreat. She spends much of her time enjoying nature, spending time with her daughter, and taking a respite from court life. This scene is a strong contrast between the pleasures she indulges in as a young princess and her pursuits as a more mature queen. Marie still escapes the pressures of court life in her own fashion, but she is more interested in wholesome pursuits as well as doing her best to fulfill her role as mother. Unbeknownst to Silk Cat, she wanted the retreat, because court etiquette dictated that she shouldn't have much, if any, hand in raising her own daughter.
Speaking of Silk Cat, this memory helps greatly with her coming into her own as she assumes more mature role in Aather. While her escapes always concern pleasing herself and are never her healthily facing her situation, it suits her inclinations now. She must behave herself as she is a mother, and this scene shows exactly how she is with Marie Therese given the chance. She wants to show her daughter a peaceful and lovely world. And Petite Trianon is just that—A world of her own creation where everything goes into maintaining the illusion. Still, even if it's in the wrong direction, it is a show of Marie being able to secure what she wants despite the court. She has the confidence and ability to handle her position given reason to; she didn't have any inclination to, however.
The memory also has a lot of practical applications, such as Marie knowing her way around a garden and so on now. While she wasn't strongly involved in it, she did witness enough to be a touch more in the know with her own garden and the vegetable patch. She will definitely want to do more with both of those now. Then, she has an idea about farm animals! So, she may see about having a hand in something with that. There is also a new found interest in books as well as a low-level appreciation for philosophy. While she isn't reading books about locks and keys in bed like some people, Marie may pick one up every now and then. Lastly, music and acting make their first appearance in Marie's memories, but she clearly enjoys both of them deeply. If only there was a way to acquire it in Aather . . .
★ First morning ceremony.
(A bit backed up with memories, so these will be short-handed for a bit. ♥)
After her first night with Louis, she is awakened by Cometesse Noallies. What follows is a quick but firm explanation of how things are done at Versailles . . .
Marie is not allowed to do anything for herself and must allow all others to wait upon her. She is at the center of attention, and she must spread her favors evenly by rank. ❦ The difficulty with touch, and lack of being touched, is introduced. ❦ Foremostly, this does not put Versailles in a positive light. Her own actions later on of creating her own place of comfort make more and more sense, so she is pleased with herself in that aspect.
★ "I heard she adopted a young boy."
The court is rife with rumors of how she has stolen children, refuses her husband to spend time with her favorites, that she is a spy for Austria, and much more. Once again, Versailles is even more disliked. The insinuation that she would steal a child is a strange one . . . But she's also been accused of having orgies in the past, so that may just be where people's fixations lie.
★ Being seen off by her mother.
Marie Theresa: The court of Versailles is not like Vienna. Listen to Ambassador Mercy's counsel. And, remember, all eyes will be on you.
Before she leaves for Versailles, Marie is presented to her mother who imparts some words of wisdom. As a young girl looking to please her mother, she is happy to do whatever she can to make her mother happy, so she's delighted to be able to go to Versailles and marry the Dauphin.
What goes unsaid is that Vienna had been quiet for some time as all of the Empress' children had been married off and sent to other kingdoms already. Marie was already ill-fitting at Vienna, so she hoped that Versailles would suit her sensibility more while being able to accomplish her great mission of uniting the two families. Unfortunately, this aspiration is marred by Marie's knowledge that none of this ended up turning out quite as she had hoped . . .
★ Storming of Bastille.
Before the news is broken, there is a long period of silence and quiet at Versailles. While Marie has little memory of what life outside of her circle is like, it is still an unnatural solitude. With it, Marie retreats into her family, happily left alone to her children. So, she does not mind the quiet as she is significantly older with different priorities . . . It is a bit strange without any explanation as to why the court that was once full of life is not anymore.
As for the news of the Bastille . . . Well, Marie knows that it is significant, but she does not know what effects it has upon her. As far as she can tell, there is still unrest in the people and it has finally released itself in this way. However, there is a lingering sense of worry for the safety of her family.