#kit:james

[thornsxcrowns]

who: James & Ara | @flosprati

where: Lord Austen's Archery Competition

Very few people knew the truth about James's identity - to most he was simply a cousin by marriage of a gentry family. Not worth noticing or questioning. Kit had designed the story for exactly that reason. Ara was one of the few exceptions, the few Kit had trusted with the truth.

There was something in Ara's outlook Kit could relate to. Both of them had a drive to carve a place for themselves beyond what was expected. Today they shared even more in common - both were still recovering from the latest Lady Whistledown publication.

"Miss Park," James said with a flourishing bow, one they had carefully practiced in their mirror so many times the night before. "You look lovely today!"

They were deliberate with their movements, aware what effect the rumours would have had on Ara's prospects in the eyes of the Ton. The bow was for the eyes around them, but they lowered their voice to whisper words only meant for Ara "The clothes look better than I could have hoped, you have done extremely well!"

[thornsxcrowns]

Liu | Rowley | Thorne

Kit's family tree is not simple; it is full of blends and complicated feelings and lies she cannot bear to let go of. Thorne, the name she has now, the one she has given her full heart to. It is the name she shares with a stepfather, two stepsiblings and a half sister. It is the name which brings to mind her complicated relationship with Tobias Thorne - one defined by two people, far more similar than they care to admit, trying to decide if they should be spending their energy trying to trust each other, or trying not to. Rowley is the name of her birth father, the one she always knew she would one day have to give up, but one she thought would be abandoned for a future spouse, rather than a new father. It is a name she tries not to dwell on, one which risks raising complicated emotions about the relationship she has with Lord Thorne, and whether her father would have approved of the life she is attempting to forge for herself. Liu is the name that has always been the simplest for Kit. It is the name she inherited from her mother, a name that highlights her mother's Chinese heritage. Liu is the name she has always felt the most connected to, and the name that has always been unfairly stripped from her. It is the complicated connection to her culture and connection to a family who always feel too far away. It is the name she chose when creating James Liu, the fake cousin she uses to explore the masculine side of her gender identity in society.

[thornsxcrowns]

who: James & Rhys | @ofcaeriw

where: Lord Austen's Archery Competition

They had not seen Rhys since nearly running him down in Hyde park. Prior to Whistledown, they had been very much looking forward to competing against him at the Archery.

Then, of course, Tobias's past had forced them to reassess their attendance.

Still, James could not resist approaching Rhys when they saw him standing alone near the archery field. "A tip for you!" James said, clapping as a competitor's arrow imbedded itself into the target with a satisfying thunk, "If you want to guess the winner, I always find it can be more useful to watch the faces of the people getting ready to take their shot. See who wants it the most. It can be rather fun, trying to guess who needs the money, or who has their eye on a princess's hand!"

They turned to face Rhys properly, offering a short bow "I hope you do not mind me introducing myself - Mr James Liu. I believe you are acquainted with my cousin? She bid me to look out for a Welshman who had challenged her to a round of archery. Unfortunately the latest gossip has prevented her attendance, but she thought I may accept the challenge in her absence?"

[thornsxcrowns]

who: James & Nell | @lovelyfxxl

where: Lord Austen's Archery Competition

James's entrance to the event was a nervous one. Despite all of the time they had spent practicing - walking up and down in men's clothes, seeking out a posture that felt natural for them (and not like they were wearing a costume), he still felt unprepared. This was so much bigger than simply attending Brook's. The whole Ton's eyes would be upon them.

It was a natural thing, to scan the crowd for a familiar face, even when they knew that no one here should recognize who they were. It was this natural instinct that had James lurching at the sight of their second cousin. "Nell!" He called, hurrying towards her before the mistake dawned on them.

[thornsxcrowns]

Arriving at Lord Austen's Archery Competition - Mr James Liu (definitely not Kit Thorne in disguise)

Who is James Liu?

James Liu is the alias Kit has been using to sneak into Brook's. They are reported to be a cousin on Kit Thorne's mother's side, recently arrived in the Ton from the continent.

How well known is James around the Ton?

James has spent a number of nights at Brook's now, and may have met characters through their time there. Outside of this they are a new face with few connections.

What are James's pronouns?

They/He

Who knows James's real identity?

Only a few people - someone in the Ton would have helped them get access to Brook's / create their identity (open wc) and it's possible a few characters have seen through the disguise (open to plot this)

[kitthedragonslave]

Text: Hello. This is James. I was wondering if I could bother you for an hour. I need a little help searching for something shiny in my newly bought home.

[ text ]: Hello James!

[ text ]: Just an hour? Okay but I’m gonna time you! 

[ text ]: Ooooooh how fancy pants! Of course I’ll help!