[A slightly sore hip and the barest sniffle were bothering Astrid. What bothered her more was the idea these things might be noticed, questions asked and rules enforced. She was too old for rules and restrictions. She was responsible and took care of herself, which granted her a highly valued measure of autonomy. Astrid had therefore made the decision to confine her movements to the Palace for at least five days, until she was perfectly well and the "danger" had passed. On the second day she had amended that rule to include the Palace grounds so that she would not end up climbing the walls. This was the third day, and she curled herself up neatly on a comfortable chair in a parlour like room with a fire that was dying, reading in a soft murmur to herself from a book. So absorbed was she that she did not hear the door swish softly open, or feel the cold air sweep into the room from the hall.]
"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near." Hmm, not just war, I think, but what are we poor actresses to do? [Quoting softly and murmuring to herself, ending on a gentle sigh]