Your advice is an exercise in futility, I fear. It seems to be their way, these scribes, giving into their impulses and whims. Much akin to children, really.

Few of them are.

But on occasion their interest seems...almost flattering, no?

[Totally normal. Sure.]

[Right up there with hijacking monarchies.]

You disagree?

[Can't get anything past her.]

Is it not similar to having a personal worshipper, at least on occasion?

[Sure. Especially in the cases where muses get put through torture or angst scenarios...]

Admittedly, no. A devoted suitor or two, but I can't say as I've been worshipped, per se.

The comparison seemed to make sense enough in my mind.

I imagine it would get dull after a while. One might struggle to find ways for the worshipper to amuse them. How often can they amuse you with the same actions over and over again, after all.

Or they may outlive their usefulness, if I may be perfectly blunt about it.

[Has she given too much away? She tenses a bit, but otherwise keeps her cool, composed expression and gives a nonchalant roll of her shoulders.]

No need to beat around the bush, I suppose. And anyway it is more so my father's practice than my own. Keeping a friendship or alliance with someone when they have something you desire, be it power, influence, an object...

But once you've surpassed them or gained what you desired of them, continuing with them unless you legitimately enjoyed their company could become tedious.

Oh I do. But there are certain occasions where it's...more fun to drag it out.

That, or if they've paid me or my family some manner of insult. That indeed is behavior which cannot go unpunished.

[And those who have insulted the Boleyn clan are hardly few in number...]

Occasions where certain individuals have caused meet more than minor inconveniences or have caused a particular annoyance. But more often than not, it's when they've been insulting.

I have a brother and sister. Mother is rarely thought of enough for anyone to insult or bother, and father...he is self-sufficient.

[There are worse applicable adjectives than 'suitably spoiled' - but that's an accurate description of any English noblewoman, at least of her time.]

[She extends her hand out to his, knowing a handshake is a more modern greeting than what she's accustomed to.]

Pleased to meet you, I'm Anne Boleyn.

You're not the first to say so. Tell me then, if you will, what have you heard or read of me?

Impressive.

You're very well-read. Most take the historical event at face value. You seem to delve deeper. And yes, for the record, I committed no treason.

Though that puts the knowledge between us rather one-sided, as I know nothing of you.

[She tilts her head, considering her reply to his question.]

...what makes you tick? That is the modern phrase, is it not? What is it that drives you?

Dodgy, aren't we.

Very well, I wouldn't have wagered that you would answer sincerely anyway. Let's try another tack, shall we? What do you do for fun and amusement?

[I would keep poking that particular nerve to a minimum, Anne...]

I enjoy poetry, both reading and composing it.

Haiku poetry was a bit beyond my time.

I write sonnets, lyrical phrases. Things of that nature.

Hmm...I suppose not.

Defiled is my name full sore
Through cruel spite and false report,
That I may say for evermore,
Farewell, my joy! Adieu comfort!
For wrongfully ye judge of me
Unto my fame a mortal wound,
Say what ye list, it will not be,
Ye seek for that can not be found.

Indeed. I wrote it during my time in the Tower of London. Dismal place indeed.

Precisely. You said you enjoyed boating, have you sailed? Or do you mean some other form of boating?

That sounds lovely, I do so love the sight and smell of the sea. Nothing quite like it.