Monarch elections are upon us. In this series I sit down with several of the candidates and ask them a series of questions. For the second interview in the series I sat down with Marjaery. Marjaery is an active and vocal member of the community in Devon. The Glitter Queen can be seen sitting in the taverns of Chard welcoming people to town. As I discovered myself on multiple visits, I do not recommend falling asleep if you don't want to be sprinkled with glitter.

People often like to know who a monarch's candidate favorite king or queen of England was in the past. Who was yours?
(M)Of the Monarch's I have known I'd say I personally liked Shellara the most. May she rest in peace. She and I didn't agree on everything, it's true but I felt very much that she cared about England more than ego and she didn't outright ignore me when I reached out to her. And she didn't pretend to hand down "wisdom" once she sat the throne.

What can you tell us about your family?
(M)My father is alive and well. A simple merchant. My mother died when I was very young and my father and I are estranged. I'm not from a great family of note and history, just a simple girl. At the moment my closest family is my daughter Geraldine who means the world to me. I want to make England a good place for her and for everyone.

What about any affiliations? (if you have none, then perhaps explain why?)
(M)I suppose I do not really have any affiliations if you mean it as being part of clubs or groups or armies. I have preferred to remain outside of such things and focus on doing what is best for me and then for England by working in council. I think perhaps it means I often miss out on making some connections one can make by nature of being in clubs together but I think it keeps my perspective on things unique. Though, when I first left my father's house you know, I thought it fun to perhaps associate with WoS. I am sure everyone knows after I was outed by Frankie. It was a short lived affiliation as I moved instead into more politics and family. I suppose we've all had rebellious moments in our youth. Perhaps it is folly to admit it now but ah well.

Can you give an example of how you resolved a conflict?
(M)I am surprised at the difficulty of this question. I suppose that indicates in me a space where I must reflect and gives me something to work on in a way, we all have things to reflect on. I suppose that working in politics and in Council especially as Countess there have been specific instances where I have aided to resolution one way or another. After all, it can be a bit like minding children at times, aye. Though nothing occurs to me specifically. I mean I was approached by a ship thief once to work something out but really I just sunk the ship. I'm not sure that's what you're looking for. Personally I did have things come up in Devon that I felt hurt by and defensive about and I did end up talking to one person involved in the tavern over drinks and we apologized to each other and moved on. Though, politically I am known for being for being somewhat pushy when I think I am right, I think I have also apologized when I have been wrong. And I am always willing to work things out over ales.

What experience do you have in leadership?
(M)I have served as Mayor and in council at the county level many times. I've done several terms as Countess of Devon as well.

What's your Royal Claim?
(M)I am not entirely certain how to answer this, being mostly a regular type myself and having grown up in a nice but not noble household. I admittedly know very little about my family tree. Though I am self titled Viscountess of Ababwa and have been called the Glitter Queen as well as the Witch of Devon. Perhaps I have a claim simply by virtue of decided to try and claim it. After all, I have never been silent in criticism of past monarchs so it's only fair I feel, to toss in my lot with them and follow the same path. Perspective, you know.

What do you think is most important to the English people?
(M)Integrity of government and opportunity to be heard.

How do you think Monarchs have been able to accomplish anything in the past? How do you plan to win support, cooperation and generally accomplish your goals and the tasks expected of a monarch?
(M)With help from the people around them. Whether that is in privy or in positions nationally or in their household. The truth is that quite a great deal of the work is done by those people. Even as Countess and Mayor I have seen those working with me take on so much work while I try to be everywhere helping all of it along. The amount of work those in support positions do is astounding and they should be applauded no matter who they are. Without people carrying, a Monarch alone can accomplish very little, especially if they lack the time. I hope I can bring in people with my integrity and my willingness to talk about issues and decisiveness. To give others the opportunity to shine that maybe would not otherwise have that opportunity because they haven't been able to connect with and fall in line with the usual groups. To show those that have been around that I do truly care about England doing well and am willing to work as well. And to listen to those who know better than me and learn from them.

Who is your heir and can you tell us a bit about them also?
(M)Daisy Holifard is my heir. Often the two of us have been lumped together by detractors in various ways. We've even been called the Dastardly Duo. Perhaps it is by virtue of both of us being strong outspoken and opinionated women. When I decided to submit myself to serve the Kingdom, picking her to run along side me was a given. I've not always agreed with her either but I respect her and the fact that she has the courage to speak up when it matters. Like me, she won't be shut up when she feels strongly about something that is wrong.

Where would one find you on a quiet peaceful day? Where would one find you when you are totally stressed out?
(M)Easy. On quiet days you'd find me with my daughter. Perhaps that's not always what some would think of as peaceful but for me it is chaotic serenity. Or, perhaps sitting beneath a tree and sketching as she plays in the grass with the maid. As for when I am stressed, of course drinking in the tavern or practicing with my knives or shooting arrows. Or perhaps bathing in a bath of my famous Marjie's Miracle Glitter Tonic, it's amazing stuff really!

Nicole for the KAP