The Funeral Garter (Caesar's Procession side thread)

[Guest]

(OOC: Thread split from the Caesar's Procession here)

<p>As the Countessa said she would consider his offer, Valmont looked over to the right, gave her a nod and simply said, "So thrive my heart." As they walked, Valmont looked upon the stoic Lady Aesa. His heart went out to her for losing someone dear. And while Valmont had only ever lost his father, he still remained empathic.

<p>"Countessa, what will become of the Lady Aesa? Will she simply remain in Kislovan?" Valmont will politely wait for the answer and continued to look upon the regal lady. As Isabella finished, the youth decided to change the subject. "Ahhh. That reminds me. I owe you a debt of thanks, mi'lady." If she seems surprised, the youth will continue. "It seems that not only have you recently become somewhat of a muse...but also, a token of luck." Looking at her, Valmont smiled.

<p>"You see, after we last spoke, I had a very rewarding conversation with the Baron Marcada. It seems that he and I are beginning a partnership of sorts involving newly established trade routes. And since it seems the Marcada household is 'deficient' in anything resembling an heir, he has named me to be his 'heir-apparent'. We will share in the profits of new trade for the Imperium and I'll receive a title to go with it." Giving her a crooked smile, Valmont laughed a little to himself. "Not bad for one that arrived to his door in chains, eh?"

<p>Turning around, Valmont looked over to the Lord Azarin. "I apologize, Mi'lord Azarin. You asked of me a question concerning the first name of the Baron. I have never addressed him by any other name than his deserved title and so, cannot offer you an answer. I do know the names of the children, however. I believe they are Eisolf and Lucienda." Thinking about it for a fraction of a second, the youth added more. "Ahhh, but I have forgotten that the Lord de Winter is also a close friend of the Baron's. I am sure that during one of our future conversations I will come across his name." Nodding to Lord Azarin, Valmont turned back towards Isabella.

<p>Reaching down to his waist, Valmont produced a beautifully polished sandalwood box wrapped with a bow made of crimson ribbon. "A gift, mi'lady." The youth gave a cat's grin, as he turned to look at her. "A gift of thanks...and let us say...I could not bear the thought that you might forget me." Laughing he handed her the box.

[Isabella Florentina]

"I do not know what is to become of her, milord de Cross," Isa sighed as she followed his glance to the Lady Aesa, some genuine regret and worry slipping into her words "In the coming nine months any issue from her body could be seen as a heir to the Ceasar, and might cause some faction to take up Anochrims banner once again. Even though the Ceasar is an elective office, people grow attached to certain houses. That means the danger for her person is far from over. Yet she is a brave woman, and will hopefully remain master over her own destiny."

Isabella's face lit up with delight. It was Valmont that was proving to be her stroke of luck. I wonder if this is a gift from my Myschievious Lord. He takes care of his own. Heir apparant, chosen over the two children of Marcada. As Valmont adressed Andolin again, walking just behind them, she gave a smirk over her shoulder. Surely he had heard. I was right. This is a beau to treasure. It was interesting to hear that Lord De Winter had such a close association with the Baron. Isabella filed it away for future reference. I had forgotten what William told me. Lord de Winter has his talons in all kinds of business deals.. Her eyes widened slightly. William! Is he in the crowd? She craned her neck to see if the House of Chamberlouse had send a representative that she recognized. A touch of guilt crept up on her. I must send him a letter explaining my absence. I have after all plans for him.

Then Valmont, turning his attention once again upon the lady that accompanied him, presented her with a little sandlewood box tied with a red ribbon. This was highly inappropriate in the middle of a funeral procession. "Milord," she protested with mock shock. How Delicious. She turned her body so that she shielded the box from most people and repressed an urge to smirk at Andolin again. Instead her fingers carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box.

[Guest]

<p>The Prince of Cat's eyes sparkled playfully as she toyed with the ribbon upon the polished box. "I'd advise a more appropriate venue for the unravelling, mi'lady." Smiling, the youth continued. "While to someone like us (panlings) the gift will certainly be understood, others may find it...difficult to decipher."

<p>Placing his finger upon the bow, Valmont fixed his violet eyes upon Isabella. Cocking his head, just enough to be playful, the youth quipped, "However, I see nothing with a 'peek' inside. Unless of course, your true name is Pandora." Smiling, the youth removed his finger.

OOC:

I have sent you a PM with the description of the gift, Isabella.

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella's dark eyes twinkled. Now she really couldn't resist a peek, however inappropriate. She carefully opened the box, only sightly. A sparkling gold with rubies greeted her and a pleased smile spread on her face. It was only a flicker later that she realized what it was. A garther. Finely carved, set with rubies. Her fingers caressed the garment. Isa couldn't help a sharp intake of breath. Priceless. Suggestive.

"Milord," she protested involuntarily, "It.. it is too much.. I couldn't possibly.." She rightened herself, as she quickly put the sandelwood box in the folds of her dress "Milord de Cross, thank you. We shall have to discuss this matter further this eveningtide. You will send a coach, non?"

[Guest]

<p>Seeing how she enjoyed the gift as fingered its surface, Valmont smiled. Leaning in closer, the youth's voice purred out his next words. "Such an item can only be worn by one who's luster is as brilliant as the jewels that adorn her. And...as for thanks, none is needed. It is obvious that you were both meant for each other. I merely played the part of the courier." Smiling, Valmont began to look around. He had been so focused upon the vision of Isabella that he had momentarily forgotten where he was.

<p>And so moving once again in step with Time, Valmont turned back to the Countessa. "As for the coach, I shall do my best. I have business in Kislovan and hope to speak to Queen, Caesar's sister. I do not know where I will stay, as I have not yet made arrangements. However, I am sure something will pan out." Looking skyward, Valmont quickly added under his breath, "No pun intended, my Lord."

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella giggled nervously about Valmonts quip, certain that Pan would approve of such mischievousness, even if her Dark Lord had his attention elsewhere right now, but also quite certain that if she did not try and look dignified more and more people would throw irritated glances in their direction.

The darkhaired lady acknowledged Valmonts previous commitments with a nod. In all likelihood Andolin, Vanir and many of the other people I have grown used to will be on Kislovan for at least a few days. It will grow quiet here in the Citadel. Long enough perhaps for her training to conclude.

"It is like a good wine, milord de Cross," Isa smiled to the young man that escorted her "The experience will only improve with the wait."

[Guest]

<p>Listening to the Isabella, Valmont smiled. "The saying I remember about wine is that 'a beautiful woman, like a fine wine, is sweet poison'." Laughing a little, the youth turned and looked upon the one leading the guard.

<p>"What will happen to Caesar's guard, mi'lady? Will they continue to serve the new Caesar or will they be replaced by that family's own?"

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella laughed at Valmonts quip, but not to loudly so as not to give offense. If it had been any other venue she would have abused the moment to draw attention to herself, but now she just nodded amused after a soft bubbling of laughter.

Isa's dark eyes sought the Purple Guard "No, they are not Anochrims personal guard. I believe they belong to the office of Ceasar. Lady Sosa commands them, and she's one of the thoughest ladies I've ever seen, though she has not be around lately." In fact, Isa looked around now, to see if she saw any of the rumored Inner Circle. Erwin, Sosa, Rioja.. surely they were there somewhere. She reminded herself to ask Andolin later.

"Tell me, Lord Valmont, what precisely is Baron Marcada asking of you as heir, and why are his children not inheriting?"

[Guest]

<p>Smiling again, Valmont turned to look at her. "Perhaps I misspoke. It is in business side that I stand to inherit. The children of the Baron would keep the title, but not the wealth. They shall have the Estate, but without the coin needed to maintain it."

<p>"Like most children born into nobility, the twins feel that wealth is a 'right' and should therefore not be earned. The twins have used their monies to dabble into...well, let us say that Father doesn't approve of how they spend his coin." Laughing, the youth continued. "In fact I am told that the majority of the nobles upon this very Isle are without wealth. Which led me to my decision. One cannot live a certain lifestyle without the coin to back him up. I will not be one of those noble men who must marry to inherit monies."

<p>Taking her hand in his, Valmont turned and looked upon the Countessa, suddenly very serious. "A long time ago, I made an oath to my Lord Pan. An oath, I will uphold. And the path of that oath...the path that I now travel upon...will require wealth to accomplish it. So I have become the Baron Marcada's partner in business. And in doing so, I stand to inherit all of which I will sow. Not like his children who expect to receive that which they have not earned. I will help Marcada build up his House in Trade, and in return, I will divide the profits and inherit the business. And the only I title I will inherit, will be the one that Pan gave me that day I spilled my blood upon his alter as I made my vow."

<p>Turning, the youth took a deep breath and held it for a fraction of a second. Letting out a chuckle, Valmont smiled and shook his head. "Everytime I remember that day, I remember that priestess." Turning back to look at Isabella, the youth apologized. "I am sorry for my temporary departure in protocol. I did not mean to turn the conversation into something...so serious as vows and religion." Giving her a charming smile, Valmont asked, "Will you forgive me?"

[Isabella Florentina]

"Oh do tell what the children indulged in," Isabella encouraged, "The story was just turning interesting. What would offend a man such as Baron Marcada?" Strange to know the man had an honor of sorts. Her first impression of him had been of a rugged businessman who would not hesitate to kill "Word is that the Baron is quite the ruthless trader."

Upon Valmonts confession of an oath Isabella's interest peaked for a whole different reason "You spilled blood on the altar of Pan," she whispered, "Yet took Joy with a priestess. A curious mix of ceremonies." There was no false shame among panlings, at least not in the Citadel. Such oddities were reserved for uptight followers of the One or Illuminatus. "Pray tell, Lord de Cross, what is your vow or were you bound to secrecy? You are among the faithful now, you know," Isa prodded "Perhaps I can assist in your task... Panlings must stand together."

Isabella laughed lightly as Valmont begged her forgiveness "Perhaps I shall have to think on it, and let you beg for mercy." Her dark eyes were wicked for a short burn "Do not worry Lord de Cross, you are still in my good graces. I'm very pleased our paths have crossed." She patted his arm and darted a look over her shoulder to see the Lady Aesa was alright. They had passed into the Patricians Ring now.

[Guest]

<p>As Isabella asked about the children, the young man merely moved his head slowly side to side - a silent 'no'. "That I shall keep. I am sure that like any good game of chess, they will one day move against my pieces. Many plans are being hatched and laid upon the board, Countessa. If I reveal all my moves," he said with slight cock of his head, "how will I ever keep you in surprise." Giving her a devilish grin instead, he continued. "As for the Baron's ruthless ethics, I do not know. I imagine that he is no stranger to a more 'forceful use' of persuasion. However, I am not involved in his past dealings. I only concern myself with the future of the Imperial Trade and where my interests lead."

<p>Moving along, Valmont listened as she spoke of 'Panlings' and the 'Faithful'. Laughing, the youth turned again towards the beautiful Isabella. "I do not share the same terminology as you do, Isabella. To share 'Joy' is best left for those like Pan's priests. They only concern themselves with the carnal pleasures for their own self-gratification." Shaking his head as he smiled, the youth continued. "No, I did not share "joy" with the Priestess or any other who has crossed my path. My oath will not allow me such selfish pleasures."

<p>"Do you not want to know why I visited the alter of Pan's Blood. It is because I do not truly belong to any of Pan's discipline - it is more a combination of the three. Joy. Lovemaking. Those are things better left to those that do not truly understand their true nature. That sex is about control. To control another's body. Their emotions. Their mind. But I believe you already knew this. I recognized something in you. It was when we rode in the coach, I looked in your eyes and I saw something. Something that made me feel that I was looking at myself. I could not place my finger upon it, because the truth of it seemed confusing. But then you gave me the answer. That Pan puts his faithful amongst others of the Faith so that they may succeed. And then I remember the strictures of my oath and it all fit.

<p>"For you see, Countessa, my oath, is about Infamy. About creating a name that invokes anger and inspires fantasy. A name of contradictions. A name that makes husbands-to-be shudder with fear and their soon-to-be brides ripe with desire. It is another name for Passion. It is also, the moniker that I currently don. It is the reason I was brought to this Isle. And in exchange I have given up a piece of my soul." Smiling a little, the youth merely shrugged his shoulders. "A small piece, but it was enough."

<p>Looking around as she mentioned their current location, the youth nodded. "Yes, I know. I live here. But that too will be temporary. I do not enjoy such places. It tends to soften me and where I go, I'll need a razor's edge." Thinking on it, Valmont turned to her. "Perhaps, after I make my first successful shipment, I shall indeed by myself an apartment to dwell in. Or...maybe I'll start up my own bar." At the mention of that, the youth smile turned crooked. "A place where the young and wicked can come and enjoy the night."

<p>Turning towards her, he held out his hands as he illustrate a sign. "Born in Lust, turn to Dust. Born in Sin, come on in." Laughing, the youth ask, "What do you think mi'lady?"

[Dartimos Hammer]

Turning towards her, he held out his hands as he illustrate a sign. "Born in Lust, turn to Dust. Born in Sin, come on in." Laughing, the youth ask, "What do you think mi'lady?"

At this point the clopping of hooves that had been behind them seemed to get louder. A Roan stallion, ridden by a tall Guardsman pulled along next to the two of them. His horse was now high-stepping, guided by the guardsman's knees. The guard himself sat ramrod straight, sunlight glinting off his armor and the polish on the horse's tack.

His eyes looked down, without ever dropping his chin and his voice came out in a wisper without his mouth seeming to move.

"Milord"

"Milady"

"Might I suggest that whatever stories you seem to find so amusing, wait until after the procession. If you have no respect for the Ceaser, then at least do not shame the Citadel in front of the embassies of the Seven Isles."

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella drew herself up at the whispered urgings of the Purple Guard. How dare he? Who does he think he is, the little shit. Her feelings of rage were rising quickly again, and this time she did not try to keep them under control, instead using her newly learned focus to be even more nasty than usual.

"I beg your pardon," she stated indignantly, in a voice that was lower than normal so as to not make a scene in the procession, and dripping with ice. In fact she had been talking in low tones with her potential new beau all the time since she deliberately sought some privacy. For sure the gift had been inappopriate, but she had shielded it with her own body, making sure nobody saw. For the rest, as far as Isa was concerned, there was nothing that could possibly have given offense. People were talking in the Procession all the time.. and that was all what she and Valmont had been doing.. talking. There was no possible way that people could have known the content of their conversation, unless a mindcrafter had been eavesdropping. Isa did not even consider the possibility a mere Purple Guard held that possibility.

"Do you have any idea, boy, who you are speaking to. I would suggest you adjust your tone or you'll feel very miserable indeed ere long." In fact, Isa accompanied her words with a blast of emotions in his sole direction that contained her worst memories of being dragged down the dungeon and locked away. Fear. Humilation. Despair. Wanting to Die.

"My name is countess Isabella Florentina, of the Chamber. I am a protege of Lord de Winter. More importantly I personally worked with the Ceasar in a most intimate way over the last two months, during which I came to know him very well. Your suggestion that I do not respect Ceasar Anochrim's memory is therefor most insulting, and I have a mind to talk to Lady Sosa, your commander, about this. It is not your place to tell me how to show respect to our dear, beloved Ceasar."

Isabella looked over her shoulder, half expecting seeing Andolin smirking at her. Perhaps he had even send the guard her way. Isa wouldn't put it past him. What she saw instead was captain Ulder being in close communicato with Lady Elaine. Isa snorted "Perhaps private, you need to admonish your captain as well, since he dared to speak to a lady in the Procession? Perhaps you need to tell all those taking part to be silent and just move along?" She settled her dark eyes on the private and finally dismissed him "Move on private, and if you ever talk to me again in that tone I shall see to it that you never work in the Citadel again."

[Guest]

<p>Watching as the Lady Isabella carved into the boy, Valmont merely raised an eyebrow. The guard was merely doing what he thought was his duty. Such blind devotion, whilst serving him well as a soldier, put him in a precarious situation when addressing a noble. However, he had made the mistake, and now he received his punishment. But Valmont felt sorry for the lad and so waited until the Countessa had finished with her schooling.

<p>"Excuse me, soldier." The youth said as he stepped closer. "I will accept the blame for all of this. I thought only to remove some of the grief that the Countessa felt and in doing so, I fear that I may have acted inappropriately. It shall not happen again." Giving a small bow, Valmont apologized once more. "Again, please accept my apologies."

<p>Turning to Isabella, the youth bowed. "I also ask for your forgiveness, Countessa. To have exposed you to wrongful accusations during the procession of one whom you adored, was certainly never my intent. I beg your forgiveness."

<p>Valmont was not interested in what others thought of him, but he did not wish anyone within the procession to think badly of Isabella. So by stepping in and assuming blame, it would accomplish two things - hopefully. One, it would save face for the soldier, thereby giving Valmont something he could pocket away later. And second, it would keep any stain of gossip away from the Countessa. For as Valmont knew, as long as Nobles could talk, there would always be gossip.

<p>"Oh, and soldier, you were wrong about one thing. All the embassies are not present. It seems that the Western Kingdom has chosen not to pay their respects to the Caesar." Turning back towards the Countessa, Valmont held out his arm again, in the hope that she would continue to walk with him.

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella point a hand on Valmonts arms "Do not fret, milord," she whispered reassuringly "We have done nothing wrong. This guard is simply overcome with grief, that is all." And sure enough Isabella washed the man in the deepest grief she had known. Such a joy it could be, to have empathic powers, bothersome as they were most of the time.

Valmont however insisted on keeping apologizing to the guard, an idiot as far as Isa was concerned, and one she had been close to killing just feeling miserable. Not with this many witnesses though.

"Apparantly," Isabella drawled "the Western Kingdom embassy is not the only one not to pay attention. In fact private, Infact... you tell me where such persons as Erwin von zu Dort Billigh, Sosa and Secretary Silk are. Surely.. it is disrespectufl of them not to be here. Are you going to berate them as well?" Isa couldn't help it. She was taunting the poor guard. If it had not been for her control and the multitude of witnesses she would actually have killed him, just to satisfy her mood.

[Guest]

<p>Valmont smiled inwardly as Isabella continued to berate the soldier. Such a mean strike in such a beauty only made him want her that much more. Her anger only showed that her emotions held sway within the framework of such exquisite beauty. Valmont knew what it was to be ruled by emotions, for if he were to compare what held sway within his own body, it would be Passion. It was that emotion that brought him to Pan, for as he would learn later, it was that emotion which was a gift from his Lord. However, being ruled by a emotion as strong as Passion did not allow him to fit within the framework of the Church. It made Valmont an outsider. One who could never truly visit one of the three temples. And so, the youth continued to worship his Lord in his own way. Avoiding the Church and looking for Pan in other things - the sigh of one of his lovers, the joy in art, and watching the anger in a beautiful woman. And if anything, Isabella was a true beauty.

<p>Deciding to change the subject, Valmont looked at Isabella. "Mi'lady, will the Queen provide rooms for those that travel with the procession or will be on our own to acquire lodging?"

[Dartimos Hammer]

The guard started to bend over his stallion, a rush of air coming out of his lungs as though he had just been kicked in the stomach. Only iron discipline kept him in the saddle.

Slowly he straightened, working hard to control his horse which was becoming edgy, as it sensed the change in his mood. The sun glinted off his armor and the silver chain he wore with prayer charms dedicated to Aurelius.

"My apologizes, Milday" he said through gritted teeth. "I am sure you're grief is sincere, I only worry that your laughter at this time might give tounges a reason to wag"

With a curt bow, the guard slowed down allowing the procession to pass him. As the next guardsman in line caught up to him, they changed places, and an older man rode up, staying well out of range of hearing.

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella repressed a smirk towards the Purple Guard, satisfied to note he wasn't feeling well. It did much to appease her feelings and an angelic expression appeared on her face as if she had not just threatened one of the elite guards of the Palace. It was a good thing indeed Lady Sosa was nowhere to be seen. Despite her words the coniving courtier seriously doubted she would have gotten away with it in the presence of that do-good paladin.

Valmont galantly tried to draw her attention away from the incident and she gave him a smile, although it was apologetic "I fear I shall not travel through the portal milord. The lady Elaine is with Lady Aesa so she shall have proper company and I have other duties that await me in the palace." Isabella wouldn't dream to associate herself too much with a faction at court that had clearly lost. Besides all the fun and excitement was to be right here, in the Citadel, where the fight for the throne had just begun. "I have no idea what the Queen of Kislovan has arranged for the funeral procession of her brother, but I would think that hospitality demands that lodgings have been found for the mourners."

[Isabella Florentina]

OOC: I think at this point we should step back into the main thread. Under the current circumstances I think that would make for less awkward posting

[Grant]

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