Family Dinner [Sam 27th ET]

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:32 pm

Marcada said nothing, letting Rosalie finish before, he turned towards Ramius. Whether it was her subtle hint, or if he planned to address the issue himself was impossible to tell, his face, not betraying even a hint of his inner thoughts. A smile was on his face as the Baron sought to squeeze something out of the so far very silent young Condotierre. "Now, signore Lo Russo, I am unsure if your lovely sister has spoken to you about it, but I have a favor to ask."

For a moment he turned towards petite lady, giving her a warm smile, choosing to ignore Deacon as the large man, moved the curtains away, looking out the window. His eyes, turned back to Ramius, his face still smile, though his tone showed that the matter he was about to address was not a joking one. "It is my wish, or should I say desire, to link our families in more than just trade. I have already asked Rosalie and she accepted, but I know a bit about Mouthie customs. So, in the absence of your father, I ask you. I ask for the hand of your sister, for I do intend to marry her."

The Deacon heard his words, but for once he found the sight outside far more interesting. What he observed was a mute scene of love denied, making him wish he could hear the words uttered in the garden bellow. A tall blond man, sat at the bench with a rather attractive lady, holding her hand, her gestures belaying her nervousness. There was a kiss mere moments before, and it was a stolen one, the lady seeking to escape after her theft, but caught by the handsome paladin.

As Deacon observed a love story outside, something similar played out within the room, though it was perhaps even more clouded by secrets than the one outside. It was a rather long wait before Ramius replied, a smile first revealing his teeth. "Baron, you do have my approval, and though I am sure my father will approve as well, I suggest you write to him to. Rose has already spoken of it to me, so I was aware of this attraction, and I have no objections whatsoever. I just hope you two will be happy.... Provided my father approves, and I can say with certainty that he will. But, you know how it is.... He is the head of the family." It would also give his sister some time to reconsider, as no matter how much he liked the Baron, the young man knew his sister well. A few more days of wait would not hurt the Baron, and could mean a lot to his sister.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:37 pm

Relief washed through Rosalie as Marcada finally spoke those words. Relief mixed with suspicion for why did he continue on this road? Was the obvious advantages of marrying the Snakes daughter enough? Previously he had but voiced contempt for her father.

Her eyes rested on Ramius with some chagerine. Now what use was having her older brother here if he would not pick up the family business. "Rame.." she said plaintively, but spoke no more.

With a sigh the consul cut her meat, picking at her food. With a small she looked up at her would be husband "I am sure my father will agree, milord. In the meanwhile I am certain that it is allowed for you to court me in Mouthie fashion." Suitors after all were allowed more freedom in pursuing their sweetheart.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:47 pm

If there was some hidden agenda in Marcada's actions the Baron hid it well, not a single gesture revealing that he did not truly mean to marry Rosalie. He nodded to Ramius, seemingly seeing wisdom in the young man's words. "Of course. Tradition must be honored, and it was my intention to write to your father in any case. I just thought I should ask Rosalie first to see if she approved of the marriage. I do not wish to marry a woman who does not want me for a husband." Then came the first sign, as Marcada looked towards Rosalie his eyes locking with her, even though he still smiled pleasantly.

It lasted but a flicker, as Ramius spoke turning the Baron's attention away. "Oh, I am sure father will not mind. In fact, Why don't you write a letter and I will see about sending it via a portal as soon as it is done? Should not take more than a day for it to arrive and even for father to send a reply." His eyes went to Rosalie here, and they were joined by Baron's after a flicker, both men looking at the only lady in the room waiting to hear her opinion.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:06 pm

Rosalie was caught in those eyes, refusing to look away. There was an unexpected intelligence and sharpness there that warned her that she wouldn't easily fool this man. A flutter of nerves ran up her spine. Without speaking out loud about the potion she felt she ought to be clear about it nonetheless. She would be damned if she made herself out as a lovesick fool as Marcada had done, with most of it but play, yet she still wanted this marriage and this husband.

"I full heartedly approve of the marriage," the consul told him calmly "It came upon my path a bit unexpected and far swifter than I could ever have hoped, but I've not been taught to ignore such obvious ...opportunities. Strange as it may seem to outsiders, there is honor in our marriage signor Marcada, as well as profit for both our families. It just appears to me the perfect solution." She took a bite of her food, the interruption allowing her to think. Smiling upon her brother, yet with a steely look in her eyes, she told him "While you write your letter Ramius, I am sure that you will allow the baron and me to take our dessert on the terrace so that we may have a measure of privacy, mm?"

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Fri Oct 06, 2006 11:57 am

Ramius did not miss the steely look in his sister's eyes, taking the hint and nodding, though his eyes lingered on hers for perhaps a fraction of a flicker longer than necessary. A brief flash of puzzlement flashed in them, and then he turned towards the Baron and smiled. "I think that is a wonderful idea. Truth be told I am a bit full at the moment so I suppose I can skip dessert." Then he waved a waiter and whispered something in his ear those a word 'paper' was easily heard The man nodded and disappeared.

It was the Baron that rose first, moving to where Rosalie sat, holding the chair for her, speaking softly as he did so. "I think a bit of fresh air would do well for our digestion. And signor Lo Russo won't be interrupted by our conversation while he writes." He waited till she rose, offering her his arm and motioning with his other hand. "Lead the way, madam." There was a faint clatter of dishes as one of the waiters hurried to move the tiramisu to the terrace and get out of the way before the Madam Consul and her betrothed got there, wishing to give them a sense of privacy.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 4:05 pm

Rosalie smiled, feeling so completely in control of the situation. It was only when she was outside, staring up at the starry sky that recently had seen the Lycos arrive and yet held so much more secrets... that the consul felt her nerves return. She did not sit down at the table where the servants had put out their tiramisu, prefering instead to remain standing and admiring the view. A little shudder went through her body and she pretended it was because of the slight chill to the eveningtide.

Her dark eyes settled on Marcada trying to judge his intent, which was no easy task in the near darkness, his face only lit up by the starlight and the torches nearby. "In such a short time we've been through a lot together, my baron, yet I think neither of us estimated it would come to this," she offered him, feeling philosophical, reflective. Now it was time to be frank. "Tell me what my brother could not hear. Tell me why you did not change your mind."

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:56 pm

It was not so hard to look upon Ilish's face, as he came to lean against the balcony railing not to far from where Rosalie stood. Silently he gazed into the starry sky, not knowing that by night fall tomorrow a flagship of Condotierre would descend from it and land smack down the middle of the Citadel harbor. And with any luck it would be greeted peacefully by the representatives of the Citadel and the war would not start too soon. He took a deep breath, just as the petite Mouthie became frank, letting it out, slowly, through his nose.

Only then did he turn, flickering torchlight reflecting from his dark eyes as they sought out Rosalie's. For a few long flickers he said nothing, simply watching her. "So, you know? I guess it changes little. I was curious to be frank. I wanted to see why you did that. Why you tried to enspell me? How far you were ready to go?" He shrugged. "And that gave me time to think. And I asked myself a question. Why the Hell not? You are a beautiful woman, Rosalie. You father is a rich man and I would profit from this marriage greatly. And there would be only one obstacle to my happiness. The way it all started."

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:16 pm

Rosalie nodded, lost in thought for a moment. It was as she had thought. This didn't negate the fact that the Baron could still have ulterior motives but she'd take that chance. He was too fat a fish to let go. It was time to build some bridges. She after all needed her husband pliable, even if he was not in love.

"Ranier," the darkhaired girl said by way of explanation, pausing before expanding "I did not deliberately enspell you, Illish. Ranier tried to use a potion on me. I thought it was poison it turned out to be... something else."

Rosalie sighed and looked away again, up at the stars "I did not intent on any of this, Illish. I merely seized the moment. Like you I found it suited my purposes. You are well respected within the trade guild. You know people. My marriage would free me of some of the more restrictive bonds put on young ladies of the mouth... after all.. I haven't been a young, innocent maiden since a long time and the ruse is getting boring, even in the Mouth. It stands in the way of things I want to accomplish and I can't allow that."

Rose looked up at Marcada, finding herself close to him, having approached slowly while they talked. She was a very petite woman. She would have looked up at just any man. "Can you live with that, Illish? Can your family and friends live with that? I do not want our marriage to be the beginning of a feud, but of new beginnings."

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 1:06 pm

â€œAhâ€¦â€¦â€ The baron did not quite look surprised by Rosalieâ€™s revelation. His expression was one of slight frustration. â€œThat sounds about right. Marshal Ranier is prone to such bouts of, shall we say, inappropriate conduct. I wonder what he hoped to gain from you?â€ He fell silent for a flicker, before turning to face the petite Mouthie. â€œDoes he have a reason to poison you, my dear? Perhaps I could discuss it with himâ€¦.. discreetly of course and see if I can solve the matter and ensure that he is no longer a threat to you?â€

At her questions he actually smiled and the smile looked quite sincere. â€œI can live with that. My friendsâ€¦.. Well, those that matter already know of this. And my familyâ€¦.. Eisolf and Lucienda will just have to learn how to get along, wonâ€™t they?â€ The smile slowly melted and was replaced by a rather serious expression. â€œI can not promise that I will forget how this started. Because I wonâ€™t forget it. But, as you said, this marriage can be a new beginning. For both of us. I am a merchant, and you come from a merchant family. We both know that everything is wrought with danger. But, without risk there is no profit. We can both profit through this marriage. That is a fine start of a relationship. And if anything else gets born from it, all the better.â€

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:05 pm

"Not poison me, though I thought so at first for it is a danger that one does pay attention to in the Mouth. To be be frank I thought he was acting in your stead, which as you may recall infuriated me." Rose could laugh about it now. It was all a big comedy looking back at it "No, as far as I've figured out now he tried to get me to fall in love with me, giving into his wishes. I fear no greater plot was going on than trying to get me between the sheets."

Rosalie sighed, shaking her head at her own naivity, her dark curls bouncing "I've been warned that he tries that with ladies. He also threatened to get me arrested at which point I would be at his mercy. My diplomatic immunity means very little to him. I'm grateful for the military escorts my brother provides, who have kept me safe so far."

A smile played around her full red lips for she had noted before that Ranier felt uncomfortable around the Baron, yet one other thing that made him invaluable. Her petite hand played with his doublet and shirt "However.. I am sure you can ah.. pursuade him to see reason."

The smile increased as Marcada sketched their future life philosophically, though the consul inwardly cringed at the thought of a child in this union, the likelihood being it would have dark eyes and dark curls with a tanned skin. Perhaps, Rose thought reflectively, I can strike a deal with my dear stepchildren. We will have to see what is more advantagous. "Yes," she breathed, stepping so close to the baron that her wild thyme scent encircled him, her voice filled with promise "We will take it one day at a time. Who knows what will blossom?" I think deep down the baron is a romantic. How curious.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:06 pm

"Well, my dear, once the plans for our wedding are announced Ranier will no longer be a problem. We just have to wait for the word from your father, before making it public." He hummed for a flicker, looking past Rosalie pondering something seemingly. "I'll take care of it. Sadly, while I can protect you I am afraid I can do very little to avenge you. Marshal has some pretty powerful friends, and truth be told he has been useful in the past. Even to me. That is why his, shall we say, darker pursuits are tolerated." In truth there was little the Baron could do about the Marshal, except hiring someone to kill him. While that would solve one of the problems it could lead to so many others that he would use it only as a last resort.

He was almost startled when Rosalie stepped closer, regarding her carefully for a flicker, as the scent of her perfume filled his nostrils. Then a smile spread across his lips, the man realizing that any other course of action would be foolish as this way they both could profit. He would just have to be very careful, since his wife to be was quite dangerous, since she was a woman as well as a merchant. A very dangerous combination. "Agreed. I am not as young as I used to be. Love at first sight is not my forte." He smiled. "Provided a lady plays fair." He took her hand, and allowed himself a little indiscretion, kissing it gently. "I am glad the masks are off now." Or so it seems. "Truly I am."

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 5:06 pm

Powerful friends, Rosalie thought reflectively. Kaspar would be ever so interested to know who they were. Perhaps Marcada would reveal them after their wedding. It seemed indiscreet to ask now. However Rose fully intended to remain in charge of her own revenge. Not something one delegated to a husband. She smiled "Just holding him at bay will be enough. He's not freightening me, but he is annoying."

Rosalie did not even blush or look away as the baron begged her to play fair. It was a ridiculous notion. Unheard of in the Mouth. Who ever expected fairness in love or trade? The consul's dark eyes did not betray her thoughts however . Instead she allowed her breath to catch as he kissed her hand. Ah... a slow seduction. That was nice for a change. "You are pleasing me too, Illish," she murmurred suggestively. For a short moment she considered pressing her lips to his, her body reacting to the moment. That thought however clenched her heart unexpectedly. Oh Kaspar, how easy it is proving to cheat upon our love.

Rosalie stepped back as if such was the natural conclusion of the moment, turning swiftly enough to prevent any emotions to show on her face and sitting down at the table with the tiramisu. With a sigh of delight she picked up spoonful "Delicious, wouldn't you say so Illish?"

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:14 pm

Marcada simply nodded his agreement, quite content to keep things relatively calm for now. "He won't trouble you anymore. I can guarantee that much." Indeed he could do that, judging a simple proclamation that they were to marry would be enough. Should the need arise, Deacon would be close at hand to protect future Baroness Marcada from potential harm.

Turning away she could not catch expression upon Marcada's face, and thus could not know whether the lack of the kiss surprised the Baron or if he had even noticed her reluctance. He joined her soon enough, sitting at the opposite side of the table and tasting the dessert, humming in appreciation. "I agree, my dear." Then he chuckled, lowering the spoon and laughing merrily for a while. "I wonder..... When I announce our marriage, what will Ranier think? Do you suppose he will try to slip me an antidote? Try to warn me of your dastardly plan? Or stay quiet and accept defeat?"

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:58 pm

Rosalie's eyes twinkled in the dark "Stay quiet and accept defeat? No, I don't think so. He will be very, very vexed. It is his ego, Ilish. It will not be able to withstand this blow."

She nibbled from another spoonful of tirimasu, then nodded with a smile teasing around her red lips "I think he will come upon in the dark of the night, pretending to be your friend and warn you of that horrible monster of a consul. Oh, I wonder what tales he will spin. After all, what is easier than to spin tales of that dreadful foreigner, mmm?"

Rose looked up with an innocent look that was slightly spoiled by her devilish grin. Oh she knew all about tales people were spinning about her. She couldn't care less though. Right now things were finally going as she had carefully planned them and Rosalie felt a trifle smug. She bit into another piece of tiramisu with relish.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:01 pm

Marcada, laughed at Rosalie's devilish grin, clearly enjoying the little guessing game, and eating the tiramisu with as much relish as she showed. "Hmmm, but would that be hypocrisy, my dear? Spinning tales of you and yet wanting you for himself? I find that I am most curious to see just what he would do. And I promise that I will share the tale once it comes to pass." He leaned upon the elbow, staring into the night, nibbling on the cold sweet delight in his plate.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 4:23 pm

Rose laughed softly and finished her tiramisu. Now it was time to withdraw but she found herself caught by the moment and unwilling to break this nice quietness. So she simply looked up at the stars wondering what the future would bring. Where is Rame? I need to make sure that father causes no delays.

"Have you thought about the wedding at all, Ilish? My father will return word within days, I am sure," Rosalie offered almost shyly. Rose had never been one of those girls that fantasizes endlessly about "their" day in white and it felt awkward to be talking about it. Marriage was a practical arrangement in her mind. "Considering the grave circumstances of society, I thought it might be best to keep it a smaller affair." In fact, Rose reflected, it was unlikely that the War had not already broken loose officially when her father's letter returned, making her an enemy of the state. It would be very inappropriate to have a large society wedding indeed.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:58 pm

Perhaps she did think this through. Oh, Rose, I do hope you chose right. Rame's eyes fell upon the letter in his hand, and he folded the paper with a sigh, turning to the servant by his side. A stick of red wax, lay on the platter along with a burning candle. Picking the wax he melted a lavish amount of the soft substance over the flame and let it drip over the paper, sealing the letter and dropping the still dripping wax on the plate. "Thank you." He pressed the Condotierre seal to close it more firmly and waited a few flickers, brushing the seal with his finger to see if the red color rubbed off. Only then did he place the letter into his inner pocket, patting it once and peeking through the curtains once more, observing his sister and his future brother in law.

For a flicker the Baron said nothing, her questions reminding him that he did not plan that far, the actual wedding never coming to his mind until then. "I agree, my dear. You will be my second wife and a big wedding would not be appropriate. Perhaps a small feast for the family and closest friends? A simple hand-fasting ceremony followed by an intimate dinner would be nice. If you wish I could arrange for a few people to come here through a portal. Your father might wish to be present and give you away perhaps?" Having Severus Lo Russo in his home would not only be reassuring for Rosalie, but would also give Illish a chance to establish better contacts within the Mouth. Surely the Snake would wish to meet his future son in law and perhaps discuss business?

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:12 pm

Rosalie smiled at Ilish. It sounded perfect, although .. "Would you mind if there was a priest of the One present to give his benediction," she asked softly, almost hesitantly as if she didn't seek to insult him. She still was a Dominicus girl and even though she was about to make the Empire her home that didn't mean saying goodbye to all her values.

"If my father is able to attend," Rosalie formulated carefully, but with a warm smile "I am sure that he will." It would be close to impossible Rose realized and repressed a sigh. For Ilish was right. No matter how unromantic and practical Rose felt, she still deep down craved her fathers approval in this. Approval he had always been keen to load upon Ramius, his boy, his eldest, his heir. Severo was the most ruthless man Rosalie knew, yet she loved and respected him deeply as only daughters can and unbeknownst even to herself was very busy emulating him.

"Master Crane would surely enjoy being on the guest list," Rosalie offered, observing her husband-to-be for a reaction. Crane had mentioned he knew the baron, but so far she hadn't determined how intimately that relationship went "He was most gallant to me on several occasions." Will you invite Kaspari too, as your body guard? Will you have him watch you as you are led away to marital bedroom? a voice pestered her. A voice she deliberately ignored.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:47 pm

Rosalie's question did not shock Illish in the least, as he simply nodded in answer. "As long as I am not required to convert I see no problem with a priest of Dominicus being present." He smiled. "Having a God bless our marriage can't hurt, now can it? I will entrust you with finding a suitable clergyman for the task, seeing how I do not know many men of the cloth from the Mouth. Perhaps the priest you have here at the Embassy, Father Bitalli could do the benediction?"

"Tom? Of course, my dear. Duke Erwin and his wife as well. Tell me, will your brother also attend? I know how the army is, robbing men of their freedom, though being in the army has its merits." He paused, pondering something for a couple of flickers. "I think twenty or so guests would be sufficient. Two dozen at the most. Make a list of those you would like to attend and I shall make one of my own and then we can see about inviting them when the time comes." A slight pause came. "Provided your father approves of course."

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:26 pm

Rosalie smiled "If circumstances allow him, I'm sure my brother will attend. As the flagofficer he is allowed some privileges at least." It was almost certain circumstances would not allow him but she was not about to reveal that. She nodded at his suggestion "Yes, I will provide a list. It will not be long. Father Bitalli though will be the perfect choice for priest. A simple ceremony, I hope." She looked up, watching the barons eyes "My father will approve, I'm sure of it. It is all a question of time."

Their dessert and their conversation had finished. Rosalie awaited her brother. Then she would retire, using fatigue as a convenient excuse. Rose wanted to hide in her bedroom, holding off any future for a good, warm dose of the present in her lovers arms.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:42 am

Having observed the pair for quite some time, Ramius noted a change in the tone of conversation, having not wanted to interrupt them while they were laughing together, but thinking it would not be so bad to come forth now. Making sure he fumbled with the door latch, perhaps a flicker too long, he opened the door, a glass of wine in his hand, while a letter was safe within his pocket. He paused for a flicker at the door, waiting to see if there were any objections to his presence, before approaching.

â€œI am sorry it took this long, but my mind is more used to writing reports than letters with good news. It took me a while to find the words to convey the news to Sâ€¦.father. Iâ€™ll take it along when I leave onboard Lycos.â€ He waved off the waiter who moved towards the tray wanting to offer him some dessert, indicating that he was fine with just wine.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 7:26 pm

Rosalie smiled. She did not doubt that he had been eavesdropping for quite some time. She couldn't even get upset by that for it was what she had expected. She rose from her chair "Signores, I have to beg pardon. It is late and days at the Embassy are long. I shall withdraw now and leave you two to discuss what you will." She gave them both a curtsy and then moved to withdraw.

When she was back in the dark Rose looked back at the terrace for a moment, then admonished herself and hurried into the Embassy to her own room

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:45 am

The Baron rose when Rosalie excused herself, bowing with a wide smile. â€œGood night, my dear. Iâ€™ll be waiting for your list.â€ Rame came closer and smiled, leaning to kiss his sisterâ€™s cheek, and whispering into her ear before pulling back .â€Sweet well, little sister. Iâ€™ll see you in the morning.â€ He waited for her to leave, joining the Baron at the table and engaging him in a chat, the pair speaking in low voices for almost a mark before the Baron left.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:02 pm

Rosalie rushed into her room, looking around for a moment before moving to her bedchamber. Would he come? She had no idea. Duty might well interfere again. With a sigh she sat down on the bed, admitting only in the privacy of her bedroom that there were aspects of her plans that were less pleasant, for both of them. Soon, mio Amore, soon I will be a widow and then our suffering will be behind us.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:50 pm

There was nobody in Rose room, but someone had been there not long ago. A rose peeked from under the covers, a thin blue and silver string tied around it. Nothing else showed who it might have been, as no letter or other sign was visible in the room. Just the rose with all the thorns removed with care, and a thin string made out of blue and silver thread.