Simple Pleasures [ Late Tradetide, 26th of Chyril]

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie calmly let Rame work through his anger. She had felt the same things, but she had since found an iron grip on her emotions, just cold revenge brewing in her heart. Though her brother was more kindhearted she knew him to be a Mouthie, one of the familia, so he could only reach the same conclusion as she had. People were going to die over this.

"I can only presume Rame, news from the Mouth is tenuous at best," Rosalie cautioned "I wonder why Carloni warned me beforehand that something was going down and I was not to return to the Mouth under any cost. It doesn't fit the overall picture. However, I think it is most likely that is why papa could not make it." Now Rose's cunning was revealed. Briefly she wondered if Rame would resent her manipulating, her ordering of him, or if he would accept her as the next head of the family should their father expire. Of course Rame had no true interest in the position but he was a Mouthie, which meant he was both ambitious and not very trusting in the female gender.

Perhaps in part to safe his ego Rosalie nodded to his counter command "Yes Rame, you might be right. We must not overreach ourselves. Let us keep what we have. Even if the worst comes to past Lo Russo owns Aveas and the coffee harvest. Let that be clear."

She wondered if she should offer more, a projection of what the future might bring if the worst came to pass. Would Rame feel at home in the Empire? Rosalie decided not to chance it. While she had made continence plans, making herself part of the Empire, at the same as setting herself up as Ambassdor to the Mouth, she still didn't think the time was ripe to reveal all of her full suspicions.

[Grey Wolf]

Whilst Rosalie was flabbergasted by Carloni’s actions, to Rame the Magister’s actions were quite logical and painted him as an ally of the family. “I think he was trying to protect you and warned us that we could be arrested too if we came to investigate.” With a small shrug he pondered whether to pour himself another drink, but decided against it. He needed to think clearly right now. “I think it is fairly safe to assume he was our ally in this, and he could have been working on Papa’s release. Which still leaves us without the name of the person who orchestrated all of this. The person who shall have to die and suffer whilst doing so, though we may not have to lift a finger if Papa is released alive and well. He won’t take kindly the fact he was imprisoned.” Even if he is guilty of the crime.. Truth be told Ramius was surprised anyone dared try and pin something on Severo, and seriously doubted any charges brought against his father were based upon facts. The elder Lo Russo was too careful and kept the witnesses silent through any means necessary to actually be caught in his son’s eyes.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie bristled a bit over being protected by Carloni. Always the little girl. Why, she possibly was the most senior diplomat of the young nation. Certainly if they were going to kill of all the older ones. Merde.

"I ordered .. someone.. to find out more details," Rosalie explained "I fear this might take a while. Until then all we can do is sit tight. Perhaps Papa kills them all, but we can hope....hope that he turns this all to his advantage as usual. " She sighed, suddenly feeling very tired. The thought of her mother in such a frenzy was not good for her nerves.

"Rame, can you escort me to the villa? I feel so very tired. I'm making long days as an Ambassador."

[Grey Wolf]

As any good soldiers, Rame did not question his superior, even though in this particular instance his superior was his younger sister. All he did was confirm her words as they were just what he needed to hear, and what he hoped for. "We shall see. This once Papa does not have to fight alone." Rising at her question, Rame smiled and nodded. "Of course I will, cara. Let me just get dressed and we will be off in a few burns." He left and true to his word returned mere burns later, dressed in a comfortable coat and breeches, marking this as one of the rare occasions he did not wear his uniform. "Come, little Rose. Your coach awaits."

[Rosalie Marcada]

With a smile Rose accepted his arm and allowed her handsome brother to escort her down to the coach. Little Rose. Rame was the only one in the wide world who would get away with that. He, and perhaps Papa.

She sat back in the cushions with a tired sigh. In the pale moonlight she looked exhausted. Returning to her husband. It was a thought that caused double feelings of disgust and warmth. It was above all something she couldn't discuss with her older brother. The shadows made the bruises in her neck all the larger.

[Grey Wolf]

Rame did not speak much, letting his little sister rest and left only once she was safely in Deacon's care. The old bodyguard took her to her room, letting the maids undress her and tuck her in and then sat outside the door until all were asleep. The hedge wizard he hired had placed the protective wards upon the room and thus she would be safe from Kaspar's touch, and still Deacon stood watch, not willing to let anything happen to his master or Baron's newly wed wife.

~ Fin ~

[Turi]

Locked, summarised, archived. No skills awarded for Leon (retired) or Rosalie (master).