Simple Pleasures [ Late Tradetide, 26th of Chyril]

[Leon Crowley]

"Your secretary strikes me as a wise person, Baroness. The Citadel hardly seems a safe place at the present time." Leon returned, easily, helping her into the waiting coach. He chose to sit next to Rose, although in truth he wasn't particularly close. The third passenger - her skirts - sat between. This was a shame, but Crowley considered it only right. She was a married woman, and it really didn't matter how much he would rather be sat a little closer... he was sure he'd lose his first friend in the city in he did that.

He imagined she'd make a wonderful lover, of course... she was quite beautiful, and intrigingly strong willed... and for a flicker, he wondered if that attitude carried over to the bedroom... but after consideration, it was probably better not to burn one's bridges quite so quickly, and go for mere friendship. It was not worth the risk of being put out of the carriage and this social circle both.

At her compliment, he flushed slightly - either embarrassment or pride, it was hard to tell which - and smiled, "My whole life, m'lady. Rarely can I remember a moment when I was not thinking on my music. It is the most important thing to me in the world. But, I am sure I am not a very interesting person - anything interesting about me is put directly into music, leaving very little character behind." The smile became modest, a rather shy look, "May I ask instead about yourself? You are surely a far more fascinating topic, my lady."

"You are, of course, a very important person in this city. A diplomat and a Baroness - no doubt privy to some very sensitive information, and always in the heat of it. However, you surely have to think and speak on this every mark of your life... instead, tell me of what you enjoy. What do you do outside of your professional life, Baroness, that makes you happy?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

While she immediately recognized it for what it was, flattery still never failed to get Rosalie in a good mood, accepting it as something she was due because of her hard earned position. She displayed no false modesty either, did not fall into protestations and other obligatory talk. She merely gave Leon a warm smile of appreciation.

His next words however threw her for a moment, her look becoming wistful "I'm afraid that I've had precious little outside of business since I left home," Rose admitted softly. Indeed everything else in her life had been sacrificed, even her first love. Her ambition was a thing not to be trifled with. I enjoy a good, well made dinner with a glass of Cliff white. Back in the Mouth we also regularly attended concerts, but last season in the Citadel soured that somewhat to me, as a Kislovani diplomat sought to make a point upon me that I did not much care for."

Rosalie could not help a sigh "It seems that everything in the Citadel is focused upon the political arena, I'm sorry to say. Pardona my cultural pessimism. It may seem odd to you that World's Mouth in my mind is such a cultured place, with our plays, our concerts, our libraries even if many of my countrymen by their nature concentrate on accumulating wealth. But wealth is so much more than just the money. All I've seen of this rocky isle is arrogant males, violence and lust, without some of the finer appreciations."

"Ah, but let us not speak of the Mouth, it makes me homesick. You wanted to know what I enjoy. When I was a small girl I used to sing in a choir. You know how it is.. when you are young and spoiled everything is beautiful and bright, with no clouds to mar the horizon. After my episode with Blacklung I was forced to refocus my life," She spoke softly as if to hide the throaty sound of her voice, detailing lightly what had destroyed it. Even after so many yahren it was difficult to keep the pain out of it.

[Leon Crowley]

Leon nodded, his expression somewhat sad - for truly, he found Rosalie's situation to be a mournful one, a place of responsibility, where she must constantly fight against these arrogant males she described in order to maintain constancy and, perhaps, power. For the way she described it, it seemed to him that it was more out of desperation that she struggled, a desire to prove herself... for without it, what was she? Perhaps she thrived on this suffering, and yet... she seemed to mourn it too, softly.

Perhaps he was reading too much into it. Perhaps she was entirely happy with her life as it was? Though it did not seem that way, at the present moment - and truly, Leon found it entirely impossible to imagine a life without joy and passion (for he could not imagine ambition to be passion, at least in anything other than art). Surely, she must be miserable...?

How impossibly unfair life can be.

Crowley could not help but place a hand upon hers, a very familiar gesture but one that he acted upon before thinking upon it. "My lady, I am sorry I never had the opportunity to hear you sing. I am certain there is nothing I can say, but... to lose music, so young." He sighed, clearly terribly sympathetic, miserable for her loss, his grey eyes focussed on hers completely. "It breaks my heart."

"I'm afraid I can see only one option." He added, in a brisker fashion, removing the offending hand as soon as he realised he was doing it. "In fact, I would go so far to say as this seems a perfectly significant, perhaps fated encounter. It is simply not right that you should suffer in this city without the joy of culture in your life. There is nothing else for it! I cannot stand by and allow you to feel surrounded by these crass men you describe; does your husband, blessed as he is, never take his beautiful wife to concerts? Or to see a play? If he will not do it, then I will gladly take his place. You and I should escape from time to time and make sure you have some pleasure in your life; and I would like nothing better than your company. In fact, I will go so far as to make it my very purpose in this city. What do you say?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie wasn't entirely sure why, but Leon was touching a snare that had not been touched in a long, long time. Perhaps her ambition was one of the driving elements of her character, but once upon a time things of beauty had been too. It was a dream almost forgotten and Leon's music only a vague reminder, yet enough for her to feel pleasantly relaxed. In their private moments she exhumed a somewhat young and vulnerable stance, which was so different from the predator that she usually was.

"Signor Crowley," Rose told him in her throaty voice "That is a very kind offer of you. My husband is a kind but busy man, and at the moment a trifle.. undone. So it will please me very much if you would escort me to a few events, while we discuss your placement. I could perhaps ease your way into the Citadel with a few well placed introductions." Having learned from Jolanda she added "Oh, but you must not feel bound to me. While I can provide you lodgings I would not want you to feel obliged to do the Embassy's bidding in every way. You must feel free to find your own way." Madam Crecce. If she was honest to herself, Rosalie had been lonely since her friend left, even if their relationship had been built upon lies. Friendship was a very elusive product in the Citadel.

[Leon Crowley]

"My lady, you need not worry about me," Leon chuckled, "I am not a man easily bound. And besides... while you offer me introductions and even lodgings, I should surely feel obligation to you - but, I confess, I do not. Rather, I prefer to do this as your friend, and your ally against constant obligation and politics. I believe joy and art - two things that can never be seperated - are deeply important to a person's ultimate happiness. It pains me to see you so isolated from that which would make you smile. I will do everything I can to help you rectify this, not as your attendant, but as your comrade in arms. If it pleases you, of course..."

He paused, looking at her carefully, afraid that his words might have offended. After a moment he added, "You must not think me ungrateful, Baroness, for I am most certainly not. You have already helped me far more than I could have imagined..." and not just as patron, but... as muse, perhaps? But... Crowley hesistated, casting aside thoughts of music and inspiration for a moment in favour of retaining his train of thought. "...and I am truly thankful for the good fortune I have had in meeting you. However, I suspect you have little need for more minions, more people obliged to you. I would far rather be merely your friend."

Hmm. I wonder how she might feel if I did compose a little something for her...? Would that be overfamiliar, and bring only her derision...? Well, I need not play it for her if it does not seem appropriate. Something fiery but tender... many flutes playing impetuoso... mmm. There might be something in it. Tonight. I will work on it tonight, perhaps.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie was not offended. For the first time in months, perhaps in years, she did not feel so gods forsake lonely, the spontaneous words a balm on her soul. She gave a warm smile to Leon as he tried to carefully phrase his feelings. "Signor Crowley, I see I was not wrong in asking you to escort me to the Embassy," Rose murmured "Your words warm me. Few men would have paid attention to a lady's soul."

She put her gloved hand on his arm, a far too familiar gesture "I have need of a true friend and I think a man of art can understand that. There are some things that a married woman like me cannot provide, being loyal to the familias as I am. However, true friendship is spiritual is it not?"

She gave him a whimsically grin "Would you care for a light dinner at the Embassy, signor Crowley? I'm expecting some news from my brother this eveningtide and some time spend with a friend would be a most pleasant way to waste away the time ere he arrives. Perhaps I can arrange for something from Blackbridge." She leaned forward explaining "That is a very nice restaurant. We shall go there some time, non?"

[Leon Crowley]

Leon smiled warmly, pleased with her genuine response. It was not just that a friend like Rosalie would be an extremely valuable thing to him, but rather that a friend in this strange city would have him feel immediately less a stranger; it soothed his ambition and his lonliness in one. It did not hurt that she was also beautiful, educated, and well connected.

"M'lady, if dinner at Black Bridge would please you, then naturally we shall go. And dinner tonight at the Embassy sounds equally delightful." He placed a hand over hers, resting upon his arm and grinned at her. What a very charming woman she was! "Though I admit I am surprised your brother would keep you waiting... or that any man might. His loss can only be my gain, so I shall not complain, but rather be pleased."

Leon had not for a moment considered just how expensive dinner at Black Bridge might be; but in truth, he considered this his deserved place in society, his lack of funds reflecting not at all on his right to occupy it. But then, the young musician had rarely given much thought to money or where it might come from. It seemed so utterly crass to worry about such things.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie laughed "Oh, normally my brother is the perfect Mouthie gentleman, signor Crowley, but his return this eveningtide cannot be precisely scheduled. In fact, if his work is not finished he might not return at all, though my report says he's making good progress." Rose was meticulous in keeping tabs. So much hinged on getting more information. She felt as if she was held back in moving in full force till she had certainty that once again her position was established ,the coffee harvest secured and thus her powerbase and that of her boss. Without the coffee harvest the Aveas colony was lost and she cut adrift from the Mouth soon afterwards. "He is the captain of the Lycos," she added carelessly, but with obvious pride "The flagship of the Condotierre airship flotilla."

The coach stopped in front of the Embassy, somewhere up in the Patrician's Ring. Rosalie smiled at the man gallantly opening the door, but allowed Leon to help her out, not a small effort with her enormous skirt. She had to step carefully in order not to trip. Yet it was a world of difference with the trouble she had in the past with her wooden contraption. It was a minor concession to the Barbarians and it was one basically of comfort.

Once a mansion of one of the noble's that since departed the capital the World's Mouth Embassy was considerably smaller than the Western Embassy. Yet it was decorated with full lavishness, perhaps trying to compensate for the fact a compromise had to be reached on on short notice. The front façade of the mansion had light blue walls with white decoration, winged creatures westerners called angels (looking suspiciously what Citadelians would call swanmaidens) as statuettes in the garden in between the red roses that were only just starting to bud again. As spring commenced and went into summer it promised to give off a wall of luxurious scent to all those that approached.

Standing to attention two Condotierre Guards, relieved ever few hours. Their blue with silver tabards, and their fancy hats with the red plumb were not like any fashion seen in the Citadel, except perhaps in the Western Embassy where they once guarded.

"Lead the way, signor Crowley," Rosalie smiled, nodding to the men standing in attention.

[Leon Crowley]

Leon was suitably impressed by the description of Rosalie's brother. Privately, he wondered if the man were single. If he bore any resemblance to his sister, he surely would cut a most herioc and handsome figure. However, he was Mouthie, and therefore probably horribly repressed. At least officially.

What a terrible shame.

As they drew up to the Embassy itself, Leon paid attention as he felt he surely must. Naturally, he helped the Baroness out of the coach - any less would be quite ungentlemanly - and then following her bidding to lead the way he replied, "Of course, m'lady," and offered her his arm as was only appropriate.

"Tell me," He remarked, as they approached the main door together - he anticipated no problem, and therefore paid little attention to the guards, "Of these events you anticipate at which you might require music. I am curious; should I arrange for more than just myself, or were you perhaps considering more intimate events requiring only the one... or maybe two? I am sure I can manage to provide for any given situation, at least given a small time to prepare..."

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie gave a beaming glance to her guards, ever so proud to have the Condotierre attend to her. She had expressed herself such in the past so often that such adoration hardly came as a surprise, especially since the princess merchant considered anything between her and their old sergeanto... well.. private. The Condotierre to her was Ramius, and Ramius was a perfect gentleman. White marble from a quarry near Khaza Rhun was imported to redecorate. The walls covered in dark blue with silver markings. On the wall the shields of the Condotierre and the Aveas Trading Company. The dark stairs, freshly waxed so they almost sparkled, led towards the Guest Quarters, while several doors opened to the places were the day to day workings of the Embassy was in full force.

Leon was asking questions and it was far more important than any other considerations that might have played. She was just improvising of course, but she uttered it with such confidence as if she had been planning it all along "Well, signor Crowley, I was thinking .. perhaps we need to introduce you subtlely, perhaps a small intimate dinner of say 10 persons, in which you perform yourself or with a single helper.... and then we can create a LARGE event. Say this spring." Rosalie's arm moved wide as she imagined it, while they moved through the hallway, towards the dining room.

"Picture it, signor Crowley. The Fields. Covered with sitting places. A wooden stage. A nice pick nick. Some of your music. I am thinking... perhaps half the well educated Citadel might attend." Rosalie was smiling while thinking about it and beamed up to Leon, full of enthusiasm "I am sure I could make such an event stick, and with the improving weather, wouldn't it be just the thing?"

[Leon Crowley]

"It sounds perfectly delightful, Baroness! I am flattered you think so highly of my talents." Leon was imagining it quite thoroughly, as she described the event. It sounded wonderful. Surely the perfect opportunity to mingle with the cultured elite of the city. His place in life, he was certain, belonged with them. And he had little doubt he could entertain a selection of what he considered his peers... in fact, thoughts of what precisely he might perform occupied his thoughts for several moments, and the musician remained silent for these. Eventually, he broke it; but not with words, rather with a quite humming. Involuntarily, his fingers moved against his palm, silently recalling the fingering.

"Mmm, I am sure I can put together a suitable programme for such an event," This almost said to himself, considering his options, "But..." He paused, licking his lips, and looked to Rosalie curiously, "Might you have any idea who would attend? I would prefer to suit the entertainment to the audience, if I can."

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie was of course improvising. Till the flicker that she had told Leon about the events she would be organizing she had not even thought about it. Now, however, it seemed like a brilliant idea. It would help her gain political advantage as well as starting to set a pattern of being a cultural mecenas for her and her husband, something that always brought status with it.

They walked into the dining room and it gave Rose a brief moment to do some fast thinking as she stopped as if to admire the view.. A large dark brown table, freshly polished so one could see one's face in it. Often dressed with damasque tablecloth and set with porcelain tableware of the best quality and silver cutlery. Large silver candelabra's with white candle's provided enough light to have long winding dinner parties. The light was reflected in the silver mirrors that surrounded the table, giving a lush impression, but also alerting the Condotierre Guards to any possible sneaky movements. They stood discreetly in an alcove. She had of course arranged all this because of the expected return of Ramius, but now it would serve her well to entertain her newest friend.

"Would you care for a little wine, master Crowley? We have a fine selection of Roque wines," the hostess offered, giving him a coy look. She was delaying, her mind working furiously.

"Ah, yes the guest list. It is not definite yet of course, but I suspect that there will be several Ambassadors from the Empire," Rosalie offered "Muchislie will prove interesting I think, and Amun Rah, Dort of course though I don't know if His Grace is yet returned. I will also invite Lord Haut Ledoc." Her mind ran further, thinking on all the rumors she had heard, faces she had briefly seen "Lord Clos du Bois, Lord Redault. Lord Dethek.. and of course.. " Her amber eyes twinkled with pleasure "but no, I will not say in case he doesn't want to take up the invitation. It will make you only nervous. Does the guestlist give you any inspiration? Tell me what you are thinking about."

[Leon Crowley]

"Wine would be wonderful, thank you." Leon agreed to this easily, a smile upon his lips. He was, of course, a fan of all things pleasurable, and a good vintage was not the least of these. As she spoke of the guests, he listened intently, making note of the names for future reference. Ambassadors and Lords seemed wholly appropriate. Nobody without a title. The last person she mentioned coyly, neglecting to specify... though he suspected it must be someone of great importance if she supposed it might make him nervous. The Caesar himself, perhaps? What an opportunity that might be!

"Of course, without knowing them personally I can only guess at their tastes," Crowley mused, comfortable voicing his thoughts directly to the Baroness, "Though I admit several ideas spring to mind. It would be overwhelming to a small crowd to have too many musicians, but duets might work very well. Or perhaps another soloist... yes, that might be very appropriate." And give me pause to mingle with the guests. "As for the exact programme, I will have to give that more thought this eveningtide, go over my music and see what I have. Nothing too sombre or pesante, I suspect - we must give the guests opportunity to speak with one another, and nobody wishes to be depressed at a social outing." He paused, a thoughtful pout crossing his face. "I know little of what is fashionable, musically, in the Citadel... but I suspect, respectfully, you and I could guide fashion if we chose, my lady." This with a playful smile.

"And I must enquire as to your personal tastes, of course. As hostess, the event must surely reflect your mood and style - nothing would be more appropriate. Perhaps I may consult with you privately beforehand, and perform the programme for your approval?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

Upon a movement of her hand, one of the attending servants brought forth two glasses of Roque Red of a very respectable vintage yahren. Rosalie didn't believe in sparing expense. Besides, it was an eveningtide to drink with friends. The news her brother would bring would determine her future in a very real way. She needed a bit of distraction, to feel less helpless. Rose didn't like to feel helpless.

With another gesture the Ambassador bade them both to sit at the top of the table. Seats were drawn for them and the plates and cutlery of possible other guests removed, the lights dimmed till it was just the candles at the top of the table, creating an intimate atmosphere. Rosalie gave a satisfied sigh. Yes, her staff was well trained. "Well," she purred, "You may of course, though I will have to insist that Illish is present too. It will be a most pleasant occasion, and me and Illish have not have enough time together. It will be nice to relax a little." She spoke casually of her husband, and without shame. She didn't consider this interlude as a betrayal to her marriage in any way.

"As for my taste in things... I find it difficult to articulate. I have always thought that the industry of the Mouth, its liberty and ruthlessness, suits me very well, but the clash with Imperial.. if you exuse the word.. savageness.. has made interesting notes to the symphony if you will, an underlying theme," Rosalie offered thoughtful, sipping carefully.

"So, let us say that the intimate dinner takes place this week, and the Picknick slightly later," Rose suggested, twirling her wine "When would you be ready to perform for me and Illish, and what help are you going to employ? Oh, the Embassy will pay for it of course, provided you can swear to their quality. Money is not an issue, quality is."

[Leon Crowley]

"Hmm..." Leon thought upon her question, guessing at how long it might take to have everything prepared for at least a preliminary performance. In truth, he had not performed publicly before, not as a professional artiste, at least... though he would not admit this to Rosalie. "I suspect finding other performers will be easy enough, though I should like a little time with them to prepare fully. I assure you, I shall only choose the highest quality performers, and perhaps only one or two. We cannot overwhelm the audience, and there will be time for grander arrangements later, I suspect. I hope to find a singer, and perhaps a second violinist, or harpsichord player if one can be found. But I shall see what there is, and adapt accordingly, I am sure."

It was a shame Rosalie insisted on her husband being present at the preliminary consultation. Of course, Leon felt it would be most interesting to meet the man, and no doubt he would also be a good contact to have within the city. But still, he would have preferred Rose's company alone. He took a sip of his wine, savouring it, and smiled at her.

If only you were not married... what music we might make together! Alas, my fortune is not always good.

"Tell me of your husband. I should like to know a little about him before I meet him."

[Rosalie Marcada]

Her constant invocation of her husband's name was a shield she applied almost unconsciously, not so much to remind Leon, but to remind herself that she was married, because she still felt strangely unattached to Illish. She liked him, she respected him, but she did not even feel the slightest touch of passion around him. However, even though the marriage remained unconsumed for now, she was a newly wed and one with a particular motivation to at least try and be faithful to her husband. Her influence, indeed her life, depended on it, for so many people wanted her dead as one of the greatest traitors of all time.

That she had offered her body the Caesar in exchange for his protection Rosalie conveniently forgot. It was likely the Caesar himself was far too busy sampling what his Empire had to offer to even think upon a married lady of the Mouth. There were wives to be found after all and Rosalie had heard rumours he wanted no less than seven of them. She had dismissed him from her thoughts for now, albeit with some difficulty. In her dreams his startling blue eyes still commanded her, just like other figments of her imagination were never forgotten in the deepest darkest parts of Gravetide.

No, now was the time of Leon, and each time she found herself relaxing in his company, the name of Illish would slip out in some for or other. When he asked her what her husband was like, she took a deep breath, and upon exhaling realized she had very little to tell the musician. What indeed did she know of him? "He.. is a very astute business man. Sharp. Energetic. Some people think him naive and too friendly," Rosalie smiled, remembering reading that in her report, and the warning of Carloni to go with it not to underestimate him under any circumstance "Perhaps he is that too. He was very gentle and kindhearted to me, a well mannered man of the world. Our match was very.. advantageous." It was quite normal in the Mouth to talk of money and dowries and influence. It would have been strange to marry if such a thing was not involved. "As the director of the Imperial Trade Guild he has many friends."

[Grey Wolf]

There was a knock at the door, and Smataggio's head peeked through, a moment later the door opening fully to reveal Ramius Lo'Russo, in Condotierre uniform smudged with dirt and sweat, but smiling broadly. He was just about to burst in and throw his arms around his sister when he spied Leoon, pausing and arching a brow, but not saying anything about it. "Rose, I have good news. But, I see you have a guest so perhaps it could wait a bit. All went well, but the details can wait." His eyes went down to his less than impeccable uniform and he smiled sheepishly. "I fear I am not at my best. Why don't you introduce me to your guest and then I can go make myself presentable. Save me a glass of wine."

[Rosalie Marcada]

"Rame!" Rosalie exclaimed, an immediate warmth and excitement in her voice as her elder brother entered the dining room without announcement. She did not scold the servants. Instead she briefly introduced " Master Crowely, my brother Ramius Lo Russo, Commander in chief of the Condotierre. Rame, this is master Crowley. I have just hired him as an artist. He's a very talented man."

She drew out a chair "Come, sit with us first. I have a fine Cliff White for you. We shall not frown about your dishevelled state. I know you've been working." Her eyes were curious and she whispered in his ear " How well did it go then. You are pleased?"

[Grey Wolf]

Ramius paused as Rosalie introduced him to Leon giving the young man a long look finally curling his lips up into a smile and offering his hand to the artist. "It is a pleasure to meet you, signore. I wish you luck in distracting my sister from working too much and have her enjoy fine arts as a lady her age should." It was not quite a complaint, but rather a tease, the young flag-officer taking the offered seat and glancing towards the wine, reaching for the bottle and pouring himself a glass, using it as a perfect excuse to whisper a reply. "We have them by the....." He paused and chuckled, nearly being impolite before his sister and then added. "It went perfectly. Little resistance and we have the entire town in our hands. Later, I'll tell you all." He turned back to Leon and sipped his wine. "Please, signore. Do not let my presence interrupt your conversation. I may be a soldier, but I enjoy arts when there is time."

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie arched a fine eyebrow as her brother nearly slipped the strict etiquette her family was used to, yet couldn't help but softly chuckle as he did so. "Good, I am so relieved."

She then returned to her guest, talking small talk, all those details of a life she hadn't shared with many people before. It was a gentle, pleasant evening for the Ambassador, one where she didn't feel constantly watched and under danger of attack.

Much later she retired, hoping to find her brother clean and smelling of soap in her chambers.

OOC: I think it is prudent to write Leon out of the thread. Any story there can be picked up later, with Leon as NPC if must be.

[Grey Wolf]

She indeed found him clean and smelling of soap, and dozing off in a chair, a half finished glass of brandy in his hand. Gone was the uniform, Ramius sitting in a simple shirt and trousers, his feet bare, hair still slightly damp. He startled at Rosalie's entrance, almost jumping up, but quickly smiled when he recognized his baby sister. With a soft groan Rane rose and poured himself another glass of brandy, filling one for his sister, and handed it to her. "For success and death of Lo Russo enemies." With that salute he waited for her to reply before draining the brandy and moving to sit down and give her his report. "It went smoothly. Much better than I have anticipated. We had control of the town before anyone knew, and when your husband's troops arrived, even those who were thinking about resisting quickly changed their mind. When I left there were some grumbles, but it would take an army to take Aveas from our grip. An army or an order from you." He smiled, feeling a bit odd taking commands from his little Rose, but accepted it without complaint.

[Rosalie Marcada]

"Success and Death," Rosalie joined and rose her glass to cling with Rame's, downing it with one gulp. It burned her throat, then warmed her body. With a smile she sat down on one of the chairs, holding out her glass so Rame could refill it. This time of course she would only nip at it.

"Perfect," Rosalie smiled "It will put me in a strong position for the upcoming Council meeting and allows us to await the news from back home with some confidence. Rame.." She hesitated for a moment "I have given Smattagio the order to put forth a claim towards the other embassies that in the absence of the proper magister, they should consider me in charge. After all this Citadel embassy is the most senior one, and we can't allow Mouthie foreign policy to falter for even one moment. Naturally that claim was accompanied by the information that all of the Condotierre abroad should consider themselves under your direct control until the situation is clear and a new council presents itself."

[Grey Wolf]

Despite being utterly tired, Rame was a big brother and a gentleman above all else, rising once more to refill their glasses, handing the glass to Rose and sipping at brandy. His brows furrowed at the information she delivered, lips pursed in thought for a flicker. "I hope he words the request carefully as our actions are already bordering on treason. A new Magister will be elected, and I am not sure he will be sympathetic to us. Perhaps we could somehow influence the coming turmoil and ensure the right men take the vacant seats? What news of Mouth do we have?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

It was when Rame asked his question that Rosalie realized that her brother was still out of the loop. So weary was she that she'd forgotten to give him the most important news of all.

"Mama send a letter," she told him calmly, sipping from her brandy "Through one of the servants, who went all the way to Roque with it to get it to me. I burned the letter."

Her amber eyes regarded her handsome sibling "Papa is still alive and well in Caer Doom. However, the magisters... they are all dead Rame. There was an explosion aboard an Aveas Trade Company ship Sapphire and they all perished. Rumours have it that Nicollo Alvero of the ULT is behind this." The Mouth, leaderless. That is of course why she had acted to take control of the embassies, before somebody else did.

"Vendetta Rame, full blown vendetta. Some accusations have been made against the Constanza family. Mama fears the Lo Russo's might be next." Frowning she offered "Perhaps it is time the fleet returned home?"

[Grey Wolf]

The mention of Maria cause Ramius to sit up and arch his brow, young Condotierre suddenly very focused and interested in what his sister had to say. It only grew worse when she said she had burnt the letter, the young man’s eyes flashing with anger when the news were finally delivered. “Who put him in the Caer Doom?” He paused and pondered. “Is that why he did not come to your wedding?” Thing did not look good, and while he did not care about ULT or Nicollo, Constanzas and Lo Russos were very important to the young man. For a flicker it looked as if Ramius would accept Rosalie’s offer, but then he shook his head. “No, I do not think that would be wise after what we just did. I should go back to Aveas and make sure it stays in our hands. As long as we hold it papa is safe. It is too important. Too valuable. We can not risk losing it until papa is free.” He shifted in the seat, looking slightly lost. “I’ll go back there, first thing in the morning. You will have to handle the rest and make sure people understand what the consequences will be if they harm our family.”