Continued from The Sunny Side of the Street
November, PW122
Two day's prior to the Harvest Ball
Tius had warned her to break ties with Aurelio Merynir and Ivone was willing, but for their ties to Paragon. She had no idea how to extract herself from that. For his part, Aurelio had remained unusually distant, a fact which made Ivone extremely nervous. She just knew that any day now the rug would be pulled from under her feet. She did what she could to protect herself, carefully saving bishani, and with Tius' help, placing it in places outside of Marn as well as within.
Ivone still hadn't shared the extent of her complex relationship with Aurelio to Tius. She wanted to, but she still felt exposed and too vulnerable. It was a gamble, of course. What if Aurelio made her the scapegoat and came out smelling like roses? He could do it, she was sure. The tipping factor in her decision to tell Tius came in the form of a visit to the Malatrast family lawyer.
Ivone had dealt with Andreas on many occasions and had always viewed the man as a sort of ally. That had been her mistake. When push came to shove, Andreas was on retainer for the Malatrast family.
Ivone sat in Andreas' office at the Civil Courts and stared at the paper the lawyer pushed her way. The man, pudgy, balding, red-faced, and sweaty had the grace to look at least a little apologetic. Melika looked smug.
"So, you are telling me, that despite the family's extensive real estate holdings, because I did not bear Tianthalas an heir, Melika's son is legally entitled to my house..."
"Tian's house," Melika chimed in. The woman fell silent when Ivone cut her a glare that was a sharp as a blade.
"...My husband's house, even though he does not need Tian's house?"
"Oh, it's not about need, dear Ivone. It's about family." Melika smirked, unable to contain her joy.
"And, how long do I have before I must vacate the premises?"
"Oh, well..." Andreas stuttered slightly. "That is up to Mr. Malatrast." Ivone shot the boy a look. Melika fussed over him, so he sat up straighter, though it was obvious he did not want to upset his aunt. Ivone's brows raised as she waited for an answer. Melika pursed her lips and exhaled a breath.
"Georgie is getting married and he and his wife will need to take possession by mid-month." Ivone's expression hardened. That left her little time to pack and relocate her belongings.
"You will, of course, be allowed to take anything you brought with you or that were purchased for your person specifically, clothes, jewelry, and the like."
"And my garden? Most of those plants did not come with the house, I purchased the seeds and grew them. My bees?"
"Those are considered part of the property's landscape."
"I see. And my interests in the theater?"
Andreas looked uncomfortable again. "Unfortunately, the group to which you belonged was wiped out by a hostile take-over. Any interests you had in the Theater are owned by the holding company, not you."
Andreas pushed an bag of bishani toward her. "This is what remained after liquidation."
"Is there reason I was not informed or consulted on disposition of my shares?"
"Aureus Holdings held the majority and had right of forfeiture."
"I see." Ivone folded the papers and took the bag of bishani.
"If that is all you needed of me?" Ivone stood up.
"That is all, Ms. Ivone. Thank you for seeing me today."
"Melika, I will need the full two-weeks to pack my belongings. I would appreciate being allowed to do so in peace."
Andreas shifted uncomfortably.
"An accounting of all the household assets are required."
"I see. Thank you."
Back straight, Ivone exited the office. She felt like she couldn't breathe. In a mere twenty minutes, her entire life and livelihood had been deconstructed using the tragedy of Tian's and their son's death as the leverage. Two spots of color were high on her cheeks and her eyes were glassy, but she managed not to shed any tears where Melika might have the opportunity to see. No. Those would have to come later, when she was alone.
Ivone suspected she had no more than a day at the most before the news began to circulate the rumor mill. She pressed her hand to her stomach and looked around. Across the campus, the Office of Civil Disobedience beckoned. With measured steps, Ivone crossed the paved area between the buildings. When she stepped into the office, Sofia, the administrative clerk greeted her.
By now, the clerk knew her by name and face. Ivone and Tius had come to take lunches with each other, whenever their schedules permitted, and sometimes, even when it didn't.
"Oh, hello Ms. Ivone. Mr. Morrington happens to be free."
"Thank you, Sofia. I'll see myself in." The visit was unplanned. Ivone knocked and waited for Tius to bid her enter before she stepped through the door and closed it behind her. Ivone leaned against the door, hands behind her and studied Tius. He was momentarily distracted by some ledger or another. Ivone pushed herself off of the door and moved to stand in front of the desk, placing the legal papers she'd received carefully in front of him.
She didn't speak. She couldn't. She was doing everything she could to keep from breaking down in front of him. Ivone could see he was confused. Her motions had derailed his genial smile and turned it to one of curiosity. She watched him pick up the papers, watched the expression on his face change from an open confusion to one of concern. She couldn't do it. She couldn't.
Ivone dropped out of sight, crouching before the desk. She wrapped her arms around her knees and hugged herself tight, trying to stop the trembling that threatened to overtake her. Expression impassive, she felt the tears start to roll, almost burning hot against her cheeks. The tears dripped onto her chest. She didn't dare breathe, because if she breathed...
Out with the Old
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Vicentius
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
Time was quite an educator, all things considered, and if Tius' life to date had taught him anything, it was that experience was never done with someone, not even when they were down and bleeding. Speaking to Ivone, putting his cards on the table, he knew, would and had cost him her trust to a degree, but she needed to hear it, and he needed to know, one way or the other. The confirmation had been both a relief, and a worry at the same time, but in the aftermath, he'd had little choice but to let Ivone go, lest her opinion of him be compounded. It would be, regardless of what he did, but he wanted to be better than that, which surprised him.
So, he waited; he turned his mind to his work, kept his ears open, and did what he did best, which was make money and make changes quietly and unobtrusively. Two months was a lifetime in politics of any kind, but for all of that, the battlefield changed slowly in Marn, but it did change. Throughout that time, he maintained contact with Ivone, but strictly on her terms; asking no questions beyond the very basic and never pushing for more than the face time that civility and courtesy required. It was a slow, tentative process, but progress was made, and gradually she began to come to him more and more, looking for ways to diversify her interests, and he obliged her. Under the pretense of quid pro quo, he expanded her portfolio to give her options in Eyropa, Tian Xia and even Zackonspierre if she had to leave in a hurry; nothing notable at first, but building blocks from which one could start anew, with a few rainy day funds here and there.
Far more interesting was the possible reasons why she would want to do this. Common sense, of course, ranked highly there, but there was something else underscoring that. He felt the same sensation of shifting tides that he'd felt with Talia and Drayel; that undercurrent of ever-present fear driving someone on. Someone had something on her, and if he'd had to put a name to that someone, Aurelio Merynir would have been that name, but Aurelio alone could not have been responsible for what he was seeing. Companies were moved around or taken over, people were leaned on for the strangest of reasons; of course, he made sure to profit from it where he could to keep an ear and a hand in what was going on, but it was all too...shady...to be just one person. He made inquiries, of course, but the need for circumspection in this precluded any in depth discoveries. These had the appearance of an assault, but they felt like an opening gambit to Tius, and he was preparing himself for the siege.
So, when she came to his office once again, unexpectedly, and just stared through him, he felt as though the first salvos had been launched at last. It was...unsettling, he felt, to see her in that state, but vulnerability was not an easy thing for people like them. Her expression was fixed and quite, well, lost was the only word for it. Her dress was immaculate, as always, but the little touches told a worrying tale; seams misaligned, buttons slightly askew, and her hair had not been readjusted since her last appointment. Very bad news, he thought, waiting for her to come to him, and when she placed the documents in front of him, he was not disappointed in that regard.
Scanning them quickly, he raised an eyebrow, a few pieces suddenly falling into place while raising many other questions. Foreclosures, takeovers, strong-arming...all for this? It seemed petty, really, and it was, but it had achieved its goal, which was to hurt Ivone. While he didn't doubt that Melika Malatrast was beside herself at finally getting the home she'd been denied, it wasn't in her to organize this assault, nor was it in Aurelio Merynir, no matter what the man told himself in the mirror. Displays of power, he remembered thinking, had to be calculated, meticulously planned and aimed precisely. Who was this aimed at? When he looked up to ask a question, she had vanished, but he could still hear her breathing. Rising, without doing anything as provocative as making a noise, he crossed to the front of the desk and sat down beside her, returning to the beginning to read in depth.
The statutes quoted were archaic, as many were, and while not used correctly, they were stretching a point in many respects. This was meant to be a crushing blow, hard and fast, to cripple her and make her hurt, and visibly hurt, but it could be fought. That was the problem, wasn't it? They were pushing everything quickly, to prevent any defense being organized, and if one was, they were hoping to draw her allies into the open. That too, was very telling, he felt, and demanded caution, but it still demanded an answer. Despite his best efforts, however, his mouth did quirk up into the semblance of a smile, seeing one or two of the loopholes presented. That too, was petty, but par for the course given this assault's nature. Lowering the papers, he reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder to reassure her. He was there, and he was not going anywhere.
"How badly," he asked, quietly, "do you want to spite your sister right now?"
So, he waited; he turned his mind to his work, kept his ears open, and did what he did best, which was make money and make changes quietly and unobtrusively. Two months was a lifetime in politics of any kind, but for all of that, the battlefield changed slowly in Marn, but it did change. Throughout that time, he maintained contact with Ivone, but strictly on her terms; asking no questions beyond the very basic and never pushing for more than the face time that civility and courtesy required. It was a slow, tentative process, but progress was made, and gradually she began to come to him more and more, looking for ways to diversify her interests, and he obliged her. Under the pretense of quid pro quo, he expanded her portfolio to give her options in Eyropa, Tian Xia and even Zackonspierre if she had to leave in a hurry; nothing notable at first, but building blocks from which one could start anew, with a few rainy day funds here and there.
Far more interesting was the possible reasons why she would want to do this. Common sense, of course, ranked highly there, but there was something else underscoring that. He felt the same sensation of shifting tides that he'd felt with Talia and Drayel; that undercurrent of ever-present fear driving someone on. Someone had something on her, and if he'd had to put a name to that someone, Aurelio Merynir would have been that name, but Aurelio alone could not have been responsible for what he was seeing. Companies were moved around or taken over, people were leaned on for the strangest of reasons; of course, he made sure to profit from it where he could to keep an ear and a hand in what was going on, but it was all too...shady...to be just one person. He made inquiries, of course, but the need for circumspection in this precluded any in depth discoveries. These had the appearance of an assault, but they felt like an opening gambit to Tius, and he was preparing himself for the siege.
So, when she came to his office once again, unexpectedly, and just stared through him, he felt as though the first salvos had been launched at last. It was...unsettling, he felt, to see her in that state, but vulnerability was not an easy thing for people like them. Her expression was fixed and quite, well, lost was the only word for it. Her dress was immaculate, as always, but the little touches told a worrying tale; seams misaligned, buttons slightly askew, and her hair had not been readjusted since her last appointment. Very bad news, he thought, waiting for her to come to him, and when she placed the documents in front of him, he was not disappointed in that regard.
Scanning them quickly, he raised an eyebrow, a few pieces suddenly falling into place while raising many other questions. Foreclosures, takeovers, strong-arming...all for this? It seemed petty, really, and it was, but it had achieved its goal, which was to hurt Ivone. While he didn't doubt that Melika Malatrast was beside herself at finally getting the home she'd been denied, it wasn't in her to organize this assault, nor was it in Aurelio Merynir, no matter what the man told himself in the mirror. Displays of power, he remembered thinking, had to be calculated, meticulously planned and aimed precisely. Who was this aimed at? When he looked up to ask a question, she had vanished, but he could still hear her breathing. Rising, without doing anything as provocative as making a noise, he crossed to the front of the desk and sat down beside her, returning to the beginning to read in depth.
The statutes quoted were archaic, as many were, and while not used correctly, they were stretching a point in many respects. This was meant to be a crushing blow, hard and fast, to cripple her and make her hurt, and visibly hurt, but it could be fought. That was the problem, wasn't it? They were pushing everything quickly, to prevent any defense being organized, and if one was, they were hoping to draw her allies into the open. That too, was very telling, he felt, and demanded caution, but it still demanded an answer. Despite his best efforts, however, his mouth did quirk up into the semblance of a smile, seeing one or two of the loopholes presented. That too, was petty, but par for the course given this assault's nature. Lowering the papers, he reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder to reassure her. He was there, and he was not going anywhere.
"How badly," he asked, quietly, "do you want to spite your sister right now?"
Re: Out with the Old
Ivone was aware of Tius coming quietly around the desk and taking a seat on the floor. He rested his back against the desk, legs stretched out before him. He let her have her moment of weakness and vulnerability without comment. Ivone was grateful for that. She wasn’t sure what she would have done had he cradled her and coddled her.
The similarities between this moment and the last time a Descendant scion had interacted with her during her moments of weakness were not lost on her. Aurelio, too, had waited for her to come to him, like a spider in its web, letting her hang herself in the strands of complicity. As before, Ivone would walk right in, eyes wide open, though this time she would not let her hate and passion dictate her actions. She was a more educated fool, now, for all that did for her. Plus, there were things Tius didn’t know and needed to know.
Tius’ question triggered a fierce and feral smile, made her laugh softly. Ivone shook her head slowly. Beneath that gentle touch on her shoulder, he would feel the tension and emotion she was trying so hard to contain. She wanted to be held and protected. She did, really, but if he had, she feared he would find her useless and not worth his time. She feared he would think her ordinary and be disappointed in her.
“Oh,” she said softly, “You have no idea, but the last time I let myself give into that I ended up…” Her hand gestured toward the paper. Ivone’s gaze lifted to his, the violet vivid against the redness and tears. She did not scrunch up her face, though her bottom lip trembled. She closed her eyes for a moment and finally inhaled the deep breath she’d denied herself. The breath shuddered through her frame.
“I can’t talk here. Is there some other place we can go? Some place safe?” Was there really such a thing as a safe place in Marn? Could she, should she really trust him? The thought that maybe she shouldn't, that he was no better than Aurelio, hurt more than she cared to admit.
The similarities between this moment and the last time a Descendant scion had interacted with her during her moments of weakness were not lost on her. Aurelio, too, had waited for her to come to him, like a spider in its web, letting her hang herself in the strands of complicity. As before, Ivone would walk right in, eyes wide open, though this time she would not let her hate and passion dictate her actions. She was a more educated fool, now, for all that did for her. Plus, there were things Tius didn’t know and needed to know.
Tius’ question triggered a fierce and feral smile, made her laugh softly. Ivone shook her head slowly. Beneath that gentle touch on her shoulder, he would feel the tension and emotion she was trying so hard to contain. She wanted to be held and protected. She did, really, but if he had, she feared he would find her useless and not worth his time. She feared he would think her ordinary and be disappointed in her.
“Oh,” she said softly, “You have no idea, but the last time I let myself give into that I ended up…” Her hand gestured toward the paper. Ivone’s gaze lifted to his, the violet vivid against the redness and tears. She did not scrunch up her face, though her bottom lip trembled. She closed her eyes for a moment and finally inhaled the deep breath she’d denied herself. The breath shuddered through her frame.
“I can’t talk here. Is there some other place we can go? Some place safe?” Was there really such a thing as a safe place in Marn? Could she, should she really trust him? The thought that maybe she shouldn't, that he was no better than Aurelio, hurt more than she cared to admit.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
She was beyond tense beneath his touch, and he could feel the scream she was barely holding in reverberating throughout her slender frame. He didn't blame her for that, or for wanting to appear strong no matter what. It was bred in the bone, after all, and even if it wasn't, he doubted that she wanted to put herself in a position of disadvantage again after the news she'd received. Resistance was its own form of power, after all.
At her answer, a soft smile lit his face, and against his better judgement he moved his hand around behind her to pull her into a gentle hug. Honesty with Ivone had always been the best policy, even if it did go against the grain somewhat, but there was still a balance to be struck. Or was there? He chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her. Perhaps it was time for some revelations of his own, then. He'd let her see him before, but that had been tainted. She needed to see him completely.
"If you really think that I don't know how you feel, Ivone," he said, using her given name for the first time, "then you haven't been paying attention."
He added some slight pressure to the hug, giving her shoulders a squeeze, and nodded to the legal papers.
"These are very open to interpretation," he said, mildly, "quite vague in places. If one were a stickler for the word of the law, one could be quite petty in how one complied with them."
He sighed, looking down at the papers again.
"A few places," he said, "though my home is, perhaps, the safest. It is not much, but it is private."
At her answer, a soft smile lit his face, and against his better judgement he moved his hand around behind her to pull her into a gentle hug. Honesty with Ivone had always been the best policy, even if it did go against the grain somewhat, but there was still a balance to be struck. Or was there? He chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her. Perhaps it was time for some revelations of his own, then. He'd let her see him before, but that had been tainted. She needed to see him completely.
"If you really think that I don't know how you feel, Ivone," he said, using her given name for the first time, "then you haven't been paying attention."
He added some slight pressure to the hug, giving her shoulders a squeeze, and nodded to the legal papers.
"These are very open to interpretation," he said, mildly, "quite vague in places. If one were a stickler for the word of the law, one could be quite petty in how one complied with them."
He sighed, looking down at the papers again.
"A few places," he said, "though my home is, perhaps, the safest. It is not much, but it is private."
Last edited by Vicentius on Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Out with the Old
Tius’ hand slid across her back.
Oh, please, don’t…
His pull was an easy one, not demanding. She could have resisted but she caved all the same. Because she wanted him to...
Ivone fell into him in stages. Her body first, hip resting on his thigh and chest angled across his. Her forehead pressed into his clavicle. Her right arm fell beside his left hip, her hand grasping the fabric of his shirt and vest. Her left hand, curled into a fist rested against the right side of his chest. She was light, petite, but solid in his arms.
Ivone closed her eyes and shuddered in another breath, hitting her fist against his chest with soft thuds as more tears reared their ugly heads.
Oh! How she hated to cry. She hated to be so fragile.
Oh! how she desperately wanted to be … weak. Then, at least, it wouldn’t bother her so much when she was forced to be. At his comment, the emotion in his voice as he said her name... was it her wishful thinking? She gave another hiccough of breath, warm, into the fabric and pressed her face into him. She nodded. She knew.
Ivone inhaled another breath and marshalled herself. Much as she wanted to stay within the circle of Tius’ arms, she could not, should not. Hadn't she done that before as well?
Ivone disentangled herself from him, lifting the back of her left hand to cover her nose and mouth. She sniffled and nodded, gaze looking away from his face, seeking her bag. She was embarrassed to do something so... crass in front of him. Her voice was still shaky.
“To your home then. What time should I meet you?” Ivone did not expect Tius to reschedule his whole day just because of her misfortune.
Oh, please, don’t…
His pull was an easy one, not demanding. She could have resisted but she caved all the same. Because she wanted him to...
Ivone fell into him in stages. Her body first, hip resting on his thigh and chest angled across his. Her forehead pressed into his clavicle. Her right arm fell beside his left hip, her hand grasping the fabric of his shirt and vest. Her left hand, curled into a fist rested against the right side of his chest. She was light, petite, but solid in his arms.
Ivone closed her eyes and shuddered in another breath, hitting her fist against his chest with soft thuds as more tears reared their ugly heads.
Oh! How she hated to cry. She hated to be so fragile.
Oh! how she desperately wanted to be … weak. Then, at least, it wouldn’t bother her so much when she was forced to be. At his comment, the emotion in his voice as he said her name... was it her wishful thinking? She gave another hiccough of breath, warm, into the fabric and pressed her face into him. She nodded. She knew.
Ivone inhaled another breath and marshalled herself. Much as she wanted to stay within the circle of Tius’ arms, she could not, should not. Hadn't she done that before as well?
Ivone disentangled herself from him, lifting the back of her left hand to cover her nose and mouth. She sniffled and nodded, gaze looking away from his face, seeking her bag. She was embarrassed to do something so... crass in front of him. Her voice was still shaky.
“To your home then. What time should I meet you?” Ivone did not expect Tius to reschedule his whole day just because of her misfortune.
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Vicentius
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
He hadn't honestly been expecting her to fall against him, but, as ever, his gentleman's training did not fail him, and he supported her through every stage of her fall. Sometimes all a person needed was to vent that despair, in whatever form, and they would be fine. Ivone needed to vent, but he got the impression that she did not want to be responsible for it, like it would be a betrayal of something; herself? He bore her blows in silence and let her grieve in peace for as long as it lasted, and when she pulled away, she was better, slightly dishevelled, but better all the same. He gestured to the cabinet beside his desk.
"I have a mirror up there," he said, "if that's what you're after. Take your time."
He got up smoothly and without any apparent rush, smoothing down his clothes and brushing off the dust, before placing the papers Ivone had handed him down on the desk. This was a critical moment, of course, he knew, and one that someone would be watching for. Push or be pulled, he felt, that was the choice, and he was going to be proactive, even if it only confused people. Closing off the ledger he'd been updating, he picked up the completed papers from his out tray, jotted down a quick note, and ducked outside to speak to Sofia.
"I have to clock out for a while, Sofia," he said, smiling apologetically. "These are ready to be posted, these to the file, and I'll be back as soon as I can."
He noted the curious look, and didn't doubt that office gossip would be afire with the information before long, but he had bigger things to worry about. Heading back in, he picked up his satchel and secured his office as he always did before leaving. Tucking the legal papers into his satchel, he picked up his hat and turned to see if Ivone was ready to go or if she needed more time. His mind was whirring with a number of unfortunate possibilities, but he refused to entertain theories without adequate evidence to support them. Once she was ready, he bowed and held the door for her, making sure to lock it behind him before following her out of the building.
It was a short walk to the boarding house that he called home, which suited him perfectly. Gaddis' Home for Working Men was about as unremarkable a building as one was likely to find overlooking the Memorial. It wasn't ugly, by any means, but it was average and did not really draw the eye. He liked it; it was quiet, businesslike and Gaddis and his wife were consummate professionals who took pride in what they did. Meals were nourishing, mail was unopened, requests were catered for within reason and betrayals were kept to the bare minimum. If Gaddis was surprised to see him return early, the man gave no sign, though Tius knew it was noted, as was his partner. He brought Ivone upstairs as casually as the situation allowed, unlocking the door for her and holding it open.
Home was an even simpler affair than the building that housed it. A narrow room with a nice view of the Memorial Park, dominated by his desk and harpsichord nearer the door, while his bed and wardrobe lingered near the window. There were few personal touches visible, the evidence of being lived in was there, but the only notable decoration was his Tian Xian sword stand on a shelf. He waved her towards the desk chair and shut the door behind them, opting to stand for the moment.
"Well," he said, "this is home."
"I have a mirror up there," he said, "if that's what you're after. Take your time."
He got up smoothly and without any apparent rush, smoothing down his clothes and brushing off the dust, before placing the papers Ivone had handed him down on the desk. This was a critical moment, of course, he knew, and one that someone would be watching for. Push or be pulled, he felt, that was the choice, and he was going to be proactive, even if it only confused people. Closing off the ledger he'd been updating, he picked up the completed papers from his out tray, jotted down a quick note, and ducked outside to speak to Sofia.
"I have to clock out for a while, Sofia," he said, smiling apologetically. "These are ready to be posted, these to the file, and I'll be back as soon as I can."
He noted the curious look, and didn't doubt that office gossip would be afire with the information before long, but he had bigger things to worry about. Heading back in, he picked up his satchel and secured his office as he always did before leaving. Tucking the legal papers into his satchel, he picked up his hat and turned to see if Ivone was ready to go or if she needed more time. His mind was whirring with a number of unfortunate possibilities, but he refused to entertain theories without adequate evidence to support them. Once she was ready, he bowed and held the door for her, making sure to lock it behind him before following her out of the building.
It was a short walk to the boarding house that he called home, which suited him perfectly. Gaddis' Home for Working Men was about as unremarkable a building as one was likely to find overlooking the Memorial. It wasn't ugly, by any means, but it was average and did not really draw the eye. He liked it; it was quiet, businesslike and Gaddis and his wife were consummate professionals who took pride in what they did. Meals were nourishing, mail was unopened, requests were catered for within reason and betrayals were kept to the bare minimum. If Gaddis was surprised to see him return early, the man gave no sign, though Tius knew it was noted, as was his partner. He brought Ivone upstairs as casually as the situation allowed, unlocking the door for her and holding it open.
Home was an even simpler affair than the building that housed it. A narrow room with a nice view of the Memorial Park, dominated by his desk and harpsichord nearer the door, while his bed and wardrobe lingered near the window. There were few personal touches visible, the evidence of being lived in was there, but the only notable decoration was his Tian Xian sword stand on a shelf. He waved her towards the desk chair and shut the door behind them, opting to stand for the moment.
"Well," he said, "this is home."
Re: Out with the Old
Tius gave her, her space, and she nodded.
“Thank you... Tius.”
He also let her stand on her own, a gesture not lost on her. Tius was acknowledging her need to be independent in a situation where she was wholly dependent. She rose as he did and reached for her bag, retrieving a handkerchief and dabbing at her nose. While Tius stepped outside, Ivone put herself back to right, adjusting seams and buttons, and taming wayward strands of hair. When he returned, she stood before his desk, hands clasped. Her bag hung from her fingers. Her eyes were cast down, as if she were thinking. She looked as demure as one could under the circumstances. If one did not know her better, they would think her well composed. But, one look in her eye when her gaze lifted to his proved otherwise.
Ivone stepped into the administrative area, keeping her profile to Sofia. There was nothing Ivone could do about her puffy eyes and mouth other than to pretend they did not exist. So, that is what she did. Ivone did not make eye contact with Gaddis, though she did incline her head. Let them think what they would. She felt, for a moment, as if they were doing something a little wrong or risqué. But that was a silly feeling. Even if they were having a tryst, they were both consenting adults. Ivone’s chin came up a little and she gave Gaddis a look, brow raised, as if to question his staring. The man looked away and down at the paper he’d been reading.
Tius unlocked the door and pushed it open, staying back so she might enter ahead of him. Her gaze swept over the space and she began by pulling off her gloves. Ivone wanted to touch the places he touched as if gaining a sense of him through her fingertips. His room and his outward façade were similar: austere and well-maintained. A certain rebelliousness in her wanted to mess up his things, to put her mark on it. She refrained, knowing that was just her acting out against constraints. She had done that once and it gained her nothing.
Her fingers lightly touched the edge of the harpsichord. It was presumptuous of her to invade his personal space as she did, but given she would be throwing any possibilities away in the very near future, she invaded.
“I didn’t know you played.”
Ivone moved more into his home, observing and touching her way toward the window. She paused to study the foreign weaponry, finding it interesting that this was the main souvenir, other than life experience, he’d brought back with him. Ivone continued further into the room, fingers dragging lightly across the duvet and headboard until she had progressed as far as she could: the window overlooking the Gardens. Ivone used two fingers to peer past the curtain.
“I like it. It suits you well. Does Shen need to go out first?” Ivone chose to perch on the edge of the bed so he might have the chair. She sighed and sat up straighter.
“Thank you... Tius.”
He also let her stand on her own, a gesture not lost on her. Tius was acknowledging her need to be independent in a situation where she was wholly dependent. She rose as he did and reached for her bag, retrieving a handkerchief and dabbing at her nose. While Tius stepped outside, Ivone put herself back to right, adjusting seams and buttons, and taming wayward strands of hair. When he returned, she stood before his desk, hands clasped. Her bag hung from her fingers. Her eyes were cast down, as if she were thinking. She looked as demure as one could under the circumstances. If one did not know her better, they would think her well composed. But, one look in her eye when her gaze lifted to his proved otherwise.
Ivone stepped into the administrative area, keeping her profile to Sofia. There was nothing Ivone could do about her puffy eyes and mouth other than to pretend they did not exist. So, that is what she did. Ivone did not make eye contact with Gaddis, though she did incline her head. Let them think what they would. She felt, for a moment, as if they were doing something a little wrong or risqué. But that was a silly feeling. Even if they were having a tryst, they were both consenting adults. Ivone’s chin came up a little and she gave Gaddis a look, brow raised, as if to question his staring. The man looked away and down at the paper he’d been reading.
Tius unlocked the door and pushed it open, staying back so she might enter ahead of him. Her gaze swept over the space and she began by pulling off her gloves. Ivone wanted to touch the places he touched as if gaining a sense of him through her fingertips. His room and his outward façade were similar: austere and well-maintained. A certain rebelliousness in her wanted to mess up his things, to put her mark on it. She refrained, knowing that was just her acting out against constraints. She had done that once and it gained her nothing.
Her fingers lightly touched the edge of the harpsichord. It was presumptuous of her to invade his personal space as she did, but given she would be throwing any possibilities away in the very near future, she invaded.
“I didn’t know you played.”
Ivone moved more into his home, observing and touching her way toward the window. She paused to study the foreign weaponry, finding it interesting that this was the main souvenir, other than life experience, he’d brought back with him. Ivone continued further into the room, fingers dragging lightly across the duvet and headboard until she had progressed as far as she could: the window overlooking the Gardens. Ivone used two fingers to peer past the curtain.
“I like it. It suits you well. Does Shen need to go out first?” Ivone chose to perch on the edge of the bed so he might have the chair. She sighed and sat up straighter.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
Watching her move through his room was like watching a strange bird flitter from surface to surface, testing them. Her gloves came off almost as soon as she was through the door, and he lingered there, allowing her to move ahead of him. He had the, not absurd, feeling that he was being measured in this moment, and while two steps would have taken him to where she stood, he knew the importance of being in control of the little things. She moved from item to item, from the bookshelves and the narrow cupboards, to the desk and the harpsichord, where she lingered a moment. He chuckled at her question, looking at the instrument fondly.
"My family thinks it madness that I do not advertise that," he said, about his playing, "but I play for myself, and occasionally compose, when inspiration strikes. Sadly, since the Gala, I've had less and less time to be peaceful."
From her work with her garden , the theater ,and her perfumes, he was sure she understood how comforting it could be to create from time to time, or to lose oneself in a piece as expression. It could be a concrete thing, and a timely reminder that regardless of how slowly the rest of life was going, right then and there, one had been making progress. The harpsichord, like many of the things he cherished, was an old friend, and had been his for many years. In truth, it had been his father's before him, but Raemes had prefered dancing to playing, and it had sat idle until Tius had grown old enough to inherit it.
She moved on, towards the bed, and he cast a proprietary eye over his accommodations. In truth, he could have lived anywhere, and he had even toyed with the idea of buying a larger property to give Shen some room, but he did not need it, so he did not buy it. Luxuries ceased to be luxuries when over indulged. Perhaps it had been his time on the road, moving from uncertain prospect to uncertain prospect, but being one of those nobles who squatted in a few rooms of a large, opulent house, fawned on by servants, had never appealed to him. In fact; it frightened him somewhat. He liked the boarding house; the arrangement was honest, and it reminded him of his travels. His only conceit was the bed, and even that was a stretch. It was no more than he needed, but it was soft and comfortable, unlike so many he had used previously. If he needed anything else, after all, he had but to step out into the streets and the city would provide. Too few recognized that, he felt.
"No," he said, in response to her question about Shen, "he's being walked by the Landlady at the minute. He won't be back for at least an hour."
He stepped closer to the bed, turning the desk chair to face her and rested one arm on his writing kit, fingers tracing the scratches.
"My family hate it," he said, "or think it quaint, depending on whom you ask. But I'm glad you like it."
"My family thinks it madness that I do not advertise that," he said, about his playing, "but I play for myself, and occasionally compose, when inspiration strikes. Sadly, since the Gala, I've had less and less time to be peaceful."
From her work with her garden , the theater ,and her perfumes, he was sure she understood how comforting it could be to create from time to time, or to lose oneself in a piece as expression. It could be a concrete thing, and a timely reminder that regardless of how slowly the rest of life was going, right then and there, one had been making progress. The harpsichord, like many of the things he cherished, was an old friend, and had been his for many years. In truth, it had been his father's before him, but Raemes had prefered dancing to playing, and it had sat idle until Tius had grown old enough to inherit it.
She moved on, towards the bed, and he cast a proprietary eye over his accommodations. In truth, he could have lived anywhere, and he had even toyed with the idea of buying a larger property to give Shen some room, but he did not need it, so he did not buy it. Luxuries ceased to be luxuries when over indulged. Perhaps it had been his time on the road, moving from uncertain prospect to uncertain prospect, but being one of those nobles who squatted in a few rooms of a large, opulent house, fawned on by servants, had never appealed to him. In fact; it frightened him somewhat. He liked the boarding house; the arrangement was honest, and it reminded him of his travels. His only conceit was the bed, and even that was a stretch. It was no more than he needed, but it was soft and comfortable, unlike so many he had used previously. If he needed anything else, after all, he had but to step out into the streets and the city would provide. Too few recognized that, he felt.
"No," he said, in response to her question about Shen, "he's being walked by the Landlady at the minute. He won't be back for at least an hour."
He stepped closer to the bed, turning the desk chair to face her and rested one arm on his writing kit, fingers tracing the scratches.
"My family hate it," he said, "or think it quaint, depending on whom you ask. But I'm glad you like it."
Re: Out with the Old
Ivone wished she could hear him play, but the moment to ask had passed. She had been too quick in her desire to confess her guilt and take leave of him. Not that she wanted to do the latter, only that she thought it best to separate his name from hers under the circumstances.
“Ah,” Ivone nodded and stilled, collecting her thoughts. She offered him a smile, “I do.”
Ivone’s hands had been in her lap, but she took a breath and her hands slipped to rest beside her. Her fingers moved on the duvet cover, feeling the fabric.
“I’m not sure where to start, so I think I will start with the easiest part.” Ivone’s gaze traveled around the room for a moment, seeing it again and noting the details. The room smelled clean, with just a hint of dog and more than a hint of a scent she’d come to associate with Tius. She smiled again and her gaze landed his face, traveling the lines and planes of it before settling on his eyes. The smile wasn’t a jovial one, though. It was one of those smiles you make when you’re feeling something strongly, but don’t know how to process it. Emotions are such funny things.
"I... like you. I want to be held high in your esteem. I... have enjoyed our friendship."
And, I will be sorry to lose it.
Now where to start? Ivone made the decision to wade right in, though she spoke softly. She would be succinct, direct, and honest. She owed him that.
“Summer, two year’s ago, Aurelio Merynir approached me to use my knowledge of plants and herbs to make poisons for Paragon. The group was composed of Aurelio, Shanuri Leonalia, a woman named Hanuel, Andras Oslun, and me. Shanuri was the leader. The group’s target was Khayyam. The following November, Monetario was named a target as well, though harming Madiana was determined a more effective blow to him. I have no proof, only my word against Aurelio’s.”
Tius would know Ivone’s word against Aurelio’s would not amount to much, even with the rumors and the fall, Aurelio had steered clear of any other scandals. In fact, unknown to Ivone, Aurelio would announce his re-engagement to Sparrow Merynir during the Harvest Ball, setting him back on the path he’d fallen from so many years ago; a fall engineered by Monetario Morrington. Ivone knew that the way she presented things, Tius might well draw the conclusion that she had killed Khayyam even though she hadn’t. Nor had she given reason for her involvement. If he wanted to understand her motivations, then he would need to ask. As far as she was concerned, there was no good reason, just excuses, but if he wanted to hear them, then she would tell him.
“ I believe that there are more than just that group, as I had no knowledge of the bombings. I believe now that the whole purpose was to create confusion and shift the power within the Descendant groups, to open a Judge’s seat, and to distract Monetario. I believe Maalik Vyaduka was involved in some way, as well. I was simply a pawn. And... I believe this pawn will be sacrificed very soon.” It was easier to see some of the picture now.
Ivone blinked once more, solemn. She wanted to get on her knees and beg him for his help, for his understanding, and for his forgiveness, but she didn’t want him to think she was trying sway or manipulate him.
“I also know I have no right to ask it of you... But, please help me leave Marn. Tonight, if possible. And, please help me figure out a way to ensure that you remain spotless despite your being seen with me these last few months. I ... was selfish in that regard. “I used you” could be a believable story. Especially since your father has already attempted to dissuade me from pursuing an acquaintance with you.”
She was still so composed, but there were tells. She was upset, frightened, remorseful, and convinced she was beyond forgiveness or understanding. She was lost, but she kept her gaze steady on him. Ready to accept whatever judgement he made.
“Ah,” Ivone nodded and stilled, collecting her thoughts. She offered him a smile, “I do.”
Ivone’s hands had been in her lap, but she took a breath and her hands slipped to rest beside her. Her fingers moved on the duvet cover, feeling the fabric.
“I’m not sure where to start, so I think I will start with the easiest part.” Ivone’s gaze traveled around the room for a moment, seeing it again and noting the details. The room smelled clean, with just a hint of dog and more than a hint of a scent she’d come to associate with Tius. She smiled again and her gaze landed his face, traveling the lines and planes of it before settling on his eyes. The smile wasn’t a jovial one, though. It was one of those smiles you make when you’re feeling something strongly, but don’t know how to process it. Emotions are such funny things.
"I... like you. I want to be held high in your esteem. I... have enjoyed our friendship."
And, I will be sorry to lose it.
Now where to start? Ivone made the decision to wade right in, though she spoke softly. She would be succinct, direct, and honest. She owed him that.
“Summer, two year’s ago, Aurelio Merynir approached me to use my knowledge of plants and herbs to make poisons for Paragon. The group was composed of Aurelio, Shanuri Leonalia, a woman named Hanuel, Andras Oslun, and me. Shanuri was the leader. The group’s target was Khayyam. The following November, Monetario was named a target as well, though harming Madiana was determined a more effective blow to him. I have no proof, only my word against Aurelio’s.”
Tius would know Ivone’s word against Aurelio’s would not amount to much, even with the rumors and the fall, Aurelio had steered clear of any other scandals. In fact, unknown to Ivone, Aurelio would announce his re-engagement to Sparrow Merynir during the Harvest Ball, setting him back on the path he’d fallen from so many years ago; a fall engineered by Monetario Morrington. Ivone knew that the way she presented things, Tius might well draw the conclusion that she had killed Khayyam even though she hadn’t. Nor had she given reason for her involvement. If he wanted to understand her motivations, then he would need to ask. As far as she was concerned, there was no good reason, just excuses, but if he wanted to hear them, then she would tell him.
“ I believe that there are more than just that group, as I had no knowledge of the bombings. I believe now that the whole purpose was to create confusion and shift the power within the Descendant groups, to open a Judge’s seat, and to distract Monetario. I believe Maalik Vyaduka was involved in some way, as well. I was simply a pawn. And... I believe this pawn will be sacrificed very soon.” It was easier to see some of the picture now.
Ivone blinked once more, solemn. She wanted to get on her knees and beg him for his help, for his understanding, and for his forgiveness, but she didn’t want him to think she was trying sway or manipulate him.
“I also know I have no right to ask it of you... But, please help me leave Marn. Tonight, if possible. And, please help me figure out a way to ensure that you remain spotless despite your being seen with me these last few months. I ... was selfish in that regard. “I used you” could be a believable story. Especially since your father has already attempted to dissuade me from pursuing an acquaintance with you.”
She was still so composed, but there were tells. She was upset, frightened, remorseful, and convinced she was beyond forgiveness or understanding. She was lost, but she kept her gaze steady on him. Ready to accept whatever judgement he made.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
He listened in silence as she spoke, his expression neutral. Some people would have grown agitated at the concept of what Ivone was revealing, but not him. While he would fight against the man tooth and nail in almost any arena one cared to name, Tius was very much his father's son, and keeping his cards close was second nature to him now. So, instead of growing agitated, he grew very, very still, and met Ivone's gaze levelly for the duration of her confession. This was beyond serious, and by rights he should have washed his hands of things immediately, but he had not made it that far by cutting and running. Besides, when one was falling off a cliff, it was too late to wonder if there might have been a safer way up the mountain.
Forcing himself to view her request as a business proposition, he memorised the names she mentioned, putting pieces in place. Aurelio, he thought; the man had been prancing about like a rooster of late, and had been coming up in more and more conversations. He had an inkling as to why, as another 'luminary' of Merynir stock had been prancing about the leather merchants of late, but that was all speculation. Whatever about his reputation, Aurelio did not have the clout to make this happen on his own, and neither did Sparrow. Two years of planning was impressive, but what had happened to Ivone required more...expansive experience. He could use that, and the names Ivone provided, along with the ancillary information that her words implied, provided opportunities. Not much bait, all things considered, but he would need to tempt a very big fish to turn this around.
Bait... That was the key. Aurelio had only ever been useful as a pawn to bigger players, so bringing him back into the fold had to be a ploy. Monetario was the obvious target, given the man's longstanding feud with Aurelio and the contentious history that caused, and if Monetario was the one being baited, that narrowed the list of backers quite considerably. His father had long sought Monetario's ear, for example, and being able to hand him Aurelio's reins would buy him considerable clout. But that didn't explain Ivone's misfortunes... Unless it did. His father could be petty enough when he wanted to be, and Tius would not have put it past him to oust her just to spite him. Still, all speculation was pointless so far and until more evidence surfaced, but the more people ensnared in this little plot, the more valuable it was. Perhaps it was time to push.
Aware that he had been quiet for almost too long, he focused on Ivone, aware that the room was silent save the creaking of furniture and the rustle of fabric in the breeze.
"Yes," he said, "I can do as you ask."
He drummed his fingers on the desk, thinking.
"But I will require some things from you before you go," he said, "and I will need to write more than a few letters to facilitate you."
Forcing himself to view her request as a business proposition, he memorised the names she mentioned, putting pieces in place. Aurelio, he thought; the man had been prancing about like a rooster of late, and had been coming up in more and more conversations. He had an inkling as to why, as another 'luminary' of Merynir stock had been prancing about the leather merchants of late, but that was all speculation. Whatever about his reputation, Aurelio did not have the clout to make this happen on his own, and neither did Sparrow. Two years of planning was impressive, but what had happened to Ivone required more...expansive experience. He could use that, and the names Ivone provided, along with the ancillary information that her words implied, provided opportunities. Not much bait, all things considered, but he would need to tempt a very big fish to turn this around.
Bait... That was the key. Aurelio had only ever been useful as a pawn to bigger players, so bringing him back into the fold had to be a ploy. Monetario was the obvious target, given the man's longstanding feud with Aurelio and the contentious history that caused, and if Monetario was the one being baited, that narrowed the list of backers quite considerably. His father had long sought Monetario's ear, for example, and being able to hand him Aurelio's reins would buy him considerable clout. But that didn't explain Ivone's misfortunes... Unless it did. His father could be petty enough when he wanted to be, and Tius would not have put it past him to oust her just to spite him. Still, all speculation was pointless so far and until more evidence surfaced, but the more people ensnared in this little plot, the more valuable it was. Perhaps it was time to push.
Aware that he had been quiet for almost too long, he focused on Ivone, aware that the room was silent save the creaking of furniture and the rustle of fabric in the breeze.
"Yes," he said, "I can do as you ask."
He drummed his fingers on the desk, thinking.
"But I will require some things from you before you go," he said, "and I will need to write more than a few letters to facilitate you."
Re: Out with the Old
Ivone waited, nervous. Tius’ expression and body language had moved to a very neutral place as well. When he responded, she exhaled a breath she wasn’t aware she’d held. Ivone finally broke the stare she’d had leveled at him and looked down at her lap. That ‘broken’ smile reappeared: a smile, but tinged with grief or other strong emotion. Her response was certain, though.
“What do you need?” Her chin lifted and her gaze, as well. Her expression was solemn. Her hands slid from the duvet to rest, lightly clasped in her hands
“What should I do?” In this, she trusted the intelligence he’d exhibited over her own. She had been made a pawn, instead of a Queen for a reason. She wasn’t good enough to be the former according to whomever was behind all these machinations. For the briefest moment, that rage she’d felt three years ago threatened to surface, but she managed to quell it. Anger was pointless and useless.
“What do you need?” Her chin lifted and her gaze, as well. Her expression was solemn. Her hands slid from the duvet to rest, lightly clasped in her hands
“What should I do?” In this, she trusted the intelligence he’d exhibited over her own. She had been made a pawn, instead of a Queen for a reason. She wasn’t good enough to be the former according to whomever was behind all these machinations. For the briefest moment, that rage she’d felt three years ago threatened to surface, but she managed to quell it. Anger was pointless and useless.
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
"A day or so to prepare the letters," he said, "and to arrange transport, at least."
That would be pushing it, but luckily he knew a caravan heading in that direction and the caravaner could be persuaded to take passengers. That was one element out of the way, but he still had to arrange a place for her to go to, which would require some rather more frantic writing and diplomacy. Mei Han still owed him a favour, he recalled, though he was loathe to call upon her, and her gardens would suit Ivone well. The only other thing was to cover for her and prepare for her return. If she ran away in the night, she left as a fugitive in a weak position, while fighting back required a position of strength. He cleared his throat.
"I'll need you to name me executor of your affairs, at least as regards your dealings with your late husband's property," he said, "and to sign over your business to me so that I can keep it running while you're gone. Otherwise, whomever is after you will snap it up and shutter it."
Holding out the legal papers that she had handed him, he took a breath and hoped she could see past the material of what he was asking to his intentions.
"The law invoked to evict you," he said, "stipulates that the property hold up to the standard listed as of last evaluation. Last evaluation appears to have been carried out when it came into your husband's care some years ago. Any additions, therefore, in furniture or landscaping, is fair game for removal and relocation. So, if we move quickly, we can move your plants and belongings to a safe place, and send a warning shot to your family in the same breath."
He leaned forwards.
"It will be messy to defend, but how vocal they are will tell us more about them," he said, "and the more scandal this draws, the more reason we have for your absence, claiming stress and persecution."
That would also make the affair less palatable to any shadow backers, as the exposure would harm their profits. Chances were that they'd make noises, but cave on the house issue, because the Malatrasts were small fish and because a half victory was still a victory in their eyes if they'd managed to drive Ivone out. Hitting back would also give them pause, and they would need time to regroup and rethink their strategy, and that was time Tius could use. After all, defending a widow from persecution by a jealous family would only increase his political capital.
"It'll be cutting it fine," he said, "but I can get the wheels in motion in two days. You have two weeks by legal precedent, that gives you a twelve day head start."
That would be pushing it, but luckily he knew a caravan heading in that direction and the caravaner could be persuaded to take passengers. That was one element out of the way, but he still had to arrange a place for her to go to, which would require some rather more frantic writing and diplomacy. Mei Han still owed him a favour, he recalled, though he was loathe to call upon her, and her gardens would suit Ivone well. The only other thing was to cover for her and prepare for her return. If she ran away in the night, she left as a fugitive in a weak position, while fighting back required a position of strength. He cleared his throat.
"I'll need you to name me executor of your affairs, at least as regards your dealings with your late husband's property," he said, "and to sign over your business to me so that I can keep it running while you're gone. Otherwise, whomever is after you will snap it up and shutter it."
Holding out the legal papers that she had handed him, he took a breath and hoped she could see past the material of what he was asking to his intentions.
"The law invoked to evict you," he said, "stipulates that the property hold up to the standard listed as of last evaluation. Last evaluation appears to have been carried out when it came into your husband's care some years ago. Any additions, therefore, in furniture or landscaping, is fair game for removal and relocation. So, if we move quickly, we can move your plants and belongings to a safe place, and send a warning shot to your family in the same breath."
He leaned forwards.
"It will be messy to defend, but how vocal they are will tell us more about them," he said, "and the more scandal this draws, the more reason we have for your absence, claiming stress and persecution."
That would also make the affair less palatable to any shadow backers, as the exposure would harm their profits. Chances were that they'd make noises, but cave on the house issue, because the Malatrasts were small fish and because a half victory was still a victory in their eyes if they'd managed to drive Ivone out. Hitting back would also give them pause, and they would need time to regroup and rethink their strategy, and that was time Tius could use. After all, defending a widow from persecution by a jealous family would only increase his political capital.
"It'll be cutting it fine," he said, "but I can get the wheels in motion in two days. You have two weeks by legal precedent, that gives you a twelve day head start."
Re: Out with the Old
Ivone nodded. She had hoped to leave quickly, but understood it would take a few days to arrange travel. She took the papers and tucked them into her bag. Her eyes widened.
“Really?” Ivone sat back for a moment, glancing away to think.
“Would Alyzz be able to use the plants and bees? Neither will travel well and aside from any clothing and jewelry, everything in the house was there before I moved in. My value to Tian was not my possessions, but that I was not from any of the major families and that I could give him an heir.”
Ivone said it matter-of-factly, because it was true. Her family had bartered her virginity and fecundity for a hefty sum of money. Any investment they’d made in her was to achieve the betterment of the family’s position. The love she and Tian found was a happy coincidence.
“The only purchases I made were those required to maintain the house and myself according to the position I was expected to represent. And, those of my shop.” When she looked back at him, her gaze was thoughtful.
“I suppose this means I will have to attend the Harvest Ball. No accusations have been made and if I walk in, head held high, that would make a statement, wouldn’t it?”
When he leaned forward, Ivone did, too. She reached for his hand, holding it in both of hers as she studied their hands together. His hand was bigger than hers, large and square, fingers long. He had calluses, from pens, and scars, too: small, white scars that looked like he might have punched something. It was a masculine hand, expressive. Her thumbs rubbed small circles on the topside of his hand, before she squeezed gently. The fact that he was helping her at all, when he had nothing to gain that she could see, amazed her.
“I …”
What he was doing… tears burned in her eyes again and dropped onto the back of his hand. Now was not the time to be weak. Ivone pressed a kiss against the spot where the tear had fallen,holding her lips there for a moment, before she tried again by taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, she looked up. Her voice was soft, but emphatic.
“Saying thank you is not enough, will never be enough. You have my… my gratitude and I will forever be in your debt… Tius. Whatever I can do to make all this effort worth your while, I will do.” She glanced down at their hands again, loathe to break the contact.
“When should we execute the papers? Now?”
“Really?” Ivone sat back for a moment, glancing away to think.
“Would Alyzz be able to use the plants and bees? Neither will travel well and aside from any clothing and jewelry, everything in the house was there before I moved in. My value to Tian was not my possessions, but that I was not from any of the major families and that I could give him an heir.”
Ivone said it matter-of-factly, because it was true. Her family had bartered her virginity and fecundity for a hefty sum of money. Any investment they’d made in her was to achieve the betterment of the family’s position. The love she and Tian found was a happy coincidence.
“The only purchases I made were those required to maintain the house and myself according to the position I was expected to represent. And, those of my shop.” When she looked back at him, her gaze was thoughtful.
“I suppose this means I will have to attend the Harvest Ball. No accusations have been made and if I walk in, head held high, that would make a statement, wouldn’t it?”
When he leaned forward, Ivone did, too. She reached for his hand, holding it in both of hers as she studied their hands together. His hand was bigger than hers, large and square, fingers long. He had calluses, from pens, and scars, too: small, white scars that looked like he might have punched something. It was a masculine hand, expressive. Her thumbs rubbed small circles on the topside of his hand, before she squeezed gently. The fact that he was helping her at all, when he had nothing to gain that she could see, amazed her.
“I …”
What he was doing… tears burned in her eyes again and dropped onto the back of his hand. Now was not the time to be weak. Ivone pressed a kiss against the spot where the tear had fallen,holding her lips there for a moment, before she tried again by taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, she looked up. Her voice was soft, but emphatic.
“Saying thank you is not enough, will never be enough. You have my… my gratitude and I will forever be in your debt… Tius. Whatever I can do to make all this effort worth your while, I will do.” She glanced down at their hands again, loathe to break the contact.
“When should we execute the papers? Now?”
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Out with the Old
"Whether you bought it or not is irrelevant," he said, gently, "we can do it, so we will, and in so doing, we will hurt them without breaking a single law."
He smiled, shrugging as he recalled a conversation along these lines that they'd had in Markham's. Power and privilege were interesting things, and he seldom exercised his, but a message needed sending. He looked down at the legal papers again, wondering where the plants could go. Well, he did know where they could go, but it would be another gift to hold in the meantime.
"There's a house in the residential district," he said, slowly, "belonged to a merchant family. They went bust, and the house came up for sale. I was planning to sell it on, but we can put your things and your plants there for the time being."
When she took his hand, he stilled again, watching her move. It was a lot to ask, he knew, and he knew she would have questions, but the less he told her, the less she would need to lie about if asked. He followed her gaze, looking at the lines and the scars again, as though seeing them anew. His nephews and niece liked to joke about how different they were from his siblings'. Some people used it as an insult, but he took pride in it, and it worked to his favour with the general populace; he looked like someone who'd worked a day in his life. People were fickle that way.
Tears hit his hand, and he looked up, but before he could respond, she had pressed her lips to his hand, and when she looked up at him, there was a different kind of tension there. He took a breath and squeezed her hand gently to reassure her. Her words were kind, and well meant, he knew, but he still felt undeserving of them. Morringtons were survivors, and some of the best, at that; he could make almost anything work if need be, but if he was serious about making Marn a better place, and he was, then he could do worse than improving it one life at a time.
"I don't have many friends, Ivone," he said, "but I try to look after my own."
He considered her words and nodded, giving her hand another gentle squeeze.
"As soon as possible," he said, "the faster we move, the faster you're away."
He smiled, shrugging as he recalled a conversation along these lines that they'd had in Markham's. Power and privilege were interesting things, and he seldom exercised his, but a message needed sending. He looked down at the legal papers again, wondering where the plants could go. Well, he did know where they could go, but it would be another gift to hold in the meantime.
"There's a house in the residential district," he said, slowly, "belonged to a merchant family. They went bust, and the house came up for sale. I was planning to sell it on, but we can put your things and your plants there for the time being."
When she took his hand, he stilled again, watching her move. It was a lot to ask, he knew, and he knew she would have questions, but the less he told her, the less she would need to lie about if asked. He followed her gaze, looking at the lines and the scars again, as though seeing them anew. His nephews and niece liked to joke about how different they were from his siblings'. Some people used it as an insult, but he took pride in it, and it worked to his favour with the general populace; he looked like someone who'd worked a day in his life. People were fickle that way.
Tears hit his hand, and he looked up, but before he could respond, she had pressed her lips to his hand, and when she looked up at him, there was a different kind of tension there. He took a breath and squeezed her hand gently to reassure her. Her words were kind, and well meant, he knew, but he still felt undeserving of them. Morringtons were survivors, and some of the best, at that; he could make almost anything work if need be, but if he was serious about making Marn a better place, and he was, then he could do worse than improving it one life at a time.
"I don't have many friends, Ivone," he said, "but I try to look after my own."
He considered her words and nodded, giving her hand another gentle squeeze.
"As soon as possible," he said, "the faster we move, the faster you're away."
Re: Out with the Old
When their eye’s met, a sort of friction and awareness charged the air between them.
Friends… Ivone smiled another one of those emotionally mixed smiles as she stared down at his hand in hers.
He squeezed and she reluctantly let go her hold on him. He could have taken his pound of flesh as well, but unlike Aurelio, he did not; a fact which made Tius Morrington the better man yet again. Ivone wasn’t blind, though, even though she closed her eyes. Tius was actually gaining something while giving her a house and escape. He would get the business she had created and that was a more than fair deal, especially given there was inventory to resell and the opportunity to make more. Ivone nodded. She respected this man, and that esteem is what made him all the more attractive on so many levels.
“Then, let us go.”
Ivone slipped from the bed and moved to pull on the gloves she’d worn.
“Would you mind?”
Ivone held out her hand, palm up and fingers curled in. She felt a certain gratuitousness watching his fingers button each one and feeling the brush of his fingers on the inside of her wrist. Not for the first time did she regret not meeting Tius before meeting Aurelio, or even Tianthalus. Had they met, Ivone thought they might have suited each other well. But, the past is in the past as they say, unless of course, you plotted with others to overthrow the status quo with intended murder.
Fool.
Buttons buttoned, Ivone thanked Tius for his help and moved toward the door. They hadn’t spent much time in his room, long enough for certain acts to occur, certainly, and somewhere Ivone found it amusing to think Mr. Gaddis would assume such things, possibly because thinking something inappropriate was a way to keep herself moving forward.
The clerk's office was not busy, thankfully, and executing the documentation was as simple as a signature. Tius knew what forms were needed and what had to be signed before a registered clerk. The docket was stamped and received and Ivone was now even poorer than she had been before.
Next steps were to arrange for movers and to pack. This required another trip to a different place and now that Tius effectively owned all her assets, she was dependent upon him for the funds to pay for larger things. Movers were arranged to come the day after the ball.
Their next step would be the house, his house, and her new home. This all seemed surreal. It felt almost like when Tian had taken her in. She had nothing but a small valise of clothes, a valise that was probably tucked in a closet, untouched. Tian had replaced her entire warddrobe, wanting to dress her himself.
Memories. A wry smile twisted her lips. She truly had been bred to be someone's living doll and she had played the role well.
Ivone waited for Tius to unlocked the door and stepped inside. The place was unused, empty of furniture and the utilities needed to be turned on. That was scheduled for the next day, so that the house would be warm when the furniture, her furniture, arrived. She could have toured the house, made plans for the space, but at the moment the realization that she was truly starting over was as daunting as the realization that she was no longer playing the role of doll and conspirator.
"What am I, who am I now?" She hadn't meant to say it out loud as she stared at the empty space. Empty, like she was. She was no Malatrast or Vyaduka, or even a Karalas anymore. The house was cold and she shivered in the November chill. Tonight and even tomorrow, she would stay in Tian's house.
Fool. Useless. Value-less. Liability.
Friends… Ivone smiled another one of those emotionally mixed smiles as she stared down at his hand in hers.
He squeezed and she reluctantly let go her hold on him. He could have taken his pound of flesh as well, but unlike Aurelio, he did not; a fact which made Tius Morrington the better man yet again. Ivone wasn’t blind, though, even though she closed her eyes. Tius was actually gaining something while giving her a house and escape. He would get the business she had created and that was a more than fair deal, especially given there was inventory to resell and the opportunity to make more. Ivone nodded. She respected this man, and that esteem is what made him all the more attractive on so many levels.
“Then, let us go.”
Ivone slipped from the bed and moved to pull on the gloves she’d worn.
“Would you mind?”
Ivone held out her hand, palm up and fingers curled in. She felt a certain gratuitousness watching his fingers button each one and feeling the brush of his fingers on the inside of her wrist. Not for the first time did she regret not meeting Tius before meeting Aurelio, or even Tianthalus. Had they met, Ivone thought they might have suited each other well. But, the past is in the past as they say, unless of course, you plotted with others to overthrow the status quo with intended murder.
Fool.
Buttons buttoned, Ivone thanked Tius for his help and moved toward the door. They hadn’t spent much time in his room, long enough for certain acts to occur, certainly, and somewhere Ivone found it amusing to think Mr. Gaddis would assume such things, possibly because thinking something inappropriate was a way to keep herself moving forward.
The clerk's office was not busy, thankfully, and executing the documentation was as simple as a signature. Tius knew what forms were needed and what had to be signed before a registered clerk. The docket was stamped and received and Ivone was now even poorer than she had been before.
Next steps were to arrange for movers and to pack. This required another trip to a different place and now that Tius effectively owned all her assets, she was dependent upon him for the funds to pay for larger things. Movers were arranged to come the day after the ball.
Their next step would be the house, his house, and her new home. This all seemed surreal. It felt almost like when Tian had taken her in. She had nothing but a small valise of clothes, a valise that was probably tucked in a closet, untouched. Tian had replaced her entire warddrobe, wanting to dress her himself.
Memories. A wry smile twisted her lips. She truly had been bred to be someone's living doll and she had played the role well.
Ivone waited for Tius to unlocked the door and stepped inside. The place was unused, empty of furniture and the utilities needed to be turned on. That was scheduled for the next day, so that the house would be warm when the furniture, her furniture, arrived. She could have toured the house, made plans for the space, but at the moment the realization that she was truly starting over was as daunting as the realization that she was no longer playing the role of doll and conspirator.
"What am I, who am I now?" She hadn't meant to say it out loud as she stared at the empty space. Empty, like she was. She was no Malatrast or Vyaduka, or even a Karalas anymore. The house was cold and she shivered in the November chill. Tonight and even tomorrow, she would stay in Tian's house.
Fool. Useless. Value-less. Liability.