(voice test)

[lenire]

Signora, is this necessary? I have only exchanged one cage for another! What have I gained? Your company?

(How unsatisfactory! She gives her Mun an austere look, refusing to move an inch.)

Need I remind you of who I am? Show me to my brother.

Comments

[naytheist]

[Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Cesare smiles, entirely unperturbed by her mood.]

I fear that is not quite how it is done, Sis. I believe we do what they will, not the other way around.

[lenire]

(He is one of the few who shouldn't be perturbed by her mood. She loses some of her venom at the sight of him.)

I never agreed to those terms and neither would you, Cesare. Are you saying there is no hope?

[naytheist]

[He shrugs his head slightly towards his shoulder. In truth, he views his relationship with his Mun as more of a partnership than one of prisoner and captor. It is the only way he would accept it.]

Are they so bad? They brought me to you. Surely someone who orchestrates such meetings cannot be so terrible?

[lenire]

(She is not accustomed to making such deals yet. But she will learn in time.)

You are trying to warm me to them! (Her frown is delicate - more taunt than a sign of actual displeasure.) I do love seeing you.

[naytheist]

I merely state facts, Sis.

[He takes a step closer, moving to take her hand and twine their fingers together.]

It has been too long already.

[lenire]

Most truths are not stated so pleasantly. You must have a talent.

(She bows her head over their twined fingers, cheeks rosy with joy.)

What have you been doing in my absence?

[naytheist]

[In his eyes, Cesare is little more than a man of evasion and threats. He does what he must but he leaves the truly skilful persuasion to his sister.

He shrugs slightly and smirks.]

Conquering kingdoms, Sweet Sis. Although I admit a castle is less pleasant when you have no family to fill it.

[His tone grows serious for a second as he looks at her.]

There was not one moment when I did not miss you.