dear_mun | (no subject)

I'm not sure if it's possible win, but all we can do is play the best we can.

(Her countenance brightens almost immediately, the shadow dispersing.)

How do you play the game?

I'm actually not sure as to the rules in this instance so I only strive to bring happiness to others and myself instead, the best I am able to.

Happiness comes in many forms. How far are you willing to go to provide it? (The question is deeper than it seems. She is testing what sort of woman she has encountered.)

Even simple things can provide happiness to others. A little kindness goes a long way, especially to those who are lonely or have lived too long without it.

I know of a woman who provides...happiness...to my father. Is that the sort you speak of?

Not quite, what I speak of is a different kindness.

The sort between friends, then. I could use more of that!

I believe we all could. My name is Anne, I hope we can be friends in the future.

I am Lucrezia Borgia. (She gives a little curtsy, golden head bowing.) Do you really? I should like to know more about you first!

A pleasure, Lucrezia! [She gives a bow if her head in return, a queen did not curtsy.] What would you like to know? I am happy to answer your questions.

Are you married? (She knows she will be one day and she is gathering as much information as she can from her fellow ladies.)

Yes, I have been married for some time. Are you to be married?

I don't think it's the kind of game you can win. Or lose, for that matter.

Then what is the point of it? I see little reason to put forth any effort if there is no prize.

[ The point seems to be for other people's amusement, but... that's not a very cheerful thought. ]

I'm not really sure. There are some good parts to being here. They could be worth the effort, even if they're not the same as a prize.

(There are very few cheerful thoughts in her life.)

Could you tell me of those...good parts? I am willing to learn and I would rather not be kept in the dark.

Of course. I'm not an expert, but I'll tell you whatever I can.

[ A pause while he tries to decide where to start. ]

For one thing, there's a lot of people here. So, you might run into someone from home. Even...people who have passed on. Or gone away for other reasons.

[ That's not very pleasant either. But, when you've lost as many friends as he has, it's a feature. ]

(Suddenly her playful air wanes - like the sun hiding behind storm clouds.)

H-How...? Death can be...overcome? Is that not...against God?

(She shakily reaches up, clutching her seahorse necklace.)

[ Suzaku's smile drops as well, his voice softening into a hopefully reassuring tone. ]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean... I don't know if it helps, but I don't think it's overcome. They're not coming back after it happens. They're just brought here before it occurred.

[ As far as he's aware, at least. ]

Edited 2017-03-16 03:42 (UTC)

So they have no memory of it? No marks? (She cannot decide if that is more or less terrifying. There is joy, of course, but fear outweighs it.) That is unnatural and cruel to our hearts!

No—that's not...

[ He trails off, guilty. Like everything else in this place, the phenomenon is a mixed blessing. One that shouldn't have been mentioned so soon. ]

I apologize. I've been here for some time, and I...didn't consider how it sounds.

I would rather know than not. It is just that the possibility unnerves me. (But she is quickly adapting - as is her nature.)

You needn't apologize for telling the truth.

Alright. If you’re sure.

[ Still reserved. If it had to be mentioned, he’s sure he could have phrased it in a better way. Suddenly he’s less confident in his ‘tour guide’ abilities. ]

Was there anything else you wanted to know?

I want to know everything. You shouldn't shield me even if I become upset. (She is determined and oh so young.) My name is Lucrezia, by the way.

It’s nice to meet you. I’m Suzaku.

[ Age is pretty meaningless to someone who enlisted at age fourteen. If she wants to hear it, he won’t hesitate. ~~Though, he might soften it. A little.~~]

Everything? Let’s see… Oh, there’s different places here. Some on Earth, but in the past or the future. Others are completely different worlds. They’ve got their own technology, different species… You can even go to space.

Su...zaku? (That is certainly an exotic name! She bites her lip, cheeks pinking.

And she is not much older - if any older - than fourteen herself!)

Space? Surely you do not mean amongst the stars! What other species are there? And the worlds...

(She is clearly longing to hear more.)

That's exactly what I mean.

[ He grins, a level of boyish enthusiasm in his tone. No matter how long he's been here, some things stay just as exciting. ]

You can take ships that go up there. Some stay in the stars, while other ones visit planets. At least, that's what I've heard. I've never actually been in one myself. As for species, I haven't been able to count them all. I've met aliens, dragons, people with superpowers... The list goes on.

It's a lot to take in.

(She looks like a child who has been told of some miracle because...she has! The stars are so far away!)

What are they like? Have you seen them? Could you bring one back? (Her voice is quick and excited. Apologizes, Suzaku.) Aliens...? Dragons are real? What do you mean...superpowers?

No matter the rules, I am sure you will find a way to win. [She plays games like this too well for anything else.]

Cesare! (In a rush of bright colors - not least of all is her golden hair - Lucrezia runs to him, stopping prematurely to tease him.) I like to win.

[Cesare smiles when she rushes over to him, and smirks even further when she stops. Even at this interaction, she's winning.]

I am well aware. [He pulls her in for a hug, squeezing her tight.] You have been well, I hope?

(She squeals and puts up a token fight, giggling helplessly. It doesn't take long for her to settle, however, and she slips her arms around his neck, returning his embrace.)

I've only been missing you for ages! Have you been busy with thousands of ladies, brother? (Why else would he be absent? But it bothers her that she cannot spy on him.)

[He can't help but laugh at that, though he nevertheless nods, stroking the hair that's fallen down her back.]

Hundreds of thousands, my love. [After all, if she's going to ask questions like that, he might as well exaggerate a little.] Though I missed you the entire time.

I knew it! (She breathes, eyes sparkling gleefully.) But you promised not to marry without me, remember?

(Her glee softens into sweet affection and she strokes over his cheek.)

As long as you are safe, I won't worry too much. (Only enough.)

Fear not, Sis. I steadfastly remain a bachelor.

[That isn't entirely true. He's had multiple sweethearts while she's been away, but saying this is simpler. For now, he is unmarried. That's all that Lucrezia needs to know.]

And a safe one at that. No scars yet, despite my best efforts. My manservant has kept me very safe indeed.

But what have you been doing? How have you been keeping yourself in my absence?

After speaking to some ladies here and there, I think I would rather be a bachelor too. (Is that possible? No and she knows that, but it seems entirely unfair.) We could travel together and never be apart for long.

(It appeals to her clearly, but she gives him a happy smile to hide any pain the impossibility causes.)

He must be overworked. (She knows his mischief! But suddenly she is frowning and burying her fingers into his hair.) I've been alone. My writer tells me said fate is better than what awaits me with my husband.

[Oh. So she knows about that. She knows what happens to her with Giovanni Sforza. It worries him and concerns him about what else she might know of her future. He does not dare ask.]

But your writer tells you that you move on from it, though, yes? [He gives her a protective squeeze.] You are not cursed in that marriage forever, surely?