just voice-testing

[markofborgia]

You said that you would wait a month. You've been saying that for a week now, that you need to see how things "work out" for me, and then you'd take me somewhere that I can cast off these damnable robes and take the place we both know I deserve.

But I'm getting impatient, dear lady. We have both seen what is to happen, that I will again be neglected my heart's desire. Perhaps you cannot remedy that, but you can at least remove me from suffering the indignity of the situation.



What do you mean, "unless Juan shows up too"?

Comments

[markofborgia]

Have they mistreated you, madam?

[ino]

It's been alright for me. Haven't even gotten killed or anything. [she'll grin] Which is pretty impressive, all things considered.

[markofborgia]

[Cesare is maybe a little startled!] Really, is that... common? Being killed?

[ino]

Not so much. But when you've been around as long as I have, it's sort of a surprise. [she'll be a little facetious now] And honestly, do I really look like I could take on a bunch of big, scary guys trying attack me?

[well, technically, yes, she could ... and pretty easily, in fact. but ... she IS a 5 foot tall skinny blonde girl. appearances, they are deceiving!]

[markofborgia]

Does that happen often, madam, that you find yourself attacked by "big, scary guys"?

[ino]

What, do you think you could protect me?

[markofborgia]

I think you should not be left to fend for yourself, if such attacks plague you.

[ino]

[she looks amused]

How sweet of you.

But I was mostly kidding; even if I don't look it, I can hold my own in a fight.

[markofborgia]

You would not be the first woman I have known to engage in battle.

[ino]

Well, that's surprising to hear. Most places don't seem to think we're worth all that much anywhere but the kitchen.

[she'll smile and offer a hand, for a handshake]

I'm Ino, by the way.

[markofborgia]

[Cesare might be more inclined to kiss her hand, but, well, whatever the lady wants. A shake it is.]

Cesare Borgia.

[ino]

"Borgia"? You're not related to Lucrezia, are you?

[markofborgia]

Ah, are you also from the "magical castle"?

[ino]

Er, yeah ... I know, it must sound totally crazy, but ... that's pretty much what it is.

[markofborgia]

So I have been told.

[ino]

Well, if you're a friend of hers, I'm sure she'd be happy to see you there, no matter how crazy it is.

[markofborgia]

[Laugh!] I should hope I would be a friend of my own sister. But she is not missing, so I can't see how she could be in your castle.

[ino]

You never know. [shrugs] And yeah, it's kind of complicated like that. Basically, all the time you spend there measures up to not even a second where you come from.

[markofborgia]

So we have blinked and she was gone and back? That sounds like sorcery.

[ino]

Pretty much. And it basically is sorcery. Or witchcraft, or magic, whatever you want to call it.

[markofborgia]

And Lucrezia has been indulging in this?

[He sounds concerned.]

[ino]

"Indulging" in it? ... It's more like she just ended up there because of it.

[markofborgia]

But she herself has not become embroiled with witchcraft and dark arts?

[SIGH OF RELIEF]

[ino]

From what I understand, you have to be born with that kind of skill to be able to use it, usually.

[markofborgia]

Really? I have always been told that one can be lured into it.