xxiv. dictated

[immacolato]

[ The journal shows that it is indeed Lucrezia, but her voice is infinitely lighter, as if the weight of the world has been lifted from it and now her words can lilt more freely. ]

To the most gracious Cassandra Cain,

I was told you are kindly and most eager to help lost souls such as myself find my proper rooms at this certain Castle. Such that I would be grateful if you might ride fast to carry me away from this palazzo.

Perhaps my presence can bring you more joy than it has brought the master of this house, who does not seem entirely pleased by my interruption.

Most humbly,
Lucrezia Borgia

[ ooc; loss start! ]

Comments

[hellofist]

[Well this is... weird.]

On my way. Are you okay?

[immacolato]

Yes, I am most well.

You are Cassandra? [ She bites back a giggle. ] Princess of Troy?

[hellofist]

Might be Daphne. Still not sure.

[This might be a test, to see if Lucrezia remembers that conversation. Something is definitely fishy here.]

But also Cassandra, yes.

[wolfchild]

Did you forget to filter?

[ grumpy child is grumpy. she's still bed-ridden. ]

[immacolato]

Must I filter my words?

[wolfchild]

Not if you don't want everyone finding out everything.

[unvarnished]

[what in the world] Lucrezia, did you mean to filter that?

[immacolato]

[ Why is everyone asking her about this filter? ]

But have I said anything so impolite?

[unvarnished]

Well, no, but it sounds like you were specifically addressing Cassandra. And we all heard it.

[whichwayyoulean]

[Something is off here...]

Lucrezia? You're...uh, leaving the mansion?

[immacolato]

I was told to, though not in so many words.

[whichwayyoulean]

I didn't think you'd ever do something just because you were told to.

What about that Joshua guy?

[fantasies]

[Henry is not as quick on the uptake as some other people here. Sometimes Lucrezia talks funny, that's normal.]

Does that mean you're coming to visit?

[immacolato]

[ Excuse you, Henry. ]

Would I be welcome?

[fantasies]

Yeah, definitely! We should go riding again soon.

[aphoenixsong]

[That name certainly catches his attention.]

Would you happen to be the daughter of Pope Alexander VI and Vannozza dei Cattanei?

[immacolato]

[ But her father isn't Pope yet, as far as she knows. ]

Would you claim to be prescient?

[aphoenixsong]

In this case perhaps you are right! It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady.

[wolfskin]

Lucrezia? [ as puzzled as he sounds he cannot help but feel a sense of relief. her voice is light, as if the worries pressed on her heart ─ the ones she never spoke of ─ are no longer there. ]

[immacolato]

[ For her part, she doesn't recognize him. But she has little reason (yet) to believe anyone would wish her harm. ]

Are you a friend of hers?

[wolfskin]

[ he pauses. ]

Aye, I am a friend. [ he hopes, he truly does. though in truth he cannot be certain. ] A close friend, I hope.

[secondchances]

[Wow, that's almost painfully familiar.]

... Lucrezia?

[Maybe it's a trap.]

[immacolato]

[ It's always a trap. ]

I never knew I have so many!

[inafadingcrown]

[Well that's...a change in tone.]

If your friend Cassandra is unable to have you, Lucrezia, you are always welcome to stay with me.

[immacolato]

Perhaps I should change beds every night.