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

[unvarnished]

A clever girl like you will think of some suitable reward, I'm sure.

[immacolato]

It will be a surprise then.

[unvarnished]

Okay. I like surprises.

[immacolato]

Find me then, and you will find your surprise as well.

[unvarnished]

Yes, ma'am.

[luckily this is a much smaller area to search than the entire United States of America, so he probably will find her eventually. It just might take a few hours. Or a day. Or more. Who knows?]

[immacolato]

[ Lucrezia makes no effort to hide either, even if she will likely spend most of her time at Cassandra's apartment in town. But the castle is so lovely and the gardens too, which brings there more often than not. ]

[unvarnished]

[yes, good. The gardens are nice, and it'd be a shame to be cooped up inside when it's usually so nice outside]

[immacolato]

[ She hasn't changed much --or more precisely, she would not change much when she grows older-- and he would spot her easily, lying slumped against an apple tree with her blonde hair loose about her shoulders and a yellow flower slowly losing its petals to her bored fingers. ]

[unvarnished]

[ugh why are you pretty, Lulu? It makes it harder not to think of the lake and when his teenager self's dreams came true. He reaches out, tapping her shoulder]

Tag. You're it.

[immacolato]

[ Lucrezia quickly rises and turns to laugh at the intrusion, trying her best not to show her lack of recognition. It seems there are too many here she should, but doesn't, know. ]

Must I chase you now?

[unvarnished]

I don't think you're up to the job, Lucrezia. I'm hard to catch.

[immacolato]

[ She laughs. ]

A challenge then? I have a weakness for those.

[unvarnished]

So do I. It's why we get along.

[immacolato]

Then run, and I will catch you.

[unvarnished]

Not interested in a story anymore?

[immacolato]

Would a story be more exciting than a chase?

[unvarnished]

I guess that depends on what you do once you catch me.

[immacolato]

What would you wish me to do?

[unvarnished]

I'll let you figure that one out. [and without any further warning, he turns and slips behind the tree she was reclining against]

[immacolato]

[ Oh, the game is on! The flower she was fiddling with is quickly forgotten as she rushes to her feet and runs around the tree to find him. Where could he be? ]

[unvarnished]

[he's usually better at being stealthy. But wearing dark clothing in this garden full of bright plants makes him stick out no matter where he is. And he's honestly not even trying to hide]

[immacolato]

[ And Lucrezia gives an intense chase, running as fast as her dress allows her (which isn't very fast honestly) trailing laughter as she goes. ]

[unvarnished]

[ugh Lucrezia stop being so cute. August hears her coming for him and stops, turning so she'll run right into him. Totally on purpose]

[immacolato]

[ His appearance takes her by surprise and she runs right into him, reaching to clutch at his arm to maintain her balance, and laughing still. Silly man. ]

Caught you!

[unvarnished]

Yes, you did. You're good at this. [he totally let her win]