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]

Well, let's see... So the girl finally opened her heart and realized the man's love for her. She came to his shop and accepted the shoes. The moment she put them on, her feet felt light. Like she could float off the ground if she wanted. It turned out the man's love was so strong it enchanted the shoes.

The girl could hardly ignore that, so she kissed the man and swore to love him back.

[immacolato]

[ Better already. This is the kind of story she likes, even if she still tries to hide how giddy it makes her to hear the happy ending. ]

But is it possible to swear to love another?

[unvarnished]

It depends on what you swear by. A wise bard penned that you shouldn't swear by the inconstant moon unless your love proved likewise variable. But if you swore by something unchangeable, that seems like a safe bet.

[immacolato]

What if she swore on a mountain?

[unvarnished]

A mountain still has a beginning and an end, and can be worn down. You wouldn't want your love to be like that.

[immacolato]

Blood ties then. Family never ends.

[unvarnished]

If I had to swear by anything, it would be my father. [even though he kind of waited twenty-eight years to keep a promise to his father. Oops]

[immacolato]

[ Not her father. Better her brother. ]

He would be unchangeable then?

[unvarnished]

His love for me didn't change, and that's the important part.

[immacolato]

[ She smiles too, as if they have finally reached an understanding. ]

Undoubtedly.

[unvarnished]

[he smiles back at her. He likes Lucrezia as she is, but it's nice seeing her so much less burdened]

You ever want another story or just to hang out, let me know.

[immacolato]

[ She tips her head in question. ]

Do you mean to leave me now?

[unvarnished]

I wouldn't want to hog all your time. Your other friends will want to see you.

[immacolato]

They will see me when they wish. [ That is, when she wishes. ] But you are the one sitting beside me now.

[unvarnished]

That I am. [he lifts her hand to his lips, kissing it gently]

[immacolato]

[ Lucrezia bites back her giggling. This must be how true knights treat their queens. ]

You are kind to me. Why?

[unvarnished]

I don't need a reason. But if you need one, it's because I like you.

[immacolato]

That is a comfort. I like you dearly too.

[unvarnished]

I'm glad to hear that.