[un: sprite bulb] voice;

[bearshermark]

[Too nervous to write and worried about probably misspelling Bonaccorso, there's a rare voice message]

I've suddenly been asked to meet with Bonaccorso to speak on behalf of Vannozza's supporters. I can't imagine why, but it isn't as though I can refuse. ..But neither do I really know what to say about her. She hasn't spoken much..

[A pause for silent stressing]

The meeting is in a few hours, so I would be grateful for any guidance.

Comments

[bearshermark]

[Of all people. Yeah, he's wondered about that himself]

It's true anyway. I don't really know what's happened with that; last I'd heard were a great deal of accusations with more complex and difficult to follow motives.

But I'll try to stay calm. ..I'm hoping he's asked in the interest of a more forthright conversation.

[beitangmoran]

Do you have an idea of what to answer if you are asked why you support Lady Vannozza?

[bearshermark]

[A nervous fluster]

She's a sensible woman that seeks to uphold the strength of Taravast.

[He doesn't sound terribly sure about that]

[beitangmoran]

Not bad. That's the kind of answer an enriched farmer would give anyway, so it shouldn't cast suspicion on you. Although maybe err on the side of caution and say she 'seems' to be.

[bearshermark]

[Relief]

Seems to be- okay, I can do that.

..Should I be more honest if he knows what we are?

[beitangmoran]

Probably not. If he knows what we are, then he is using us for his own purpose, which we do not quite discern yet. This gives him an advantage over us.

Unless he doesn't let you, pretend you are exactly what you seem. If possible, ask more questions than you answer.

[bearshermark]

All right, I'll do my best. Thank you. Your insight is always valuable.

[beitangmoran]

I don't know how much it will help. Someone of that age who has ruled over a territory is probably quite shrewd. I don't think you'll be in danger, but expect him to be very perceptive.

[bearshermark]

I understand. It seems he's asked one person from Macaluso to meet with him as well. I wonder what he's looking for.

[beitangmoran]

understandable. He can not be seen publicly favoring one or the other.

If I have to guess he wants to hear from people who are not his courtiers, and not particularly beholden to tell him what he wants to hear. Although the way I understand it, outwardly at least the choice is not his to make, but were he to favor one side rather than another, it would influence people greatly.

[bearshermark]

Oh, I suppose that's true.

[He'd feared the pressure of it before, since lessened, but Moran cleared the matter up for him rather well]

It helps to know what I'm going into. I hope to manage it well.

[beitangmoran]

The best case scenario is that he is bored and needs a distraction. Given who he has elected to speak to, I suspect he does not expect in-depth political analysis, but rather grounded common sense .

If he expects anything else, then he clearly knows more than he lets on.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven hums shortly, relieved]

I can do that much. It's good my background here is mostly true. With the advice I've received, it should be enough. Now I just need to work on being less nervous about it.