video — un: vast & furious.

[valeas]

( Last Emilia di Carlo was seen, she rode a thestral into the dark of night, with flowers burning in her hair and fury blazing in her eyes. Tonight, she looks somber and composed, her resolve no less steely for it. She sits at her desk, hair half braided into a coronet and the other half down in loose waves.

She's dressed practically, unlike when they're conforming to the city's fashions. )

I've gathered some donations from the nobility.

( Influence with the gentry (and their connections) helps, as does rich guilt. Emilia still takes great issue with everyone else being left to fend for themselves during the siege, but she decided to channel that anger into something productive. People need resources, not the consequences of her temper.

She'll need remember to do so on behalf of Vannozza. The siege doesn't, unfortunately, put an end to why they're here. )

I invite anyone that would like to help with its distribution to join me. Furthermore —

( Her brow furrows at the sudden commotion outside. The desk is close enough to the balcony that anyone who's decided to listen in is privy, as well. Much like the chimney debacle, really, except these are no protesters. No, these are two gentlemen suitors. And they bring ... poetry?

It would seem harrowing experiences turn already insensible men into impulsive brutes. Impulsivity further prompted by the fact Emilia, catch of the season, has yet to accept any offer. She's betrothed to someone else, in truth. Though at the moment, she'd like to eschew the presence of any and all men.

Forever.

The clearing of a throat: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day — "
"Look around, you complete and utter toadstool. It is far from summer, and you cannot propose when I intend to do so."
"The lady will not marry you. I am the one she favors — "
"No, I shall be her heart's truest desire in the end."
"Dear man, you know little of desire, if all rumors prove true."
"You besmirch my character! There is only one way to solve this — "
"Yes. Y e s - !"
"We duel at dawn!"

Emilia closes her eyes.

Draws in a deep breath. Prays to the goddess of strength and reasoning: may she keep a moon daughter from committing any violence this evening. )

You'll excuse me.

( Before she ends the transmission, a third unaffiliated voice can be heard, wailing in the distance, "I'm so alone." )



( ooc: this post is for their network only, but the commotion outside is, of course, free game for anyone to catch wind of.
this post is open all month. there's no such thing as too late.)

Comments

[downswing]

Should your duelists claim life, call on me.

To observe if the dead still stir in wake of the rider.

[valeas]

I will. I'd hope the measures I've taken put a stop to it altogether, but I will not rest my chances on hope alone. I want no further death and destruction.

( Her blood runs cold at the thought. After a pause: )

One of them said something to me and Wrath. I do not know if it was the consequence of one too many drinks, but they said it was not the first time. That the Huntress has been here once before.

[downswing]

And the dead restored.

Then, her corruption is fleeting.

[valeas]

I'm afraid I cannot say with certainty.

We mean to look into it further. Wrath has some influence with academicians.

[downswing]

Fair fortune with courting the living.

Yield me the dead.

[valeas]

( It won't come to that, she wants to say with confidence. But she knows better know, chillingly so. In matters of the undead, she is not well-versed. She means to change that, but as it is — )

Very well.

[downswing]

We must overcome differences.

[valeas]

( She thinks their similarities are where they clash, but she might not be ready to so consciously admit that to herself, or say so aloud. The privacy of this conversation does give her a moment to clear her thoughts. The siege and its aftermath have given her much to think about. )

I don't endeavor to become someone I can no longer respect. I wouldn't be able to respect not putting our personal differences aside to work toward a greater mission, rest assured.

But Lan Wangi, you can never use that spell on me again.

[downswing]

An ill-preferred recourse.

[valeas]

I will not burn you.

( again.

that feels like a fair bargain. )

[downswing]

I require no mercies.

[valeas]

It is no mercy.
If we are to overcome our differences, it begins with respect.

[downswing]

Our lives bow before theirs.

Duty supersedes respect.

1/2

[valeas]

( So, like. He wants her to burn him again? Lan Wangi, you're so strange. )

[valeas]

Does it supersede everything?

( Because he keeps impressing that word: duty. )

[downswing]

Ask your heart.

[valeas]

I ask you.

[downswing]

I do not displace your tongue.

[valeas]

You already have.

( Along with every other muscle and limb in her body, with no apology in sight. )

Will that be all?

[downswing]

You wish an apology.

[valeas]

I no longer wish for anything.

( No, if she wants something, she's learned to make it so. She put her wishes away along with other forsaken things. )

I prefer the truth. I've had enough lies.

[downswing]

You could not sleep for the truth.

[valeas]

Are any of us sleeping as it is?

1/2

[downswing]

You will tell yourself you were unprotected for not anticipating siege from allied hands.

[downswing]

The truth: you were negligent.