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Marietta was in one of the places she most enjoyed in the world. The University’s library was filled with stories and secrets yet untold. She could spend hours within its stacks, drawing inspiration from even the smallest of things. Mathematical equations found their way to Marietta’s schematics, stories of the gods would inspire her newest paintings. Art was a marriage of logic and creativity. Once Marietta came to understand that at a young age, the world became her muse. A philosophical conversation would find its way onto one of her painted vases, or a problem one of the commoners may have would be made into a new schematic. Even an emotion such as sadness found its purpose in the music that Marietta would pluck from her harp.
Today, however, was different. She was not at the library looking for inspiration. No, in fact, today she was on a mission. It was a real, tangible mission that could provide instant results. Vasia, her dearest and most favorite cousin, intrigued her with an item she had found while exploring their home. A small blue diamond sat upon her cousin’s hand when Marietta had run into her. It sparkled and gleamed catching sunlight in the most tantalizing way. The diamond itself was a mystery. The origins were unknown. And yes, the simple answer was to way for their fathers to return, but simplicity was not in Marietta’s repertoire. No! She would learn what she could of this diamond and see if she could discover the answer to its origins herself.
And what better place to find information but the library? Marietta pursued the various documents lining the shelves on the wall. Her grey eyes flickered to and fro until they landed on exactly what she was looking for. Surely a reading about gems would speak of blue diamonds. Marietta pulled the literature and moved to the tables. The spot she would typically take was free. It was a comfortable spot, in a corner where no others typically would go by. Marietta longed for these moments, where silence was the only thing around her.
Time continued to move forward, and as it did it brought waves of frustration. More than once Marietta found herself leaving the table to pull more and more books. More than once she came short of her goal. What was Marietta’s purpose here today? She was clever, yes, and very studious. But did she expect to find her answers instantly? Marietta was a patient girl, that tends to happen when you had two younger sisters and an older sister obsessed with finding the perfect match. But today, patience was not with the young woman. Marietta sighed with frustration. Books of gems, stones and jewelry laid all about. They spoke of blue diamonds but not of the very specifics the young girl was looking for. It was fortunate that she was not here on a quest for inspiration, because all she would be facing is that of an impenetrable wall.
Marietta sighed loudly. Annoyance flickered across her face as she once more got up to comb through the shelves. Her mind was focused completely on her mission, paying little attention to anything that was going on around her.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Marietta was in one of the places she most enjoyed in the world. The University’s library was filled with stories and secrets yet untold. She could spend hours within its stacks, drawing inspiration from even the smallest of things. Mathematical equations found their way to Marietta’s schematics, stories of the gods would inspire her newest paintings. Art was a marriage of logic and creativity. Once Marietta came to understand that at a young age, the world became her muse. A philosophical conversation would find its way onto one of her painted vases, or a problem one of the commoners may have would be made into a new schematic. Even an emotion such as sadness found its purpose in the music that Marietta would pluck from her harp.
Today, however, was different. She was not at the library looking for inspiration. No, in fact, today she was on a mission. It was a real, tangible mission that could provide instant results. Vasia, her dearest and most favorite cousin, intrigued her with an item she had found while exploring their home. A small blue diamond sat upon her cousin’s hand when Marietta had run into her. It sparkled and gleamed catching sunlight in the most tantalizing way. The diamond itself was a mystery. The origins were unknown. And yes, the simple answer was to way for their fathers to return, but simplicity was not in Marietta’s repertoire. No! She would learn what she could of this diamond and see if she could discover the answer to its origins herself.
And what better place to find information but the library? Marietta pursued the various documents lining the shelves on the wall. Her grey eyes flickered to and fro until they landed on exactly what she was looking for. Surely a reading about gems would speak of blue diamonds. Marietta pulled the literature and moved to the tables. The spot she would typically take was free. It was a comfortable spot, in a corner where no others typically would go by. Marietta longed for these moments, where silence was the only thing around her.
Time continued to move forward, and as it did it brought waves of frustration. More than once Marietta found herself leaving the table to pull more and more books. More than once she came short of her goal. What was Marietta’s purpose here today? She was clever, yes, and very studious. But did she expect to find her answers instantly? Marietta was a patient girl, that tends to happen when you had two younger sisters and an older sister obsessed with finding the perfect match. But today, patience was not with the young woman. Marietta sighed with frustration. Books of gems, stones and jewelry laid all about. They spoke of blue diamonds but not of the very specifics the young girl was looking for. It was fortunate that she was not here on a quest for inspiration, because all she would be facing is that of an impenetrable wall.
Marietta sighed loudly. Annoyance flickered across her face as she once more got up to comb through the shelves. Her mind was focused completely on her mission, paying little attention to anything that was going on around her.
Marietta was in one of the places she most enjoyed in the world. The University’s library was filled with stories and secrets yet untold. She could spend hours within its stacks, drawing inspiration from even the smallest of things. Mathematical equations found their way to Marietta’s schematics, stories of the gods would inspire her newest paintings. Art was a marriage of logic and creativity. Once Marietta came to understand that at a young age, the world became her muse. A philosophical conversation would find its way onto one of her painted vases, or a problem one of the commoners may have would be made into a new schematic. Even an emotion such as sadness found its purpose in the music that Marietta would pluck from her harp.
Today, however, was different. She was not at the library looking for inspiration. No, in fact, today she was on a mission. It was a real, tangible mission that could provide instant results. Vasia, her dearest and most favorite cousin, intrigued her with an item she had found while exploring their home. A small blue diamond sat upon her cousin’s hand when Marietta had run into her. It sparkled and gleamed catching sunlight in the most tantalizing way. The diamond itself was a mystery. The origins were unknown. And yes, the simple answer was to way for their fathers to return, but simplicity was not in Marietta’s repertoire. No! She would learn what she could of this diamond and see if she could discover the answer to its origins herself.
And what better place to find information but the library? Marietta pursued the various documents lining the shelves on the wall. Her grey eyes flickered to and fro until they landed on exactly what she was looking for. Surely a reading about gems would speak of blue diamonds. Marietta pulled the literature and moved to the tables. The spot she would typically take was free. It was a comfortable spot, in a corner where no others typically would go by. Marietta longed for these moments, where silence was the only thing around her.
Time continued to move forward, and as it did it brought waves of frustration. More than once Marietta found herself leaving the table to pull more and more books. More than once she came short of her goal. What was Marietta’s purpose here today? She was clever, yes, and very studious. But did she expect to find her answers instantly? Marietta was a patient girl, that tends to happen when you had two younger sisters and an older sister obsessed with finding the perfect match. But today, patience was not with the young woman. Marietta sighed with frustration. Books of gems, stones and jewelry laid all about. They spoke of blue diamonds but not of the very specifics the young girl was looking for. It was fortunate that she was not here on a quest for inspiration, because all she would be facing is that of an impenetrable wall.
Marietta sighed loudly. Annoyance flickered across her face as she once more got up to comb through the shelves. Her mind was focused completely on her mission, paying little attention to anything that was going on around her.
The scholeio was almost as much home to the Master Informer as the small manor house he had taken in the city. Born son to a man who had been a professor, as a boy Cicero had spent far too many hours scampering about the college, and then when he was older he had studied there, and now older still, he oft turned to the extensive library as a refuge of sorts.
Not only was it home to some useful reference materials, but generally it was a quiet place, and Cicero did his best thinking when he had quiet. It was sometimes...elusive at home, with two young children. And his wife, with her curious mind and infernal need to organise his study, sometimes a man had to make his escape.
Which is what found the spymaster that day tucked neatly into a corner of the library. Habit had seen Cicero choose a seat from which he could see clearly much of the space, and familiarity had him kick his feet up on the chair opposite as he thumbed through a tome that in reality he was paying little attention to.
His mind was elsewhere, the book just a device to prevent people from approaching him. It was an unfortunate side effect of his position on the senate council that for some reason, a certain subsect of the population seemed to feel they ought to at least say hello if they came across him. Cicero rather wished they wouldn’t.
Far more interesting were those who averted their gaze when they caught sight of him as if they believed he could steal all of their thoughts just by looking at them. Which was not quite true, however highly he thought of himself. Instead, the master informer had rather perfected the art of reading the subtle clues people offered themselves. The nervous way they threaded their fingers together, or a gaze that slid away when they spoke of something. It was almost like a game, piecing together the truths people tried to conceal by the things they inadvertently revealed.
Those things would be noted and taken away for later consideration, much as he was doing now. Cicero had an educational conversation with one of the palati servants the day before, a girl not part of his web of known informants, but one who had somehow found herself in the service of one Lord Elias of Stravos, subject of interest.
Cicero was not overly enamoured with the upstart Stravos Lord, but he’d had to play a careful game in the past weeks, for it was not at all clear which way the balance of power would fall. In name and title, Cicero served the crown, which sat somewhat uncomfortably atop the head of the young Princess: a girl whose strings were being artfully pulled by the Stravos clan. And though he had his suspicions regarding the Queen who had gone walkabout, now was not the moment to act upon them. Instead, he was learning as much as he could of the plans that the Stravos’ seemed to be enacting, managing to aid them only in fits and starts, to show willingness.
Such it was that when young Marietta of Antonis had appeared, Cicero had observed her a little while like an overfed cat might watch a bird.a The girl was, as far as he knew, somewhat of a confidante to Elias -some longstanding friendship since youth, despite the fact that the man had been fucking the girl’s sister. Curious. It was a delicate process, deciding where an informant might be useful, or where upsetting the apple cart would do more harm than good. It was perhaps unfortunate then that Cicero so very much enjoyed watching apples roll. Standing up and closing the book he’d been pretending to read with a brittle snap, the spymaster tucked it under one arm and made his way over to where the dark-haired girl had gotten up to return to the shelves.
“Might I be of some assistance, Lady Marietta?” he asked, low and smooth-voiced. “ You appear to be struggling, and I know these stacks rather well. What is it you’re looking for?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The scholeio was almost as much home to the Master Informer as the small manor house he had taken in the city. Born son to a man who had been a professor, as a boy Cicero had spent far too many hours scampering about the college, and then when he was older he had studied there, and now older still, he oft turned to the extensive library as a refuge of sorts.
Not only was it home to some useful reference materials, but generally it was a quiet place, and Cicero did his best thinking when he had quiet. It was sometimes...elusive at home, with two young children. And his wife, with her curious mind and infernal need to organise his study, sometimes a man had to make his escape.
Which is what found the spymaster that day tucked neatly into a corner of the library. Habit had seen Cicero choose a seat from which he could see clearly much of the space, and familiarity had him kick his feet up on the chair opposite as he thumbed through a tome that in reality he was paying little attention to.
His mind was elsewhere, the book just a device to prevent people from approaching him. It was an unfortunate side effect of his position on the senate council that for some reason, a certain subsect of the population seemed to feel they ought to at least say hello if they came across him. Cicero rather wished they wouldn’t.
Far more interesting were those who averted their gaze when they caught sight of him as if they believed he could steal all of their thoughts just by looking at them. Which was not quite true, however highly he thought of himself. Instead, the master informer had rather perfected the art of reading the subtle clues people offered themselves. The nervous way they threaded their fingers together, or a gaze that slid away when they spoke of something. It was almost like a game, piecing together the truths people tried to conceal by the things they inadvertently revealed.
Those things would be noted and taken away for later consideration, much as he was doing now. Cicero had an educational conversation with one of the palati servants the day before, a girl not part of his web of known informants, but one who had somehow found herself in the service of one Lord Elias of Stravos, subject of interest.
Cicero was not overly enamoured with the upstart Stravos Lord, but he’d had to play a careful game in the past weeks, for it was not at all clear which way the balance of power would fall. In name and title, Cicero served the crown, which sat somewhat uncomfortably atop the head of the young Princess: a girl whose strings were being artfully pulled by the Stravos clan. And though he had his suspicions regarding the Queen who had gone walkabout, now was not the moment to act upon them. Instead, he was learning as much as he could of the plans that the Stravos’ seemed to be enacting, managing to aid them only in fits and starts, to show willingness.
Such it was that when young Marietta of Antonis had appeared, Cicero had observed her a little while like an overfed cat might watch a bird.a The girl was, as far as he knew, somewhat of a confidante to Elias -some longstanding friendship since youth, despite the fact that the man had been fucking the girl’s sister. Curious. It was a delicate process, deciding where an informant might be useful, or where upsetting the apple cart would do more harm than good. It was perhaps unfortunate then that Cicero so very much enjoyed watching apples roll. Standing up and closing the book he’d been pretending to read with a brittle snap, the spymaster tucked it under one arm and made his way over to where the dark-haired girl had gotten up to return to the shelves.
“Might I be of some assistance, Lady Marietta?” he asked, low and smooth-voiced. “ You appear to be struggling, and I know these stacks rather well. What is it you’re looking for?”
The scholeio was almost as much home to the Master Informer as the small manor house he had taken in the city. Born son to a man who had been a professor, as a boy Cicero had spent far too many hours scampering about the college, and then when he was older he had studied there, and now older still, he oft turned to the extensive library as a refuge of sorts.
Not only was it home to some useful reference materials, but generally it was a quiet place, and Cicero did his best thinking when he had quiet. It was sometimes...elusive at home, with two young children. And his wife, with her curious mind and infernal need to organise his study, sometimes a man had to make his escape.
Which is what found the spymaster that day tucked neatly into a corner of the library. Habit had seen Cicero choose a seat from which he could see clearly much of the space, and familiarity had him kick his feet up on the chair opposite as he thumbed through a tome that in reality he was paying little attention to.
His mind was elsewhere, the book just a device to prevent people from approaching him. It was an unfortunate side effect of his position on the senate council that for some reason, a certain subsect of the population seemed to feel they ought to at least say hello if they came across him. Cicero rather wished they wouldn’t.
Far more interesting were those who averted their gaze when they caught sight of him as if they believed he could steal all of their thoughts just by looking at them. Which was not quite true, however highly he thought of himself. Instead, the master informer had rather perfected the art of reading the subtle clues people offered themselves. The nervous way they threaded their fingers together, or a gaze that slid away when they spoke of something. It was almost like a game, piecing together the truths people tried to conceal by the things they inadvertently revealed.
Those things would be noted and taken away for later consideration, much as he was doing now. Cicero had an educational conversation with one of the palati servants the day before, a girl not part of his web of known informants, but one who had somehow found herself in the service of one Lord Elias of Stravos, subject of interest.
Cicero was not overly enamoured with the upstart Stravos Lord, but he’d had to play a careful game in the past weeks, for it was not at all clear which way the balance of power would fall. In name and title, Cicero served the crown, which sat somewhat uncomfortably atop the head of the young Princess: a girl whose strings were being artfully pulled by the Stravos clan. And though he had his suspicions regarding the Queen who had gone walkabout, now was not the moment to act upon them. Instead, he was learning as much as he could of the plans that the Stravos’ seemed to be enacting, managing to aid them only in fits and starts, to show willingness.
Such it was that when young Marietta of Antonis had appeared, Cicero had observed her a little while like an overfed cat might watch a bird.a The girl was, as far as he knew, somewhat of a confidante to Elias -some longstanding friendship since youth, despite the fact that the man had been fucking the girl’s sister. Curious. It was a delicate process, deciding where an informant might be useful, or where upsetting the apple cart would do more harm than good. It was perhaps unfortunate then that Cicero so very much enjoyed watching apples roll. Standing up and closing the book he’d been pretending to read with a brittle snap, the spymaster tucked it under one arm and made his way over to where the dark-haired girl had gotten up to return to the shelves.
“Might I be of some assistance, Lady Marietta?” he asked, low and smooth-voiced. “ You appear to be struggling, and I know these stacks rather well. What is it you’re looking for?”
The mind was a curious thing. The world continued on and yet when the mind was focused everything melted away. Marietta blamed this curious mind for making her jump when a voice cut through the silence like a dagger through flesh. It wasn’t her fault her brain chose to narrow Marietta’s view to the area around her. Nor was the blush on her face, one that produced so much heat that she could rival a hearth, her fault as well.
Marietta blinked at the man before her. Two moments passed before her thoughts realigned and she realized who was speaking and what was said. Marietta had seen Master Cicero plenty of times before, namely at court which is usually when she saw most other people. That didn’t really mean much, for Marietta only spoke with pleasantries there. While there she was quiet and polite, careful to listen to gossip without speaking of any herself.
Still, Master Cicero had given an impression that he was clever, if not quiet like Marietta. Though, unlike Marietta his voice projected confidence, a trait she envied in so many people. Being quiet and being shy were two separate things entirely, something too few people understood. Unfortunately for Marietta, she was both.
“Blue diamonds,” Her words flew from her lips before she had the chance to think. Her burning face glowed an even brighter crimson. Marietta dropped her eyes a moment to readjust. “Excuse me, Master Cicero. I was researching blue diamonds. My cousin Vasia recently found one as she was exploring her home. I was curious to find its origins. Unfortunately, I’ve had no luck thus far. All that I’ve read is trivial at best and useless at worse.”
Marietta’s grey orbs flickered back to the Master Informer. He was a handsome man, that Marietta had no doubt. He would be the type of man Marietta would stare at from afar should she have no shame. He was also a man that projected an aura of intimidation. That observation, once again, didn’t mean much to Marietta. Any person of any sort of importance that Marietta did not know well gave off that aura. It was one of the reasons Marietta hated going to court. It was filled with important people that she only exchanged polite words who’s mere presence amplified the innate anxiety within Marietta.
“Oh, but you mustn’t put yourself out to assist me, Master Cicero.” Now that Marietta was calming, the mask was starting to slip on. Finally the heat was dying down back to a normal temperature, and Marietta could dawn the lady-like elegant facade she was so used to wearing. “I am sure you are here for matters of greater importance than that of my silly quest to find the origins of this diamond. Truthfully, I could have waited for my father to return home from his business, but in my impatience I found myself here instead.” And had Marietta known she would be forced to talk to someone, she never would have asked one of her male cousins to walk her into the library to begin with. “Nevertheless, I thank you.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The mind was a curious thing. The world continued on and yet when the mind was focused everything melted away. Marietta blamed this curious mind for making her jump when a voice cut through the silence like a dagger through flesh. It wasn’t her fault her brain chose to narrow Marietta’s view to the area around her. Nor was the blush on her face, one that produced so much heat that she could rival a hearth, her fault as well.
Marietta blinked at the man before her. Two moments passed before her thoughts realigned and she realized who was speaking and what was said. Marietta had seen Master Cicero plenty of times before, namely at court which is usually when she saw most other people. That didn’t really mean much, for Marietta only spoke with pleasantries there. While there she was quiet and polite, careful to listen to gossip without speaking of any herself.
Still, Master Cicero had given an impression that he was clever, if not quiet like Marietta. Though, unlike Marietta his voice projected confidence, a trait she envied in so many people. Being quiet and being shy were two separate things entirely, something too few people understood. Unfortunately for Marietta, she was both.
“Blue diamonds,” Her words flew from her lips before she had the chance to think. Her burning face glowed an even brighter crimson. Marietta dropped her eyes a moment to readjust. “Excuse me, Master Cicero. I was researching blue diamonds. My cousin Vasia recently found one as she was exploring her home. I was curious to find its origins. Unfortunately, I’ve had no luck thus far. All that I’ve read is trivial at best and useless at worse.”
Marietta’s grey orbs flickered back to the Master Informer. He was a handsome man, that Marietta had no doubt. He would be the type of man Marietta would stare at from afar should she have no shame. He was also a man that projected an aura of intimidation. That observation, once again, didn’t mean much to Marietta. Any person of any sort of importance that Marietta did not know well gave off that aura. It was one of the reasons Marietta hated going to court. It was filled with important people that she only exchanged polite words who’s mere presence amplified the innate anxiety within Marietta.
“Oh, but you mustn’t put yourself out to assist me, Master Cicero.” Now that Marietta was calming, the mask was starting to slip on. Finally the heat was dying down back to a normal temperature, and Marietta could dawn the lady-like elegant facade she was so used to wearing. “I am sure you are here for matters of greater importance than that of my silly quest to find the origins of this diamond. Truthfully, I could have waited for my father to return home from his business, but in my impatience I found myself here instead.” And had Marietta known she would be forced to talk to someone, she never would have asked one of her male cousins to walk her into the library to begin with. “Nevertheless, I thank you.”
The mind was a curious thing. The world continued on and yet when the mind was focused everything melted away. Marietta blamed this curious mind for making her jump when a voice cut through the silence like a dagger through flesh. It wasn’t her fault her brain chose to narrow Marietta’s view to the area around her. Nor was the blush on her face, one that produced so much heat that she could rival a hearth, her fault as well.
Marietta blinked at the man before her. Two moments passed before her thoughts realigned and she realized who was speaking and what was said. Marietta had seen Master Cicero plenty of times before, namely at court which is usually when she saw most other people. That didn’t really mean much, for Marietta only spoke with pleasantries there. While there she was quiet and polite, careful to listen to gossip without speaking of any herself.
Still, Master Cicero had given an impression that he was clever, if not quiet like Marietta. Though, unlike Marietta his voice projected confidence, a trait she envied in so many people. Being quiet and being shy were two separate things entirely, something too few people understood. Unfortunately for Marietta, she was both.
“Blue diamonds,” Her words flew from her lips before she had the chance to think. Her burning face glowed an even brighter crimson. Marietta dropped her eyes a moment to readjust. “Excuse me, Master Cicero. I was researching blue diamonds. My cousin Vasia recently found one as she was exploring her home. I was curious to find its origins. Unfortunately, I’ve had no luck thus far. All that I’ve read is trivial at best and useless at worse.”
Marietta’s grey orbs flickered back to the Master Informer. He was a handsome man, that Marietta had no doubt. He would be the type of man Marietta would stare at from afar should she have no shame. He was also a man that projected an aura of intimidation. That observation, once again, didn’t mean much to Marietta. Any person of any sort of importance that Marietta did not know well gave off that aura. It was one of the reasons Marietta hated going to court. It was filled with important people that she only exchanged polite words who’s mere presence amplified the innate anxiety within Marietta.
“Oh, but you mustn’t put yourself out to assist me, Master Cicero.” Now that Marietta was calming, the mask was starting to slip on. Finally the heat was dying down back to a normal temperature, and Marietta could dawn the lady-like elegant facade she was so used to wearing. “I am sure you are here for matters of greater importance than that of my silly quest to find the origins of this diamond. Truthfully, I could have waited for my father to return home from his business, but in my impatience I found myself here instead.” And had Marietta known she would be forced to talk to someone, she never would have asked one of her male cousins to walk her into the library to begin with. “Nevertheless, I thank you.”
Whatever answer Cicero had been expecting to fall from the young girl’s lips, ‘Blue Diamonds’ had not been it, and it was only the many years of practice under his belt that kept his surprise from his face. Indeed the only reaction was the slightest lift of his left brow as he looked down at her.
Well wasn’t that interesting. Ignoring the girl’s furious blush, Cicero merely waited for her to expand upon her answer, which she did with no further prompting. Conveniently.
“Your cousin found one? How unusual. I assume they are rather unusual.” And then seeming to entirely ignore her protests towards him assisting her, the man moved away down the stacks, reached up to one of the higher shelves and picked out a scroll before returning and offering it out to the Antonis girl with a cool smile. “You may find something of interest in there. Though you are likely to get the best appraisal and information from a jeweler directly of course.”
And then he canted his head to the side. “And don't be ridiculous. A search for information is exactly what I excel in. A fraction of my time equates to a day of fruitless searching for you. You are welcome”
That he now had reason to follow up on how Marietta’s little information quest concluded was a pleasing resolution for Cicero, and he considered for a moment if he could indeed be bothered to engage further with the girl as had been his intent, or if perhaps the revelation about the diamond might be enough for this day.
As far as girls of her age were, Marietta of Antonis seemed on the more palatable end of the giggling scale, and Cicero could not entirely help the sudden interest he had developed in Elias of Stravos, so after a moment’s more deliberation, he followed Marietta back over to the table where she had been completing her search about the blue diamond. Passing a dismissive eye over the scrolls she had picked out thus far, Cicero plonked himself down and prodded at one with his finger.
“So tell me about it then, this jewel? Quite the find. And you don’t know its origins?”
He would ease into Elias later, for now, there was a topic she had introduced and he could let her become comfortable - as comfortable as anyone ever was talking to him- before he casually began to steer their conversation in a direction of his choosing. Anything further she happened to reveal about the gem in the meantime? Well, that was just a bonus.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Whatever answer Cicero had been expecting to fall from the young girl’s lips, ‘Blue Diamonds’ had not been it, and it was only the many years of practice under his belt that kept his surprise from his face. Indeed the only reaction was the slightest lift of his left brow as he looked down at her.
Well wasn’t that interesting. Ignoring the girl’s furious blush, Cicero merely waited for her to expand upon her answer, which she did with no further prompting. Conveniently.
“Your cousin found one? How unusual. I assume they are rather unusual.” And then seeming to entirely ignore her protests towards him assisting her, the man moved away down the stacks, reached up to one of the higher shelves and picked out a scroll before returning and offering it out to the Antonis girl with a cool smile. “You may find something of interest in there. Though you are likely to get the best appraisal and information from a jeweler directly of course.”
And then he canted his head to the side. “And don't be ridiculous. A search for information is exactly what I excel in. A fraction of my time equates to a day of fruitless searching for you. You are welcome”
That he now had reason to follow up on how Marietta’s little information quest concluded was a pleasing resolution for Cicero, and he considered for a moment if he could indeed be bothered to engage further with the girl as had been his intent, or if perhaps the revelation about the diamond might be enough for this day.
As far as girls of her age were, Marietta of Antonis seemed on the more palatable end of the giggling scale, and Cicero could not entirely help the sudden interest he had developed in Elias of Stravos, so after a moment’s more deliberation, he followed Marietta back over to the table where she had been completing her search about the blue diamond. Passing a dismissive eye over the scrolls she had picked out thus far, Cicero plonked himself down and prodded at one with his finger.
“So tell me about it then, this jewel? Quite the find. And you don’t know its origins?”
He would ease into Elias later, for now, there was a topic she had introduced and he could let her become comfortable - as comfortable as anyone ever was talking to him- before he casually began to steer their conversation in a direction of his choosing. Anything further she happened to reveal about the gem in the meantime? Well, that was just a bonus.
Whatever answer Cicero had been expecting to fall from the young girl’s lips, ‘Blue Diamonds’ had not been it, and it was only the many years of practice under his belt that kept his surprise from his face. Indeed the only reaction was the slightest lift of his left brow as he looked down at her.
Well wasn’t that interesting. Ignoring the girl’s furious blush, Cicero merely waited for her to expand upon her answer, which she did with no further prompting. Conveniently.
“Your cousin found one? How unusual. I assume they are rather unusual.” And then seeming to entirely ignore her protests towards him assisting her, the man moved away down the stacks, reached up to one of the higher shelves and picked out a scroll before returning and offering it out to the Antonis girl with a cool smile. “You may find something of interest in there. Though you are likely to get the best appraisal and information from a jeweler directly of course.”
And then he canted his head to the side. “And don't be ridiculous. A search for information is exactly what I excel in. A fraction of my time equates to a day of fruitless searching for you. You are welcome”
That he now had reason to follow up on how Marietta’s little information quest concluded was a pleasing resolution for Cicero, and he considered for a moment if he could indeed be bothered to engage further with the girl as had been his intent, or if perhaps the revelation about the diamond might be enough for this day.
As far as girls of her age were, Marietta of Antonis seemed on the more palatable end of the giggling scale, and Cicero could not entirely help the sudden interest he had developed in Elias of Stravos, so after a moment’s more deliberation, he followed Marietta back over to the table where she had been completing her search about the blue diamond. Passing a dismissive eye over the scrolls she had picked out thus far, Cicero plonked himself down and prodded at one with his finger.
“So tell me about it then, this jewel? Quite the find. And you don’t know its origins?”
He would ease into Elias later, for now, there was a topic she had introduced and he could let her become comfortable - as comfortable as anyone ever was talking to him- before he casually began to steer their conversation in a direction of his choosing. Anything further she happened to reveal about the gem in the meantime? Well, that was just a bonus.
Marietta’s eyes lit up like a child being given a sweet when Master Cicero had handed her the scroll. Could this be what she was looking for? Never mind that the whole point of her coming here was so that she didn’t ask for help and found things out by herself. That aspiration went out the window when the young woman found out how truly difficult it would be to do on her own. Marietta was not one that would shy away from work or a challenge, but she also didn’t mind when that challenge was made much easier.
A quick cursory glance told her this scroll would be invaluable to her search to find all that she could on blue diamonds. Lips curled into a brilliant innocent smile. Those same lit eyes snapped up to the man before her. “Thank you, this will do wonders for my research!”
Now it was Marietta’s turn to tilt her head. It was quite a shock to see a diamond of that size and color in her cousin’s hand. Marietta’s excitable, creative mind could not help but be drawn into the allure and mystery of said diamond. Truth be told, the conversation she had with her cousin went mostly unnoticed by Marietta as she just stared transfixed. Her mind raced through so many theories. It was a treasure from ancient times! A gift given from lands afar! Maybe her father had some sinister secret hidden among the shadows. The latter seemed the least likely, but oh the story that would be behind that secret would almost be worth it!
“Oh yes, it was strange indeed!” Marietta nodded her head. “It was about this large,” Marietta held her fingers apart roughly the size of the diamond. “Imagine walking around your home and seeing your cousin with that. And it was such a vivid blue.” Few things got Marietta more excited than beauty, and this diamond was among the most gorgeous, most fantastical items Marietta has ever been blessed to see. “A blue so dazzling that it rivals that of Poseidon’s oceans. And the depth the diamond had, my gods.” Marietta continued to gush. “The artistry of its cuts you would have to see to believe. The sharp edges and angels are made at the perfect ratio so that it gives off such a powerful presence, and yet it still remains comforting to one’s aesthetic vision. Even a mathematician could find the beauty in such a gem.”
Suddenly Marietta stopped. Had she been gushing? The young girl never talked, but should it be about art she could rattle on with no end in sight. “Oh, I apologize Master Cicero. I forget myself at times. Do forgive my impoliteness. I am sure you did not assist me just to hear me babble on about the artistry of the diamond.” Marietta would scold herself about this later. She was typically so careful about what she said. She thought before speaking always, triple checking that her words were right for the given situation. Too few people actually listen to Marietta when she speaks of beauty, though, and when given the opportunity to broach this subject, Marietta would run with it.
She bit her lip and reconsidered the rest of Master Cicero’s words. “No, I don’t know the origins. The mystery behind it is part of it’s charm, it’s allure, in my opinion. The problem is that I’m too terribly curious. Some may argue that may be my worst quality. I enjoy knowing things, even things that are… best left unsaid.”
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Marietta’s eyes lit up like a child being given a sweet when Master Cicero had handed her the scroll. Could this be what she was looking for? Never mind that the whole point of her coming here was so that she didn’t ask for help and found things out by herself. That aspiration went out the window when the young woman found out how truly difficult it would be to do on her own. Marietta was not one that would shy away from work or a challenge, but she also didn’t mind when that challenge was made much easier.
A quick cursory glance told her this scroll would be invaluable to her search to find all that she could on blue diamonds. Lips curled into a brilliant innocent smile. Those same lit eyes snapped up to the man before her. “Thank you, this will do wonders for my research!”
Now it was Marietta’s turn to tilt her head. It was quite a shock to see a diamond of that size and color in her cousin’s hand. Marietta’s excitable, creative mind could not help but be drawn into the allure and mystery of said diamond. Truth be told, the conversation she had with her cousin went mostly unnoticed by Marietta as she just stared transfixed. Her mind raced through so many theories. It was a treasure from ancient times! A gift given from lands afar! Maybe her father had some sinister secret hidden among the shadows. The latter seemed the least likely, but oh the story that would be behind that secret would almost be worth it!
“Oh yes, it was strange indeed!” Marietta nodded her head. “It was about this large,” Marietta held her fingers apart roughly the size of the diamond. “Imagine walking around your home and seeing your cousin with that. And it was such a vivid blue.” Few things got Marietta more excited than beauty, and this diamond was among the most gorgeous, most fantastical items Marietta has ever been blessed to see. “A blue so dazzling that it rivals that of Poseidon’s oceans. And the depth the diamond had, my gods.” Marietta continued to gush. “The artistry of its cuts you would have to see to believe. The sharp edges and angels are made at the perfect ratio so that it gives off such a powerful presence, and yet it still remains comforting to one’s aesthetic vision. Even a mathematician could find the beauty in such a gem.”
Suddenly Marietta stopped. Had she been gushing? The young girl never talked, but should it be about art she could rattle on with no end in sight. “Oh, I apologize Master Cicero. I forget myself at times. Do forgive my impoliteness. I am sure you did not assist me just to hear me babble on about the artistry of the diamond.” Marietta would scold herself about this later. She was typically so careful about what she said. She thought before speaking always, triple checking that her words were right for the given situation. Too few people actually listen to Marietta when she speaks of beauty, though, and when given the opportunity to broach this subject, Marietta would run with it.
She bit her lip and reconsidered the rest of Master Cicero’s words. “No, I don’t know the origins. The mystery behind it is part of it’s charm, it’s allure, in my opinion. The problem is that I’m too terribly curious. Some may argue that may be my worst quality. I enjoy knowing things, even things that are… best left unsaid.”
Marietta’s eyes lit up like a child being given a sweet when Master Cicero had handed her the scroll. Could this be what she was looking for? Never mind that the whole point of her coming here was so that she didn’t ask for help and found things out by herself. That aspiration went out the window when the young woman found out how truly difficult it would be to do on her own. Marietta was not one that would shy away from work or a challenge, but she also didn’t mind when that challenge was made much easier.
A quick cursory glance told her this scroll would be invaluable to her search to find all that she could on blue diamonds. Lips curled into a brilliant innocent smile. Those same lit eyes snapped up to the man before her. “Thank you, this will do wonders for my research!”
Now it was Marietta’s turn to tilt her head. It was quite a shock to see a diamond of that size and color in her cousin’s hand. Marietta’s excitable, creative mind could not help but be drawn into the allure and mystery of said diamond. Truth be told, the conversation she had with her cousin went mostly unnoticed by Marietta as she just stared transfixed. Her mind raced through so many theories. It was a treasure from ancient times! A gift given from lands afar! Maybe her father had some sinister secret hidden among the shadows. The latter seemed the least likely, but oh the story that would be behind that secret would almost be worth it!
“Oh yes, it was strange indeed!” Marietta nodded her head. “It was about this large,” Marietta held her fingers apart roughly the size of the diamond. “Imagine walking around your home and seeing your cousin with that. And it was such a vivid blue.” Few things got Marietta more excited than beauty, and this diamond was among the most gorgeous, most fantastical items Marietta has ever been blessed to see. “A blue so dazzling that it rivals that of Poseidon’s oceans. And the depth the diamond had, my gods.” Marietta continued to gush. “The artistry of its cuts you would have to see to believe. The sharp edges and angels are made at the perfect ratio so that it gives off such a powerful presence, and yet it still remains comforting to one’s aesthetic vision. Even a mathematician could find the beauty in such a gem.”
Suddenly Marietta stopped. Had she been gushing? The young girl never talked, but should it be about art she could rattle on with no end in sight. “Oh, I apologize Master Cicero. I forget myself at times. Do forgive my impoliteness. I am sure you did not assist me just to hear me babble on about the artistry of the diamond.” Marietta would scold herself about this later. She was typically so careful about what she said. She thought before speaking always, triple checking that her words were right for the given situation. Too few people actually listen to Marietta when she speaks of beauty, though, and when given the opportunity to broach this subject, Marietta would run with it.
She bit her lip and reconsidered the rest of Master Cicero’s words. “No, I don’t know the origins. The mystery behind it is part of it’s charm, it’s allure, in my opinion. The problem is that I’m too terribly curious. Some may argue that may be my worst quality. I enjoy knowing things, even things that are… best left unsaid.”
There was nothing more than a disinterested flicker of the man’s eyebrows when Marietta offered her thanks. Cicero was not much concerned with social niceties, and did not like to expand effort on interactions that were not wholly necessary or functional. Acknowledging gratitude seemed to fit under this criteria today.
And the motionless expression remained in place whilst the girl prattled on about the diamond, the master informer not showing the slightest hint of interest even as he made meticulous note of all that the girl revealed. His own findings on the deeds that Elysia had mistakenly picked up had been remarkably unsatisfactory thus far, and it was rather irksome that the first breakthrough fell from the lips of this child. Nevertheless it was interesting to know who held the stone in their possession, and more interesting still that they did not seem to know of it’s history either.
He picked idly at a fingernail until there was a break in the girl’s incessant chatter, at which point he glanced up and realised he probably should have been being more responsive. It was a thing his wife preached at him endlessly, appear more engaged, dont be rude. For a moment, a slightly forced, stiff smile appeared upon his face. It did not look as if it quite belonged.
“Ah, no. It’s me, I was just thinking. Sometimes my mind is so busy I forget what my face is doing”
Oh how he loathed this part of his job.The smalltalk.Life would be that much easier if people didn’t live by such petty rules of engagement.
“Anyway, it sounds like quite the trinket your cousin has found. I hope you can find out a little more about it.”
Artistry. Oh yes because she was the creative one of the Antonis brood, how could he forget. One of the elder siblings, quiet. Hadn’t done much to bring herself to his attention, which was mostly a good thing. Until now of course. And even then it was a matter of an association that he wanted to exploit.
Cicero sat forward and rested his elbows upon the table’s surface, steepled his fingers beneath his chin.
“But pray tell me how things are with you Lady Marietta. How keep your family in these trying times we find ourselves in?”
The Antonis Manor, he knew, had been one of those sacked in the uprising, and though he had not heard mention of Lady Marietta’s name amongst those who had been present, such a thing tended to leave an impression. And of course the Stravos had been the other house badly affected which could make for a useful little segue if so required.
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There was nothing more than a disinterested flicker of the man’s eyebrows when Marietta offered her thanks. Cicero was not much concerned with social niceties, and did not like to expand effort on interactions that were not wholly necessary or functional. Acknowledging gratitude seemed to fit under this criteria today.
And the motionless expression remained in place whilst the girl prattled on about the diamond, the master informer not showing the slightest hint of interest even as he made meticulous note of all that the girl revealed. His own findings on the deeds that Elysia had mistakenly picked up had been remarkably unsatisfactory thus far, and it was rather irksome that the first breakthrough fell from the lips of this child. Nevertheless it was interesting to know who held the stone in their possession, and more interesting still that they did not seem to know of it’s history either.
He picked idly at a fingernail until there was a break in the girl’s incessant chatter, at which point he glanced up and realised he probably should have been being more responsive. It was a thing his wife preached at him endlessly, appear more engaged, dont be rude. For a moment, a slightly forced, stiff smile appeared upon his face. It did not look as if it quite belonged.
“Ah, no. It’s me, I was just thinking. Sometimes my mind is so busy I forget what my face is doing”
Oh how he loathed this part of his job.The smalltalk.Life would be that much easier if people didn’t live by such petty rules of engagement.
“Anyway, it sounds like quite the trinket your cousin has found. I hope you can find out a little more about it.”
Artistry. Oh yes because she was the creative one of the Antonis brood, how could he forget. One of the elder siblings, quiet. Hadn’t done much to bring herself to his attention, which was mostly a good thing. Until now of course. And even then it was a matter of an association that he wanted to exploit.
Cicero sat forward and rested his elbows upon the table’s surface, steepled his fingers beneath his chin.
“But pray tell me how things are with you Lady Marietta. How keep your family in these trying times we find ourselves in?”
The Antonis Manor, he knew, had been one of those sacked in the uprising, and though he had not heard mention of Lady Marietta’s name amongst those who had been present, such a thing tended to leave an impression. And of course the Stravos had been the other house badly affected which could make for a useful little segue if so required.
There was nothing more than a disinterested flicker of the man’s eyebrows when Marietta offered her thanks. Cicero was not much concerned with social niceties, and did not like to expand effort on interactions that were not wholly necessary or functional. Acknowledging gratitude seemed to fit under this criteria today.
And the motionless expression remained in place whilst the girl prattled on about the diamond, the master informer not showing the slightest hint of interest even as he made meticulous note of all that the girl revealed. His own findings on the deeds that Elysia had mistakenly picked up had been remarkably unsatisfactory thus far, and it was rather irksome that the first breakthrough fell from the lips of this child. Nevertheless it was interesting to know who held the stone in their possession, and more interesting still that they did not seem to know of it’s history either.
He picked idly at a fingernail until there was a break in the girl’s incessant chatter, at which point he glanced up and realised he probably should have been being more responsive. It was a thing his wife preached at him endlessly, appear more engaged, dont be rude. For a moment, a slightly forced, stiff smile appeared upon his face. It did not look as if it quite belonged.
“Ah, no. It’s me, I was just thinking. Sometimes my mind is so busy I forget what my face is doing”
Oh how he loathed this part of his job.The smalltalk.Life would be that much easier if people didn’t live by such petty rules of engagement.
“Anyway, it sounds like quite the trinket your cousin has found. I hope you can find out a little more about it.”
Artistry. Oh yes because she was the creative one of the Antonis brood, how could he forget. One of the elder siblings, quiet. Hadn’t done much to bring herself to his attention, which was mostly a good thing. Until now of course. And even then it was a matter of an association that he wanted to exploit.
Cicero sat forward and rested his elbows upon the table’s surface, steepled his fingers beneath his chin.
“But pray tell me how things are with you Lady Marietta. How keep your family in these trying times we find ourselves in?”
The Antonis Manor, he knew, had been one of those sacked in the uprising, and though he had not heard mention of Lady Marietta’s name amongst those who had been present, such a thing tended to leave an impression. And of course the Stravos had been the other house badly affected which could make for a useful little segue if so required.
It took all of her willpower not to wrinkle her nose at the change of conversation. Marietta loathed to think of the current issues that were plaguing the kingdom. She enjoyed seeing the good that existed, smiling faces and pretty colors. Marietta lusted for experiences, but to truly be a part of them was something different entirely. The split between those blessed by the gods with money and status, and those who simply live with barely a coin to their name, was becoming more and more apparent. Marietta, who knew little of politics and less of commoners, found herself confused and sometimes scared of the events yet to come.
The time the Antonis manor was sacked was certainly a terrifying one. Should it not had been for Hebe’s quick thinking and generous heart, it could have certainly ended in a more bloody fashion. And yet, Marietta still had many opinions of that day. She should have spoken then while in the upstairs solars. She listened to her sisters’ conversation, one telling them to flee, their parents' ideas before Hebe had her thought. The entire time, Marietta was thinking and yet that entire time not a single word left her lips.
The idea Hebe gave worked, and people left peacefully. But Marietta saw it as a mere covering of a gaping wound society had. What happens if the shortages continue? Would they do the same, expecting the Antonis family to empty their stores again? Would more come? Marietta was a kind person who cared about all people, rich or poor, but she was no fool. The Antonis were fortunate and blessed enough to have more than enough to live a lavish and luxurious lifestyle. But they did not have the means to support all who may require it. It simply was not feasible. Hebe’s kind idea, and it was truly kind, could come around to bite their family should fortune turn against them. Should you leave a fish for a stray to eat, how many more strays would come the next evening? Or even worse, what other animals might you see with it?
But what did Marietta know? Certainly not politics, nor the mind of commoners.
And Marietta, no matter what, would never contradict her family. What she valued so much in this world was loyalty. Marietta would rather lie on a bed of swords than show disloyalty to her family. So while her genuine smile flickered, instead being replaced with that of pure political politeness, Marietta refused to voice her thoughts. Instead she took her time, as she typically did, picking every word out as carefully and meticulously as she could.
“My family is doing quite well right now.” Marietta’s voice was soft. Her lips pursed as she considered her next sentence. “We were quite fortunate the night the people rose. My father has since been busy in many manners I’m not privy to.”
Marietta felt a little more on guard now. It wasn’t necessarily that she suspected Master Cicero had ulterior motives. Quite the contrary, in fact. Marietta trusted people to a fault. Maybe not groups of people, and maybe not commoners (barring a few exceptions), but typically Marietta was the type to see honesty even when there was none. Yet as Marietta’s thumb rubbed the small scar beside her lip, she could not help but remember the past when careless words slipped from her lips. She lowered her hand again, the polite smile continuing to play on her lips. “I do hope you are remaining safe in these troubled times, Master Cicero.”
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It took all of her willpower not to wrinkle her nose at the change of conversation. Marietta loathed to think of the current issues that were plaguing the kingdom. She enjoyed seeing the good that existed, smiling faces and pretty colors. Marietta lusted for experiences, but to truly be a part of them was something different entirely. The split between those blessed by the gods with money and status, and those who simply live with barely a coin to their name, was becoming more and more apparent. Marietta, who knew little of politics and less of commoners, found herself confused and sometimes scared of the events yet to come.
The time the Antonis manor was sacked was certainly a terrifying one. Should it not had been for Hebe’s quick thinking and generous heart, it could have certainly ended in a more bloody fashion. And yet, Marietta still had many opinions of that day. She should have spoken then while in the upstairs solars. She listened to her sisters’ conversation, one telling them to flee, their parents' ideas before Hebe had her thought. The entire time, Marietta was thinking and yet that entire time not a single word left her lips.
The idea Hebe gave worked, and people left peacefully. But Marietta saw it as a mere covering of a gaping wound society had. What happens if the shortages continue? Would they do the same, expecting the Antonis family to empty their stores again? Would more come? Marietta was a kind person who cared about all people, rich or poor, but she was no fool. The Antonis were fortunate and blessed enough to have more than enough to live a lavish and luxurious lifestyle. But they did not have the means to support all who may require it. It simply was not feasible. Hebe’s kind idea, and it was truly kind, could come around to bite their family should fortune turn against them. Should you leave a fish for a stray to eat, how many more strays would come the next evening? Or even worse, what other animals might you see with it?
But what did Marietta know? Certainly not politics, nor the mind of commoners.
And Marietta, no matter what, would never contradict her family. What she valued so much in this world was loyalty. Marietta would rather lie on a bed of swords than show disloyalty to her family. So while her genuine smile flickered, instead being replaced with that of pure political politeness, Marietta refused to voice her thoughts. Instead she took her time, as she typically did, picking every word out as carefully and meticulously as she could.
“My family is doing quite well right now.” Marietta’s voice was soft. Her lips pursed as she considered her next sentence. “We were quite fortunate the night the people rose. My father has since been busy in many manners I’m not privy to.”
Marietta felt a little more on guard now. It wasn’t necessarily that she suspected Master Cicero had ulterior motives. Quite the contrary, in fact. Marietta trusted people to a fault. Maybe not groups of people, and maybe not commoners (barring a few exceptions), but typically Marietta was the type to see honesty even when there was none. Yet as Marietta’s thumb rubbed the small scar beside her lip, she could not help but remember the past when careless words slipped from her lips. She lowered her hand again, the polite smile continuing to play on her lips. “I do hope you are remaining safe in these troubled times, Master Cicero.”
It took all of her willpower not to wrinkle her nose at the change of conversation. Marietta loathed to think of the current issues that were plaguing the kingdom. She enjoyed seeing the good that existed, smiling faces and pretty colors. Marietta lusted for experiences, but to truly be a part of them was something different entirely. The split between those blessed by the gods with money and status, and those who simply live with barely a coin to their name, was becoming more and more apparent. Marietta, who knew little of politics and less of commoners, found herself confused and sometimes scared of the events yet to come.
The time the Antonis manor was sacked was certainly a terrifying one. Should it not had been for Hebe’s quick thinking and generous heart, it could have certainly ended in a more bloody fashion. And yet, Marietta still had many opinions of that day. She should have spoken then while in the upstairs solars. She listened to her sisters’ conversation, one telling them to flee, their parents' ideas before Hebe had her thought. The entire time, Marietta was thinking and yet that entire time not a single word left her lips.
The idea Hebe gave worked, and people left peacefully. But Marietta saw it as a mere covering of a gaping wound society had. What happens if the shortages continue? Would they do the same, expecting the Antonis family to empty their stores again? Would more come? Marietta was a kind person who cared about all people, rich or poor, but she was no fool. The Antonis were fortunate and blessed enough to have more than enough to live a lavish and luxurious lifestyle. But they did not have the means to support all who may require it. It simply was not feasible. Hebe’s kind idea, and it was truly kind, could come around to bite their family should fortune turn against them. Should you leave a fish for a stray to eat, how many more strays would come the next evening? Or even worse, what other animals might you see with it?
But what did Marietta know? Certainly not politics, nor the mind of commoners.
And Marietta, no matter what, would never contradict her family. What she valued so much in this world was loyalty. Marietta would rather lie on a bed of swords than show disloyalty to her family. So while her genuine smile flickered, instead being replaced with that of pure political politeness, Marietta refused to voice her thoughts. Instead she took her time, as she typically did, picking every word out as carefully and meticulously as she could.
“My family is doing quite well right now.” Marietta’s voice was soft. Her lips pursed as she considered her next sentence. “We were quite fortunate the night the people rose. My father has since been busy in many manners I’m not privy to.”
Marietta felt a little more on guard now. It wasn’t necessarily that she suspected Master Cicero had ulterior motives. Quite the contrary, in fact. Marietta trusted people to a fault. Maybe not groups of people, and maybe not commoners (barring a few exceptions), but typically Marietta was the type to see honesty even when there was none. Yet as Marietta’s thumb rubbed the small scar beside her lip, she could not help but remember the past when careless words slipped from her lips. She lowered her hand again, the polite smile continuing to play on her lips. “I do hope you are remaining safe in these troubled times, Master Cicero.”
A master of observation, Cicero might ask what seemed the most bland and insipid of questions,nothing that would make a person feel uncomfortable. Yet sometimes, there was more to be learnt from those little unguarded responses than there would be in anything where the subject was already on edge. For his part, the man maintained the impassive expression that gave no sign as to just how much notice he paid to the little tells that the Antonis girl displayed, but he made note of that dimming smile, of the pause that indicated just how carefully she was constructing her answers. He could appreciate that.
“Naturally” he answered, in understanding that she would necessarily be privy to all the business her father had to address at such a time. It amused him that she seemed to be ring fencing the subject, and he decided he would let it drop. He had no reason to press her on such a matter. With a sharp lift of his brows, the master informer made a non-committal sound in his throat, idly turning over one of the scrlls the girl had selected in his quick, agile hands.
“As safe as a man in my position can ever be, Lady Marietta” Because indeed, it did not need to be said that his position was only as safe and secure as the throne itself was. And that was hardly a thing that could be boasted of in current times. Cicero found himself walking a fine line, one that could trip him all too easily should he not be seen to demonstrate loyalty to the right people at precisely the right moment. “We must all do as we are able to prop up the crown in such times. It speaks well that you and your sisters have been such good friends to our Lord Elias throughout all of this. A young man in his position needs those he trusts around him when he is stepping up at such a critical time”
Like breadcrumbs, he scattered elements of what he knew, a trail for the girl to follow if she was going to be amenable to his desires, which he hoped she was. He wondered how much the girl before him knew of her sister’s relations with the man, and how comfortable she was with such a thing. If it were to get out, it could be ruinous to the young woman’s prospects. But that was an intricacy to the situation that he made no show toward knowing, nothing beyond the simple inclusion of’your sisters’ in his very gentle wording. Let Lady Marietta make what she would of that, he would be watching.
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A master of observation, Cicero might ask what seemed the most bland and insipid of questions,nothing that would make a person feel uncomfortable. Yet sometimes, there was more to be learnt from those little unguarded responses than there would be in anything where the subject was already on edge. For his part, the man maintained the impassive expression that gave no sign as to just how much notice he paid to the little tells that the Antonis girl displayed, but he made note of that dimming smile, of the pause that indicated just how carefully she was constructing her answers. He could appreciate that.
“Naturally” he answered, in understanding that she would necessarily be privy to all the business her father had to address at such a time. It amused him that she seemed to be ring fencing the subject, and he decided he would let it drop. He had no reason to press her on such a matter. With a sharp lift of his brows, the master informer made a non-committal sound in his throat, idly turning over one of the scrlls the girl had selected in his quick, agile hands.
“As safe as a man in my position can ever be, Lady Marietta” Because indeed, it did not need to be said that his position was only as safe and secure as the throne itself was. And that was hardly a thing that could be boasted of in current times. Cicero found himself walking a fine line, one that could trip him all too easily should he not be seen to demonstrate loyalty to the right people at precisely the right moment. “We must all do as we are able to prop up the crown in such times. It speaks well that you and your sisters have been such good friends to our Lord Elias throughout all of this. A young man in his position needs those he trusts around him when he is stepping up at such a critical time”
Like breadcrumbs, he scattered elements of what he knew, a trail for the girl to follow if she was going to be amenable to his desires, which he hoped she was. He wondered how much the girl before him knew of her sister’s relations with the man, and how comfortable she was with such a thing. If it were to get out, it could be ruinous to the young woman’s prospects. But that was an intricacy to the situation that he made no show toward knowing, nothing beyond the simple inclusion of’your sisters’ in his very gentle wording. Let Lady Marietta make what she would of that, he would be watching.
A master of observation, Cicero might ask what seemed the most bland and insipid of questions,nothing that would make a person feel uncomfortable. Yet sometimes, there was more to be learnt from those little unguarded responses than there would be in anything where the subject was already on edge. For his part, the man maintained the impassive expression that gave no sign as to just how much notice he paid to the little tells that the Antonis girl displayed, but he made note of that dimming smile, of the pause that indicated just how carefully she was constructing her answers. He could appreciate that.
“Naturally” he answered, in understanding that she would necessarily be privy to all the business her father had to address at such a time. It amused him that she seemed to be ring fencing the subject, and he decided he would let it drop. He had no reason to press her on such a matter. With a sharp lift of his brows, the master informer made a non-committal sound in his throat, idly turning over one of the scrlls the girl had selected in his quick, agile hands.
“As safe as a man in my position can ever be, Lady Marietta” Because indeed, it did not need to be said that his position was only as safe and secure as the throne itself was. And that was hardly a thing that could be boasted of in current times. Cicero found himself walking a fine line, one that could trip him all too easily should he not be seen to demonstrate loyalty to the right people at precisely the right moment. “We must all do as we are able to prop up the crown in such times. It speaks well that you and your sisters have been such good friends to our Lord Elias throughout all of this. A young man in his position needs those he trusts around him when he is stepping up at such a critical time”
Like breadcrumbs, he scattered elements of what he knew, a trail for the girl to follow if she was going to be amenable to his desires, which he hoped she was. He wondered how much the girl before him knew of her sister’s relations with the man, and how comfortable she was with such a thing. If it were to get out, it could be ruinous to the young woman’s prospects. But that was an intricacy to the situation that he made no show toward knowing, nothing beyond the simple inclusion of’your sisters’ in his very gentle wording. Let Lady Marietta make what she would of that, he would be watching.
Oh how Marietta loathed speaking about Elias. It was her least favorite subject. She treaded on dangerous waters whenever broaching the subject of her friend. Marietta had lost control of her tongue once in all their years, and the price of friendship was paid for far longer than she had liked. And, as was typical when Marietta even subconsciously thought of that day, her thumb brushed against the scar on her lip. But this was simply idle conversation, and she should steer the subject away from Lord Elias lest she forgets her words once more to someone she barely knows.
“You are right, Master Cicero, we must do all that we are able to prop the crown. Lord Elias knows that there is safety in our fifteen years of friendship should he ever require my ear or thoughts. But I feel that it is Hebe that is doing the most for the crown right now. Her relationship with the Princess must be a source of comfort for her during these dark times. My heart breaks imagining what she must be going through,” Marietta’s hand fluttered to her heart for a moment before dropping at her side.
Teeth grazed her bottom lip as she chewed her lip in thought. If memory served correctly, this was the longest conversation Marietta had with Master Cicero. That in itself was not necessarily surprising. She was a woman who would rather watch from the background than get involved directly. Words were difficult, and conversations stressful. But she still learned even though she never spoke, and gained opinions by the actions of other people. Master Cicero, however, was never someone that caught the eye of Marietta. He was merely… there. While the other lords and ladies stole the show, Master Cicero observed from the stands out of mind’s view. He was a man that garnered no opinion from Marietta, positive or negative. And that was for Marietta, who so hated any sort of social interaction, very interesting indeed.
“I beg your pardon, Master Cicero, but it occurs to me as we are speaking that you have found me at a disadvantage. I know that you are a father, yes? And you have a lovely wife. But beyond that you are a man of mystery.” Marietta’s head tilted to one side as she returned the scrutinizing gaze of the man before her, although her’s surely had much less practice. For now, the diamond was forgotten as a new trial presented herself. A deeper understanding of a man shrouded by shadow would suffice as a new intellectual challenge. The diamond, while beautiful, would most likely provide no inspiration for her art once all information about it is found. But even a cursory glance into a mind Marietta knows nothing of? That could provide a bevy of possibilities, each more beautiful and complex than the next, to serve as her muse for works to come. And, best of all, should the conversation steer away from Elias then this day could be called a success.
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Oh how Marietta loathed speaking about Elias. It was her least favorite subject. She treaded on dangerous waters whenever broaching the subject of her friend. Marietta had lost control of her tongue once in all their years, and the price of friendship was paid for far longer than she had liked. And, as was typical when Marietta even subconsciously thought of that day, her thumb brushed against the scar on her lip. But this was simply idle conversation, and she should steer the subject away from Lord Elias lest she forgets her words once more to someone she barely knows.
“You are right, Master Cicero, we must do all that we are able to prop the crown. Lord Elias knows that there is safety in our fifteen years of friendship should he ever require my ear or thoughts. But I feel that it is Hebe that is doing the most for the crown right now. Her relationship with the Princess must be a source of comfort for her during these dark times. My heart breaks imagining what she must be going through,” Marietta’s hand fluttered to her heart for a moment before dropping at her side.
Teeth grazed her bottom lip as she chewed her lip in thought. If memory served correctly, this was the longest conversation Marietta had with Master Cicero. That in itself was not necessarily surprising. She was a woman who would rather watch from the background than get involved directly. Words were difficult, and conversations stressful. But she still learned even though she never spoke, and gained opinions by the actions of other people. Master Cicero, however, was never someone that caught the eye of Marietta. He was merely… there. While the other lords and ladies stole the show, Master Cicero observed from the stands out of mind’s view. He was a man that garnered no opinion from Marietta, positive or negative. And that was for Marietta, who so hated any sort of social interaction, very interesting indeed.
“I beg your pardon, Master Cicero, but it occurs to me as we are speaking that you have found me at a disadvantage. I know that you are a father, yes? And you have a lovely wife. But beyond that you are a man of mystery.” Marietta’s head tilted to one side as she returned the scrutinizing gaze of the man before her, although her’s surely had much less practice. For now, the diamond was forgotten as a new trial presented herself. A deeper understanding of a man shrouded by shadow would suffice as a new intellectual challenge. The diamond, while beautiful, would most likely provide no inspiration for her art once all information about it is found. But even a cursory glance into a mind Marietta knows nothing of? That could provide a bevy of possibilities, each more beautiful and complex than the next, to serve as her muse for works to come. And, best of all, should the conversation steer away from Elias then this day could be called a success.
Oh how Marietta loathed speaking about Elias. It was her least favorite subject. She treaded on dangerous waters whenever broaching the subject of her friend. Marietta had lost control of her tongue once in all their years, and the price of friendship was paid for far longer than she had liked. And, as was typical when Marietta even subconsciously thought of that day, her thumb brushed against the scar on her lip. But this was simply idle conversation, and she should steer the subject away from Lord Elias lest she forgets her words once more to someone she barely knows.
“You are right, Master Cicero, we must do all that we are able to prop the crown. Lord Elias knows that there is safety in our fifteen years of friendship should he ever require my ear or thoughts. But I feel that it is Hebe that is doing the most for the crown right now. Her relationship with the Princess must be a source of comfort for her during these dark times. My heart breaks imagining what she must be going through,” Marietta’s hand fluttered to her heart for a moment before dropping at her side.
Teeth grazed her bottom lip as she chewed her lip in thought. If memory served correctly, this was the longest conversation Marietta had with Master Cicero. That in itself was not necessarily surprising. She was a woman who would rather watch from the background than get involved directly. Words were difficult, and conversations stressful. But she still learned even though she never spoke, and gained opinions by the actions of other people. Master Cicero, however, was never someone that caught the eye of Marietta. He was merely… there. While the other lords and ladies stole the show, Master Cicero observed from the stands out of mind’s view. He was a man that garnered no opinion from Marietta, positive or negative. And that was for Marietta, who so hated any sort of social interaction, very interesting indeed.
“I beg your pardon, Master Cicero, but it occurs to me as we are speaking that you have found me at a disadvantage. I know that you are a father, yes? And you have a lovely wife. But beyond that you are a man of mystery.” Marietta’s head tilted to one side as she returned the scrutinizing gaze of the man before her, although her’s surely had much less practice. For now, the diamond was forgotten as a new trial presented herself. A deeper understanding of a man shrouded by shadow would suffice as a new intellectual challenge. The diamond, while beautiful, would most likely provide no inspiration for her art once all information about it is found. But even a cursory glance into a mind Marietta knows nothing of? That could provide a bevy of possibilities, each more beautiful and complex than the next, to serve as her muse for works to come. And, best of all, should the conversation steer away from Elias then this day could be called a success.
That little motion, the quick touch to a silvery scar at her lip, had the Master Informed set his teeth a moment. Safety in 15 years of friendship that did not necessarily extend to anyone other than the Stravos Lord. It was an interesting arrangement, that was for certain. He smiled ever so slightly at the girl’s attempts to divert conversation away from Elias, and nodded his agreement at her words.
“Oh of course. The Princess Emilia is blessed to have people rallying around her in this time” Not least of all the Stravos’, who seemed reluctant to step away from the girl’s side for even a moment. Cicero made note of the youngest Antonis’ girl’s involvement: he would make mention of it to Elysia to see how close she was to Emilia and if such a connection was worthy of future consideration “If you or your younger sister can be of comfort to her then that is well. I do believe Lord Elias himself has taken it upon himself to be something of a saviour for her also, which is a grand gesture given I don’t believe they were close before?”
He didn’t look at her, just made the observation and picked idly at a hangnail and waited to see if young Marietta had anything else of interest to add to their little conversation. What he had not counted on however, was for the child to turn her own questions upon him, and Cicero could not say he altogether liked it.
“It is the nature of my job I’m afraid, Lady Marietta, to leave others at a disadvantage. Do not take it to heart” Indeed, for one who made it his business to know everyone else’s business, Cicero was not a lover of sharing his own. The Master of Secrets did not offer up discussion around his personal life - in fact he did not lean towards offering up discussion at all unless it benefitted him - and his pale blue gaze rested ever so briefly on the face of the Antonis girl before he waved a hand. “There is little else pertinent to you, my Lady. And I assure you nothing even half as interesting as what people manage to come up with on their own. So rest in peace knowing that whatever you’ve heard , the truth is much less exciting.”
Certainly less so than the things he sewed deliberately to keep them guessing. It was something of an entertainment to him, and also a good test of where information leaks where springing from. If he knew where he’d planted his little seeds, then it was easy to see where things sprouted.
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That little motion, the quick touch to a silvery scar at her lip, had the Master Informed set his teeth a moment. Safety in 15 years of friendship that did not necessarily extend to anyone other than the Stravos Lord. It was an interesting arrangement, that was for certain. He smiled ever so slightly at the girl’s attempts to divert conversation away from Elias, and nodded his agreement at her words.
“Oh of course. The Princess Emilia is blessed to have people rallying around her in this time” Not least of all the Stravos’, who seemed reluctant to step away from the girl’s side for even a moment. Cicero made note of the youngest Antonis’ girl’s involvement: he would make mention of it to Elysia to see how close she was to Emilia and if such a connection was worthy of future consideration “If you or your younger sister can be of comfort to her then that is well. I do believe Lord Elias himself has taken it upon himself to be something of a saviour for her also, which is a grand gesture given I don’t believe they were close before?”
He didn’t look at her, just made the observation and picked idly at a hangnail and waited to see if young Marietta had anything else of interest to add to their little conversation. What he had not counted on however, was for the child to turn her own questions upon him, and Cicero could not say he altogether liked it.
“It is the nature of my job I’m afraid, Lady Marietta, to leave others at a disadvantage. Do not take it to heart” Indeed, for one who made it his business to know everyone else’s business, Cicero was not a lover of sharing his own. The Master of Secrets did not offer up discussion around his personal life - in fact he did not lean towards offering up discussion at all unless it benefitted him - and his pale blue gaze rested ever so briefly on the face of the Antonis girl before he waved a hand. “There is little else pertinent to you, my Lady. And I assure you nothing even half as interesting as what people manage to come up with on their own. So rest in peace knowing that whatever you’ve heard , the truth is much less exciting.”
Certainly less so than the things he sewed deliberately to keep them guessing. It was something of an entertainment to him, and also a good test of where information leaks where springing from. If he knew where he’d planted his little seeds, then it was easy to see where things sprouted.
That little motion, the quick touch to a silvery scar at her lip, had the Master Informed set his teeth a moment. Safety in 15 years of friendship that did not necessarily extend to anyone other than the Stravos Lord. It was an interesting arrangement, that was for certain. He smiled ever so slightly at the girl’s attempts to divert conversation away from Elias, and nodded his agreement at her words.
“Oh of course. The Princess Emilia is blessed to have people rallying around her in this time” Not least of all the Stravos’, who seemed reluctant to step away from the girl’s side for even a moment. Cicero made note of the youngest Antonis’ girl’s involvement: he would make mention of it to Elysia to see how close she was to Emilia and if such a connection was worthy of future consideration “If you or your younger sister can be of comfort to her then that is well. I do believe Lord Elias himself has taken it upon himself to be something of a saviour for her also, which is a grand gesture given I don’t believe they were close before?”
He didn’t look at her, just made the observation and picked idly at a hangnail and waited to see if young Marietta had anything else of interest to add to their little conversation. What he had not counted on however, was for the child to turn her own questions upon him, and Cicero could not say he altogether liked it.
“It is the nature of my job I’m afraid, Lady Marietta, to leave others at a disadvantage. Do not take it to heart” Indeed, for one who made it his business to know everyone else’s business, Cicero was not a lover of sharing his own. The Master of Secrets did not offer up discussion around his personal life - in fact he did not lean towards offering up discussion at all unless it benefitted him - and his pale blue gaze rested ever so briefly on the face of the Antonis girl before he waved a hand. “There is little else pertinent to you, my Lady. And I assure you nothing even half as interesting as what people manage to come up with on their own. So rest in peace knowing that whatever you’ve heard , the truth is much less exciting.”
Certainly less so than the things he sewed deliberately to keep them guessing. It was something of an entertainment to him, and also a good test of where information leaks where springing from. If he knew where he’d planted his little seeds, then it was easy to see where things sprouted.
Twice now the Master Informer had picked at his nail. Marietta could play this game of observation as well; She was an artist with a perceptive eye. The first when she had babbled of the beauty of the diamond. His actions then weren’t anything of note. Marietta was very used to people not truly listening to her, especially when it came to art and beauty. Marietta was boring and her thoughts were never of any real pertinence to the listener.
The second time, however, was followed by his eyes lifting to her face however brief it was before he had waved his hand. Unlike the Master Informer, Marietta could make note of these small movements but not the meaning behind them. She did not know enough to determine if this was because of annoyance or politeness. She only knew that in turning the conversation towards him she had recaptured his attention, something that was so rare for the shy girl to ever have, and something surely she should press harder on.
Is this why people enjoy conversation? She asked herself. This is… fascinating. Even when Marietta spoke to her family or her friends, there was a tinge of anxiety. But Cicero was like a logic puzzle she was presented with in her childhood. He was slightly rude, but not outwardly rude. He avoided her question when it was about him, but that shouldn’t have been unexpected right? After all, as he said, it is the nature of his job.
“You do realize who you speak of, do you not? Lord Elias and grand gestures are one and the same. From his acting in his childhood to now, Eli is a master of capturing the attention of his audience. There is no role too small for Eli as he truly knows how to make it his own. And it seems that he has succeeded in integrating himself into his new position, helping support and steady the Princess as she regains her footing, no?” Marietta tilted her head.
But once again, she wanted to stray from talk of Elias. This would get her nothing but trouble, and trouble from Elias was something Marietta desperately wanted to avoid. Besides, there was something more interesting to Marietta that, for once, drew her into the conversation. “Oh but every rumor and lie is sprinkled with a little truth, is it not Master Cicero? Otherwise how would it be believable? And, had it not been obvious in our prior conversation, what may be uninteresting to some I can find very interesting. After all, talking about angles of diamonds are not stories people typically write about.” Marietta quirked an eyebrow at the man before her. “I apologize, Master Cicero, but is your nail bothering you? I would be more than happy to ask one of the servants I had brought if they may have something to assist you with it. It is horribly rude of me to allow you to be in discomfort when you had so kindly assisted me in my research and graced me with such interesting conversation.”
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Twice now the Master Informer had picked at his nail. Marietta could play this game of observation as well; She was an artist with a perceptive eye. The first when she had babbled of the beauty of the diamond. His actions then weren’t anything of note. Marietta was very used to people not truly listening to her, especially when it came to art and beauty. Marietta was boring and her thoughts were never of any real pertinence to the listener.
The second time, however, was followed by his eyes lifting to her face however brief it was before he had waved his hand. Unlike the Master Informer, Marietta could make note of these small movements but not the meaning behind them. She did not know enough to determine if this was because of annoyance or politeness. She only knew that in turning the conversation towards him she had recaptured his attention, something that was so rare for the shy girl to ever have, and something surely she should press harder on.
Is this why people enjoy conversation? She asked herself. This is… fascinating. Even when Marietta spoke to her family or her friends, there was a tinge of anxiety. But Cicero was like a logic puzzle she was presented with in her childhood. He was slightly rude, but not outwardly rude. He avoided her question when it was about him, but that shouldn’t have been unexpected right? After all, as he said, it is the nature of his job.
“You do realize who you speak of, do you not? Lord Elias and grand gestures are one and the same. From his acting in his childhood to now, Eli is a master of capturing the attention of his audience. There is no role too small for Eli as he truly knows how to make it his own. And it seems that he has succeeded in integrating himself into his new position, helping support and steady the Princess as she regains her footing, no?” Marietta tilted her head.
But once again, she wanted to stray from talk of Elias. This would get her nothing but trouble, and trouble from Elias was something Marietta desperately wanted to avoid. Besides, there was something more interesting to Marietta that, for once, drew her into the conversation. “Oh but every rumor and lie is sprinkled with a little truth, is it not Master Cicero? Otherwise how would it be believable? And, had it not been obvious in our prior conversation, what may be uninteresting to some I can find very interesting. After all, talking about angles of diamonds are not stories people typically write about.” Marietta quirked an eyebrow at the man before her. “I apologize, Master Cicero, but is your nail bothering you? I would be more than happy to ask one of the servants I had brought if they may have something to assist you with it. It is horribly rude of me to allow you to be in discomfort when you had so kindly assisted me in my research and graced me with such interesting conversation.”
Twice now the Master Informer had picked at his nail. Marietta could play this game of observation as well; She was an artist with a perceptive eye. The first when she had babbled of the beauty of the diamond. His actions then weren’t anything of note. Marietta was very used to people not truly listening to her, especially when it came to art and beauty. Marietta was boring and her thoughts were never of any real pertinence to the listener.
The second time, however, was followed by his eyes lifting to her face however brief it was before he had waved his hand. Unlike the Master Informer, Marietta could make note of these small movements but not the meaning behind them. She did not know enough to determine if this was because of annoyance or politeness. She only knew that in turning the conversation towards him she had recaptured his attention, something that was so rare for the shy girl to ever have, and something surely she should press harder on.
Is this why people enjoy conversation? She asked herself. This is… fascinating. Even when Marietta spoke to her family or her friends, there was a tinge of anxiety. But Cicero was like a logic puzzle she was presented with in her childhood. He was slightly rude, but not outwardly rude. He avoided her question when it was about him, but that shouldn’t have been unexpected right? After all, as he said, it is the nature of his job.
“You do realize who you speak of, do you not? Lord Elias and grand gestures are one and the same. From his acting in his childhood to now, Eli is a master of capturing the attention of his audience. There is no role too small for Eli as he truly knows how to make it his own. And it seems that he has succeeded in integrating himself into his new position, helping support and steady the Princess as she regains her footing, no?” Marietta tilted her head.
But once again, she wanted to stray from talk of Elias. This would get her nothing but trouble, and trouble from Elias was something Marietta desperately wanted to avoid. Besides, there was something more interesting to Marietta that, for once, drew her into the conversation. “Oh but every rumor and lie is sprinkled with a little truth, is it not Master Cicero? Otherwise how would it be believable? And, had it not been obvious in our prior conversation, what may be uninteresting to some I can find very interesting. After all, talking about angles of diamonds are not stories people typically write about.” Marietta quirked an eyebrow at the man before her. “I apologize, Master Cicero, but is your nail bothering you? I would be more than happy to ask one of the servants I had brought if they may have something to assist you with it. It is horribly rude of me to allow you to be in discomfort when you had so kindly assisted me in my research and graced me with such interesting conversation.”
Cicero smiled a glass edged smile, gave a small ‘hmmm’ in the back of his throat. Oh yes, he knew who he spoke of The Stravos clan at large were under his observation, the Lord Elias had garnered more of an interest simply because he had chosen to engage with Elysia. It made Cicero uncomfortable. He knew that the family had their own little network of spies, and he delighted in quietly setting his own shadows upon those whose loyalty had been questionably gifted to the Stravos’. Equal parts amusing and infuriating that they would be so arrogant as to presume he would remain unaware of their machinations. He had spent years establishing the kind of network of informants that he had, and had inherited more again when he took on the role of spy-master. That the Stravos thought they could do it better? Wel, more fool them.l Never mind though. And never mind this sweet girl who wandered too close to a treacherous pool, seemingly paying no heed to the danger.
“Oh he plays a role well, that is for sure. I hope though, that his gestures towards the young Princess cannot be considered such? It would be cruel indeed to play upon her grief if he is, as you say, acting” Here he played close attention to the Antonis girl. Where did her morality lie? How much of Elias’ more unsavoury behaviour was she aware of, how much did she turn a blind eye to? It was interesting, and Cicero found himself glad that he had paused to converse with her.
Her clumsy attempts to turn talk to him were batted away deftly, and without much fanfare. Whether she too fancied herself an investigator of sorts, or if was some other fascination, the master informer was not in the mood to indulge it. When she called him upon the needless fidgeting that he employed to signal lack of attention, he turned very slowly to look at her.
“So very kind” he drawled, neatly folding his fingers away into loosely furled fists upon the table. “ But unnecessary. Just a habit.” One fist unbound to allow the long fingers - with nay a hangnail in sight - to drum lightly upon the table. Cicero stared at Marietta for a long moment before tilting his head a little. “But you will excuse me. I have distracted you from your purpose long enough, and there are things demanding my attention. Good day to you Lady Marietta. Do let me know how you get on with the diamond.” He pushed his long frame up and out of the seat, tucked the chair precisely away. And just like that the man was gone, his departure as abrupt and unexplained as his stopping to speak with her in the first instance.
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Cicero smiled a glass edged smile, gave a small ‘hmmm’ in the back of his throat. Oh yes, he knew who he spoke of The Stravos clan at large were under his observation, the Lord Elias had garnered more of an interest simply because he had chosen to engage with Elysia. It made Cicero uncomfortable. He knew that the family had their own little network of spies, and he delighted in quietly setting his own shadows upon those whose loyalty had been questionably gifted to the Stravos’. Equal parts amusing and infuriating that they would be so arrogant as to presume he would remain unaware of their machinations. He had spent years establishing the kind of network of informants that he had, and had inherited more again when he took on the role of spy-master. That the Stravos thought they could do it better? Wel, more fool them.l Never mind though. And never mind this sweet girl who wandered too close to a treacherous pool, seemingly paying no heed to the danger.
“Oh he plays a role well, that is for sure. I hope though, that his gestures towards the young Princess cannot be considered such? It would be cruel indeed to play upon her grief if he is, as you say, acting” Here he played close attention to the Antonis girl. Where did her morality lie? How much of Elias’ more unsavoury behaviour was she aware of, how much did she turn a blind eye to? It was interesting, and Cicero found himself glad that he had paused to converse with her.
Her clumsy attempts to turn talk to him were batted away deftly, and without much fanfare. Whether she too fancied herself an investigator of sorts, or if was some other fascination, the master informer was not in the mood to indulge it. When she called him upon the needless fidgeting that he employed to signal lack of attention, he turned very slowly to look at her.
“So very kind” he drawled, neatly folding his fingers away into loosely furled fists upon the table. “ But unnecessary. Just a habit.” One fist unbound to allow the long fingers - with nay a hangnail in sight - to drum lightly upon the table. Cicero stared at Marietta for a long moment before tilting his head a little. “But you will excuse me. I have distracted you from your purpose long enough, and there are things demanding my attention. Good day to you Lady Marietta. Do let me know how you get on with the diamond.” He pushed his long frame up and out of the seat, tucked the chair precisely away. And just like that the man was gone, his departure as abrupt and unexplained as his stopping to speak with her in the first instance.
Cicero smiled a glass edged smile, gave a small ‘hmmm’ in the back of his throat. Oh yes, he knew who he spoke of The Stravos clan at large were under his observation, the Lord Elias had garnered more of an interest simply because he had chosen to engage with Elysia. It made Cicero uncomfortable. He knew that the family had their own little network of spies, and he delighted in quietly setting his own shadows upon those whose loyalty had been questionably gifted to the Stravos’. Equal parts amusing and infuriating that they would be so arrogant as to presume he would remain unaware of their machinations. He had spent years establishing the kind of network of informants that he had, and had inherited more again when he took on the role of spy-master. That the Stravos thought they could do it better? Wel, more fool them.l Never mind though. And never mind this sweet girl who wandered too close to a treacherous pool, seemingly paying no heed to the danger.
“Oh he plays a role well, that is for sure. I hope though, that his gestures towards the young Princess cannot be considered such? It would be cruel indeed to play upon her grief if he is, as you say, acting” Here he played close attention to the Antonis girl. Where did her morality lie? How much of Elias’ more unsavoury behaviour was she aware of, how much did she turn a blind eye to? It was interesting, and Cicero found himself glad that he had paused to converse with her.
Her clumsy attempts to turn talk to him were batted away deftly, and without much fanfare. Whether she too fancied herself an investigator of sorts, or if was some other fascination, the master informer was not in the mood to indulge it. When she called him upon the needless fidgeting that he employed to signal lack of attention, he turned very slowly to look at her.
“So very kind” he drawled, neatly folding his fingers away into loosely furled fists upon the table. “ But unnecessary. Just a habit.” One fist unbound to allow the long fingers - with nay a hangnail in sight - to drum lightly upon the table. Cicero stared at Marietta for a long moment before tilting his head a little. “But you will excuse me. I have distracted you from your purpose long enough, and there are things demanding my attention. Good day to you Lady Marietta. Do let me know how you get on with the diamond.” He pushed his long frame up and out of the seat, tucked the chair precisely away. And just like that the man was gone, his departure as abrupt and unexplained as his stopping to speak with her in the first instance.