☩ ００８． ＶＩＤＥＯ | ＡＣＴＩＯＮ

[mansuetus]

[ Lucrezia is in one of the lounges! Sprawled on one of the sofas, fingers busy turning a pendent of gold in the shape of a sea-horse. There are no poems today, no joyful greetings, something is different. She looks more pensive than anything else but there is a shade of concern there as well as quiet annoyance.

When she speaks, her voice is devoid of any of it. Her eyes still focused on the sea-horse. ]

A riddle, Tranquility.

How to mourn for someone who does not deserve it?

If your duty demands it and you have no desire to - do all men need to be mourned for? Is it a a more grievous sin not to mourn than it is to speak false words of grievance?

[ a beat. ]

Perhaps I must fast again.

[ a moment later she puts down her necklace, smiles. ]

I would have a cup of wine with your answer, if any of you have some to spare. You will join me in the lounge.

[ and it is not a question. ]

Comments

video ]

[licks]

[Kate smirks.]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Probably better to just be honest with yourself.

video ]

[mansuetus]

[ there is a small smirk on her own lips, perhaps inspired as a reply. ]

Deceiving oneself and others is a sin. I suppose honesty can never quite be one.

video ]

[licks]

Being honest might hurt sometimes, but there's nothing inherently wrong with it.

video ]

[mansuetus]

What is better? Dishonesty that might cause no pain or honesty that would cause quite a bit?

video ]

[licks]

Even if you think you're protecting them now... [Kate gets quiet for a moment.]

If they find out you lied to them, it will hurt more.

video ]

[mansuetus]

I care nothing for protecting them. But I fear that if pray to God for their soul then He would know it is a false request and I would be deemed a liar.

[ she smiles. ]

But we have already spoke of prayers.

video ]

[licks]

We have. [Kate takes a moment, pulling in a slow breath.]

It's your grief. You should handle it however you're most comfortable.

video ]

[mansuetus]

I thank you, for your kind words.

video ]

[licks]

Of course.