☩ 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

[ghostthatlingers]

How long have you been here?

[mansuetus]

A few months now. Why?

[ghostthatlingers]

Curious. I haven't seen anyone else talk about arranged marriages.

[mansuetus]

So I have heard as well. I heard of realms in which women choose their husbands themselves.

[ghostthatlingers]

That's what happens where I'm from.

[mansuetus]

How fortunate for the women there. I quite envy them.

Are you married?

[ghostthatlingers]

No, but I have a boyfriend that wants to be.

[mansuetus]

And do you wish to consent and marry him?

[ghostthatlingers]

No. Now really isn't the time to be getting married.

[mansuetus]

Is there a time to marry?

[ghostthatlingers]

Maybe, but now isn't it.

[mansuetus]

Is he here, the one you love?

[ghostthatlingers]

Yeah, we arrived here at the same time.

[mansuetus]

Then married or not, I hope you will be happy with him.

[ghostthatlingers]

Thanks and take advantage of being here. No one's going to stop you from finding someone you like being with.

[mansuetus]

Your wishes mean more than you know; and I am grateful for them.