☩ 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

action

[backwardscompatible]

[ River's answer to the network post is to show up in person, although empty handed. ]

I'm afraid there's no wine, but I thought you could still do with some proper company.

action

[mansuetus]

I would accept you without.

[ ladylike and primly; but there is a smile on her lips which means it's a half jest. ]

Would you sit with me?

[backwardscompatible]

[ She sits down across from Lucrezia ]

Now, what's this about mourning?

[mansuetus]

A man I knew died. I wonder if I must mourn him if I have no wish to.

[ she bites her lip, tilts her head. ]

My duty demands it but my heart does not allow it.

[backwardscompatible]

If people are expecting it, then it's easier to show them someone mourning. But there's no reason to go through anything more than the motions if your heart isn't in it.

[mansuetus]

Then I shall forsake my duty, River Song?

[ she moves, leans her head on the other woman's knee. ]

It would be so easy.

[backwardscompatible]

[ River's relaxed and comfortable with the contact. ]

If nobody who cares about this duty knows that you're forsaking it, why does it matter? It's just a technicality.

[mansuetus]

God would, I fear. I took my vows before Him and now I shall turn my back to them.

[ that is what concerns her truly; not Giovanni Sforza, for all she cares he may burn in hell. But her own soul. ]

[backwardscompatible]

[ there is an obvious pause while River tries to think of something helpful to say. There are many things she understands about the universe, but religion is not one of them. Neither is guilt, for that matter. ]

I'm sure he'd understand. Isn't he meant to love everyone?

[mansuetus]

So they say; yet He punishes sinners as well.

[backwardscompatible]

You should do what makes you happy. If he judges you for that then he can't be a very good god, can he?

[mansuetus]

What makes me happy - I suppose it might be easier now.

[ she lifts her head for a moment, smiles. ]

You are reassuring.