☩ 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

[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.