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[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

voice

[tofindthesun]

Is that not natural, that if such a wrong is done then it can never be forgiven? Though I am no man of God, my Lady, I do not think it at all wicked.

..But I do think it unfortunate that it impedes upon your duty.

voice

[mansuetus]

Unfortunate.

[ she hums in thought. It was unfortunate that she married to begin with. Not a mistake she'll do again, being sold to a man for ships and soldiers. ]

The one in question cared nothing for me, so I suppose he may die without my forgiveness. It would not change a thing.

voice

[tofindthesun]

Nay, it would not. [though he wonders now who this man is to her, why she would be expected to pray if he cared little for her and she for him. perhaps a matter of different worlds, and different races.]

Was he a man aboard this vessel..?

voice

[mansuetus]

No. God has been merciful and He had not sent him here. If he were here I would not be half as smiling. He would not fit at all and he would make it his own duty to make me miserable.

-- And my own is still to mourn him, what a fate.

voice

[tofindthesun]

You might more easily avoid him here. But aye, if he is one to cause such suffering, I too am glad he has not come.

..How do you know he is passed, then? Or did he pass before your arrival?

voice

[mansuetus]

The ship had supplied me with news of it during the last Jump. I do not know why or how but it did.

voice

[tofindthesun]

[perking up, audibly more interested (or curious, in any case), if only a little bit.]

You returned to your world?

voice

[mansuetus]

No.

[ not since her arrival here but. ]

But in the box of items meant for each and every one of us waited for me the words of his death.

voice

[tofindthesun]

A pity you could not confirm it with your own eyes... but there is peace even in merely knowing, I hope.

[although.. he doesn't think that will stop the man from showing up here-- but he won't mention that part.]

voice

[mansuetus]

[ in her heart, she doesn't either. All they can do is hope. All she can do is pray. ]

Yes, it would have been better. But such cannot be here and a good thing, too. There is already too much death here.