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[mansuetus]

Tranquility!

[ Guess who is back in her high spirits. Lucrezia is wearing red silks and is evidently strolling the gardens this morning ]

It is my birthday today, I have decided.

[ a pause in which she just looks pleased with herself and then she explains ]

As I do not know how to count the days here when compared with the count common in Rome, I have chosen today for my birthday. I shall accept my greetings at the garden.

[ prim and proper but those who know her by now can see the jest in her words. ]

And I have decided what I wish as my gift, if you would hear it!

[ wait for it. ]

For the birthday of the one called the illustrious Lucrezia Borgia, me and garden both require - a swing!

[ a beat. ]

And cake.

[ that would actually be all. Lucrezia Borgia, ladies and gentleman. She would be sitting in the garden, reading a book, for those who wish to find her. ]

Comments

[video]

[doggedly]

A present! I didn't make it Christmas to get presents out of you, y'know. But I won't say no, either-- I will send you a sign, Lucrezia. It is a sign that may sing to you, but it will be, inarguably, a sign.

[video]

[mansuetus]

Of course you haven't, but I shall give you a gift regardless of that.

[ a singing sign? ]

Let it sing to me, it will please me.

[video]

[doggedly]

[Never one to turn down presents--especially from pretty girls!--he grins, and shrugs.]

If you insist. And--oh, well, so long as it pleases you. That's all I've ever, ever wanted. Actually, isn't that why Christmas was invented in the first place, to please you?

[video]

[mansuetus]

That's blasphemous, Sirius Black!

[ and she's amused despite it all. ]

[video]

[doggedly]

Well, I am a wizard. Aren't I meant to be a bit blasphemous by definition?

[video]

[mansuetus]

You're terribly blasphemous.

[ and terribly charming, too. ]

[video]

[doggedly]

[He heaves a huge sigh, suddenly sad.]

Perhaps I am. Will you help me, Lucrezia? Will you correct me? I've been so terrible....

[video]

[mansuetus]

Absolutely not.

[ and she really can't help the giggling. ]

I'll have you as you are, terrible and all.

[video]

[doggedly]

I can't decide. Am I flattered that you like me so well that you refuse to save my immortal soul? Or am I hurt that you'd let me be damned because you like me so well?

[video]

[mansuetus]

You are wonderfully flattered and terribly fond of me.

[video]

[doggedly]

[well okay that's true, and he laughs.]

And you are far too clever, and deserve a thousand Christmases at least. I'll stop at one for now so as to not overwhelm everyone.