001 † Video

[naytheist]

[Cesare is a man who's better in motion than in writing and he knows this, having perched his camera on his desk so that he can match his viewer's gaze, a glass of wine in his hand and his lips curled into the smallest of smiles out of courtesy.]

Tranquility. For those of you who do not know, my name is Cesare Borgia. I come from Rome and, back in Italy, when it is hot, we offer ourselves distraction. Fortunately, I have seven.

[He reaches down and lifts a bottle of wine to the desk in front of him. The Cyllene had been a death trap but at least it had some form of silver lining to it, primarily the opportunity to loot and stockpile good quality alcohol.]

I am in possession of six more bottles and intend to share them in the gardens in two days time. Ladies, lords, I would have you drink with me. Drinking is always better with comrades and I would hate to do so in solitude.

For propriety's sake, there will also be music, dancing and cards to occupy the mind should boozing not satisfy and the evening is open to anyone who wishes to visit. Those whom I already know, you are invited. Those I do not, you are even more encouraged to attend.

Locked to Sirius;

Signor Black, I hope that you will pay us a visit. I am sure that everyone, including myself, would be very pleased to see you there.

[A trap? Almost certainly, but Cesare has asked nicely.]

Comments

[thebreakingwave]

I can offer cider and cool it, too.

[Harry hasn't been making much in the way of hard cider or applejack since Mordecai left, but he still has the press and knows how to use it.]

[naytheist]

[Colour Cesare intrigued.]

Are you able to cool the room also?

[thebreakingwave]

Sorry, I can't do a whole room, but I can do a couple of bottles.

[naytheist]

I am sure everyone will be very pleased to accept your offerings.

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[unaccepted]

[ He has already met Lucrezia, so hearing from Cesare on this ship is not terribly surprising. Drinking with him, though? Truly a story he cannot pass up. ]

Festivities reminiscent of my own days in the French southern heat. Should this become a frequent occurrence, I feel we ought to be acquainted. R, sir. [ The French way of saying R. ] I would be glad to bring my own cards if there is a lack.

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[naytheist]

Another deck has never harmed anyone. [He smirks, well aware of the irony of his words.]

You are from France? We are neighbours.

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[unaccepted]

Neighbors on a map, surely, but kinsmen more so in taste. It takes a certain sort of man to offer his own wine and games--Deus vult as they say--and another type to take them in their entirety. That is the relationship between the Italians and French.

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[elvenking]

I would be glad to provide a cask of mead, if you wish.

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[naytheist]

I am sure everyone would gladly accept whatever you offer. I have never heard of guests complaining of too much drink as long as they too are receiving it.

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[elvenking]

Then I will bring mead. Doubtless there will not be too much to drink.

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[mansuetus]

Shall we play a game, Cesare?

[ she is smiling because how can she not when Cesare speaks of dancing and wine and games; it's almost like Rome, she almost feels herself again. ]

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[naytheist]

And what game is that, Sis?

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[mansuetus]

[ she hums, considering. ]

Make believe

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[disfavour]

[ Well, since his liegelord is going to be in attendance, Nuada has little choice in the matter while the Shadow roams free. ]

Human. Do you have a guard patrol organized to protect your guests?

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[naytheist]

Are we not all among friends?

[Cesare doesn't believe it for a second but to have guards is not exactly concurrent with his plans.]

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[disfavour]

I will take that to mean you have not. No matter, I will keep a patrol.

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[chambermaid]

It is quite kind of you to have a gathering, Cesare.

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[naytheist]

Thank you, my lady, though I must confess I do it purely for selfish reasons. I am keen to drink.

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[chambermaid]

Oh, well... [ she's not a drinker herself.] That is perfectly alright, I think.

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[doggedly]

[A special invitation. Maybe he should be more cautious... but if he were very cautious, his name wouldn't be Sirius Black.]

That's sweet. Is this us making up, then?

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[naytheist]

[Ok. Being nicer to Sirius is going to be harder than Cesare had thought.]

If you wish.

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[doggedly]

I don't, really. But I think your sister does.

[Even if Sirius knows a bit more about Lucrezia now, and the things that she's capable of--it's still not tarnished his interest in her. Sorry, bro.]

Why else would you extend the invitation if we're not making up?

[nightblogs]

Don't drinking just make you feel even hotter?

[naytheist]

[Sssssh. You're spoiling the fun.]

Not if you drink enough.

[nightblogs]

Oh, I get it. You wanna drink enough to make you pass out!