Ivone continues from here: Never Played Fair
The Industrial District transitioned into the Downtown District by virtue of warehouses becoming walk-ups becoming shops and pubs. Ivone paused in front of one shop before stepping inside.
A soft bell chimed, letting the proprietor know someone had entered. A fastidious looking man stepped from the curtains.
"Ah! Ms. Ivone! What a pleasure to see you. I was just completing a new order for the honey-soaps and shampoos. The ladies are just swearing by them."
"Phillipe, always a pleasure." She and the man busked cheeks while holding hands. "I'm glad to hear things are going well. I was on my way to the theater."
She and the man made pleasantries before Ivone took her leave. Seeing her creations for sale in the little boutique shop made her feel better. Knowing that others enjoyed the things she made bolstered the feeling even more and gave her perspective. This little thing was a glimmer of hope in a situation from which she saw no exit.
Tucking her hands in her pockets, Ivone continued the walk to the theater and pondered her emotions. She'd been overcome by jealousy and she was a fool. When had getting rid of Khayyam become less important than spending time with Aurelio? It'd been a subtle shift. Ivone was conflicted now. Not for the first time did she wish she could get out, wish they could get out. Even now, Ivone was still unclear on exactly what Aurelio gained from all this. He'd accomplished so much, but there was still something. Maybe she'd never understand. In the meantime, she had to finish what she started. If she didn't, then, she'd lose him for sure. Ivone sighed. And that was how she ended up where she was. Just being near him, part of his life, getting some of his attention, was better than not. She couldn't let go of him...
The back door to the theater was propped open and few of the actors lolled outside, sharing a pipe of something. They straightened up and looked around guiltily when they saw her.
"Don't let the guards catch you. I'm not bailing you out again."
The pair scowled behind her back as she moved down the hall.
"One of these days, I'm going to put her in her place."
"I'd like to see that."
Marcelle wasn't in the office, so Ivone pulled out the receipts and the books. She'd audit them before she paid the actors. When Marcelle returned several hours later, he stank of wine and whores. Fortunately for him, the audit was clean.
"Payroll is tomorrow. What's on the schedule?"
Business continued. Aurelio had taught her well.
Tripping the Boards
Tripping the Boards
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
The secretary had been replaced. She had tried, with one last desperate move, to save her position; it said something of her current status that she was so willing to debase herself for the job. It said something of her that she had even failed at that last attempt. Aurelio had been scathing of her demonstrative lack of talents, and the girl had fled his office sobbing. Such was business; there was no room for softness or failure. Such was his relationship with Ivone.
He had wanted to catch her before she left from the meeting, but he had tarried overlong and she had escaped. He had taken his frustrations out on his secretary instead, and that business had wasted more time then he had intended -- including making arrangements for more interviews.
He needed to pick a time to meet with Shanuri.
He wanted to follow Ivone.
He wanted to make her wait. He wanted to make her suffer.
He sat behind his desk, picked up a stack of papers (reports, most of them, and the rest various requests, arrangements, and various miscellany that required his approval), and started to read through them.
Yes, he had taught her the moves she utilized, and she was his creature in that regard, but she was still his. He would remind her of that. He would remove his attention from her for a night, a day, the time it took for her to come crawling back to him looking for attention and approval. He would wait until she craved her, and in the meantime. . .
There was business to attend to.
He had wanted to catch her before she left from the meeting, but he had tarried overlong and she had escaped. He had taken his frustrations out on his secretary instead, and that business had wasted more time then he had intended -- including making arrangements for more interviews.
He needed to pick a time to meet with Shanuri.
He wanted to follow Ivone.
He wanted to make her wait. He wanted to make her suffer.
He sat behind his desk, picked up a stack of papers (reports, most of them, and the rest various requests, arrangements, and various miscellany that required his approval), and started to read through them.
Yes, he had taught her the moves she utilized, and she was his creature in that regard, but she was still his. He would remind her of that. He would remove his attention from her for a night, a day, the time it took for her to come crawling back to him looking for attention and approval. He would wait until she craved her, and in the meantime. . .
There was business to attend to.
Re: Tripping the Boards
T-minus 3 days to Madiana's party
Three years later and a morning routine had been established. First it began with waking, alone as usual. From waking, came bathing. From bathing, came getting dressed. Dressing typically included coveralls. Ivone had found men's clothing better suited to her workshop, than skirts and sleeves that knocked things over.
Three years later had also found her needing a staff to help maintain the house she'd inherited. Much as she did not want company and their propensity to gossip, it was a necessity. But, it was a necessity with time-boxed hours of operation, allowing Ivone the freedom to be in her own home unobserved and without judging and prying eyes. The size of her house required her to have a maid to help keep it clean, but the maid came only three times a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - and today was not one of those days.
Ivone sat at a table, sipping tea, and reading the paper. Once she finished the paper, she folded it neatly and put it in a box beside the fire. She'd use it another time to light a fire in the hearth. Next, she consulted her diary. Not once during the day yesterday had Aurelio's secretary contacted her. Not that Ivone found that surprising. Given they way things went yesterday, Ivone would be surprised if the woman still had a job. Not that Ivone found that a problem, either. The girl had been a little too pretty, a little too tall, for Ivone's tastes, thank you very much.
Ivone sat back in her chair, lips pursed. There it was again and it annoyed her to no end. The doubts she'd had the day before had disappeared. It was the possessiveness that wouldn't go away as easily, though. Odd circumstances had brought them together, but it must have been fate. No one else would do as far as she was concerned. No one really understood him as she did. She believed in his dreams and no one else had gone to the lengths she'd go to help him realize them. They were partners in crime. They belonged together.
But not if he wouldn't admit it or see it and not if they were stuck in plan that hadn't changed and left no room for exits. Despite everything, there was only one outcome. She had Khayyam to consider, her work, the theater ownership... these things required enough of her time that she could keep herself busy. They still had to do the thing with Fargo, damn it all!
Two hours later ~~~
Ivone had changed into a more feminine and appropriate outfit. A queue of women sat outside of Aurelio's office. Apparently she'd been correct about the secretary. Ivone knocked on the office door, but she didn't wait to be summoned in. It was payroll day, and he had to accompany her to the bank. If that idiot woman failed to put it on his calendar, he shouldn't have forgotten anyway. They'd only been doing the same routine every two weeks for two years.
"I hope you haven't forgotten we must go to the bank today."
Three years later and a morning routine had been established. First it began with waking, alone as usual. From waking, came bathing. From bathing, came getting dressed. Dressing typically included coveralls. Ivone had found men's clothing better suited to her workshop, than skirts and sleeves that knocked things over.
Three years later had also found her needing a staff to help maintain the house she'd inherited. Much as she did not want company and their propensity to gossip, it was a necessity. But, it was a necessity with time-boxed hours of operation, allowing Ivone the freedom to be in her own home unobserved and without judging and prying eyes. The size of her house required her to have a maid to help keep it clean, but the maid came only three times a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - and today was not one of those days.
Ivone sat at a table, sipping tea, and reading the paper. Once she finished the paper, she folded it neatly and put it in a box beside the fire. She'd use it another time to light a fire in the hearth. Next, she consulted her diary. Not once during the day yesterday had Aurelio's secretary contacted her. Not that Ivone found that surprising. Given they way things went yesterday, Ivone would be surprised if the woman still had a job. Not that Ivone found that a problem, either. The girl had been a little too pretty, a little too tall, for Ivone's tastes, thank you very much.
Ivone sat back in her chair, lips pursed. There it was again and it annoyed her to no end. The doubts she'd had the day before had disappeared. It was the possessiveness that wouldn't go away as easily, though. Odd circumstances had brought them together, but it must have been fate. No one else would do as far as she was concerned. No one really understood him as she did. She believed in his dreams and no one else had gone to the lengths she'd go to help him realize them. They were partners in crime. They belonged together.
But not if he wouldn't admit it or see it and not if they were stuck in plan that hadn't changed and left no room for exits. Despite everything, there was only one outcome. She had Khayyam to consider, her work, the theater ownership... these things required enough of her time that she could keep herself busy. They still had to do the thing with Fargo, damn it all!
Two hours later ~~~
Ivone had changed into a more feminine and appropriate outfit. A queue of women sat outside of Aurelio's office. Apparently she'd been correct about the secretary. Ivone knocked on the office door, but she didn't wait to be summoned in. It was payroll day, and he had to accompany her to the bank. If that idiot woman failed to put it on his calendar, he shouldn't have forgotten anyway. They'd only been doing the same routine every two weeks for two years.
"I hope you haven't forgotten we must go to the bank today."
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
Ivone had intentionally not looked at the tableau Aurelio had staged for her to see. He'd wanted to hurt her probably, and he succeeded. He knew she hated sharing him. He was hers.
He always did, damn him.
To her credit, Ivone had managed to only flick her gaze at the pair - Aurelio leaning against the front of his desk, the woman on her knees before him. Aurelio smirked at Ivone. He'd seen the way she'd blanched. He'd seen the flash of anger in her gaze before she'd managed to hide it. Mission accomplished.
Ivone felt bad for the woman on some level. The woman had been used as a pawn in Aurelio's and Ivone's game of "you hurt me, I hurt you," and she was obviously not very good at what she was doing.
"Aurelio, darling, if you want that done right, I think you've picked the wrong blonde... again." At the sound of her voice, the woman faltered and looked embarrassed. "I'll leave you to it, then, shall I?"
With that Ivone made her leave. She did not manage to shut the door politely. It might have slammed a little. Aurelio's expression relaxed into his usual sardonic disdain.
"Did you find the pin yet?" Ivone had jumped to the wrong conclusion, but Aurelio had intended her to. He'd made her suffer. Now, he'd make her wait.
Ivone's back was ramrod straight and her chin was held high, as she exited past the waiting women. Inside, she was fuming. She fumed all the way to the bank. She fumed as she waited for the bank manager to see her. She fumed as she executed the clause in the business contract that stated Ivone could handle the payroll without Aurelio.
It was when she was dispensing payroll, that she decided she was through with Aurelio Merynir.
He always did, damn him.
To her credit, Ivone had managed to only flick her gaze at the pair - Aurelio leaning against the front of his desk, the woman on her knees before him. Aurelio smirked at Ivone. He'd seen the way she'd blanched. He'd seen the flash of anger in her gaze before she'd managed to hide it. Mission accomplished.
Ivone felt bad for the woman on some level. The woman had been used as a pawn in Aurelio's and Ivone's game of "you hurt me, I hurt you," and she was obviously not very good at what she was doing.
"Aurelio, darling, if you want that done right, I think you've picked the wrong blonde... again." At the sound of her voice, the woman faltered and looked embarrassed. "I'll leave you to it, then, shall I?"
With that Ivone made her leave. She did not manage to shut the door politely. It might have slammed a little. Aurelio's expression relaxed into his usual sardonic disdain.
"Did you find the pin yet?" Ivone had jumped to the wrong conclusion, but Aurelio had intended her to. He'd made her suffer. Now, he'd make her wait.
Ivone's back was ramrod straight and her chin was held high, as she exited past the waiting women. Inside, she was fuming. She fumed all the way to the bank. She fumed as she waited for the bank manager to see her. She fumed as she executed the clause in the business contract that stated Ivone could handle the payroll without Aurelio.
It was when she was dispensing payroll, that she decided she was through with Aurelio Merynir.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
T-1 day to Party; T-2 days to Bombings
Ivone waited patiently in the Judge's anteroom for Khayyam to finish his business.
"Ivone! What a pleasure and surprise to see you."
Ivone rose from the seat with grace and extended her hands to Khayyam. She busked his cheek, standing on her toes to do so.
"The pleasure is all mine, Khayyam. Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"Not yet."
"Good, then I insist you join me for lunch. It's an especially beautiful day and you can't stay cooped up inside all the time."
Khayyam started to decline, but Ivone interrupted, fixing him with a look that brooked no argument.
"I won't take no for an answer. Come..." With that, Ivone picked up the picnic basket she'd placed on a nearby chair, tucked her arm in Khayyam's and led the way out of the Justice Hall. Bemused, Khayyam let her have her way.
From the Justice Hall, Ivone led them down the sidewalk toward the Memorial Gardens.
"I happen to have your favorite in this basket, you know. So how could you resist?"
Khayyam shook his head. "Wouldn't it make more sense for the young people to have picnic lunches?"
Ivone stopped short and looked at Khayyam with affront. "I haven't found any young people I want to have picnic lunches. So, my good friend Khayyam will just have to do."
Ivone kept the pace slow and steady. Khayyam was a vital man in his late 60's, but he'd begun to show his age recently. A fact that had worried Ivone. Somehow in the last three years, she'd also come to care for Khayyam. Not in the way she felt about Aurelio, mind, but she did care for his well-being. A fact that, all things considered, was in constant conflict with the Paragon objectives.
As they neared Memorial Park, they could hear children's laughter. Ivone smiled gently. Khayyam noticed.
"And this is why you should find a nice, young man to settle down with."
Ivone shook her head. The only young man she wanted wasn't a very nice one.
"Young men are too fickle, Khayyam. They don't know how to treat a lady properly. Ah!"
Ivone smiled. "Come!"
The spot she'd reserved was set-up and ready to go. The little picnic table had a small tablecloth laid upon it. Ivone placed the basket on the table. From within, she pulled out neatly wrapped sandwiches, a jug, plates, and a small fruit salad.
Khayyam felt bemused again and a little flattered. She'd been right. What she'd brought was his favorites.
Ivone waited patiently in the Judge's anteroom for Khayyam to finish his business.
"Ivone! What a pleasure and surprise to see you."
Ivone rose from the seat with grace and extended her hands to Khayyam. She busked his cheek, standing on her toes to do so.
"The pleasure is all mine, Khayyam. Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"Not yet."
"Good, then I insist you join me for lunch. It's an especially beautiful day and you can't stay cooped up inside all the time."
Khayyam started to decline, but Ivone interrupted, fixing him with a look that brooked no argument.
"I won't take no for an answer. Come..." With that, Ivone picked up the picnic basket she'd placed on a nearby chair, tucked her arm in Khayyam's and led the way out of the Justice Hall. Bemused, Khayyam let her have her way.
From the Justice Hall, Ivone led them down the sidewalk toward the Memorial Gardens.
"I happen to have your favorite in this basket, you know. So how could you resist?"
Khayyam shook his head. "Wouldn't it make more sense for the young people to have picnic lunches?"
Ivone stopped short and looked at Khayyam with affront. "I haven't found any young people I want to have picnic lunches. So, my good friend Khayyam will just have to do."
Ivone kept the pace slow and steady. Khayyam was a vital man in his late 60's, but he'd begun to show his age recently. A fact that had worried Ivone. Somehow in the last three years, she'd also come to care for Khayyam. Not in the way she felt about Aurelio, mind, but she did care for his well-being. A fact that, all things considered, was in constant conflict with the Paragon objectives.
As they neared Memorial Park, they could hear children's laughter. Ivone smiled gently. Khayyam noticed.
"And this is why you should find a nice, young man to settle down with."
Ivone shook her head. The only young man she wanted wasn't a very nice one.
"Young men are too fickle, Khayyam. They don't know how to treat a lady properly. Ah!"
Ivone smiled. "Come!"
The spot she'd reserved was set-up and ready to go. The little picnic table had a small tablecloth laid upon it. Ivone placed the basket on the table. From within, she pulled out neatly wrapped sandwiches, a jug, plates, and a small fruit salad.
Khayyam felt bemused again and a little flattered. She'd been right. What she'd brought was his favorites.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
As she set out the repast, Ivone considered her options. Her anger had cooled a little, enough that rash behaviors that couldn't be undone had time to simmer.
She smiled at Khayyam and lifted her cup.
"To good company." The contents of their cups was non-alcoholic. Ivone had learned over the last three years that Khayyam took his duties as a Judge very seriously. She had also learned that his sense of personal accountability was high. Over the last three years she had also worked to find out which battlemage had been responsible for the actual event.
In retrospect, the Judges were still ultimately responsible for allowing battle mages to behave as they did, but it was that battlemage who had done the deed.
"Khayyam, do you mind if I speak freely?"
Khayyam swallowed the bite he'd taken. "You know I always want you to feel comfortable talking with me."
Ivone looked down at her sandwich "I wanted to talk about what you just said - about finding a younger man and settling down." The expression on Ivone's face turned solemn.
"I... ever since the accident..." Ivone hadn't realized it would be so hard to say outloud. She fidgeted with the wax paper the sandwiches had been wrapped in. Ivone sighed.
Khayyam sat the sandwich down and reached across the table, to pat Ivone's hand. His brows drew together as concern deepened the lines on his face. "What is is?"
Ivone inhaled a deep breath. "The doctor's said I probably wouldn't have any more children because of the scar tissue." Ivone looked up and met Khayyam's gaze.
"What young man in our circles will want a woman who cannot bear him an heir?" This was a different thing to grieve over.
Khayyam pursed his lips and then exhaled a breath.
"I didn't know."
"I know you didn't. How could you? But, I thought you should know. Besides, I know you mean Azuel, but he and I do not suit one another." And, that was true.
"With your help and Mr. Merynir's, my businesses are doing well. Other prospects have approached me, but I have to say, I think they are after my money. After being married to Tian, I can't imagine being married to someone because of some arranged thing. So, what should I do, Khayyam? I am a young, rich widow with no worthwhile prospects and no interest in marrying just anyone."
"Perhaps you could find another widower - someone who already has children?" Ivone gave a soft snort and shook her head. Mischief twinkled in her eyes as she smiled at Khayyam.
"Well, then maybe you should marry me!"
They both chuckled, but for once, Khayyam didn't bring up the difference in their ages. The rest of the lunch went pleasantly, with Ivone telling stories of the ridiculousness of "artistic types." As they finished up, the servants Ivone had engaged appeared to clear away everything, leaving the pair to head back to Khayyam's office.
She smiled at Khayyam and lifted her cup.
"To good company." The contents of their cups was non-alcoholic. Ivone had learned over the last three years that Khayyam took his duties as a Judge very seriously. She had also learned that his sense of personal accountability was high. Over the last three years she had also worked to find out which battlemage had been responsible for the actual event.
In retrospect, the Judges were still ultimately responsible for allowing battle mages to behave as they did, but it was that battlemage who had done the deed.
"Khayyam, do you mind if I speak freely?"
Khayyam swallowed the bite he'd taken. "You know I always want you to feel comfortable talking with me."
Ivone looked down at her sandwich "I wanted to talk about what you just said - about finding a younger man and settling down." The expression on Ivone's face turned solemn.
"I... ever since the accident..." Ivone hadn't realized it would be so hard to say outloud. She fidgeted with the wax paper the sandwiches had been wrapped in. Ivone sighed.
Khayyam sat the sandwich down and reached across the table, to pat Ivone's hand. His brows drew together as concern deepened the lines on his face. "What is is?"
Ivone inhaled a deep breath. "The doctor's said I probably wouldn't have any more children because of the scar tissue." Ivone looked up and met Khayyam's gaze.
"What young man in our circles will want a woman who cannot bear him an heir?" This was a different thing to grieve over.
Khayyam pursed his lips and then exhaled a breath.
"I didn't know."
"I know you didn't. How could you? But, I thought you should know. Besides, I know you mean Azuel, but he and I do not suit one another." And, that was true.
"With your help and Mr. Merynir's, my businesses are doing well. Other prospects have approached me, but I have to say, I think they are after my money. After being married to Tian, I can't imagine being married to someone because of some arranged thing. So, what should I do, Khayyam? I am a young, rich widow with no worthwhile prospects and no interest in marrying just anyone."
"Perhaps you could find another widower - someone who already has children?" Ivone gave a soft snort and shook her head. Mischief twinkled in her eyes as she smiled at Khayyam.
"Well, then maybe you should marry me!"
They both chuckled, but for once, Khayyam didn't bring up the difference in their ages. The rest of the lunch went pleasantly, with Ivone telling stories of the ridiculousness of "artistic types." As they finished up, the servants Ivone had engaged appeared to clear away everything, leaving the pair to head back to Khayyam's office.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
The day of the Party
Khayyam perused the various items on the apothecary's shelves, waiting for the other customer's to leave. He'd used this apothecary before, but his purpose wasn't one he wanted others to hear.
"How may I help you today, Sir?"
Khayyam glanced toward the door.
"Perhaps we could talk privately?"
"But, of course, sir."
The apothecary slid easily from behind the counter and turned the lock and the sign.
"Now, how may I help you?"
Khayyam cleared his throat, yet mumbled. Admitting he needed help at all, was never an easy thing.
Khayyam perused the various items on the apothecary's shelves, waiting for the other customer's to leave. He'd used this apothecary before, but his purpose wasn't one he wanted others to hear.
"How may I help you today, Sir?"
Khayyam glanced toward the door.
"Perhaps we could talk privately?"
"But, of course, sir."
The apothecary slid easily from behind the counter and turned the lock and the sign.
"Now, how may I help you?"
Khayyam cleared his throat, yet mumbled. Admitting he needed help at all, was never an easy thing.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
The day of the party
Ivone turned her body to the left and right, checking the fit of the dress she wore. Her shoulders were bare and the corseted top was snug, rounding her breasts nicely. She'd debated on wearing her trousers and vest, but then thought better of it. She needed to be one of the many flitting things, smiling and giggling at Madiana's party. The color was a pale green, a shade that made the violet blue of her eyes stand-out more. She stared at the mirror, not really seeing much of anything as thoughts filled her head.
How fortuitous was it that Madiana was the one to approach Fargo all wide-eyed with worship? That fact made things easier. No convoluted plans were needed. No interactions had been needed. And, that was fine. Circumstance had made it that they should meet at least once per week to review the books, but meeting wasn't necessary. She was fully capable of managing her businesses. He had trained her well, after all, and she had been an apt and willing pupil.
The longer she stared at herself in the mirror, the more she became nothing more than shapes and colors. And, that was what she needed to be - nothing. An empty, vapid, smiling vessel ready to be filled with whatever the participants wanted.
"What do you think you are doing?"
Ivone jerked out of her momentary fugue. Her gaze jerked to the image of the person behind her and her gut and heart lurched. For a moment, she was vulnerable and exposed in the glass to the narrowed, blue eyed gaze that scraped over her from head to toe. A slow, cruel, and knowing smile was an ice-cold slice.
Ivone got control of herself, shutting everything away. Turning her gaze back to her own image, she could still see the vestiges of weakness she'd exhibited. Her features settled into a neutral expression as she smoothed her hands from her ribs down to her thighs, then moved to adjust the bodice.
A small thrill of satisfaction wormed its way in her chest as Aurelio watched the progression of her hands and let his gaze linger on her chest. It was a small victory, though, when she remembered how easily he gave himself to others in pursuit of his goals and his pleasures.
"I am getting ready to go to Madiana Morrington's party."
"Are you now." With an easy grace, Aurelio pushed away from the wall against which he'd lounged so insouciantly and moved toward her. He didn't stop until he was close to her. Aurelio's fingers curled around Ivone's bare shoulders and his gaze locked on hers in the glass.
Ivone stiffened in an attempt to stop her self from leaning back against him. It'd be too easy to do. The dress platform on which she stood along with the heel of her shoe put her nearer to his height than normal.
"What do you think you are doing?" Her voice gave her away. The question, intended to be haughty, was breathy instead. Ivone's hands fisted in the skirt of her dress.
"I just came to wish you success, little dove." Ivone's gaze drifted to watch as Aurelio brushed his lips across the skin of her right shoulder. He never his took his gaze from her, savoring the little cracks he engendered in the facade she'd assumed.
"You can't be in here!" An urgent whisper. He only smirked in reply.
Aurelio brushed the backs of his fingers against the backs of her arms. How did he make her so weak?! In everything else, she was strong. All she'd needed to do was avoid him. Yet, he had come to find her.
For a moment, only her breath broke the silence. Then she realized he had come to find her.
Suddenly the brick that had been heavy in her gut was gone, just gone. A beatific smile lit her face and Aurelio straightened. His features tightened. Ivone turned to face him in a rustle of fabric and threw her arms around his neck. Drawing him towards her, she kissed him. Hard.
I love you.
She didn't say it out loud. She couldn't. There was no place for words like that in the arrangements they'd made.
A breath, a heartbeat in which they stared at each other.
You're mine. Unspoken, yet acknowledged as the world exploded around them.
They devoured each other, each thinking they had something on the other, fast and rough yet oddly careful. When the seamstress returned she would find Ivone where she'd left her: alone, on the dressing platform, surveying herself in the triple mirrors.
"I'll wear this out and I'll take the matching shrug. I don't want to be late."
"Yes, Lady Ivone." The seemstress paused.
"My Lady, are you well?"
Ivone blinked. "Yes, why do you ask?"
"Your face looks flushed. Are you sure you aren't feeling ill?"
Ivone smiled at herself.
"No, on the contrary, I am feeling very well, thank you."
Ivone turned her body to the left and right, checking the fit of the dress she wore. Her shoulders were bare and the corseted top was snug, rounding her breasts nicely. She'd debated on wearing her trousers and vest, but then thought better of it. She needed to be one of the many flitting things, smiling and giggling at Madiana's party. The color was a pale green, a shade that made the violet blue of her eyes stand-out more. She stared at the mirror, not really seeing much of anything as thoughts filled her head.
How fortuitous was it that Madiana was the one to approach Fargo all wide-eyed with worship? That fact made things easier. No convoluted plans were needed. No interactions had been needed. And, that was fine. Circumstance had made it that they should meet at least once per week to review the books, but meeting wasn't necessary. She was fully capable of managing her businesses. He had trained her well, after all, and she had been an apt and willing pupil.
The longer she stared at herself in the mirror, the more she became nothing more than shapes and colors. And, that was what she needed to be - nothing. An empty, vapid, smiling vessel ready to be filled with whatever the participants wanted.
"What do you think you are doing?"
Ivone jerked out of her momentary fugue. Her gaze jerked to the image of the person behind her and her gut and heart lurched. For a moment, she was vulnerable and exposed in the glass to the narrowed, blue eyed gaze that scraped over her from head to toe. A slow, cruel, and knowing smile was an ice-cold slice.
Ivone got control of herself, shutting everything away. Turning her gaze back to her own image, she could still see the vestiges of weakness she'd exhibited. Her features settled into a neutral expression as she smoothed her hands from her ribs down to her thighs, then moved to adjust the bodice.
A small thrill of satisfaction wormed its way in her chest as Aurelio watched the progression of her hands and let his gaze linger on her chest. It was a small victory, though, when she remembered how easily he gave himself to others in pursuit of his goals and his pleasures.
"I am getting ready to go to Madiana Morrington's party."
"Are you now." With an easy grace, Aurelio pushed away from the wall against which he'd lounged so insouciantly and moved toward her. He didn't stop until he was close to her. Aurelio's fingers curled around Ivone's bare shoulders and his gaze locked on hers in the glass.
Ivone stiffened in an attempt to stop her self from leaning back against him. It'd be too easy to do. The dress platform on which she stood along with the heel of her shoe put her nearer to his height than normal.
"What do you think you are doing?" Her voice gave her away. The question, intended to be haughty, was breathy instead. Ivone's hands fisted in the skirt of her dress.
"I just came to wish you success, little dove." Ivone's gaze drifted to watch as Aurelio brushed his lips across the skin of her right shoulder. He never his took his gaze from her, savoring the little cracks he engendered in the facade she'd assumed.
"You can't be in here!" An urgent whisper. He only smirked in reply.
Aurelio brushed the backs of his fingers against the backs of her arms. How did he make her so weak?! In everything else, she was strong. All she'd needed to do was avoid him. Yet, he had come to find her.
For a moment, only her breath broke the silence. Then she realized he had come to find her.
Suddenly the brick that had been heavy in her gut was gone, just gone. A beatific smile lit her face and Aurelio straightened. His features tightened. Ivone turned to face him in a rustle of fabric and threw her arms around his neck. Drawing him towards her, she kissed him. Hard.
I love you.
She didn't say it out loud. She couldn't. There was no place for words like that in the arrangements they'd made.
A breath, a heartbeat in which they stared at each other.
You're mine. Unspoken, yet acknowledged as the world exploded around them.
They devoured each other, each thinking they had something on the other, fast and rough yet oddly careful. When the seamstress returned she would find Ivone where she'd left her: alone, on the dressing platform, surveying herself in the triple mirrors.
"I'll wear this out and I'll take the matching shrug. I don't want to be late."
"Yes, Lady Ivone." The seemstress paused.
"My Lady, are you well?"
Ivone blinked. "Yes, why do you ask?"
"Your face looks flushed. Are you sure you aren't feeling ill?"
Ivone smiled at herself.
"No, on the contrary, I am feeling very well, thank you."
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
Dearest Madiana,
Duty calls. I have been summoned to attend Khayyam Vyaduka this evening and cannot attend. You know how Maalik and Monetario are so competitive. Given my business dependence on Khayyam's support, I hope you will understand. Please forgive me, darling? Try to keep Fargo in line, he can be such a bad boy!
Madiana Morrington discarded Ivone's note to the side of her dressing table with a small, impish smile. With Ivone out of the way, she could have so much more fun.
Madiana spritzed herself with the new parfume she'd purchased just for the occasion. Rumor had it Fargo liked the scent. Surveying herself one more time, Madiana stood and moved to exit her room.
Time for the fun to begin.
Duty calls. I have been summoned to attend Khayyam Vyaduka this evening and cannot attend. You know how Maalik and Monetario are so competitive. Given my business dependence on Khayyam's support, I hope you will understand. Please forgive me, darling? Try to keep Fargo in line, he can be such a bad boy!
Madiana Morrington discarded Ivone's note to the side of her dressing table with a small, impish smile. With Ivone out of the way, she could have so much more fun.
Madiana spritzed herself with the new parfume she'd purchased just for the occasion. Rumor had it Fargo liked the scent. Surveying herself one more time, Madiana stood and moved to exit her room.
Time for the fun to begin.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
Aurelio walked home in the cool evening air, satisfied with himself as always. Through convoluted channels, the Paragon had found a disgruntled employee within the Morrington household to be the scapegoat. This would be where the investigative trail would end.
By the time the trail led to the employee, said employee would be in a fervor of hatred, spewing Paragon rhetoric but with no memory of her contacts - unless, of course, Andras and Hanuel had been clumsy and showed their faces. The employee had been put in the hands of another group, of whom Aurelio had no knowledge. He'd just sent the coded message with the employee's name.
Aurelio's steps took him to his usual club. Tonight, he needed a fine brandy and alibi - what better alibi than a few gambling wins and a group's worth of company?
By the time the trail led to the employee, said employee would be in a fervor of hatred, spewing Paragon rhetoric but with no memory of her contacts - unless, of course, Andras and Hanuel had been clumsy and showed their faces. The employee had been put in the hands of another group, of whom Aurelio had no knowledge. He'd just sent the coded message with the employee's name.
Aurelio's steps took him to his usual club. Tonight, he needed a fine brandy and alibi - what better alibi than a few gambling wins and a group's worth of company?
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
Khayyam paused when he saw Ivone standing in the foyer, smiling so brightly at him.
She was stunningly beautiful and so young. What was he thinking?
"You sent a note, Khayyam?"
"Ah, yes... would you join me in my study?"
"Of course."
In the study, Khayyam offered Ivone a small glass of brandy before taking his seat. Ivone watched him expectantly. Khayyam was behaving oddly.
For his part, Khayyam hesitated. He had not informed his family of his intentions and he suspected there would be fall-out, but would they be surprised? Really? How badly would they treat Ivone in his absence? And, all this was subject to her actually accepting his offer.
"Khayyam, something is obviously troubling you. Talk to me."
Ivone had moved and now kneeled at his feet. Her hands were small and warm, clasping his.
Teodinus help him, despite his age and position, he did want her companionship. No one else treated him with such care or consideration. Deference, yes, always. Disrespect, only from his own son.
"Ahh, Ivone..." Khayyam lifted a hand to stroke her hair, her cheek, to cup her face.
"I thought about what you said, and yes, I would like to marry you."
Ivone's eyes widened in surprise. Truly? Ivone closed her eyes and lifted her hand to cover his, the one that cupped her face so gently.
"I accept."
Khayyam could not believe it when she spoke. His eyes closed when he felt her lips on the palm of his hand. Desire stirred and he was grateful he’d made the investment earlier.
“I have the forms here. I hope you do not mind the lack of a formal ceremony. There will be enough talk under the circumstances.”
Ivone looked up at Khayyam, face shadowed by the dancing flames in the grate.
“It will be worth it.”
She was stunningly beautiful and so young. What was he thinking?
"You sent a note, Khayyam?"
"Ah, yes... would you join me in my study?"
"Of course."
In the study, Khayyam offered Ivone a small glass of brandy before taking his seat. Ivone watched him expectantly. Khayyam was behaving oddly.
For his part, Khayyam hesitated. He had not informed his family of his intentions and he suspected there would be fall-out, but would they be surprised? Really? How badly would they treat Ivone in his absence? And, all this was subject to her actually accepting his offer.
"Khayyam, something is obviously troubling you. Talk to me."
Ivone had moved and now kneeled at his feet. Her hands were small and warm, clasping his.
Teodinus help him, despite his age and position, he did want her companionship. No one else treated him with such care or consideration. Deference, yes, always. Disrespect, only from his own son.
"Ahh, Ivone..." Khayyam lifted a hand to stroke her hair, her cheek, to cup her face.
"I thought about what you said, and yes, I would like to marry you."
Ivone's eyes widened in surprise. Truly? Ivone closed her eyes and lifted her hand to cover his, the one that cupped her face so gently.
"I accept."
Khayyam could not believe it when she spoke. His eyes closed when he felt her lips on the palm of his hand. Desire stirred and he was grateful he’d made the investment earlier.
“I have the forms here. I hope you do not mind the lack of a formal ceremony. There will be enough talk under the circumstances.”
Ivone looked up at Khayyam, face shadowed by the dancing flames in the grate.
“It will be worth it.”
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: Tripping the Boards
The day of the Gala and Bombings
Early the next morning, before the news leaked of Madiana's fiasaco, Ivone and Khayyam visited the barrister to review the paperwork. Ivone would retain the rights to her former husband's fortunes and her businesses, and gained nothing from Vyaduka, but the agreement of marriage.
The agreements were an easy concession to prove her innocent of fortune-hunting and to ensure the family would not resent her, at least in that regard.
Khayyam did not tell his family that day, choosing instead to wait. He did not want to ruin the warmth the previous night's events. The apothecary's medicine had worked and worked surprisingly well. After so many years, Khayyam had been pleased to find he did not leave his young wife wanting for anything. He had been out of breath and his heart had pounded hard in chest, but any discomfort had been worth the effort.
The pair walked down the street, Ivone with her arm through Khayyam's, as she normally would. That evening's dinner went as it always did when Ivone attended. She'd become such a regular visitor and contributor over the last three years, even Maalik didn't give her a second thought.
Maalik retired to his room. Jafar and his wife had their own house and had left already. Azuel left to attend the Gala, followed by Latifa. Khayyam took more of the medications he'd procured, probably more than he should have. Yesterday's performance had been surprisingly quick, but at least it had been a performance. A sense of vigor and vitality rushing through him.
In his study, he had invited his new wife to join him in his chair, the look on his face a hopeful, puppy-dog look he was unaware he wore. For her part, Ivone blushed prettily, and laughed softly, and imagined Khayyam as another to keep herself from being ill. The prior night's activities had been easier because of the unplanned, passionate encounter with Aurelio. The man hadn't even known he was being a cuckold. Tonight, she had nothing to help her.
The bombings disrupted them. The sound was unexpected. The clanging of the fire patrol's bells, let them know something else was amiss. A sharp pain had already begun to creep across his chest.
It was Azuel's return that shocked Khayyam the most. All Khayyam could do was to stare at Azuel as he told them what happened. Cold creeped over his whole body.
His City had been attacked from the inside.
His grandson had been injured.
His granddaugnter was missing.
Khayyam's face mottled purple as rage filled him. Pain clenched his chest. "Iv..."
Ivone gasped as Khayyam collapsed onto her. His weight took them both to the floor.
"Khayyam!" Ivone looked up, stricken, into the cold, dark green eyes of Maalik Vyaduka.
Maalik gave Ivone a sharp, cold flash of a smile before turning on his heels and returning to his study.
"He's all yours now, right?"
"Maalik! Help me!"
Nothing.
Ivone continues here: Physican Heal Thyself
Early the next morning, before the news leaked of Madiana's fiasaco, Ivone and Khayyam visited the barrister to review the paperwork. Ivone would retain the rights to her former husband's fortunes and her businesses, and gained nothing from Vyaduka, but the agreement of marriage.
The agreements were an easy concession to prove her innocent of fortune-hunting and to ensure the family would not resent her, at least in that regard.
Khayyam did not tell his family that day, choosing instead to wait. He did not want to ruin the warmth the previous night's events. The apothecary's medicine had worked and worked surprisingly well. After so many years, Khayyam had been pleased to find he did not leave his young wife wanting for anything. He had been out of breath and his heart had pounded hard in chest, but any discomfort had been worth the effort.
The pair walked down the street, Ivone with her arm through Khayyam's, as she normally would. That evening's dinner went as it always did when Ivone attended. She'd become such a regular visitor and contributor over the last three years, even Maalik didn't give her a second thought.
Maalik retired to his room. Jafar and his wife had their own house and had left already. Azuel left to attend the Gala, followed by Latifa. Khayyam took more of the medications he'd procured, probably more than he should have. Yesterday's performance had been surprisingly quick, but at least it had been a performance. A sense of vigor and vitality rushing through him.
In his study, he had invited his new wife to join him in his chair, the look on his face a hopeful, puppy-dog look he was unaware he wore. For her part, Ivone blushed prettily, and laughed softly, and imagined Khayyam as another to keep herself from being ill. The prior night's activities had been easier because of the unplanned, passionate encounter with Aurelio. The man hadn't even known he was being a cuckold. Tonight, she had nothing to help her.
The bombings disrupted them. The sound was unexpected. The clanging of the fire patrol's bells, let them know something else was amiss. A sharp pain had already begun to creep across his chest.
It was Azuel's return that shocked Khayyam the most. All Khayyam could do was to stare at Azuel as he told them what happened. Cold creeped over his whole body.
His City had been attacked from the inside.
His grandson had been injured.
His granddaugnter was missing.
Khayyam's face mottled purple as rage filled him. Pain clenched his chest. "Iv..."
Ivone gasped as Khayyam collapsed onto her. His weight took them both to the floor.
"Khayyam!" Ivone looked up, stricken, into the cold, dark green eyes of Maalik Vyaduka.
Maalik gave Ivone a sharp, cold flash of a smile before turning on his heels and returning to his study.
"He's all yours now, right?"
"Maalik! Help me!"
Nothing.
Ivone continues here: Physican Heal Thyself
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker