Starting Over

[Ivone]

Ivone continues from here: Physician Heal Thyself
September 1, 122PW

Three months had passed since the bombings and Khayyam's death. Three months of observing mourning customs. Three months of avoiding Aurelio Merynir, something easy to do when you were socially obligated to refrain from social occasion. Three months in, though, she could, if she wanted, be seen socially.

Ivone sat at her dressing table staring into the mirror. She didn't want. Really. But, one had to make appearances. Especially at the opening of a new play being performed at a theater she held an interest in. Especially when, for all practical purposes, you were the host. She wore a dark blue dress, modestly cut, a color in keeping with her status as a widow. Her hair was covered, as was also expected. The jewelry was her signature Tanzanite.

The opening would be held in the reception area of the theater, ahead of the start of the play. The days of sold-out shows had not arrived yet. People were still recovering from the effects of the bombings. The theater would be another good target if the "bad elements" decided so. People did not want to be targets.

Ivone arrived early to ensure everything was in order. It was, thankfully.

Now, to make it through the four and half hours. She could do this. She could.

Ivone looked to the troupe. "Are you ready? Let's begin." Putting on a smile, Ivone gestured for the doorman to open the doors as the guests arrived.

"Keyvan, so good to see you again. Have you met Jakob Coventry? Jakob, let me introduce Mr. Calder."

And so it went.

[Vicentius]

Nightlife in Marn, for those unwilling or unable to delve into the seedier or pricier ends of the market, tended to be a rather uniform affair, punctuated by remarkably interesting outings that either ended wonderfully or horribly. It must have been something about the Marnian mindset that discouraged the adventurous from advertising their ideas, but they still managed to find ways to sneak in. For a moment, Tius was sharply reminded of a similar walk he had undertaken three months previous, and he shook the memory off like a sudden chill, bringing his mind back to the present. Martial Law may have been lifted, after a fashion, but it was still unwise to linger in the streets, and even less so this close to the industrial districts.

Wondering, not for the first time, why his darling sister chose now of all times to try her hand at acting, and more accurately whom she had her eye on this time, he nudged his horse to a faster trot. The theatre may not have been going anywhere, but at that pace neither was he, and as the nominated family representative, as it were, he had to appear and be a good brother and all that. Still, he enjoyed Cisme's company, so he put on a brave face and soldiered on. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't even sure what the play was about; probably some political commentary or other again. There had been more and more of them since the bombings, and the Guard had begun to take notice.

Adjusting his coat as the theatre came into view, he patted his horse's neck and steered him towards the stables, hoping to get a decent seat before the rush. True, opening night was unlikely to be packed out, but the good seats were still in short supply, as the university types tended to get there early. Dismounting outside, he lead his horse to a stall and handed her over to one of the staff with coin for payment. Brushing himself off, he took a moment to check that his attire, black and unadorned but well tailored and stylish, was properly adjusted and headed for the stairs leading in.

[Ivone]

Ivone turned to greet the next guest and found herself smiling up at Vincentius Morrington.

"Mr. Morrington, a pleasure!" Ivone extended a hand to Tius as she curtsied politely. "Cisme will be so pleased you've come. She's just across the room, there." With a graceful gesture, Ivone motioned toward Cisme, who was laughing and chatting with Keyvan Calder. Jakob, the leading man, had moved on to speak with other guests.

"Would you care for some refreshments?" A buffet, banquet style table sat against the wall.

Around them small groups had formed little pockets of social engagement. The actors and actresses moved from group to group or were the center of one.

[Vicentius]

Tius smiled at the greeting, sweeping into a bow as he took Ivone's hand and brushed his lips against it. Ivone Malatrast was an oddity in the Marnian upper circles and the subject of a considerable amount of quiet gossip, as he understood it. He didn't really understand why, given that her history and her businesses were interesting enough on their own, but then socialites had to be social, he supposed. Rising from his bow, he released her hand as gently as propriety allowed and clasped his hands together, stepping back.

"Miss Malatrast, the pleasure, as always, is mine," he said, "though it shames me to say I haven't had the pleasure of your company in quite a while."

He looked past her to where his sister was mingling, noting her body language and expression, before returning his attention to the hostess. While spoiling his sister's act would have been amusing, going immediately would have been impolite, and he was willing to let small pleasures slide in the name of social pleasantry. In fact, said willingness was something of a prerequisite in their social circles, but that didn't make it any less tedious.

"I understand congratulations are in order," he said to Ivone, "another business success?"

[Ivone]

Ivone studied Tius as he went through the motions.

"Oh, you're too kind." When he released her hand, she clasped both of hers in front of her. When his gaze moved to his sister, she was afforded more time to study him. Rumors about Tius Morrington existed, too.

"Ah, you mean the play? I suppose we'll see. There's a pattern for plays, you know. There's the early adopters - the patrons who always come at the start of the run, the waiters - those who wait to see what the reviews will say, and the late adopters - those who see plays only when they can afford the time."

Ivone's gaze followed a group she'd met during her first soiree after coming out of mourning the first time. "And, then there's the socialites, who come to mix, mingle, and be seen, yet have no interest in the work the players have invested." Sparrow Moryldar, accompanied by her entourage, had graced the opening.

Ivone focused her attention back to the Tius. "I insist you use my box to view the play in honor of CIsme's debut."

[Vicentius]

"Partially," he said, "though I was referring to your perfumes. I understand you have a new Tian-Xian inspired fragrance coming onto the market to great acclaim. Marn is proud of its industrious citizens."

He waved away a servant hovering with a glass of wine as politely as he could manage. While he appreciated the refreshments as much as the next man, over-indulging would only hinder his appreciation of what would no doubt be a fine performance. More importantly, he had a dislike for rich fare that was well known, and as he declined the proffered glass, he noted one or two judgmental glances that did not linger when he turned their way. He returned his attention to Miss Malatrast as she described the typical patronage of the theatre, nodding slightly in agreement, though he raised an eyebrow.

"Could that not be said of any product, Miss Malatrast? Theatre goers hardly hold the patent on fickle consumerism. It is a travesty though, is it not? How can we claim to be a great city when the Arts are often an afterthought?"

He followed her gaze to Miss Moryldar, smiling and inclining his head to her as propriety demanded. Such an interesting woman, Sparrow, he reflected, flitting from gathering to gathering not unlike her namesake, but it was her after hours activities which generated the most comments, so to speak. Tius, however, knew that those rumours were entirely that; rumours, as no solid evidence of her proclivities had ever surfaced. Still, she did have a rather large coterie of male and female admirers, and whose tastes ran towards the unconventional, and she did spend rather significant amounts of money on horse riding accouterments, but those two facts need not have been related. He watched her group pass, maintaining his smile, and glanced at Miss Malatrast.

"And yet," he said, "they arrive sporting some of your wares. Such a dichotomy of tastes, but hardly unusual when compared with Master Merynir. A man of true grace and charm, indeed."

He inclined his head at her offer, aware of the honour.

"I was saddened to hear of Judge Vyaduka's passing," he said, "he was an example to us all. That unpleasantness with the bombings cost us all dearly."

[Ivone]

A soft, pleased and guarded smile appeared, tinted perhaps with a little excitement. This was something she enjoyed and liked to do. She stepped a little closer without even realizing she had. Something sparkled in the depths of her eyes and Ivone was, for a moment, the most unguarded she could be.

"That's right, you have traveled there! Tell me, was my attempt even remotely accurate? I used essences of bamboo and amber as the base notes. I wish I could have been there, too."

A server appeared with a tray of champagne and wine. Tius' polite decline did not go unnoticed, what hostess would miss that? Ivone spoke.

"Ah, Dav, none for me, thank you. Would you please bring some tea ?" Returning her gaze to Tius she said, "I need to stay alert for the next four hours and spirits just go straight to my head."

Non-alcoholic options were on the banquet table, though in low demand. Most launch party attendees would choose champagne over tea.

"Could that not be said of any product, Miss Malatrast? Theatre goers hardly hold the patent on fickle consumerism. It is a travesty though, is it not? How can we claim to be a great city when the Arts are often an afterthought?"

"Which is why I continue my late husband's patronage works." Her late husband. Now she had two. A flicker of something appeared. Even after three years' time, Ivone had little tells. She was not an automaton.

"And yet, they arrive sporting some of your wares. Such a dichotomy of tastes, but hardly unusual when compared with Master Merynir. A man of true grace and charm, indeed."

Ivone's brows raised at the first part of his comment. Was his sense of smell as acute as hers? "You note..." Ivone had started, but his easy segue into the mention of Aurelio Merynir. Apparently, Tius Morrington was not above the social jabs any more than the rest of the upper class. The warmth that Ivone had let show flickered out and guttered as she put on her polite smile.

"Ah, yes, as a Morrington you would know the Merynirs well."

"I was saddened to hear of Judge Vyaduka's passing. He was an example to us all. That unpleasantness with the bombings cost us all dearly."

Ivone inclined her head in acknowledgement of the condolences. "He was a good man.I think many were saddened." The cups of tea arrived. Aurelio had turned her into a bit of a tea snob. This was a fine blend with a deep resonant scent. She took hers plain. Taking up the cup, Ivone's eyes closed as she breathed in the scent. The tension washed from her, soothed by it. A second cup was available for Tius along with cream, sugar, and honey, should that be his preference.

Ivone regarded Tius over the edge of her cup. "I visited Madiana the other day. She seems much improved."

[Vicentius]

"Have I offended you, Miss Malatrast? My apologies. Tackling reports of housing violations daily doesn't do much to polish one's social graces."

He raised both eyebrows, letting his puzzlement show openly. Her reactions were odd, he thought, and indicative of a certain volatility, lurking just beneath the surface. He'd met parents who had lost children, some in his travels and some since his return to Marn, and the loss affected them all in different ways, but to lose a spouse and a child, that was something else, especially in such traumatic circumstances. The void left by such a loss was great, and with nothing to fill it, the mind could wander in strange directions. He remembered well his own feelings when first he left the city, and they were not thoughts he cared to voice. What was the saying? People were who they were on their worst days, and everything else was mummery.

"I've heard it said that dear Aurelio has taken something of an interest in your business of late," he said, "a shrewd man, by all means, but not one to share in my experience."

Still, he thought, if her reaction was anything to go by, then there had to be some truth to the rumours of a dalliance between them. Or none. Rumours abounded about Aurelio Merynir in all circles, and Tius was positive that the man encouraged them to cover the truth of what he was actually up to. It was a sound tactic, and Tius quite approved, but if there was truth to it, he could only wonder what someone as mercenary as Aurelio could want with Miss Malatrast, and vice versa. Miss Malatrast was attractive, there was no doubting that, but it took more than that to pique Aurellio's interest. The man was a predator with his choice of prey, difficult to read and harder still to pin down. He shrugged, returning to her original question.

"The scent is quite light and refreshing," he said, thinking, "a fashion in imperial cities, though the consistency is a little cloying. Some of the nobility hold to a strict doctrine of purity of body, preferring to perfume the hair or the clothes instead. It requires a rather delicate touch, I'm told; strong enough that the scent lingers, delicate enough that the senses are not offended."

He accepted the steaming cup with a nod of his head, declining the sugar, honey and milk offered, and met Miss Malatrast's gaze fully and openly, still considering.

"The ingredients can change depending on the season, and how far east one goes. Peach and Lychee, crisp rose and dark wood, peonies and clean berries. Light, clean, subtle and alluring, as I recall, that is their taste."

He paused, sregarding his tea as she regarded him, commenting on the Gala. He smiled a tight smile, savouring the aroma.

"A trying time for us all," he said, sadly, "I'm told she was too close to one of the tables. It is good that she lived. Too many died that day."

The tea smelled exquisite, with notes of deep chocolate and a sweet, almost cinnamon note to it that he couldn't quite place.

"I was rather luckier," he said, shrugging, "only a few scratches, and I got to see the good Captain stare down the Lady Isyrion in front of her crowd. Then I went to the hospital to volunteer and saw what Lady Isyrion's posturing cost us."

He mirrored her polite smile, sipping his tea.

[Ivone]

And with that, Ivone actually felt a little ashamed of thinking Tius was like everyone else. His puzzlement and direct question worked. He wasn't, was he? He had actually left Marn and traveled to places she'd only read about. She glanced away and took another sip of tea. She didn't need to explain anything to Tius, but she wanted to find a way to move off of the subject.

Returning her gaze to meet his, Ivone said, "Yes. He encouraged me to start my business after we met at a marriage mart meeting. Despite his ... former challenges, he is actually a canny businessman. Too canny for me, I'm afraid." A small smile curved her lips, though it was one more filled with chagrin than humor.

As Tius described the scent and manners of a culture foreign to her, Ivone listened with rapt interest. Many of those he mentioned were easily available in Marn and it was the concept, not necessarily the ingredients, that was to be mirrored. Possibilities filled her mind.

Memories of that night ran through her mind, the biggest of which for her was having to drag Vyaduka's body to the street by herself.

"Indeed."

Ivone inhaled a breath, as if shoring herself up. "And that is why things like tonight become more important. No matter the reason, we must come together, laugh and cry together, remember and eventually, hopefully, heal and forgive."

Big words. Ones she was still trying to embrace wholly. Fake it 'til you make it, right?

An usher appeared tapping out dulcet notes on a three-toned bell. Ivone smiled, "Ah, it's time to open the doors and take our seats. My box is up the stairs, there. Shall we?"

[Vicentius]

His words did seem to have some effect, and went some way towards repairing the damage made by his earlier remark, which was fortunate. As much as he was looking forward to a night at the theatre, forcing polite small talk with the occupants of a private box was the surest way to spoil the evening for all involved. Still, as he described what he recalled of the perfumes, he noticed that her attention sharpened to a knife edge, which was useful to know.

"I can happily recommend Yulongjing should you choose to visit, Miss Malatrast," he said, "it is quite a sight."

The change in her manner, however brief, at the mention of the bombings did not escape his notice either, and he smiled sympathetically. If the rumours were to be believed, then she had been by Judge Vyaduka's side when he died, though more than that did not really bear thinking about. He was a mostly harmless old man and whom he chose to spend his spare time with was his business. He maintained his distance as she collected herself, allowing her to maintain her independence and dignity while he studied the rim of his teacup.

"There is a saying," he said, "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift; that is why it is called the present. We cannot claim to be free if the past still shackles us, and there are no simple answers, much as some would have us believe otherwise. But, I believe that in trying, we achieve great things."

The bell rang and he smiled, a little warmer this time, and bowed.

"After you, Miss."

[Ivone]

Ivone smiled and shook her head with a murmur. Leaving was a pipe dream. "I'm sure I would offend someone by my lack of knowledge."

Ivone studying him. "I sincerely hope so."

When he straightened his bow, she slipped her arm through his even if he hadn't really extended his. Any gentleman escorting a lady would be expected to offer his arm. Ivone moved with a decent pace, adjusting for his longer legs easily, up the staircase. The atrium was richly decorated in rich colors of red and gold.

Inside the architectural concept was of a mythical, walled city, like one found in Corezo. Clever lighting and paint made the ceiling twinkle like the night sky. Around the edges, domes and minarets gave way to balconies, which is where the private boxes were situated. Every seat was a good seat, at least for hearing. The acoustic design was such that even the softest voice would be heard from the orchestra stage. The entirety of the design was one to encourage patrons to lose themselves in the story and the setting.

The story itself began with the visit of a Prince and his entourage to a kind and respectable nobleman, the nobleman's brother, his beautiful daughter (played by Cisme), and the nobleman's clever niece. With the dimming of the light, an enchanted smile appeared on Ivone's face and she leaned forward. Seeing the practices, even in full costume, was nothing like seeing the finished project come together.

[Vicentius]

"Well, Miss Malatrast," he said, adjusting his step to match hers, "that's the beauty of the Imperial System; they're always more than happy to point you in the right direction."

That was something of a polite understatement given that every Tian Xian was raised and educated to believe that the Empire and the Bureaucracy were the greatest and only institutions worth mentioning. Frankly, it put Puradynism to shame in its thoroughness, and educating untutored outsiders about was almost a national hobby. He put those thoughts away as Ivone lead him into her booth.

Every time he set foot in the theatre, the sheer opulence of it all struck him nearly speechless. While small compared to the institutions of Eyropa, the combination of lighting effects, richly appointed furniture and colours made it seem more than it was. It was designed to draw the eye, a similar style to the Apthonian amphitheatres, though the designs likely evolved separately.

Taking his seat, he noted the sense of quiet pride that seemed to settle over his hostess; the culmination of weeks of work and planning no doubt. Once again, he noted the disparity in her manner, as the shrewd social creature retreated and was replaced by a passionate woman. It was a dangerous indication of how her mind worked, and he settled into his seat as the play began.

[Ivone]

As the story progressed, Ivone more and more snuck little glances to see if Vincentius was enjoying the production. She loved the story and thought Lemoura Katzenopolous' performance was wonderful. Especially the part where she solicited the Prince's friend to slay the man who had slain her sweet, pure cousin who wasn't really dead. Well, there were so many parts from the role she enjoyed.

Ivone also loved the bumbling constable who sought to ingratiate himself with the kind nobleman and proclaimed himself, "an ass." Ferron Houlday's comedic timing was exquisite.

The story had so many levels to it. Of course, the part at the end where the plotting of the prince, the nobleman, and the nobleman's cousin proves that one should never say never was the culmination. The play ended on a high, happy note with a song easily learned and refrained by the audience when the actors solicited them.

The emotion in Ivone's eyes sparkled as she forgot to whatever it was she had been trained to be, molded to be. She even sang along at the end, turning that shining gaze to see if Vincentius would be willing to join in.

"No?" She raised her brows and joined in the refrain again.

[Vicentius]

Despite his reservations, Tius was quite impressed with the performance. The lead actress, Lemoura, was a veteran of many a production and she played her part to perfection. Cisme did well too, he thought, despite a false start or two, and she took her cues quite well. Still, as intrigued as he was by the performance, he was rather more intrigued by his hostess, who kept glancing at him throughout the performance. He responded, each time, with a nod and a gentle smile to let her know that he was paying attention.

The plot wasn't difficult to follow, though he conceded that the machinations had to be a little obvious for the crowd to be able to follow them. The untrustworthy should never be trusted and betrayal was always repaid in kind, seemed to be the theme. He was surprised, if he was honest with himself, that that theme remained popular. Since the bombings, more and more pieces and productions had focused on the need for unity and strength against those that would take from them, and about people banding together to make something better. A play about the fickleness of nobility and the weakness of the guard was a risk in such times, even with the high of the ending, but it could well pay off.

Miss Malatrast, by contrast, seemed quite captivated by the whole affair, and he marveled as all of her worries fell away to reveal the passionate, caring woman beneath. It was quite an act, if he did say so himself, and quite engaging. Still, she had a certain appeal, and he could well understand why she would appeal to Aurelio. More troubling still, he could well understand why Aurelio would appeal to her. Smiling at her question, he shook his head gently, eyes twinkling.

"I've not the voice," he said, "but it is quite the show."

[Ivone]

Ivone smiled in amusement at his response, an answering twinkle in her eyes.

"Now I worry I should have been more self-conscious."

The audience applauded the performance and the usual over adoration of the leading lady and her leading man occurred. The primaries were given bouquets of flowers and a second set of applause. The actors and actresses preened and smiled under the attention.

The lights slowly brightened in the theater, as if the sun was rising. People talked among themselves as they made their way to the exits. There was more than one smile upon the faces of those who left, though at least one or two seemed pinch faced. There's always be at least one.

Ushers, with a slight sense of boredom, waved people through like a guardsman directing Main Street traffic, to ensure everyone exited. A cleaning crew stood at the ready, waiting to descend upon the floors and seats.

Ivone held out her hand, "Shall we? I know someone who could get you backstage." She winked.