Antoine were not rich, he had monies, but they were tied up in his failed marriage and he had not thought on ending that fiasco since he took his leave of the woman. A divorce were a matter he would have to return to Austria and those memories. So he avoided anything that brought them on as much as possible. But his work ethic and lapse in many normal indulgences did produce a savings that allowed him to treat Renata to the Opera and new attire. Even if their seats were not a private box.

It were not an affair he could repeat weekly or even monthly but once in awhile he were lucky enough to do so. Unless the pair found other things they enjoyed doing together. Then he’d have to forgo one treat for another. But they would cross that activity as they came to it. Tonight they had the opera and one another.

Antoine did not care if other men, or even women, stared at the pair. And he raise his hand to lift Renata’s chin when she ducked her head to avoid the stares from others. He bent and spoke to her.

“The only ones to be unsure of themselves in this room should be me, as I have brought you knowingly of your profession… and those patrons of yours who hide what they enjoy from those they profess to love. You do not look away or down. You have done nothing illicit or deceptive. You have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. No.”

And she asked where they were to sit. He pulled the tickets and looked for numbers. They had higher seating then the stalls he had procured a box on the floor that they would share with another couple or three individual patrons. It were at the back of the stalls on the ground floor but the theater were so made that they sat higher than those on the floor. And he led them through the things in search of their seating.

Renata pauses momentary. A Hitch in her step and Antoine looks to see the matter. His companion not showing obviously the reason but shake her head. He leans to questions her.

“Is everything alright?”

And a she leans he sees a young man staring at the pair. One he had not seen before in any recollections.


@Atrice

''Thats awful to hear'' Liao said when Beppin told her about Felix d'Apcher's unfortunate experiences in love. Love was a double edged sword. It could both make you feel the happiest and the most saddest person in the world. She hoped his current companion would bring him comfort. ''Well if she has any sort of training, which I assume given by how well she looks, I'm sure he'll be in gentle and loving hands for this evening. And I wouldn't be opposed to such an idea. Its never a bad thing to meet new people. You can learn a lot from first impressions'' she said and smiled, thinking back when she had met Beppin for the first time. He had been courageous, caring and a gentleman and had proven to be one after seeing him again.

Her attention turned towards the stage as the performance started and she was impressed by their talent and skill. She couldn't imagine herself controlling her voice that high or that low nor do it continuosly. She'd have a sore throat in minutes. Another thing that she was amazed by was how fast the hands and fingers of the orchestra players' moved. She leaned against Beppin and kissed his cheek. ''Thank you for taking me here. It has been more enjoyable than I could have imagined and the show has only just started!''

@Elena

It was difficult for Renata to ignore the people who stared at her – most didn’t know her, but some did know, both women, but mostly men. She felt Antoine’s hand upon her chin though, and he said it was only he who should be unsure of himself – and she should not, because she hadn’t done anything wrong. He claimed she had nothing to be ashamed off. She supposed he was right and when she fled Rome and came to Venice, she could have chosen another way of life, but she didn’t. She chose to remain the business she knew best, even though most women found it to be a very shameful business. And she knew that too. So he was right, because she chose to do what she did, knowing what society would think of her, but still… a Ruffiana at the Opera? That was more than she had ever imagined.

Renata said nothing, but decided to instead ask where they’d sit. Antoine spent a few moments finding their tickets to see where they should sit, but before they moved, she’d paused, because she thought she saw a familiar pair of green eyes stare at her. He was handsomely dressed in green, and he was young too. If it was who she thought it was, he had his father’s face, but his mother’s eyes… her eyes…

She tried to pretend nothing was off though, but Antoine noticed her pause and asked if everything was alright.

“I’m… not sure.” Renata said slowly, but then another couple walked past them and when they were gone, the young man was gone too. Where to? She couldn’t see him, although her eyes searched the area where he’d been standing, “I thought I saw someone I used to know… but perhaps it was just a coincidence.” She added. Antoine knew so little of her past and the less he knew, the better. He shouldn’t know she’d murdered her stepfather in bed, after he’d taken advantage of her for years. He shouldn’t know that she robbed a boy of both father and mother, since their common mother left Rome with Renata, instead of staying with her son Leonardo.

“Let’s go and sit, it sounds like it’s about to begin.” She finally said and inhaled a breath. Was that what Leonardo would look like now? She wasn’t sure. And he was gone now.

@Crymson

Leonardo had apparently been lingering for too long, because Renata saw him and so did her companion. He wanted to be the one taking the first step here though, so he gave her a small smile and when he had his chance, he hurried away to hide behind a decorative curtain not far away. When he peeked out again, Renata and her handsome companion had moved on and in the last crowd entering the actual theater with the seats, he followed the pair to where they’d sit down. His own seat was elsewhere though, so for now, he’d linger in the isle nearby – glad that the lights had been dimmed so he’d hide more easily.

@Crymson

“Captain Pasqualigo and his companion, Signorina Yu. I have the pleasure of being acquainted with the Captain. And I must say he is a very skilled dancer. I can introduce you at the intermission if it please you Signora Aramoire.”

“meeting new people is always a good thing for business “ the word used in a precise time and manner to remind a client that he was on the clock, and it was nothing more than business” If they are friends of yours they must be exceptional people “

The night moved one and his hands lingered over the boning of her corseted bodice, as he unbuttoned the heavy lengthy train that trailed the peacock everywhere, divesting her of her feathered tail, and leaving behind a sleek silhouette in its place. She was a woman who enjoyed sensations, touch being one of those sensations.. so the firm caress of the curve of her tiny waist, down over her hip was welcomed and relished.. His own scent was heated male, but not gaudy with musk.. earthy..alive..with promise.. a curve lifted the corner of her lips as he withdrew his warmth, settling as the music begin.. often she would turn her regal head, its swan like neck, elegant even in such a simple movement.. to gaze upon him.. a puzzle to many..but did she see thru him.. could she see the real man beneath.. his eyes closed.. experiencing the music and song deeply.. with appreciation for the craft, and even a wince when a note was off by the smallest of margin, sharp of flat.. or sung without the right emotion..

soon however, her gaze was no longer lighting like a flitting butterfly upon him now and again, but riveted on the stage, on the drama played out before her. She was entranced by the story.. the workings of song and craft to bring to life another world.. so moved by the music and the muse..a single tear escaped her glacial green hues.. gliding down her cheek the rarest of diamonds, as she was moved by the offerings of the opera.. and for a moment.. he would indeed be treated to a rare and wonderful insight into her world.. there were those who said she was incapable of feeling, those who said she felt no emotions.. only acted the perfect part for whoever could pay the highest price..

The Vulnerability was beautiful in a way that only women can be..it transcended the physical as if her soul was on display.. the little hitch in her breath.. then the hold as the last note was held.. a mournful thing of lost love.. of the death of all hope.. somehow it resounded with her deeply.. her walls tumbling the facade fallen.. fingers curled about the banister until the note faded and at last.. she inhaled..

Intermission

@Crymson

What better way to make a statement than to thrust your position openly and as publicly as possible?

Thurenza bought a box for the Opera and had outfits made for herself and Aatami. No one would be able to look away from the pair as they made their presence and she’d break all assumptions on who and what exactly Aatami were to her by doing such.

The tactic one of disorientation and proclamation.

It would send a ripple through the societal pond and she’d make her observations of who sank and who swam. And as Aatami had been home she had been teaching him the ways of Venezia and others that mixed within the lagoon. He were ever ready to learn new surroundings and ways to navigate them and she were confident in is abilities to fend for himself when warranted. He were a skilled a warrior after all.

Personally she picked the Opera because they both enjoyed music and she hoped to share the small pleasure with him. Even if he did not know the language the sentiment were still expressed by the sounds. It did not really matter what the meaning were, it was what one felt stirred by the sounds.

Thurenza were rarely nervous. But tonight and since Aatami’s return she had been. It were like courting one another all over. They had a new setting to survive in, new societal by laws and even the newness of one another, now all grown, after so long apart. And the fashion of Venezia currently were nothing to the simple means they had blossomed in.

Getting ready for the night she had wanting to eb the bland one to highlight how exotic her companion would be. Their attire chosen. She wanted her dark hair straightened but it simply were not the fashion. Perhaps a day they stayed in she could entertain him with her hair oiled and left down. His attire she had to have fitted many time to make sure he could actually move in the materials. Unlike most male figures Aatami’s had been born from hard labors and chiseled into bulk by them. And any warrior would feel trapped if they simply could not move because of their clothing.

She adorned herself in jewelry the same color as his suit. Her hair pinned up sprinkled with little blue crystals to tie their outfits together. The ribbons on her gown the same blue. His rich flesh would be the factor to pull their attire together.

She came down their stairs to and spied him. So handsome. And so brave to trust her to dress him. She hoped desperately he did not hate it.

“The color suits you.”

@Elena

Aatami was thrilled by the perspective to go to the Opera with Thurenza.

Yes, he had been explained that it was a different kind of music and dance, that not everyday people sung and danced. Somehow like the exclusive songs and dances the Maykujay clan had for healing certain illnesses. This Opera thing healed illnesses of the soul too, and all people came to see it. Captain Beppin and Fernand said they would be going too, because this one was something new only a King far away had seen. He was looking forward to it.

Apparently it had something to do with courting too, since both the others he had talked with came with their loved ones, but not all did. Barthemy and Rino were going alone, and they had been joking, when Aatami saw them last, who whose date it meant they were. They had been harassing Stephane if he’d dare to bring his beloved too, but Aatami hadn’t understood which was the problem if the young man came alone, with them, or accompanied. However, if going to the Opera meant courting, he was willing to keep courting Thurenza and rediscover her. Besides, he understood it meant something else – his introduction into the white men’s world. Her world. And he was nervous about this. Willing to comply with everything for her sake. He couldn’t destroy what she had been working for during the latest years.

He had a tiny element to compare her present world to – the plantation life he had observed in his slavery years. He knew that she was a lady, and that if Aatami was to be recognized as her companion – husband, lover, whatever the others could understand – he couldn’t look and dress like a slave, neither like a sailor. He trusted her to dress him as she saw fit, wholly aware that he should be, in behaviours and presentation, nothing to be ashamed of in this specific world. He sat quietly to be measured and fitted for a blue gala suit he was wearing now, and for a simpler brown one meant for daily use when going out. If he had something to work, like when he and Fernand had helped the priest move, the sailor outfit went well.

Right now, he felt a little awkward, but without hating his new clothes. He was trying his best to get accustomed to them. And he liked what he had seen in the mirror. In his mind, they together, dressed so lavishly, were like in legends, the grandson of the grandmother of the South, and the lovely youngest daughter of the grandfather of the North. Day and night, but well matched together.

”Your colour suits you too. You are as bright as the moon. And your fan can start the cold wind from the South,” he made reference to the exact Shawnee legend and pairing he was comparing them to.

If she told him that she wanted to be bland, he would have laughed and told her that nobody can be bland with blue stars in her hair. She was gorgeous, and he liked admiring her. He was aware everybody would be admiring her. Hadn’t it been always so? It was all right for him. He wasn’t jealous. He knew her eyes and her heart were only for him – and his for her.

On the way to the Opera, Thurenza told him that it was about a secret marriage. Like theirs here, for now, he thought silently. All the faces were turning to them, such an unusual couple for this place. The Opera building was impressive to him, even if he had seen big buildings in various cities during his travel. The inside was sumptuous, and his big eyes were admiring the environment, as much as the others' eyes were on them.

@Crymson

They had paused Renata telling him that she thought she recognize someone. But many faces could be an old or current patron of hers. None should make her pause. Less the individual had caused her distress and that train of thought had him looking more about them.

He noted the man he originally had seen was now gone. It were likely he found his seat and Antoine’s concern for Renata had made him miss the others departure. Nothing remiss in it. And she pass it off as no matter. Antoine worried but not overtly so.

“If you are certain Signora Frascati we are just here.”

And he guides her to their shared box. He giving her the better of ht two seats and greeting any others sitting in their box with them.

“You can of course share anything with me. It startled you so I would not have your night ruined by other thoughts. If it help to speak them.”

And he had another small surprise to share, nothing really. But he could not afford to purchase the houses fine fair. He brought some candied fruits to share as soon as the lights fell. As well as a flask of some better spirits than he normally carried.

@Atrice

She wasn’t sure what to think about the possible sighting of her half-brother. Was this a good or a bad thing? And if it was him, why didn’t he approach her? Or perhaps he had a good reason for not approaching her… he knew what she’d done, after all. He knew her past. God she hoped he wouldn’t bring it out into the open, or it would ruin everything she’d built, even this new relationship with Antoine!

Antoine soon enough guided her to the box they sat in; they didn’t have it alone, but it was a box none the less, and not a seat on the floor or simply on the balcony. Renata felt oddly uncertain though, while she carefully took her seat. Was he still there, the young man who had resembled her brother so much? Who had looked at her so intently? She wanted to look over her shoulder to check, but on the other hand, did she dare? It was hard to concentrate on the music and the stage, with this new odd incident to consider.

Antoine told her she could share anything with him, and he didn’t want her night ruined. Oh a part of her wanted to tell him, but she knew she couldn’t.

“But I don’t know if it matters, Antoine… after all, it could just be a coincidence. Let us try to enjoy the entertainment.” She said and placed a hand on his thigh, resting it there for the moment and she looked at him. She really didn’t want to discuss her past with him tonight. So instead she leaned closer to him, with her hand resting where it was, and she placed a kiss on his cheek, very near his lips, “We did come here to be together, after all, didn’t we?” She whispered with a small smile and a mischievous hint to her voice. It worked on most men, but you never knew with Antoine, of course.

@Crymson

”Your colour suits you too. You are as bright as the moon. And your fan can start the cold wind from the South,”

“And will the grandmother’s son go and kill all of our uncles so we can be happily ever after?”

She regretted stating it as soon as it fled from her mouth. For with such words she saw so much blood. Could smell that metallic copper of fresh blood and near taste it on her tongue. And just as quickly the vision was passed leaving with it the questions.

She blink away the sight and she see’s him so handsome in his new attire. And he call her the moon. She smile and think he is so elegantly spoken. Yes he her night and she his moon.

“But Aatami the moon would never be so bright without the cloak of the night. Never forget it.”

And they made their entrance unto the society of Venezia. All eyes turn to them at one point. And if not for the previously rumors of her return their might have been more ripples. But it were well known in Venice her “rescue” from the rioting slaves and then the Natives. So it were obvious that rumors were spreading under hand and fan about the scandalous Thurenza Bellamarre.

She walk proud and she allow Aatami to escort her properly and she lean and speak with him when she had anything to say. She loved him and had no fear or care of what others might think or say. And she took her time to move so that he could enjoy the craftsmanship of the Opera house. The carvings and plaster, filigree and all the colors made a rich tapestry of opulence.

@Elena ena