She knew Aatami was a warrior she had seen him inducted into the sept. But she had not seen him in the wars nor kill a man. She did not doubt him when he said he were capable but she did not want more blood on his hands in such a way. She trusted him, he and the others had saved her from the plantation… but she would not let them kill her husband. She had done that.

Now she were in the same mind set. That he would save her, but, she not let him do the dirty the work. And she shush him not wanting to speak more on such things. For the now.

They enjoy the first half of the Opera and she rest in the protection of his arm. Until now, until his return she did not bother much with such things. Such entertainments. She had not visited the opera much and the only gala’s she hosted were for honoring the Spirits, even if she did not openly announce the fact. She worked hard in her many ventures to gather her wealth. She laid down the tracks to set her uncle up for the fall. But she dare not press back at him. Not yet.

Now she wanted to know her Husband again. It had been too long. So many nights alone, so many days of celebration and tribute; alone. Thurenza had known other males comforts, yes. For her works and for her personal comforts. But none of them knew her. None of them would know her in any way that Aatami always had. And now she had him by her side once more.

Her thoughts were not on the stage nor on the sound bouncing through the air. It were on the man protecting her by shielding her with his body. On his past and now on the future. He wanting to be at her side and she needing him there. Bt did he like Venice? She knew he loved the Shawnee and had lived much longer with them than she. But to go back was to a warring people. Miathe had known she would walk a different path and tried to give her the tools to do so with head held high.

And the curtains fall and light is set aflame once more. Aatami asking about the show .

”Was this all?” he asked, a bit disappointed, not knowing about the intermission. ”How can she marry another if she is already married and her husband is there with them?”

She pat his arm and smile up at him.

“No it is a pause, enough for us to stretch our legs get a small snack or replenishing our drinks. To mingle with others here. Merely a intermission since the show is so long. And White people do many nefarious things as you and I well know. But what about other peoples who have many wives and it is done with blessings and within the law of those peoples? Now we will see how this drama ends soon enough. But I saw the Captain here and the Medico. Let us stretch and listen. Hmm?”

She let Aatami lead her, knowing what she wished they’d find the other guests or be side tracked by curious others. It all mattered not so long as Aatami were hand in hand with her.

@Elena

There was much about this flame that he could not know.. for all he knew, was what she allowed to be presented to the public, the face of the flame.. the beauty and toast of Venice.. but there was so much more.. just like most everywoman in existence there was Madonna, Maiden, Whore, Healer, but there was more to this one.. this woman was a builder.. she built names, reputations, political intrigue, and most of all financial ties that allowed her to build a fortune.. kept quietly and tidily hidden away from prying eyes.. She built the confidences of powerful men, who in turn relied on her discretion, and valued her learned opinions of things, no ordinary woman would even consider knowledge about. All this in cloaked in the guise of such carefully cultivated beauty..

When she felt his fingertip graze the porcelain flesh of her cheek capturing the cast off emotion on its tip, then savoring it did he taste the sorrow there.. regret it was not.. for that would mean she would have never left that place of her childhood.. no it was sorrow for a little sparrow plucked from the nest far too soon.. tossed into a tempest of life.. but who found strength in her little wings.. and flew..to great heights.. do not be abused of the notion that this little sparrow had no fear of falling.. indeed she did, but she was prepared.. had been doing so for years.. but the games she played now.. were far from safe.. and the heights were.. oh so much higher.. to fall from..
Glacial green hues turned toward him in a near obscene flickering of dark lashes, like the curtain coming down on a play.. then opening once more to reveal to him and him alone the moment of sorrow.. “ you would cause me sorrow..? bring me to tears…? Is this what your heart desires.. to make another suffer…?” it was not accusation.. but assessment.. she leaned toward him.. an intake of breath as if she breathed in his own.. “ what does your heart desire Felix… tell me “ she whispered… the moment hanging full and pregnant like a thundercloud between them…

Only to be brought to a premature halt... as the curtain pulled back and Beppin and Liao, entered.., Shaden eased back into her seat, an amused look playing about her full mouth, to welcome their guest..

@Beppin Pasqualigo @Liao Yu @Crymson @Felix D'Apcher

At the intermission, Simon looked around, unsure what to do since he hadn’t seen anyone he knew. Most likely, among the people who were crowding now the access to the upper gallery, at half price, there were enough he had treated during the years, but he wasn’t close to those, in order to receive their respectful greetings.

Actually, he had seen even during the show a known figure in a private box, like a queen reigning over all her subjects. That was the Flame, the queen of the Gilded Lily. For a second, he would have wished to have seen Edenai instead, then he realized what he was wishing and he had sighed ”Better not!”. The Flame was here accompanying a wealthy nobleman who wanted to be seen with a trophy lady, and wanted to be admired by everyone. For Edenai to have been here, it would have meant also that she would have accompanied a rich man, therefore he couldn't even approach to greet her, as unfortunately his financial means couldn't compare...

He was getting up from his seat, both to make room to the others who wanted to go out, and to stretch his legs in between the two acts of the opera, when his eyes caught a wave from the stairs. It was his colleague, Antoine Moscatti. He hurried to meet him. At first, from his place, he hadn’t seen the lady by his side. He saw her only when he came closer, and he got introduced to her. An impressive blonde beauty. Even their attires were matching, which was a pleasant way to say she’s mine to all the onlookers. Simon bowed politely:

”Pleased to meet you, Signora Frascatti! My colleague is a lucky man to have your company.”

Lucky sod indeed. And rich enough to afford it. Simon wished he could have brought Edenai to the Opera, exactly how that rich elegant man had brought her matron. Only that he had barely been able to get his own ticket at full price…

The lady’s name didn’t tell him anything. Actually neither ”Il Convento Dolce” would, because he had never been there. Well, he hadn’t been too many times at the Gilded Lily, and if he wouldn’t have been offered that invitation, he wouldn’t have got there at all…

”How did you like the show, the ballet, the arias? I like the most Irene Tomeoni’s clear soprano voice.”

@Crymson, @Atrice (and @TwilaD only because her character is mentioned.)

It felt good to hear that Antoine also enjoyed having her so close, but she could not imagine he didn’t. Why else did he keep returning to her and inviting her out, even? But she wondered what to do now, as she was not used to events like these and expected Antoine to guide her; which he did. It was time to meet other people and he mentioned an associate of his in the crowd – and he wanted to introduce him to Renata. She smiled a little when he said he would make the man jealous because of her beauty.

“Well I hope you will succeed then.” She replied with a grin and followed him away from their seats and through the crowds. Again she felt some people look at her and they knew what and who she was; but Antoine didn’t care for them, he would shove them away and otherwise let them know that their opinion of her was not wanted. It was sweet of him, to treat her with such respect, when so few others did. This was part of why she’d come to care so much for him… he treated her differently. He didn’t treat her like a prostitute.

Now Antoine had found the associate he wanted her to meet and they came to the man; tall and handsome, like most of them, with a very friendly face and eyes, she thought to herself. Antoine properly introduced them. The other man was Simon Duran, also a medico like Antoine.

Simon bowed politely and greeted her, “It is a pleasure to meet you too, Medico Duran.” She said with a smile, peeking up at him through her lashes, as if to make herself seem more alluring, yet she held Antoine’s arm and it was obvious who she ‘belonged’ to. Simon then wondered how they liked the show and here she blushed a little, “I’m afraid it’s my first time here, Signor… I have not got much experience regarding what to look for. But I did enjoy it so far. Being in such good company though, that also helps. Isn’t that right, Antoine?” She said, looking at Antoine with a fond smile. She had to admit to herself that she did in fact enjoy being introduced to his friends like this. And letting them see that it was Antoine she cared for. She liked showing that she cared for him.

@Crymson @Elena

(posting for Edenai )


It was not his imagination, rather, as if he had some power that conjured her up right at the moment he had decided it was not a good idea to see her.. A vision just at the corner of his sight, in pale mint watered silk, with soft chiffon flowing sleeves baring golden shoulders and the long elegant line of her neck., her dark hair pulled back severely into a chignon that highlighted her exotic features.. if one did not know of her desert background they might presume her a dusky Sicilian beauty.. so elegant, a necklace and matching earrings of crystalline stones about her finished off the illusion of nobility.. she was buying a pink peony, perhaps to toss to the cast of the opera at its finale, from a balcony box.. there seemed to be no man in attendance for her.. at the moment.. as she offered a coin to the young girl selling the flowers.. " Gratzi " the ruffled pink floral confection was brought upward to her nose, to scent its sweet floral bouquet, a soft smile curving her plush lips, before she was walking.. rather floating away.. To who knew where…
@Elena @Simon Duran

The show had been wonderful. Milan had watched it breathlessly, not sure what to admire first: the costumes, the beautiful voices or the ballerinas. Of course, when he saw couples all around - including that ship captain who had been introduced to them at a party about six weeks ago, his dance partner, with his Oriental lady - he sighed, wishing to have been rich enough to afford inviting Valentina too. She would have loved this show as well, and it would have given them another subject of discussion... Not that he wouldn't tell her about it, anyway, but surely it was not the same thing.

Then the intermission came. Antonia was talking to her friend animatedly, while Milan got bored and got into the foyer, looking at the people there. For a journalist, the subjects of fashion and gossippy articles could be found also in the foyer, during the intermission.

“ you would cause me sorrow..? bring me to tears…? Is this what your heart desires.. to make another suffer…?” it was not accusation.. but assessment.. she leaned toward him.. an intake of breath as if she breathed in his own.. “ what does your heart desire Felix… tell me”

He was watching her, the dark lace of her lashes as they fluttered away tears. Her mouth as it formed the words. And he was contemplating her query when their boxes privacy was interred with guests. Felix stood as he saw the pair and offered a hand to help Shaden rise if she desired. No the lady did not have to rise for guests if she did not wish to. But Felix did. There were another Lady present and he would show her the same respect given to all.

“Signor Pasqualigo and Signorina Yu. Well met. Please come let me have them find a divan for you. Signorina Aramoire let me present Captain Beppin Pasqualigo and Signorina Liao Yu. Captain, Signorina Yu please to meet my Companion Signorina Shaden Aramoire. “

Snapped fingers and a man ran at his words to find appropriate seating for guests. Felix looked longer at Shaden then he should have and hoped she could tell that he wished to answer her query and lead into that conversation. But patience was a virtue and it gave him a time to ponder over his answer. And he offered a mysterious smirk and a tick of noise before entertaining their guests.

“We can have some drink and sup and see who else is about!”

He had bottles of wine and even champagne some chilling open and others ready to be uncorked. And There were confections and some fruit and cheese as well. And quick enough a divan was found and all could be seated once more.

“Captain how did you enjoy the first half of our little comedia?”

When everyone is seated Felix returns to his seat turned now to entertain their guests. And Shaden like his queen sat beside him. The pair so fabulously matched in such rich textures and accoutrements one might wonder how the two men, of so obvious different class were acquainted. And Felix would enjoy the question of it all.


@TwilaD @Elena @Freakpanda

Simon saw him wave and came to them. Introductions went round and Antoine actually was smiling with some ease. It were a pleasure to be with Renata and even a bit of pride to be seen with her looking so stunning. Making his colleague a bit envious.

“I agree entirely. Very lucky to be in such company.”

His blue eyes smiled as he looked between them. From Simon as he complimented Renata and to Renata as he seconded the statement, wholeheartedly. And he pat her hand resting atop his. Antoine had been very happy of late in Renata’s company. He rather enjoyed their shared time and oft looked forward to leaving work.

Renata blushes and he loves the flush on her pale cheeks. He looks and smiles wider at Simon as she straightens so. And Antoine does not let her have her arm, no he wants all to see not only by their matching attire but by his care as well that the lady were with him. he were never a possessive man with his paid whores, no reason to be. But Renata were not paid for and he could never treat as a whore.

”How did you like the show, the ballet, the arias? I like the most Irene Tomeoni’s clear soprano voice.”

He let her answer for herself. Most men would take the lead but he were not most men and she wre not most ladies.

“I’m afraid it’s my first time here, Signor… I have not got much experience regarding what to look for. But I did enjoy it so far. Being in such good company though, that also helps. Isn’t that right, Antoine?”

He smiles more if it were at all possible and he lean to her as he answers.

“My dear the company is all that matters.” then he wink at Simon and straightens. “Wouldn’t you agree Simon?
And since our friend here has no date we shall entreat him to a drink, if the lady does agree.”

@Atrice @Elena

Beppin smiled, replying reassuringly to Liao: "We will!" and soon they found their ways up to the box where he had seen Monsieur d'Apcher. After greeting him, Liao asked immediately about his companion, the lady whose beauty intrigued her. As the nobleman was making the introductions, Beppin could admire objectively how right Liao was. The lady was stunning, indeed, and well suited with the French nobleman. He bowed, politely, and said:

"Glad to make your acquaintance, signorina Aramoire. They say a woman has to be truly special in order to get other women's admiration, not envy, and you are."

He threw a loving gaze to Liao, making sure for everyone that his affections, though, remained with his beloved, while granting the other woman the respectful attention she deserved.

As Monsieur d'Apcher invited them to a drink and a treat, he replied, with another bow:

"We are deeply honoured by your invitation."

Soon a divan appeared, and he replied promptly to the question:

"I liked it a lot. Have you liked it too? Unfortunately, being more at sea than on land doesn't leave too many opportunities to witness a premiere. I have seen operas in Venice, but this was in my youth, before leaving to work with the French. And in France, it happened the only time I went to Paris, about eight years ago."

Everybody knew that usually a seafarer is bound to get shore leave in ports. Only when the ship was docked for repairs, they had been about six weeks or two months free in France, to roam around. Then he was the sailing master, and the first mate took him to Paris, to show him the capital of France.

Beppin enjoyed the attention they got from other people downstairs and the thousand questions they might have asked in their minds.

@Freakpanda, @Crymson, @TwilaD

“Signor Pasqualigo and Signorina Yu. Well met. Please come let me have them find a divan for you. Signorina Aramoire let me present Captain Beppin Pasqualigo and Signorina Liao Yu. Captain, Signorina Yu please to meet my Companion Signorina Shaden Aramoire. “

Liao smiled at Shaden as she was introduced. ''I don't think I've seen you before Signorina. I tend to remember everyone's face who looks important or otherwise beautiful'' She took her seat and smiled mischieviously. ''Or both...'' Liao hoped that Beppin or Felix wouldn't mind her little teasing on Shaden. It was nothing but harmless play on her part. She then turned to Felix and smiled. ''Oh you are too kind for us, we don't want to be bother for you two'' she said, but did pick herself a glass. She felt that it would be rude to decline such an offer.

"Glad to make your acquaintance, signorina Aramoire. They say a woman has to be truly special in order to get other women's admiration, not envy, and you are."

Liao answered Beppin's gaze with a gaze of her own, her eyes sparkling in happiness and her cheeks reddening little bit. Damn did she love this man and his way with the words...

While the men discussed about how they had enjoyed the opera, Liao turned back to Shaden. ''Are you new to the city? I refuse to believe that I haven't seen you before in the time that I've lived here'' While the city might have been quite large, Liao felt that she should have spotted someone like Shaden much, much earlier than this from the crowd of people who walked the Venice's streets.

@Elena @Crymson @TwilaD