first bull ( video )

[pontificus]

[When first brought here, she would swear it all a dream. All that they said and all that they have her on the feast could only be a parting gift from the gods, Bacchus' treats, Ceres' grief of losing a daughter, Diana's farewell for losing a maiden soon enough. But she wakes in her bed, rises and dresses. There is no man that lies with her, there is no parting.

So here she stays alone, save for those she's had the good fortune of meeting. One certain knight she least hopes to see again, though the dream has broken and with it holds the reality, her reality.]

It seems we are in no dream, for I have pinched myself enough to believe it real. I am Lucrezia Borgia of Rome, a place I have found little have heard of. Nor even of my name who I once held with Pope Alexander VI before he was called to be the Shepherd of all men's souls. [She still cannot call herself Sforza. That taste is too bitter in her mouth.]

I address this-- locket [Yes, it is even strange to her, and she must back up a little to see better now.] as a means of addressing this war. I know little on the matter of strategy and battle. My brothers have been taught the skill of the sword, and yet here I am in their place.

A friend-- [For she would consider all those kind to her the night of the feast a friend.] --relayed the thought that perhaps those like I are here for morale, but truly this many ladies?

I shan't sit around. [Lucrezia may not be the Harold of charities she will become, but idleness here does her little.] I wish to make myself of use, though for what I am unsure.

I do truly hope to meet you all, and already call myself fortunate in those I have met. Good day.

Comments

[pontificus]

My pardons, but I did not say women could not fight. [It is rare for a women, but nobility comes with the allowance to do as one wishes with little consequences. Yes, there may be some societal circumstances but in the end allegiance is most important in this time.]

People such as myself, highborn ladies that have not given skill in battle strategy and have no way with a weapon. For if Caterina Sforza were here, I am sure she would defend this court well. [Though she hides her distaste for the Sforza name.]

[oursavinggrace]

Yeah, well, all that class stuff is a lot more relaxed these days too. I mean, the American dream is kind of all about being able to do whatever you want with your life, no matter what situation you come from, as long as you work hard enough for it.

[there's an odd dissonance here in his trying to talk up modern america, given he was raised in a camp that in many ways better resembled a rome even more ancient than the one she came from (not that she really needs the details of all that -- he can only guess that a person related to the pope won't much like his very pagan existence).

but still. hope for the future is important, even if it's for a future far beyond what you could see in your own lifetime.]

[pontificus]

America? [She knows Spain has issued Columbus to set sail west, but little is known about the lands save that the man himself thought it China.]

[oursavinggrace]

Oh...yeah, I guess that's kind of after your time too. America is kind of the major power in western civilization these days.

[at least, the gods seem to think so, given they're now chilling in manhattan.]

But that's all pretty complicated and probably more than you need to worry about right now.

[pontificus]

[She cannot imagine what he speaks for Rome has held more power than any country since the Middle Ages.]

And what of my city? It still fares well you said?

[oursavinggrace]

Yeah, I was just there recently. It's, uh, great.

[please ignore the slight grimace when he says as much. the city's fine, he just doesn't have great memories associated with it.]

[pontificus]

How do you mean? [She has noticed it.]

Your demeanor suggests otherwise.

[oursavinggrace]

[ack.]

It's nothing, just...I didn't really enjoy my time there. It's nothing to do with the city itself, I promise.

[pontificus]

I am sorry you had an ill time.

[oursavinggrace]

Thanks.

[he does appreciate the sentiment, even if she has < I>no idea how lightly that's putting it. for her sake, he can still attempt a smile.]

I forgot to introduce myself, didn't I? I'm Jason. Jason Grace.

[pontificus]

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jason Grace of 2011's America. [And she dips for a simple curtsy. Even over these things she keeps up all that she is taught as a lady, hoping that these lockets are able to capture her gestures, both physically and in demeanor.]

[oursavinggrace]

Just Jason is fine.

[he recognizes the formalities, but he certainly doesn't look too comfortable with them. really, it's kind of weird to have anyone curtsy-ing at him.]

[pontificus]

Then just Jason it is.