third bull ( video )

[pontificus]

[She hefts a rather large looking book onto the table in front of her, a bright smile laid upon her face.]

It seems my fortune that the High Queen of the Seelie Court has granted me a skill of this kingdom. I've been given an old tome of the previous potion master here, and while I have no knowledge of magic not witchcraft it seems my interest in alchemy, poisons, and antidotes may transcend realms.

[A hand smooths over pages as she begins to turn.]

I wish to do whatever I can to help those here, to both protect myself and do what I can for those who cannot. But as I said I've no great skill in magic. I have already met one kind witch here, and I must call upon the kindness of others to guide me. I will not squander this gift.

If there be any in either court with any knowledge in potion making, I would wish to speak with you. My thanks. [It's a noble bending of her head before she leans in to switch the feed off.]

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[caditquaestio]

Rodrigo... [ And something between gasp and sob. ] Rodrigo Borgia sits the See?

[ This changes everything. ]

[pontificus]

[His reaction is surprising, and she is not sure how she should take it. He has a look about him, but she can only recall his face as if it were once in a dream.]

Do you know the family?

[caditquaestio]

I... no. They are the Borgia. Only they know themselves. It is... renown.

And you say you are... daughter to Rodrigo Borgia?

[pontificus]

We are Borgia. [Her smile is strong, but it is laced with something else, the lie behind her words.]

I am Lucrezia Borgia--

And you? Have we... have we met?

[caditquaestio]

[ Colder, after the wait. ]

...careful, Madam. Donna Lucrezia is said to be barely a girl.

[pontificus]

I can assure you I am no longer a girl. But time does a funny thing here. I knew a woman from France here from 1530, when it has not yet been the turn of the century for me.

[caditquaestio]

And what is your... what is your - your evidence? Any woman could say... and donna Lucrezia's name is - and, truly, if it is as you say and Rodrigo Borgia has assumed the Papacy, then... her name would... I see no proof that you might have the claim.

[pontificus]

Tell me what claiming to be Lucrezia Borgia would gain me here when even my closest allies do not even worship the same God as me let alone even know what a Pope is. [She straightens, angered that he would dare question her.]

And you have still yet to give me your name. Who dares question a Borgia?

[caditquaestio]

I cannot speak for your purpose - only that I have seen the man you would call brother, and if he were to think his sister's name were tarnished by falsehood, you know, Madam. You know, surely, what don Cesare would do. You know the peace he would show you, in this life and the next. So, I tell you: if this is game or lie, best cease it.

[ And he remembers, distantly, there is such a thing as 'composure'. ]

I am... Valentino Masi. Courier to don Lorenzo de Medici.

[pontificus]

My brother would not question who I am. I am his dear sister, and he is the last person I saw before I came here. After my-- [She takes a deep breath to calm herself.] He sent me to bed.

And if you know my brother as well as you claim, you also know what he would do to the man who insulted his sister, so I would watch your tongue, no matter who you work for.

[caditquaestio]

...naturally. My... humble apologies. Donna Lucrezia.

[pontificus]

[She does not know if she trusts his apology nor if she trusts him, but she watches carefully for a second.]

It is at least good to have someone who knows of my family here. There is very little that is familiar to me. Pray tell, which court are you in?

[caditquaestio]

The Unseelie, Madam. Where no daughter of the Borgia belongs, I am certain.

But... don Lorenzo would not be - at ease to know I have shirked the duties of our house by those he holds in close alliance. If I may serve you, give the word and I shall serve.

[pontificus]

That is a pity. If ever I am in your court or you mine, we should meet.

[caditquaestio]

I mean to make the journey. If... it should happen, then - I would do well to meet the... [ Alleged. ]... lady of the Borgia.

[pontificus]

They we shall make it so. [Her smile is sweet despite her intentions to size him. He can no longer be trusted, but she would not have him stray all the same.]

[caditquaestio]

As you wish. Your... brothers are not with you, Madam? Not don Juan, or the young don Jofre?

[pontificus]

None of them, nor my father. [She has been alone here for months, a lone Borgia.]

[caditquaestio]

And your... husband?

[pontificus]

[She looks away then, eyes drawn southward. It seems Lucrezia cannot avoid it forever, though part of her has been truly hoping it was a dream, and this place her new reality. But he knows. The first here who knows of her marriage to Sforza.]

No one. [She should not admit that she is alone, but she has made ally enough here.]

[caditquaestio]

How have you managed? You are not... especially as the daughter of a new Pope, you are not accustomed to neglect the likes of which the region affords you.

[pontificus]

My Queen has provided me rooms fit for my station. I am a Borgia. I have done what I must to survive here. I may not have my father's power nor my brother's skill, but I have found allies here nonetheless, honorable men who would swear their sword to me. [In case he has ideas.]

[caditquaestio]

Ah! How plain it is to the eye that we are no longer in Roma. But perhaps I have been a Roman too long: you speak to me of men who act towards no immediate gain, and I ask myself what it is they might want in the future. That is costly service they've promised you freely.

[pontificus]

I had no need to question them. There is a knight here whose sister married a king, and I am finding myself close to her and her allies, another dear girl close to my age who has lived through atrocities enough. There are many fine ladies in my court, and their brothers, fathers and the like who would help if asked.

[caditquaestio]

I wouldn't put much stake on words, donna Lucrezia. They run thinner than blood.