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.]

Comments

[pontificus]

I have little else to rely on here, save my charm and grace. I have made allies where I can, and a skill given to me by the Seelie Queen. [She has done what she could with very little. Words are nothing without feeling behind them. Lucrezia would think Gendry would aid her should she need him. He is a knight, and she has helped him. He seems to care for her, and Lucrezia already knows she has an attachment toward him.]

[caditquaestio]

[ And then the obligatory sigh of sheer frustration. ]

Buon Dio, Lucrezia! Acquaintances are not fast allies. They want something, can you not see?

[pontificus]

And who else should I ask to fight for me? I have nothing here. No name, no family, and I am no condottieri. I have nothing but my own wits, and I have used them to my advantage as well as possible. I know one man who would fight for me for certain. I could ask anything of him.

[caditquaestio]

But don Rodrigo is not here. So, in his leave, trust no one. Is that so difficult? Trust no one. Trust nothing. Look in their eyes and lie. Pretend this is Rome.

[pontificus]

And if I am attacked here? As I already have been? I have had two aid me thus far.

[He is very cynical, and while she knows very little of the scheming in Rome, she is only beginning to find out. Though to her, Rodrigo has betrayed her far worse, marrying her off and not allowing her mother to be at her wedding.]

[caditquaestio]

And those will be two who will come to demand boon within the year's time. Always count and know your debts. And repay them early. Man has a way of remembering in his favour.

[pontificus]

Then I would owe them rightly. But both were caring women, strong and powerful in their own ways. Likewise I, too, helped a French peasant girl. I have made it my mission to help her and those like her. I would ask for nothing just as I have of those who were injured when the great worms attacked the castle. We all have nothing, and likewise we must do what we can. In that way you make an ally.

[caditquaestio]

You are very... kind.

[ Said possibly with the kind of resigned distaste generally reserved for unsavoury medicine. ]

[pontificus]

I am a Christian woman. Is there not any other way to be? Proverbs 11:24-25 "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

[She straightens, giving time before she looks back at him through the feed.] No one asked to be here. In this we are alike and in it together. I have gained allies by being kind. I have only gained from it.

[caditquaestio]

Remember one thing - one, and it alone will speak enough: Christ the God was fair and good. And they killed Him on His cross.

[pontificus]

And he was resurrected upon the third day. [It is not that she misses it completely.] But forget not that even those close to you can be a Judas, too.

[caditquaestio]

Precisely! So, as I have said: trust no one.

[pontificus]

I would rather be cautious than alone and unhappy. [She needs the adoration of others.]

[caditquaestio]

...oh, do as you wish, since you won't take counsel.

[ False sisters giving him real headaches. For the love of everything... ]

[pontificus]

I did not know a currier of the Medici family would think himself high enough to counsel the Pope's daughter. [Who can out sass who.]

[caditquaestio]

Don Lorenzo and don Cesare would have my skin for anything less. It isn't only your neck you put before the blade. What will happen to me if word spreads that as I was here, a witness? That I did not prevent it? Who do you think would protect me, should anything happen to you?

[pontificus]

And I should trust you when your counsel has been to trust none? [She raises a brow, hoping to have caught him in something.]

[caditquaestio]

Of course not. Don't trust me in the slightest. The worst that can come of it is that I am harmless - and you will be all the same ready for the alternative, if I am not.

[pontificus]

And you think I have not given the same consideration to others?

[caditquaestio]

After this talk? Would you fault me?

[pontificus]

I did not say I trusted you. I trust perhaps one here, and he has proven himself in ways I need not to justify to you. I know however that there are many who I could rely on if asked, simply for my station in this castle. Perhaps things are different in your court.

[caditquaestio]

Of course. You will always have time, right and opportunity to sabotage yourself. I have no place to intercede.

[pontificus]

[An indignant huff.] I have been here near half a year and have held my own. You may work for Signor Medici, and he is a fine man indeed, but I am Borgia, and I have survived.

[caditquaestio]

[ God be thanked that he's reviled the video feature; the eye-rolling is happily obscured. ]

Yes, Madam. Forgive me. I forget myself. It is as you say.

[ Warmer now - ]

I shall make attempt to follow your matters. If there is aid I can give, I shall be happy for don Lorenzo to know I have had the chance to provide it.

[pontificus]

[Her demeanor isn't exactly placated, but she answers politely enough.] That is kind. If he or my father or my brothers arrive here, I would tell them the honor you have done me.

[More like she would warn them of him.]