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We're accustomed to renewal in the Duché. Over the past five years, we've prided ourselves on changing with the seasons and adapting to the times. Even if those timesdid tend to reflect thelate 1700's

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Photo: Nordic Wild by Head Like an Orange

A servant crosses the field in the early hours, pulling a cart along with provisions from the local market. Looking east to catch a bit of a pale pink and orange sunrise. He slows, squinting as he tries to make something out in the distance... an oar.... an overturned boat.... a body.... then drops the handles of the cart and runs full pitch into the water lapping at the edge of the estate.

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Nervous conversation in fits and starts echo in the hallway outside her bedchamber

"How long has she been unconscious?"

"Was she bleeding?"

"Is she dead?"

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The physician examines a gash in the thicket of brown hair, giving instruction to the nurse who will tend to the lifeless form for as long as she draws breath. The money is no object; it will be a combination of a bit of luck, some skillful nursing, and a will to live on the part of the patient. He has done all that he can for now. He collects the various implements of the trade, looking down one last time as the chest shallowly rises and falls, and slips on his frock coat, opening the door to speak to the housekeeper.

" Mrs Rawley, I would suggest that you alert the Baroness's family immediately. Her parents will, I am sure, wish to be by their daughter's bedside should she awaken."

"I've already seen to it, Sir," she nods, then casting her eyes down to the floorboards "And.... will she awaken?"

He rests a consoling hand on her shoulder "Time will tell."

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((OOC: Forgive me for the abrupt exit -- I don't know if it's temporary or permanent. I only know it's necessary. I feel sure I'll still speak to some of my friends in the past, but I know a great number of you exist there. I hope to come awake again someday, and find you all well, and happy. ~ Olivia))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmgBU8r6VQo

Beatrice stands and gazes out at the harbour of La Rocca Sorrentina and thinks,

"Ah, Dio! Life here has been so busy I have not had enough time to write about it! Meetings with Elisabetta, Lady Macbain, the Professore, Hugo and the Conte have kept me quite busy and I must settle down to record what has transpired. My first assumptions about this little island being a quiet backwater have definitely been challenged! Much has happened and is about to happen here that connects us to the rest of Europe - nothing certain of course but I do sense a feeling unrest and competing forces churning just below the surface of this tranquil Rocca.

I will begin to write once I have sorted this in my own mind...perhaps next week."

She turns and retraces her steps back up to the villa and and nods goodbye to the crow who has been a companion in her reverie.

I usually do not post classes anywhere, or distribute the NC with the text, as I believe then attending serves no purpose. Indeed, I would be one of those annoying professors! However, I thought it would be fun, and hopefully inspirational to share. I really don't know it all either though!

When roleplay is not interesting, or even boring, it is easy to blame others! The others are not fun to interact with, the time period is not fun enough, or we dont have anything to do. I dont believe in this. We can make our roleplay as fun as we want to make it ourselves. So .. making RP more interesting and fun. Mmmm, how does one do that? Well, as most of you know, I do have a tendency to scandals.. with murder. However, that should not be the way to go! I had to think about it quite a while myself, because where do you begin? It is rather broad. So I decided to use a rather common approach when trying to explain or research something, namely by looking at the five W's. These are: What, where, why, what, and when. So, these aspects of your character we will now take a look at!

WHO
Roleplaying is of course not going to be fun if you can not enjoy your character. But how do you enjoy your character?You enjoy your character by making it as close to a real person as possible. Your character must have some level of depth, it should not be a 'flat character' so to speak.You can begin by working out a biography. When working out a biography, it would be specifically interesting to look at things that happened to your character in the past that have contributed to the shaping of their current personality. For instance, the early loss of a mother, could for example be a reason why your character desperately seeks female attention. Great poverty in the past, resulted in your character having great ambition. Having such details, and making your character slightly more deeper will make it much more interesting. Of course most of us do all have a general outline of our character's life till this day. For instance, with a lot of noble characters, something like.. 1. Born. 2. Went to a convent. 2 Event (marriage, anything) X 3. Went to court. However, like with any real person.. They had things happen to them, and you must try and think of those things. When you are a historical character, this is of course a bit easier, as you do not have to think of it yourself. However, you *do* have to incorporate it in the way you portray your character. You must not just look upon it as merely a fact, something in the past, but as something that still plays a role in the way your character acts.

It is also important to make sure your character has flaws. However, do be careful with this. As is really the case with flaws, they can really get annoying to others! You need to find a way for you to give your character flaws, and make use of them to make it more interesting for you to roleplay. Therefore, if you for instance choose to make your character, say, slightly aggressive, it would be easy to just to go punch a few people! However, it would for instance be much more interesting to see how your character deals with this aggression, by for example breathing heavier, scratching him- or herself, sitting on his or her hands, just to name a few example! Or perhaps your character is shy! Now in stead of not talking to anyone, you could also show how nervous your character gets from interacting with others. These kind of things would be very interesting to see! If your character is superior to everyone, in every situation, never made a mistake, then that would be no fun at all. Perfection is boring. Now don't push it of course! Don't make your character nothing but one big failure, haha, I am just saying, for your character to be interesting to yourself and to others, you must make him or her imperfect. Such flaws can come from the past, as we have discussed earlier with regards to working out your character.

The thing is to make your character diverse, your character has different sides, your character isn't perfect, it has flaws, it has emotions. Especially with historical characters, but also certainly with fictional characters, it is important not to make a stereotype out of your character. I also think especially when playing a historical character, it would be highly disrespectful to do that, as we are playing dead people after all. Your character is not merely a bitch, your character is not nothing but pureness and innocence. You must aspire your character to be a real person, one with hopes, dreams and fears.

Also be sure to prevent your character from becoming a wall flower to speak. Even if your character is intended to be shy, that does not mean you should not interact with others. Please try to show your shyness through conversation when doing so with others, we will discuss this later.

WHERE
It is important to take in consideration WHERE your character is! In stead of complaining that it is not interesting or pretty enough, you need to try and use it to your advantage! In many ways, SL gives us a great opportunity, because we get to have a 'setting' for our roleplay, rather than that we only have words. However, it should not stop there. By roleplaying or just writing in general, we can create a whole world that isn't necessarily there.So make sure you make your character part of the environment, otherwise we could just be rolepaying in a wooden box. In your location, there are smells, there is a certain.. feeling to it.Perhaps the room is very dark, or perhaps you sense a lot of tension between other characters in the room. Incorporate these kind of things in your roleplay. Does your character feel comfortable where he or she is? Is it a new location, has he or she been there before? Make sure your character notices these kind of things, the way things look.

If you do not think those things into consideration, we do not need all these enormous sims as a roleplay setting! You might as well roleplay in one big, black box. However, I think a good roleplayer, could still set something amazing down in one big, black box! The idea is you create something that isn't there. Four people having tea in a room is hardly a court, you can say to be a realistic court. You have to use imagination.. You are a painter. Someone already made a little sketch for you with the basics, and now you have to color it in, paint.. smells, people, atmosphere etc.

Moreover, also important with regards to the where, is that often the roleplay is set in a particular context or decor. It could for instance be a space ship, or the court of the Pope. Use this! How would your character respond to these settings? Perhaps your character is afraid to crash on a planet (fo the space ship one then), or that the pope might come through the door any moment. Perhaps the roleplay is set in a very warm climate, does this make your character overheated or happy?

WHY
The why is very important, and also the who and where play a big role in this.Why is my character where he his? I think it is important you try and figure this out.In fact, if you do not figure this out.. I really doubt you will really be able to roleplay to your maximum capabilities. Like with characters in movies, plays, books.. They all have a goal, there is something they want to achieve. You must wish the same kind of thing for your own character. This of course also very much depends on the where. But you must think, WHY am I there? And also, as we discussed earlier, WHY am I the way I am? You need to give your character dreams, wishes, and ambitions, just like any other person does. But most importantly, you must argue why your character is where he or she is. Why would your character for instance be in a spaceship? Is it because he wants to meet aliens, because he aspires to become a captain? Just to name a few examples. When historical rp at a court.. Why is your character at court? It could for instance be because you hold a position, for financial reasons, to show your loyalty. Now these might be hard questions to answer, they might even require some research, but it is important to find out why. Moreover, I can not stress enough how important it is for your character to have a goal. If you do not give your character a goal it wishes to achieve, then it will serve no purpose. Your character will stand around, have emotions, have a wonderful biography, but your character is not going anywhere. Is this realistic? Does not every human being aspire to something, have dreams? I think so, it really makes or breaks your roleplay. Except for the really old characters, possibly. When trying to find out your goal, try and see if you can find a goal that would clash with goals of other characters as that would give interesting RP, when we would all have the same interests, care for other things. Who would watch the news if eveyone agreed with one another, and we all lived happily in peace? No one, it would be terribly boring! You need to dare to oppose, to have your character fight fo what he or she wants even if not everyone will ICly support you in that. Or perhaps you can create a dilemma for your own character. It wants this, and it wants that, but can not have both as one thing would go at the expense of the other. For example, having a nice family life, at the expense of a career. When thinking of why your character is where he or she is, or when thinking of what the character's goal is, try to think at least a little out of the box.. I know it is easy to make your character's goal to obtain a career, to get rich or to marry, but this class is about making the roleplay more interesting after all. Think a bit out of the box!

WHAT
Now I thought a bit about what.. Because, what.. what? I think it comes down to, what is your character doing, and why? Hence, with regards to the why .. why is your character there, and what are his or her goals? What is your character feeling? Feeling is very important to roleplay. As I have once said in another class, I gave two very simple examples about a banana.
For example, you could say.. /me tries to hold back her tears and speaks. Oh, I just love banana.'
However, you could also say 'Oh, I just love banana,
Obviously there is a big difference between these two, as the latter has no emotion at all, whereas the first one does. Which one would be more interesting for you to respond to? Imagine you are roleplaying with someone, which one would make it easier and more fun for you to converse with them? I think it would be the version where emotion is added, because having emotion in your roleplay simply makes it more interesting. It just gives more space for interaction, how would your character respond? Perhaps your character would try to cheer the other up, perhaps your character dislikes the other and can secretly enjoy it, who knows! In order to know how your character would respond to other's emotions, it is of course important to first really figure out your character, as we have discussed earlier. You really do have to really 'explore' the personality of your character.

Now I am not saying you need to constantly cry, as there are of course a lot of different emotions. Nervosity, happiness, love, jealousy .. just to name a few examples. If you can manage to incorporate such emotions into your roleplay. Just as with conversations in reality, what matters is not so much what you say, but the way you say it. So you could say something seductively, or sarcastically etc. This of course gives a twist to what you are saying, on which other characters can respond and interact with your character. Although don't go overboard with your emotions, that would be annoying. Just like in RL, one does not like to be around someone who is too much of anything. The thing for making interesting RP really is to give each other 'something to work with', if you see what I mean. There needs to be something going on, something you can reply to, something that other characters can have opinions and feelings about.

I would also look at roles. What is my character and how does he or she do that, feel about that? It is like in RL, we all have various roles. One can for example be a mother, a customer, a teacher and a wife, all at the same day, just to name a few examples. I would try and look at, what are the roles my character has to play, and how does he act within these roles so to speak? We carry a mask in RL sometimes according to the role we play, how is this with your character? For example, how is the prince at state occasions, and is he different in private?

And aside from what your character is feeling, there are of course so many other things you character can be doing for it to be interesting. What is your character thinking, for instance? Thoughts at first do not seem too relevant in ways of communicating, as other characters can not respond to your thoughts, as they can not be heard, unless people are mind-readers (don't ever do that in RP, please!). However, this is not entirely true. By using your thoughts other people will be able to understand your character a lot more, since it will show their true intentions, feelings and what makes them drive. Through thoughts people will be able to understand
Furthermore, what is your character doing? How does your character move?The same goes for movements as for thoughts, although you can not directly respond to them, it would be a pity to forget them. In reality almost all communication is body language. In SL this is not the case, but it should still not be forgotten. With describing movements, such as nervously ticking your foot up and down, taking the sweat of your forehead, crossing your arms etc, you will be able to communicate with others, while your not even doing so 'verbally.' Of course movement is not necessarily body language. You could also for instance describe how you walk into a room, or sit down, or whatever it is that all of you do!

WHEN
And at last, there is when, which mainly applies to historical roleplays I suppose. In historical roleplays, you are given a time, be it medieval, renaissance, 18th century, regency etc. You must wish to use this.You are not a modern someone in a historical time setting, you are someone of the time! Therefore, you must wish to make yourself be part of the historical context.Otherwise it is no fun at all. Sometimes, in historical movies, such as in Coppola's Marie-Antoinette they try look at history from a modern perspective. You however, need to look at it from your character's perspective. You need to try and figure out how someone in that period behaved, what they did and didn't do, what they did for fun, what kind of believes and thoughts they had. Once you know this, you can apply this to your character. Take for example the Renaissance, when there are so many different views on Catholicism and the papacy. Or how about the period of the French Revolution, when society is split up in various groups of people, all with different views on what would be the best way of governing. Being part of a historical RP is so much more than putting on a costume, and then playing around! You must really try and create a new mindset, to look at things from a historical perspective. Without some research, or without attending some classes, this is nearly impossible to achieve. It is really fun to imagine how the character you have created would be in a historical environment.

Of course, this sounds and seems like a lot of work. You have to figure out what your character is like, you need to place your character in a historical setting, you need a goal.. aaagh! But imagine we all did this, imagine what interesting characters we would all have. And if we did, would it not be terribly fun to interact with one another? I would think it would be. Key to a really good and interesting roleplay, is to think of how it would be fun and interesting for others to see you roleplay, to make them want to have interesting interaction with you. And I think that if we all pay attention to this to a certain degree, we would have a very fun roleplay, as we would all really enjoy learning about one another's characters, because they would make really interesting interactions and confrontations.

On March 1, 2013, Saffia Widdershins & Elrik Merlin of Designing Worlds visited us in the Duché and subsequently created this wonderful travelogue.

As well as highlighting some of the Duch's most beautiful areas, this provides some wonderful insights into the history of the Duch, its development and its generalphilosophy.

Read more about it at Designing Worlds explores the beautiful Duchy of the Coeurs

........Dawn was just breaking as Devi slipped out of the taverna where she and Achille were staying. She closed the door gently, wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and set off through the quiet Calle, which the rising sun was tinting with morning pink.

Devi smiled to herself as she thought of Achille. She thought of how well they had been able to work together during their mission, of how easy he was to get along with, of his calm confidence. She thought of his eyes. Of his hair. Then her smile turned to a frown as she hurried along, he still hadn't moved their relationship along. She felt sure that he felt something for her, that maybe he felt the same. Yet he continued to show her nothing more than the respectful attentions of a traveling companion and colleague.....it was driving her crazy.

Without realizing it Devi arrived at the Rialto bridge, where she knew she would probably find Fiorino and his friends. She climbed the steps towards the top of the bridge, quite empty at this hour but soon to be crowded with morning traffic. At the top of the bridge she was able to scan the surrounding area, and sure enough she spied Fiorino and the other boys hanging around the fishermen who were unloading their catch for the market. Often they would let the boys help, in return for a Zechino or a fish.

She called out and when Fiorino turned, she signaled to him to join her at the top of the bridge, which he quickly did.

They both smiled and greeted one another warmly.

Fiorino, Thank you for your help with last night.

Did it go well? Fiorino asked, looking hopeful.

Yes, thankfully, it turned out the way Achille had intended. He and I will be able to get Sior Gandt out of Venice, and accompany him back to Sorentino. But we could not have done it without your assistance. Neither of us was in a position to approach him without attracting the attention of the Sbirri, so we couldn't have been able to talk to him. without you leading him to us.

Fiorino nodded. "I did not wish to deceive him, but then it was not really stretching the truth too much to persuade him to follow me by telling him I knew someone woo had information about the Contessa. After all, I really WAS taking him to someone who had that information. I am glad it did arouse his curiosity without me having to actually tell any untruths.

Yes, I knew I could count on you, Devi smiled.

I am happy to have been of service. But I have a favour to ask of you. I would like to send a message to the Contessa. Might that be possible? Could you arrange this for me?

This is no problem. You write the message and I will make sure the Contessa gets it.

But how will you be able to do it? Fiorino's curiosity getting the better of him.

Devi tapped the side of her nose with her finger and smiled.

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

Fiorino said he understood and laughed.

And now I must return, before it gets too crowded here and I am seen," said Devi. Bring your letter to the old tavern later on... I will send it to the Contessa. Oh, and one last thing. We will be leaving for Sorentina by ship. Do you and the other boys want to come with us? There will be room. Think about it, will you?

Fio nodded and then bowed. Devi wrapped her shawl around herself and hurried down the steps of the bridge and disappeared into the morning crowd.

Mrs. Rawley was horrified, though she tried to hide it. She was ordinarily someone I looked to a great deal in matters of setting up the household, but I was very clear in my request to have one of the beds set up in the new house immediately. I would take a carriage from the current arrangements in Portsmouth, to Southampton, and stay in the new house. Alone.

Ordinarily, I knew, this would be outrageous, but I was feeling outrageous.

I was a young woman, still only twenty, and had managed to marry the single most boorish man on the face of the planet and only have to withstand his presence in my bedchamber once. As it stood right now, I was sure I did not carry his offspring, and while the demise of any human life is no reason to celebrate, I found myself acting well out of my natural standards simply because of the life I now knew I would lead.

A familiar voice in my head admonished me and warned of my ruin and I giggled, suddenly. Mrs. Rawley looked at me oddly and gave up the fight. She knew better than to try to convince me otherwise. Into the carriage I went with a small valise of items I would need and as we began the short journey, I smiled to myself. "Outrageous" I said to myself, and laughed.

The carriage stopped in front of my new estate, and while footmen brought in my things and assured themselves, at least, that all was well, I stood admiring the view. I refused to step foot into the house until they were gone. Watching the carriage rattle empty back to Portsmouth, I waited until it was around the bend, and took my time up the walk and through the doors. The echo of my footfalls was impressive; so empty and so cavernous it was. I walked up the staircase and into the room that would eventually be filled with my things, and unhooked the outer robe of my gown, slipping it down my arms and laying it over the foot of the bed that had been temporarily brought in.

Shrugging my shoulders to loosen them, after being freed from the burden of yards of silk brocade, I walked the length of the room, then into the hall. I peered over the balustrade and imagined a house full of people, all dressed in finery, and enjoying the music, the food, the free-flowing champagne and suddenly I felt a joy I had not felt since being a child.

Small tapping noises against the window startled me, until I realized it was rain and I dashed down the stairs, across the entry and through the front doors dressed in my chemise and stood, arms outstretched, as the water cascaded down from the sky. I felt wonderful. Baptized by nature and reborn; delirious with the possibilities of my life. I stood laughing at the grey skies until the gauzy fabric clung to me like a second skin, then made my way indoors and up the stairs to my room. Disrobing completely and putting on my night clothes, I quickly jumped under the covers. It had been a very long day, and tomorrow promised to be the same. I pulled another pillow close to me and hugged it tightly, smiling and quickly dropping off.

The rain continued to fall as I slumbered, storms rumbling in the distance, and I began to dream. . .

I was in the new home, and it was furnished! Oh, the lovely brocades and damasks, lace and raw silk, highly polished wood and gilt accents, crystal and china all gleaming under the soft light of candelabras. I walked through the house, hearing a song being sung by what sounded to be a very young girl's voice.

Fairest Isle, all isles exce-lling.
Seat of pleasure and of love,
Venus here will choose her dwe-lling,
And forsake her Cyprian grove.

It seemed an unlikely song for a young girl, and I sought her out, room after room. Her voice sounded so near, but still I could not find her.

Cupid from his fav'rite nation,
Care and envy will remove;
Jealousy that pois'nous passion,
And despair that dies for love.

I began to run through the house, now urgently needing to find the source of the song, when my eyes glanced left and I saw her through the window. I glimpsed a vision of her dancing through the flowers beside the house as she sang, and moved quickly towards the doors to pursue her. Again, I saw a flash of her making her way towards the lake behind the house and I felt compelled to find her, to ask her of what or who she sang.

Gentle murmurs swe-et complaining,
Sighs that blow the fire of love,
Soft repulses, kind disda-ining,
Shall be all the pains you prove.

Finally at the edge of the lake, I stood at the clearing and looked around. Her voice was still clear, constant and beautiful, but she was nowhere to be seen. My eyes traveled the edge of the wood, and then saw something in the water. I clutched my breast and gasped: She had fallen in the lake! But still. . . she sang. How could that be? I carefully walked to the water's edge, climbing gingerly out onto a rock and looked into the lake, reaching out my hand, hoping to be able to save this girl.

As I leaned forward, arm outstretched, I saw her. She was there in the water, smiling at me, covered in flowers with small butterflies fluttering about her. I opened my mouth to ask her to take my hand and my voice was not my own, but her's, finishing the song in that clear and perfect pitch.

Ev'ry swain shall pay his du-ty,
Grateful ev'ry nymph shall prove;
And as these excel in bea-uty,
Those shall be renowned for love.

My lips closed as the song finished and as my outstretched hand touched the water's surface, her reflection disappeared.

I felt someone shaking me and I turned to look at who might be preventing me from saving her when Mrs. Rawley's voice broke through the web of my dream and pulled me back to reality.

"Heavens, you gave me a fright! I have heard moans and screams from the depths of sleep but a song sung suchly?? I feared you were taken by a spirit!"

I looked up at her, and must have reassured her somehow of all being well, though I don't recall uttering a word to her. Finally satisfied, she left the room. I sank back into the pillows and closed my eyes, smiling, allowing my mind to think of a handsome face with smoldering eyes that stared at me, silently. And I softly sang the song to the morning sun.

~

Mercury Gandt quickly recovered his composure. You dont spend as many years in gambling houses and situations with jealous husbands as Mercury has without learning how to create the impression that everything is just fine and nothing unexpected is about to happen.

"Buona sera... what a surprise... it is you, Achille,... who the hell would know you are in Venezia?

Achille Giglio laughed and shrugged. It is not such a big world, Signore. You have encountered Fiorino Pera as well, no? Who would have thought so many people from our island would be in this damp city, eh?

Mercury maintained his card-players face, giving nothing away of his thoughts or emotions. But seriously, he asked in a casual tone,what brought you here from Sorrentina? Are you looking for me?

Oh we are here for many reasons, Don Mercurio, answered Achille. Per favore, come have a seat if you will...we do in fact have some things to discuss that may be to your advantage

Mercury Gandt nodded and sat down thoughtfully. You have my attention, Achille.

Achille continued. As for why I am here...I am acting in the service of Don Aldo...

Don Aldo? I haven't heard of him for ages. How is he? Mercury tried to look quite nonchalant as he said this, but he could not help feel a twinge of worry, remembering the debts he left behind in Rocca Sorrentina.

Throughout this exchange, Devi moved closer, and leaned against the wall near Achille, but she remained completely silent.

Achille smiled. Don Aldo? He is well, thanks be to God. Devi handed him a bottle and some cups, and Achille poured a cup of wine for Mercury. Then his expression became a bit more serious.

May I ask, Signore...do you prosper here in Venezia?

Mercury shrugged, but forced himself to look cheerful. Oh yes of course! I have no reason to complain.

Achille sighed and looked a bit sad. I am sorry to hear that.

Devi raised an eye brow at this. Mercury on the other hand, coughed, and then burst into laughing. Why are you sorry to see me prospering?

Achille Giglios smile disappeared and his voice became very dry and serious.

Because, Don Mercurio, one who says he is prospering, while being involved with the Sbirri, is either not entirely being truthful...or he is prospering because of his involvement with the Sbirri.

For the first time in the course of the meeting, Devi smiled. It was not, however, a teribly pleasant smile.

After a pause, Mercury shook his head. I don't have an idea what you are talking about."

Devi made a sound that conveyed a certain level of exasperation

Signor Gandt...I am a patient man, said Achille quietly, but the good lady here, however, she may not be so much. Do you recognize her?

Mercury stated that he did indeed recognize her to be Devi. He also observed that she had drawn a knife. Achille indicated to Devi that such was not needed...yet. Mercury meanwhile, continued to maintain that there must be some mistake. that all this was a misunderstanding.

Achilles expression did not change. Oh? then you have not been visiting the sbirri headquarters? And they are not seeking for the Contessa Elena's whereabouts? Look, let us put our cards on the table...you have been seen by truly reliable witnesses going in and out of the sbirri headquarters...Don Aldo has visitors in Sorrentina who have explicitly stated that the sbirri are seeking the Contessa...one may safely assume the two are connected. If you are involved in their search for her, I can assure you they will not find her, which means at some point, they will have no use for you. I think, my dear Signor Gandt that you are in some truly deep and spectacular shit. Permit me to describe a probable outcome for this situation as things now stand: eventually the Sbirri will get tired of looking for her, at which point they will see you as a liability and you end up in their cellars as a long term guest.

If you are lucky, muttered Devi.

Yes, good point, Devi, agreed Achille. But permit me to propose a different scenario: we provide Signor Gandt with some information that we want the Sbirri to have...information that in truth is misleading, but which will appear to be useful to them...it will all be presented in a way that will lead to them providing you, Don Mercurio, with papers enabling you to travel...in fact to permit you to travel south, ultimately back to Sorrentina, where you will be beyond their reach...and you, my dear Signor Gandt, will no longer be under their thumb. So...which of those two outcomes holds more appeal for you?

Mercury Gandt put down the cup of wine he had sipping... Look, Achille...the appearances are against me, but I assure you... it's only partly true. They have paid my debts here in Venice... and have given me some advance for some services I haven't done yet. But my situation is precarious... I need income. And you must admit, I don't owe anything to the Foscaris in return the blessing they brought to me.

Devi snarled, you refer to what, exactly?

Mercury Gandt lost his temper at this point, I should kill you both for what you know about me, he hissed.

Devi deftly flipped her dagger so the blade was between her fingers. Achille could tell she was preparing to throw. Meanwhile, Mercurys was already reaching for the hilt of his sword. The situation was well on its way to a bad ending.

Achille held up his hand. Come now! we live in an age of reason...Devi there is no cuase to force the gentlemans hand. And Signor Gandt...drawing steel would be foolish and unnecessary...yes, you could possibly do us some injury...though I suspect Devi can throw that dagger faster and more accurately than you could advance upon her with your smallsword: in fact, she could probably throw well before your blade is fully drawn...and Devi, if you miss or only wound him, there are many unpleasant possibilities to be considered. No I ask you both to be calm and thoughtful.

After a moment, Devi the tension eased from Devis posture and she put away her dagger. Mercury likewise relaxed and picked up his wine cup again.

In fact, Mercury stated drily, if Don Aldo knows about it anyway.... there is no point to killing you...

Very true, agreed Achille. There...see? We are making progress. No one is going to kill anyone else...and we are getting much closer to the truth of things than we were when we started. Let us return back to your argument that you owe nothing to the Foscaris...in a sense that is true...on the other hand, one could argue that you do owe Don Aldo something...who do you think has covered your debts in the Kingdom of Naples since you left?

Mercury looked slightly puzzled. I have no idea, Achille.

It has been Don Aldos task to pay your debts and see that you good name...such as it was...is intact back home. And in addition to preserving your reputation, he has looked after your home and your furnishings...all will be in good order if you choose to return there.

But...why? asked Mercury suspiciously.

Achille could only shrug. That I cannot say for sure...although I do know that he has some plans in which he thinks you might be useful...but I suspect there is more to it than simply that. I have my suspicion that he actually rather likes you.

God knows why, grumbled Devi under her breath.

Achille pretended he did not hear Devis Comment. See here, Signore, consider the possibilities....should you assist the Padrone with this project he has in mind to mislead the Sbirri, he would then be in your debt...which is not a bad place to be. Don Aldo is a man who has more honor in his left earlobe than the entire sbirri have, each and everyone of them together, from head to toe. Having Don Aldo indebted to you could pay off in a number of ways.

Mercury reached over and took the bottle from the middle of the table to pour himself another cup of wine. All right, He said in a low voice, tinged with a bit of resignation, the truth is that Venezia begins to become a too hot place for me... the longer I stay here, the bigger the trouble I'm in... I would gladly leave it, but the sbirri are watching me...

Devi smiled, Achille has a plan to address that nasty little situation...

Achille laughed. Well, Devi is too generous...not my plan, but that of the Padrone...and yes, the Conte Foscari, he has had a hand in this too...I have merely served to work out some of the details.

The Conte, interjected Mercury. He knows about my situation as well? Is he in Venezia?

A silence fell over the room. Achille sat looking at Mercury for a moment and then finally he spoke. I do not know where the Conte is... and even if I did, I could not share that information. The main thing for you to keep in mind is that the Padrone on Rocca Sorrentina has looked after your debts, and seen to it that your possessions were protected...and that he will in fact cheerfully get you out this mess you are mired in at present. And furthermore, as I understand it, he intends to offer you some opportunities for the future.

Mercury had trouble believing what he was hearing. For the first time in a good while, he was starting to feel some hopefulness about what was to come. But what about the Conte? he asked.

As for the Conte, replied Achille, keep in mind he is aware of your involvement with the Sbirri,,,and he knows that the Sbirri are looking for the Contessa, as a means to get at him, and what you will be asked to do in the course of this business will help him address that reality.

Mercury looked extremely thoughtful. What do you want me to do?

There will be information that the Padrone and the Conte want passed on to the Sbirri... information that will make you look very good in their eyes even as it misleads them. It will permit them to trust you enough to put you on a long leash that we can then snip. In fact, the information you bring, and the information that others will add to it, will certainly force them to send you away from Venezia.

I think I am beginning to understand, said Mercury. But how will this work...and does the Contessa figure into this...yes...I was trying to find her for them...

Achille shook his head. No as this plan goes forward, the Contessa will no longer be of interest to them. And anyway, I can assure you, she is nowhere near any place that the Sbirri could get to her, even if they knew where she was...whoever they went would not survive the attempt.

Devi spat, If if anything happened to her, neither would you!"

Mercury lanced at her and then said in a sarcastic tone, When you do see her, kindly give her my best regards, per favore.

Achille gave no indication he had paid any attention to this exchange. Instead he looked thoughtful for a moment or two and then turned to Devi. Time to lay out the plan?

Devi shrugged. It is your call.

Achille turned back to Mercury, who was pouring himself yet another cup of wine while he waited for some answers to his questions.

Don Mercurio, do you know do you know why the Sbirri are seeking some advantage over the Conte?

Mercury pondered this question a moment and then answered, no... although...one thing I remember, they asked me if I knew the Conte had connections with the...freemasons?

Achille nodded. Precisely. they believe he is a member of that secretive bunch of dangerous radicals and subversives, and if they get their claws into the Contessa, they think they could force the Conte to give them information about who else is among the masons in the city...

To Mercury, it was if a candle had been lit in a darkened room. Ahhhhh... that makes sense now.

Achille shrugged, as Don Aldo says, only the Sbirri would think to make a simple task so complicated.

Devi nodded fiercely. They look for Elena to have power over the Conte!!! That is why she had to escape... and yes...we used you as a decoy....but it had to look real.

Mercury could not keep the anger out of his voice. And you decided that it wasnt suitable for that brilliant plan to be shared with me? I spent weeks thinking that the Contessa had been kidnapped! Not to mention being beaten up in the bargain.

We heard what had happened to you....but that wasn't us...that wasnt expected, explained Devi. We needed you to look for her...it had to look real...to give us enough time to get her away.

Glad I was able to help, thank you very much, answered Mercury angrily. He was no where near ready to yet. He turned to Achille. So they need names from the Conte?

Achille nodded. Yes, but that is not what you are going to provide... what you will let them know is that he is, in fact, not a freemason... but he is involved with a secret group...an entirely different group with a different purpose.

And will they believe it? asked Mercury a bit suspiciously.

There will be confirmation coming from other sources, answered Achille. Including Sbirri agents who are currently being held by Don Aldo...and who will be permitted to escape, with evidence enough of this other group.

Devi laughed. Itll most likely work...none of these guys are too bright.

All right, what should I tell them? asked Mercury.

The story that you will present will be that he is helping rebels in the Hungarian part of the Austrian empire. It hasnt been that long since the Hungarians last revolted, so it should be quite plausible. You will present the Sbirri with evidence that the Conte is providing them with cannon and other arms...

Cannon, you say?

Yes, why do you ask?

Well, explained Mercury, because I actually did come across some information about the Conte arranging for cannon to be cast for some mysterious purpose, but I couldnt find out any more about why or for whom.

Did you pass that information on to the Sbirri?

Mercury answered a bit sheepishly, ah..yes...

Ha! this is splendid! Your previous report about the cannon being made for the Conte will dovetail nicely with this new information...in fact, you will direct them to a new shipment of a few cannon that they can intercept and inspect...and which they will more than likely let go, once they have established the apparent truth of what you are saying.

Mercury was pondering the political subtleties of this story. So...I tell them the guns are for rebels in the Austrian empire...oh, this is getting nicer and nicer..that idea will appeal to them, wont it?

Achille smiled. The rulers of Venezia have no love for Austria...they fear and distrust the empire...

And I will be telling them that the Conte does them a service through his secret efforts to weaken the emperor?

Yes...in effect, they are more likely to believe this because you are telling them something they want to hear. And the key will the actual cannon...I will give you details on some cannon that are ready to be shipped...you will tell the Sbirri when and where... they will find the cannon and hey, presto, you will seem very trustworthy to them...

And then?

And then you will tell them that there is another shipment of arms for the rebels -- muskets, most likely -- that are being shipped by the Contes organization through Roma...and that you have been engaged to helped oversee the shipment...and you want to find out more information for them."

And they will give me papers to travel to Roma, you think?

I would be very much surprised if they did not.

What if they send one or more of their agents with me?

That would be unfortunate, but acceptable. The Professores colleagues in Roma will take care of them. Those same colleagues of his will help you with evading anyone who is following you and get you to the Kingdom of Naples.

Sounds logical.

Achille nodded. It is not too complex...in misleading the Sbirri away from the Contes possible involvement with the Freemasons, we arrange to make you look good in their eyes...you tell them there is something else you must follow up on that will involve you going to Roma...then you have papers that get you as far as Roma -- which is the hard part during which the papers will be essential -- and from there all you really have to worry about is bad water and banditti.

Mercury drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully. Sounds tempting... but you mean, of course, I don't stay long in Roma, correct?

Achille laughed, oh you can if you want to, but unless you are dying to see St. Peter's, I would suggest yourself the hell to Rocca Sorrentina as fast as you can.

Yes, I get it, Mercury replied. I suppose Don Aldo is eager to meet me... Mercury Gandts mood was decidedly improving and a hint of smalie came to his face. It sounded like a good bargain... he can keep the sbirri money, even getting a passport from them, and he can escape from them too... the world becomes a brighter place, eventually...

Then Achille interrupted his happy thoughts. I am sure he will discuss with you the reality that there is, of course, a quid pro quo for all this...the job or jobs he has in mind for your special talents. But that will also be an opportunity for you. I am sure they are jobs for which you would be well compensated...

Mercurys smile faded a bit at this. I see... and I assume you don't know what kind of jobs?

No...I cannot say that I do...I must be honest about that. But...he has never asked me to kill anyone in the course of the jobs I have done for him.

Mercury coughed involuntarily. Ah.... I see... anyway, I wouldn't be a very talented assassin...

Achille laughed. No, should he ever need one I think I know where he could find the perfect candidate. He arched an eyebrow at Devi, who blushed coyly.

Signor Gandt...may I ask what you are thinking? asked Achille.

Will I meet the Conte Foscari too? So far you mentioned Don Aldo...

It is entirely possible... but, I am not privy to the plans of the Conte. I can only speak for what I have been told by Don Aldo. But let me assure you...you will be treated fairly in any enterprise in which Don Aldo has a role.

I'm intrigued by the possibility of meeting him. Mercury paused a moment and then stated firmly, alright, sounds like a good bargain... if you help me to escape from the sbirri, keeping their money and my credit in their eyes... I'm in

That is splendid news...we will commence execution of this immediately, and I have every confidence you will be back in Rocca Sorrentina before much time has passed at all, answered Achille.

By the way, asked Mercury, who are the cannon really for?

Oh, they are for Don Aldo. He requires them for some entirely separate project.

Mercury though about this moment and then stood. Achille, it is a pleasure to do business with you...what is next?

Achille also stood and extended his hand. We will provide you with everything you require for this enterprise. You need only to act your part in a convincing manner.

When Mercury grasped Achilles hand, he noticed that the tavern-keeper had crooked his thumb over the first joint of Mercury's index finger. Although he recognized its significance, he did not respond as they shook hands.

Achille smiled pleasantly. Very well. One of the apprentices is waiting outside to direct you home...you will have all you need by morning."

Mercury Gandt said his farewells to Achille and Devi, who had unlatched the door. After he went out and the door was once again closed, Devi looked at Achille and sighed. I still think it would be far simpler to send him on a long walk off a short pier.

~

" Finally, he came to the point. "I must apologize for the lengthy preface, Baroness," he began, "but these matters must be seen to with great care." I waited, perched on my chair and he continued "The long and the short of it, is that the Baron had planned to leave a rather large chunk of his estate to a woman named Katie." My heart stopped beating. I knew that it was the wretched maid of whom he spoke; the very one who told of my plans to flee to Belgium with Edward. I nearly moaned aloud at the thought of his name... to think of that at such a time only added salt to my wound. I was dumbfounded. The Baron must have kept the little shrew as a concubine, and his intentions were to give her what was due to me, his wife!"

Read the full post at:

http://oliviachapman.blogspot.com/2013/07/where-theres-will.html