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Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:24 pm
Eloisa smiled at the mysterious, handsome stranger. He almost seemed as if he were directly from the pages of some fantasy. So polite, so charming, and an utter gentleman. Just what a vampire ought to be. It was surprisingly different than her own family full of quick tempers and threats, but that's what made Clan Giovanni so unique. Every family was different, and none were to be taken lightly. "Nothing wrong with that, not at all," Eloisa noted with a smile. What layers might she get him to reveal? Not because she needed the information or for some nefarious purpose, but simply because she wanted to better get to know him. "You've just extra layers of experience, that's all. Better to be mysterious and delightfully surprising than living all those years and having no culture, depth or dimension," she added, giving a little no-nonsense sniff. She knew more than a few vampires that seemed to fit that mold, too.
"I'd imagine they make life easier, especially if you're traveling long distances. I've heard they're loyal companions. Are they much work though? Or do you have others assigned to their care?" There was no judgment in her words, simply curiosity on how one actually took care of a Faesteed. She knew very little about the rearing of pets, but with a few baby Puttanesca siblings, she liked to think she had some idea. Sort of.
"Ah, well, then it shall hopefully be a happy family reunion," she mused, glad for him that he'd get to be seeing kin. He seemed to be close to his family, or at least, more happily situated with them. Close to his uncle, eager to see his aunt, and he even had a younger brother. Well, Eloise was all about family... and he hadn't made any mention of a mate. Perhaps... Perhaps he was on the market? Better and better if that were the case. "The city's going to be overrun by Giovanni, just how it should be," she added matter-of-factly. She was proud of her famiglia, proud of her clan, and more and more seemed to be crawling out of the woodworks and congregating near the mansion.
"Oh please," she laughed, giving a shake of her head a small, dismissive wave of one her egregiously long, clawed hands. "I don't think you could tell a boring story if you tried. Trust me. I work at a salon -- I've listened to material so dry it would make the middle of the desert look refreshing on a sweltering day... So don't you worry your petty head about it, bello -- I'm a big lover of stories," she reassured, giving a small little click of her nails for added emphasis.
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Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:48 pm
Usually most found he had an air or superiority about him. Which was true, he knew what his family name meant. What kind of weight it carried and how he should use it to his benefit. There was nothing he wanted for in his unlife. Well, except maybe one thing. Why he was thinking about that….was it because of her? If his heart still beat would it be racing and pounding in his ears? He had to admit she was rather lovely and engaging. This was probably the most he had talked with someone since he began to make his way back to the mansion. “Very loyal.” Romeo was proud of the work he had put into his own Faesteed. A raven black stallion with long wavy hair. He had spent hours and hours using his skills thet Edon has taught him to make his FaeSteed one of the better examples on the property. “They are very smart and can be a bit whiley if you don’t show them who is boss. But once they are trained they are some of the best companions you could have.” Romeo shook his head. “The familia takes care of all the training. Every Machiavelli pretty much knows how to ride and begins to learn training at a young age. It’s…” He laughed. “Almost a requirement for being in the family.” He was joking of course. “Maybe one day you can come and see them.” A hopeful glance. “Yes that would be a good thing indeed. It will be interesting to see who decides to pop back up. There are families that I haven’t even met in all my years.” Mostly the lesser houses. They were smaller and generally only in the family by marriage. There were barely any Hidalgo vampires. The Ancillae laughed again. A refreshing desert, my that did seem tragic. “Ah but in a few years it will change again and again after that. That’s just the way of things. Even the people will change. But that brings new opportunities and meeting of new people. Such as yourself.” He brushed a few stray hairs out of his eyes. “Even so, I hope my stories might be pleasing to your pallet.”
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Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:34 pm
Eloisa hadn't been aware any clans dabbled in Faesteeds, outside of gambling rings and bookies. The fact that he actually owned one, trained one, and knew about them was incredible. Well, he was a legitimate knight... why shouldn't he know about such things? "Sounds like the same problems I have with some of my sisters," she joked, giving a little laugh. "Still, unlike me, I have no doubt you know exactly how to keep your charges in line. Does your favored steed have a name, Signore?" And as for his question, and his look, Eloisa's smile broadened, her eyes all but glowing with pleasure. "I'd love to come see them sometimes, if ever there's an opportunity or invitation," she agreed. She didn't want to assume he was being more than amicable and polite, but a small part of her hoped that maybe he was interested in spending more time with her.
Besides, her interest wasn't completely mercenary. What Faekat hadn't grown up with a fascination of Faehorses at some point in their life or another? To see one up close, especially one so well-trained was a delightful thought. And if it meant getting a little more time with Signore Machiavelli, could she be blamed?
"The Clan is quite extensive," she agreed. "You're certainly the first Machiavelli I've had the pleasure of meeting. We've had a Dunsirn appear most recently, and a few Milliners...Perhaps it's a good thing to renew connections, and reinforce allegiances." Granted, she understood that there was an equal amount of backstabbing, competition, and grudges... but they were still all one Clan. Besides which, if they hadn't all decided to return, she wouldn't be sitting on this bench with this handsome fellow. "An auspicious start, if I say it myself," she added, giving him a small wink.
"Change will bring new stories, new styles, new troubles, new joys... It just means you'll have plenty of stories to regale me with, and perhaps, I'll even have a few for you." As if Eloisa was ever without something to talk about. But maybe by then, she'd have something really worth talking about -- not just the latest string of gossip, or the newest hairstyles and looks. "Ah, you've nothing to worry about, bello signore, you've been molto delizioso. Un vero piacere."
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Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2023 12:11 am
“Your sisters sound like a handful.” Perhaps he had been a legitimate knight all those centuries ago. Back when being a knight was romanticized heavily. Every maiden with fantasies about tall, dark and handsome knights is shining armor that rode around on gorgeous steeds. They literally threw themselves at your feet. Even in modern times the women were always enthralled by this fact and they still did the same. Though maybe he wouldn’t mind if Eloisa did. But he’s never admit it out loud, he barely knew her and expressing that kind of emotion at this point was rather uncouth. “Echo is his name. And before you ask, yes he is completely black.” He chuckled deep within his chest. Black screamed mysterious, enchanting, alluring and so many other words there was no time to list them all. Of course, his time in that era he had his share of fights and battles. He made friends and watched as they grew old and died. Good, they were on the same wave length. “Good. Then I formally invite you to the Machiavelli estate. So you can see our amazing faesteeds. Hopefully she would enjoy herself. And maybe Echo would be nice to this one, Romeo swore that damn beast got jealous. “A Dunsirn? Interesting. I wonder if we’ll see any of the smaller houses make an appearance. They probably will once Augustus gathers all the families together. That’s the only reason everyone is returning like this I’ve surmised. He has to be awake.” Romeo didn’t know for certain but it was oddly suspicious that all these families would start cropping up again. He’d be surprised if any of the lesser houses showed up but none the less it would be interesting if they did. He in minded his head slightly. “ Grazie, bella signora. You flatter me too much.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:11 am
The dark haired woman crinkled her nose fondly at the thought of her sisters, and nodded in agreement. "They certainly are, but they're as good as sisters as one could hope for," she added. She loved her family, for all that it was terribly easy to find oneself overwhelmed when they were all together. Eloisa herself was just one of many pretty faces among the Puttanesca. "I have no doubt you'll run into some of them. Each one a gem." Nine blue eyed, dark-haired beauties... But there was only one Eloisa. Hopefully he wouldn't forget about her when he met some of her other siblings. "Having a big family just keeps things interesting -- bickering, and rivalry aside." ******** with one Puttanesca, and you ******** with them all... not matter whether or not they were all getting along at the present moment.
"Echo," she repeated the steeds name with a smile. "Un bel nome," she concurred with a nod. "He sounds like a lovely companion, and I'll be eager to see you with him sometime. I'm happy to take you up on your invitation, soon as my schedule allows, signore," she agreed, her pleasure clear. A formal invitation ... well, she wouldn't spurn that, even if she wasn't sure what one might wear. Well, she'd figure it out when the time came -- and she had ever intention of taking him up on the offer.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we do meet some of those smaller families. Everone showing up's been all the talk, at least in my circles," she confessed with a small chuckle. "New faces, new names, new hair colors. I haven't met some of them formally yet, but it'll only be a matter of time. Something's brewing... though I dare say I agree." Something was going on, though she didn't know exactly. Rumors of Augustus had spread, but then, they always did when something strange happened. But this time, things felt different. Maybe it wasn't just rumor....especially with all the family coming into town. "
As for his comment about flattering, she gave a shake of her head. "I speak as I find, Signore Machiavelli." And that was the truth. She might have been a lot of things, but she was honest..
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Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2023 11:10 pm
Romeo couldn’t imagine having so many siblings. Making sure his little brother stayed out of trouble was hassle enough. But he was a good boy, most of the time. There was always something strange and cold behind the smile of a Machiavelli. Something dark that lingered just beneath the surface. It was different for each of them though and each kept that darkness as private as they could. It was rare that others had an appreciation for those types of…..machinations. He laughed. “Echo is a character. Don’t let his manners fool you, that steed would sell you out for a bag of apples.” He had had Echo a long time. Raising the black Faesteed from a foal to the adult beast he was now. They had traveled much together and seen many things. But Echo wasn’t his first thet he had ever had. Unfortunately Faesteeds didn’t live quite as long as their vampire masters. “But I think he will like you. He has a thing for pretty women.” Running class through his dark hair Romeo shrugged. “It will be interesting to say the least I’m sure. There will probably be some big family dinner at the main mansion where all the families are invited.” Romeo had no doubts he would be attending, Edon was a rather proud man of his house just like any good Giovanni would be. But their reputation brought something different to that table. “Maybe I will see you there, bella.” Another hopeful look. Maybe she’s be able to attend and they could catch up while the head of houses went through all the pageantry. “Have you ever been to the main mansion? It’s rather exquisite.”
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:35 pm
Eloisa was delighted to hear Romeo talk about his faithful steed. She could easily envision the crafty creature, with his black mane, and mischievous nature, causing Romeo all manner of trouble... or at least, trying to. She doubted the dark-haired stranger tolerated such nonsense.
"I'll be sure to bring him some then," she added with a smile. "A little bribery never hurt, just in case my looks fail to win him over." If apples were the stallions chosen treat, then Eloisa would be sure to bring a few whenever she was able to visit. She certainly wouldn't let him forget such an invitation, of course--Eloisa might not be as crafty as some of her sisters, but she had more than just hairspray on the brain.
"That sounds about right, certainly. A party that size will at least be good for the legitimate side of business," she mused. Maybe she'd finally get her hands on some of her sisters heads and get to doll them up, Killer Hair style. As for his next question, she gave a shake of her head, reaching up to brush a few loose ringlets out of her eyes. "Si, signore, si. I've been there a few times, every April, for much of my life. That's about the only time I ever see it, of course, but it is a beautiful estate. Davvero magnifico." Of course, the families and people she met on those days all varied wildly from year-to-year, and primarily, revolved around her sisters and other Puttanescas.
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Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:35 pm
Echo could be a handful at times but he knew when it was muck around time and when it was business time. Romeo was proud of his steed though. Echo had started off as a hot headed little colt and was now a handsome creature who’s temperament had bee reigned in. “I’m sure he would enjoy that.” Then he realized that while he had given her an invitation to visit she probably didn’t know where the Machiavelli estate was “I would assume youMd need our address to come visit.” Taking out a pen he glanced around before he reached over and wrote the address down on the back of her hand. “There. Now you know where I live. Just don’t stalk me from the bushes ok?” He gave a slight nervous laugh. Wouldn’t of been the first time. “It’s been a while since I’ve been there myself so I am sure a lot has changed.” Romeo looked thoughtful for a brief second. He really should drop by the main estate and get reacquainted with the mansion. Maybe see who is up and about. He didn’t know who was in charge now having been gone so long. “We’ll I hope to see you there anyhow. And all your family, sisters and all.” He glanced at his watch. “But I am afraid it is about time for me to return to the estate. L” he stood, brushing off the front of his pants instinctively to smooth out any wrinkles. “It’s been a pleasure Lady Eloisa Puttanesca.”
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Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 7:15 pm
"Grazie, grazie," she spoke with a small chuckle. Eloisa was surprised when he reached over to write the address atop the back of her hand. Still, she didn't mind -- provided she didn't smear it before she had time to memorize it. "Oh don't worry about that. Bushes are for amateurs," she spoke with a little offhand wave, and a feral smile. Whether or not she was kidding ... well. Thankfully, she wouldn't make him sweat too much over it -- she was far too polite. "If you didn't notice, I'm a bit loud to make a habit of sneaking up on anyone -- I promise, you've nothing to worry about. I'll keep this safe." And she lifted her hand with a rueful grin.
When he looked at the time, and stood, Eloisa realized that soon he'd be gone. She'd been invited to the mansion, certainly, but she wasn't just going to show up willy-nilly with a bag of apples, and a hope and a prayer. Hmm. She'd come out here for a reason, and a purpose, and she wasn't going to let him get away so quickly.
"I work the next three nights until just before dawn but here's what you're going to do. Pick me up here, at this exact bench, Friday at 9pm,. I'll be wearing something very nice, and particularly flattering. We can see some of the city, or simply sit here and talk more about some of your favored books and poems. You don't have to answer now, just think about it... and if I'm lucky, I'll see you then -- and if not, well.. I'll understand." She'd just take her disappointment out on an unlucky mortal. Perhaps it was forward of her, but Eloisa wasn't a fool. All she could do was take a chance. Waiting until the party to hopefully see him....well... Who knew what might occur then?
She knew she wasn't some fancy lady like he was accustomed to. Her nails were a solid three inches, her hair style was always blown out and big, and she wore stilettos with almost every outfit. But he certainly made her feel like a lady... and Eloisa wasn't one to sit in the corner and wait. She was no damsel in distress, no knights were throwing themselves to call upon her, or help her out of the Puttanesca Tower. But she was sitting next to one... and maybe, just maybe, he'd surprise her.
"Regardless of what might or might not come to pass, I'm glad you stopped by this bench. You've been a delight.." She gave a dip of her head, and offered him one last smile, just for him. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your stories. Arrivederci, Signore Machiavelli. Ciao!"
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Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 8:27 pm
Before he knew what had happened she had made plans for them for Friday. She was forward and he liked that. Too many women he knew were so proper and demure they were actually really boring. Eloisa was definitely nothing like them, she was admittedly loud column wise and appearance wise. Romeo had not seen nails that long on anyone before and her stilettos lit a little wiggle in her step. He really hoped she was joking. Romeo didn’t respond the proposition. He gathered his book and bowed his head a little bending just slightly at the waist. “Ciao, Bella.” He turned to head back in the direction in which he had come. Whether or not he would show up well….that remained to be seen. He hadn’t committed to anything.
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