01 West Side~First Level

[unholydecree]

[For a man as paranoid and prepared as Cesare finding himself in this bizarre place with no clue as to why is very disorienting. While he may be near panic inwardly it shows only in how quickly he is walking, how cautious his eyes keep aware of his surroundings, and the fact he has his sword unsheathed and at the ready. He steps carefully, eyes

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[hollow_ring]

[It was only a glance at first, but the idea of seeing her brother here was far too much for her little heart to be disappointed with so she kept her head down and fingered her dress uncomfortably.

No, I swear I've seen him.. She looked again but all that she saw were empty streets and buildings that would hide her vision -- still, she wasn't beneath chasing ghosts so she headed toward the corner of the building and tiptoed around it quickly. Then the vision of Cesare's back was clear in sight and her lips parted with a gasp that she held in her chest as she ran up toward her brother. She dared not speak till her hands clasped his back with an eager clench.]

Cesare!!

[unholydecree]

[He doesn't hear her. Cesare is so intent on the way forward he does not listen to his back, the safe passage from whence he came, and when he feels hands on him he jerks and tugs away with great shock.

He spins and grasps at the attacker, sword coming up until his mind registers this is a woman firstly, secondly a woman who knows his name, and thirdly-]

Lucrezia?!

[Cesare's heart is pounding as he lowers the sword quickly and eases his grasp on her, eyes closing as he catches his breath.]

Thank God it's you.

[hollow_ring]

Oh! Cesare! [Her eyes are wide at the sword, but then she exhales and calms her expression before a smile widens.]

I would be very unlucky if I were not! [She starts to laugh lightly, her eyes beginning to tear up and then she pushes her face onto Cesare's chest and holds her arms around her brother tightly, her shoulders shaking. She didn't realize just how afraid she was of this world until she was safely in his arms, she didn't realize just how horrified she's been without him -- or perhaps she wouldn't allow herself to feel it.]

[unholydecree]

[His arms naturally wrap around her, comfortable and familiar, his cheek on top of her head.]

My love, what is this place? I do not recall having traveled here. Were we afoul of some plot against us?

[hollow_ring]

It is called Meridian, and there are such strange things here brother... such strange things.

And people! With sharp teeth and deathly-pale skin. Though I've not met anyone threatening, but they are truly unworldly! Truly!

[She is quiet a moment as she collects her thoughts, there's so many things she wants to tell him.]

I thought at once, when I woke here with but a bag of some of my belongings, that I had been kidnapped to Sforza's lands.. and left to find my Lord's castle all by myself.. but that was not the case..

[unholydecree]

[Cesare is unsettled by her account of this place they are in but her worries of her former Lord catches his attention. Why would she possibly think Sforza was her lord still? And what of...]

Sister, what of the child? Where is the child?

[hollow_ring]

[She recoils, takes a step back though her hands linger on his chest. She studies his face for a moment before responding.]

Jo.. [Why would he call our brother child?] Joffre?

He's not here, but perhaps .. he is, though I've not found him.

[unholydecree]

No, my love. Your child? Did he not come here with you?

[His tone is more harsh than he means but he feels panic at her not knowing where the baby boy is.]

[hollow_ring]

[Her hands move from his chest as if he were ignited and then one rests over her stomach as she looks down -- as if she would show any signs of being pregnant, or having been pregnant. Her breath is light as her lips quiver.]

My.. my child.. My child? [The finger moves down from her stomach to tighten at her skirts.] Brother? [Almost horrified.] I have no child..

[unholydecree]

What- [Cesare was frustrated with her but this was not the place to have such an argument. He reaches out and takes her hands in his and looks at her earnestly.]

Is there some place safe to stay here?

[hollow_ring]

[She offers a small nod and takes a step toward Cesare, pressing her face to his chest. What is my dear brother talking about.. She is afraid of what he's saying, but she would never be afraid of him.]

I have found a small apartment... Come.. I will show you. [She leaves her hand in his and pulls in toward the direction of the place she's been staying in.

It's a mere ten minute walk, she made it a habit not to travel too far from where she resides. The place is dark, but she lights a few candle sticks she's obtained from the indoor market.]

[unholydecree]

[It would take less than ten minutes the way he is rushing her, close at her heels and to one side, pushing her along and keeping a watchful and distrusting eye to their surroundings. One hand is on her lower back urging her faster and the other ready to unsheathe his sword once again.

Once they are inside he walks urgently around the immediate room drawing drapes, locking the door, and listening for anyone who may have followed.]

You said this place is called Meridian? Where is it? Italy, France?

[hollow_ring]

[Lucrezia nods gently, watching her brother take interest around her apartment.] Although, it is not in Italy, France... or possibly on our world.. there are things here that would surely have come to Italy.. fashions, c.. cans, there is food in hard cylinders, that are called canned food-- Cesare..

[She moves to her kitchen and opens a cupboard and pulls from it a can to show him. Though it says peaches, it does not taste like .. peaches.] Though I've discovered something queer, Cesare, the food does not taste like it is meant to.

I've had meat that tastes of blueberries, and .. potatoes that taste like strawberries.. there's something wrong with this world.

[unholydecree]

[Another world?! It can't possibly be. He can't even wrap his imagination around that one, and sends a glare back at Lucrezia.

...except for that most queer can. His expression relaxes and he moves swiftly to her and grabs it, looking it over. Never before has he seen such a strance construction. Light metal tempered so thin and exactly, with a surface reflective like glass. He squeezes the can to feel the surprising rigidity of it.]

Perhaps this is the New World the explorers speak of, where the savages come from. Maybe they have knowledge to craft such things we are not aware of?

[hollow_ring]

[She lowers her head at Cesare's glare. That expression directed at her was not bringing the warmest of feelings and she feels ashamed.]

Were that it was true, dear brother.. I cannot believe it in my heart--

there is something else. [She begins to feel her eyes water and lowers her head. She holds her hands together in front of her. Afraid to admit this..]

I.. I have spoken to a horse, a pony, and he can speak to me clearly.. just as we are now.. No where in our world could that be possible.

Could it?

[unholydecree]

[His heart lurches at seeing her like that and his paranoid defensiveness eases in need to comfort her. It would never be his intention to scare her or make matters worse.]

I do not know what kind of creatures live in the New World, love.

[His voice is much quieter and calmer now, and the hand gentle which is cupped to her cheek and delicate chin. Cesare smiles down at her.]

What does a pony have to talk about?