[No wonder his back was aching. The last he could recall it was not yet midnight.
Cesare stands and stretches, letting out a heavy sigh before turning his attention back to the phone. He picks it up and gives a small attempt at a smile.]
What are you doing up at this hour? Was there something I could do for you?
I am up at this hour for my own reasons. [When you are the queen of the world for several millenia, you develop odd sleeping habits and an even odder sleep cycle. It doesn't help she's the headmistress here.]
Ah, in that case you have been well missed... and I am sure you miss a proper bed. [Well, it wasn't unheard of and wasn't like she kept in-depth tabs on the Cardinal.] But I hope you are not so busy now?
Then if you are not as busy, would you like to come by the manor for dinner? I'm interested to hear about what you've been doing, hiding away as you have and missing out on my festival. [Did Serenity ever mention she could be quite crafty when she wanted to be?]
[At this hour? Cesare stops himself from looking back at his bed, which uninteresting as it is compared to his bed at the Vatican sounds very nice right now.
But he cannot say no to his most generous patron, no matter the hour.]
Forgive me, my Lady, for my absence. I would be happy to see you as always.
[Then he realizes his mistake. She probably doesn't mean right now.]
Tomorrow evening, after you are well rested. [Serenity is many things, one of those things is a mother, and Cesare at the moment is a tired young man.] Sleep, Cesare... in a proper bed [She chuckles.] A desk is only so comfortable. [She should know.]
[Taking that as an invitation, he walks around the room to where that very bed is waiting for him. As he sits heavily upon it and leans back on the pillows he asks politely of her]
It was a Halloween festival for my students and the whole of Somarium. It was a chance to enjoy themselves as last year Halloween was not a pleasant occasion for many.
Hello, Cesare, did you sleep well?
Reply
Mmsuppose. What time is it?
[He's not really asking her, more thinking aloud as he squints toward the nearest window.
Cesare does not quite grasp yet that his dream was broadcast.]
Reply
Reply
Cesare stands and stretches, letting out a heavy sigh before turning his attention back to the phone. He picks it up and gives a small attempt at a smile.]
What are you doing up at this hour? Was there something I could do for you?
Reply
You have been in a sleep coma, Cesare.
Reply
I may look like I have been in a coma for weeks.
[Cesare rubs his whiskered chin and cheeks again, then rubs at one sleepy eye.]
But I assure you I've not been. This place has been keeping me most busy this past week.
Reply
Reply
Right now he's more concerned with how stiff he feels. And hungry.]
Not as busy no. It is merely a matter of getting accustomed to preparing sermons again.
It is most kind of you to be concerned.
Reply
Reply
But he cannot say no to his most generous patron, no matter the hour.]
Forgive me, my Lady, for my absence. I would be happy to see you as always.
[Then he realizes his mistake. She probably doesn't mean right now.]
Ah... when?
Reply
Reply
[Taking that as an invitation, he walks around the room to where that very bed is waiting for him. As he sits heavily upon it and leans back on the pillows he asks politely of her]
Tell me of your festival.
Reply
Reply
I am sorry I missed it, that sounds enjoyable. What sorts of things did you do at this festival?
Reply
Reply
I do enjoy a dance with a beautiful woman. Call it a vice of mine.
[He's trying to be charming despite having just woken up from an uncomfortable nap.]
Reply
Leave a comment