Prima Donna

[artemisxbow-archive-blog]

Her gaze fell to the array of sweets on the vanity. The spread did look absolutely delicious, and she was not one to turn down an offer of sweets (one could thank her sweet tooth for that). At the offer of a glass, she glanced to the woman again with her own glass in hand. Well, what was the worst that could happen? It wasn’t like she was able to indulge like this all the time, may as well partake in it. Besides, the woman appeared a bit more amiable compared to the last time they ran into each other.

"It is a bit strange to know someone with the same name as me, but it’s something I can get used to." she said with a shrug before joining the woman. "And sure, I’ll accept a glass. The cakes look lovely by the way. Where did you find them?"

[jidoorandiva]

"Splendid!" Maria was already pouring champagne into the flute before her guest could answer. It threatened to bubble over the top, and retreated at the last moment back into the glass. She handed it over with a warm smile.

"A bakery in Jidoor makes them. They're a traditional confection to start the new year off sweetly. It is good luck to have one. And if one is good luck, simply imagine how much luck is in ten of them!" She giggled again, positively gleeful, and handed Maria a small silver fork.

"Do help yourself, my dear. Anything that you do not eat, I shall be forced to. My, but 'forced' is a strong word... I somewhat enjoy the rebellion involved in the idea of consuming all of them myself. Chief will have my head over it if I should lose my figure, but a single indulgence can do little lasting harm."

"Now, please... regale me with tales of your Fynn. What state is she in? I have not visited within her borders in so long."

[imperialturncoat-blog]

"Business," she said simply. "And it’s a decent place to wait out the winter…all things considering." Like her honest opinion of the city, for example. "The Chancellor of Figaro needs me in the city for a time." Over the course of a month or so Celes had become his unofficial and unpaid ambassador of sorts. He assured me that Edgar is aware about it. I certainly hope so. Either way she was to return to Figaro in the spring.

"I’m glad to hear Raul is better. How is he reacting to that night’s events?"

[jidoorandiva]

"I wish you good fortune in your business, then. Jidoor is glad to count Figaro among its allies." She considered for a moment if it would be overstepping the bounds of good form to inquire about the king of Figaro and his well-being, but she decided against it. It would be better not to give Celes any cannon fodder. The less that was known of her past clandestine meetings with the king, the better.

"Raul's reaction was... understandable." That was a properly neutral way to state things. "He is much more like himself now. Less skittish. Though he has asked that we not make public appearances together. In truth, I find myself untroubled by this development. He is well, and that is what matters. You attend one of our performances, when time permits. It would be an honor."

There was a tension in her, of words unspoken. Celes would have been the only person she could ask, and yet she couldn't bring herself to say it.

How is he?

[irishais]

"Another fight?"

"I wasn’t exactly looking for it. Things just got out of hand. There’s a first aid kit in my bag— pass it to me, please?” 

[irishais]

Her eyes closed as Maria worked, a minor shifting of fingers, curling in against her palm at the discomfort of touch the only reaction she allowed herself. 

If you didn’t think about the pain, it wasn’t that bad, and she had had worse. 

"It comes with the job," she murmured, and couldn’t stop the slight flinch as Maria’s touch found the deeper end of the cut. "I try not to throw myself into more trouble than is entirely necessary, though." 

[jidoorandiva]

"I know you do, and yet.... every conflict seems to be to be an unnecessary one, when it involves you." She winced for Xu's sake as she finished cleaning the wound and began applying a bandage.

"'War is the cruel way with which man attempts to dispatch the sons and daughters of his enemies,'" she quoted. It had been in an opera libretto, and the line had always resonated with her. "Perhaps I am being selfish. This is your chosen path, I know, but... you're far too precious a friend for me to even entertain the notion of a world without you in it."

Quietly, she added: "You're my only friend, Xu."

[pyratesandfyre]

"It’s fortunate then that I’m not here f’ the easy resting of y’ heart."

There was a moment - an extreme, irrational moment - where Faris wanted to laugh in the woman’s face, to laugh at the fact that her ire bothered Faris no more than a fly might bother a flower. It was a welcome release to the once barbed tongue the singer had wielded against them; back when words could hurt far more than any wound. But Faris let the moment pass unused, the only testament to it the wry curve of their lips. 

"I’m afraid y’ shaln’t be rid of me swiftly. But y’ assistance, y’ say? Now that would be a bonnie thing. Tell me lass, what sins are y’ willing t’ commit t’ be rid o’ a pirate king?”

[jidoorandiva]

"Your purported kingship means nothing on this shore. It is a title that a desperate man gives himself to imagine he has worth." Her eyes were cold steel.

"I will commit no sin against country or fellows. Tell me what you require, and perhaps then I can offer an answer less vague."

[jidoorandiva]

"Miss Maria, I do insist you try one of these lovely cakes!" Maria gestured to the array of sweets on her dressing room vanity and giggled as she took another sip of champagne.

"Does it not tickle you to speak to one with your own name? How strange it is! And yet such good fun. I find amusement in small places. Come, dear, allow me to pour you a glass."

[irishais]

"Another fight?"

"I wasn’t exactly looking for it. Things just got out of hand. There’s a first aid kit in my bag— pass it to me, please?” 

[jidoorandiva]

Maria rifled through Xu's bag until she found the small white box that she presumed was the kit. Rather than handing it over, she opened it and began applying antiseptic to a cotton cloth, which in turn she dabbed against the bleeding cut on Xu's brow.

"I wish that your work was not so dangerous, Xu. I worry constantly for you. Someday I fear you will have far worse mischief done to you than this."

[jidoorandiva]

"Captain. The city guard does not take well to men of your profession, nor do I. Whatever business you have here, I suggest you conduct it quickly and be on your way. Surely you and your crew have more people to abduct and pillaging to do."

"To that end, let me know how I might be of assistance. The sooner we are rid of your presence, the easier my heart will rest."

[jidoorandiva]

"General Chere. I confess, I am surprised to see you back in Jidoor."

"You had asked after Raul when last we met. I should inform you that he is well now, and has returned to performing. It is a most fortunate thing."

"May I inquire - what brings you to the city?"

[jidoorandiva]

[jidoorandiva]

“Whoever marries him would have to be certifiable.”

HEARD YOU TALKIN' SHIT

[irishais]

"Xu! Xuuuu! Help me, please!" The diva practically threw herself into Xu's arms, breathless from running.

She caught Maria by the arms, steadying her friend. “What’s going on?” 

[jidoorandiva]

"A fan," Maria managed to choke out, before burying her face into Xu's neck and sobbing. It was a minute or two before she could gather herself enough to speak further.

"An investor, a potential patron. The Impresario asked me to have dinner with the man, hoping it might mean financial support for the troupe. But he... seemed to think...." She drew back and shook her head.

"I ran, but not before injuring him. Oh, Xu, what have I done? This man has money, influence." The diva buried her face in her hands and trembled all over.

[scribetiloa]

"No need to apologize, dear lady. When it comes to unruly men, we women must stick together, no?" She chuckled softly and offered her arm in a friendly gesture. "I am a fair listener, to be sure, and more than willing to add a comforting arm to that. Refreshment, too."

[jidoorandiva]

Maria hesitated. This woman was a stranger, but her words were kind and her eyes were genuine, and what the diva needed most right now were compatriots. True, that the women of the world only had each other to depend on when it came to terrible men.

She took the proffered arm and smiled softly. "Then I will avail myself of your well-timed offer, madam. I am Maria Valdez, prima donna of the Jidooran opera. And what may I call you?"

[imperialturncoat-blog]

"Mn, I give him my condolences. I know we’ve never gotten along but I can take you out for a light meal and some tea? I’ll pay."

[jidoorandiva]

"That's very kind of you, General. I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I must decline. Given your association with certain individuals, it would be best that we not be seen in public together. I do not believe my career can handle more slanderous gossip at the moment."

[baltusar-blog]

"Because I do as I please. Is it too much for your deprived and blinkered eyes?”

[jidoorandiva]

"I have more than had my fill of men who do as they please. Enough for a lifetime, in fact."

[katekaion-blog]

"I wonder is it dramatise that turns y’ thoughts t’ murder? Or are y’ simply made that way?" It was an idle hum. He’d wronged Maria, that much they knew - he’d wronged a good lot of people, women mostly, in the search for something Faris couldn’t name, in a search for vengeance against a woman Faris knew not. 

Yet they’d never wish him dead.

"Or maybe I’m just a shit pirate. And he’s a shit person, and you’re a shit diva, and shit-ness makes the world go round. 

"At least he’s given y’ something t’ be passionate about."

[jidoorandiva]

Maria glowered at the pirate. She was a prima donna. It was her occupation and her being. When things went awry in her world, dramatics where the only recourse at her disposal.

"I never asked him for anything to be passionate about, not that it is any business of yours. Do not presume to project your conflicted thoughts on me, you scoundrel."

"I will not stand here and bear your foul tongue and your fouler thoughts." She held her head high, turned on her heel with an indignant 'hmph!', and stormed off.

[jidoorandiva]

"If there is an award for having the worst taste in men, I should like to accept it now.

[baltusar-blog]

"I do wonder what tragedy passed, that you should say something like that."

[jidoorandiva]

"WHY ARE YOU PARADING ABOUT TOWN WITHOUT A SHIRT, SIR?"

[katekaion-blog]

"Y’ weren’t aware because y’ weren’t supposed t’ be. Such things are often best kept private. But y’ can do no worse harm t’ me now that he and I havenae done t’ me first.

"Though in response, Maria - I wish I’d kept him there too. It was the only time I’d e’er seen him at peace. But not all birds do well in captivity, hm? And you and I both know that for as pretty he sings, Setzer is no Canary."

[jidoorandiva]

He and I...?

Of course. Setzer had never been inclined to monogamy. The captain had been just another in a long line of lovers he had entertained himself with when Maria wasn't handy. It shouldn't have troubled her anymore, but still she felt her cheeks flush with anger.

"I care not for his peace any longer. Only for my own."

"It would have been all the better for you to have kept him in captivity. He deserves to suffer in a cage until he goes mad with it. A pretty canary, and a prettier corpse."