Orsini.

Lorenzo Orsini, Nephew to his Holiness the Pope and Papal legate a latere.

[ofexcellency]

* -- fairminx:

Amelie went to him without thought; one hand landed on his chest while the other cupped his jaw, thumb moving in soft motions.      “ I have not decided, ”      she looked to him, a glint in her eyes,      “ Depending on just how long you are staying, I could explore the Arno whilst admiring my Papal Legate and perfecting the common tongue, ”      she hummed quietly,      “ Though, I could think of other ways to occupy my time. ”

         Hands found home against her waist, leaning ever so slightly against her touch, so subtle that he hadn’t even noticed it himself.  “ Not long, I am afraid, though if that is what you desire I am occasionally wonderful at postponing departure. ” Lorenzo smiled down at the Princess, HIS Princess, whilst one adoring hand moved so it might caress the side of her head as his lips brushed against her own. Since the events in Vienna he had struggled to express just how glad he was that she was safe, to form the words she needed to comfort her and to draw her away from pain and self blame. Lorenzo had perfected the art of charming foreign nobles and royals alike but when it came to her, to someone he cared about more than most, he did not trust only words. He would rather act. Without further words his lips found her own properly, firmly, with absolute adoration and very little care that anyone could open the door behind her and discover them in their lovers embrace.

[the-write-ideas]

Ask my character "How do you feel about ______?" Can be an idea, person(s), place, or thing, and they'll have to answer honestly.

Ⓦ

[ofexcellency]

* -- fairminx:

Eyes settling upon his unclothed back she diverted her eyes just that moment too late causing her cheeks to redden. With him, it was impossible not to stare. Corner of her lips quirked up when she allowed herself to look back and see that he was fully clothed once again.      “ No need for apologies considering I was the one who surprised up on you, ”     Moving inside she let the door fall closed behind her,     “ Just a wish to see you is all, ”     gaze became soft in a moment as she looked upon him,      “ If I’m honest, I missed you. ”

How things had changed since they last met in Florence, but only in the best of ways.  “ Then allow me to share in the honesty, I missed you also. ”  Giving one final shrug to properly adjust the shirt he had pulled on, he smiled warmly as the door closed fully and took that as the opportunity to move towards her with his hands extended.  “ How will you be spending your time in Florence? Exploring the Arno? Perfecting the common tongue? Admiring your favourite Papal Legate? ”

[penanceknelt]

It seemed that Florence had a full house nowadays, with all the Florentine royals home and now the Austrian Royals at their court, there was quite literally never a dull moment. Even so, the world seemed just a bit brighter when she heard that Lorenzo was milling about somewhere. Staying in Florence for so long had given her adequate knowledge of the guest suites. Moving down the corridor, lips quirked upwards when she saw a door opened. Peaking in, her smile grew, just the person she was looking floor.      “ Knock, knock, ”      she said whist rapping her knuckles against the door frame. 

@ofexcellency

[ofexcellency]

        Being so close to Rome, to home, should have been torture after a long journey but the relief of returning to Florence was certainly a second best. His visit was only going to be brief but the knowledge of a certain Austrian Princess being beneath the Medici roof made it certainly worth while. Lorenzo had been retrieving a white undershirt when he heard the knock at the door, his gaze becoming entirely preoccupied with the visitor while slipping his arms into the shirt.  “ Your Highness... ”  He perked up in an instant, taking a moment to quickly pull the undershirt over head before moving slightly closer to the door. “ Forgive me, I had not expected such a beautiful visitor. Please, come in, to what do I owe such a pleasure? ”

[ofexcellency]

* -- memoriadifettosa:

Shoulders rise and fall in an innocent shrug, but her smile is something teasing.       “ Though it would give my father a reason to talk to me, ”      she mused to herself more than him.      “ I am most glad to hear it. Perhaps a short rest could do you well, is there any possibility of me convincing you to stay until morning and begin your journey refreshed? ”      Really she did not have excuses as to why he had seen Nero more often, though she was certain that the pair have more in common.      “ I’ve been well. You know there is never a dull moment in Florence. Speaking of moments that are not so dull, I saw you dancing with the Austrian Princess at my Aunt’s wedding. You looked most pleased, ”      the tone of her voice was genuine, she was happy to see him happy as with any member of her family. It was no surprise that she had seen him dancing with the young Princess, she liked to be observant.      “ I, for one, was disappointed that I was unaware you could dance so well. ”

        Lorenzo’s brow began to furrow, never one to approve of how distance his cousin was with his daughter, but to dwell on the negative comment would surely bring down the entire tone of their conversation.  “ I do not think it would take a great deal to convince me to stay the evening, though I do not wish to impose. I believe I spent enough time here on the run up to your aunt’s wedding. ”  With his cup in hand he moved so that he might sit down across from Lucrezia, regardless of how long he would wait before his departure he wished to catch up with her all the same.  “ If Florence were to have a dull moment it would cease to be Florence - that is the beauty of her! ... Ah, so you took notice? But of course I was pleased, the Princess is a beautiful young woman and is the most pleasing company, I struggle to imagine any man whom would not appear pleased in my place. ”  It was no use, Lorenzo could not even attempt to disguise the smile which grew upon his lips before bringing his cup to his lips to empty it.  “ That is a shame, I am a magnificent dancer. You need only say the word and we shall rectify that; perhaps at the next wedding to be held on Florentine streets? ”

[kingsmusketeers]

[ofexcellency]

* -- memoriadifettosa:

Smirk crossed her features and she shook her head; she hadn’t intended to be harsh with her question. It was more of shock than anything else, she hadn’t seen him since her lovely Aunt was married to the Prince of Castile. In one fluid motion she sips from her cup, places it on the table, and crosses the room to hug him.       “ You know your presence is no inconvenience, ”      placing hands on his shoulders, she smiles.      “ if it were up to me, you would stay for longer than a cup of wine. ”      She presses a kiss to each of his cheeks before taking a seat and wine in hand again,      “ You must tell me how you have been since my Aunt’s wedding? ”

        As an only child there was often less greater than the warmth of a family member, especially when it came with a warm embrace.  “ You must not encourage me, ‘crezia, I may never leave and your father will not thank you for it. ”  He smiled warmly, returning the embrace and a kiss to each of her cheeks before retrieving his own cup once again.  “ Events in Austria aside I have been well, very well. Travels have rendered me very busy but it is during moments such as this that feeling fades. And you, how have you been? I see more of your brother than you, surely that is not acceptable. ”

[bloodtorn]

Family had just arrived home from Austria and her home was bustling with life again, as it should be; everything was as it should be, except for the figure in the sitting room with a cup of wine in his hand.      “ Mio cugino preferito! ”      Moving into the room, she poured herself a cup of wine before turning towards him,      “ Not that I am unhappy to see you, but what are you doing here? Should you not be back in Rome after the events in Austria?”    Nero had caught her up on the terrors that had transpired, how he had been trapped with the Austrian Princess for three days whilst the palace was under siege. 

@ofexcellency

[ofexcellency]

         It had been a long journey and the road to Rome was surely going to feel twice as long, especially since that would be a journey he would make more or less alone. The chance to pause and have a sip of decent wine on his way through Florence felt like a blessing, holding a cold cup in his hand felt almost akin to the divine, but a familiar voice by the door awoke Lorenzo from his moment of solace. “ Not that I am unhappy to see you, but what are you doing here? That certainly sounds like something you would say if you were unhappy to see me. ” The man chuckled as he placed his cup down and pushed himself onto his feet, smiling as ever as his ear cousin. “ I am to travel to Rome later today, the road is not a smooth one and so I thought I might find a moment to breathe here. But if the presence of your cugino preferito is such an inconvenience to you... ”

[ofexcellency]

fairminx:

Amelie did not relish being trapped inside the palace for three straight days. Though, she was certain that she was not alone in her thinking, many of the royals seemed content to stay outside of palace walls once the sun arose. Finding Lorenzo had proven impossible yesterday after seeing her brother, her father, and Bianca. The blonde had been absolutely drained. Today was a new day and she needed fresh air. As quickly as possible, without offending, she took her leave to her gardens. Walking amongst the hedges, she spotted a figure that was almost too familiar. Breath catching in her throat, she moved as quickly as possible without drawing attention to herself or to whom she was going to talk too.      “ Lorenzo! ”      When she got close enough, she didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug and buried her head in his shoulder. She didn’t care that they were in public, she didn’t care that anyone could see. Her worry over the past few days and need to actually see him, touch him, hear from him, trumped all.     “ Please just – tell me you’re alright. ”

@ofexcellency

        It was horrific, no doubt there was to be a great deal of business once he returned to Rome and informed the Papacy of the events which had unfolded here but the horror had not ended the moment the danger had lifted. Lorenzo still had loved ones to find, many questions to answer, and his mind felt to be swimming while he fought to think clearly. His Florentine relatives had been in attendance so he had to find them, there were sure to be clergy who desired a word with the Pope’s most direct envoy, but there was one he feared for most. It would surely be widely known if any of the Austrian royal family had been harmed but that was not Lorenzo’s fear. Amelie had a great deal of pressure upon her shoulders, many nobles were flocking to her home to pay their respects in memory of her recently departed mother and she would surely find some way to place blame upon herself or to continue in her grief. He HAD to find her. Fortunately it seemed she was looking for him too, before he could register the calling of his name he stumbled slightly and wrapped his arms around the small figure as she leaned into him, exhaling relief whilst tightening around her for a moment. “ I am fine, better for seeing you are well, ” he whispered whilst leaning to speak by her ear, letting her go only to kneel by her feet and hold her hands into his own his lips pressing firmly against her knuckles. “ The French shall not get away with this, you have my word on that. This act of treason and disrespect shall not be forgotten, your mother will continue to be remembered as a great woman and your home will be stronger for this - as will you. ”

[ofexcellency]

* -- swedishmrose:

Madeleine gave a nod, she had not known the Austrian matriarch herself and had no relation to any of the surviving members of the family, but she had no qualms in respecting the woman. “I am certain they know of your genuine respect.” She answered, looking to him. She smiled, “I am. I thank you again for your wise counsel, excellency.” She smiled a little more at his comment about her appearance. “How can you stand there and flatter me when there are far more young beauties around court? Hm? And here I thought you were a genuine man.” She jested, feeling comfortable enough with the papal legate to joke. 

        “ Would I be a more genuine man if I were flattering these ‘more young beauties’ that you speak of? No, Majesty, I admire a great mind and genuine heart above young beauties - fortunately you are certainly both. ” His smile was filled with politeness but it was also quite genuine. He admired the young Queen above many, a genuine heart was a rare find in such a dark world and her presence was much lighter than many. “ I hope you are enjoying your time here so far? Have you found any peace since we last spoke? ”

[ofexcellency]

fairminx:

sharp gasp pulls in through her nose; fingers tighten in one hand and crush the papers within whilst the other flies to her chest. one, two, three deep breaths but the tension seems to remain in her shoulders and her posture. nowadays she cannot be rid of it; only her face softens when she sees him. mouth falls into a dimmer version of her typical smile. any other day she would contradict his statement, tell him that just maybe another papal legate had caught her attention in a teasing tone. there is barely a space in her head for her usual wit. it feels much too long since she has last seen him; her heart flutters but for an entirely different reason. “ perhaps, ” she answers; eyes flick up and down the corridor: completely empty. reaching for his arm she pulls him forewards into the shadows with her, “ thank you for coming, lorenzo, truly. i am – very happy you’re here. ”

        their time together in florence had been bliss, having such freedom to spend time alone was bliss, and even though they could no longer enjoy solitude he was glad she was clearly not shying away. “ how could i say no? your mother was a good woman, a kind hearted woman, but even if it had not been in her memory i could not possibly pass up the opportunity to see you again. ” as ever, his words were dripping in charm with a hint of teasing - yet his soft smile was most sincere, a hand raising in the shadows to gently brush knuckles against her cheek. “ how are you? is there anything i can do to unburden you? ”

[kingsmusketeers]

“what were you doing with a group of soldiers?”

[principexnero-blog]

@ofexcellency

[ofexcellency]

* -- swedishmrose:

Madeleine’s smile reflected his soft words, it was a truth she believed as well. “It is a powerful wish, one that has led many a man and woman to great lengths while they breathe.” She confessed, admiration for the Austrian duchess filling her. Was it not what Madeleine hoped for? To be remembered as someone worthy of love? “God rest her soul.” She echoed, looking to Lorenzo. “I am pleased to see you here, excellency. I should not have found myself surprised, considering our reason for being here.”

        “ Even if it were not for duty, your Majesty, I would still wish to attend - in memory of a good woman and to wish her family only the best. ” While he was not the most pious of men, he certainly had many faults, but he was God fearing if nothing else. Even amongst the corruption of Rome was there room for God. “ I trust you have been well since we last met, Majesty? I too am pleased to see you, looking as well as I trust you feel. ”

[swedishmrose-blog]

Traveling was beginning to wear on the Swedish Queen, but such was the duty of nobility. It was a privilege to do so during the time of peace that surrounded them, so she dared not to complain. She would prefer her fatigue to come from journeying near and far rather than listening to the consequences of war. “Her grace must have been truly loved, it is evident in all that we see, do you not agree?” Madeleine asked softly to the companion beside her. 

[ofexcellency]

        “ Indeed, Her Grace achieved what we all desire in the end; to be loved even when we no longer belong to this world. ” Even with his strong religious beliefs he spoke simply as a man, religion aside, he saw no other desire worth fighting for in this world. Becoming feared and a conqueror were wonderful at the time, he imagine that amount of power could be near intoxicating, but was any of it truly worth it if no one cared to remember you once you passed? History could be rewritten, it could paint you as a tyrant or forget you completely, but to be painted in adoration for generations to come...that was a true achievement. “ God rest her soul, it is a wonder that all of Christendom stands united in love for her and support for her family. ”

[aidanmoray]

&&. OPEN STARTER

tiredness is something aidan isn’t completely foreign to, but it wouldn’t ever mean he enjoyed it. or that it would be an excuse not to attend the festivies and distract his mind. he much needed it, the distraction—that’s what he tells himself as he pours some more wine into his goblet. the sight of someone approaching makes him look up, a polite smile on his lips while his hand gestures to the empty seat by his side. “would you like some?” he questions with the bottle still on his hand.

[ofexcellency]

         “ that is not an offer i ever refuse, ” controversial for a papal legate but it was the social side which lorenzo enjoyed more than most. he had discovered many different sides to man during his time in service of the papacy, not all of them were so attractive, but only the best and most truthful came out when a belly was full of wine or others of the sort. “ you sit here alone, signore? ” he asked whilst placing his cup upon the table; one he had only just emptied and was certainly glad to not have to search for a servant whom might find something to fill it.

[brvgitte-blog]

     A servant girl had been laboring over a book, squinting with concentration yet unable to make anything of the letters. Brigitte had been on her way to bed, retiring early after having tired herself out at the celebration, when she had come upon this sight. Although trained to ignore the servants as far as possible, Brigitte could not, as a good Christian, ignore the girl’s plight.

For the last half hour she has sat at a small table with the young girl, music echoing softly from a fair distance away, helping her to make sense of the words upon the page. “And so, you see, the ‘e’ in ‘deus’ makes an ‘ay’ sound, because…” she trails off, suddenly aware that someone is watching over them. Brigitte clears her throat, and tells the servant girl that she is excused. Turning to the newcomer, Brigitte says: “Forgive me. I… was unaware that I was not alone.” It is a lame excuse, for no servant was supposed to know how to read, and even as Duchess it was not her place to change it.

[ofexcellency]

        It was an impressive sight indeed, one which Lorenzo did not have the heart to break up and so he remained at a distance. Those in a position of service were not usually educated by any means, usually because a monarch would not want those below him to question him but, mostly due to the fact that they could not afford such skills. Education must be paid for in some way, if it came at no cost it would take time to be learnt and committed to memory but time was not easy to come by when a roof needed to be kept above a family’s head - every moment must be used for work and work alone.

As soon as his cover was blown the Papal Legate jumped to the defense, shaking his head but he was too late and the servant was already on her way. “ Please, I did not intend to intrude or interrupt. ... Do you often teach your servants thus? ”

[penanceknelt]

hands shaking, heart thundering: meet the Royal Mess. getting back to vienna from florence had been an adventure in itself. then she found that on top of her normal duties, she was to prepare for a gathering of hundreds to honor her mother. even with help, the task had amelie running day and night. too tired to deal with her long locks, she let one of her ladies twist them into an elegant up-do that would, hopefully, last through the entire day. she wouldn’t have time to fix it later. as she walks the halls, she dips into an alcove to take a moment to BREATHE. pressing her forehead to the cool stone wall, she squeezes her eyes shut for a moment; unaware that anyone else was around, she muttered,         “ why did i say yes? ” 

@ofexcellency  //  i promised you a starter <3

[ofexcellency]

        he shouldn’t have accepted the invitation. out of propriety - of respect for her - lorenzo should have looked for a way to avoid joining the flocking royals and nobles on the journey to vienna, yet his loyalty to his duty would not allow it. he would simply have to be on his best behaviour. it wasn’t something the papal legate did often but he would certainly try, for her. perhaps he could somehow limit their time together, surely she did not need his presence looming above her during such saddening ‘celebrations’, and yet one of the first things he heard on his return from his appointed chamber was an awfully familiar voice hiding in the shadows. “ ... to see your favourite papal legate once more, perhaps? ”