IC: Fourth Wall Event

[maleborgia]

(Continues for any/all Fourth Wall threads!)

Comments

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

I know how to guide my own horse, "brother". He is used to my hand.

[maleborgia]

*ffffff--*

Very well. *setting off, this way o/ *

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

You are in a foul temper this day, it can not only be because of me.

[maleborgia]

Good, you are not so egocentric as to think so.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

Is your Juan the type to think so?

[maleborgia]

Don't call him that. But as I said, he is young. Would it be surprising if he was? I'm sure you were not much better at that age.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

And what should I call him then? My other self? And I have been told I am not much better even now.

[maleborgia]

You could still certainly stand to prove yourself as more mature.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

Well, you certainly do sulk as he does, and have an equally sharp tongue.

[maleborgia]

I will refrain from comparing you to the brother that I know if you will be kind enough to do the same.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

Then we are but mere strangers, and have no reason to put any trust each other.

[maleborgia]

*very dry laugh* Remind me later that I have something to show you. *reaching the stablesss and directing him into a stall* This is Romulus. I wonder if you know him.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

...I have never seen that horse in my life. He is certainly more finely built than the one's I have known.

[maleborgia]

*this smile is for the horse he is petting, not you*

If you are flattering me, you should stop. If you are not, then that is a true pity.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

I meant that he is more lightly-built, you must admit that it is a rarity at home.

[maleborgia]

*mild surprise!* Father never stabled Andalusians?

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

We are Romans, so I have only seen Roman stock.

[maleborgia]

And does Rome accept you as one of her own?

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

...

It does not matter what Rome's people think of us, we are Roman, and the children of their pope.

[maleborgia]

Do not be foolish. Of course it matters, whether we care to admit it or not. It is one thing to claim a connection, as rightful as it may be, and another altogether to have it recognized. Do you think our Spanish blood is ignored, that it holds no influence? If we are children of Rome, we are bastards, and unwanted ones at that. While we may still inherit all, we must fight for it far more than we would otherwise.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

And what other choice is there for us? Be their bastards? Their marranos? Oh no Cesare, we will fight them for what we have earned, there is no question about that.

[maleborgia]

If you would fight, then you should be prepared to do so, and that means being fully aware of the situation. It will do no good to whitewash conditions for your own or other's ease of mind when doing so mitigates the threat we face and distracts from what needs to be done.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

You speak as though you are preparing for war, not wearing a cardinal's skirt.

[maleborgia]

I am speaking as one who is wearied of seeing our name dragged through the mud. Have you no sense of honor? War is not fought only on the battlefield, but in the hearts of the people.

[foundjuanting.livejournal.com]

[...There's a bit of a pause.

And then he bursts out laughing]

How could I ever have doubted you? You might as well have been my true brother for those words.