[h2][centre] [color=a2d39c] [color=f6989d]Marinalia Romus Olympus "Mali" [/color][color=6ecff6]& Victoria Darya Romus "Vika" [/color][/color][/centre][/h2] [h3][centre] [color=a2d39c]Swan songs to Hesphestus Manor Art show . Saturday Evening . Park View district . [/color][/centre][/h3] [b]Vika/Milo . The showdown at the Romus Coral[/b] Victoria was a alittle lost by the pace of everything that was happening around her, just so much to process. Maybe tonight was a mistake but it really was not though. Maybe if her whole situation was a alittle more private and alittle more control... But that was that and she had to deal with it. Victoria was definitely a alittle shakey watching Maria and Siobhan exchange words and Fluffy had escaped upstairs, someone must have left the door open or so. She was asleep by the living room fire before. Then someone approached... A awkward someone and followed Milo with a small nod to a quiet corner with a glance to where Maria or her sister was, she really did not know how Milo would react to all this stuff so was being cautious about the situation. His expression made her a alittle nervous, but also defensive and had a small thought to guard her stomach region, was he gonna hurt her. The potential child out of spite? Old Milo never would. But when you put someone under such extreme stress, add being listed in some strange things... She was not sure what kind of person he was by the end of it all. [i][color=6ecff6]"hey. Long time lots of awkward. Yes, Im still a alittle frail, honestly a lot scary given my situation etc... Thanks... I thought you... Well would of cut your losses. " [/color][/i] Victoria took it and admired the detail before twisting and pulling a fraction revealing the hidden aspect. That definitely was not gonna be welcome in airports... In fact is probbly was illegal in the UK... Luckily it was not in US. Locking it back and resting her weight onto it slightly less worried about getting a close up view of the restored marble flooring. [i][color=6ecff6]"I did remember. Its beuterful in a slightly sad way. I just.. Given how it all ended that night. You hurt me, you drove me off. You kicked me into the cold. Maybe I reacted badly to it all. But I've been..."pushed off" a few times for a "normal" woman. It seemed... Seemed it was all over again. I never hid I was vulnerable." [/color][/i] Victoria was rather honest, even nice guys had hurt her, and contrabuted rather more to her heavily compartmentalised mind set, hospital, and losing her mum. It seemed cold but she could box stuff off, much to maybe her own detriment, or seeming cold and uncaring. His comments and reaction did rile up her emotions abit... He did relise he just have her a sword he made right? One she knew from his work would be sharp and weapons qaulity. [i][color=6ecff6]"Mistake or no.. Life is what it is... If Im... You did mean somthing. That's why it hurt and I cried half that night. That's why I talked to you now and warning you. I might be safer if but one mercy... rumour seems to be... Intresting. I do still... Look Milo. These events are not random. I know your smart. I work in security, defence now.. We see patterns and predict threats. Just be careful. Things are coming to a... Unknown end but never good. Somthing big. No one does this for no reason. Dangerous people who will kill to get what they want. Just.... Be careful. Much as everything I Don, t want to read about your funeral or being hurt. Just... Tell Paige.. I know what she does. Multiple targets, decoys.. Chatter and rumour seems to lean to a large hostile opposition, and we'll equiped and trained combatants." [/color][/i] Victoria was rather mixed, she had... Well they had ended but did care ernough to not want to see him dead or hurt, somthong very bad was coming and all signs pointed to alot closer than it was far away. Her emotions where hard to hide and a tone that told she really was serious in her warning, and genuinely was somthing that had her concerns. Before anyone could interrupt Maria tapped her gentley on shoulder and looked between the two Suprised, but also concern. She knew what was between them ernough to know it was risky. [i][color=bc8dbf]Sorry to interrupt Milo, but it can, t wait forever... Vika, we need to talk a alittle. You Don,t have to do this alone, and we need to make a statement regarding tonight. Before they make it up themselves. [/color][/i] Maria cast a glance to Milo, he seemed... They seemed... Eh. She sensed that this was not over. Not quite yet. They still have issues outstanding but tonight would not be the time they ended. ... [b]Vika/Maria . Media mayhem and more[/b] Maria before that had a rather intense Alexandria, who seemed to be taking her dog as some great barbaric beast of a hell hound, or cerberus. Yes she would have been upstairs but with the noise and requiring medication so she had to stay with Maria. Somwone must have left a door open when a musician or so was setting up on balcony. She had agreed, well had to agree to putting her up but blimey. Etteiquete be damned at times, dogs and events where not always the ultra tight rule back home. She even took Fluffy to a nice restaurant, long she behaved the host had been most welcoming anf even provided water and a alittle food for her. Mantianingbher calm, even at the fact she dig so deeply. She did even go to checking whom Fluff was registered to... And how much deeper. Her fiance? Victoria,s mother and more? [i][color=bc8dbf]"Alexandria. I brought her here because she is on regular medication, and required calculated dosages, a thing I am fully qualified and certified to perform, unlike many dogs sitters. She was resting upstairs sleeping earlier, the door was closed to stairs. Unless someone had left one open I suspect. Il take her upstairs of course, besides too many people for her down here." [/color][/i] the background digging, well that was strange. She researched if they owned the dog.. Why was that even relevant whom Fluffy was registered too or other things. She was planning a event not the GCHQ or MI5. [i][color=bc8dbf]"been digging I see. My Fiance as well perhaps? My job or so... However right now I have my family which is a far deeper concern. I shall be attending in 5 minutes once I have got the facts Victoria would like to be released at this time. "[/color][/i] Turning on her heal she took Victoria upstairs, and put Fluffy in the old drawing room for now with a few toys and some water. Taking with Victoria, she confirmed her story, and there little suprise for the press comfrence. Victoria had been very unwilling but decided there was no other way to break the problem so waited to the side nervously once they reached the side room and let Maria take over the first section dealing with Marinalia and Joel. [i][color=bc8dbf]"... As for Marinalia, I will be handling this. Please leave her and her partner there privacy. As for the current rumors it seems we have a classic situation, one person sees things differently to the other, and had a different idea what the relationship was, things failed as many do and what one saw as a friend, the other a boyfriend. And well. Misunderstanding has escalated quite badly... Sorry folks. No love triangles today. Joel and Siobhan I wish good luck, and with his recent signing. Well long distence relationships can be harder but I know they can work of they are comitted to each other to do so, such as my Finance and myself. ... No they met recently, but both have my approval and wish them well as a couple. And no. I just want to see my daughter happy, with a supportive partner. Next please. I am not going to speculate mrs Black. Though I can say Marinalia seems far happier, and that Joel. I belive things have turned out better in the long run. As I said. I wish them good luck, and they seem well matched. Now. As for Victoria, she has decided to meet you all tonight and put a few rumours to bed. However please respect this Is not a easy time for thr fnaily. Victoria, will take over. " [/color][/i] Victoria was slightly nervous, leaning one hand on the stick with Maria keeping a arm round her shoulders, the natural Russian accent bleeding in more heavily making her sound very much like her twin citizenship. Deciding it might slightly distract she let the Russian come through without fighting it. [i][color=6ecff6]"Hello and добро пожаловать or in English, welcome. OK... OK. One at a time please I cannot answer you all at once. Lady, in the purple dress, with excellent fashion sense.... Thankyou, Yes, that is correct. There is a fair chance and no, this is entirely unplanned or intended. And yes I will stand by whatever happens. No, I'm not going to be doing this often so please make the most of it. ... Sorry, I'm not at liberty to talk about my job. Safe to say, I am capable of looking after myself. Yes he is my date for tonight, sorry ladies I got there first.... Things are pretty new, its alot to take in but yes I aim to try my best to makw this work out whatever future brings. ... As I said. We have yet to discuss alot of things, and I would hope you please give my family and us a alittle space at a tricky time. No.. Mrs Black, Im glad she is happy regardless which gender she calls her partner. Joel was cute, but that's beside the point. As Maria said. They can do as they like. I'm not going to speculate when they met. Even though I have a clear idea. Last questions... I'm hungry, and it seems good will be served soon.. The cane, oh... Just a gift, and us trying to get some closure. I'm not comfortable saying much more on the matter. Oh. Mr Jamerson,.. Cheeky. Buts let say I predict after that storm... 9 months the hospital be busy... And no, I'm not after being famous. I never even wanted to do this bar the fact the situation forced me so. Thankyou and goodnight. наслаждайтесь вечерними дамами и джентльменами"[sub]enjoy the evening ladies and Gentlemen. [/sub] [/color][/i] A rather shakey afterwards Victoria walked back the party, yielding to there endless demands for a photo. Least she looked good in a nice dress, and luckily of luck. The cane was in a rather fitting blue finish. The hand made snowflake guards... Sighing, maybe she made a mistake or no but she had to follow through now. There was no turning back regardless. And she would follow the path. ... [b]Marlin/Xia . The Siobhan question[/b] Marinalia watched Victoria and Maria Vanish off to do there thing. She really did not want to deal with the press tonight so let Maria act on her behalf. She knew she might get clipped by the bus. Seen as a over thinking woman who put too much stock into things. But it beat being seen as a liar or some kind of player of hearts. Much as what Siobhan might want to be presented. She really hoped she did not lose Xia thanks to all the ugly stuff going on and so. When Xia helped wall of thr idea she suggested to go see jeol.. Thankyou! She would rather spend her time in a beech.. Perhaps in the shade as she really would not do so well in the intense sun all the time. Though a small wiggle of nerves... Bikini... She could always hide her scar at times with a lose skirt or so. Brought out her nerves, Xia did not mind but she still was concous of it. [i][color=f6989d]"yep. After all this snow and cold... A sunny beech, cocktail in a large fruit and some swimming in crystal clear waters sounds tempting." [/color][/i] honestly, it really did... And of they checked the regs, she might be OK to rent a Helicopter... Probbly not but maybe. The view from the air was always amazing plus it let's you get to places no one else could without a multi hour trek... Pure undisturbed freedom. What to do was a tricky question... She wnated to run but really did not want to be seen running from her own home and hiding upstairs while Siobhan and Co walked about like they owned it. It was difficult and she was not sure how to answer. [i][color=f6989d]"its your night as well as mine. If you want to chat to the artist or so it's fine by me. Il just wait by thr bar or so. We... Kinda. Well Itt began harmless ernough. But then devolved... Victoria was abit of bitch about it at the Gala. But blood was thicker than water and backed her none the less. Maria has backed us up regardless and joined in. We might not always be in right but we always do stand together. OK we kinda caused problems but not all of them. Victoria has her own issues with them. Right now we have one very sensetive issue of her maybe being pregant. Talking it out... It was tense ernough before. It would take alot to make us see eye to eye. Hope this does not end things. You been about the best thing that's happened since I arrived in this snake pit they call a city. But if you want to ask her... Just... Well. Let me talk it out with you after." [/color][/i] rather overly honest to Xia, yeah the situation was a right mess. She at least knew most of the truth. She knew she had flirted heavily with a few guys before. But maybe she was trying to compensate for.. Well live up to what expected. She did fall rather naturally into Xia s arms. [i][color=f6989d]"Please do stay tonight. Or go to yours.. OK... I kinda missed someone to cuddle il be honest... A very pretty woman in a very tempting red dress. " [/color][/i] Laughing and going a alittle pink. It kinda was fun having someone close, and comforting. She really did not do that normally but Xia... Well had broken down her whole walls alot quicker than many and built up a fairly strong trust level. She might be a while off everything but slowly was getting used to a alittle more with Xia as time went on. Letting Xia decide if she wnated to chat with Siobhan, she merely joked along with a few others present, and glanced over noting Victoria and Maria being away for a while at the press comfrence. To say the sisters and drama where freinds... They where soul mates. She'd go over if Xia asked her, but that would probbly mean marlin holding back... Alot. She still more than a alittle defensive about some of the comments she hered, a few refrencing her choice of date that earned a glance like a polar storm in deepest winter. That was her choice... Not there's. Wandeting round the exhibition, her work was pretty good and she did like some of her subjects more than others. The winter scene was by far her favourite and wandered abit back to that one explaining how it reminded of her home. She did quietly add she had Maria bid for it. Marinalia had not really kept a secret from Xia she had more means than she let on all the time. She was with Xia because she wnated to be, and did not really care if she was rich or not. ... [b]Vika/Ethan . The dream team[/b] Victoria and Maria returned after the press comfrence and a quick check to find Fluffy was now safely in the old drawing room. It was not ideal but it seemed she could escape the living room and the third floor... That seemed too far away. Walking down, she had the stick thouch on stairs merely had a arm lopped into Maria's for some stability unto the ground floor. She hated, well liked. Well both it was mixed. Milo had managed to get it perfect height and grip. The man was too good at what he did! Maria was with her. They had a quick chat after the press briefing, trying to reduce a few of her fears. As the meal was starting she made it back to Ethan, well if he doubted her. He might less when he read the articles coming up. She had broken her rule and publicly exposed self to the press as being with him and also dealt with the pregnancy issue for now. She could always send a statement either way after they had worked out what they did if she was if that. There where too many questions to give anyone any real answers. Though the revealing winter storm did keep the gossips and Mrs Black whose unhealthy gossip desires slightly sated. She never hered of her but meant to be some society reporter or so. Not that she really read those things. She might have to just to see her interpretation and whom to use as a tool for the announcements. Reaching Ethan she returned with a mock tail and had to politely refuse some champagne offered by a wait or sadly. She really liked that brand too... The table was getting busy and everyone seemed to be enjoying the meal. A safe distence from Siobhan at least. Giving him a quick kiss and sitting down next to him, she did not really care who saw at this point. Vs the rumours she was expecting it was nothing. Leaning the stick by the side. Yeah that's awkward... Her entire night was. [i][color=6ecff6]"Hey Prince Charming. Hope your chat with artist went well. Sorry, I had to help Maria. The press. I had to admit a few things and break my no media rule. They know... Us... And I had to admit the obvious. Might as well try and influence the direction they go in and stem the most lurid theories. If you gonna ask... Just check the morning papers if you want hard evidence. Im not getting back with him. Honestly... He scared me some how seeing him earlier so... He was so... He was not the man I knew. Somthing bubbling underneath. I have no words for it. Like he I Don t know... But different. It was just strange." [/color][/i] Victoria was forced into another bout of honesty, but she had handled the media without his help. Maria yes. But she decided to let it stand that she could least deal with some of the problems that arose thanks to the unsueal nature of there relationship. Being polite she greeted everyone else. She hoped that would be ernough to sort it out tonight as doubted her nerves could take another battering by media twice in a few hours. If only she could have a drink. She really, really wanted one. Talking back and fort abit with his badmates, they all seemed to be fairly cheerful, if abit more lively than others. Victoria on the whole was still nervous and resting a alittle into Ethans shoulder. She knew what he said about handling it but rarely did you find out your maybe Pregnant, hold a press conference and have to deal with super awkward ex meetings in a single night. What else could happen... Seriously.. [i][color=6ecff6]"I thought it was men meant to be drawn by a sirens call... " [/color][/i] Joking a alittle, she chinked her glass, though she was growing a fraction peaved by people asking if she was drinking etc. ... [b]Marlin/Xia . Cocktail chuckles[/b] Marinalia found there table with Xia, the meal was not bad.. If it was she had a freezer, microwave or a phone to order pizza. Sometimes owning the house had a park or two. Victoria looked somewhat stressed. Between Ethan and Maria it was not likely she would be able to smell alcohol too close for the next year or so. Though despite her worries, she really would do fine, it would take time but Victoria was well capable of the challenge. A alittle overwhelmed right now but she had taken alot in a single night. Holding her hand under the table. There wwas quite a few people about she recognised and waved over to a few. Reya and Marcus was plain cute. Her bother was a laugh and there where a few others she recognised. A small joke with Maria with brought round a fresh round of cocktails for them. The mock tail for Victoria of course with a diffrent coloured umbrella to the alcoholic ones. [i][color=f6989d]"Thanks mum, Xia yours is the one that's half rum. Cheers my caribian cutey!" [/color][/i] Under the influence of a few cocktails, Marinalia ended up a alittle more silly but flirty and resting her long split side leg against the several miles of leg Xia had. She knew that Siobhan probbly would not like it. Maybe Milo or so but really who where they to say about who could date who. Milo was now with his old friend, and from sounds exs best friend? And Siobhan was with Joel. Was she really that vindictive to ruin someone's unrelated relationship over it? [b]Mentions list [/b] [@RoccanIronclad][@Almalthia][@King Tai][@Zaxter996][@Majoras End] [b]total Lengh 20k chars 3062 words approx[/b]