A Marriage of Covenience Denied (10/24)

[20:25:28] Johan Pavlova whispers, "This is the last thing I have of my father, Pascha Pavlova."
[20:25:39] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I can't let it go Dura."
[20:26:04] Johan Pavlova whispers, ".."
[20:26:06] Dura Levante whispers, "Then where does that leave you, I, and Providence, Johan?..."
[20:26:09] Johan Pavlova whispers, "There is one solution"
[20:26:46] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's.. something I don't think you'd agree to or even want."
[20:26:51] Dura Levante whispers, "..."
[20:26:53] Zabukiel says, "Ah, that is right."
[20:26:54] Dura Levante whispers, "I'm listening, at the very least."
[20:27:16] Johan Pavlova whispers, "A political marriage, I know that we don't see each other in any romantic capacity."
[20:27:28] Johan Pavlova whispers, "But it would solve all of the political problems that this.. will cause."
[20:27:31]
Dura frowns. She frowns so very, very hard.
(Dura Levante)
[20:27:48] Joy says, "So if they were of Rhyst, they'd be good?"
[20:28:02] Dura Levante whispers, "...That is deeply problematic. And you would only be Duke because of your marriage to me, Johan."
[20:28:18] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's not about me becoming Duke at that point."
[20:28:24] Dura Levante whispers, "Then what is it?"
[20:28:30] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's preventing the fall out that this will cause."
[20:28:45] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'm not an idiot, you're not an idiot."
[20:28:45] Dura Levante whispers, "...That sounds like a threat almost, Johan."
[20:29:16] Zabukiel says, "Well. The Dragons are considered Rhystian Eidolons."
[20:29:20] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's not a threat Dura, it's the reality of taking over a Duchy, with all of the entanglements that are already there."
[20:29:23] Zabukiel says, "They are, all, good."
[20:29:24] Dura Levante whispers, "I am fine with offering you a seat on my Court. I would be honored, even. But you are suggesting something else."
[20:29:48] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'm suggesting something that would solidify you as Duchess with no opposition from anyone on the island."
[20:29:51] Dura Levante whispers, "You are still a noble, Johan. No one has taken that from you. You are a Lord in name."
[20:29:59] Joy says, "Fah'nadir killed Ma and Pa. I don't think they're good."
[20:30:12] Joy says, "The rest sound nice though."
[20:30:23] Dura Levante whispers, "...This would also deeply. Deeply upset someone who wanted my hand."
[20:30:35] Johan Pavlova whispers, ".. it would only be a marriage in name."
[20:30:40]
Dura glances over her shoulder, eyes flicking towards Celius.
(Dura Levante)
[20:30:53]
Zabukiel sighs.

"Ah. Right."
(Zabukiel)
[20:30:59] Johan Pavlova whispers, "Personally I don't want it either, it is only a suggestion, one that would.."
[20:31:08] Johan Pavlova whispers, "Solve every diplomatic issue that would arise."
[20:31:11] Dura Levante whispers, "You accepting a noble seat on the Court would do as much."
[20:31:25] Johan Pavlova whispers, "The high court?"
[20:31:28] Dura Levante whispers, "The High Court."
[20:31:34] Dura Levante whispers, "Which is what I was intending in the first place."
[20:31:44] Johan Pavlova whispers, "You know what the main problem is Dura."
[20:31:51] Johan Pavlova whispers, "We both know what that main problem is."
[20:31:59] Dura Levante whispers, "What is it? You're welcome to say it out loud."
[20:32:19] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I suppose it isn't a problem"
[20:32:51] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I suppose it's more a problem for me, disappointing a father."
[20:32:56] Dura Levante whispers, "If you feel it is a problem. I would rather hear it."
[20:32:56] Chat command attempt: /w If you feel it is a problem. I would rather hear it.
[20:33:00] Dura Levante whispers, "...Mn."
[20:33:00] Chat command attempt: /w ...Mn.
[20:33:10] Dura Levante whispers, "We can speak to him. Or I can. I need to speak to him anyway."
[20:33:10] Chat command attempt: /w We can speak to him. Or I can. I need to speak to him anyway.
[20:33:26] Dura Levante whispers, "Would you accept this seat on the High Court, however, and honor me regardless?"
[20:33:26] Chat command attempt: /w Would you accept this seat on the High Court, however, and honor me regardless?
[20:33:26] Johan Pavlova whispers, "He has a silver tongue and is far more convincing than me."
[20:33:43] Dura Levante whispers, "Not just honor me - but Providence."
[20:33:43] Chat command attempt: /w Not just honor me - but Providence.
[20:33:45] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I would recommend against it if you're not completely sold on your position."
[20:33:48] Dura Levante whispers, "And the world we can make better."
[20:33:48] Chat command attempt: /w And the world we can make better.
[20:34:17] Dura Levante whispers, "But if I am. Would you?"
[20:34:17] Chat command attempt: /w But if I am. Would you?
[20:34:17] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I will accept a position.. but I wont renounce my claim to the Duchy."
[20:35:10] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I can't renounce it.. but.."
[20:35:16] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I wont act on it."
[20:35:40] Celius Vaelstrum says, "No."
[20:35:43] Dura Levante whispers, "...I understand."
[20:36:02] Johan Pavlova whispers, "You are Duchess.. I recognize that."
[20:36:13]
Dura exhales. A puff of mist. She lowers her hands from Johan's shoulders and offers the single palm out again.
(Dura Levante)
[20:36:26] Johan Pavlova whispers, "But I can't let go of what my father struggled to gain in the courts."
[20:36:37] Joy says, "The names are hard."
[20:36:52] Dura Levante whispers, "The Pavlova line is still noble blood. He has not lost this."
[20:36:57]
Johan doesn't take the hand, he steps forward and embraces Dura in a hug.
(Johan Pavlova)
---
[20:54:49] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'll state it again, marriage would make diplomacy a doddle, you would have a guaranteed alliance with Urosil because of my lineage, I know it would cause some issues with the Solar, but it would appease the masses.. personally I've found someone I like too.."
[20:54:53]
[20:54:59] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's not like I want to marry someone I consider my sister."
[20:55:23] Dura Levante whispers, "Well...Iri seemed alright with this at least from when we spoke. I know she's not your father, but - "
[20:56:08] Johan Pavlova whispers, "God, my father might be appeased by the High Court but likely he wont be, he might not openly say it but.. I know my father, his ambitions are insanely high."
[20:56:24] Joy says, "One day I want to fly around like that..."
[20:56:35] Dura Levante whispers, "Oh, yeah. Your father terrifies me - but he knows that in a lot of ways we want the same thing - namely, the betterment of Sarea and Rhyst."
[20:56:43] Dura Levante whispers, "So. Hopefully this will not hit too hard."
[20:56:58] Johan Pavlova whispers, "He went to war over Sinead."
[20:57:03] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I want that to sink in."
[20:57:13] Dura Levante whispers, "I have no idea who that is."
[20:57:30] Johan Pavlova whispers, "In the archives it labels them as.. and I quote, an insufferable cunt."
[20:57:39] Dura Levante whispers, "..."
[20:57:42] Dura Levante whispers, "Wow. What the f**k."
[20:57:49]
One of Zabukiel's wings is ripped to absolute shreds.

He looks mildly jealous at his current inability to land dramatically.
(Zabukiel)
[20:58:09] Johan Pavlova whispers, "My father is.. determined, that's the nice way to put it."
[20:58:20] Dura Levante whispers, "Well. We'll see what we can do. There are options."
[20:58:53] Johan Pavlova whispers, "We'll see how the conversation goes but I don't expect either of you will leave happy."
[20:59:32] Dura Levante whispers, "Maybe not."
[21:00:10] Dura Levante whispers, "We won't know until it's spoken of."
[21:00:38] Dura Levante whispers, "...I do not want a political marriage."
[21:00:39] Annette Harland says, "If your job is 'medic', you're a medical professional. It's fine. If you ever do want a degree though, I'd write you a letter of recommendation."
[21:00:44] Johan Pavlova whispers, "Neither do I"
[21:00:58] Johan Pavlova whispers, "But it was a duty I was willing to take, even should Deliverance have won."
[21:01:05] Johan Pavlova whispers, "For the people of Providence.."
[21:03:41] Dura Levante whispers, "A political marriage to appease an Arlandrian official feels...more and more counter to what we should be doing. I'll talk to your father."
[21:03:56] Dura Levante whispers, "But know I have Providence's best at heart, Johan."
[21:03:59] Johan Pavlova whispers, "It's not just to appease Arlandria"
[21:04:05] Joy says, "Hi!"
[21:04:17] Fressia says, "Ah, I hope so."
[21:04:26] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I don't doubt you Dura, but you know the position I'm in."
[21:04:31] Ha Yun Long says, "...Hi."
[21:04:34]
Madeal just seems to stare at the entity that appeared behind her with a smile.

"How terrifyingly spook you are."
(Madeal)
[21:04:43] Dura Levante whispers, "Johan. You make it sound more and more like your father is holding you hostage."
[21:04:43] Chat command attempt: /w Johan. You make it sound more and more like your father is holding you **hostage**.
[21:04:56] Dura Levante whispers, "And by extension, holding us hostage."
[21:04:56] Chat command attempt: /w And by extension, holding **us** hostage.
[21:04:57] Johan Pavlova whispers, "No.. not Chiriel."
[21:04:57] Joy says, "You look around my age. Wow, there's a lot of other kids. I'm Joy. Whats your name?"
[21:05:07] Dura Levante whispers, "Then who?"
[21:05:07] Chat command attempt: /w Then who?
[21:05:16] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'm the only child of Pascha Pavlova who isn't a complete failure."
[21:05:37] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'm his only real chance of continuing the line.. I love my father so much."
[21:05:53] Dura Levante whispers, "And you can still do that. You realize that, don't you? You are still nobility, and a Pavlova besides."
[21:05:53] Chat command attempt: /w And you can still do that. You realize that, don't you? You are still nobility, and a Pavlova besides.
[21:06:22] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I know Dura, he built the Dukedom, it just feels like I'm betraying him by not fighting for it as hard he would."
[21:06:25] Fressia says, "Luck and safety, then."
[21:06:48] Dura Levante whispers, "To...to the point of wanting to marry your sister figure, Johan?"
[21:07:06]
The Aurien smiled and, from her seat, gave Mab a pat.

"Did you happen to be around the area, I didn't see you appear at all? If I'd have known I would have gotten you a shiny."
(Madeal)
[21:08:03] Dura Levante whispers, "I'll. Talk to Chiriel."
[21:08:09] Dura Levante whispers, "And I need to talk to DeLisle about some other things."
[21:08:09] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I don't want to marry you Dura. I just know it solves all the issues I have.. apart from not being able to marry someone else I'm courting. I would do it however, to continue what my dad started."
[21:09:09] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I don't mean any offense by this Dura."
[21:09:28] Johan Pavlova whispers, "You're not unattractive, but I do view you like family."
[21:09:37] Dura Levante whispers, "No, yeah. Uh. I get that."
[21:09:37] Chat command attempt: /w No, yeah. Uh. I get that.
[21:09:45] Dura Levante whispers, "I'm not offended in the slightest."
[21:09:45] Chat command attempt: /w I'm not offended in the **slightest**.
[21:10:19] Hesychia says, "mumble identifies as a threat)"
[21:10:30] Johan Pavlova whispers, "Celius might be offended, might even try to kill me though, he seems very territorial."
[21:10:41] Dura Levante whispers, "I'm just. I'm just saying there's absolutely other ways to carry on your father's will that do not involve marrying."
[21:10:55] Dura Levante whispers, "But. I'm going to go talk to DeLisle now. And your father later."
[21:11:27] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I think I'm going to take a walk, I need it."
[21:11:38] Dura Levante whispers, "Maybe take someone with you, if you can."
[21:11:56] Johan Pavlova whispers, "I'll be fine."
[21:12:22] Dura Levante whispers, "Alright...just stay safe. Hm?"