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[Angelique]

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The raven haired Patrona arrived home to have her husband greet her at the door. "We have been invited to Molly's meeting tonight to unveil my painting. We need to depart right away. Before you ask, you look lovely. Let's go." Angelique giggled at his second guessing her question and opens the portals to get them to their destination.

After sitting through a short meeting discussing further crimes in Papua. The murder of the Magistrate, Lady Alicia by the daughter of the man Isk just put on trial for contaminating the water of Papua, was spoken about by Skurj, Lord Thrax's son. Mia and Molly discussed relations with Sanctus and a rumored fresh break out of warfare between Sanctus and the Order of the Ebon Skull. Angelique smiled proudly at her masked husband, knowing what was to come, barely hearing the discussion of increased patrols as she thought of his latest art work and all the time he had invested in it.

Soon she found they were departing downstairs for the unveiling of Isk's painting honoring Kotare. Isk took his place beside the painting and motioned her to the loveseat by his side. Angelique smiled at him, sending him her reassurance and support on her way up to join him. The Magnate's gypsy wife knew that he had poured his grief and guilt into this painting and deep in her heart she prayed it stayed buried there. If there was one thing she had learned in 14 years of marriage, it was his power to bury the pains of the past. Sitting by his side she watches as he explains the painting, the expression on her face that of an adoring newlywed seeing only perfection in her mate, her radiance not that normally seen by those who have had many years to see the flaws and faults in their mate as well as the strengths.

"The idea to start the painting came but a few weeks ago," Isk begins. "I was going over various books on Yew at the Athenaeum and came across some of Kotare's exploits. Such as his battle to reclaim portions of Fellucian Yew. It was in that war that the old standard of Yew was reclaimed. I immediately began to think of painting am image of that war. So I approached Lilyth who was difficult to reach as she was and still is in deep sadness." Porthos looks over and takes Mia's hand in his, as Molly bites her lower lip in agreement.

Isk continues, "We had a long conversation and she dropped various names, people Kotare was close to. Among the first names mentioned were Molly, Anna and Elon, but it was not long until Lilyth mentioned my family and the other names evident in the painting." Molly Willow's eyes well up with tears and she takes Will's hand squeezing it. Will squeezing her hand in return. Most of those present showing some emotion as Isk describes the painting commemorating Duke Kotare's life.

"As those people were not at the battle to reclaim Yew, I decided to paint a different subject,"Isk blends his voice into a low monotone, hiding his emotions. Porthos interjects with a reflective smile, "I remember that....So long ago now"
Isk proceeds without comment, this a moment of fame his work has brought him and he will take full advantage of it. "And so it came to past that I envisioned a final visitation from Kotare to his friends.
The setting, a formal dinner links everyone into a friendship that may be either real or fake." Angelique looks up to her husband lending him her support through what she knows is an emotional time. The attention always feeds his ego but she knows the subject matter of Kotare effects him deeply.

As Isk continues, "When the painting was nearing finish I included Bartholomew for religious reasons as the subject was a dead man I figured a priest would be necessary", it brings tears to Molly's eyes.
"Likewise Tai was added because of his interest in Kotare's death and his desire to help at the upcoming event. The addition of Tai who was unable to fit into the crowded table caused a stylistic problem." Isk proceeds to explain those in the painting as he motions to Mia, " So I had to paint in Mia's dog to cover a portion of the foreground. The positioning and meaning of the people, their behavior, hand gestures, the items on the table I can not talk about, it is something you should guess for yourselves."

This statement brings those present including Skurj and Prothos to focus on the painting even more so. "But the items in the background, the standard of Fellucian Yew, the painting of Lilyth are all artifacts of Kotare's recent legacy. The clock in the background is relevant as it depicts his exact time of death," Isk explains. "That brings to mind the fact that in this painting, Kotare is dead, he is detached from the feast and conversations. Only the closest material link to him, his wife... has the ability to get closest to him." Isk breaks his voice on purpose and speaks in a choked up way. "I -wa.."
Isk touches the lips of his mask and shakes his head, making it look as if he has broken down, as he places a gloved hand on his wife's shoulder, Angelique reaching up placing her hand atop his. Isk waves his other hand as he goes on, "It is still hard to talk about this. I- I just hope it is enough to hold his memory." The Magnate lightly chokes before going on, " If only for this generation."

Skurj, lowering his head slightly adds "Well said milord." Isk lifts his hand from his wife's shoulder as Molly thanks him for insight into his work this night, "Your work has touched my heart. A side of you. didn't know existed." His gypsy bride finds herself having to hide her deep sarcasm with a sweet tone to her voice as she remarks smartly, "Molly, who did you think did all the art work in The Voice, or aren't you a subscriber? Casting his wife a glance well known between the pair, Isk turns back to Molly, "When a friend dies, the heart beats with less hatred, if only for a little while." Isk touches his heart for a moment as if to indicate it is beating too fast and lowers his hand to his own hip, as Molly responds, "I find myself feeling the same. It truly softens the heart. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart."

Isk basks for a few moments in the compliments and gratitude of the small gathering before Molly asks the question that Angelique has heard several times already, "Why Shasta and not Mia in the painting?"
Isk explains again, "As I stated, I needed something to fill a space in that corner of the painting. The space was too small for a human to occupy. I could have added anything, a vase perhaps. But adding an animal seemed more to the spirit of Yew. Lady Mia is well deserving to be painted, but I could not risk having the whole work look like a Regency meeting either." This answer seemed to appease Molly, as well as Porhos who had been listening closely, and Mia as well.

With a few more pleasantries and accolades to Isk for his talent and the group slowly disbursed. Angelique opened a portal for the pair, stopping on the other side to make sure she gave her husband the highest praise and adoration before they walked down the road to their next meeting, a matter of trade to be attended to for Magincia this night.