tampered | Log-Complete.

Log-Complete.

When; Monday afternoon.
Rating; PG-13.
Characters; Caterina Sforza (

juste_ultionis) & Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer (

rozenmagician).
Summary; Isaak guides Caterina through several spots of the city. Tres ~~stalks~~ guards his Duchess.
Log;
Tic-tic-tic-

The noise stopped as soon Isaak summoned kohoruto to keep him company. The adorable, ravenous monsters growled and followed him through the shadows of his tidy laboratory, pushing the madding, incessant ticking out the Magician’s mind.

It was not the noise itself what disturbed Kämpfer or the possible countdown linked to the carousel. No, those things were meaningless currently, low priorities in his thoughts. The unnerving aspect was that each tic represented a second and made Isaak aware of time itself.

He who had chosen to forget the pass of time.

Self-absorbed as he normally was in his research, Isaak had been anticipating his appointment with the lovely Duchess Sforza. He had already bathed and chosen a proper outfit to stroll with the Iron Lady through the streets of the charming but nonsensical city. He still wore black but a still wore black, but a virgin wool gabardine with a grey tweed vest beneath instead of his Order uniform. The squared, small spectacles on his nose aided to project the perfect gentleman image he sought to maintain.

They would attend to a quiet place, Isaak had planned. None of the sultry and dangerous underworld whose sights were terrible for a lady of her rank. Not on this occasion at least. He would have plenty opportunities to show the Duchess all the attractions hidden in the town.

Abruptly, two of his kohoruto rushed towards the main door, scratching the wood blindly. Cocking an eyebrow, Isaak’s lips curved into a small smile. There she was. His servants had sensed her. They would recognise her. With a snap of his fingers, the beasts were gone. He opened the door and held it, inclining forward on a bow before Caterina had a chance to announce her presence.

“What a coincidence, Duchess of Milan. Good afternoon.”

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Without her maids, bathing and dressing herself was something of a chore, but she had Tres to assist her with the mundane tasks such as stalkings, corset and holding her hair. For this appointment, she had chosen her garments carefully, not wishing to seem either too eager or too prude. Her dress was lilac colored, made out of a fine silk brocade and embroidered with silvery white threads. Falling to her feet, the skirts covered her daintily heeled boots she wore of a fresh white calfskin. Her corset was laced modestly, but not ambitiously, no need to give Kampfer the wrong impression, and was a fresh white with silver embroidery as well.

Lacking for most of her jewels, since her own were off at the villa and in Rome, Caterina had left her hair down and chosen a plain violet hat with a sheer veil to cover her face. Her hair was kept down in the locks of gold sausage curls, falling heavily around her shoulders.

Inclining her head to Tres, Caterina rose and headed for the door, awaiting him to open it. "Your orders for this evening, Father Iquis are to remain at a distance, but watching Kampfer and myself. Do not interfere unless I am threatened or danger is present and do try to conserve your ammunition. Understood?"

And with that, she allowed him to escort her to Kampfer's hideout/laboratory in one of the buildings. For a moment, on her approach, after dismissing Tres to follow her orders, she thought scratches resounded at the door. Did Kampfer have a cat? Odd. That struck an amusing mental picture, however.

Straightening her posture, Caterina was about to announce herself when the door opened. Tilting her chin up, she refused to admit that Kampfer made a rather dashing portrait, the glasses added an intellectual flair to his features.

"There are no coincidences where you are concerned, Kampfer. Good afternoon, I do hope I am not early," Caterina replied in her soft tones.

Standing by stoically as the Duchess went through her ablutions, Tres lent a hand where needed, listening as instructions were dictated to him for this visit about the odd city. It seemed like a lot of trouble to go to, just to be meeting with someone who was an enemy of the entire world, but it was not his place to question such things, just to accept them, especially when it regarded the Duchess herself. He would be there to protect her should something go awry, and that was what mattered.

"Positive. Mission is reconnaissance and protection. Will keep a running tally of ammunition stores, and will look into procuring more in the future, should the need arise." A barely audible hum sounded as he calculated figures, a status report of all systems as well as an inentory of weapons and ammunition, making sure all was in proper working order should anything happen on the excursion.

He followed Caterina, eyes surveying their surroundings for potential threats, breaking away when told to do so and keeping an acceptable distance from where the Duchess stood at the threshold of Kampfer's location. All was tensed and ready should the Orden member's offer turn out to be less than it appeared to be.

Subtly, with his head still bowed respectfully, Isaak appraised the woman he had invited to spend the rest of the day with.

The Duchess was rather lovely with the silk, lilac gown and the small hat that partly concealed a side of her profile with the veil. Particularly the size of her headpiece was the most flattering with all the simplicity, he noted. If she ever were to join the Order, he would add a similar hat to her designed uniform.

His smile widened slightly at her response. “You are correct, Duchess Sforza. Two of my pets sensed you near and told me,” commented Isaak, opening the door further. “Do you wish to come inside and share a glass of wine before I show you the city and allow your beauty eclipse the brightest, fluorescent lights?”

Then made a calculated pause, peering over her shoulder. There was no one on his sight range. However, Kämpfer was certain the cyborg was surely hidden as a protective hound to look after his Mistress. He did not want to give Iqus any excuse to ruin the excursion.

“What would you prefer?”

"If you are looking for Father Iquis, Kampfer," Caterina replied, noting the Magician's glance over his shoulder, "I will tell you for both of our sakes that he is in the vicinity, but remaining at a discreet distance so as to give us the illusion of full privacy."

Then inclined her head, "I would enjoy a glass of wine, thank you," And smiled softly to his flattery, "Your manipulations are becoming obvious, Magician. Where are your pets?" As he held the door, there was no cat or dog readily awaiting the attentions of his or her master. The thought of Isaak caring for a pet was also very much at odds with the persona he put off.

Not wishing to worry Tres, she decided to make this entrance into the shadow magician's lair a quick one. Caterina refused to give up this opportunity that could be once in a lifetime. Though his lair in this world be makeshift, it was a reflection on the most basic things he needed and that was quite important.

Waiting within sensory range, but out of sight from the entrance to Kampfer's laboratory, Tres watched diligently, keeping a running meter of the amount of time the Duchess spent inside. As the time passed, he ran scenarios of what could take such a long time, other than the glass of wine mentioned.

Even with such possible situations, he did not move from his station, as per instructions. He would have to wait until there was some tangible evidence of ill will, lest he upset Caterina. So instead he just waited until the two reappeared once more.

“Have you forgotten the kohoruto? They ate your people in Venice.”

Acknowledging her reply with a quick nod, Isaak opened the door completely for her to enter. “Welcome to my humble home, Duchess.”

The apartment was more spacious than it appeared to be outside. The walls were painted completely in black and had frescos hanging on them. They were as bizarre as the city, made of multicolored straights lines, circles and other geometrical shapes. The twin sculptures that framed the doorway were equally as nonsensical- two pillars with a hole on the middle, the material was ever fresh and gave the impression that it was melting.

A dim light barely illuminated the way.

“Excuse me for the tasteless decoration. I’m afraid it’s difficult to find Renaissance ornaments in this city,” apologized Isaak as he gestured Caterina to come inside. Once she was in, the Magician shut the door softly. To diminish her concern, he refrained to lock it. “Please, follow me. Do you wish for more light?”

Most of the rooms of his apartment remained close. His laboratory, his cellar, his study and his chambers. Isaak walked beside her through a long corridor built in spiral, lights were igniting immediately as they drew closer to the small, comfy sitting room, filled with white, triangle-shaped furniture red, velvet cushions. To contrast with the outrageous design, a plain, brown grand bookcase was located at the back.

“Take a seat, Duchess, if you may. I will return with refreshments in a moment. I had a guest earlier who liked this particular vintage,” he commented, offering her a reassurance glance. “If you feel uncomfortable, your hound may enter if he opens the door and doesn’t break anything.”

Wasn’t he a harmless gentleman?

"No, I have not forgotten those creatures, Kampfer. I only did not realize you considered them pets. How silly of me to think you had something as mundane as a cat or a dog," Caterina replied.

Her eyes took in the garish decor, everything looked overdone and too bright, all together the look of the apartment was overwhelming. "And this is where you have made your new laboratory for the time being? Perhaps you could start the tour there," She proposed innocuously, looking at Kampfer from under thick, dark lashes, expression guileless.

"The lighting is fine, thank you, and I did not imagine this to be your taste in interior design," she added, amused smirk pulling up one corner of her mouth. Their conversation was so civilized and had nothing to do with their respective organizations that Caterina found herself at odds with the entire situation.

The instant way the lights flamed into being surprised her and also did not, this place was not the world she had known, after all. Taking a seat, she inclined her head, "I am comfortable, but the time we are taking shall worry him, I imagine. Invite him inside and he will behave."

While Kampfer played the part of a harmless gentleman, Caterina Sforza knew much better.

Smoothing her white, kidskin gloved hands over her skirts as she sat down, Caterina waited for Isaak to gather the wine and Tres.

Seeing the door opening, a pale hand waving him in, Tres made his way into the building, surveying his surroundings for possible ambush. Seeing none, he settled for giving Kampfer a long, calculating look before taking a position on the far side of the room, close enough to be of service if needed, but far enough away to be obtrusive.

[ooc: durrr, Tres has nothing to say, I fail.]

“Cats and dogs are short lived to be good pets for someone as me,” Isaak explained and remained quiet about her snide remarks of the decoration. He did not like them either for his taste ran to the baroque, classical or gothic rather than this post-modern rubbish he had managed to purchase in the stores.

“I’m afraid my laboratory is… not an adequate environment for your health, Duchess. It contains dangerous gasses that could disturb your vital process if inhaled. Perhaps in another occasion?” There must be other appointments if she wanted to see his entire apartment. He smiled innocuously.

Everything was going as he had planned except for a minor detail.

Admittedly, it was a small one but Caterina’s acceptance about his offer to make her dog enter riled Isaak and bruised his pride. His picture of pleasant politeness shadowed slightly. He had wanted to speak in private and Iqus, albeit fanatically loyal, had still a system that could be hacked and his information deprived out his data.

“As you wish.” He returned his steps, his pace notable quicker and irritable to open the door for Tres. He bothered not with words just a signal of his gloved hand. After assuring the cyborg had not strayed his path, Isaak headed to the kitchen. He had two wineglasses ready in case Caterina agreed to stay. He took the half empty bottle he and Xelloss had consumed earlier that day and poured the red content inside. The aroma was stronger than his world wines, more intoxicating. Kämfper had not finished a second goblet.

Pleased with the amount of liquid served, Isaak marched to Caterina’s side with one glass on each hand.

Caterina had noticed his agitation at her remark on the decor and, though it was contrary to logic, felt a touch bad at having unintentionally insulted him. A demure smile supplanted her red lips as she looked at Isaak and inclined her head, "If your behavior continues this way and you mean your offer, I would accept to seeing your laboratory on another location."

From his quicker pace, and irritable invitation for Tres to enter, Caterina realized that Isaak was irked. And that he had closed off, perhaps not willing to speak in front of Tres. She cursed inwardly and removed her gloves in a last ditch effort to appease him.

When Kampfer returned, Caterina reached for the glass he offered, fingers brushing against his own as she took the glass of wine. "Kampfer," She addressed him, tone soft, "We will have the chance to speak privately together later, please indulge me in this matter for now." And unhesitatingly took a sip of the wine.

Eyes narrowing in calculation at the Duchess' unhesitating sip of wine, Tres ran off figures on the probability of Kampfer taking the chance to poison her in his presence. The results did not please him, as they gave him no reason to put a bullet between the Orden member's eyes. His gaze was once more settled on Kampfer, watching each movement, each breath, each gesture, searching for any clue to ulterior motives.

Isaak was assuaged of his minor foulness at her sudden change of disposition. Her soft words, her smile and the brushing of their fingers together stirred some alien thrill within his system. While he had been attracted to Caterina Sforza, physical pleasures had never been a priority to enjoy for the Magician (if they were, Helga would have undoubtlessly triumphed with her wiles during their past clashes), intellectual equals and conversations were bliss enough.

She was changing the rules of a game he had carefully designed. Isaak approved and found himself draw to see what did she want with her own brand of subtle, feminine manipulation.

“How are you adapting to the life in this city, Duchess?” asked Isaak, shifting the subject to a more mundane, pleasant conversation as he took brief sips of his wine. “It’s an unique experience for a diplomat of your caliber to strike alliance with other worlds. I would assume you are seizing the chance.” He remained silent as Caterina drank and glanced at Tres’ calculating gaze. So the cyborg was worried? He shot him a rather, taunting smirk.

“Cardinal Sforza, I would take the wine in brief sips. It’s quite strong and dazzling like most in this realm.” He would not enjoy the excursion with Caterina tipsy and dizzy by the alcohol. He preferred to converse with a sharp, lucid person.

"This city is a far cry from anything I have imagined," Caterina admitted. "The places and people are nearly overwhelming, though I find myself becoming quickly accustomed. However, those whom I have seen are mere children and seek only a way out, hardly a chance for diplomacy."

Then took another, smaller, sip of wine, "If the chance comes along, I will not overlook it." And set the glass aside, "The wine is delicious, Kampfer, you seem quite familiar with the differences between this world's vintages and ours. Could wines be one of your hobbies?"

Caterina did not intend to drink much for the sake of her mind as much as her health. She had to have all wits about her. While she spoke to him, she ensured that her posture was erect and that she leaned in slightly towards him to show interest in the conversation and in himself.

Isaak kept his posture straightened and dignified. While he may relax and lounge carelessly on Dietrich’s presence, he was fully aware that such manners would be frowned down near a lady. Especially one of Caterina’s breeding.

He assented at her guess, his gaze briefly scanning her body language. She was good in loosing people’s tongues. Her accomplishments were unsurprising.

“Very good. Tobacco and wine. I’m accused to be easily addicted to luxury,” he commented. “Once, Duchess, I convinced the Puppet Master that my quest for a special wine was really a mission assigned by Mein Herr,” added Panzer Magier with a very secretive voice, lower and mirthful. “The Pale Bride. Ironically, we saved some lives when we stopped some mad scientist and a band of pirates that took over the boat that the wine was being offered.”

She noted his attention to his posture and both appreciated as well as found amusing the fact that he was taking so much care around her. In some ways, Caterina did feel as though she had the upper hand.

To his small story, her eyes widened a touch, mirth colouring her cheeks and turning up the soft corners of her lips, "Your story is delightful, Kampfer, and you tell it will." Which he did, lowering his voice, keeping his tone conspiratorial.

She granted him another soft smile and tucked her gloves on her pocket, leaving her fingers bare. "We should begin our tour, Kampfer, I am sure you are as eager as I to capture a few moments in privacy."

And of course, manipulating those moments and each other were high on the agenda.

Tres' attention was fully captured by the Duchess' move to begin the tour. He was in favor of this, as being so firmly entrenched in Kampfer's arena left his sensors buzzing near to overload. Being somewhere that could well lead to harm coming to the Duchess was definitely something he was against, and his moving towards the door, waiting there for Caterina and her companion to pass first, made it more than clear.

He did, however, override his urge to help his Lady from her seat as he normally would, adhering to his earlier orders to stay as inconspicuous as possible, only making his presence overtly known if necessary.

She was smiling genuinely, Isaak knew that was not a trick; he would have been able to distinguish a fake gesture than a real one. He felt different, less dull and indifferent but the glimpse of that was weak still, easily quieted to the best objectives. The need to focus was strong for if he failed the Duchess would also suffer the brunt consequences.

Dietrich was quite correct. His sentimentalism was wasteful.

“Thank you,” Isaak answered, rewarding her interest with an attentive nod. “I wouldn’t go into details to not bore you to tears. Dietrich would also never forgive me. He was absolutely miffed at the entire endeavor.”

When Caterina reminded him the excursion, Isaak set his empty wineglass aside and rose, bowing to offer her a hand to stand. “First, Duchess, we will visit Xanadu. They are lovely gardens. I thought you might want to enjoy the less… dangerous sights this place had to offer.”

The paradisiacal gardens were as beautiful as they were peaceful. A perfect place to start a serious conversation. Isaak hoped the open, green spaces were deserted enough.

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