[GW2] Maria's Tale

[Anaris]

((For her profile bio, go HERE))

((Note:  Please be aware there's some foul language and implied NSFC material, fyi!))


A glimpse at Maria's life...

Maria grew up in an average commoner Divinity's Reach household.  Her parents ran a small bakery.  She had two older brothers who wished to join the Seraph order someday.  As an adolescent, Maria spent most of her time with a childhood friend of equal social circumstances.  Daniel D'Amicci was the son of a cobbler, but he had higher aspirations for himself.   They were in love, and they were so, so bright eyed with hopes for the future.  Daniel was ever optimistic and encouraging, yet he always believed life would happen as it was the will of the gods...

Maria's childhood was an ordinary one for the lower class.  Her real story begins after adolescence.

Twenty years ago

Maria and Daniel were wed in a simple ceremony with their families and closest friends in attendance.  Though her parents thought her too young to marry, they gave the new couple their blessing.  The lovebirds moved into a small loft above her father's bakery.  The attic above his family's business would've proven a bit noisy for a starter home.  Their place was small, but they made it into a cozy love nest.  In later years, Maria would recall that first year of marriage:  "The sweet scents of baked goods would fill the air as we sat near the fireplace and held each other, talking about our big plans and how we were going to miss waking up to the smell of vanilla cupcakes."

Daniel, though a commoner, had ambitions.  His plan was to move them out of the small loft and into a proper two-bedroom place.  He was hoping to start a family soon, so they would need larger accommodations.  A week after their first anniversary, Daniel had a surprise for Maria.  He spoiled her with dinner at a fine restaurant followed by a theater show, a belated anniversary present.  After the show, they took a detour on the way home.

"I want to show you something."

"What, dearest?"

He smiled down at her, brushing brown hair strands off her face, "Your future home."



Maria was thrilled after seeing the quaint house's exterior.  As they walked home arm-in-arm, they made plans about color schemes and how she couldn't wait to start a garden.  But their enthusiastic chatter was cut short by a group of pompous, raucous, well-dressed young noblemen who obviously had consumed too many expensive bottles of liquor.  She could smell the strong odor of whiskey in every catcall the trio slurred as they got closer:

"Now aren't you a pretty little thing.  C'mon peasant, share the goods wif' us."

And as one of the noblemen, the red-haired one, went to grab Maria, Daniel lunged at him, striking him in the face.  The nobleman staggered and fell to the ground.  The other two moved toward Daniel, surrounding him. 

Daniel shouted, "Maria, get back!"

And she did, only to witness another two men, dressed in uniform, approach the others.  But the new additions did not deter Daniel.  He did not back out, instead rolling up his sleeves, a feral look in his otherwise kind, sky blue eyes.

Suddenly, and rather dramatically, a man dressed in dark leathers emerged from the shadows.  His face was partially covered by a hat's brim hanging so low it was surprising he could see anything at all.

"Now gentlemen, that isn't very fair, is it...  Four and a half men against one?  Why don't you wait another two minutes till my friends come out of the bar and we can have us a good old-fashioned street brawl for Queen Jennah's sake, eh?"

The smirk on the leather-clad fellow was so arrogant it's as if he created the word's meaning at that moment.

The noblemen helped their red-headed friend get up and walked away, mumbling to themselves as they faded into an alleyway.

Daniel looked to the man in leather and nodded, "Thank you.   Though I could've handled them just fine."

The man grinned, "Yeah, 'course you could've.  Now you go on and take your pretty lady home."

Then he slipped into the shadows and disappeared.

Maria ran to Daniel and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his eyelids, his brow, his lips...  "Gods, you had me frightened!  I thought there would be a brawl and I'd have to patch you up tonight, then help you bury the bodies!"

He smiled at her and caressed her flushed cheeks, "You're sweet.  Let's get you home."

But just a minute later, as they walked back, they were once again interrupted by the same three noblemen.  This time, first a shout,

"f**k you, common garbage!" 

Daniel had no chance to respond.  He didn't even know what hit him.   

A bottle, striking him in the temple, causing him to lose his balance and fall.

Maria, startled and frightened by the shout, and significantly smaller than Daniel, collapsed with him, his body breaking her fall.   He would have been fine had his head not hit the edge of the sidewalk, sending him into unconsciousness as a pool of blood covered the pavement. 

The cowardly trio ran off, their laughter drowning the sound of their boots hitting the pavement.

Three days later, Daniel died of blunt trauma to the head.

Maria went to the authorities, tried to press charges, described the men in question, but to no avail.   Days after her initial attempt, she spotted one of the noblemen perpetrators and managed to find a Ministry Guard.  The man was taken in for questioning, but upon the Ministry discovering whose son he was, and the lack of witnesses who'd speak up against him, he was let go with nothing more than a scolding to 'not drink in excess again.'



Daniel's death was ruled an accident, and the noblemen walked freely, exonerated of any guilt.  Maria was devastated, feeling the justice system betrayed Daniel.  It betrayed her.  It betrayed her people and there was nothing to be done.

Some weeks later, Maria was on her way home from placing flowers on Daniel's grave when she spotted the same leather-clad man from that fateful night.  She followed him as he meandered his way through the outdoor market maze of vendor tents until finally catching up with him and reaching for his arm.  He flinched, turning and barely stopping himself from nearly striking her for her physical intrusion.

"Why didn't you come and testify?  Your words could've made all the difference!  Those men could be in jail now if you would've said something!  You're the only witness from the start, who saw their provocation." 

The leather-clad man looked down at Maria slowly, then past her.  After a tense pause, dark eyes locked with her hazel ones. 

"You think they would take the words of a Lion's Arch thug over the words of a pretty boy noble whose daddy pays off the Ministry so they look the other way when his son screws up?  Get real, sweetheart.  And get real real soon, or you'll just be another victim like yer boyfriend."

"My husband!" She yelled as she slapped him.

He didn't even wince at the slap, keeping his eyes focused on her.

"My apologies.  Now, forgive me if I am overstepping bounds here, but perhaps ya oughta channel that anger o' yours in the right direction.  I'm not the enemy here."

Her hazel eyes welled with tears as she whispered an apology for her burst of anger. "I.... I..."

His tone changed to a more serious one, devoid of his slight twang: "You need to understand that they always win.  The only way they don't win is if one of their own brings them down.  It's the way of Divinity's Reach, sweetheart.  Of Tyria, really....  There are worker bees, and there are drones.  And then there are the queen bees.  It takes another queen bee to take down a queen bee.   Look at me....do I look like a f***ing queen bee to you, sweetheart?"

Maria shook her head, trembling and brushing a single tear off her cheek.

"If you'll excuse me, sweetheart, I've got a caravan to lead back to Lion's Arch and I'm already running late."

"Take me with you."  She said without even thinking, no hesitation.  She was too overcome with grief still to think rationally.  "Take me far away from here."

The leather-clad man arched a brow, his twang partly returning, "You want me to take ya where?  Are you crazy?  Do you even know what I do?"

"I don't care.  I just need to leave here.  Now.   Don't worry about me, I won't be a burden.  I just need to get out of here then I'll be out of your hair once we reach Lion's Arch."

He snickered and gave her a long, appraising look, "You ever even been outside Divinity's Reach, sweetheart?"

She looked down as she shook her head.

"You'll get eaten alive out there, ya know.  I can smell your innocence with my nose covered."

"I'll do anything.  I'll...I'll cook for your caravan.  I'm a very good cook and a baker.  My father's a baker."

After a pause, he said in a low voice, "We part at sunset, best time to travel is in the shadows.  There's some cargo we need to move.  Don't even think about asking nor peeking at the merchandise.  You meet me outside Wendell's House near the Plaza of Dwayna, Eastern Commons side.  Now go home, and say your goodbyes.  Pack lightly, and by lightly I mean one bag that you can carry yourself for miles and miles.  Nobody's going to help you, sweetheart.  Make sure that bag has food and water for the next four days.  And –don't- be late."

She nodded quickly, "I won't.  I won't be late, I promise."

"Good."

He turned, starting to make his way through the market.

"Wait!"  Maria called after him.

He turned around, giving her a visibly irritated look.

"Now you promise me that you won't change your mind if I'm there on time."

He scoffed, "I'm not one for promises."

"Please..."

With a sigh, he nodded, "Fine.  I promise I'll get you to Lion's Arch if you show up on time and prepared."

"What's your name?"

He grinned at her, "Captain Marko of the Solange.  A pleasure, Maria."  And he bowed.

"How did you—"

"See you at sunset.  Don't be late, or the promise is null and void." He cut her off before she could finish her question and swiftly turned around, getting lost in the market mob.

[Anaris]

Fifteen years ago...

It was nearly five years since her arrival to Lion's Arch, but already it felt like an eternity.  Her quiet, simple life with her beloved Daniel seemed like a distant dream that filled her with melancholy every time she received post from relatives back in Divinity's Reach.  She sent money to her family often.  And she always included a letter, even if the word count diminished each time.

Captain Marko the privateer, for he loathed being called a pirate, delivered on his promise to get her safely to Lion's Arch.  Not only did he keep his word, but he helped Maria get on her feet by recommending her to a tavern owner he knew and securing a barmaid position for her.  Initially Maria made for a terrible barmaid, but she learned the ropes quickly.  It didn't take long for the tavern owner to promote her to hostess and give her a raise.  But that just got her more noticed...  Sooner than her boss could say 'Manager' she was poached by a competitor who ran a more upscale establishment.

The Scarlett Club was a members-only venue catering to an elite clientele of upper class gents and wealthy scoundrels with gold to burn. She was one of the most sought-after companions in the club, and she made well enough with tips to lead a comfortable life while still sending money back to her family.  When her family inquired as to her profession, she'd say she was a singer....and hoped they wouldn't remember just how dreadful her voice was.

Of her romantic life, as fate would have it, her friendship with Marko grew closer with time and soon they had become lovers.  Marko, not one to settle down, fancied her enough to at least consider the possibility that some day she might be all he'd want to come home to.  They spoke of early retirement in the near future, floating away together on the Solange, without a crew.  Just the two of them.   

Maria daydreamed of this while at work in the evenings, entertaining all sorts of pirate bride fantasies and how the two of them will sail happily ever after.   Marko continued working as a pirate privateer, and would travel often, sometimes for weeks at a time.  She would always welcome him with open arms.  They were quite the unconventional pair, with the kind of professions best not spoken about at family reunions.

Maria had regular clients she'd serve as hostess and companion to at the Scarlett Club.  One of her clients was an older, widowed scholarly nobleman.  The two had bonded over the deaths of their respective spouses during one of his routine visits.  Shortly after, they became good friends and confidantes. 

Baron Eamon Glennworth was a passive intellectual who displayed awkward social ineptitude in a crowd unless he had some encouragement.  But one on one, Baron Glennworth was a pleasant, intelligent conversationalist.  Maria liked him just fine.  He was one of her favorite clients.  However, the Baron's feelings toward her were stronger.  He grew fond of the young Krytian companion's quick wit, caring nature, and lighthearted sense of humor.

There came a time when, over several drinks, the Baron mustered the courage to propose to her. 

At first, Maria laughed it off, suggesting he switch to water and sober up.  The Baron considered this, thinking he did indeed speak out of character.  But after a pause, he knew he was serious and he asked again.  Maria smiled at him and politely declined, reminding the Baron that she'd happily continue their hostess-client relationship.  He accepted her rejection, but he didn't rule it out.  From that night on, every time Baron Glennworth visited The Scarlett Club, he ended the evening by proposing to Maria yet again. It had, in an amusing way, become their regular parting pleasantries.  And secretly she hoped that he wasn't secretly hoping one day she'd actually say yes...



On the eve of her birthday, Marko and Maria were having wine on her flat's veranda, overlooking Sanctum Harbor.  They spoke of their childhood, something Maria had never heard Marko bring up before.  The cool evening breeze brushed their skin, damp from the moist Spring air.

"I'm sailing toward the Crystal Desert tomorrow.  Maybe even past it, toward Istan..."

Maria nearly choked on her wine, "What?"

"It's a very profitable job.  Hard to pass up.  I do this one job and I never have to work again. We never have to work again.  We can finally retire."

It was the first time he'd ever said 'we' but she was too distraught to notice its significance.

"But I thought....isn't it suicide to even consider treading those waters?"

"It's either suicide or homicide.  Multiple homicide."

Maria arched a brow as she took another sip of her wine.

"It's what goes through my head each time I see the way those gentlemen members of the Scarlett look at you, or place their dirty, grimy hands on your lower back as they greet you..."  He spit out to the side and over the balcony, not hiding his disgust.

Maria flashed a smug smirk in his direction, "You're not a member of the Scarlett..."

"Not because I can't afford it.  I just won't fall into that bourgeois trap.  ....besides, I've the best the Scarlett has to offer right here, and then some..."  He flashed her one of his irresistible smirks, then grew serious. "Still, I don't like the insidious looks they tend to cast in your direction."

"Have you been spying on me?"  And she gasped dramatically, teasingly. "Or, wait, is that jealousy I sense from the unconquerable Captain Marko of the Solange, pirate..I mean, privateer extraordinaire?"  She added in a mocking tone.

Marko refused to make eye contact and just sipped his wine, "Stop that.."

She smiled at him and stood up, sitting on his lap and wrapping arms and legs around him, straddling him in place. 

"If it were up to me, we can set sail tomorrow.  Just...leave it all behind.  We sail off, just you and me, like we planned.  We have enough saved.  I don't need luxuries.  I just need you."

He smiled up at her, caressing her face with the back of his hand, "One last job, and then we go.  I want to give you more than enough.  Luxuries are part of the plan."

And he kissed her.

Their lips never separated as he stood up, carrying her inside and to her bed.  That night, they made love, and made plans.  It was decided that once he returned, three weeks from that night, she would resign from The Scarlett Club and begin preparing for their journey.




The Scarlett Club was ornately decorated with all the glitz and glamour worthy of the guest of honor.  A mountain of gifts ranging in all sizes covered a large table at the entrance of the club.

"Maria!" shouted one of the Scarlett hostesses as she cradled Maria into a hug. 

Maria smiled and embraced the other woman, careful not to spill her champagne glass.

Patrons and employees alike came to celebrate with Maria that night.  After all, she was a celebrity within the establishment.   All her usual clients where there, if only in passing to wish her yet another happy year.  It was hard for her to feel nostalgic when there was so much debauchery and excitement surrounding her.  Even the confetti, which usually annoyed her, sparkled in a special way this eve.  She took a moment to mentally step outside of the chaos while still inside the building, and reflected on this birthday.

A year ago, she had celebrated very differently, and with only one other person.  Marko. 

The day after her birthday, he sailed away on what he said would be his last trip as a pirate privateer.  He was right.
 
A year later, and her birthday came again.  No word from Marko.  Everyone had already presumed him dead just a few months after the Solange set sail.  But Maria never gave up hope.  She waited for him.  And waited.  And waited.  And will continue waiti—

"Maria, happy birthday."   

The words interrupted her train of thought.

"Thank you," she whispered as she looked up to the man.

"I have a gift for you.  I really hope it's to your liking."  And he handed her a small box.

Maria smiled and accepted the gift, handing the man her champagne glass as she gently opened the box.   Her hazel eyes shimmered as they took in the sparkling brilliance of the box's content.

A diamond ring.   A diamond engagement ring.

She smiled, looking up at the man.

"It's beautiful."

Then she closed the small, velvety jewelry box and attempted to hand it back to the man.

"But I can't, Baron Glennworth.  I...can't accept such a gift."

"Why not, Maria?  ....is it....you still hope for the pirate to return?"

Maria flashed him a sad smile, "Privateer.  And yes, I do.  But more than that, I know you've always said I should marry you for your money if I can't marry you for love but...I couldn't do that to you.  You're a good man.  You deserve more than that."

"My dear... I'm an old man, and a widow.  I already got this 'more than I deserve' thing once before, and then she died.  Now, if I can provide a better life for someone worthy of all the riches Tyria has to offer, then I choose to do so.  Please, accept my offer."

Maria smiled at the Baron again, and leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.  "I do appreciate it, but I can't.  Thank you, however."

Baron Glennworth returned an equally sad smile and nodded, "Very well then.  I tried again.  Enjoy your birthday, Miss Maria.  I hope all your birthday wishes come true."
 
He bowed and made his way to the coat room.  Maria watched him leave, feeling sad and guilty all at once, but she knew it was the right thing to do. 
 
She turned and walked toward the main room to meet the rest of the revelers when a boisterous laugh followed by a remarkably familiar voice caught her attention.  Her eyes followed the voice, landing on a head covered in red hair. 

They say looks could kill.  If they could, Maria's hazel eyes would've set fire to that fiery-haired head. 

She recognized him immediately.  The man responsible for Daniel's death.  The man who killed Daniel and never paid for it. 

She stood there for a moment, studying him.  A Lord Wellington, they called him.  And he was with the same other two from that night.  They may have been fatter, older, and drunker, but to her, they looked the same.   Like criminals.  The flood of emotions in her made her mind grow blank.  But a single phrase filled her thoughts, one Marko had said to her:

"It takes another queen bee to take down a queen bee."

It almost felt like Marko himself whispered the phrase into her ear.  And before she knew it, her irrational impulses kicked in again and she was running out the door.

"Baron Glennworth!"  She chased after him, or at least the top hat she thought was his.

It was, indeed, the Baron.  He stopped and turned around, "My lady....?"

Panting, she stood before him.

"I accept.  I accept your proposal."

[Anaris]

Ten years ago...

Maria was enjoying a late breakfast at her estate when a maid brought her a just delivered invitation.  She scowled at the invitation being addressed to 'Baroness Glennworth' and not her husband. It wasn't uncommon for her to get private invitations where her husband was merely labeled as her plus-one, but she still found them inappropriate.  She sat there sipping her tea, pondering the invitation and how she would much rather be referred to as Lady Glennworth instead of Baroness Glennworth, then remembering her return to Divinity's Reach just four years earlier....

Much had happened since then.  Her arrival as a baroness and the new Lady of House Glennworth was met with plenty of skepticism and speculation within the nobility's social circles.  Rumors abounded as to the true nature and background of Baron Glennworth's young and beautiful second wife.  Hushed voices and discreet whispers vilified the new arrival, calling her a glorified whore and an overpaid courtesan...among other less pleasant things.  Maria neither denied nor owned up to such rumors, always dismissing them with a smile and a simple, "People will believe what they want to believe."   

Funny enough, the rumors never quite reached Baron Glennworth's ears.  And if they did, he either let Maria handle them or downright ignored them.  He always reminded Maria he was an old man and lucky to have a second chance at true companionship after his first wife was taken from him.

And that's exactly what it was.

Early on in their marriage, Maria insisted on becoming a fitting wife for a Baron.  So she discussed with Eamon her education goals and how she wished to prepare for her life as a Divinity's Reach Baroness.  He agreed, if only at her behest, and secured the best instructors in all things etiquette and social graces.  She received a proper education in terms of navigating the upper social circles in Divinity's Reach.  But she wanted more than knowing which fork to use during a dinner engagement or what dance to perform at a certain ball.  So she enlisted the help of anyone she could find, from the butler to the armed guard outside their gate, from the Baron's secretary to the Glennworth Estate's accountant. 

She tried to learn everything and anything that was purposeful in practice, in addition to reading up on history and contemporary literature.  She sucked up all the knowledge available to her, and spent plenty of time perusing the law books and civil codes of Divinity's Reach, so much so she paid an arbiter to teach her law in his spare time.  (Said arbiter is now divorced; Maria denies any claim that she was responsible for his marriage's failure.)

Her husband, the Baron, simply smiled and encouraged her educational pursuits.  He recommended books she should read, and spent several hours a week with her simply discussing political and legal affairs.  Their relationship became that of mentor and apprentice, and both were equally content falling into that routine.  They even, from time to time, discussed the letter she left behind for Marko. 

Years ago and at the Baron's suggestion, before departing Lion's Arch, Maria left a farewell letter for Marko with her landlady.  The landlady agreed to keep her informed should Marko ever return to check his mail and claim the letter.  It had been several years, and no news of Marko.  Eventually the landlady sold the place, and the letter was likely tossed when the new management took hold.  Any connection to Marko was gone for good.  Wishing he'd receive or answer her letter was just a sad attempt at denying the fact that he was really gone.  She considered building a small shrine for him at the local cemetery, but she knew Marko well enough to know he'd have hated the idea...

Blinking her thoughts away, she finished her tea, and retired to her chamber to get ready for her big birthday bash.  Baron Glennworth liked to spoil her.  And her birthday party was just part of how extravagantly he liked to do so...



"Tell me if he's going to make it!?"  Maria screamed at the scrawny doctor hovering over Baron Glennworth's limp body.

"My lady, I....  I....." The Human doctor checked Eamon's pulse once again. 

"I'm sorry.  His heart was just too weak.  It's his third heart attack.  Most people don't live past their first, much less second...I..I'm sorry, Baroness."

Maria just hung her head, quietly sobbing into her hands as she turned away from the doctor and her late husband's corpse.

"I....it's unreal....   He just seemed.....so happy at my birthday party last week...."

[Anaris]

Five years ago....

Baroness Maria Glennworth had been the topic of many a conversation in Divinity's Reach.  After her husband's passing a few years ago, she isolated herself from the rest of society for some time. But like a phoenix, she emerged again after six months, a fiery goddess, and planted herself right back into the inner workings of the city.  Not only was she socializing again, she was everywhere.  There was no charity ball she didn't attend, no invitation she didn't accept.  And while she was older now, she couldn't possibly look more radiant.

The rumor mill, as usual, began to circulate.  Gossip spread like a plague or an unstoppable wildfire.  Short of outright claiming that she killed Baron Glennworth, outrageous theories of his death were maliciously spread, twisting Maria's image into some conniving, calculating Black Widow type.   Some would gossip about Maria's alleged affairs with married noblemen.  Others would whisper slanderous tales of her antics at parties, from dancing nude in fountains to seducing sons of men she was already having romantic liaisons with.  Even more audacious gossip would claim she had a mental illness and was insane.  Or that she had opened a branch of Lion's Arch's Scarlett Club in Divinity's Reach, but made it more corrupt and had even become a madam.  Her questionable, scandalous lifestyle was the subject of many a gossip magazine.  Though it was evident that her drinking habits were, indeed, excessive, there was no concrete proof of her alleged wild antics.  However, she never admitted nor denied any of the controversial rumors. 

"Why should I?"  She would say. 

The rumors didn't faze her.  She never lost her stride.   In fact....the gossip helped her in her cause.

For in the surface she may be one of them now, but she never forgot why she chose this path.  It was almost as if she was acting out on purpose, rebelling against the system in her own absurd way.

"One day, my beloved Daniel.  One day the queen bees will pay..."

And unsuspecting to her, that day came, unceremoniously, in the form of a breezy Spring afternoon a week before her birthday.  Maria strolled around the markets, on her way to her parents' now bigger, fancier bakery, when she spotted a gathered mob.  And this wasn't your usual market crowd, this crowd was turned away from the goods being sold...and toward a deep, husky voice that was apparently giving a speech so enthralling it was going to cost the vendors some serious coin considering they were losing their clientele...

"...and the people shall rise from their imperial chains and take hold of what is just!   I don't claim we all deserve to be feasting with golden goblets and fine wine, but we deserve a fair advantage! Opportunities!  A chance for our street rats to have better opportunities, a chance at our education.  For the welfare of our people!   A chance for our people to be treated justly!"

"Yeahhh!"  Roared the crowds.

" For...what is a justice system when it isn't 'just' across the boards?  Need we be all born noblemen to have the law respect us?"

Another roar from the crowds.

" Give us all the opportunity to rise!  Do we not have more merit when we rise above the adversities presented to us as opposed to being born privileged?  How else can we vanquish the threat of the great dragons when our own are still stomping us down?"

The crowd roared yet again, and Maria found herself cheering for this man.  She watched him as he continued on with his speech, his words resonating with her.  She remembered her cause again.  She remembered why she chose this life.   She questioned why something always distracted her away from her original cause.  Had she not loved Daniel enough to remember she will eventually find a way to honor his death?  Didn't she promise while at his grave that she would one day bring retribution to all the lives lost because of a social system that didn't care for the underprivileged?

She waited for the man on the imaginary podium to finish his speech.  He had many groupies vying for his attention, but how many times does an outspoken commoner get under the radar of a Baroness?  So he made room in his busy insurgent's schedule to meet with her.




They met for dinner in a private room at one of her chosen restaurants.  She sat before him, smirking between sips of gin.

"I thought you'd be taller."

"Are you saying I'm short?"  His tone might've been serious, but there was a mischief to his green eyes that she just knew he was teasing.

"I'm just used to men towering over me, is all..."  She responded, almost coyly.

"I don't need height to tower over anyone."  His dark brows furrowed, but there was a smirk on his lips, then a downright Chesire cat smile.  Pearly white teeth in contrast with his dark skin.

"Sometimes the best kind of dominating happens from below....from....under, if you will.  Or would you disagree?"   She batted her lashes.

"Touché."

"I'll cut to the chase.  I want to know more about your goals, your plans to really make a difference in Divinity's Reach.  How would you solve the lack of manpower to control the city and its outskirts?  I hear our guards are underpaid and outnumbered, farmers outside the main city gates constantly ambushed by centaurs and bandits.   How would you fix the way orphans are handled in the city once they leave the orphanage?  Tell me about your goals in terms of how to bring about a balance to our judicial system.  Tell me how you want to revolutionize this city and make it equal grounds for all..."

"Woah, slow down Baroness...."

They talked for hours and hours that night.   Hours turned into days.  Days.....well it was more like nights.  A lot of nights.

[Anaris]

A year ago...

He brushed her raven tresses off her neck, kissing above her sapphire necklace's strand.  She closed her eyes and enjoyed the touch of his lips against her skin briefly, then slowly pulled away.

"We marry next week.  This is our last rendez-vous.  We can't see each other again, not like this."

He grunted, running his hand over her shoulder as he turned away from her.  "So now you plan to be the proper, faithful wife to a guy several decades your senior.  Let me know how that works out for you..."

Facing the wall, Maria rolled her eyes, "Don't be cruel."

"How else am I supposed to be in the face of this hypocrisy?"

She turned around sharply, "Hypocrisy?  You talk to me about hypocrisy because I want to stop seeing you once I marry Count Bellisario?  Do I need to explain to you why I've made this decision?"

"You really think I should worship you because you're giving up your so-called freedom to marry a man who could be your grandfather because he has the means to support my movement, yet you've the nerve to say I can't touch you?  How is that not hypocritical?  You don't love him. Sure, you've a good cause in your hands, but don't get all high and mighty over it.   It doesn't make you any more than just a glorified whore in the end."

"How dare you...."  And she seethed with anger as she glared at him with burning, hazel eyes.

"You make it sound like you're making this great sacrifice...but in the end you get to keep your lifestyle, even a better one now...and you get to be the Lady or Countess or whatever bullshit you're about to become...  You're not the one on the battlefront out there, risking your neck or being on the verge of becoming a casualty for the cause.  You'll go on being your philanthropic, charitable self in the eyes of the nobility you mingle with.  You'll continue to rub shoulders with the dignitaries and socialites....  So what changes now?  You used to do all that anyway before, yet still come here at night and screw a commoner insurgent.  What's different now? Is it the marriage certificate?  You actually give a damn about that?"

She turned around to face him, glaring again, "Yes, actually, I do give a damn about a marriage certificate.  Which is why I think you should get back to your wife now."

"Oh....  I...so you know about her..."

"I didn't.  But I do now.  And it was your job to tell me she existed. I don't generally do marital background checks on people I deal with, just criminal ones.  From this day forth, our relationship is strictly business.  Very discreet business, need I remind you. I still believe in your group's cause, and I'm still just as committed.  You can expect my aid as usual.  But you're an a**hole.   Now get out of my face."

"As you wish."  He nodded to her, before reaching for his hat and coat, then making his way out of the inn room they'd always meet in.

He paused at the door, turning to smirk at her, "I'll never forget teaching you how to shoot a pistol, Firecracker.  It was a lot of fun...  If you ever need help with your target practicing--"

"Get out."

She was amused by his recollection, and in agreement.  But she sure as hell wasn't going to show him that...

[Anaris]

Present...

Countess Maria D'Amicci Glennworth Bellisario (for she had recently changed her name to include and honor her previous husbands ) was not a woman anyone would dare trifle with.  She was still beautiful, appearing to be much younger for her age.  It's obvious she took great care in her appearance, and should anyone ask her age, they could expect a bullet to the head....or a slit throat.  Whichever seemed most convenient.

The womanly curves in her body were not made overnight, and she had no desire to claim otherwise, making sure to accentuate them with the latest fashions tailored to a voluptuous figure.  She kept her hair shorter these days, but still exquisitely coiffed.  And those eyes, and the lips, well, she could still work at the Scarlett Club should she desire.

Except the owner of The Scarlett Club now owed her money, so that would just be counterproductive in her financial books....

"Madam... The doctor is done," Hanna, one of her trustworthy maids, informed her.

"Send him him."

Doctor Jameston walked in, medical case in hand.  He bowed respectively before the Countess. 

"Good doctor, thank you so much for all your efforts each time you come to visit.  Please...tell me, how is he?"

"Well," Doctor Jameston cleared his throat, "His kidney functions have improved, but I'm afraid his lungs as just as frail.... His respirator will continue to keep him alive, however.....eh... he has little time before his lungs give up altogether.  You should prepare for the worst."

Maria lowered her head, her expression showing a mix of sorrow and sympathy, then she looked up to the doctor, "Thank you so much for all your efforts.  I will be at his side along with the nurses I've hired to look after his well-being.  I try to spend as much time at his bedside as responsibilities allow."

And with that, her expression softened as she added, " I'll tell everyone what a great doctor you were to the House of Bellisario.  I hope you can make room for all the requests you may be getting soon..."

The doctor smiled humbly and nodded, "I appreciate the accolades, and the referrals.  I am a worker bee, after all."

Maria smiled and nodded, "The only difference between a worker bee and a queen bee is the amount of royal jelly consumed.  Sharing is caring, oversharing is.....making a difference."

Her lips curled into a smile at both the doctor and her own spoken cliché.

"Hanna has your payment for the evening.  She will escort you out.  Have a good evening and safe travels home, my.... Dear doctor worker bee...."

She looked out the window from her lavish manor, gazing far into the Divinity's Reach horizon.  Only a matter of time and money, she thought to herself.
 
"It takes a queen bee to take down a queen bee... "