Lupus In Fabula

[Fiorella de Marco]

Although she was not currently a participant in the 'courtesy' exchange between Admiral Tiberius and the masked Damien Morreti, she was still present in their conversation, watching the two men closely - the expressions on their faces, their voices, and their posture. The tension between the two men was rising despite the seemingly respectful words, Admiral Tiberius, true to his temper and reputation, was preparing to go on a triumphant counter-offensive with the tacit approval of his fans. A clash of opinion between the two roosters.

Fiorella gently and connivingly squeezed her companion's arm, perhaps in an attempt to tame his contempt for the admiral present, and decided to turn the attention back on herself.

"I am sure you will have the opportunity to hear me play the piano, Admiral, whether it be tonight or at the next such social event."

She broke the uncomfortable silence of tension between the two men with her melodious voice and gave them both one of her many white smiles. She gave a long blink to show off her long eyelashes and her blue eyes, and continued.

"For now, you will have to excuse us, Admiral. It is my first evening in this select company and I would like to meet as many of the guests as possible."

She said, perhaps a little guiltily, and Admiral Tiberius laughed loudly and nodded.

"Without further ado, Miss. I myself remember how I first felt here amongst these wealthy spineless bastards, hah."

Admiral Tiberius said it perhaps a little too loudly considering the number of indignant expressions turned in his direction. But the grizzled naval officer clearly didn't care in this case either - clearly social pretense was not to his liking, and his position among Manhattan's elite was unshakable at the moment.

"It has been a pleasure, Admiral Tiberius. I bid you my goodbye, for now."

She gave a slight nod of her head in farewell, prompting her companion to leave with a very light gesture of her palm resting on his hand. A whole mixture of silent disapproving, indignant, jealous and interested looks accompanied them from the circle around the admiral.

When they were a distance out of earshot, Fiorella de Marco finished her red Gallic wine and set her empty crystal glass down on one of the many refreshment tables - which, as was customary at such events, were virtually untouched. All the ladies present in their evening dresses and robes, Fiorella De Marco not excepted, hardly touched the food at social events, and their disapproving glances involuntarily obliged their male companions to do the same.

"The culture of your society is still something that never ceases to amaze me - although, if I am being completely honest, there are such people in my culture as well."

She assessed in a hushed tone her first VIP encounter on Manhattan to her companion. Despite the tense situation and potential scandal, she still seemed relaxed and calm, as if the whole thing was an elaborate game to her and nothing more.

"Who are we going to meet next, John?"

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Fiorella Arianna de Marco | As Dawn Mayflower
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