7:25 PM, around 4 minutes of walking away from The Garden
Antonio walks towards The Garden with a bottle of Gallic wine
What's the time? 7:25 uh, I better not be late, she emphasized "do not be late". I do not want her to get mad, I don't. This damn road, it's getting longer and longer... I really wish I could fly right now, it would solve most of my problems that's for sure. Wait! I forgot my wallet... ah no no no... this damn bottle, there get on the ground, stupid bottle. Uh! There you are, almost had a hearth attack, let me just pick up this wine... and we're good. How much time do I have left? Woah! 2 minutes, I think I'll just run... I better not brake this bottle, she, I can feel it, would get really pissed if I don't bring the damn wine. Almost there...
7:30 PM, on the front steps of the Garden, Better known as the Bloodrose Compound Mansion.
*A large man, dressed in a butlers tuxedo that looks more like a mountain than anything, spots the young man walking up the front path.*
Right on time, The Altezza will be pleased. If you will follow me, sir.
*The man leads Antonio through the mansion, finding it strangely deserted, even for his first time being there. After 3 minutes of walking in silence, the man stops in front of two large oak doors that look to be at least 300 years old.*
Wait inside, the Altezza will be with you shortly.
*Opening the door with a bow, the man waits until Antonio enters, then closes the doors, locking them with an audiable "click".*
7:33 PM, waiting in silence with a view of the Tridente docks, overlooking the ocean.
*Antonio starts walking around the room. The room is filled with paintings, some of them are more than 300 years old.*
Oh, this one is nice, a city at night with dozens of stars, ah I get it, Starry Nigh, beautiful painting.
Why this room is large, who would need such a room in which you need something that has wheels to get from one side to the other...
I'm getting bored, it's 7:34 already and still no sign of her and I ran to this place... to do what, to wait? Ok, I can wait.
*He found one chair that was near the window, he sat there and started waiting for someone to ''unlock'' the doors.*
7:44 PM, the large room full of paintings with a view of the Tridente Docks.
At the door on the right side of the room, the second set of doors, a knock is heard before they unlock and another, Bretonian butler stands to the side of the doors.
Mrs. Marissa Bloodrose will see you now, sir.
Giving a low bow, the man waits until Antonio has entered the large dining room. A large 10 seated table, 4 chairs on either side of the table, with one on each end, one of which, at the far end of the room is seated, Marissa Bloodrose, leader of the Bloodrose Syndicate.
Sit.
Marisa motions to the opposite end of the table, where an empty plate, wine glass, and wrapped set of cutlery awaits the man. Marissa had a data pad in her hand, seeming browse through its contents with a harsh attitude.
*Antonio places a bottle of wine that he brought with himself awaiting for butler to take it and serve it.*
Signorina, thank you for having me here, I must admit that this... this castle is magnificent. I have never been in a building as big as this one, I am impressed.
Ah, the wine you wanted. It is from my private collection signorina, I hope you will like it.
I'm pleased that you invited me to have dinner with you signorina, but I have a feeling that there is something else you wish to discuss, si?
*A butler approaches Antonio's side in order to take the bottle of wine, he opens it in front of them and serves it, first to Marissa then to Antonio.*
Eyeing the drink sat before her, Marissa remains silent. after a few moments, she shifts in her seat a bit, seeming uncomfortable in the dress her wife had forced her to wear for the occasion.
How long have you been with the Syndicate, Antonio?
She asks this with an air of of disdain, making it seem as if the occasion were not that of good tidings.
*Running her finger across the Data pad before tapping it a few times, Marissa takes the glass, sipping a small amount before setting it back on the table.*
In this past year, would you say you're contributions to the syndicate have been adequate? Would you say your actions as one of the Bloodrose Syndicate's leaves have been up to the standards of someone with the title you hold?
*She taps yet another finger on her data pad as, suddenly, the center of the table lights up with a holographic, 3-D display of one of Antonio's most failing battles.*
Is this poor display of combat skill what I can expect from you, Antonio?
*Finally, she sets the data pad down on the table, taking her silverware, unwrapping it, and placing the blood red cloth napkin in her lap. Looking at the man for the first time, Antonio can see a look of disapproval, and what appears to be anger.*
*He tries to stay calm. The comment Marissa made made him slightly angry, yet there is no sign of anger on his face nor in his voice.*
I agree! That was a poor performance of mine, but are we only going to look at poor performances and ignore what we did -good- for our Famiglia? Everyone of us had a bad day, that one was one of my bad days. As for my contribution for the Famiglia, I've been spreading the orange dream every single day, I also have some plans for.... Kusarian market. I truly believe that my actions -are- up to standards. But I think that matters more what you think of my actions, are they up to standards?
*He sips his drink, places away his glass of wine. He then directs his eyes towards Marrisa's, looking her straight in the eyes whilst waiting for an answer.*
*The woman remains quiet for a few moments, returning his gaze with a cold expression. As the intensity rose in the room, almost to a frightening level, a sudden smirk appears on her lips.*
You sure have spirit, replying in such a way as that. Did my comment upset you? You don't look it if you are.
*Lifting her right hand just above and out from her right ear, snapping her fingers, before lowering her hand to her lap.*
And yes, you are right, Antonio. In this Famiglia, what matters most is what my Love and I think. Tell me, If you were to find yourself in a situation where Angel were in harms way and you could save her at the expense of your own safty, or life, would you take the bullet for her?
*The young woman gives Antonio a look that could cool a star, as if his answer to the question would effect his very future.*