(2018-05-07) A Sister's Return

"Who ever is responsible will face judgement of their sins whether we discover who is the culprit or not."
	Summary: Cosette returns home with a request for a brother and ends up assisting her new sister-in-law with a minor household crisis. Related: None Misc Info:

Even though they resided within the same city weeks had passed since Cosette had turned to the family state from her works at the orphanage. Letter's came to the Palazzo Farro near the end of each week, light news along with scriptures from the good book of Paragons. But today instead of a letter the Matre Cosette arrived in person dawning a muted gray robe with white embroidery in the normal garments of the Devotion. At the moment she was currently within the library combing through the vast collection for particular subject matters. Already there was a sizable stack on a desk with a destiny to be borrowed.

*

Having only been married into the Farro family for a month or so, Marsilia had only briefly met with her husband's sister once. Surely, she had seen the young woman around the city and especially at the orphanage, but the orphanage is not a place that Marsilia would normally visit. So their meeting today would only be their second and with how flustered the young Contessa seems to be this day, one can only hope that it ends well enough.

Marsilia has been going through their family inventory for most of the morning in some desperation to find something or other. Having failed in her endeavors, she is drawn out of the storage room with a ledger in hand. Always, impeccably dressed in an expensive emerald green attire, her small form moves quickly through the hall, before she enters the family conservatory. At first, she doesn't notice the other woman's presence as she makes her way towards Vittore's desk, but when her gaze finally spots Cosette, she can only murmur, "My apologies, I did not expect to see anyone here." Then ends with a, "When did you get back? If I had known, I would have had the servants prepare for your arrival."

*

Whispers around the family's residence from the servants or family may have shared that the female sibling was impeccable with her faith, a wholly engaged for the betterment and improvement of the city's abandoned offspring. At sound of another entering the library, figuring it to be a servant to see to her wellbeing, the simply dressed Sister set another book onto a table on the otherside of the room. She remarks gently, "There are no need for apologies my sister, my visit is brief." There's five books in total she had removed from their arrangement on the shelves. Cosette turns, bringing her frame to fully face her sister-in-law with a pleasant enough smile. "Less than hour ago, I do not expect to have a fuss made over my arrival." Her hazel eyes took a long study of the woman before her, "You look very beautiful today. Green compliments your pallor well."

*

Orazio arrives from the Courtyard - Palazzo Farro.

*

Orazio has arrived.

*

With her own mind filled with concerns and urgent matters, Marsilia doesn't immediately notice that Cosette was here to collect some books from the library. Instead, the young woman carefully looks through some of the paperwork laid neatly upon her husband's desk, her bright eyes silently reading the text written there. "Thank you," She says of the compliment given, her gaze lifts above over the second ledger now in hand. Normally, she would return a similar compliment, but with how modestly Cosette is dressed, she can only offer a, "You look vibrant and in good health." And only then does she see the texts, "Acquiring more reading material for the children?"

*

Orazio lives just off the Conservatory, as one might expect- close to the art and knowledge the family keeps in their Palazzo. On and off, he's been working on a painting in the studio- and now he leaves his room and begins towards the studio that is so very often his workshop. He is, quite often, the exclusive user of the studio- and so half-finished paintings and drawings litter various easels, along with a bench used to put together bits of technology he uses in his Astronomy.

However, he finds others in the Conservatory now, and pauses a moment. "Ah! My beautiful sister comes to visit!" he says with a grin, "So lovely to see you about the house." he says as he approaches the pair with that grin falling into an easy, half smile.

*

Cosette folds both hands before her gray robe in a traditional poise, the corners of her mouth raise in a small smile, "Thank you, the young ones keep me on my toes almost daily." She remarks before casually making the effort to cross the distance between the pair them, maybe she's able to see what the ledger contained. Before Cosette reaches the opposite of the desk her attentions are immediately brought to the library's entry and the warmth of her demeanor is on instant display. "And you Orazio, braving a temporary abandonment of the stars and the heavens to visit us mere children on the ground?" She jests moves to offer her brother a familial hug in greeting. "I've wanted to ask a favor of you, in person."

*

Throughout the discussion, Marsilia's fingers continue to flip through various bits of paperwork, only pausing every so often to better read the words written and even more importantly, the numbers. The way in which she frantically seems to sift through ledgers and notes on Vittore's desk may hint at the turmoil of emotion which may be brewing within her, it is her features that remain almost calm. Though the usual frown on her face is presently seen, she doesn't look like she's in a panic over anything in particular. To Orazio's entrance, her sifting stops and aside from a greeting, she doesn't intrude too much, allowing the siblings this time together, "Orazio."

*

Orazio smiles, giving his sister a hug. "Of me? What possible use can a dilettante like myself be to you, Cosette?" he wonders, with good humor. "You know I am always happy to help family, though, so please- go ahead and ask. I'm sure it will be no problem." he says, not even really needing to hear the favor- at least, not when family is involved.

"I was in the middle of painting the battles with the Eastern Empire. I've been inspired recently to take to paint our family's unfortunate loss against overwhelming odds- our Grandfather, of course, will be central- I am still working to see if any other family allied to our own lost a family member to include them, where I can." he explains, smiling over to Marsilia, "Always a pleasure, Marsilia. I hope the day has found you well."

*

(>-------<)
| Orazio (Industry) |
| -----— |
| Success |
| ------- |
| Skill: 10 Mod: 5 Total: 15 |
| Roll: 7 Status: Inspired |
(>-------<)

*

Ever so often Cosette flirts a gaze to Marsiia's feverish efforts, not yet speaking of it while standing near Orazio as he spoke of his latest inspirations. "He the subject of bravery and honor against a terrible enemy." She surmises, offering an opinion of her interpretation of their grandfather's importance in the art piece. "I look forward to viewing it in it's finality. And yes, of course, I was going to ask if you wouldn't mind visiting the orphanage for a day. To speak of your skill and in hopes inspire some into pursuing an interest in your subjects. There is one in particular that has an interest in the stars and sky." Cosette then looks to Marsilia, "These are the books for him, young Atillis." At last answering the question.

*

Orazio looks over at the books, nodding. "Good choices, but there is at least one I'd suggest starting with.. I'm sure we have a copy somewhere. It is called 'On the Transit of Spheres'.. It is an excellent starting point if one is interested in Astronomy." before nodding, "And of course, I would be glad to come and speak on Astronomy, or the mathematics of it." he says with an easy smile, "I can also bring paint and canvas, charcoal, and do a basic on the arts- although, you know very well that I do not consider myself an artist, first."

*

While she looks as if she were doing some busy work, when Orazio mentions this grand painting, her quick filing fingers begin to slow finally. Marsilia's fair features even soften from the serious intensity which her gaze had held earlier. "That sounds absolutely wonderful. Has your grandfather ever written about his experiences in the war, to the places which he had been to?" Slowly, her gaze begins to drop once more to read even more of the paperwork in hand, "I would love to read his accounts on, well, everything, the world at large. It's all so fascinating to experience the world through another's own experiences."

For the time, her mind is once again occupied with inventory work, but she does quietly listen in on when Cosette speaks of one of her gifted orphans. "Broadening the young minds of the unfortunate. That is such a noble task." And this is said to Cosette, for the most part, but in a sense, also to Orazio.

*

Cosette listens as Orazio makes his recommendations, nodding her head on occasion. But her smile flashes brightly when he accepts. "Most excellent then. Atilis would be tremendously excited. A lesson in the basics will be appropriate. They are amateurs themselves in need of a strong fondation. You will do well brother, I have faith in that."

As Marsilia inquires into the history of their family Cosette is mostly quiet, leaving it to her brother to answer. Then the subject of her orphan is mentioned. Cosette comes to life again. "It is, quite noble." A warm reply to Marsilia in agreeance. "I encourage any who excel at a subject matter to spend time with the young, to speak and share of the knowledge they have gained in their expertise. It is humbling to the peerage and nourishes the child. Is there something you may be able to teach dear sister?" Cosette gently inquired of her brother's wife to perhaps learn more about the woman.

*

"He died in the war." Orazio states plainly, "In battle. It is a war we lost, but, that does not mean we were not valiant on the battlefield against overwhelming odds. That is what I am trying to capture in my painting. This courage against almost certain defeat! Almost certain death." he explains, "It is somewhat larger than most of the paintings I typically make- but, I needed room for the armies." he says, "Anyways, not important, I suppose- just my current passion project."

"Anyways, my dear Sister, I will happily come by with all that is required for the children to have an evening of art, and science. I am always happy to share with them, and you." And really, Orazio loves to talk about the stars- they are, and have always been, his most passionate interest. "The shapes in the stars it is, then. So they can always find their way home."

*

Of course, Marsilia believes that it is a beneficial idea to teach the youth, even those of less privilege, so that they may be able to contribute to society and not be ne'er-do-wells and the sort. However, Marsilia never really saw herself as a teacher to such children. Slight hesitation may be heard in her tone and she quickly goes back to sorting and filing, "Through all of my life, I've been taught on how to become a respectable young lady and to help lead a household very much like this one. I'm not certain what skills I could impart on them that would be of any help." She would normally leave it at that, but decides to add in at the very end, "I will give this some thought…"

To Orazio, she nods once, before asking something which has been on her mind for the past few days now, "Oh, Orazio, I was curious to know whether we had taken on some new servants as of late. I've seen some new faces, new to me, at the very least, but I can't say that I know the household servants all that well to begin with." Such a curious question!

*

Cosette asked Orazio, "Where would reside when you are finished? Will it be sold?" She started to head for the books stacked upon the table opposite of the desk Marilia stood behind. Recalling one more she had forgotten to pull from the shelves, along with Orazio's recommendation which may require a little more search due to the massive collection that lined the walls.

Then Marsilia is agreeing to teach and Cosette awards her sister-in-law a kind smile, "Of course. Your kindness is appreciated. Perhaps the expectations and standards of running a house, there are many here who have not disappointed us for decades."

*

"To tell you the truth, Marsilia, my hours often keep me from seeing the majority of our servants. I am familiar with the cook- who has been with us for many years- and his children, who both show an interest in the stars and thus are kindred souls to mine." he says, "I typically am asleep when the maids do their work, and tend to keep my room and workshop how I like them so they need not bother too much with me."

"Doesn't Vito hire the new help?" Orazio wonders, speaking of his brother. "Wouldn't he be the best one to ask? Or, at least, check the payment register. Check six months back- I mean, surely we don't go through servants that quickly. It isn't like we're particularly hard on them. I mean, as my sister has said, there are faces here that might as well be members of the family for all the years of loyal service they've provided."

*

The idea of teaching orphans is set firmly out of the young Contessa's mind for the time being, focusing more on the issues which have plaguing her as of late. "I've already spoken to Vittore," she begins in a firm tone, her lips pursing gently when speaking her husband's name, but she continues on in a more matter-of-fact way, "There have been some new hires, especially since my arrival into the family. I suppose, to help me get situated into this new life and the like." She considers carefully before she finally stating, "It would seem that we some of our goods have gone missing. Expensive silks were the majority of the stolen items. I've recounted our inventory countless times and looked through various ledgers, including for any possible notes in case that silk was being used for other projects. But so far, nothing is adding up, so I was merely curious if anyone has noticed people in places where they should not be in and the like."

*

There's a vacant chair near the desk that hosts a stack of books and very little else upon it's recently dusted and polished surface. "Expensive silk?" Cosette asked while both hands folded upon her lap. Her gaze looked to Orazio, a brief one before her attentions refocused to Marsilia. As she hasn't been to the family home in weeks, many many weeks Cosette had little idea as to much of the going ons around grounds. "How well has the new staff been vetted?" She asks both of her siblings. "These silks were accounted for off the ship, right? Are you certain they are missing from here? Our home?"

*

"Well.." Orazio says, "Do you want me to go over the numbers?" he asks, "I mean, that is really the only thing I can help with in this regard." he says simply, "I'm afraid that my interests put me in a different way than most of the family."

*

"Yes," Marsilia responds to Cosette first as she places the ledger she had been clutching in her hands down onto the table. Anyone can take a look at them, but it's mostly just a list of luxury goods and number amounts on how many of such items should be found in the family storage. "My expertise is in luxury goods, a skill I had learned from the previous reigning Duchessa when I assisted her as a lady-in-waiting. After marrying into this family, I helped Vittore to better establish his trade on these luxury items, such as silk and gemstones and other frivolous things." Here she sighs, "But it seems that during my very first month in working to help establish a better trade deal for these goods, something went amiss." To Orazio, she answers, "I've gone through the numbers more times than I would like, but all I ask from anyone is to keep an eye out. I do not want to put blame on the servants," Though as Orazio may remember, she had done so a few days prior at the park in her discussion with Vittore, "But I do want to get to the bottom of this."

*

Cosette is quiet for a moment, her eyes look the books she collected then exhales a breath. "I do not doubt your numbers are incorrect dear sister. Though perhaps I may prolong my visit for a night or more, to see how I may aid. If at all possible." A slow rise onto her feet the woman of Devotion makes an unhurried journey to the other side of the library where the ledger rested openly upon the desk. She gives an encouraging smile to Marsilia, "Let us not fret hmm? They are naught but silks. Who ever is responsible will face judgement of their sins whether we discover who is the culprit or not." Cosette looks to her brother, "We would have you no other way. Would you be kind and have a messenger deliver those books for me?" She pulls back one of the pages to start at the begining.

*

"Mm. A most troubling thing to think one of our employees might steal from us. I mean, we do treat them fairly well, I'd think. No beatings, fairly decent hours. And, of course, the honor of serving an old noble family of Matora. It puts them in a class beyond most of the common people in the city. There is strength and power being employed by a noble house." he notes, "So, it would have to be someone new- someone who wanted to be hired specifically to steal from us- or from others." he continues, just going through it all in his head.

"I think we can safely put aside anyone who's worked with us for a few years. Particularly those who wouldn't have access to the house stores."

"Oh? The books, most certainly. That won't be an issue at all. I'll have someone bring those, and some supplies for the classes."

*

(>-------<)
| Cosette (Stewardship) |
| -----— |
| Success |
| ------- |
| Skill: 10 Mod: 0 Total: 10 |
| Roll: 5 Status: |
(>-------<)

*

Rather than continue looking through all of Vittore's notes, Marsilia is taking the time to place everything back and to keep her husband's desk orderly. With her own ledger once more in hand, she cannot help but look over the tallies that she has done and quietly compare them to the numbers which they were supposed to have matched. "I'm afraid that out of everyone, I am the newest addition to the family — aside from any of the new hires and it will be these new hires whom I shall speak to first." Talking business now, she continues on, "The numbers were correct just last week and any items that were used or removed from the storage room were or should have been documented." And here her lips purse once more, "I am sure that Vittore knows that if I ever needed silk for anything, I would make sure to jot it down in the ledgers." But it is to Cosette's comment regarding that 'it's only silk' that brings Marsilia to state, "You know you're brother well enough," She is speaking of Vittore!, "it's never 'just' anything."

*

Cosette was begining to make herself quite comfortable behind the desk, even after Marsilia's efforts to return things in their proper place here is Vittore's younger sister moving the items around to her liking. As she would be here for quite some time. "It could be a number of reasons why brother. I'd hate to think it was someone that has worked for us for almost all our lives however…" She flips a page and starts looking around a for a sheet of parchment to begin taking her own notes. "It must be done. New or not." Steel forged words cemented her resolve in making sure there would be a resolution to this. When Marsilia mentions her attraction for silk, Cosette looks to her new sibling with a smile. "I am sure you would. Sometimes things are forgotten dear sister. It does happen." She comments while holding out her hand expectantly, "Let us be thorough hmm? Your ledger if you would be so kind." Then after a moment she says, "I do know him quite well which is why I am helping." You went unspoken.

*

"Right. Well, I will be in my studio if anyone needs me." Orazio says, with a bow of his head, "I still have my muse and I should rather like to entertain her before she decides to leave me." He bows his head, "Cosette, Marsilia- do give a shout if you need anything. I won't be far."

*

Ever the fashionable sort, there is no doubt that Marsilia owns far more expensive garments than she really needs. Many of them made of such a fine and expensive fabric. Still, she looks overly concerned about her findings, most likely due to the fact that if anything goes wrong, it would mean more work for her in the long run. However, her features brighten considerably enough when Cosette offers to help and here, Marsilia pushes her ledger to the center of the desk so that both of them can have a good look at the numbers written, whether it be the most recent tallies or ones made during prior inspections. "We could take a walk to the storage room if you would like to see things for yourself. It may take a good portion of the day to get a full inventory of it all." Then when Orazio speaks again, her attention is drawn back to him and away from those wretched numbers, "Thank you, dear brother."

*

Cosette refrains from commenting about her sibling's 'muse', she offers a gentle reminder, "Be well in the grace of the Paragon's brother." Her eyes then lower to the Marsilia's ledger slid before her then opens to the first page. "Thank you." She tells her new sibling then steals a few glances of her brother's departure. Intentionally waiting for him to leave. "We will in a moment, but first let us speak with one another. About your settling in here."

*

Orazio has left.

*

Hovering over Vittore's desk, Marsilia's posture remains rigid, a sign that she could very well be burdened by the stress of this situation. Her lips part as if she were to continue on about the missing silk, but her sister-in-laws new suggestion catches her by surprise. "Of course," The question is slightly odd to the young woman, but then again, she is the newest member in this family and she had not spent much time with Cosette during her young marriage. "There are things that I am still getting used to, but I've helped with the running the household of my own birth family ever since I was a child, so I am somewhat used to the busy day-to-day."

*

Cosette drew both hands from the desk, gathering them to lay upon her lap while listening to the provided answer. She would appear interested, eye contact maintained all the while and to soften her star she keeps the corner of her mouth curled up. "A busy day keeps our minds from wandering to the untward." Perhaps some lesson from a Matre a long, long time ago. "I did not care to approach the subject with my broth—our brother present. When we review these ledgers in depth, is there anything I should be made aware of sister?" She asked, her brows raised slightly.

*

The natural sweet innocence of Marsilia's youthful features are marred by the tight clenching of her jaw as she spent all of her day on this one issue. Cosette's voice and the inquiry that follows does make her arch a gentle brow, though she does say in response, "If you find something odd in these ledgers, then do let me know. I've been searching for a sign of miscalculation, perhaps. Which would have made things a little easier on my part… after having gone through the ledger as many times as I've had to, recently." Turning to meet with her sister's gaze, she, herself, asks, "Did you have anything in mind that may have gone wrong?"

*

Cosette's attention remains glued upon Marsilia through the answer provided. When queried of her own thoughts the woman of Devotion exhaled slowly, almost sighing. "Many thoughts as to what may have gone wrong and so I hope to lessen the possibilities starting with this." She raised a hand only to tap a well trimmed fingernail upon the first page of Marisilia's ledger. "It is as I said earlier, sometimes things are forgotten. I lay no fault to you, only to absolve you with absolute certainty. I trust Vittore has been very colorful lately." Cosette commented while withdrawing her hand from the ledger. "How much is missing, in the silks? At what value?"

*

"Vittore is a businessman through and through. Not that I blame him for not wanting to numbers to add up correctly at all times, because I can be quite the perfectionist myself." Marsilia admits, though she doesn't seem overly embarrassed by it all. "As for how much was lost. One unit's worth. Vanished. And the last time I counted, as was documented in this ledger, that unit was accounted for." She even flips the pages back and forth to further prove this point. "I can't say where it vanished to or the exact date when, but ever since, I've paid visit to the storage room to ensure that nothing more disappears."

*

On learning just how much was missing the stoic demeanor of faithful follower was weakened for a brief moment. "A whole unit?" Cosette repeated carefully as though to make certain that was indeed what she heard. "That would nearly be impossible to occomplish by one person alone." Thoughts were given voice before she lowers her gaze to follow the numbers that tracked and accounted for the supply's room inventory. "How often had you visited the storage room before?" She then looks to see how often the inventory of their wares were checked.

*

Marsilia nods her head firmly on Cosette's realization of just how much is missing. "Personally? I try to check in once a week, especially when there is a new shipment coming in or if we have an order that needs to be shipped out. There are others who help with the count and who do so more regularly, but those are hired by the family. While I don't know if any of them would have done anything of the sort, I can't say the same for delivery men or those whose tasks might take them around the villa for various tasks. Something which I've brought up with Vittore just the other day." Turning a few pages in the back, she notes, "I've been keeping a tally of our agricultural goods as well. Just to ensure that no cases of wine suddenly go missing."

*

Cosette reaches for the quill and ink to make some scribbling notes of her own upon a nearby parchment. Again she's mostly quiet, transposing some of numbers to the parchment with dates and a few of Marsilia's words in elegant script suitable to record religious works. Maybe she had practice. "That is good, we need nothing more to go awry." Replacing the quill Cosette takes the parchment in hand, care given to insure the ink wouldn't smudge as she moved. "Let us see the store room first, hmm? Then we will make inquiries from all the servants." Cosette begins rising from her seat to start the investigation of the entire household servants. "That should help you come to know who is who beneath this roof." Quite certain that Marisilia would agree, Cosette pushes in the chair and abandons her re-arrangement of a few items on Vittore's desk either with intention or accidentally. Either way the Sister of Devotion is already heading for the door.

*

While as the lady of the house, Marsilia should know all of the servants under this very roof, she is still learning the ropes of this particular household, but she does feel somewhat relieved when it is Cosette to take the reigns on this matter. "I truly do appreciate your help. I had been at my wits ends just earlier, but I knew full well what the next step in all of this would be and while I may be new to the family and some of the servants may think of me as an outsider as it is… I knew that it had to be done at some point." With that said, she does move to follow behind her sister-in-law, "Your presence, I'm sure, will put everyone in the household at ease."

*

Cosette paused just before the exit of the palazzo's library to wait for Marsilia where the journey to the store room would be side by side. "We are family now, this is what we do for one another." She assures with an accompaning smile. At some point a messenger should be acquiring the books she collected to have delivered to the orphanage. When Marsilia is eventually heading out the door with Cosette the gray clad woman smirk's inwardly. "I'm sure they will be."