Spring has started to emerge even in the alps, and only a few short miles away, the same is true of Chateau Rolle. The thin ice that managed to form around the banks of Lake Leman only a few meters away from the walls of the medieval keep have melted away, leaving the water crisp but flowing freely against the shores. And with nightfall, the stars come out in a clear dark sky, altitude making them all the brighter in the air with just a hint of a chill remaining.
     Flowers have already begun to bloom in the beds between the small patios in front of the rooms on the southern wing that faces the drive up to the arch formed by the walk to the gate house. A large moving truck is parked just to the side of the door into the entry hall, back open as a few final crates are brought into the large area where the principle activity of the evening is taking place. The hanging of the chandelier.
     On the second night of the event, Victoria stands at the doors, ostensibly holding one open though it's obvious that she isn't needed for it. Instead it keeps her from simply standing to one side doing nothing as she watches the last of the glass packed carefully away being brought in. A heavy cashmere sweater in deep greens and blues hangs over charcoal light woolen slacks. Elegant comfort to match with the pleasant evening air.

     "You're doing a fine job," Raymond observes, entering the room after his last brandy. It is clear he is not remaining long, even as he's only arrived in the last hour. The prince smiles, a hand slipping into his pocket. He leans against a wall, staying out of the way.
     "How long will the assembly take?" Raymond asks, watching a few workers move about.

     Victoria chuckles, closing the door after the last of the workmen bringing in their careful cargo, "Thanks, it's a talent I've perfected after many years of practice."
     She's in positively marvelous spirits. It's like Christmas. Only much more expensive and involved. Well. Than some Christmases. Either way, she's pleased as punch that the whole thing is coming off. And that she gets to watch how it all goes together.
     "Most of the rest of the night, really. You're here for the best part though. Last night was mostly putting in the supports and the neon." She smiles easily as she comes over to the door into the great hall off the entry, waiting until the workmen are arranged out of the door before she plans to move through to the couches out of the way.
     A heavy titanium frame was bolted into the ceiling over last evening, long hanging tubes of neon running down the center of the cone hooked into wiring so that even now it's already lit with brilliant green, sky blue, and icy white. But now they've started to unpack the glass, loops on the end of each piece carefully created when they were hand blown so that they can be hooked over the sturdy frame and wired into place. Currently shimmering gold and iridescent white on the ground.

     "Well, it's good that someone has a talent for doors," Raymond says dryly, though with a following smirk. "Me? I have no such ability. Useless, as they say. At least you have door gifts. Everyone should be so lucky."
     This may be the interesting part, but not at the door. Not for him. Raymond moves over to set himself on the arm of a sofa. If he had a drink, Noel Coward would be proud. Such a look. Instead, both hands come to rest on his lap as Raymond's lips pull into a semi-bored smirk.
     "How long will you have guests?" Raymond asks, making conversation.

     "People will probably be coming and going over the next month or so. I'm going to have the house open in a week over a few days for people to come through." Invitation only of course, Miranda having received yours weeks ago when the information about the chandelier was passed on. "Ian's going to be ready to get back to Strathfyr after not too much longer." Really he's most likely ready now and just being polite. "And I think William had other things to see to in Venice. Michael's staying for a about a month yet. I haven't heard when the Dignitary is coming through, though it could be any time. And that'll bring Tori and Raf." She counts off as she goes over to the sidebar, arching an eyebrow in invitation to name your pleasure as there's a full bar stocked while she waits to pour, "And Hansl Arnaul is most likely going to be coming out to have a look at my mural when he's through with his work in Venice." It is, as some say, a full house.

     The names get a nod, though 'Tori' and 'Raf', along with 'Michael' causes the tilt of his head. Hansl brings a blank, until the last name is mentioned. For that, Raymond nods. "Definitely a house filled," Raymond smiles. "And I am certain you are a delightful hostess."
     "So, will you enjoy living in such a large place on your own? I do not mean to be cheeky," Raymond uses English obscurity, "...just interested."

     "Thank you. Speaking of hostessing, would you like a drink?" Victoria asks, tilting head angled to the bar next to her briefly as she glances to the unwrapping a few feet away where the nearly two hundred pieces are being unbubbled in neat rows on the floor and the dining table that's been set off against the wall to give room for the scaffolds.
     "I'm not sure yet, honestly. I haven't before. When I was in New York the house in the country that we were in most of the time was nearly this large, but it was always full of people. Visitors coming and going, and then the half dozen of us that lived there permanently. It's been quiet the few days it's just been the staff and Michael and I. And the construction's only just gotten finished on the library. But it's still fairly new." She reaches up to tuck a chestnut curl back behind her ear off her face, "I'm also hoping to do a lot of traveling though."

     "A drink would be excellent," Raymond says softly, brows lifting and falling in a relieving exhale. "Thank you."
     "And you appear to make friends very quickly," Raymond goes on. "Another good talent."

     She chuckles lightly, "What would you like?" Victoria gets a glass from the cabinet just above her head, "I've got a bottle of wine from the vineyard back in New Port decanted if you're feeling daring." Offering American wine to the French could seem quite the dare in some circles. The vineyard that is no longer hers, but still present. "Or some nice brandy if you'd rather."
     Her head tilts again considering that compliment and she nods with an easy smile, "I suppose. I should add that on my resume above door holding." There's a hint of teasing in the remark but it does seem to strike her a bit for some reason, "Tori, Raf, and Michael I've known for a while from America. But I do like meeting people."

     "Brandy is good, thank you," Raymond grins, knowing his polite decline of the wine says much about his thoughts on American vintners. His hand lifts and waves, then comes to fold with his other across his chest.
     "So, your friends are from America? How nice," Raymond nods, "...it is good to have your circle." Le Grande Elegance. His own Grande Court du Courtiers. Whatever you may call it, though some are not so elaborate. "Have they come to be with you?"

     She isn't at all insulted, but rather a touch amused, nodding as she turns to pour. The glass itself is Murano. As is the matching decanter set. Quite the stemware, but what a better occasion to use it for than a celebration of the art? Even if it's selectively attended.
     "Hm? Oh, no. Tori's been here for years, Raf with her. Michael came over with me, though more to make sure I didn't need anything before he goes back to Constantine." She certainly hopes. "She and I worked together in New Port before I went to Portland." On the council there, is left understood. "We hadn't talked for years until William's opening. One of those people I never meant to lose touch with but just did when things got busy."

     Only after the city is mentioned does Raymond's fog slightly clear. "Ah...this is Mademoiselle Whitethorne." A nod. Some part resolved. "Well, such happens. And it will only get worse," he affirms with a shrug. "It is the way."
     "As your other associate -- I had not realized that your sire had sent accompaniment," Raymond notes. "I'd say that would get worse too," he's talking to himself, at least that half-askance look says, "..but maybe not," a smile returns.

     Victoria brings the glass over to hand off, moving to lean against the high back of the sofa next to where you're perched on the arm, "Oh, I'm sure. Now I'm farther away from the majority of the people that I know, it's bound to. But, as you say, it's how things are."
     She half-grins a bit, perhaps agreeing with the commentary on her sire and his aide more than she'd like, "And yes."
     "How are things going in Tours?" Her attention shifts easily as she inquires, "I heard more than one person at the masque saying they were going to stop by to visit you there, it sounded like you were going to be more busy entertaining than I am."

     "Tours?" Raymond cheers, almost grinning now. Perhaps it's the brandy. "Quite well, thank you for asking. A marvelous city, with prospects of being even more so -- imshallah." God willing.
     The brandy is lifted and a toast engaged. "To your lovely home, your lovely glass, your lovely chandelier, and lovely you. May it all continue this way," Raymond says with a bit of drama, blue stones glittering in the cufflinks at his wrists.

     "All I've heard for the last few months is how improved it continues to be." And how impressive it's prince is, though that might seem to be laying it on a bit thick.
     "Thank you, you're too kind." She chuckles lightly at the compliments but nods graciously, not having anything to toast with herself until she leans a bit to retrieve her coffee from a nearby end table, "And to lovely company, which makes the rest of it all the more so."

     "Ah," Raymond nods, gracious enough to take the compliment. He laughs and takes a drink from his snifter, almost glad for it. "The elixir of life, truly," he remarks, despite evidence to the contrary.
     His exhale is audible as he stands and moves around the arm of the sofa to take a more proper seat upon it. Brandy in hand, he may now be most comfortable. "You've never said what's next for you, Victoria. Have your plans made themselves more evidenced? I mean, this..." Raymond's blue shirt gleams as if he's casting a spell when his arm waves, "...is all quite a statement."

     Stepping up to come around and take another seat on the couch as well, Victoria shrugs slightly, cup in hand, "I'm not sure yet, everything's kind of coming in a blur."
     She settles in, half sideways with one elbow up at the level of her ear perched so that she can lean her head on her hand, still able to see the progression of the installation of the chandelier peripherally with her attention focussed on the conversation. "When I came through in the fall I wasn't planning on moving, but it seemed like the thing to do. And now that I'm here, I'm glad I have, but it's... a big change. So I'm still kind of finding my footing."

     "It is," Raymond affirms. "And the court? You have found it sufficient?" Whatever that means.

     Eyebrows arch elegantly again, curiosity surfacing as it is wont to do with her so easily, "Sufficient?" She doesn't seem to catch the meaning of that specifically, no. Her hand comes down, shoulder now resting against the high leather back of the sofa instead, cup held in her lap in a listening pose.

     "Yes, sufficient," Raymond says, looking up. "Have you met them, will you be able to reside here? Is it a court you would enjoy? You know, sufficient," Raymond laughs, taking a drink from his glass again. It was clear, you know.

     Oooh, sufficient. Of course. How could he have meant anything else? "Yes, I've met them, I went down before going to Venice for all the formalities." Presentations, pleasantries, your sire's who? Why of course you can stay, lovely to meet you. All that. "And it's a lovely court, though I don't..." She considers how exactly to phrase this particular little caveat, "I don't know that Geneva is entirely to my taste, personally." Old, ingrained, Swiss. "That's just a first impression though."

     Raymond tips his chin, pursing his lips in the process. "Well, Geneva is...Geneva. A very old place," he notes. "But, at least you have done the required portions. I am sure you will enjoy the fresh air of the Swiss countryside," he teases, looking up again.

     "Oh, yes." Requirements fulfilled within a day of landing, just like the good little girl she is. "It went quite well, everyone was very polite." As though they would've been anything else.
     She grins at the teasing, gesturing breezily over her shoulder towards the windows behind her along side the fireplace as she replies in the same tone, "Well, I have a lovely garden. The night jasmine's just coming out, so I have plenty of fresh air. And then the lake, of course. All kinds of things to get me out and about."

     There's more nods from Raymond, he finishing up his current brandy. It doesn't last long. "Long walks, crystal in your eyes," he grins. "A perfect life. Peace," he nods, understanding the notion. "Most would envy you, Victoria."

     "I would envy me, too." She says easily, reaching over to take the glass for more brandy if you're inclined, "A rolling stone, however, gathers no moss. I don't think I'm going to be able to retire to my hermitage just yet."
     Though it doesn't sound as though it wouldn't be nigh on paradise for her to be able to do so. "Gilbert and Sullivan and all that." Duty, lovely duty.

     Well, now there's a frown. "So, you are not staying here?" The metaphor of rolling stone is lost on him.

     "Well, there's staying and there's staying." Victoria says, pausing in the retrieval of the snifter, "Taking up residence, yes. Retiring to my tower, no. I just haven't decide how the new enterprise is going to present itself yet, is all."

     "Oh, not another for me," Raymond waves off, "...thank you." But as the explanation comes, Raymond ahs softly. "Well, yes. That does happen. Sometimes you must wait and then it will appear to you."

     There's a light incline of a nod at the refused second and Victoria settles back again easily into her seat, replying with a half-smile, "Sometimes I wish it would appear faster."
     "But, exactly. Geneva and I aren't going to suit for politics, I don't think. As you said." Young brash Americans wouldn't ingratiate themselves easily, certainly, "But I still have a lot of places yet to visit, so it's not entirely out of the mix."

     "A whole world to travel," Raymond offers, nodding as he pushes himself to the end of the sofa. "Well, I should like to see a bit more of the gardens around here, before it gets too late. Besides," he looks to where the workmen are, "...I think they will be a few hours more."

     Victoria rises, an entirely amused grin gracing her features and banishing most of the serious quality that had settled there with the earlier subject, though it's not in her nature to dissipate completely, "You're very sweet not to tell me how boring it is to watch. I'd be happy to give you a tour of the gardens if you'd like."

     "If you like," Raymond smiles, standing effortlessly. "Though I confess, that my walk will be to enjoy the quiet." A disappearance into the darkness. "But, I should be glad if you would like to lead the path to walk."

     "I would be delighted." She sets her cup back on the table for Landry to pick up when he comes through, glancing to the workmen briefly before inclining her head towards the door leading out to the gallery from the hall, "It's just through here."

     The largest single space in the chateau complex, the central courtyard is framed on three sides by the wings of the building itself, pitched roves blocking the north, east, and southern views. The western side is contained by a stone wall that reaches nearly six feet in height, just taller than the tops of the various doors that lead out into the area. A heavy wooden palisade gate allows visitors out onto the waterfront should they wish to pass around the southern wing to the lake.
     While the entire area was once paved with stones much like the castle floor, it has now been transformed into an arrangement of smaller gardens connected with the original flagstones now in paths rather than a blanket of grey. Planted with flowers that bloom in the evening hours, the air is filled with fragrances in the spring and fall. While fewer blossoms show themselves during the day, it is lovely throughout the seasons, smaller sculptures tucked in at various places to reveal themselves at different points during the year with tiny surprises for those who look for them.
     The roof of the eastern wing containing the great hall actually extends to create a gallery, the open side framed into segments by heavy stone arches and their supporting pillars.
     Each of the rooms facing the courtyard, such as the Foix, the Viry and the siren, has their own door allowing them to freely enjoy some of the wonderful air off the alps, complete with portique separated from one another by a arrangements of potted topiaries to form a living wall.
     The master suite has its own patio. A slightly larger version of the portique, it has a gliding bench sitting under an arbor covered in flowering jasmine vines that bloom at night to release a soft fragrance. A stone fountain adds a relaxing bubbling noise in the background.
     The largest single segment of the garden is the area before the carved doors leading into the chapel. A large stone cross stands off to the side with carved benches nearby that are worn as though they have been there since the town itself was built.

     The door into the great hall where the workmen continue to toil away hanging the nearly 100 pieces of glass carefully and artistically is closed. Leaving the two of you in the covered gallery looking out on the beautiful springtime blossoms on the trees and bushes in the courtyard garden. The scents attract moths, and they in turn attract night songbirds. And so the sounds of soft song can be heard nestled in one of the many nooks and crannies that the plan is laid out to provide. Private spaces and public ones connected by stone paths winding their way in easy curves.
     "So, this is the gallery." Her voice echoes slightly along the open sided passage, running semi-enclosed from the entry hall to the library. "I'm looking forward to getting a rain so I can see what it sounds like in here."

     "I'm sure," Raymond observes, a smile brightening up his features. He walks along, as if he has all the time in the world. "It does not have the full dimensions for a complete whispering gallery, but the acoustics are quite nice. You have done much work, Victoria. It is a lovely work in progress," he grins, knowing the nature of such things.
     "Spring in Switzerland. Not quite France," Raymond grins at his sudden national pride, "but, it will do."

     "Thank you, I've never had a garden before." She steps forward, laying a hand on the arch as it arcs overhead as the separation between stone and green. "Not that I actually do any of the work in it, but I helped design it."
     "And I'm really enjoying the chateau, I should show you the library when we get back around, it's had the most work." Surprise anyone? She tilts her head towards the path out into the plants for now though, "Anything you're particularly interested in having a look at?"

     "The library would be nice," Raymond observes. "I am sure it's fabulous."
     He doesn't appear to have much to say. Raymond's been fascinated by the chandelier and regarded the chateau. He's enjoyed his drink, and he seems rather comfortable in the momentary silence.

     Stepping back from the portal she tilts her head back to the great hall, "It's probably easiest to get to through here. Or we could make a circuit and go down to the chapel and come back up the north hall."
     She waits next to you, not in a rush herself, it seems, and amenable to either choice of exploration.

     "However you choose," Raymond says agreeably.
     "So, when do you think you will travel again," Raymond starts up idly.

     "Let's go the long way, then." Victoria decides, electing to meander through the gardens instead. She waits to step off until you seem ready, however, leaning back against the column behind her.
     "I'm not sure, really, it'll depend somewhat on what's coming up." She says easily, "I've got people coming for the week in a few days, I'm not sure who all's going to be here yet. There were more things I wanted to see in France, though, so I'm thinking of maybe coming back in a month or so."

     Raymond nods, then looks left and right. "Where to?" he asks. "I am afraid, you will need to lead."
     "As for France, well, there's much to see. You should spend time in Paris. Marseilles. Lyon. Nice."

     Turning the tables a little and offering her arm with a grin she nods, "Sure."
     "Most of my last trip was in the south, I didn't spend much of it in Paris. Or the other cities. I'm thinking of doing shorter, more focussed trips, though. I haven't planned it out much yet, I'm afraid."

     The arm is taken, and Raymond laughs as he walks on. "Well, certainly you should visit the coast if you have not. Burgundy, as well. Seat of all that used be wonderful of France." A joke is in there somewhere.
     Raymond quiets again, continuing to go where he is led.

     Linking through easily, Victoria steps off the paving of the gallery onto the central path, branching to the right rather than heading towards the small patios along the southern wing. Trees rise up from the center to cover part of the sky, a nymph statue sitting between them as though she is peeking out.
     She grins a bit, not, obviously, getting the joke, but then she's not overly familiar with France, "I'll keep that in mind then." Her pace is slow, allowing for enjoyment of the air and the fragrances, "So what about you? What plans do you have coming up?"

     "All business," Raymond explains. "Return home, see to things there. Those are my plans," he smiles. "Meetings, other activities around the city. Perhaps a meeting in another city nearby, if I am lucky. I keep a schedule. Not terribly exciting, I will admit it may seem, but it is busy and important to others, and I enjoy it, in my own way." A secret among princes.

     "Sounds familiar." She doesn't sound as though she misses it, how ever could that be? "It's good, though, that you like it. And it is important." Being prince always is. Same could be said for leading a clan in a city, to a lesser degree. "As I recall it was always worse when it was exciting." Exciting generally means something isn't going the way it's supposed to.

     "Often 'exciting' does mean 'bad all the way around,'" Raymond agrees. "But I have been away for enough time now that I actually miss things...even if exciting. I look forward to being home."
     "And you, well," Raymond grins, "...you are at home. That is a nice feeling."

     "I'm glad I went to Venice, but I'm just as glad to be back here again." Victoria agrees, bending slightly to go under a low branch on her side of the path, "And it will be. It doesn't feel like it, really, yet, but it's getting closer as I settle in. There are whole rooms I haven't been in so far."

     "I can imagine," Raymond affirms.
     "Victoria, I will confess, this may be the last time I see you for a while. I hope you do not take it the wrong way. But, the fact is...we have seen each other several times in the last six to eight months. This last year. But when I return to Tours this time, it is likely I shall not leave for a very long time. So that you are aware. This last year has been unusual for me."

     Pausing on the path, Victoria turns towards you with a smile, "No, I won't take it the wrong way." Princes who leave their cities too often don't stay princes for long. "And it's been an unusual year all the way around, I think. I hadn't left Oregon until the last time I'd been to see William and Ian in Scotland when I got the invitation to the opening."
     "I've enjoyed seeing you as often as I have, but I'm sure your schedule's been strange." She reaches up with her free hand to tuck a curl back behind her ear where it belongs, "And, not to be pushy, but my schedule's more open than yours is likely to be. So, when you're settled in again, if you'd like, I can come visit you instead."

     Raymond's lips part in a laugh and he looks up to the sky. "I think that would be alright," he smirks. "I could, perhaps, squeeze in a dinner and drink or two."

     Grinning a bit, she nods, "I'd like that."
     "I'm not trying to install myself in your life, but, I do like spending time with you. And I'm sure you're very busy, and have a lot of responsibilities that mean socializing isn't always a top priority. So when there's time there's time. I'm not going to pine away because you haven't been able to work something out." American, anyone? But, maybe it's better to toss out there than have it be a concern about how she's going to take things.

     Raymond looks slightly confused for an instant, then says, "Well, when guests visit, Miranda will certainly put them on my schedule. So if you are to visit the city, please do let her know."

     That doesn't seem to have come across the way she intended exactly, "Great, I'll do that."
     She chuckles, "I think that didn't even entirely make sense to me. Sorry." Victoria starts to walk slowly again, contemplating how to phrase things differently. Or, just in a way that works.

     "I'm sorry?" Raymond asks, not quite sure of the confusion. "Miranda...she keeps my calendar? When guests come, she makes sure that they are in the calendar for visits...." he explains again.

     She smiles, "Oh, no, what you said made sense. What I said didn't quite. Miranda's very nice, she seems to be a good assistant."
     The path curves a little again, winding to the large paved area in front of the heavy chapel doors. Less covered in foliage around the old benches and stones, the space comes to some small topiaries lining the courtyard wall facing the mountains.

     Raymond ahs and nods, continuing to go along. "She is that. She's been doing such for a while, so, she comes on good recommendation."

     "I'm still getting my new assistant settled. He hasn't adjusted to everything yet, but I think he's going to do a good job." Victoria says conversationally as she gets up to the chapel doors, pulling one open to enter.

     The first floor of the largest of the round towers in the chateau is occupied by the family chapel. Having acted as the primary church for the area for the better part of a century before Rolle itself was founded, it retains some of the elements of its earlier duties. From here, you can move to the library through the north wing, or out into the courtyard to enjoy the gardens there during the day or night.
     On the walls above the Dias, it appears that there were once vibrant murals. Still present, but faded. Added after the building of the castle itself, for those who date such things, it is most likely from the early thirteenth century. The integrity of the fortress and its lack of windows has kept the colors for the most part true, but the aging of the plaster has caused more damaged spots of chipping or dampened areas that have begun to flake off if they don't have some attention soon. The depiction itself is one of the martyrdom of the Theban Legion. Roman soldiers in their segmented armor slaughter other soldiers corralled in a circle and on their knees praying to the image of Christ in the air above them on the wall. Angels on either side looking down with expressions of pleased peace in contrast to the violent scene presented. Saint Maurice, the patron of the family of Savoy.
     A confessional still sits unused off to one side, carved from regional Norway Spruce in an intricate lattice of crusader crosses that mimic those on the Savoy coat of arms. The raised dais next to it has a later ecclesiastical cabinet that seems to have been furnished by one of the more recent occupants of the castle, likely around the fourteenth century. The main piece that serves as an alter would more aptly be described as a dressoir, cabinet doors likely having held the implements of mass from the sight of the common man until the appropriate time.
     Other than those things, however, the room is bare with the exception of a small pile of wooden paneling, slightly bowed as though it may have at one time been held onto the walls by some mechanism. Almost as though everything else that could be removed, has been. At least for the moment, most likely in hopes of restoring it to its former beauty.

     The prince enters, walking slowly along. "Well," he states, "...good." Raymond allows his hands to clasp behind him, while he falls into silence. His feet scuffs along the chapel floor, and his heels click slightly. New shoes, perhaps.

     Victoria pulls the door to as she follows through, lights in the room illuminating the central feature of the mural. Without anything else to speak of outside the confessional and alter in the room, it's rather bare. But, it does look as though it's one of the few places in the chateau still under construction.
     "Hansl Arnaul is going to come have a look at it when he's got a chance, though I'd imagine he's going to be a bit preoccupied for a while yet. I'm looking forward to his opinion though when he makes it up from Paris."

     Raymond pauses and looks over in a long, considering fashion. Then his eyes lift as he looks around the space. "Interesting. I did not know that he did such work. In fact," Raymond explains, "...I am surprised that he is currently doing anything at all, as he remains in mourning."
     Raymond's face comes pointedly to his hostess. "He is doing restoration work?"

     "We met in Venice, actually. William introduced us and recommended him, I offered to show him the information I'd brought with me, and he said he would be interested in coming to have a look at it personally when time permitted and take on the project." Victoria says easily, watching the mural for the most part as she speaks before turning with her hands behind her. Turning to Raymond again her shoulders lift up briefly in a light shrug, "So it looks like it."

     There's unease that Raymond does not try and hide. But there is little for him to say on the subject. "I hope it goes well," he smiles. "It is a large project. It's good that William recommends him then," Raymond offers somewhat politely. "What...exactly...will the artist do?"

     Seeming a bit confused at the reaction, Victoria's eyebrows arch slightly, "You don't think it's a good idea?"
     "It's not badly off, but it has some moisture damage." She steps forward towards the piece to gesture to one of the slightly bubbling blue fragments, "The plaster needs some stabilizing, it was under wood panels for several centuries that kept the water on the surface. And now that it's uncovered I've got concerns about how stable it is. So I'm going to see what he recommends." She still seems to wonder about what it is that has Raymond's mood shifted.

     Raymond moves towards one of the walls, his footfalls echoing around the emptied space. A brush and tap, almost like a dance step. A slight sigh follows and Raymond turns to look at Victoria once more. "If William...recommends the young man, then," Raymond shrugs. "I will only note, that...if it were me, I would want top-notch professionals to handle the delicate engineering work and any conservation work. I presume that this Arnaul has such experience," Raymond smiles. He purses his lips and then turns about to head towards the doors recently entered.

     "Well, in a perfect world, I'd like William to be able to do it of course, but he's entirely booked for the next few years." Which is somewhat an understatement, "And I don't expect it's enough of a challenge for him, really."
     "I was going mostly on his recommendation, but do you have someone else that you think I should consider instead?" She asks as she tilts her head towards the door at the other side of the round room, "The hall here leads to the library if you'd like to see it?"

     "William," Raymond seems a little confused, "...has an entire company to do such work?" Then a frown and a backpedal. "I'm sorry, Victoria, I do not mean to tell you what to do. I guess, with the fact that you know one of the greatest art engineers and restorers in business, that you would need to rest such a delicate project on the...untried...shoulders of a very young...unknown?"
     "This is not just a matter of painting. There's structural work that must be confirmed, construction that must be verified, and any stone, foundation, or..." Raymond waves a hand at a wall, "...well, let alone any restoration, conservation, or preservation needs that must be attended to, long before you...have an artist - is he an artist - do anything. But again, if Arnaul knows more than I am aware, then I apologize now. But, again, while William, true, is busy, he does have considerable resources and a business that specializes in such work." Raymond's gaze narrows, in the hope he has not overstepped his bounds. He seems rather confused that this conversation is happening at all. "While years is a wait, I suspect he has teams that could put you on a schedule in a reasonable amount of time. And if not," Raymond shrugs, "I would, personally, wait until they did have the time."

     Instead of perhaps the expected reaction of becoming grumpy, Victoria does quite the opposite and smiles. Not amused as though the suggestion isn't a good one, but pleased, somehow.
     "He's going to be here in a few days, I'll check with him while he's visiting on the schedule that his team has and if he's got any other members that might be interested." She grins a little, "If I had to wager, I'd bet he's going to tell me he's given me his suggestion already, but I think you're right that it's a good idea to ask."
     "And yes, he's an artist. Though I was planning on reviewing any information I can get on his other projects that might have similar parameters. And my main concern is that its deterioration is halted, more than anything else. The restoration itself is a separate project in a lot of ways, you're right." Her tone says she was planning on doing the second part already. And that doing the first is probably a good idea.
     "Thanks." She smiles again, stepping over partially towards the door and partially towards her companion, "And you seemed like you were giving me your opinion, not telling me what to do. Which I appreciate."

     Raymond's brows arch, not out of surprise, but from continued confusion on the topic. He shakes his head and smiles lightly, appreciative that it was taken in the spirit he intended. Apparently, princes speak and everyone takes it as an edict. Raymond quiets, and takes the open door towards the library.

     One of the benefits of not being a resident of Tours is, she has more leeway in interpretation of the recommendations of its prince. Which hopefully is better for everyone concerned.
     And on the subject of the mural, she seems satisfied if he is. So, the continued progression towards the library it is. "This hall mostly has the household infrastructure on it. Kitchens, pantries, store rooms. The staff have their suites upstairs, the armory's there. The library has had the most work, it's the room at the end of the hall here."

     Raymond nods, content to be guided on the tour.

     Opening the door from the north hall into the library, Victoria gestures to the large open area, "And here it is." Stepping out of the door, the second heart of the chateau is easily revealed. "The tower was organized into separate rooms originally, but one wasn't going to be enough for my collection as it was. And so I figured I'd open up the tower so I had some room for growth."
     Letting out a relaxed breath, it's obvious that she enjoys the room a great deal, looking up at the architectural design with affection and pleasure. Even before she moves her attention to the score on score of books lining the shelves along with other bits of nostalgia.

     Raymond stops and looks up, halting barely within the library's doors. Hands slide into his pockets as he takes several moments to pan the atrium left to right. A shift allows the prince's weight to rest on his left foot, and after a bit, pocketed hands become visible again and join behind his back.

     Ahhh, solitude. Strange. Five years here he was one of three people in the household. He felt so out of place without a Lord or Lady of the House he felt much like tearing out his hair. But after only a few hours with guests (though admittedly longer with the Lady of the House, regardless of what she insists he call her). Now, to finish up that Chaucer biography he'd been putting aside for so long....
     Click click "And here it is."
     He takes a deep breath and sets his book down near the table. There is some strange god in this Chateau that does not want him to learn of Chaucer for some unfathomable reason he's decided. The high-backed chair he'd been sitting in has its back to the door, and so Joshua isn't seen until he stands and turns with a small smile. He is dressed in a relaxed chocolate colored robe over black silk pajamas and slippers, "Pardon me," he says, inclining his head. "Welcome to the library..." He starts to move toward the pair, book tucked under an arm, "Shall I be of service?"

     "We were just going on a quick tour, Landry, but thank you." Victoria offers, smiling politely as the newly promoted head of her staff comes forward. Turning to Raymond, a single brow arches slightly, "Would you like anything?"
     The implication is that she's fine, without any need for refreshment or aid at the moment. But, one wouldn't want to speak for one's guests on that score.

     "No thank you," Raymond says to Victoria, not addressing, really, Landry's more direct query. Raymond backs away, and rather entranced, takes off to the left of the library, interested by something he sees there.

     A deft step to one side, out of Raymond's path, and Landry nods to Victoria, "Then I shall leave you both to your tour." Still pleasant smiles and polite nods, though he cannot help but feel a bit out of sorts leaving strangers alone in HIS library. He bahs at himself inwardly and turns to allow Victoria to pass behind Raymond.

     Glancing to Raymond as he moves over to the side, her attention goes back to Landry as she allows him space to observe whatever it is that catches his fancy, "I'm glad I ran into you, though, I wanted to let you know that the repairs on the window came out very nicely. Thank you for getting someone here so quickly to do it, and see to the tree. Bergran says that he'll have the rest of the branch trimmed out before the garden party and the new permanent glass piece should be ready in a little over a week to go in, I just haven't decided which one to replace it with yet."

     The early visitor takes a stop at one of the sections of books, tilts his head, and begins to examine the spines.
     Ah yes, the incident with the window. How he hates to be reminded of that. His expression goes dark as she mentions it, and something akin to ... hatred appears? No, must be something else. He smiles and inclines his head, it HAS to be something else, "I am sure your choice will be exquisite my Lady. I am pleased it can be repaired so quickly." Still he stands until after Victoria has stepped by, he shall not leave without shutting the door behind him. And gods have mercy this Frenchman appears to have found something to interest himself. Heaven knows that is trouble brewing.
     Yes, Dark indeed.

     Victoria eyes Landry for a moment, head tilting as her arms cross over her cashmere sweater, "Thank you."
     Whatever transpires over his features is given a great deal of consideration by her. And not entirely approved of for whatever reason. Though she doesn't address it, instead nodding, "Have a good evening, I'll be sure and let you know if we need anything else. If you'd check on the men installing the glass I'd appreciate it, they might like some refreshment."
     She steps over towards the shelves being examined by her guest, though she doesn't take her attention off the butler entirely until he has actually left, if that's his intention.

     Joshua wastes no time. With a simple, "Of course my Lady," he bows slightly and back out of the doorway into the hall, pulling the doors shut as he exits. He will check on the men, but soon afterward he vows he will finish this book if its the last thing he does.

     Raymond turns about once the butler's left. "I should perhaps consider the same," Raymond confesses, "...once I finish looking at the collection here. You have done a nice job with the chateau...it is as you say," he smiles, moving towards the center of the space.
     "I guess perhaps then, the next time I will see you shall be in Tours one of these nights."

     "Thank you, I'm glad you like it." She says, turning her attention from the retreating assistant with a returning smile. "It's been a lot of work, but worth it, I think."
     "Most likely." Victoria agrees, following along at a pace behind to keep from being too crowding, "Maybe I'll make it down in a few weeks. I still haven't gotten my look around the cathedral. If I don't do that fairly soon I'm sure to embarrass myself." There's a hint of teasing to her voice, but there's some serious element as well. There are landmarks that should be seen to if intelligent conversation is to be made without sounding totally out of step with the continent.

     "Why embarrass?" Raymond asks, twisting about. No, one can go a lifetime without seeing the cathedral. "It is not. Maybe if you are a historian of cathedrals, well, then," perhaps it's true. He grins and nods. "I will be here for a bit, if you do not mind?" It's easier to browse and appreciate in silence. "Not to run you off," Raymond smirks, blue eyes rolling, "...just that...I may be quiet while I experience your library."

     Her smile shifts into an even more teasing grin, "Well, I suppose I could just put it off then. If it's not anything to rush down for..."
     "Of course. Feel free to browse all you like. The Murano I got at auction is in the display on the fireplace along with the one I got on my tour and another that was purchased in Seattle but made in Venice." She explains the central display briefly. The vases speak for themselves, "And if you see something you particularly want to borrow feel free, it's a very eclectic collection. Generally organized by category. Most of the humanities are down here, the sciences upstairs, and the fiction on the third level." There's the least of that though it's not insubstantial.
     "The great hall where we started is right through here." She gestures to the door on the southern face of the room, "So I'll go back in to watch more monotony." She does sound like she's going to enjoy it though, despite the repetitive nature of the process.

     "Alright," Raymond says, shaking his head. You are a strange duck. He glances behind himself, then moves around the room slightly, to spend a last bit of time at the chateau in relative peace.

Posted by rowan at March 26, 2004 10:58 PM