16124/Dinner with Doom

Dinner with Doom
Date of Scene:	20 October 2023
Location:	Latverian Embassy
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Victor Von Doom, Rien D'Arqueness

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Victor Von Doom has posed:
It is generally considered polite that when one is RSVPing to a request from Doom, that a request is made to the Embassy in at least 12 hours of advance. That is to give the Embassy staff the chance to prepare the Embassy and it's security. Even with the monarch currently present within it's walls, there are menus to plan, designs to set out, everything in a well-timed choreography that is pulled off with the percision of a Swiss timepiece.

Once Rien had made it known that she planned to attend dinner with Victor, the Embassy staff has been at work. Rooms were prepared, security set where it is needed, without being obvious where it is set. All was repolish, redusted, all to but on a splendor that is understated in it's beauty and speaking to it's homeland's lack of the American need for overdoing it.

Doom is not down in the Embassy area at the moment, working on his own preparations. A file is glanced at and set into a secured and locked drawer as he awaits for the alert from below of Rien's arrival.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
The invitation had been extended, and accepted.

Rien doesn't often bother with mundane forms of travel, not when she has other options. Tonight is no different, though she doesn't make a crass show of it, nor does she attempt to open the portal directly onto Embassy grounds. Instead, the portal opens from the mouth of an alleyway across the street, allowing her to step directly onto the sidewalk and cross the street to the Embassy itself. It also ensures that her gown doesn't suffer the wrinkles and ruffling of more common forms of transport.

With formal dress agreed upon, she arrives in style. A sleek black strapless gown hugs the curves of her body, the bodice structured and tasteful, offering glimpses and hints but no lewd or vulgar displays, the skirt sleek and falling to the floor, a high slit on the right side hidden within the folds. Matching black heels give her a bit of lift and bring her closer to five and a half feet.

Those blonde locks are up in an elegant style that allow for a few wisps and curls to drift becomingly, and the jewelry is understated but to the practiced eye, very expensive. A titanium setting with black and white diamonds of varying sizes. A waterfall necklace, matching earrings, and a single cuff-like bracelet are all that are gracing her tonight.

She gives her name to the guards at the entrance, waiting patiently to be escorted within.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Opening a portal into the Embassy would have likely triggered an incident, so it is probably for the best that Rien has chosen to arrive nearby instead. However, in that moment, Doom is made aware of the arrival of the woman and presses a button on his gauntlet. "Rien has arrived."

And so the dance is begun with an introduction to the dance floor. The guards of the Embassy, which at times are just Doombots on duty, are instead soldiers in the dress of the royal guard. Another sign that the Monarchy is within the home.

The doors are opened, Rien is shown inside. Those that are there, the servants and workers of Latveria, their eyes are drawn to the woman, she commands the attention. Gentle whispers are shared, preparations made in the last second, an expectant glance towards the staircase that leads to the upper floors and the personal residence of Doom.

It is from there that Doom makes his entrance. If she had hoped to gaze upon the man beneath the metal, she will find herself in woeful disappointment. However, she does get his formal armor. The armor is made of the same titanium as Rien's necklace. The mystical runes that are upon it are visible to the magically inclined, the highly-polished metal different from the armor that Doom uses in day to day use. The armor is backed with lush green cloth, his cloak lined with ermine as he makes each measured step to approach Rien.

His eyes take in the pulchritudinous blonde and Doom appears to be pleased as he comes to a stop before the witch. "You are punctual and enchanting, Madomiselle D'Arqueness." Using her French name is a sign of respect to her.

"We will be dining within my personal quarters, if you do not find such to forward. But I had hoped to show you the Embassy first." An arm is offered, his opposite hand extended to take her towards the small historical displays that have been set up.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
There is a faint smile at the sight of the 'formal' armor, taking in the runes with a slight lift in one delicately arched brow. Overkill? Perhaps, but it certainly makes a statement. Approaching, she sweeps a brief curtsy towards him before straightening to offers a smile towards him. "Thank you, Doctor. Your Embassy is lovely, refined, and very elegant. And your armor is quite intriguing." She traces lightly in the air over one of them, matching the rune.

The smile widens a touch as she takes the offered arm, resting her hand lightly on the cool metal, "I am flattered to be invited to your quarters, and accept most happily." Rien glances up at him and nods, "And I would love to see more of the Embassy. And to learn more of your country. It's been a long time since I've visited Latveria, I understand you've made many changes and brought about a number of reforms."

Her free hand is used to keep her skirts from tangling as they move across the floor, though she largely allows him to lead her, keeping her gaze focused on him until they reach the displays. "I do hope my RSVP came with plenty of advance notice. I made the assumption that roughly 24 hour notice would be sufficient.. I apologize if that was not enough time. I know you must keep a busy schedule."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
She is one of the homo-magi, Doom is one to easily show that he will stand on equal footing with her. "I am pleased that you find this humble Embassy to your satisfaction." The metal her hand settles on is cool for a moment and the warms to her touch.

As they start the tour, there are artifacts of what Latveria was before the time of Doom. Captured German artifacts from the First and Second World Wars. A few pieces that came from the Soviet Occupation. Then there is the first signs of Doom's rise. Fliers in Russian speaking out against the Romani camps. Hand-written notes of the resistance. Photos of Doom's rise and forcing out the Soviet occupation of his home.

There is a photo of Doom with Kristoff Vernard, a news story on the boy being Victor's heir. The attack of the Alien Alliance and Doom's leadership in Europe in turning the tide. A large newspaper banner 'Doom Lost, Vernard named Monarch', from the time he was missing. Then there is the Civil War. Kristoff's deposed as ruler - and Doom's return in 2018, crushing the Civil War beneath his heel and reuniting Latveria beneath his heel.

"Latveria is a beautiful garden." he explains as they walk through the artifacts. "She requires constant attention and care. As Doom tends to her, if one were to consider to walk with Doom, they will need to understand that she is a beautiful and delicate flower and would have to share their time with Doom." he explains to her.

A servant arrives, pausing with a bow to speak and shares that dinner will be done shortly, but they can remain on the lower floor a bit longer.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
"I do indeed, the Embassy is very welcoming," Rien glances at the architecture with appreciation before returning her eyes to him. "I am curious though, Doctor, and I do hope you will not find insult in my curiosity.. is the armor from medical necessity, or are your enemies so great you require the protection at all times?" She offers a warm smile, "There is a saying that great man incur great enemies..."

On reaching the displays, her attention turns to them. She pauses at a display from shortly after the second World War, reaching out but not quite touching it, "I remember this... I was in Latveria for a time.." Then she's moving on to the rest of the displays, giving each of them her attention.

Rien glances back to Doom and murmurs, "I remember when you regained control.. whatever happened to Vernard? I do feel bad that he turned out to be a disappointment." Her shoulders offer a small shrug, "But then, it was a tumultuous time."

Pausing for the entry of the servant, she smiles in acceptance of the announcement before looking up to Doom, "I have been a leader myself before, I understand the responsibility and the demands on your time that it can make. And I lead only a group, not an entire country. I imagine any that would choose to spend time with you would have to understand that you would have limited time to spend with them."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
"I recently returned a relic from that time..." Doom says, standing before the Second World War photos. "To the widow of one that had served and deserved to have her broach cameo returned to her. I offered her a pension as recognition for her spouse's sacrifice, but she has refused it, instead asking that I build a park in her honor in my homeland for her to visit. I have agreed to her request." He owes the Greywitch that much, at least.

A touch of his free hand over the one on his gauntlet and Doom considers. "It was a time of confusion and disconnection. Vernard was lost to us, I am not sure of where he has gone. I have tried to seek him out and recover him, but my search has been fruitless." The tone of his voice is one that shows a sadness at losing that which had been close to been a child.

"However, your question is of the armor. The armor is the symbol of Doom. It is now a symbol of Latveria. To be seen without my armor is for Latveria to be seen without her crest. Only those most intimate to me will see me without that which protects my home." There's no mention on if he /needs/ it or not, she does not have that level of trust.

"For now, I believe by the time we have reached Doom's chambers, dinner will have been served." With that, he prepares to lead her out of the common area of the Embassy to the more intimate alcove of Doom's home.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
"That is a wonderful gesture, Victor... those are the sorts of things that you should be trying to publicize... to show the gentler, more beautiful side of Latveria. Of your rule." Rien turns a smile up towards him and gives a small nod, "This is the sort of thing that can help to sway opinions, halt poor perceptions." She offers a small shrug and adds, "If that is something you wish."

Nodding slowly, lightly, she watches him for a long moment, then murmurs, "I could try to find him.. if you still wish to, that is. Not to put too fine a point on things... but I have had a bit more... experience.." She seeks out his gaze, holding it, "I have had more time, that is."

Bringing things back around to the armor, she gives a nod, considering his answer. "I see. That is an excellent reason to wear it." Pausing, Rien chuckles softly and adds, "Time will tell if we become that intimate. Trust needs to build first, I think. But then, I don't believe either of us is so... starved.. that we might forgo trust in favor of momentary satisfaction."

Inclining her head in agreement, she moves with him towards his private rooms, sweeping along at his side with ease and elegance.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
"Trust is an important thing." Doom agrees as the pair ascend the staircase. "And I believe that in order to develop trust, information should be shared and known. Especially when such information comes to the soverignty of Latveria and her borders." he explains.

Opening the doors to his room, candlelight illuminates the room, a dinner of Latverian origin has been set out. Karbonade, a pounded pork schnitzel that has been rolled in bread crumbs and fried then served with creamy mushrooms. Rasol, a potato salad made with potatos, herring, eggs, apples, beetroot and dill. Dark rye bread with stewed sauerkraut. Cold beetroot soup made with beets, kefir, cucumbers and eggs, a rich purple color to it. And for dessert, mellenu klimpas, blueberry soup with dumplins.

He leads Rien to her seat, allowing her to settle there, before he moves to the other end of the table as he takes a seat himself. He pours himself a coffee, and his eyes rise to meet the blonde's to await her serving herself a drink.

Rien D'Arqueness has posed:
Moving up the stairs will allow the flash of leg through the slit, the skirt lifted to keep it from tripping over it as they ascend. Rien smiles up at him with a small nod, "I would agree. Our discussion in the coffee shop was cut short. I would be delighted to resume it with you, if you like."

She sweeps a glance around the room, taking in the furnishings and bookcases and paintings and piano, smiling over the ecclectic mismatch of items to be found in the room. A meeting of the old and modern worlds. Turning her attention to him, Rien looks up and smiles, "Your rooms are exactly what I would have visualized.. a blend of Old World elegance and New World technology."

Taking her seat, she smiles up at Doom before looking at the drink options. Reaching out, she goes for the Latverian wine, pouring herself a glass and setting the bottle back in its place. Lifting the glass towards him, held by the stem, she offers toast, "To excellent conversation with delightful company."