921/An Unexpected Embassy Guest

An Unexpected Embassy Guest
Date of Scene:	01 April 2020
Location:	Latverian Embassy - New York City
Synopsis:	Lia gets a tour and Victor regales her with Chopin
Cast of Characters:	Victor Von Doom, Lia Briggs

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Victor Von Doom has posed:
It's been a few years since the proper Latverian Embassy was established in New York City. Of course, there was the brief period where the American puppet-monarchs were established, but since Doctor Doom retook power, he's been loathe to reconnect with America.

Until now.

Though the reasons aren't entirely clear, the monarch has re-established himself in New York proper, and is working on making sure everything is up to his exacting specifications. Various Doombots are seen doing oddly domestic duties, while more human servants scurry about and consult with Doom, seeking his favor or merely his approval. Though Doom doesn't appear to be terribly concerned with it, it is... well, leadership does have a cost. And sometimes that cost is rendering an opinion on tapestries.

Lia Briggs has posed:
One of the cardinal rules of being in polite society is this: never forget your friends. Especially don't forget your friends if they're the head of a nation ... even if they are perhaps more acquaintence and less friend per se.

Of course, it's also important not to impose unduly on your friends' time. That probably explains why this visit has been postponed until after the flood of dignitaries and foreign ambassadors and so forth has begun to slow, and been precisely timed to a date and time when the embassy is too busy, while not waiting so long as to seem like a laggard.

Not that any but the most ungenerous would ever describe lovely Lia as a laggard, even if they are aficionados of alliteration. Emerging from her chauffered car, ushered into the reception room of the embassy, she's all smiles and pleasantness and congratulations for the personnel, asking in her most charming manner if perhaps Doom could spare just a few minutes for an old acquaintence. She even has a little wrapped package with her as an embassy-warming gift, which she cheerfully surrenders to scanning and bomb-sniffing and so forth.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Doctor Doom is many things. But one thing he always is, is polite. So shortly after an aide announces Lia's presence, he pauses and looks at the assorted hangers on, "Yes, carry out Doom's will, now." And well, they are experienced to know what happens if they //don't// so they immediately hustle to it.

And shortly after that, the receptionist gives Lia a friendly smile, "Well, that was surprisingly quick, Doctor Doom will see you now." She buzzes the door open leading into the main hall, gesturing for Lia to go ahead. The gift... well, it will surely be brought later after all.

Displeasing Doom is never really an option.

Lia Briggs has posed:
"Oh, thank you," Lia says to the receptionist, returning the smile (she does, perhaps fortunately, avoid showing fangs). And she sweeps on into the presence of His Excellency, the sole ruler of Latveria. Elegantly dressed, perfectly coiffed, smiling, to every appearance glad to see her host again. Which she actually is. She's not /that/ good an actress.

"Victor! How lovely it is to see you again. It's been too long. I still remember that wonderful banquet -- was it three Christmases ago? Just the other day I was talking to Brion, and he was /so/ pleased to hear that the embassy's reopening. How have you been? You aren't having any trouble with decorating, are you? The unions can be /such/ a trial here in New York." She isn't bubbly -- that's too undignified -- but she /is/ effusive. "I have some friends in the press who're just /dying/ to do some friendly profiles on Latveria's culture and cuisine, to help celebrate the occasion."

She is probably exaggerating their eagerness. But there's no doubt she can make it happen, which is nearly as good.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Doctor Doom, for his part, looks pleased to see Lia, as his ever-present mask is very articulate after all. A true wonder of science, as he bows perhaps deeper than he should out of politeness towards Lia, then extends his hand to her, "Of course, Lia... if it is not too forward to call you such. And I have received the congratulations from Brion as well. I had not thought to have liberated my homeland twice in one lifetime, but..."

Trailing off, he then gestures to the main embassy hall, "And I would welcome some visitors to sample Latverian culture and cuisine. My office is still working out the details of an interview with Miss Lane, of course. So, what do you think? To be frank, my expertise is in a variety of fields, but..." He gives Lia a wry expression, or what might be construed as one, "Interior design is not one of them. And I would appreciate your honest opinion." Though, well, his advisors are pretty good about it, at least.

Lia Briggs has posed:
She's surprised that it's even a question. "I'd be hurt if you didn't," she replies, meaning the use of her given name. But her smile is too bright for any but the most dull to think she'd truly be wounded, and Doom is most certainly not dull. She extends her hand to him without a moment's hesitation. Even his rivals, after all, have nothing negative to say about his manners. "We can all hope that a third time won't be necessary."

"I have just the people in mind," she says; "I'll make some arrangements and introduce them to someone from your public relations team. It's tragic how little Americans know about parts of the world, but I'm sure we can correct that."

Of course Lia has been casting a careful eye over the embassy since her arrival, and her judgment is fair rather than flattering: "I think it's well done. It's modern without losing the essential Latverian elements that make it distinctive. It's grand without being grandiose. The visitor won't feel unwelcome, but he won't forget where he is, either."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Doom relaxes, ever so slightly, at Lia's touch, and her words, taking a deep breath, "I appreciate you saying so, Lia. I admit I have had my... issues, in the past. But I feel that I have evolved beyond them, from my time in exile from the world." He turns to Lia, and offers her a genuine smile, "So, would you care for the tour? Most of the embassy is complete, and with Latveria's... capabilities, I find I shall be spending a fair amount of time here."

With that, he offers her his arm, and gestures around, "After all, it has been far too long since we've had a chance to speak."

Lia Briggs has posed:
Lia keeps her words carefully judged -- not insincere, but also not careless. "Not to be trite, but everyone faces their own challenges in life," she says. "Yours are -- and it's only appropriate, after all -- on a grand scale. I think introspection in the face of that sort of thing speaks well of you on a personal level. There aren't many -- if there are any -- who'd be capable of it if they found themselves in your shoes." Which is, after all, perfectly true.

"And I'd love to see more of the place," she replies, turning the conversation toward more pleasant subjects. "After all, it isn't an opportunity one has every day." She links her arm -- armored in couture rather than in hyper-advanced alloys -- with his when he offers, and is more than happy to be escorted. "And you're quite right, we've had far too few opportunities to converse. We really must correct that."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor nods, "Indeed. And I'll be more than happy to guide you." He smiles and gestures, "So, this is the main hall, where my accomplishments, and Latveria's, are shown..." There's quite a few paintings showing Doom and his army overthrowing the old Soviet Bloc government, as well as the American capitalist tools more recently. Doom leading Europe and rallying them against the alien invasion. And... a bit of unusual one.

Doom, actually, sitting at a piano, looking as if he is playing the musical instrument. Which, seems... odd, to say the least. He pauses, not quite sure what to say in regards to that one, and he glances over at Lia, "I... well, I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. Music is something I have found to soothe my soul. And it does, in all honesty. To lose oneself in the melody... it is a wonderful thing."

Lia Briggs has posed:
Perhaps surprisingly (or perhaps not), Lia has a pertinent comment to offer for each painting; some of them she recognizes the style or the school of art, some of them she knows a bit about the history, and some of them she just finds something about the art or the message behind it to remark on. The ungenerous might suggest that she's picking these tidbits out of the minds of embassy staff, but the truth is: propaganda in images is kind of her thing. True, she puts it to very different use, but she's enough of a professional not to overlook anything just because it's used for nationalistic purposes rather than splashed on the pages of a fashion magazine.

At the last painting, however, she studies it with her head slightly tilted for a fair bit before speaking. "People can disparage the arts all they like," she says, eventually; "and I won't pretend there are elements that strike me as worthy of that treatment. But we're all, in our way, trying to touch on something beyond ourselves, and I can't help but admire the willingness to reach out for it." It helps when anyone who dares to laugh at your musical aspirations can be atomized. But it's still a risk, and the redhead understands that all too well.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor pauses, then hmms, "If it would not be too forward... I do have a piano upstairs. I would consider it an honor to play for you. When you have a moment, in any case. I... do understand this is more of a social call and not, perhaps, an extended visit." He sounds, well... he is Doom, after all, so he never sounds sheepish.

But, well, if he //could// sound a bit sheepish, he just might here.

Lia Briggs has posed:
Lia is too good a guest not to spot the potential awkwardness, and move straight to papering it over without making the papering-over obvious -- since that would just be another sort of awkwardness. "Oh, you're too kind," she says, managing to sound surprised and flattered at once. "I think that would be delightful." She doesn't waste time or words saying the obvious: that she imagines Doom to be a fine musician. Because if Doom admits to doing something at all, the only possibility is that he's superb at it.

"Truth be told, I'm more on your schedule than vice versa," she admits, with a slightly rueful smile, so that any possible embarrassment can now be placed firmly on /her/ doorstep. "Whenever is most convenient for you, I'm sure my schedule can accommodate it. I don't have to be anywhere today for ... my goodness, for hours. So long as I'm not inconveniencing you."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor smiles at that, "I think it would not be possible for you to be an inconvenience Lia." He gestures, and leads the way up the winding stairs, eventually stopping at the top floor, which is sealed off, "My private domain, while away from my home." With that, the doors swoosh open.

It's loaded with books, first off, shelves full of them as the topics range a variety of interests. A workdesk by the window with some strange robotics project half-assembled there. The bed is almost an afterthought against one wall, while a large painting of a young couple with a boy, all three in Romani garb, hangs on the wall. Below and to the side of that is Doom himself, being hugged rather tightly by a young blonde girl, no older than eight.

And of course, the center of the room has a baby grand piano, which looks to be kept in immaculate condition. Doom bows towards Lia, reluctantly disengaging his arm as he says, "Allow me to change into something that... well, will not shatter the bench. Or the keys. Feel free to look around, if you wish." With that, he moves towards the other room, looking to divest himself of his armor since... look, you can't play piano in power armor.

Also, it could be considered a sign of trust. Or possibly that he's not afraid.

Lia Briggs has posed:
Lia indulges herself in a light laugh, shaking her head in demurral: "I fear it's not only possible, but something I excel at." A moment of humor, not to excess, and directed at herself; it's bad manners, not to mention unwise, to allow your host to think you might be laughing at /him/. She follows him up the stairs without further objection, graceful as always and matching her pace perfectly to his so there's never a need to speed up or slow down on her account.

She curtsys when he releases her arm, saying, "Of course. I'm at your disposal; and thank you." For the invitation, she means. When he departs, she's interested but not nosy; she examines the room's decor, its feel and its purpose, to the degree that they can be discerned from examination. Unsentimentally practical and sentimental at once; this is a complicated place for a complicated person. Her gaze glosses over the books (she's no intellectual), interested only in their contribution to the room's aesthetic; focuses more on the paintings, the piano, and suchlike. Cameras, hidden or not hidden, will capture her interest and also her complete lack of engagement with his technical work; certainly no danger in leaving her alone with such things.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor emerges after a short period of time, wearing... well, a very elegant tuxedo, with tails of course. His metal mask still encases his head, but his frame is... well, he //is// supposed to be nearly 60, but he looks as if he were a man a third that age. Though with his face completely hidden, it's hard to say.

His fingers, however, are quite bare, looking remarkably nimble as he takes a seat at the piano. Then he says, "Does the lady have a preference as to what they'd like to hear?" He smiles a bit, tilting his head towards Lia.

Lia Briggs has posed:
By then Lia has found a chair to settle into, rather than continuing to rubberneck -- even in her well-mannered way -- at her host's home away from home. She rises again when Victor returns, smiling, and decides: "That's a very good look for you. So many people couldn't carry off a cut like that without it overwhelming them, but you have the perfect shoulders for it. My compliments to your tailor." She certainly has no comment on his age. After all, who is she to suggest someone else looks younger than they ought to?

Once he's settled down at the piano, she takes her seat again, and considers his question for a modest interval. "I would like," she decides, "to hear something that makes you think of your home. If that's not too much trouble?"

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor smiles a bit, "But of course. This is one of my personal favorites." He then begins to play Chopin, taking care with the music, making sure the notes fit together perfectly. His focus is on the craft, the creation of something heartfelt, beautiful even. A melancholy song, of happier times long past. Perhaps of a young Romani, carefree and innocent to the harsh realities of the world.

Lia Briggs has posed:
She's a good listener, as it turns out. Oh, of course she takes care to sit in a way that would look good if someone photographed her, even while listening -- but that's just habit, almost reflex, something she barely thinks about. Her chin resting on one hand, elbow propped up on the arm of her chair, her eyes are unfocused, her attention on the music rather than on the musician or on her surroundings. It's easy to lose oneself in music played well.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor plays particularly well, fingers dancing nimbly across the keys, though he does not rush things. Some things are meant to be savored after all, and in Lia's company... well, there are few that Doom would consider those worthy of respect. In this case, Lia is assuredly one of these, considering her past. He doesn't say anything yet, though he does have questions... such things can wait until later.

Lia Briggs has posed:
From time to time, Lia has been accused of being unsentimental, of being, perhaps, too crassly focused on appearance and spectacle. It's an accusation not entirely without grounds, but also ultimately an unfair one. If anything, she's a bit /too/ sentimental, and disinclined to let the world see it. No one wants to see a wealthy supermodel moping about how terrible her life is. In private, though, she can indulge a bit of her softer side, can look wistful and even a little sad upon hearing a well-crafted musical performance that's meant to recall earlier, simpler times with just that sort of melancholy wistfulness.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
As time stretches on, Victor eventually, perhaps regretfully, brings the song to a close. He glances up towards the painting of himself and his parents, perhaps envying the carefree boy he once was. Then he glances over his shoulder at Lia, offering, "I... heard about your divorce, Lia. My condolences." He doesn't say anything about the vampirism, but he's certainly heard about that as well. Though he would never be so crass as to ask about walking in sunlight.

Lia Briggs has posed:
She applauds when the song is complete; not in any sort of over-the-top way, but in the way one applauds an artist who already knows exactly how well he did or didn't do. Appreciative, restrained, polite. It gives her time to recover herself a little, so she isn't in /too/ sentimental a frame of mind when Doom offers his sympathy.

That lets her answer with a small sad smile, a slight shrug, and a verbal version of the same sentiment: "Thank you. It was a shock, to have a piece of my life pulled away from me like that; but probably it was for the best. He preferred me the way I used to be, and I much prefer me the way I am." It's intended to be a humorous bit of self-aggrandizement, done with a wink to keep her from being insufferable. She can't quite bring it off, though. Yes, she's still hurt by it, even if under other circumstances it'd never make it past her polished facade.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor smiles at that, "A remarkable attitude. Most I know would struggle with their change in status. It's... good to see that you do not. Though I must admit, I do enjoy garlic too much to relish the thought of such a... change, for myself."

Wait, did Doom... actually joke? Is this just a malfunctioning Doombot?!? No, wait, hands are human-looking. Maybe a LMD...

Lia Briggs has posed:
Lia plays it off as best she can, naturally, which is fairly well. "It does have its good points, though. I'll never have to worry about paparazzi ever again -- I can think of quite a lot of people who'd gladly make the bargain just for that benefit alone." Of course it also means no more adoring magazine shoots, but she's being positive. Relentlessly positive.

And she laughs, more genuinely this time. "Ah, now! Though I don't seem to be as badly affected by my condition as all that. I can still visit cathedrals, I can still enjoy garlic, I can still sunbathe. Compared to some other persons with the same affliction, I'm downright privileged."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor smiles, "I must admit some professional curiosity about this, Lia, but I would not wish for you to think that I..." He coughs, and turns on the piano bench to face her, "I would not ever wish you to think that I regarded you as... some sort of experiment. That is not how I have viewed you."

Lia Briggs has posed:
"Oh, please don't give it a second thought," Lia says, sounding a little surprised. "It goes with the territory. After all, you've been such a gracious host, and we've been ... well, we've been acquainted for a good while, haven't we? I hope you won't think /I'm/ being too forward when I say I think of you as a friend, and friends are always welcome to ask about things that pique their curiosity."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Victor hmms, "A... friend. That is something I admit, is a bit... new, to me." He chuckles softly, "I have had those that are rivals, or enemies, but an actual friend? That has been, well, a while, since I would have considered that."

Then he rises gracefully to his feet, extending a hand towards Lia, "I would be honored to consider you a friend, Lia. And I do hope to see you at the official opening of the Embassy." With that, he bows deeply towards Lia, showing her the respect that he feels she is due.

Lia Briggs has posed:
She, in turn, rises; offers her hand, and curtsys (it looks a trifle silly on someone not wearing a dress, but who's going to laugh? No one who's present, at least). "Much preferable, I think, to being a rival or an enemy," she says, smiling; it's clear she means /for her/ when she says so. "And the honor, I think, is mine. I certainly wouldn't miss the opening for the world -- I have Sierra calling all around to try to find just the right something for me to wear." Sierra, presumably, is the latest in a line of personal assistants. "I'm sure it'll be a grand evening and a great success."