(…Anna Pavlova was told that she had pneumonia and required an operation. She was also told that she would never be able to dance again if she went ahead with it. She refused to have the surgery, saying “If I can’t dance then I’d rather be dead.” She died three weeks short of her 50th birthday. She was holding her costume from The Dying Swan when she spoke her last words, “Play the last measure very softly.”)

(Source: thepocketmouse)

(Source: wasbella102)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:40am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno’s shoulders tense. “All right.” He knows he shouldn’t pry any further. “I’ll wait until the meeting then.” He pauses, just to check if the boss had anything else to say.

Kleine turns her chair a little, just to see Giavanno head off to the doorway, “Until the meeting. The morning hours are the most precious of the day, as they say. So for now, have a good morning.”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:40am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno folds his arms, “We declined their offer. What of them?” A string of events flashed before his mind. He remembered their boss, Mario Gelato. Hair slicked back with too much hair gel. Bushy brows furrowed together. Moustache covering his pouty lips. And a cold, hard stare. He smoked heavy cigars, and had terrible breath. 

Mario smuggled hallucinatory mushrooms, and illegal weapons. His income wasn’t particularly too bad, but there has been word from other families that he tends to double-cross anyone for money, thus deemed untrustworthy. “We’re having a war against them?” Giovanni raises his eyebrows.

“Only been rumours so far, I’ll elaborate the details later.” She swivels her chair towards the window. “The only thing you should know for now is that a few of our own alliances are thinking of betraying us. And we can’t let that happen.”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:20am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno frowns. “You’re the boss, and I follow orders. It’s fine to worry about your subordinates, but if they’re not capable of doing their work then they aren’t capable of holding their title.” He sighs. “Besides, I agreed to taking these jobs. Don’t hesitate to tell me anything.” 

He pauses, “So, what’s the news?” He runs his hand through his hair, with his eyes darting at the right. Giovanno could spot the grey ball of fur sleeping peacefully. Peacefully. He subtly snorts.

Normally, the leader of the family wouldn’t tolerate such informality. But this was Giovanno. It’s been fourteen years since they met. His advices were rational, well-thought, and wise. She leans back after a nod, ”Do you remember the family that came by a few months ago for an alliance?”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:20am

giovannoduvalli:

“The only time you call everyone is when you need to address a problem to the members, or when another family declares war against us.” He walks closer and presses his palms on the surface of the desk. “I suspect the latter.”

Usually she would only bring the head-chiefs of the different divisions. “At times like this, you need to tell your advisor first.”

She smiles a bit, “You’ve been busy. I didn’t want to burden you.” It was partly true. Ever since Giovanno took over the defence division, his work load multiplied to ten. Kleine knew it was already hard for him to take care of everyone’s messes as the family lawyer, as well as being her consigliere. 

The other reason was that she wanted everyone to be present when she decides on what to do, instead of giving out orders without any explanation.

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:20am

giovannoduvalli:

kleinecroce:

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno glances behind her and notes the sunrise. “About the meeting.”

“What of it? It’s today.” She asks as she unrolls her sleeves down to fix her cuffs. Streaks of sunlight begin to pass through the dusty curtains.

“To call every member to come here, it must be quite urgent.” Giovanno continued.

“Yes, that’s what I said. Urgent meeting, don’t be late.” She quotes a few parts of her message. Kleine sits down on her armchair, then brings her fingertips together.