No. I developed a proposal for Rutyer, which he is in full support of.
[It's vital that point be clear even before she begins to unwrap the jam packed folio, its various mismatched contents - wrinkled old receipts contrasting sharply with heavy, official looking documents - rapidly unspooling across the desk. Salvio's afternoon work is rearranged accordingly to accommodate it all.]
I have inherited a bit of Hightown property. It is all evidently perfectly legitimate, as you can see here in this sealed statement and here, in this copy of the initial filing documents. That said, I have very little personal use for a mansion in Kirkwall. I suggested to the Ambassador that it might be donated - metaphorically speaking; unfortunately it has been stipulated by a host of clerks and my solicitor agrees that if I were to attempt to divest myself of any bit of the property or its contents that the sum would default to the city - that it might be borrowed by Riftwatch for the purpose of hosting guests and special events and so on and so forth. Personally, I would have a great interest in having scholars and lecturers use it as a place where they might speak. There is a wall that might be taken out to elongate the parlor into a proper hall. Mr. Stark and I have already decided it isn't structurally vital.
All of this would be infinitely more possible, of course, with just a little financial assistance from Riftwatch. There are fees, you see. To the Viscount's office and a half dozen lower magistrates and the like, and some minor material costs for the renovation— In any case [she says, producing at last a carefully earmarked ledger] Ambassador Rutyer said you are to review and approve the expense.
[Salvio has learned: there is little point in attempting to talk over Poppell when she gets going, or indeed to break in to the conversation with any contribution. It is more a lecture.
As she talks, Salvio sifts through the jumble of papers and forms and envelopes which contain papers and forms of their own, lifting each one in turn as she mentions it to skim, briefly, the contents. Some are weighed down on the corner by heavy wax seals. Most of the receipts are lighter, like the skin of an onion. There is a certain overwhelmed air to his presence. Then again, when is he ever anything but overwhelmed?
And he is listening, earmarking the names that she mentions and the titles which he cross-references to names. Sketching out the scaffolding of this project. At the end of it, he is still looking at a page, this one a very densely-written letter from the person that must be Poppell's solicitor--there is something about the writing that gives it away as a solicitor--but he remarks--]
I believe, for the most part, that the property is quite fit structurally and it largely warrants no more than a truly thorough scrubbing. The benefit, I suppose, of stone. Mr. Ellis and myself [mostly the former] have been going through in stages. But the former occupant had very little interest in either neatness or fashionable appointments and there are a series of minor repairs - broken latches, old floorboards, signs of rot in the stair rail, and so on - which I believe would be in good taste to resolve prior to opening to place to any sort of public. Here. I have marked the sum out of these lines with the items of highest priority leading. It might be taken in stages, and I believe I might find volunteers for most of the labor if it were to be made a somewhat legitimate project.
[Taken altogether, it is not an inconsequential sum. The administrative fees - and by the Maker, how can anyone afford the inheriting of property - make up the highest allotment.]
[Beginning with the highest priority items which (perhaps to be expected) are largely the highest sums. He rubs his fingers in his eyes and looks at them again.]
This is an industrious proposal, Poppell. One very thoroughly researched, and itemized. For this, I commend you, sincerely. And I see the... the attraction, of such an undertaking, and find it admirable that you would--
Our budget is quite, quite small. Is the-- the thing of it.
[Her hands, fingertips having been set in anticipation at her side of the desk, are very carefully repositioned into her lap. Still, all the hallmarks of resolute good temper are there - all flashing smiles and light temper as below the edge of the desk, sshe fusses with her cuticles.]
[And because they are friends (? or something similar), Salvio hazards a very personal confession:]
I would approve it. If it were up to me, and to me alone.
[He looks down at the page again.]
And I think... if we begin in a small way. Perhaps-- one item of priority. And complete this item, and pay for it, completely. And then move to the next, and--and leave nothing outstanding before moving on. And if you agree, that should we, as an organization, find ourselves very-- very wanting for funds, this will be the first project that is paused--
[Well. It is not an unreasonable proposition, though here she is doing some depressing math first in her head and then--] Might I just? [--taking back that top sheet so she might do that math on paper, a pen found somewhere from on her person (who can say where) and now scratching at the margins.]
I will need to discuss it with the solicitor and the offices of the Viscount. It is possible that there may be some arrangement that might be made to satisfy them. Perhaps taken as a lump sum, we might look at these lines all together and tackle them by a percentage. And naturally, I will have to see what can be done to put a certain appropriate and matching portion of the asset into Riftwatch's hands should something most unforseen and tragic occur with regard to my person. Perhaps...
[She sets the back of the pen against her lower lip, contemplating the new figure. It seems rather modest, and she has the nasty suspicion someone with a wax seal will find it rather wanting. But it will be better than no alternative whatsoever, she decides, and so finally returns the mark ups to him.]
Would that be more appropriate, do you think? It doesn't satisfy the single item thought exactly, but perhaps the spirit of the thing. And naturally there would be no commitment whatsoever. Only perhaps we might have the terms in writing. Just in case.
[Having leaned forward just slightly to see what it was that she was changing--and then, having realized the rudeness of that, and leaning back again--Salvio now leans forward once more to take back the piece of paper and look at it.]
Well. Yes. This is-- The, um-- If not item by item, then, yes, the lump sum and then taking the cost--the costs--as a, a percentage would be helpful. Yes. I think, for this project, this would be more possible for our budget.
And perhaps some--specifics, on the sorts of events and talks, that would be held in this place. Of course that is very premature, but it might help to inspire a, a backing of the proposal. And its cost. It is, or it could be, a very interesting idea if it is presented correctly. [Er.] Not--that you have not presented it well. That is not what I mean.
Yes, of course. In fact, I have already solicited abstracts from two scholars from the university in Markham who have said they would be delighted to present something. Here, you may have the copies, as well as this leaflet from a gentleman who recently spoke in Ostwick regarding his expedition to study the ruins of the Hissing Wastes. Did you know that - apologies; I don't know his surname - Monsieur Bastien brought a printing press with him? I didn't hear it from the man myself, but I have seen the machine and evidently he is its owner. It would be very simple to produce leaflets like this one.
[A further torrent of papers occurs.]
But naturally, as Riftwatch would be an interested party, I would be quite open to suggestions should you have them.
[There is nothing like papers, when it comes to a stress that can simultaneously produce a kind of comfort. Pamphlets and leaflets are ordered. Copies of papers can be read and then filed. Forms need creating and ordering. And all of them introduce a sort of menial necessity that Salvio thrives on, so he accepts these from Poppell with the glassy eyes of a man piloted by instinct. Already he is beginning to sort and consider.]
I did not know that, about Bastien. No. I-- What? The-- office's suggestions, do you mean? I will, um. I will investigate. And--and write something for you. Some suggestions. Yes. On behalf of Base Operations and-- and Riftwatch.
[For all that she is currently in the process of doing rather desperate mental calculations - perhaps she might borrow some money from Lady Asgard after all - and is quite used to ignoring the particulars of the Seneschal's humming and hawwing, that last bit seems to penetrate. She sits up slightly straighter.]
Hm? [He looks up, absently, and then back down again.] Oh--yes. Of course.
[With more conviction, as again he looks up at her--] Yes, I really think so. It would lead Riftwatch in a direction--or at least, it would help to lead Riftwatch in a direction that I... well, not I, alone, but--
I think it would be good for us. It would establish us as something more. A--participant, upon a larger stage. Not concerned only with the current affairs--which are certainly, um, of greatest concern, but--concerned with more diverse issues. A wider scope.
It would speak well of us even to think in this direction. And I would be very proud to-- to recommend it, Poppell. Truly.
[Were Miss Wysteria Poppell the type of young lady prone to pleased tears, this might be the sort of thing to cause some distant prickling of them. Luckily for everyone involved, she is not and her rapid blinking is rather of the more bug eyed and incandescently self satisfied quality. Her smile is quite automatic, bursting forth like the sun through storm clouds as she reaches across the desk to clasp one of his hands in both of hers.]
Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say so, Seneschal Pizzicagnolo! Truly, I have always thought we were quite like minded, but it is the height of reassurance to find one's thoughts regarding a previously private endeavor mirrored by a person with a proper view of the broader picture and whose opinion is so respected. I swear to you, I am quite dedicated to the whole idea and I look forward to taking into account all your suggestions for the project.
I, well, [as he looks with some despair to where his hand is clasped between hers, an irrevocable grip, with no escape,] yes, we-- or, you--
[Helplessly,] Yes.
[Maybe agreement will be enough. And: are they like minded? Well, they are, actually. A little. Not in all things. Poppell is an unknowable mystery in so many ways. But in this endeavor, to be thinking toward the broader picture, as she says--it is encouraging, exactly the sort of thing that should be encouraged--]
Yes. I am glad to hear it, Poppell. And I agree. And I will be happy to-- make suggestions. As they are required. Or--merited.
[She looks down at her hands, or rather at his hand in them, and then beyond even that point to the assortment of work currently being sandwiched under their forearms.]
Oh! Yes of course! I wouldn't dream of delaying you any longer, Seneschal. [Mercifully, Salvio is released.] But of course I'll leave you with some of the papers for your review. Here also, a copy of my solicitor's address and information, should anything untoward happen to me. Should you require anything additional, you need only ask.
[She is shoving all the other various and sundry documentation back into the folio while rising to her feet.]
And of course this will not reflect on my availability here in this office. I swear to not let this or any other project infringe on my work for Base Operations. And once more - I am ever so grateful for your willingness to listen to the proposal. It speaks well to Riftwatch's enterprising instinct, I think—
[et cetera, et cetera, until she has collected all her bits and bobs and made her retreat all the way to the office's door.]
Have a good afternoon, Seneschal.
[It's a very sincere wish, made as she clutches the folio to her chest with both hands.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2020-02-15 01:19 pm (UTC)[It's vital that point be clear even before she begins to unwrap the jam packed folio, its various mismatched contents - wrinkled old receipts contrasting sharply with heavy, official looking documents - rapidly unspooling across the desk. Salvio's afternoon work is rearranged accordingly to accommodate it all.]
I have inherited a bit of Hightown property. It is all evidently perfectly legitimate, as you can see here in this sealed statement and here, in this copy of the initial filing documents. That said, I have very little personal use for a mansion in Kirkwall. I suggested to the Ambassador that it might be donated - metaphorically speaking; unfortunately it has been stipulated by a host of clerks and my solicitor agrees that if I were to attempt to divest myself of any bit of the property or its contents that the sum would default to the city - that it might be borrowed by Riftwatch for the purpose of hosting guests and special events and so on and so forth. Personally, I would have a great interest in having scholars and lecturers use it as a place where they might speak. There is a wall that might be taken out to elongate the parlor into a proper hall. Mr. Stark and I have already decided it isn't structurally vital.
All of this would be infinitely more possible, of course, with just a little financial assistance from Riftwatch. There are fees, you see. To the Viscount's office and a half dozen lower magistrates and the like, and some minor material costs for the renovation— In any case [she says, producing at last a carefully earmarked ledger] Ambassador Rutyer said you are to review and approve the expense.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-15 09:31 pm (UTC)As she talks, Salvio sifts through the jumble of papers and forms and envelopes which contain papers and forms of their own, lifting each one in turn as she mentions it to skim, briefly, the contents. Some are weighed down on the corner by heavy wax seals. Most of the receipts are lighter, like the skin of an onion. There is a certain overwhelmed air to his presence. Then again, when is he ever anything but overwhelmed?
And he is listening, earmarking the names that she mentions and the titles which he cross-references to names. Sketching out the scaffolding of this project. At the end of it, he is still looking at a page, this one a very densely-written letter from the person that must be Poppell's solicitor--there is something about the writing that gives it away as a solicitor--but he remarks--]
This is very thorough. I, um. How... How minor?
no subject
Date: 2020-02-15 10:08 pm (UTC)[Taken altogether, it is not an inconsequential sum. The administrative fees - and by the Maker, how can anyone afford the inheriting of property - make up the highest allotment.]
no subject
Date: 2020-02-18 11:09 pm (UTC)This is an industrious proposal, Poppell. One very thoroughly researched, and itemized. For this, I commend you, sincerely. And I see the... the attraction, of such an undertaking, and find it admirable that you would--
Our budget is quite, quite small. Is the-- the thing of it.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-19 12:42 am (UTC)Yes, of course. I'm quite aware, Seneschal.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-20 07:55 pm (UTC)[And because they are friends (? or something similar), Salvio hazards a very personal confession:]
I would approve it. If it were up to me, and to me alone.
[He looks down at the page again.]
And I think... if we begin in a small way. Perhaps-- one item of priority. And complete this item, and pay for it, completely. And then move to the next, and--and leave nothing outstanding before moving on. And if you agree, that should we, as an organization, find ourselves very-- very wanting for funds, this will be the first project that is paused--
no subject
Date: 2020-02-20 08:37 pm (UTC)[Well. It is not an unreasonable proposition, though here she is doing some depressing math first in her head and then--] Might I just? [--taking back that top sheet so she might do that math on paper, a pen found somewhere from on her person (who can say where) and now scratching at the margins.]
I will need to discuss it with the solicitor and the offices of the Viscount. It is possible that there may be some arrangement that might be made to satisfy them. Perhaps taken as a lump sum, we might look at these lines all together and tackle them by a percentage. And naturally, I will have to see what can be done to put a certain appropriate and matching portion of the asset into Riftwatch's hands should something most unforseen and tragic occur with regard to my person. Perhaps...
[She sets the back of the pen against her lower lip, contemplating the new figure. It seems rather modest, and she has the nasty suspicion someone with a wax seal will find it rather wanting. But it will be better than no alternative whatsoever, she decides, and so finally returns the mark ups to him.]
Would that be more appropriate, do you think? It doesn't satisfy the single item thought exactly, but perhaps the spirit of the thing. And naturally there would be no commitment whatsoever. Only perhaps we might have the terms in writing. Just in case.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-23 05:28 am (UTC)Well. Yes. This is-- The, um-- If not item by item, then, yes, the lump sum and then taking the cost--the costs--as a, a percentage would be helpful. Yes. I think, for this project, this would be more possible for our budget.
And perhaps some--specifics, on the sorts of events and talks, that would be held in this place. Of course that is very premature, but it might help to inspire a, a backing of the proposal. And its cost. It is, or it could be, a very interesting idea if it is presented correctly. [Er.] Not--that you have not presented it well. That is not what I mean.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-23 05:44 pm (UTC)Yes, of course. In fact, I have already solicited abstracts from two scholars from the university in Markham who have said they would be delighted to present something. Here, you may have the copies, as well as this leaflet from a gentleman who recently spoke in Ostwick regarding his expedition to study the ruins of the Hissing Wastes. Did you know that - apologies; I don't know his surname - Monsieur Bastien brought a printing press with him? I didn't hear it from the man myself, but I have seen the machine and evidently he is its owner. It would be very simple to produce leaflets like this one.
[A further torrent of papers occurs.]
But naturally, as Riftwatch would be an interested party, I would be quite open to suggestions should you have them.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-24 08:52 pm (UTC)I did not know that, about Bastien. No. I-- What? The-- office's suggestions, do you mean? I will, um. I will investigate. And--and write something for you. Some suggestions. Yes. On behalf of Base Operations and-- and Riftwatch.
Yes. This is... very good.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-04 12:47 am (UTC)Do you really think so?
no subject
Date: 2020-03-05 11:26 pm (UTC)[With more conviction, as again he looks up at her--] Yes, I really think so. It would lead Riftwatch in a direction--or at least, it would help to lead Riftwatch in a direction that I... well, not I, alone, but--
I think it would be good for us. It would establish us as something more. A--participant, upon a larger stage. Not concerned only with the current affairs--which are certainly, um, of greatest concern, but--concerned with more diverse issues. A wider scope.
It would speak well of us even to think in this direction. And I would be very proud to-- to recommend it, Poppell. Truly.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-06 06:43 pm (UTC)Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say so, Seneschal Pizzicagnolo! Truly, I have always thought we were quite like minded, but it is the height of reassurance to find one's thoughts regarding a previously private endeavor mirrored by a person with a proper view of the broader picture and whose opinion is so respected. I swear to you, I am quite dedicated to the whole idea and I look forward to taking into account all your suggestions for the project.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-09 04:42 am (UTC)[Helplessly,] Yes.
[Maybe agreement will be enough. And: are they like minded? Well, they are, actually. A little. Not in all things. Poppell is an unknowable mystery in so many ways. But in this endeavor, to be thinking toward the broader picture, as she says--it is encouraging, exactly the sort of thing that should be encouraged--]
Yes. I am glad to hear it, Poppell. And I agree. And I will be happy to-- make suggestions. As they are required. Or--merited.
And... now I will return to work? [Maybe?]
no subject
Date: 2020-03-09 05:52 am (UTC)Oh! Yes of course! I wouldn't dream of delaying you any longer, Seneschal. [Mercifully, Salvio is released.] But of course I'll leave you with some of the papers for your review. Here also, a copy of my solicitor's address and information, should anything untoward happen to me. Should you require anything additional, you need only ask.
[She is shoving all the other various and sundry documentation back into the folio while rising to her feet.]
And of course this will not reflect on my availability here in this office. I swear to not let this or any other project infringe on my work for Base Operations. And once more - I am ever so grateful for your willingness to listen to the proposal. It speaks well to Riftwatch's enterprising instinct, I think—
[et cetera, et cetera, until she has collected all her bits and bobs and made her retreat all the way to the office's door.]
Have a good afternoon, Seneschal.
[It's a very sincere wish, made as she clutches the folio to her chest with both hands.]