The Departure (June 4th, 2023)

Subject: The Departure (June 4th, 2023) Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:49 pm

The fourth of June brought with it the Lord and Lady Clement’s departure date from France. After much consideration, it had been decided that the unspoken rulers of France would travel to the CaymanIislands by ship, a twenty three meter long super yacht manned by twenty crew members and just containing enough space for Louis, Vanessa and their servants and assistants. The Lady Claudia Clement looked as formidable from afar as the woman she was named after, its sleek reflective, magnetic paint and silent, powerful motors giving it the look of a shark cutting it way through water. The vessel was one of many owned by the Clemennt fleet andhad ben described as a miracle of modern technology upon first inception. It was only fitting that the ship was, therefore, not the couple’s favourite.

But when one goes to a shark fight, one brings a shark, Vanessa noted as she took in the waiting beast. The insides had been at least tastefully decorated. Rosewood and art, proper rugs and cushions, even as traditional a kitchen as one could manage onboard a ship. Her personal assistant had already climbed aboard to ensure their underwater rooms were in perfect order, the servants already stationed on deck where they needed to be. Only the Captain remained, who would climb aboard with the Clements as courtesy dictated. The man stood further off, giving the small family time to say goodbye.

The children had arrived in Versailles just in time for their Maman and Papa to leave. And though the trip was unavoidable, it could certainly have happened at a more opportune time. Still, a Clement was a creature of duty. And as Vanessa moved to embrace her daughter, reminding her to look after herself in their absence, she couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable. How could Elenroe wish to give up her family so soon? Did the child really not understand what their task in this world was? All that she and Louis fought for was for the children, and Elenore appeared to want to give all that up.

“Cheer up, my darling,” she smiled, pulling away from her daughter with what she prayed was hope in her eyes. “You’ll manage beautifully, and you have the surprise to look forwards to when we return. Let’s just say you’ll be having a very special visitor to tea.” Next she turned to Jacques, pulling erh son close and kissing both his cheeks before adding a soft kiss to her forehead.

“You be good too,” she reminded him with a soft smile, and unnecessary reminder, her son was the definition of perfect. “And take care of Mimosa when she arrives. She’ll be coming in straight from a wedding of some fashion so the child will be high on all kinds of sweets and euphoria. Make sure she gets her rest and have the maesters see to her if needed. We’ll be back the day after she arrives so she’s your responsibility in those twenty four hours.” Vanessa’s concern for their ward was clear as she repeated once again what the child needed, even though she was certain Jacques already knew.

Once the children had said their goodbyes to their father, it was time to board the Lady Claudia Clement. Taking Louis’ hand, the Lady Clement carefully made her way up the steps and on to the vessel that would serve as their residence over the next week. They had to leave the children behind for now to ensure their future, a future Vanessa intended to see molded in the Clement image.

With Jacques and Elenore at the helm.

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: The Departure (June 4th, 2023) Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:49 pm

The fourth of June had come around in a blink of an eye, though unlike many people heading off to the Cayman Islands, the Lord and Lady Clement were armed to the teeth against any and all possibilities that were likely to arise at the Summit. Their preparations had finished two days ago, with the last of the questions they had being finalised. From there, the speech preparation had been a breeze, because their points were so well rounded, it was only a matter of getting the prompt notes ready, and the Clements were ready.

Of course, even the most well spoken individuals in the world had to practice their speeches, and Louis and Ven had been working tirelessly to getting every possible question thrown their way, and answering without breaking a sweat. Their teamwork was, as always, seamless.

Saying good bye to the children that morning was not something that filled Louis with dread. He knew that they would be coming back with precisely what they wanted, and he was in good spirits.

Louis had pulled Jacques aside whilst Vanessa said good bye to Elenore, reminding his son of his responsibilities whilst they were away. Jacques was, essentially, acting Lord Clement in France in Louis' absence, but more importantly, he was in charge of the welfare of both Elenore and Mimosa until Vanessa and he got back. Jacques had softly replied his assent to getting hold of them should anything big happen, but the Clement heir had assured his father there would be no need. With a smile, Louis had pulled his son in to a small embrace, before side stepping around Vanessa to say good bye to his daughter.

Louis had asked her what she would like from his trip, anything, he had said, would be hers if she asked. Elenore, however, had simply smiled giving her Papa a warm embrace and kissing his cheek. "Just win, Papa." She had said only loud enough for Louis to hear before letting him go. With a smile, Louis had turned to Vanessa, holding out his arm for her before he helped her up on to their ship.

The Lady Claudia Clement was a monstrosity that Louis endured only when a status symbol such as the ship was needed. He hated the ghastly thing, no matter how beautifully it had been decorated, it would never give off the feeling of home for him. Still, it would be their home for the next five days or so, so Louis would have to grin and bear it.

Once they were aboard, and Louis had given the signal, the boat slowly began to pull away from the port. Louis held Vanessa close to his side as the engine slowly turned in to action, before raising his hand to wave back at their children in the fashion of royalty.

"When we come back..." Louis spoke softly in his wife's ear, a hint of uncertainty there, but also of hope as both their eyes remained on the children. "Their future will be so very different." He commented, eyes slowly moving to Vanessa.

Different, yes.

But Louis knew that the only different he would allow in this world, was the kind of different that would enhance his children's lives, not leave them worse off.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

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