I walk  into the Red Zone because the Chantry is too quiet.  Study does not lead to entertainment, at least in my opinion.  I am dressed to entertain in a black dress that no one would call modest (though some might think it is a bit too formal for the setting).

I head straight upstairs to the dance floor, and make my way into the crowd.  I am looking for something... almost anything to be a diversion from the boredom of my earlier evening.  If it happens to be someone with some interesting gossip all the better.  

I look around at all the half-drunk (or completely wasted) patrons and search for someone intriguing to dance with.

There is always entertainment to be found at the Red Zone.

On the floor, with most of the mortals keeping their distance is the infamously unstable Gordon Freemason. He is a tall well built guy with a thing for leather. His head is bald and he is covered in faded tattoos. His eyes give off a yellowish tint in the odd club lights...

He dances like a freak, and odds are hes spun out on some Blood loaded with Meth or something...

Sitting in the corner where you can usually Tommy Jones is Gordons companion Teddy Simons. She is a petit littel girl who barely looks old enough to be in here. She has short spikey green hair, wild eyes, a short dress and tall combat boots.

She is sitting alone smoking a black cigarette and watching the crowd with a sour look on her face.

Standing against a wall not too far off from Teddy is Valentine. Odds are he already pissed her off and is now keeping his distance and gloating.

Valentine is dressed in -im rich yet casual- fashion, with spiked hair and a skank filthy martini in his left hand.

I smile inwardly.  No one is more intriguing than a Malkavian.  Especially one as imbalanced as Gordon.  I can't really trust a word he says, but it will be fun none the less.  Exactly what I came for, well close at least.

I walk over to Gordon moving easily into an area that most of the mortals are avoiding  "Hey there, having any fun?"  

We make a strange pair as I stand in my fashionable dress dodging his flailing arms and he moves randomly in his leather and tattoos.

'Oh yeah, the roof is on fire!'

Gordon moshes into the smaller woman a bit as soon as she acknowledges him. Hes definitly amped up on something.

In the process of basically forcing her to dance with him he will also ask...

'Daddy finally let the pretty one out of her room alone?..'

I will begin to dance as best I can considering my partner, and notice Valentine in the process.  Perfect.  

I glance at Valentine and smile with a look that says I will be with him shortly if he has the patience to wait, or quickly if he has the eagerness to interupt.  Either way the look signals that I would like a word with him.  Then I turn my attention back to Gordon.

"Only when there are such interesting dancers on the floor."  I know he won't remember a word of what I say, but I will mentally record all of his words (just in case), and all of Valentine's reactions to the people in the room.

The cracked out freak somehow noticed her looks to Valentine...

'Really should stay away from him babe, he'll butter you up just to slip a finger in later on.'

An odd thing to say, even odder when your a bald man in leather trying to basically say it into someones cleavage.

Valentine raises an Eyebrow at Jillian for her choice of companions, he will definitly watch from a safe distance...

I smile a large smile for both of them.  "Ahh, but I like the challenge, and it seems it is time to let that challenge begin."  

I disengage myself from Gordon as gracefully as I can assuming he doesn't put up a fight to make me stay, and wink at him as I causually make my way across the room.  

Perhaps Gordon does better when he is on something.  He notices things and knows things.  I will definitely need to talk to him again later.  But first things first, Valentine is a much calmer conversation, though not neccesarily safer.

Gordon lets her go, and will go abck to terrorizing any mortal that dares get close to his wild dancing.

Jillian will feel Teddy's eyes burning holes in her as she approaches Valentine...

But Valentine will be welcoming, offering a curt nod and comment:

'How could you stand being so close to that lunatic?..'

I completely ignore Teddy's look.  What happened between her and Valentine is not my main concern.  Generally, Teddy is not my main concern.

I grin at Valentine as he comments about Gordon and reply "Even lunatics can be useful from time to time.  Besides, there is a thin line between genius and insanity and I am typical surrounded by genius."  I leave no doubt that while I respect my clan I prefer other skill sets.  

My business with Gordon has nothing to do with Valentine.  If it makes him curious all the better.

There is a sparkle in my eyes as I continue.  "It has been too long since my last really engaging conversation.  I am sure we have some common interests we could discuss.  Besides, I enjoy the company of a well put together gentleman."  I know Valentine respects himself greatly.  I hope that the combination of mild flattery and the hint of possible exchange of gossip will catch his interest.

I nod my head toward the bar, indicating that I would like to get a drink and be happy to get him one as well.

Valentine has always been slightly wary of this particular Tremere. Mostly because she could easily replace him...

'Surely there are lunatics less likely to follow home and.. violate your dog or something..' He casts a final, slightly paranoid yet dismissive look to Gordon before following Jillian to the bar.

'I hear your chantry has a new fledgeling? ' He asks, setting his empty martini glass down to catch the bartenders eye before turning his full attention to Jillian.

I grin and nod ever so slightly at his comment about Gordon.  If Valentine thinks his risk out-weighs his use all the better for me.  

"Ah, James.  He is doing well in the Chantry.  The Regent thinks he is progressing nicely.  He will be setting him to tasks shortly."  There, a little information.  Not much, I don't want Valentine thinking I am not good at the game, but slipping a little more than he thinks I intended to might warm him to my presence a bit more.

I order my own Bloody Mary, smiling at the name far more than the drink and turn my attention back to Valentine.

"I would very much enjoy an evening rendevous with you and Dahlia.  I believe the three of us have many things to discuss.  There have been many interesting happenings at the Chantry as of late."  My voice has an edge to it, as though I have a secret I desperatly want to share, but must wait until the correct place and time.  "Would you be available to meet tomorrow evening, at an establishment of your choosing?  I do so like the places you can normally be found in."  I smile again attempting to put him further at ease and in a feeling of control.

'I would enjoy such a rendevous.' Valentine smiles.

'And the Dahlia is always looking for something to do...'

He twirls the olive in his drink a bit, casting another glance back at Gordon.

'How about the vip at Mr. Arturos casino, after the big... ghost hunters bash?..'

He doesnt know that she is going, but his tone certainly implies hes very proud that He is... Strange kindred, this second string harpy...

I smiles.  Sometimes I forget how much fun this can be.  The challenge of someone with skills near my own is always exciting.

"Sounds perfect."  The sparkle in my eye hints that we will have a good time.  "I will send word to The Dahlia."  I move to leave the bar, content with my accomplishments for now.  I will finish speaking with Gordon later.

'I look forward to it.' Valentine comments as Jillian leaves... he will abandon his drink in a few moments and go back to trying to bait teddys anger...