I arrive by 10:00, dropped off at the front in a black Mercedes with shaded windows. Entering the casino, I am dressed in a pinstriped Italian suit. I glance at a few tables nonchalantly and approach the bar ordering dirty martini. I smile at the bartender and wander over to the roulette table placing one hundred on 13 black. I wait while the wheel spins, smiling.

'You must know something i don't, Regent.'Thomas stepped up to the table next to other kindred quickly matching the bet, a seven, red. Its easy to see why he is a harpy. -The- Harpy if you ask him.   His voice has a subtle authority, he wears a more casual suit than usual. He probably lost his tie to a stripper or a blood doll earlier this evening.  

Quietly emptying my martini into a nearby spittoon, I glance over and reply, "Dear Mr. Arturo it has been too long, I recently saw some of your work in Metropolis Magazine. Impressive, if I can be so bold. I seem to have need of another martini, dirty mind you, then we could perhaps retire to a more comfortable room". I offer my right hand in a handshake. "Please, you must tell me where you find your tailors, mine are dreadful and I hope my garb does not offend". I glance around casually trying to spot anyone observing our discourse.  

Thomas has a bit of a laugh at the Regents words and shakes his hand. ' You could show up in grease paint and a cape. I would not be offended, i would seek to offend. ' And there is that snakelike smile. ' Lets head to the lounge upstairs, i think youll find the bar up there far more to your tastes..' Thomas' eyes give a quick scan of the room, picking up slight paranoia from the Regent. Noone is overtly observing, except maybe a cocktail waitress smelling an empty glass... 'Security is tight my friend, you have nothing to fear here; except maybe from the blackjack dealers.' Thomas whispers reassuringly.  

--Last edited by Radiationjunkie on 2008-03-20 16:35:53 --

Wandering upstairs, I veer off to an isolated table. Taking in the various individuals about I take my seat opposite, "Thanks for the hospitality,  I fear many have forgotten true gentility. How have things been since last we met? And do tell, how our beloved Carter is these days. I hear there are dark forces that might wish to displace us as yesterday's refuse and am interested in our esteemed prince's assessment of the situation."

The upstairs lounge is sparsely populated. The decor here is more authentic, the cocktail waitresses a little less dressed. The bartender is a young, good looking guy with short hair. He is one of the Dahlia's ghouls... and he keeps track of the blood dolls and the 'special stock' kept locked away in the bar.

'Busy, very busy..' Thomas responds, taking a seat at the table. A dealer will offer his services, in the shaky, slurred voice that insures he is deaf.

'Carter is tough to read these days...' Thomas admits. 'And he seems to be keeping his plans largely to himself... What i can gather from Quadrial is that we should all be let in on his secret plans at the next court, which should be very soon.'

Along with a sprinkling of people, one at the bar is a slender, well, one might say girl, but she seems to carry herself as older.  Looking perhaps about nineteen, long dark hair, large dark grey eyes.  A mouth made for smiling although she rarely seems to.  Watching those coming in, a look more of seeming to measure a persons worth, than actually studying the looks of said person.

She's not treated as a customer, nor yet as an employee.  Treated well, however, with a certain amount of respect.

"Well, I shall look forward to attending. I believe we are of nearly the same mind when it comes to the well being of the city. I seem to have little in common with those of weakened lineage and I wanted to cement our common purpose as well as our friendship that has preserved the tranquility throughout the years. You must send us an invitation to the next artistic avenue you are hosting. I have been sorely missing something that stirred the blood as well as the last exhibit you showed." With that I sit back again enjoying the mood and music. "Would you like a cigar? Arturo Fuente, I do enjoy their Churchhill's". Offering a hand rolled cigar and lighter. I begin to take notice of a slight waif at the counter, that has been nonchalantly observing my presence."I assume she is one of your's?"

'You flatter me. If i didn't know you better id say you were up to something here..' Thomas accepts the cigar. Running it under his nose for a moment. He looks over to Christine at the counter. ' My accountant, assistant, occasional hostess...' He motions for her to join them.

Obediant to the summons, slides off the bar stool and walks over towards the two. Stopping, she stands silently, waiting to be introduced*

I stand, pulling out a chair."My name is Regent Thaddeus Von Austice, my dear, and whom might you be?" I glance her over looking for anything that might be of use, or would hint as to any of her past. As she approaches, I offer my hand, and grace it with a polite kiss, bowing formally. I seat her, before returning to my own. I quickly scan the rest of the patrons, making certain no one has taken any further interest in our party.

What few other people are in the lounge are keeping to themselves or their small parties.

Thomas gives Christine a bit of an exagerated introduction. Kind of how one would hawk a performance: 'This is the lovely Christine Johnson, the mind that keeps this place above water and the graceful presence that keeps reminding me to find my own.'

He doesnt explain what he means by that, but instead sits back and lets the two become aquainted. Finally circumsizing and carefully lighting the cigar.

Gives Regent a dazzling smile, with perhaps the tiniest of blushes as her hand is kissed.  'its a pleasure to  meet you sir' Her voice has the gentle drawl of a Southern Aristocrat. Gracefully seating herself, hands folded in her lap, after a look to Thomas from under her lashes*

"So Christine, what has drawn you to our fair city, possibly another architectural protege drawn to learn from a master? I fear I do not keep up with the latest happenings outside of the walls of our chantry. It is only these rare occasions when I can leave my pupils to their work and socialize that I seem to ever meet anyone outside my comfortable walls and gardens. Do please indulge me and tell a bit of your tale, that we may know you better." I glance at  Thomas making certain I have not offended him in inquiring about his neonate.

*a light laugh at the floweriness of it all* 'oh, no sir, I'm afraid I'm merely here as an accountant, and general assistant.  A..friend of mine has made a bit of investment here, and likes to keep his eye on things.  Mr. Arturo was kind enough to allow me to do just that'

"Well, I am certain he must be pleased. How long have you been acquainted with Mr. Arturo?" I inquire. "We have known each other for so many years, I have myself lost count." I settle back, enjoying her proper demure demeanor.

'I think about two weeks?' *a glance to Thomas.  A faint smile, being the mysterious lady*

Thomas nods agreement to Christines timeframe, puffing smoke into the air above his head. ' And shes already upped profits this quarter by a good twenty five percent, buisness genius.' Thomas grins.. pointing to a sour looking cocktail waitress. ' She used to do the books, and shes not happy with her demotion..'

"Well, sometimes you must finish things with those in particular. Sometimes they develop a very peculiar habit of trying to please you beyond their ability and resort to eliminating what caused their fall from grace." Glancing over at Christine,"It has been an honor making your acquaintance and I will have to have you over to the garden at your leisure. I can introduce you to some of my apprentices, they are usually quite busy, but I think I can ease their work for a single evening." He stands smiles at Mr, Arturo and gives a slight bow "As always a delight Thomas and please do not be a stranger. I have had wonderful evening, but I fear there is much to do back at my place. I do look forward to court next, and I hope I can look to you for support about a more precise framework for any defensive strategy." With that he shakes hands with Thomas and again gentilely kisses Christine's  hand.  

'Always a pleasure regent.' Thomas returns the handshake. 'Drag your apprentices out some night, might do them some good to get away from the books. ' He says, playful, not insulting. which can be a rare tone for Thomas...