The party is in full swing early. The monogrammed invitations you got said to report to Spiro Tower at 8, but after following the signs and pointed directions of alarmingly large men in suits to get to the appropriate area it's obvious to even the earliest to arrive that the high life of the city has already begun here. The faces in the crowd are recognizable, the mayor chatting to Christopher Wade, a teen starlet on the arm of Crassius Lentus, and of course Jon Spiro himself circling the party, making introductions of everyone. Spiro is currently speaking to a tall man in a white suit with white flowing hair. The mans eyes move slowly across the room and his dour expression seems to fit on a far older man.
The music is pounding and the lights are low, the music is the cutting edge, each song more ingrained in your head than the last. The smell of marijuana drifts in the air, but is not overpowering as it is in some similar parties. The bar is open, with many of the patrons taking thier share. Every form of liquor is available easily, and cost does not seem to be an issue. Waitresses with plastered smiles and small dresses wander through the crowd offering drinks and hors de vors.
It is, in short, quite the party indeed. You wonder why you would've been invited. If indeed you were.
'Oh boy, why did my Aunt have to drag me here?'
She gracefully glided into the room, wearing a figure hugging little black dress revealing her pale shoulders dappled with freckles and a large intricate sigil tattoo on her right shoulder blade. Zoë flicked back her pale blonde hair that curtained one eye and the glint of light reflected off the studs in her upper ear. Her flame haired Aunt broke away spotting an important associate leaving Zoe alone nervously holding her clutch bag.
'What should i do, i know she's defending Mr Spiro in that software infringement case. Well at least she let me borrow some of her jewelery.' Zoe thought, touching the diamond necklace that cascaded down her chest like a waterfall.
Looking about through darkly made-up eyes, her unconventional mask of conformity, Zoë's crystal blue eyes pierced the illusion of the party and it depressed her. 'Petty people with their ego's and opulent depredations. It would be nice if something interesting would happen.'
Through the throngs she made it to the bar.
"A cider please love. Oh, hard cider that is. Or maybe a good perri if you have it."
Taking her glass with her back to the bar she surveys the party goers, letting the music take her.
'Well i suppose i should mingle and try to impress that's what Aunt Rowena wants, but i am not going to follow in her footsteps.' She thinks taking a sip of her drink, before suddenly taking to the floor in an elegant circling dance. While looking about for anyone interesting to dance with...
Parker walked through the fringes of the crowd after getting through security. Bloody gorillas pawing all over me. Just because I'm not dressed up in something my father would make me wear to my funeral doesn't mean I don't have an invitation. He heads over to the bar and orders a scotch, neat. As he sips his drink, he looks around at the crowd of who's who's and wanna bes along with a few hanger's ons. Parker himself is an odd addition to the party, he wears his hair long and pulled back into a tight ponytail that goes down to his shoulders. His black leather jacket, cut a bit longer than usual but much shorter than a duster, sets off a silver medallion in the shape of an oak leaf over a white silk shirt. Black jeans complete the ensemble.
Coming stag tonight, he had decided not to bring a plus one on this occasion. The mysterious nature of the invitation, it being slipped under his apartment door at exactly 3:00am, along with the potential company did not seem conducive to a good date. The only reason he could think he would get an invitation was because of who his father was. Still...though he didn't care whether he offended Spiro or not by not showing up, Parker's curiosity won out over his dislike of anything having to do with his father. Oh well, might as well try and enjoy myself while I'm here.
"Parker de Montfort, I presume." The voice is clear and dark, and when you trace its source you see a large man in a jersey shirt. His short, military cut black hair accentuates a stunning jawline, and his half-translucent shirt gives you a glimpse of his rippling muscles. The only negative feature on the man seems to be a rather large and ugly nose. The small young lady clinging to his arm seems not to mind as she titters at every phrase he says. "My name is Crassius Lentus, the football player. My employer deals occasionally with your father." The man reeks of power, and is obviously more than just a mundane meathead football star. "Perhaps you could be of use to us as well."
Yes well any friend of my fathers...is not a friend of mine. I hope you'll forgive me if I don't accept your kind request. If you don't forgive me I don't really care. Tell me, does the football league know about your little enhancements? Never mind don't tell me. Parker assumes a somewhat bored expression and says, Now if you don't mind, your kind of ruining my scotch. Parker will continue looking at his chin, careful not to meet his, or anyone elses, eyes while he waits for the football player's response.
"It is unwise to insult a dragon Mr. De Montfort. I see you did not inherit your father's polite ways. But your will is your own. For now." Crassius gives a little half bow and turns away from the young wizard, dragging the starlet behind him.
Zoe's aunt begins gesturing her over, she has managed to insinuate herself in the conversation between Mr. Wade and Mayor Brown. She manages to catch your eye and gets you near quickly. "Zoe darling, this is Cristopher Wade. He runs a club in the downtown area. Afterlife... was it called?" She asks toward Wade, who nods graciously in answer. You can taste the metallic feeling in the back of your throat that you've come to associate with dark magic every time you look at Wade, but he seems to be smiling at you all the same. "And of course you know Mayor Brown. I was just discussing my case with these gentlemen, and Mr. Wade has asked me if I would care to represent his club in any legal troubles. When I told them my niece was here Mr. Wade insisted you must meet his son." A younger man comes from the crowd, with 2 champagnes in hand, and offers one to you. "Father." He says stiffly to Christopher, who nods once more. "It is nice to meet you Zoe. I am Alexander Wade." With an easy smile he reaches out to take your hand. No evil taste here, but something seems off about him otherwise.
"Oh, thank you Mr Wade." Zoe said taking and downing the champagne then placing the glass haphazardly on a glass shelf, next to her bag.
"You seem like a charming man, would you care to dance? We can leave the Seniors to their affairs."
She virtually drags Alexander away to dance. Zoe moves gracefully mirroring the man but with the self-consciousness of youth. Watching him carefully, to see if the way he moves, smells or dances belies any hint of his nature or what's wrong/off with him (while avoiding eye contact).
"So you like champagne? Personally i find it is just poor quality grape, grown in poor soil." She says trying to draw out conversation and to sound knowledgeable and grown-up.
"So your Father runs a club, that must be interesting although i am sure you have pursuits of your own? Do you know Jon Spiro?"
Zoe continues to dance, her pale hair & skin making a monochrome shadow gliding around her partner.
Alexander's dancing is marvelous, no self-consciousness in sight. He smells of cologne, silk and, strangely, flowers. His bright green eyes look distracted as he dances however. "I rather enjoy champagne, though I'm not allowed much at the moment. And Father's business, as he is fond sometimes to say, is none of mine. My own pursuits are... in a different direction." His black hair flows darkly over the shoulders of his dark suit as he spins Zoe to the music.
"I'm afraid there's more to this connection than your Aunt playing matchmaker my dear." Alexander kisses your hand as he moves away after the end of the song. "But I'm sure you will discover that in but a moment."
As he disappears into the crowd you find a note tucked away in a fairly sensitive area. I'm afraid I can say nothing where prying ears may listen to the words we may speak. Find me in Central Park, near Turtle Pond. I have news that may concern you. It is signed in a swirling, beautiful script Alexander.
Thomas was seated at his desk typing away on his computer, filling in the latest form of the early morning raid of a warehouse. The bust turned up little in the way of information but the team did rid New York of a few more ghouls.
“You still here?” quipped a young asian man in his early twenties from the doorway of the small office.
Thomas’ gaze went from the computer screen to the Probationary Agent in a blasé manner, as he answered in a flat voice, “Yes Agent Wu. It is one of the fine joys of law enforcement that you may look forward to as a Senior Agent.”
“I’ll pass. Thanks.” The man added
Thomas shook his head as he enjoyed the distraction, “Unless you want to take inventory of the van again, I suggest you get out of here.”
Cameron Wu held up his hands before him, “Oh no. I am good.”
Thomas chuckled, “Get out of here. See you in the morning Cameron.”
With a wave and a wry smile the man was gone. Thomas gave a sigh and started to turned to his report.
“Mr. Heywood, a moment.” The voice of his superior asked from the doorway. The older man dressed in a fine suit entered holding a small white card with some sort of fancy gold writing on it. Thomas turned in his chair and look to Special Agent-in-Charge Aaron Dix. Without waiting for a reply the man continued, “I need you to fill in for me at the Spiro Enterprises event.”
Thomas looked at the man with a ‘are you serious look’ and was about to protest when the man held up a hand, “I know. I would not be asking, but the Director needs to see.”
“But I don’t have anyone to go with…” he started.
Dix smiled, “Already taken care of. You are going with Nikki. She’s already getting dressed, as should you. Best hurry, you have an hour before the event starts.”
Thomas’ hand went to his forehead and he shook his head back and forth, “Yes, sir.”
Dix nodded and departed. Thomas looked up and saved the file before getting up and heading to the wardrobe room. He walked in and stopped in his tracks at watched the woman before him.
Nikki turned and smiled as she spotted the stunned man before her. ”Like what you see?” Nikki was dressed in a stunning red dress cut short and clung close showing off all of her womanly assets. Her brunette curls reached down to her shoulders.
WOW! thought Thomas, Almost makes me thinking of dating again. He mumbled out a comment, "Ah… yes. Nice.”
Nikki laughed and shook her head, “Men.” She turned and took a black suit off the hangers, “Best get dressed, we might just make it.”
Thomas took up the clothing and made from the dressing room he turned and asked, “Where do you hide your weapon in that?"
Nikki laughed again and picked up a bunch of socks and tossed them in his direction.
***
A half hour late the pair were entering the party. Thomas handed his invitation to the man at the door who looked it over and with a nod to his partner handed it back, ”Have a good night Sir.
Thomas took Nikki’s arm and moved into the room and took it in his investigative look. He noted some more of the influential peoples of New York and the country mingling about. He also managed to pick out a supernatural person or three.
Thomas of average height in his early thirties. His has short brown hair, has a tanned complexion, and a rather fit build. While he might look good in a suit, he fidgets often wishing he was in a less formal and attire that borders on the military with the safety of several weapons. "I feel like a naked babe out here.
Nikki shook him slightly to gain his attention, "Drink?"
Thomas nodded and grabbed two glasses off of a tray going buy and handing one to his 'date'.
Jimmy lurks at the edge of the party, looking uncomfortable and out of place among the richly dressed guests. Hell, he's not as well dressed as the waiting staff. It's not like he hasn't made an effort. His doc martin's are clean and maybe even polished. His jeans are black and he's got a unstained tee on under his only jacket. But yeah, out of place here among the glitz and glitter.
He hunches his shoulders deeper into his jacket and looks round, wishing he could see someone he knew. But there are lots of people and the lighting's too bright and the decorations are too white and the crystal and mirrors throw rainbow refractions over everything, and so Jimmy squints and looks down again. It's not safe, being alone in a crowd like this, being in bright lights. Doesn't feel safe at all, with no shadows anywhere in the room.
A hostess glides past with a tray of drinks, foreign beers, spirits and champagnes. Jimmy raises a hand but her eyes don't even flick towards him as she heads towards a cluster of richly dressed men talking in loud voices. Maybe it really is obvious that he's not welcome, shouldn't have an invite, shouldn't be here? Or maybe I'm just easy to overlook? Oh well, I've been glad of that before.
So the real question was, why had Seil asked him to come? And when was the strange barman going to arrive himself?
Zoë looked around a bit confused at the enigmatic Alexander, rubbing her curves where the note was concealed. 'What an strange man, i wonder if he is actually Wades' son. Hmmm, quite cute and has a light touch.' A slight smile crosses her lips. Well i guess i should mingle a little more.
Zoë moved back to Aunt Rowena, with a quick nod and demure smile she picks up her clutch and moves back through the throngs. Spotting someone she recognises; Zoë grabs two bottles of lager from a passing waiter with a fixed grin and vacant eyes. What's he doing here?
"Hi, Jimmy what you doing here? Beer? You look as uncomfortable as i feel. Free booze is nothing to pass up." Zoë said as she sidles over to her acquaintance passing him a beer she snagged.
'I really should not be mixing my drinks this much, i am going too feel like hell in the morning. Oh well.
Having taken a pull of the drink. "So how have you been?"
Well I think i might try to find our gracious host, the enigmatic Jon Spiro. Zoe moves off across the room, not waiting to see if Jimmy wishes to follow. Her eyes searching for the tech mogul, when (if?) she spots him she stops.
Do i approach him, how do i approach him? What if he is talking to someone, i must be a bit tipsy. Why did i want to talk to him? No, be firm girl, you must thank him for the party and make sure he thinks kindly of Aunty. Don't humiliate yourself. Zoe internally berated herself from the shadows nearby, trying to subtly to Spiros' conversation before moving lithely towards him her hips swaying.
Mr. Spiro, I thank you for the invitation. I am Zoë Campbell, niece of Rowena Campbell - the lawyer. A wonderful occasion this.
Don't finish a sentence with the definite article it makes you sound like a simpleton!
"Is everything ready for Monday night?" Mr. Wade asked, having wandered closely over to Jimmy without noticing him. The meathead looking guy he asked simply nodded. "Good. If anything goes wrong, I will personally tear your employer apart." Mr. Wade's eyes turn black and his teeth are huge and pointy as he smiles. "Now I'm heading off to find dinner. Give Mr. Spiro my apologies for leaving his party early."
Jon Spiro, being in the middle of a conversation with Crassus, turns after being interrupted. "Ah, indeed. Thank you for making an appearance, it's nice to know that your Aunt enjoys my little soirees." Crassus smiles at Zoe, but it never reaches his eyes. "Perhaps if Ms. Campbell wouldn't mind allowing us to conduct our business in peace."
So sorry, i did not mean to interupt you Gentlemen. I just was trying to be polite, as urbane men like yourselves know. So i will bid you adieu for the moment if either of you wish a dance or to converse once your business has completed, please find me. She said with a polite but slightly stiff smile, before slinking off with her tail between her metaphorical legs.
Laughter could be heard from the entrance as Seil entered the party several hours late, one of Spiros security men had opened the door for him, a wide and seemingly inapropriate grin on his face, as seil had both hands full with shockingly dusty bottles of wine.
He was dressed in what he considered very fine clothing. An all black suit that was clearly expensive, however was worn with age and a more critical eye could easily see that the sizing was off. His tie was a deep green and was rather loosely wrapped around his neck. On his collar was a small penant of a golden bull. The shoes he wore appeared expensive however they were covered in fresh dirt.
His appearance gave the impression of a man who was weaing a suit for the first time, but the confidence and smile on his face seemed to give out a sense of utter ignorance or care to the concerns of style. Seils face was young and radiated energy his eyes were nearly black and seemed to hold the power and wisdom of a far older man.
With those eyes Seil gazed upon the party and its partakers. He spotted the parties host and immedietly moved toward him. Passing through the guests seil was relieved to see his friend jimmy had actually come, nodding in his direction seil continued toward spiro.
As he approached Seils usually disarming smile changed far to quickly to that of utter confusion. Something was wrong here he couldnt understand his sudden change in mood, but something very old and cautious was alive in him giving him a momentary sense of anxiety. Brushing the feeling off Seil resumed his smile upon reaching Spiro.
Spiro of course was having a dry and forced conversation with the large meathead whom Seil didnt recognize. Not feeling the need to wait for such pointless and unwanted talks to end Seil interupted.
"The masks people wear to parties has always amazed me. Your kind seems to of forgotten how to enjoy themselves properly so you seek to force it by appearing and acting like something your not. But there are some here whom I hope for, not least among them yourself Mr Spiro."
Spiro smiles and shakes Seil's hand, taking the wine bottle and sipping a bit. "An excellent year as always Seil. It is always nice to be appreciated. Tell me, do you know Crassus Lentus?" Spiro waves toward the other man with him, who studies Seil intently.
"χαιρετισμούς Seilenos komos Satyroi Libyes." Crassus greets you in Greek. "It is nice to see another from my homeland." The large man shakes your hand and then turns to Spiro. "Delivery will be made tomorrow night as promised. You have the thanks of Merotaxial. Seil, I am sure we will meet again." Crassus turns and leaves quickly, with hardly a look to either side. The starlet is nowhere to be seen, but it seems not to bother him.
"το πάθος μπορεί να σας καθοδηγήσει" mutters Seil as crassus leaves.
He studies him with narrowed eyes for a moment in silence then breaking into a joyous smile he turns back to Spiro
"Truly amazing how life brings us together isnt it? passing the other bottle to one of the servers Seil takes another glance around the room.
You sure are making powerful friends these days Spiro, I am glad I came It is an honor to be ranked among them.
Zoë moves back to her Aunt; finding her alone, sipping her drink and fortifying herself for her next exchange.
"So Aunty, how was the Mayor and Mr. Wade? They seemed like powerful gentlemen, i hope the business they discussed would be profitable. Young Mr. Wade was a gentleman, quite charming and dishy too. Anyway, i am doing as you always say 'The event should remember you, if it doesn't then it truly is not an Event'. So i met Mr. Spiro and gave him your regards and i am sure he remembers me." Hopefully not too unfondly.
"I think i will take a rest here, for a moment let then come to me."
Zoë stands swaying to the music.
Thomas does not even sip at his drink unlike his date. She looked the man, "Problem?"
"Nah, just want to be elsewhere," Thomas says to Nikki. He motions to their host, "I suppose we should make our presence known to our host and convey Dix's regrets." "Lucky bastard.
Thomas with Nikki on his arm wound their way towards Spiro and smile at other guests they past. A nod here, a raised glass there. Thomas knew how to play his part. When the way cleared Thomas approached, "Mr Spiro I hope you are well this evening." Thomas puts his hand forward, "Agent Thomas Heywood and Agent Nikki Watts, we are here on behalf of Special Agent in Charge Aaron Dix. He sends his regrets for not being able to attend, but a Bureau matter has come up."
Jimmy raises a hand awkwardly as Zoe flits past, looking stunning in her black dress. He's still working out what to say about how he's been - does she care or is she just being polite? - and before he's managed to stammer out more than, "F-fine...", she's swirled on back into the glitter of the party, lost to sight. Smooth. Real smooth. Still, at least there was a friendly face in the crowd, and Jimmy's mood improved.
He felt even better when he saw Seil across the room, and returned the barman's nod gravely. Mood looking up, Jimmy decided to make more of an effort to score a drink. He was just looking round for a hostess when a supernatural shiver jangles down his spine. Freeze! Danger! He froze.
Jimmy overhears Mr Wade and an unknown associate discussing ... something ... due to happen on Monday night. I should tell Seil about this. He's always interested in what that creepy night club owner is doing.
Parker spots Zoe from across the room and weaves his way over to her and her aunt. Hi, Zoe! I didn't know you were going to be here tonight. This must be your aunt you have told me so much about. Parker gives a quick bow to Zoe's aunt. So how did you find yourself sucked into this little shindig?
"Great to see you too." Giving him a tight hug and an easy smile. 'Hopefully this means Rowena won't pursue any, improprieties that happened with our host.'
"You're looking good, tonight Parker. May i introduce you to my benefactor and saviour; My aunt Rowena Campbell. Aunty this is Parker de Montfort, a good man and friend." Turning to Parker, Zoe continues. How did you come to be invited, I know this is 'The Event'. Hope it wasn't at your fathers; behest." she says cautiously knowing that this is a sore spot.
Have you business with our host, Mr Spiro? I spoke to him earlier but he was engaged in business. I am here by the graciousness of my Aunt, she had an extra invite and thought i simply must know all the best people especially if i am to follow here. 'Yeah, like thats going to happen i have my art. I wish i was as bright as her, but all those words make my head hurt.'
"Oh i also saw our friend Jimmy around the party, unfortunately i was flitting about making sure i was noticed so i only said hello and dropped him off a beer. If you want we could find him." Zoe said looking longingly to her aunt.
An absolute pleasure Madam. Parker says when introduced to Zoe's aunty. As far as how I got invited I have no idea, someone slipped the invitation under my door at 3 in the morning. Most mysterious, but I didn't have anything better to do tonight. Jimmy's here you say, I haven't seen him in a little while. Oh and you'll be happy to know I stuck my foot in my mouth with that Crassus Lentus fellow, he tried to recruit me for some such nonsense and I told him to take a hike. Didn't know his background though if you take my meaning. Me and my big mouth.
After moving slightly away from her Aunt. "Oh that fellow, i had a bit of a run in with him myself. He was discussing 'business' with Mr Spiro, when i introduced myself. They told me to 'bugger off' (thought not in as many words). He looked an absolute meat-head, i am afraid i might have made a bad impression on our host."
Zoe looking around guiltily at her Aunt. "Yeah, i am not great in these situations occasionally. See i am just gabbling on, i am afraid i may be a bit tipsy."
"Anyway, i was a bit worried because my Aunt was talking to a Mr Christopher Wade, a night club owner of the 'After-life'.
I've been to the club very nice place, a bit high-end but they do embrace the alternative scene. In fact i saw 'The Nuns' there, great band.
So have you heard of this Mr Wade, he tasted of bad magic to me. Errrm i mean he seemed slightly dodgy. And he was trying to get my Aunt involved in a scheme, i don't want to see her hurt."
"Care to dance?" Zoe insists practically dragging Parker onto the dance-floor despite her svelte frame.
"We must talk and discretion is required, there are some strange things afoot." Zoe says drawing Parker into a tight clinch and crooking her neck to whisper in his ear. "I am not sure that this place is safe, so we must be discrete. Powerful people are here and there seems to be some sort of power-play going on. Mr Wade, was talking to the Mayor about his 'problems', so we must assume normal authorities have been compromised. How are the 'supernatural authorities' disposed in town. I know few in the community, only a Holy Order and low-level practitioners. I heard the wizards were at war?"
"Our 'friend' Crassius had a pretty young girl on his arm. But she had disappeared when he was talking to our host. We should probably look for her." Zoe says as she scans the crowd whilst she and Parker whirl around.
Parker lets himself be pulled onto the floor, he is an above average dancer from the many parties he attended with his father. I am not sure of the authorities, I try and stay away from them as much as possible. As for the war, he shrugs his shoulders, There is always someone fighting someone, but this war has been very trying on the council from what I hear. He continues to whirl around the floor never staying in one place long enough for the people around to hear more than a few words before moving on. A girl hmm? That is interesting. He doesn't seem like the kind of fellow to let his arm candy walk around without showing her off unless there is some ulterior motive. Speaking of arm candy he says with a wink at you. You are looking pretty lovely yourself there Zoe. What are you doing after the party?
Zoë blushes at the unexpected compliment, which does not compliment her creamy skin tone.
"Thank you," she stammers "well usually when i get dragged to these events there's no-one interesting. So it's usually bath & bed. But i did hear of an exciting new club that opened up, the musics great; the beer's better. Interested?"
"Where are you from? New York appears to be a nexus, a cultural melting pot? (in fact i once went to Old York) I'm from Cornwall in England myself, it's a beautiful place. Moorland, surfing, ancient fae hollow hills, in fact Tintagel Castle is reputed to be either Camelot or the home of the Sidhe."
A drunk young man with a beer in hand cuts in on the young couple. "Hey there cutie. Wanna dance with a real guy?" He begins pulling forcefully at Zoe's arms, obviously not wanting to take no for an answer.
"Of course Mr. Seil, of course. If life were not to bring us together we would all stay far apart, and the world poorer for it. It's like that silly ad for my phones says 'Bring The World To You'" He mimics the ostentatious tone and pose of the man in the commercial impeccably. "Ahh... you must be from the Agency. It is a shame about Aaron, he is always great to deter the riffraff, not much fun at a party but useful." Spiro shakes Thomas' hand and kisses Nikki's. "It is amazingly nice to meet you my new friends. How are those phones I sent the agency doing? I trust they fare far better than the competitions around the... special... sort of cases?"
Parker does not take kindly to this guy pawing at Zoe. He knows that she can take care of herself but he was brought up in the old world style where you just don't do things like that. Hey buddy, the lady and I were dancing. How about you go sleep it off? Parker will step between the two if necessary.
Seil nods approvingly at the tech giants words.
noticing agent haywood aproaching Seil thinks calmy to himself. and now approaches the mortal with justice in his pocket and sorrow in his eyes, does he crumble or does he bolster himself at the thought of her and his revenge?
Its been awhile agent haywood, my flock and I miss you at "the lotus", you work to hard im afraid, glad to see you here enjoying something besides a mysterious murder. You should try some of the wine i brought.
'Ouch' As the drunken man grabs her arm. 'Oh, here's trouble. Why is it always the wasted ones? What's the best way to get out of this, politely ignoring, patronising. Oh good, Parkers taking care of it.'
Zoe taps Parkers shoulder, whispering "Thanks"
Thomas smiles at Spiro as he does one of his commercials and nods to the man, "I am not one of the techs but I have found the phones work great for all occasions. They can even take a little unusual punishment and still work fine afterward." Thomas recalls an incident not just last week dealing with a Shifter of sort that got out of hand in the office and he actually used his phone to beat the creature into submission.
Nikki smiles at the host and thanks him graciously. Unlike her date she is actually enjoying a night out.
"Seil, good to see you," and gives the man a shrug and comments in a humorous manner, [b]"Bills to pay and monsters to slay." He does chuckle at the comment knowing it to be the truth rather than some joke that some nearby may think it.
Thomas looks to the host once again, "Thank you Mr. Spiro, and nice to make your acquaintance. We will let you get back to your guests." He makes to step aside of any others who may want to great their host and looks to Siel, "Keeping out of trouble?"
yes yes your guests, how selfish of me trying to keep you all to myself, they all need your words my good friend I shall let you ensure they hear them.
Seil shakes Mr spiros hand does a slight bow and then steps aside with agent haywood.
he chuckles unassuringly at the question
Why do you always ask me that? You can be assured you wont need to imprison me tonight, or shoot me for that matter.
How about yourself, do you feel anything besides this overdeveloped sense of duty and need for revenge? There is so much more to life that you must embrace your time here is so short.
You and your friend should come by the lotus this weekend, there is to be a sacrifice and glorious worship of the god of such life,it would do you good.
Zoe notices the drunk isn't wavering as he should, and his arm begins moving toward his coat. She can see the outline of a knife in the pocket he's moving toward.
Having spent enough time in British cities on a Saturday night Zoë is used to drunk people, but this man seems 'off'. Spotting a possible weapon in his pocket.
she shouts, but the music drowns her words with its relentless beat.
Within the blink or a eye Zoë moves from behind Parker putting her next to the 'drunkard'. 'I am not going to let anyone get hurt just to protect me.' Any fight erupting will surely become bloody at these quarters.
"Hey love, we can resolve this peacefully. I would love to dance. Why don't we all just cool off."
'Cool off!' Zoë shoves her arm forward lightning fast, throwing her champagne in the drunks face.
"You wanna dance, let's dance" She says in her best Jack Nicholson/ Joker impression.
"Whoah... no offense meant there Seil," Thomas says with his hands before him, "I was just wondering how things have been with you is all."
He starts to answer, "Yeah, I can get the team and come down..." and is interrupted by a feminine voice across the floor yells 'knife' and Thomas looks about for what is happening...
The man pulls the knife swiftly, with a slight accent and stunning speed he says simply "The Red Court sends its regards to the De Montfort family" but before he can strike Zoes champagne hits him in the face. "Argh..."
Looking around, you note another man close who seems to ready himself for action. The first takes a wild swing with his knife.
Thomas notices the wild swing of the knife near his friend, and another man nearby tensing instead of looking relaxed, with his eyes fixed firmly on the fight.
Not able to determine his true nature, Thomas sees the vampire as only a man attacking his friend.
'Oh s~$~.'
Parker looks at the drunk and sneers, The Red Court can keep their regard. He then pulls his switchblade and slashes at the drunk.
With a graceful punch she uses her own momentum to continue her dance. 'Come on, well this has livened up the party. But you don't interrupt me dancing with a handsome man and get away with it.'
Parker slashes the Vamp with his switchblade, knocking it backwards slightly. You can see a glimpse of the disgusting thing sliding beneath its flesh mask.
Seil frowns at Thomas' apology I potray offence when i intend humor... odd I must work on this. He then follows the agents gaze and sees the knife slash toward the wizard parker then noticing the other man tensing next to the fight, seil lets out an audible snarl of sorts.
lore:
iniative:
out of combat dionysus gift:
in combat dionysus gift:
Thomas reacts and reaches for his weapon only to find none there and curses the security of the party. He looks thoughtfully to Nikki who opens her little purse and quickly passes the man a weapon, "You are a godsend Nik" She flashes a smile with an I know look. The man moves forward towards the conflict trying not to get the crowd of people to worried.
Jimmy sees Parker is in trouble and moves forward to help.
Jimmy sneaks up behind the Vampire, not wanting the thing to see him coming. The youth then jumps forward with a snarl, almost uncannily like a hunting dog.
Jimmy's blow strikes the right spot and with a tear, the flesh mask begins to fall off the huge batlike creature. The party guests who weren't running begin to and it's obvious to those in the know what is happening.
The Vampire screeches and moves forward, only to be attacked by Zoe with her champagne glass.
The vampire, hurt and confused, staggers back and strikes toward Parker again.
The other assassin, more discerning, makes his move toward the female, knife in hand.
The flute of Zoe's champagne glass shatters on the thigh of the newly revealed vampire. She throw's the now useless base to the floor. Concentrating on the assassin, she feels the heckles on the back of her neck raise and her feline instincts kicking in. With a hiss she spins in a circle an unseen knife brushing her, slicing across the waist of her dress. She turns to meet the second assassin.
Parker swings his switchblade around in order to deflect the incoming strike.
Jimmy snarls in fear and disgust as part of the vampire's rotting fleshy disguise tears off under his fists. He looks round, scanning the retreating crowd for any more attackers - or any one else who the vampires have hurt. He sees a slim young man in a rented tux on the floor being stepped on after the second vampire had pushed him out the way.