Cassandra Elizabeth de Montferrat strode into the Steak to the Heart; she had a table reserved and didn't wait to be seated. A few moments after she sat down a glass of vintage claret was placed in front of her alongside the menu. She took a sip and leaned back in her booth, increasing her range of vision ever so slightly as she looked to see what type of clientele were gathered in the Heart this evening.
**Mistress Montferrat was greeted to the usual faire of patrons at the Heart, the tables were strung with the nobility in intervals around the dinning room; handsome young couples sitting down to a candlelit evening; and even a few government lackeys out for a night on the town. The place was live. A lovely young jakari approached her table, dressed in a uniform of silk black shorts, white lace shirt, and to complete the ensemble, a black bow tie.**
Sabine - Lady Montferrat? I have a message for you.
**The jakari woman returned Cassandra's greeting with familiar warmth.**
Sabine - Good, milady. Thank you. I was told to inform you that your nephew says, 'Sandra, you held me up again... No, don't say anything. Order a Vodun Priestess and whatever you're having. Be there shortly.' -- That was all of it, milady.
Sabine - I'll keep one on chill for you, just in case.
--
**Shortly after Sabine had returned with Sandra's food and a weird looking smoky purple drink, a very shabbily dressed nobleman walked into the Heart; his hair was a mass of dark chocolate curls, bed-tussled from the looks of it. He wore a fine wool blazer of deep burgundy, richly cut but disheveled to perfection, stitched with golden seam work. His highborn features spoke of his importance, though they held a perpetually sad expression. This was the Count of Clermont, Nicohlas de Montferrat.**
Nicki - Good evening, Tìa. Really, must I chase you down every time I want a word? My time is important you know, it's not all social calls and parties...
**Nicholas tousled his hair even more, a habitual habit it seemed. As he sat down, he rested his a hand on his forehead, staring through one eye at Cassandra in exasperation.**
Nicki - You are too mischievous for your own good. Humph, there's something more important to talk about. How much do you know about what's going on right now?
Nicki - The du Verre girls aren't my concern. Yes, the mountains. Cardalu is up to something, and I think it coincides with the veil. He was visited recently by a very strange messenger. I need you to keep your ear to the ground with this, whatever you can find out. The council is in an uproar, and yet he sits back like it's the front row of the Hyperion.
**Nicki took a moment to answer, Cassandra's quip seeming to have cut deeper than she intended.**
Nicki - I wouldn't put anything past him, to be perfectly honest. However, I just can't be sure. I don't think the veil is him, it happened too suddenly. There's a new girl in town though, and he's been keeping her close to his coattails. Vampire politics are a quagmire, but I'd like you to watch her. Whatever happens, she'll be involved, I'm positive.
Nicki - I have no idea. She's etheric, not like any human girl I've ever seen, I'm not even sure she's human... that's just it, she's definitely not Scion or Bloodborn either. I'd almost say, it's something between the two. Interested yet?
Cassandra- I am entirely sure that is supposed to be my line, dear nephew.
The woman watched Nicki go with a grin before sighing and returning to her meal. After finishing the meal she took a final sip of her wine and headed out into the night air.
She walked back in a few moments later, a paper tucked under the arm which held her parasol. She headed to the bar and signaled for another glass of wine, looking around for Sabine.
Sabine - Mmm... that is strange. Cultural artifacts? Pardon me, milady but I'm not sure what that could possibly be about. However, if I had to start chasing rumors I'd start over at the Market. Those little imps are always hearing one thing or other.
Sabine - Lady Montferrat? I have a message for you.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra- Sabine, good to see you darling. Written or spoken?
Sabine - Good, milady. Thank you. I was told to inform you that your nephew says, 'Sandra, you held me up again... No, don't say anything. Order a Vodun Priestess and whatever you're having. Be there shortly.' -- That was all of it, milady.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra's smile at that point could have melted ice.
Sabine - And will that be all, milady? Shall I bring over more wine?
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
--
**Shortly after Sabine had returned with Sandra's food and a weird looking smoky purple drink, a very shabbily dressed nobleman walked into the Heart; his hair was a mass of dark chocolate curls, bed-tussled from the looks of it. He wore a fine wool blazer of deep burgundy, richly cut but disheveled to perfection, stitched with golden seam work. His highborn features spoke of his importance, though they held a perpetually sad expression. This was the Count of Clermont, Nicohlas de Montferrat.**
Nicki - Good evening, Tìa. Really, must I chase you down every time I want a word? My time is important you know, it's not all social calls and parties...
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra- My dear nephew, how else am I supposed to get you out in public?
Nicki - You are too mischievous for your own good. Humph, there's something more important to talk about. How much do you know about what's going on right now?
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra- Would this be about the affair or the mountains?
Nicki - The du Verre girls aren't my concern. Yes, the mountains. Cardalu is up to something, and I think it coincides with the veil. He was visited recently by a very strange messenger. I need you to keep your ear to the ground with this, whatever you can find out. The council is in an uproar, and yet he sits back like it's the front row of the Hyperion.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra took a chunk out of her steak, which was cooked rather well done for a Sylvan steak.
Cassandra- You don't think someone from Sylvan, even Cardalu, would tamper with the veil?
Nicki - I wouldn't put anything past him, to be perfectly honest. However, I just can't be sure. I don't think the veil is him, it happened too suddenly. There's a new girl in town though, and he's been keeping her close to his coattails. Vampire politics are a quagmire, but I'd like you to watch her. Whatever happens, she'll be involved, I'm positive.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra- And who is this mystery girl you'd like me to keep tabs on, Nicki?
Nicki - I have no idea. She's etheric, not like any human girl I've ever seen, I'm not even sure she's human... that's just it, she's definitely not Scion or Bloodborn either. I'd almost say, it's something between the two. Interested yet?
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Nicki - Good. Now, I have an early day tomorrow, and dinner is one me. Do try and stay out of trouble though.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
The woman watched Nicki go with a grin before sighing and returning to her meal. After finishing the meal she took a final sip of her wine and headed out into the night air.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
Cassandra- Have you seen the latest Sun, Sabine?
Sabine - Hello again, Lady Cassandra. I'm afraid not milady, It's been a busy night so far.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.
To live is to hope, and while we breathe, we hope and live.