Winter, fire and snow

[Christine Daye]

It's somewhere between ten and fifteen minutes later that Christine appears, heralded as always by a song.

"In winter, fire is beautiful... Beautiful like a song... in winter, snow is beautiful... all of the winter long..."

She enters the room in high spirits, eyes bright and cheeks flushed. She's obviously fed recently and well, with a glitter in her eyes that suggests her prey had imbibed a drink or few.

"Mr Grey, how lovely to see you! I am sorry for making you wait, I hope it was not too long?"

A breath, and she wrinkles her nose.

"Oh dear.... I shall have to have a word with Mrs Carson. This room is terribly dusty and really needs a good airing! ... hmmmm... we could decamp to the office, if you would prefer?"

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus stands and bows low to Christine when she enters the room.

"No wait is too long to be graced by your presence Ms Daye. A wonderful concert tonight, I could almost feel the snow between my paws at one point."

He nods

"As you prefer Ms Daye. A quick question, are you aware Mr Wheeler is quite besotted with Mrs Saunders?"

[Christine Daye]

She dimples with pleasure at the compliment, then fails to suppress an eye roll at Regulus' mention of the young usher.

"Oh! I am aware! Thomas has been mooning after her for weeks now! I would have some sympathy except that I know for a fact that Katherine entranced him and I am still cross with her for it! The nerve! This is my theatre, my staff. Well, mine and Maestra's. It was so very rude of her. And now we have a totally lovelorn usher. It is somewhat irritating!"

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus chuckles, he leans back on the arm of one of the chairs.

"Young Mr Wheeler has asked for my help in discovering whether he should press his suit. I rather intend to break the news to him gently."

He shakes his head and tuts

"Interfering with another Kindred's people, that is rather rude. Do you intend to prank her in retaliation?"

[Christine Daye]

Christine just gives Regulus A Look.

"Poor Thomas is quite smitten. And Katherine has apologised. But that apology doesn't help deal with the situation."

She huffs slightly in exasperation.

"Be kind to the poor boy. It's not his fault."

Then, a bright smile as she sits in the other armchair.

"But how are you? It seems like so long since we've spoken! Did you enjoy the ball? And how was... um... Swansea? Or was it Carmarthen? Did you get to enjoy the beach? I heard mermaids singing recently. It was delightful!"

[Regulus Grey]

He inclines his head

"I shall break the news to him as gently as I can, I have no intent to upset the boy."

Regulus returns to sitting in the chair rather than leaning back on it. Sitting forward he rests his elbows on his knees.

"I am well thank you Ms Daye. The Ball was an experience, I fear that I may have offended some of the Toreodor by showing off my bare arms, but none could have recognised me in the mask so I shall not be too concerned."

He pauses for a moment and seems to gather himself

"What song were the mermaids singing? If I may ask."

[Christine Daye]

She shrugs.

"What is the point of a Masked Ball if one cannot be a bit daring in one's costume?"

Her eyes go distant and dreamy.

"...oh, they sang wordless songs of joy and longing and freedom and hunger and peace and woe... and they were so beautiful! I very much enjoyed singing with my cousins. "

She pulls a face.

"...though it was quite a job to calm them down after Katherine decided to sing with them. She nearly gave them invitation! ...I've been run aground... so sad for a sailor... I've been safe and sound... but needed the danger..."

Regulus will recognise the song lyrics as being from a song Katherine has sung at Elysium. Though Christine imbues it with something strange and otherworldly.

[Regulus Grey]

"True enough Ms Daye, true enough. Your own costume was quite spectacular I must say."

He tilts his head when Christine calls the mermaids her cousins, but nods his head.

"I wish I had been there to hear you sing with them. It sounds like it would have been a breathtaking event."

He stands

"Would you care to go for a walk Ms Daye? I confess the dust is becoming somewhat annoying."

[Christine Daye]

Christine looks pleased at the compliment.

"I'm glad you liked it. It was nice to be able to reveal my wings, even if only for an evening. Though surprisingly few commented on them. Well, except for Mayweather, who insisted on prodding them. Which was most uncomfortable! Wings are very delicate and sensitive things... but you already know that, don't you, Mr Raven?"

She giggles.

"A walk sounds lovely. Where did you have in mind? I am sorry for the dust - I shall have words, let me assure you!"

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus chuckles

"I do indeed Ms Melody. So many delicate bones, although I have the benefits of the innate hardiness of Gangrel blood."

He smiles, raising one hand to scratch at his forearm.

"Perhaps along the river? Or a stroll through the park?"