An Open Invite

[Posh-Tim]

At the fiery explosion of events in front of him Keane rocks backwards on his heels. Stunned at the outbursts all around. When Jean-Jacques finally scampers off he rocks forward again back to where he was standing, eyes wide and shocked. Staring at Aldritch directly.
"No, not one for gambling myself Elder."
He says in a very careful but incredibly strained voice.
He wheels again and steps away for a seat amongst the others there. Taking careful steps past Valentina as he goes.

[Manacledairman]

Aldrich finally appears to take note of the situation and takes a sip of his drink.

Once he manages to catch Aurelia's eye he smiles

"For Asparagus' sake." Aldrich repeats. "I imagine that translates differently in Spanish?"

He then chuckles at dukes comment.

"Wise, I'm certain he's not your type." He winks, presumably, and takes another sip, placing his drink down and clapping his hands together lightly.

Nodding to Keane. "So I know absolutely nothing of gambling, someone will have to teach me." He smiles widely. "Who is game?"

[alanwrotethis]

"I don't know... is it cheating if the cards speak to me or if the roulette wheel and dice like my choices?"

[Manacledairman]

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina has watched with a feeling of the world righting itself as Aurelia berates Jean-Jacques and then, at Dukes' comment, she clasps her hands over her mouth in a somewhat futile attempt to stop her giggles.

Keane gets a smile when he passes her, though, with Uriah around she makes no move to invite him to sit with her.

"I'm afraid I shall have to decline gambling Elder, though should you permit I would gladly watch and keep you all company as you game?"

[Lady Grace]

Grace, smiles to Valentina, it might be nice just to achieve a quiet seat in her company.

But keen to bring a end to another lamentable incident Grace repeats her earlier request to the Elders sat at the table.

"I would play if you would permit me to join you,"
"Although Ancillia Stoker is a much better hand at cards than I," she smiles.

[Manacledairman]

Aldrich smiles to Valentina

"A shame, of course if you have any tips then I fear I may need them more than the rest." He says invitingly

Turning to Grace "I see no reason why not? After all this is elder Lucius' game I believe it would be his final call."

[Lady Grace]

Grace smiles in acknowledgment.
Carefully picks up a chair and sits herself at the card table next to Aldrich.
"Now, what is the game?

[Jean-Jacques]

The sound portended his arrival, a mixture of clinking and squeaking announced the arrival of Jean_Jacques pushing a small trolley, atop which was a steaming urn, with several teapots and cups and saucers, cutlery and accoutrements gathered on the lower tier.

He wheeled the service trolley into the room, and then cast a glance at the table and bowed to Aurelia.

[alanwrotethis]

Niketas picks up a deck of cards, tracing the embossed face with a finger.

"Hmm... good print. Baraja deck, from Seville. Not much of a gambler myself..."

He splits the deck, ruffling them back into a single stack.

"Veintiuna, also known as Twenty One and Vingt et Un. Simple enough, do we care for a round?"