An Open Invite

[L .]

"Thank God you're here," Aurelia opens the door on Dukes with a laugh, but her dark eyes are full of concern. She hides it, painting on an amused - if slightly tight - expression in its place, and Aurelia gives him a genuine smile. "I felt you."

Unlike her usual travelling garb, she's wearing a dress tonight, inky black and tightly fitting - with a slit that rode up along her thigh, daringly high. There's not much skin visible ironically; she's wearing thigh-high leather boots. A strip of olive thigh catches as she moves.

"Master Vex is upstairs somewhere, talking to that Anton boy. Keane is deeper inside the manor somewhere, as are... well, quite a few. I'm afraid it's turning into something of a party, because business turned to drink. And you know what happens when Cainites relax."

She shoots him a roguish wink. "Get inside, before the rain makes you melt, witch."

[alanwrotethis]

Niketas returns the smile.
"I felt you too. Sensed you. Inferred... you know what I mean."
His eyes wrinkle in a grin. He is dressed in his courtly wear again, the rich purples and jewelry he reserves for social occasions.
Thank God you're here. He pauses.
"You need me for something? What is it?"
He waves a hand.
"When you're ready. You Know Your Will better than many, most, any, seven shades, the Angle tongue is piss-poor at complimenting you..."
Despite himself he chuckles as he enters the building.
"Yet to meet the host myself. He's your... clanmate... anything I need to know to avoid vexing him?"
Vex-ing
"Huh... glad I got that one out of the way early."
He offers an arm, to be taken rather than hooked. A feminine invite. He winks.
"Unless you want me to play the male courtier tonight? I lost track of whose turn it is..."

[Manacledairman]

Aldrich is sat at what appears to be a card table or atleast has been made to look like one recently. He is sipping on a drink in his right hand and smoking a cigar. His suit jacket is haphazardly resting on the back of his chair otherwise he looks much like normal, his eye lights up as Aurelia returns with Dukes

"Ahhh and now we have the sheriff." He raises his glass "Dukes" he downs it. "When you have a moment. Come and join me." He smiles widely attempting to betray his inebriation.

[L .]

Aurelia quirks a brow, questioning how a Tremere sensed her, but she's gotten used to Dukes' quirks and so just smiles crookedly, and steps back to allow him entrance.

"What do you think? I just want your company, neh. Silly men." Her nose grazes his lightly, Aurelia closing the distance in greeting, and she turns her head to inhale at his temple, near his hairline. "You are babbling. But I have missed it."

A quick peck, she steps back. Glancing down at the offer of his arm, Aurelia laughs outright, an idle delight, and offers her own in turn, like a gentleman. "It should always be my turn to lead," she corrects in jest.

"What? Noo-on!" she laments. "I enjoy your jokes. Must I sacrifice these too? Come, Vex is neonate, even if Ventrue, and you are an elder. You must make jokes. Especially when he is out of ear."

"I was just about to make more tea. You will join me?"

*

Aurelia enters the room where the majority of the Kindred seem to have pooled, with Dukes on arm and a pot of tea floating beside them, under the weight of Thaumaturgy.

"Could you set it down over there," she nods to a table that Dukes can see between the Kindred. "There are already mugs in here, around the place. Ah, there. In that dresser, there are more for newcomers."

[alanwrotethis]

His eyes close when she leans in close. As she draws back he inhales. A brief pause.

"Always your turn? That can't be right..." His mouth crooks, the hint of a private joke or sentiment.

When she offers tea he chuckles deeply.

*

Entering the salon room Dukes eyes the guests, setting the pot on the table with a wave of his hand. He nods to Aldrich.
"Well met elder architect, I will have time shortly I assure you. You are.... well?"
A glance to Aurelia, he leans in close. A whisper in her ear

He pulls back. His eyes crease in another mouthless smile. He holds her gaze and nods before turning to the room.
"How may I be of service my Lord Architect?" he asks.

[Manacledairman]

"I'm magnificent Sheriff. Sat in this beautiful manor, notably not on a boat to Constantinople." His eye and aura burns as he says this, before being interrupted by his chuckles, bringing down his empty glass harder than he originally intended, he seems surprised by its lack of contents and pours himself another drink from a hip flask. "no service needed my friend" he gestures to a seat at the table. "Just empty seats which need filling." He smiles.

[L .]

"Constantinople?" Aurelia looks up from where she was crouched, having dipped down to pour herself tea. One slim hand remained on the round porcelin belly, the other at its spout; she looked an unusual picture in her vampire blacks, with the floral pot. It was the largest the manor had. "Is that why you were away so much? Trying to find a boat?"

But she frownas, as if something didn't quite add up; the pause meant she overfilled her tea and the elder cursed softly, putting the pot down and sorting that out.

"I suppose if Bristol is locked down... but couldn't you have gone through Wales? Newquay?"

[Manacledairman]

[alanwrotethis]

"Lissa is missing?"
Niketas frowns, necking a cup of tea.
"That is problematic."
He pauses, the tea taking effect.
"That is exceptional."
He shakes his head.
"Yes, Lissa. There are ways to locate her. If you need assistance contact me. Not tonight though... I need a..."
His hand strays towards the teapot, notices he is touching Aurelia's fingers.
"Would a second cup be presumptious?"

[Manacledairman]