Tea for two

[Erika Leroux]

The hotel is suitably lavish. The private room set out for them is spotless, not an item out of place. The china is exquisitely patterned. A fresh faced, English rose beauty sits waiting. Her outfit is crisp, pretty. She echoes the almost transparent daintiness of the cup from which she appears to be sipping. The smile that crosses her face as Eponine enters is warm and she rises to greet her with equal warmth.

"My dear! How are you? I do hope you don't mind my having settled - I was early and there's still such a chill in the air. It is so good to see you again. It's been quite some time."

[eponine]

Eponine almost glides into the room, the ruffles on her skirt dancing in the breeze. When Erika acknowledges her entrance she bows low.

"My Dearest Prince La Roux, you make yourself as comfortable as you please."

When she rises she drifts over to the table and waits to be invited to sit.

"I am very well thank you, that tea smells wonderful, are you well?"

[Erika Leroux]

"It does, doesn't it?" Tea, a beverage that relies on scent for its taste. It takes a part of Erika's mind away for a moment, the scent of exotic spices, billowing silks. Why? She's never been to India. She shrugs it off. It's simply her creativity, begging her to weave another opera. "You look lovely, as always. Please, do sit. There's so much to discuss."

Where to start? The latest party? Rumours of her and Mithras? The unfortunate incident of the Gangrel at midnight? So much to tell.

"So...tell me, what have you been up to, my dear? And I shall fill you in on all the scandal in Bath!" She smiles. There's something different about her. The freshness of one who has perhaps taken on a new lover, a faint nervousness as she looks about her, as if she were peering into shadows.

[eponine]

Eponine sits and notices the delicate porcelain.

"I have much to Where, past and future, yet I think the most remarkable of which for the young Neonate that I am is my council being sought regarding the claim of Praxis in Taunton."

[Erika Leroux]

Erika laughs softly at that.

"Ah, Taunton. Yes. Unusual circumstances, those. And unusual circumstances warrant unusual actions, don't you think? It appears that all is now settled there." She smiles, punctuates her words with a small, seeming sip at her tea."I am quite grateful that it was tidied up so rapidly." She looks at Eponine then, a solemn look. "And do not worry, my dear. I can assure you that while some of us Elders might not always appear to be listening to Neonates, we do keep our ears to the ground. When I took Praxis, one of the most important things to me was to unite the city, unite us and give this city strength and respect. That means all of us. Even the smallest stone makes a ripple in the water."

[eponine]

Epi smiles

"Oh I agree and even the smallest ripple can have big consequences if they are not addressed. I did fear repute from my clan when I advised against a member of my own becoming Praxis but I felt I had to advise what I truly believed would be best for Taunton and the Camarilla as a whole, particularly having been give such an unusual chance for a woman of my position and standing, although I do feel somewhat responsible for the blood hunt on Bartholomew."

[Erika Leroux]

"Ah, now a bloodhunt would be called only if necessary, of that I am certain. You should resolve yourself of that feeling of guilt. We must all do what we must."

She shrugs.

"Besides, we play the long game. I think you, as a Neonate, see that, and that is quite commendable." She smiles, winningly. "For my part, I can state that the party at the Quintessance was delightful, and thoroughly enjoyed by some more than others." The beating of skin against skin in carnal drumbeat, and its accompanying vocals was still ingrained in her mind, despite all attempts to cleanse itself. "There were several new faces, and I think you'll find them intriguing if they're at the next Elysium. Oh, and there was the whole debacle regarding the incident between Toreador and Gangrel. Thankfully that's all sorted now, with the majority of face saved."

[eponine]

"It sounds perfectly eventful and scandalous, I am sorry I missed it, yet I do have much excitement in the near future. "

She smiles eyes burning with the excitement and energy of a child.

"Albert, I mean, Elder Campion, is taking me travelling to explore the world and learn more history about the clan and the Camarilla."

She settles herself remembering the company she is keeping.

"Pray forgive my juvenile energy, it is just I have only ever been to Belfast while I was waiting to be released, and Bath and the surrounding areas."

[Erika Leroux]

Erika laughs at Eponine's excitement - there's a contagion to it which lights her eyes up in reflection of her companion's.

"Never apologise for enthusiasm and passion, my dear. Travel is an exciting prospect, particularly when education is gained in the process. Frankly I am excited for you - you absolutely must write to me and tell me about your travels whenever you have an opportunity, and I will attempt to write to you, letting you both know of what is happening. Campion will look after you splendidly, of that I am sure."

Her eyes sparkle with memories, like starlight, as she speaks.

[eponine]

"I promise you I Will! What is it like sleeping on a boat? I ask because I know you went to Egypt with Christine, and I have only ever been on the crossing from Ireland which only takes a few hours."

Her eyes are a glow As she asks her beloved Prince this, eager to learn from her words