The Night After the March Elysium

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina sighs regretfully. She would dearly have loved to see the dancers perform again, but it didn't seem likely.

"I believe they said they were leaving in the next day or two, though I cannot recollect where they said they were going on to."

She takes a moment to enjoy her tea and think over the conversation. He hadn't pressed the matter of Dyonisia's address, did that mean he hadn't thought it likely she'd say or that he wasn't really interested? Either way it bore a mention in the letter she was in the process of writing.

When she puts the cup down it is more or less empty. She settles it onto it's saucer with a delicate chink, glancing over at him and checking the amount of tea in his cup. It's not really decreased in volume since she poured it. Her eyes sparkle with amusement briefly but she merely says

"I do hope the tea is too your liking Mr Williamson?" And gives him a look of polite concern, as any good hostess would.

[George Williamson]

George was quite surprised, she had actually drunk it. Dispite the taste and disgusted feeling that would surely have had to endure. However, that's not what she was getting at. He hadn't had the chance to ask about the work woman's inclusion in the masquerade and she was still within hearing range. Of course he could have talked to Valentina under his breath, as then inly she would be most likely to hear.

His demeanour was of warm comtemplation, a reduced smile, "It fits its purpose very well Miss Audley. The balance of smell lets the tea stand central to a subtle sweetness of sugar. It is for this and the comfort of its warmth in my hands, is how I enjoy my tea." George thought himself too quick, too fanciful, even for this mask.

If she were looking at the cup it would probably be noticable that his was definitely taller than hers, maybe by quarter of an inch, but for a Knight of the Timble every quarter inch counts.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina glances at the cups, comparing them and quirks an eyebrow in entertained surprise. The little snit was messing with her china was he? At least that answered the question of did he actually drink tea.

She lets out a merry peal of laughter at his words, possibly in appreciation of them, though it's hard to be certain.

"Very poetic Mr WIlliamson. Speaking of enjoyment, I for one prefer my teacups matched in size..."

Her voice is most likely low enough not to be heard outside the room, but it would depend. A determined listener could probably have heard the seemingly nonsensical phrase.

Her gaze holds his, seeming to ask 'and what are you going to do now?' without the need for words.

[George Williamson]

Oh, she'd noticed. Well that was very well done of her. He was struggling to not laugh. It would be improper to laugh at a Toreador Ancilla; it would end badly. However by the laughter on her end maybe making the situation even more strange would be a boon.

Valentine's teacup was a pretty cup. A short thing with pink flowers in bloom in the side.

George cup, from the moment Valentina was no longer concentrating on it, was not that. It was slightly taller, with lavender twirling round it's side.

This was not something George did without precaution though. He kept his ears to his surroundings. As soon as someone came to peer in the cup would return to normal.

"Much like different flowers blooming in different lands, a teacup should fit it's owner. Your elegance is shared."

[Valentina Audley]

She noticed the concealed mirth with interest. Not a total fool then. Bold though, to alter the teacup so, when he couldn't be sure of Helen. Or could he? Perhaps he knew about her already. Sewer rats did, sadly, make good information gatherers.

Valentina leans back and regards him with curiosity.

Lavender is an interesting choice of flower. A pretty plant to be sure, but also a herb, with well known relaxing qualities. A coded message of some kind or a mere coincidence?

"I believe lavender is more usually paired with chamomile than roses. Though I grant you it may be different in the crockery world."

She studies the cup for a moment, as her hand slips into her pocket and draws forth a cream envelope. The back of it is visible to George, sealed well with crimson wax showing a rose seal stamped in it.

"Not a bad representation though. I congratulate your eye for detail."

She holds the envelope out to him.

"These are the details I shall require answers to. As soon as I have them I shall start work."

[George Williamson]

George notes the lack of concern for the changing teacup. It was reasonable to assume the Ancilla knew enough about the pores of obfuscate to understand it, but what of the wandering aid? Either Valentina was happy to let the masquerade be broken by another in her domain, she knew that he could keep track of where she was, or that it wouldn't be a break of the masquerade at all George took mental note to examine the situation later to figure out which it could be.

George nods in thanks at the compliments, and takes the letter by the edge. A rose petal, "the petal never falls far from the rose", adapted but appropriate. "I shall endeavour to get them to you as soon as able."

He places the teacup back down on the table. In a blink it returns to looking how it always really was, the same as every other teacup. "Thank you for your hospitality, it has been enjoyable to sit with polite company."

[Valentina Audley]

As opposed to the guttersnipes he no doubt usually associated with. Valentina smirks a little.

'Indeed. Please thank Elder Viktor for his prompt attention to this matter for me.'

When the cup changes back she nods in satisfaction. Matched crockery is definitely best. She stands and smiles at him.

'Good evening Mr Williamson.'

[George Williamson]

George happily follows her lead of standing, "I shall. Good evening, Ms Audley," and leaves out the way he came.

So that's what Toreador's do.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina follows him to the door and very carefully draws the bolt across after closing it behind him. Definitely things to think about there, but for now... There are more immediate things to attend to.

Helen is just about to clear the tea set away as Valentina sweeps back in. She points at the cup George used "that one is to be thrown away and then the sofa needs to be disinfected. Better do the floor as well, just to be on the safe side."

Helen bobs a curtsey and moves the offending tea cup onto the tray making sure it doesn't touch anything else. "Yes Miss Valentina. Everything else is ready for you."

Valentina smiles, pleased. "Thank you. Once the cleaning is done that will be all for the evening."

Helen curtseys again and carries on tidying as Valentina leaves the room. Shortly after the sound of retching is heard. Helen, used to her mistresses ways, doesn't react to it and carries on methodically scrubbing the sofa and the path to and from the door George travelled.