After the new start for the Council of Neonates

[Dorian M. Black]

Afterglow ruined, the real world was beginning to reassert itself for Dorian; in the noise of those around him, in the clamor of discomfort, and most importantly, in the cracked blood that was drying on his clothes.

"To wash."

[Christine Daye]

Without any fuss, but with the careful movements of the inebriated, Christine leaves the room for a minute or two, coming back with a fresh basin of water and a clean towel over one arm. She puts both in front of Dorian with a soft smile.

"...never let it be said that I was a poor host..."

She settles back in her chair, taking another drink. A quick glance to Regulus to make sure he's as well as he can be in the circumstances. A look to Lunaris, Kira, topping up their drinks as needed.

"...a bath sounds simply divine... but for me... what I really want... right now... "

Her fingertips, still in her damp gloves, go to her scalp, pressing gently.

"...is to take my hair down... the pins are digging in something terrible... "

[Regulus Grey]

Taking a moment to stretch, Regulus coughs experimentally. It sounds healthy as a small smile spreads across his lips.

"What I really want right now...is to find a hunter who will force me to push myself to the limit. To speed my way through forest and glen...across soft grass and through the cool night. A chance to really stretch out my muscles again."

He blinks slowly

"And to fly my way through a clear sky, under a bright full moon."

[LittleBird]

"To help clean this," she nods, taking a sip, and wrinkling her nose when the smell of the room creeps up onto her once more, "But mostly to go home, bathe and walk in the luminescent water, curl up in the furs, fall asleep to the most comforting metronome I can think of..."

[Regulus Grey]

Leaning back in his chair, Regulus sips from his glass once more.

"How many sexual partners has everyone had? I myself have only ever had three. Two of those not by choice, to begin with anyway."

[Christine Daye]

Christine loathes metronomes. The infernal, regimented tick of the things, always running that infinitesimally small portion of the beat behind the music of her soul. Stupid, stupid clockwork things, designed for idiots who can't count - worse, can't feel the living pulse of the music.

Besides, she grew out of needing one by the time she was seven.

Her tone is mild as she addresses Kira.

"Oh, do not worry about cleaning this up... I should never dream of my guests having to do such a thing! And trust me, the stagehands have seen much, much worse... there was this private party... hosted by the Duke of... well, I cannot say... the carnage was unbelievable! Passed out peers of the Realm wrapped around chorus girls and boys... covered in spilled booze and worse... and no one batted an eyelid."

She smiles into her glass.

"Dominate is so very helpful for those sort of situations, don't you find?"

A sip of her drink.

"So, please, do not feel obliged to stay if you would rather be at home. We are friends here, and will not be offended. I'd wager that not a one amoung us hasn't felt the desire for solitude after a social gathering! This is not Elysium, and you are no longer an unreleased childe."

She winces at Regulus' words, though it's the description of lack of choice that upsets her. Still, she gives him a Look.

"A lady, or a gentleman, does not kiss and tell - or brag about such things. But one thing is always true... gifts freely given... from love..."

Her expression softens, goes dreamy as she hums.

...I love the ground whereon he stands...

[LittleBird]

Kira nods, somewhat pensively...in a different room, in a different time, cleaning in silence so completely empty under the coldest steely gaze...it was a chance to start over, a chance to ensure no clumsy mistakes, no weakness surfaced again, it was as if it never happened-for a time at least. Mmm, here and now though she doesn't want to forget, she just needs to do something!
Clearing her voice she offers a lukewarm smile to Christine, "Do you know if the Chorus members had a good time?"

"Desire for solitude?" Kira blinks, a little confused for a second. No. no, not after this, a strong yet tender hold to guard, and softer breaths to keep my thoughts and fears in line. "No, no, not at all. Tis fine...I'd rather have one night in these months not in isolation,"

"Though please Miss Melody, you have been such a gracious host-" too gracious some would say, "please let me at least help start the cleaning-I'd feel a poor guest otherwise-besides..." she turns her face away, nose wrinkling and jaw clenches as she breathes through her teeth, "-even wine cannot get this smell out of my nose,"

Kira shakes her head at the words, not even granting him a response...mmm, not foolish enough to make the same mistakes eh?

[Christine Daye]

Christine laughs.

"Oh, yes, the chorus did enjoy that night! Many a boy or girl sported a new piece of jewellery or fine item of clothing to go with their lovebites! And from the gossip in the changing rooms after... well... let's just say that Bacchus would have been pleased with his devotees..."

She tops up Kira's drink.

"...and if wine is not doing the job, best switch to brandy... as the actress said to the bishop..."

[LittleBird]

Kira stares down at the drink, having sobered up when the blood began to spill. "Mmm," she ponders, swirling her cup, biting her lip as her mind wonders. And...when any of these chorus members out grow their roles, will their patrons for a evening still clothe them? Reward them?...or leave them ruined after their night of passion was over, leaving them clothed in little more than shinier costume jewellery? Leaving them with frail hopes of a secure future?

"Thanks..." her lips slowly soften, she barely raises her glass in appreciation before sipping on it, cradling it.

[Regulus Grey]

Raising his drink to his lips once more, Regulus inclines his head to Christine in acceptance of her rebuke. Finishing what remains in his tumblr he refills it from the jug, as a series of faint pops fills the room whilst his finger bones form back together.

Flexing his hand he winces slightly at the stiffness.

"How often do you sing in the theatre Ms Melody?"