Hanging at Shades' (Open)

Ysabel sat at a table in the corner of the club, the same one she'd sat at a few nights ago when she'd first come here. This would be the second time this week she would get to see Ambrose play. He didn't much like live gigs, by his own admission, but he had some friends in the business (everyone has friends in the business!). They were a band called the Moochers, and Ambrose had told her he often filled in for them if their guitarist wasn't able to play. That individual been sick all week, so Ambrose was covering.

Although still dubious about rock in general, Ysabel had definitely taken to jazz and blues. Moreso the first time she had come here. The club was named Shades', after its owner. When they'd entered a few days back, Ysabel had at first been put out by the slightly smoky air but the darkness of the club, brightened here and there by a few dim blue lights, appealed to her sensitive eyes. Tables were set fairly close together without being crowded, around a moderately sized dance floor. Against the far wall, just behind the dance floor, was a slightly raised stage. On the left as you entered was the bar, and behind that a set of doors Ysabel assumed led to a kitchen, for the club provided snack-like foods... nothing substantial really, but appetizers and things to nibble on while listening to your favorite local band.

Shades himself might have intimidated Ysabel if she hadn't had so much experience in dealing with people. Even as a man in his apparent 60's, Shades was an imposing figure. He was at least 6'5", muscular in spite of his age, and he moved with a spring and an energy that belied his tightly-curled, greying hair. He was of African-American descent but anyone would have been hard-pressed to know exactly where he came from. His voice held no discernable accent. He was never seen without his trademark sunglasses, and it was no secret among the vampire community that Shades was one of them - although no one seemed to know when he'd been turned or who had turned him. The club's name was not just a reference to its owner, but a small tribute to their race as well.

Shades, Ambrose had told her, almost never forgot a face or a name. Ysabel found that to be true. When she'd entered the club for the second time, without Ambrose who'd gone around the back to meet the Moochers there, Shades had greeted her himself and brought her to the same table she'd been at before. He treated her like a good friend and Ysabel couldn't help but imagine that if she'd been in a bad mood when she'd walked in, Shades' attitude would have dispelled it immediately.

The quiet popularity of the club was a tribute to its owner. Ysabel liked it here. She had heard Shades play last time she was here, and although she couldn't have said before that she was particularly fond of the saxophone, she was willing to rethink her position on the subject. She was hoping to hear him play again tonight, perhaps between sets.

She sat quietly, as she had done before. The waitress seemed nervous; perhaps she was new. Ysabel politely ordered a glass of white wine, doing her best to put the poor girl at ease. She probably had no clue that she was standing in the middle of a vampire-run club, but in truth there couldn't have been any safer place. Shades' rules on the subject were clear: humans on the premises were off-limits, whether working or patronizing. The club may be dimly-lit and smoky, but the discreet bouncers missed nothing, and kept a sharp eye out for any sort of trouble.

((ooc: Ambrose's views with permission.))

The young waitress finally returned, gracefully placing a glass on the table in front of Ysabel and then turning to place one in front of the woman who'd just come in and sat next to her. Ysabel paid no mind to the glass immediately; she was enjoying the current song and hoping to see Ambrose soon. He didn't spend much time backstage that she could tell... perhaps because she was there. Although he professed to be more at home in the studio and preferred to be in the audience rather than on the stage at live events, Ysabel certainly couldn't tell that he'd have preferred to be somewhere else except for the fact that aside from a few minutes backstage, he'd spent the entire night at the table with her last time they'd been here.

Ysabel wasn't about to complain.

Absently she reached for the glass in front of her, her eyes on the... rather energetic young singer onstage. Fortunately her sensitive nose caught a fairly strong odor that shouldn't have been there. Suddenly far more attentive to te liquid in the glass, Ysabel wrinkled her nose and looked down. Instead of a nice white wine, there was a dark liquid in her glass that smelled strongly of yeast and maybe a bit of fruit. Ugh. Maybe something Ambrose would have liked (although she didn't think so), but as near as she could tell he wasn't anywhere in the room, and she couldn't see that he'd have ordered ahead.

Peering over to the next table, she saw what looked like a wineglass. Perhaps the nervous waitress had mixed up the orders? She hesitated a moment, torn between the possibility that Ambrose had had this sent and the idea that maybe the orders were crossed.

Finally, she reached over and very gently placed her hand on the woman's arm to get her attention.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you... but might it be possible that the waitress mixed up our orders?"

Ysabel held up the glass as evidence and waited.

Holy shit! Pak half lurched out of her seat and spun around to see who and/or what the voice was. She’d been lost in thought, although she couldn’t tell you what she’d been thinking about, the only reason she was aware any time had past was she was half way through her clove.

Physically shaking her head to clear it and try and refocus on the world around her she wasn’t really surprised to see the er well dressed woman leaning twoards her. She was polite but Pak wasn’t quite sure what she was talking about. It wasn’t until Pak lifted the glass and was thinking about taking a sip that she caught a sent that was very much not the beer she’d ordered that Pak under stood.

She goggled slightly at the wine before smiling and nodding agreeably.

“I think you might be right.”

She casually regarded the dark beer the other had with her and then became certain the orders had been swapped.

“Trade you?”

She said with a polite smile while offering the glass of wine to the other.

The woman jumped when Ysabel touched her so she quickly removed her hand, gentle though the pressure had been. She accepted the wine glass from her and handed back the beer... if that's what it was. Not exactly a ladylike drink, a little part of her more snobbish side insisted, but she was used to Dayle drinking it so she supposed she'd grown used to the idea.

"What exactly is that, if you don't mind my asking?" Ysabel wondered if her sister might like it. She could at least find out what it was, and if Dayle seemed interested perhaps Ysabel could get some for her. She certainly hadn't smelled its like before.

Yuu slowly emerged from the opened door of the yellow cab. Standing straight, she put her hand on the door, looking up at the dimly lit sign of the new club she had heard about. Shades...or The Shades, it was definitely different. One of the interns at the office had told her to take a cab since the parking was ridiculous at this hidden little nook of the city. They were right, it was crowded beyond all get out.

Unconsciously she smoothed her tight, gathered skirt that had risen from climbing out of the cab. Yuu was wearing pvc vinyl and it hugged every curve. Her corset was cinched tightly but she was used to the discomfort. It was layered red and black vinyl that looked like a V shaped weave and it pushed up her breasts to gigantic proportions. The weave extended down the back in an elongated V. Her hair was straight and parted down the middle. She was vamp all the way and she had no idea how well she blended into the dark little club.

Turning back to peer into the cab, she waved and smiled. 'We doing this, D?'

Dani slipped out the cab with only a little struggle owing to her knee length pencil skirt, grinning up at Yuu.

“Absolutely.”

She’d never been to this particular establishment, but it came highly recommended and she thought it was an ideal place to spend some time with Yuu. If the crowd were any indication, this could be a great little location she’d managed to miss until now.

Walking inside, she saw with some relief that, just like most of Nachton, the dress was diverse enough that her ‘disheveled naughty librarian’ and Yuu’s ‘pvc wonder’ looks both fit in just fine. She had been worried about showing too much cleavage but going out with the always lovely Yuu tended to bring out her own sexy side. Now the problem was finding a place to sit; while their looks might fit in their booties may not. Scanning the room, she ended up turning to Yuu with a shrug.

“Do you see an empty table? If not we can join up with someone else or just sit at the bar…”

She returned the white wine to its rightful owner. The idea of the lighter wine seemed refreshing enough, although she preferred red and wasn’t that sorry to see it go; especially when she got her beer back. The dark rich beer wasn’t stocked by many places in the city and went better with her cloves at any rate. So no, she wasn’t sorry at all.

“Trois Pistoles. It’s a dark ale, I suppose you’d call it a Belgian style ale but they brew it in Canada.”

It was just geography though as the brewery really did go out of their way to keep things traditional. But, appreciative of the beer though she was Pak didn’t see the need to go into detail with her neighbor.

“Its really very good, you should try it.”

That was assuming the other woman liked red wine. Oddly enough, folks who didn’t like reds didn’t like dark beer, at least not in her experience.

Clove going to waste; Pak took a drag but carefully exhaled away from the Elizabethan.

Yuu narrowed her eyes and shrugged as she peered around the dimly lit club. 'Well, we could always sit at the bar...'

Just then her eye caught a familiar piece of lace. The victorian dressed girl, from the park the other night. Interlocking arms with Dani, she gently pulled her across the room to the table.

'Hello. It's...Ysabel, correct? We met the other night at the garden?' Yuu hoped she remembered her. She'd rather not sit at a bar with this outfit and being so short. Her feet always dangled embarassingly.

'I'm Yuu and this is my friend Dani Martin.'

Ysabel gratefully accepted her wine from the woman at the next table and smiled as she swirled it gently around the glass and then took a delicate sip. "I'm not sure it would really be to my liking," she admitted, "however, I thought my sister might like to try it some time."

She repeated the name, to cement it in her mind. "Trois Pistoles. Hmm."

Just then she heard her name being spoken, in a voice that definitely did not belong to Ambrose.

"Yuu"
'Hello. It's...Ysabel, correct? We met the other night at the garden?'

Ysabel peered through the dim, smoky atmosphere to see Miss Yuu standing there. It had rather been several weeks, instead of a few days, but she took the expression to be meant loosely. She did indeed remember the pretty Asian woman from Vesper.

"Miss Yuu, the lawyer!"

Her smile lit her face and she turned to give the other woman a nod as well, from one equal to another. "Well met, Miss Dani."

Ysabel glanced around and noted how packed the club was tonight. Although she had hoped she and Ambrose would have the table to themselves, there were obviously too many people in the club for each couple to have their own. Yuu was most likely hoping to be invited to join her, and Ysabel had no qualms whatsoever about that. Good manners alone would have had her inviting the two women to join her, but she recalled enjoying Yuu's company in Vesper.

"Please, won't you both sit down? It's so crowded in here. Oh... unless you're already meeting someone?"

Her small handbag was on the chair next to her, proclaiming it taken for when Ambrose appeared, but there were still two empty chairs at the table.

Dani let herself be pulled in the direction of Yuu’s choice, uncertain of where they were headed, but they stopped soon enough in front of a lovely blonde and Yuu made introductions.

“Pleased to meet you, Ysabel. And thank you for the invitation, I hope it’s not an imposition? It –is- quite crowded here.”

Smiling, she put her hand on the nearest chair, but a familiar face at the next table caught her eye and she paused to get her attention.

“-Pak-! Oh my god, I didn’t see you there! What a coincidence!” She stepped back a bit to introduce Yuu and Ysabel. “This is my friend Yuu, Yuu this is Pakpao, she heads up the IT department at Meridian. And I see you and Ysabel have already met? Delightful, you would think we had planned this!”

She nodded confirmation of the beer's name. Drinks exchanged and the other woman, Ysabel as Pak picked up on the introductions had company. That was fine by her, she’d be content to blend into the background again, although she did take, a quick look at the new arrivals as names were exchange. The one name meant nothing to her but the other warranted a second look. Yes, it was Dani all right, and yes, she had been half hiding in the shadows.

“And I didn’t expect to see you here. Hi Dani.”

She smiled warmly at Alfarinn’s keeper.

The two tables were close enough and small enough that the group, now of four, could easily share the space. Pak used her foot to nudge on chair out for either of the two new arrivals.

“For a complete coincidence it is working out well. Nice to meet you Yuu. Sit down the place is packed.”

Well, well, Yuu thought. Small world.

'Thanks much!' She pulled a chair out for Dani and seated herself next to Ysabel. Yuu nodded over at Pak and cracked a warm smile on her otherwise expressionless face. Her demeanor was usually cold, but being with Dani always made her giggly. Crossing her legs, her vinyl skirt hugged her curves tightly. With a side look she checked out the area, returning looks from acceptable young men who noticed her.

To no one in particular, she leaned forward so she could be heard better. 'So, this is our first time here, but I've heard good things so I dragged Dani along with me here. What's this place like, usually?'

When Dani expressed her hopes that they weren't imposing, Ysabel immediately shook her head. "It's nothing of the sort," she assured the woman. "I'm rather new to Nachton, and looking forward to meeting people." She nodded a bit to Pak as well, to include in her in the sentiment.

An air of mischief colored her voice; Ysabel was quite certain Ambrose wouldn't be inclined to agree with her. He could be fairly covetous at times and was somewhat... reluctant, here and there, to share her company with others. She didn't think he'd be ungracious, but she imagined he might be a bit disgruntled. However, he would surely understand that there was no way she could be so rude as to force Yuu and Dani to stand. He was new to Nachton as well; maybe he wouldn't mind meeting people either.

As Yuu spoke, Ysabel leaned forward as well, so she could respond in kind to her question. "I've only been here one other time before, myself. It was lovely though." With her eyes she indicated the large black man behind the bar and behind the sunglasses. "That's Shades, there. He played a few nights ago, himself. I'm hoping he'll perform again tonight. But beyond that I can't tell you anymore."

Damned Katrina could be long winded wouldn’t it just be easier just to say they’d rushed through the third number and she wanted to do the Cab cover in the second set. But instead, she went on for god only knew how long and he had Belle waiting. Finally, she was done. It was a good thing he liked her and the rest of The Moochers or he wouldn’t have put up with her rambling.

Leaning slightly more heavily than usual on his cane, he searched the crowd for Belle. Fortunately her wardrobe always made her easy to spot, but who was she with, not that it mattered. Flagging down a server he ordered a beer and crossed to the table.

“And I thought I was the reason you liked this joint but his killer on that horn of his isn’t he?”

Ambrose had paused a bit behind Belle, making a halfhearted attempt to sneak up on her. She was apparently happy to see him as she stood to greet him enthusiastically. Because she was wearing a rather imposing dress he only noticed two other women and grinned at both of them, one of whom he recognized.

“Evening Yuu good to see you again.”

Earlier in the evening, she'd received a new communique from her former master.

Dawn -

By now you have likely established yourself within Nachton in the areas that you are most comfortable. Though youth culture and aggressive personalities can be useful at times, they should never be the only tools at one's disposal. The mailed fist is most useful after the velvet glove. On the night that you receive this, perhaps you should look outside of your sphere of comfort and extend yourself further. Stretch, and grow. Experience a new place and explore other aspects of your surroundings. Meet new allies and new tools. Expand your repertoire and thereby your usefulness to your Family.

Practice being native to a different social class and different region. This will aid you through the ages as much as being strong of body. Examine that another way of life may be as valid as your own.

K

Like a schoolgirl heading to a dreaded class, she'd started on her evening's plans. She'd ridden around awhile on her newly arrived baby, and found a club she'd heard about...supposed to have some badass old timers that played some mean blues and jazz. Jazz was aight, but blues was some good shit when done well...and it almost always had to be an old timer to really know what it meant to be down. Kids just didn't know. We youngins just have too many dreams still intact to be near jaded enough to pour out like that. Just the way of the world.

To more effectively play the part, she'd returned to the manor to dress the part. Starting with the hair, she pulled it all up and put on an all black wig with a modern cut...not traditional, but not edgy at all. Next, she selected an all white women's suit with a Thai cut and detailing. It didn't come out much, but was both comfortable and functional, unlike some of the dresses. Finally, she'd arranged for a driver, and arrived via sedan car - nothing too fancy, but not the bike.

Walking in was quite the mix - everything from the upper crust business folk to some pretty rugged folks who looked like they'd come through some of what the crew'd be singing about later. Wide range of clothing, too...everything from a very nice vinyl bit, to biker leathers, to business attire, to historical reenactment clothes to cowboys...

Waitaminute. Cowboys with canes?

Go fucking figure. The one night she'd banked on NOT being recognized, she'd picked a place with other Anantya in the house. Well, like a good student she'd watch and learn for the time being, then tip her hand at the opportune moment. With any luck Ambrose would play along. If he noticed at all...he was in lovely company, after all, and she DID have totally different hair and way different clothes on. Now that she was looking more closely, one of the ladies he was with looked familiar, too...maybe from around the Manor...yes...Fallon's party, she was there.

Nothing for it but to let it play out. Ordering a glass of white wine, she stayed to the side, casually watching the crowd, sipping her drink. Above the knees she was a picture of poise and grace, all proper. Her right foot, however, was tapping like mad. She'd be better once the music started rolling.

Dani grinned at Pak’s seconding of Ysabel’s invitation and joined Yuu in taking a seat, glad to have joined up with neighbors so quickly. Nodding at Ysabel’s expressed desire to meet new people, she added:

“This is splendid all around then.”

She thought the idea of getting all dressed up to hang around with a group of women was just delightful…and apparently a few guys had the same thought, as their table was getting glances. She wondered how long it would stay ‘just us girls’.

Amused at Yuu’s passing comment about dragging her here, she shook her head in adamant denial, though her smile rather contradicted that. Ysabel and Yuu were chatting about the club and she looked in the indicated direction, easily spotting the owner in spite of the crowd; the shades were hard to miss. She turned back in time to spot an invasion to the girl territory, and mentally snickered at the thought. Intruder alert, intruder alert! XY incoming, I repeat, XY –incoming-!.

It was obvious, though, that this particular gentleman was known to Ysabel and Yuu both; another interesting coincidence to be sure. Beyond that it was difficult to say, as Ysabel’s dress was rather blocking her view of the man. She turned to Pak with a good humored half shrug, half questioning look, as though to say ‘you know this guy too?’

Yuu glanced up and recognized the man approaching the table. It was the Ambrose fellow she met along with Ysabel at the park. She had been left with an annoyed memory for some reason. Thinking a moment she recalled why. Being the snob that she was, she took great offense to men who did not pay the proper amount of attention. Ambrose had been significantly enamored with Ysabel, not that Yuu was remotely interested...it was the point.

So with a rather bland look and her eyebrows raising just a smidge, Yuu gave him a half hearted smile and then continued to look around the room at the other propects. Snobbery...at its finest.

With present company temporarily ignored, her eyes scanned the room and much to her surprise, a rather tall drink of water caught her attention.

Simon crossed the street with a confident stride, not bothering to watch for cars. Wearing dark slacks that were tailored perfectly to his 6'4 frame, he pulled the cuffs of his dark red, silk shirt out from under the matching dark suit jacket. He had forgone a tie, hoping to relax a bit before Carol met him at Shades. He glanced at the bodyguard by the door as the 6'7 beast stepped aside to let Simon in front of the other patrons outside.

The club was dark and pleasantly smokey. Pushing his hands through his hair, he scanned the room and found his target behind the bar. Walking up he gave Shades the smallest of smiles and with a nod, a waiter came up and escorted Simon to a dark corner table. Slipping the waiter a $50, he whispered into his ear to give the couple he was boosting a round of drinks on him.

As he sat his drink, a dark ale, was brought to his table. Wrapping his long fingers around the handle, he looked up directly into the face of an asian woman who was making it her business to have him notice her. The woman gave him a small, half smile and nodded. Not one to ignore a compliment, especially from someone wrapped that tightly in vinyl, he took a healthy swallow from his beer and as he set the glass down, lifted a finger in response.

She looked...familiar. His mind reeled trying to recall her face. Looking off next to her, he immediately recognized Danielle Martin, Alafrinn's assistant. He was now curious and took the opportunity to say hello to Dani and meet the asian woman who had yet to break his stare. Reeling in the predator in him, he remembered Carol would be arriving soon and he didn't need to have his new companion seething jealous, so planning on behaving himself, he stood and approached Dani's table.

When the Elizabethan stood it cut off Pak’s line of sight. She had no idea who the new arrival was. All she could tell from the voice and the greeting was it also a guy that Ysabel knew, rather well at that.

She shrugged and half shook her head at Dani’s unspoken question while glancing mean fully at the fabric wall that was Ysabel.

“Haven’t got a clue.”

Politely, but grudgingly, stubbing out the remains of her clove (at least for now) she concluded she didn’t know what to make of Yuu. However, she wasn’t too worried about it either.

Letting greetings be exchanged she simply continued on without interrupting the couple.

“What drug you two out tonight?”

Ambrose's arrival on the scene was met with an enthusiastic hug. What Ysabel would have liked to have been a deep kiss was a chaste 'we're in public' brush on the cheek. She did, however, slip her hsmall soft hand into his larger, rougher one.

Turning to make introductions, Ysabel bristled inwardly at Yuu's dismissal of Ambrose. She didn't really care what the woman thought of him personally... but... manners! Still, she did remember hers, so it was with an open smile that she focused instead on the other two women as Yuu appeared distracted.

"Ambrose, these are friends of Yuu's." Well, a friend of Yuu's and a friend of Yuu's friend. "Dani, and Pakpao." She left off any honorifics she might have been tempted to use, as the evening was growing more and more informal.

"Pakpao, Dani, this is Ambrose Townsend. He'll be playing a bit later."

Rearranging her skirts she sat once more, pushing the empty chair next to her out a bit so Ambrose could take his seat as well. She heard him greet Yuu and Dani, but when he greeted Pakpao she turned to look at him questioningly (manners?). Her glance was forestalled by the odd smile on his face.

Keeping her back to their company she pulled subtly on his hand, hoping he would sit, since it looked like Shades was getting ready to play after all.

The polite in public greeting made him grumble to himself, but he let Belle set the pace. A half smile settled in place as she conducted introductions. Ambrose had a bet with himself, that it would be impossible for Ysabel to –not- play hostess unless a clearly defined host/hostess was present.

Apparently, he’d done something to cross Yuu, but those things happened so he didn’t dwell on it but smiled and nodded his greeting. Dani he hadn’t met before and so he extended his hand in greeting.

“Dani, a pleasure.”

Ah, holy shit there went the evening. Who would have thought he’d ever see her again? His smile shifted from genuine to not quite so nice as looked at Pakpao and he let Belle settle him in a seat.

“Hey Dragon Lady long time no see.”

While he said it in a light tone, and to most it would seem a friendly and familiar greeting, Ambrose knew it ought to earn him a brilliant response, but how much trouble could she really cause with so many people around?

Yuu knew her snobbery wouldn't go unnoticed and under most circumstances, wouldn't have been *that* rude, but right at that moment...she really didn't give a shit.

The tall blond across the room finally noticed her and was approaching the table. Thank god, Yuu thought. Half hearing Pakao's question, she smiled and murmured, 'Just out checking up on the social scene here in town. Meeting all sorts of,' she sighed happily as the man had a flicker of recognition on his face as he looked at Dani but then looked back at Yuu with a stride that everyone should have stopped and appreciated, 'interesting new people.'

Yuu slowly ran a finger across the swell of one breast as if it were an after thought. Nudging Dani ever so slightly, she waited till she caught her friend's attention and nodded up towards the tall man who was now standing before their table. Placing her hands demurely into her lap, she gave him a sweet smile.

'Why, hello there.'

Dani beamed a smile at the XY invader otherwise known as Ambrose, not sincerely resenting his presence even if it was amusing to think of him that way.

“Very nice to meet you; we’ll look forward to your playing then!”

A glance over at Yuu indicated her attention was elsewhere, but before she could follow her friend’s gaze she overheard Ambrose addressing Pakpao. She turned to her fellow Evenhet with a boggled expression, mouthing ‘dragon lady?’ and wondering what the –deal- was there.

She answered Pak’s question a little hesitantly at first, as there seemed to be a wave of weirdness going on, but soon enough she was chatting merrily.

“Oh, Yuu heard about this place first but everything pointed to it having great music, and the two of us try to get together and have ‘girl time’ when we can, you know. We’ve been friends since college but she just moved out here…” Trailing off as she turned back to Yuu, thinking her friend was liable to break in and finish her sentence for her at any time, she was somewhat surprised to see her looking up at another male invader.

“Oh! Hi Simon, wow, this seems to be a night for people catching me by surprise! How are you? Let’s see, Simon, this is Pak, Ambrose, Ysabel, and Yuu. Everyone, Simon Huntington.”

Ordinarily, Ysabel might have assumed that Ambrose's nickname was simply a friendly, familar monicker. The smile on his face, far from friendly, proved her wrong. She lifted a shoulder ever so slightly at Dani and Pak to show she had no idea where the nickname came from, either.

Fortunately they were distracted by the arrival of a tall, attractive man who was intriduced by Dani as Simon Huntington. Ysabel had never met the second-in-command (well, leader now, from what Dayle said) of her sister's clan, but she had heard a great deal about him. While normally she would have remained seated when being introduced to a gentleman, she rose and accorded him the best polite curtsey she could in the limited space availble.

"An honor, Mr. Huntington. My sister Dayle has told me about you."

She wasn't sure if he'd planned to meet someone here, but there were still three chairs at their combined tables. She indicated one with her hand as she sat.

"Won't you join us? It's becoming quite the party."

Simon broke his eye contact with Yuu and gave Dani his warmest of smiles, which was actually a wry grin.

'Hello again, Miss Martin,' he replied softly. Looking over again at the asian woman, Dani introduced her as Yoo-ee. Knowing her name did not help the slight recognition. He had seen her, he was fairly certain, quite recently.

'Miss Yoo-ee, is it? It is a pleasure.' With a small bow, he extended his grin in her direction, which was more than most could say upon meeting him. She very attractive and knew it.

The woman who stood was immediately recognizable, at least her face was. 'You must be Ysabel,' she had to be, she was his new Domicile manager's identical twin, save for the relics for clothing. A curious condition, the need to dress only in the period you were turned. He was glad he didn't suffer from that flaw, he so enjoyed Prada.

Reaching out he took Ysabel's small delicate hand and kissed the top of it gently. She would probably be expecting it, considering a woman of her class stood to greet him. He was flattered and decided she deserved it. Simon had enjoyed that era but wasn't sad to see it fade away. Looking around the tables, he noticed another dressed in the same era. He nodded to the gentleman and again bowed slightly to the woman beside Ysabel. Familiar faces again, more vampires, he wagered. However, one should never assume.

'With so many fetching women, how could I possibly turn down such an invitation? I'd be happy to share you all with the other gentleman until my companion arrives.' Simon pulled out a chair and sat across from Yuu who was still giving him an appraising look. If anything, Carol would enjoy the way this 'Yuu' was eyeing him up. Dani looked to be the same age as Yuu, so more than likely she was human. He hoped she wasn't loud, the loud ones were never tasty.

((OOC permission to kiss Ysabel's hand))

As introductions were made and Pak realized who the Elizabethan's date was she mentally cringed, hiding the reaction by taking a long drink. When he called her Dragon Lady, however, she nearly lost it. As Ambrose's attention was firmly fixed on Ysabel, she was able to keep her eye roll and look of disgust for Dani, who was apparently curious about the comment.

Mindful that they were in public she smiled absently at Ambrose, the expression did not reach her eyes.

"Good to see you too Gimpy."Â?

Bastard one-legged vampire. He was quickly dismissed for the time being as she listened to Dani answer her question. And then there was a new arrival, one Yuu was seemed quite interested in and that she had to surmise Ysabel knew as well. While officially she had met him, they were hardly close.

Pak simply smiled and nodded politely. For now she was content to wait and see how their growing groups dynamic unfolded. Although she was starting to wonder if she might not have been better off sitting at the bar.

Yuu gave the tall drink of water an appraising look. 6'4 or thereabouts, lean frame, fabulously brown hair with blonde highlights and hazel eyes you could die for. She planned on drilling Dani about this one afterwards unless, god willing, he would be drilling her.

'Miss Yoo-ee, is it? It is a pleasure.'

With a flirty laugh she replied, 'Yuu. Y-U-U.' But he could call me Jill, she thought to herself. She waited for him to finish introducing himself and have a seat. Leaning over slightly so she could be heard, but more importantly give him an eye full of her cleavage, she spoke directly to him, ignoring just about everyone around her.

'So you're a friend of Dani's and she hasn't introduced us yet? I'm shocked and appalled.' The charm was oozing out of Yuu, at least she hoped it was. This one seemed reserved in his reactions. Not blank, as if he was searching for the appropriate social response, but more in nothing around him phased him enough to react.

Pure snob and Yuu loved every bit of it.

Then there it was, like a jack hammer to her forehead, she remembered his face. The Mayor's ball.

Yuu took the seat Tai offered and marveled at the view again. Down below she could see that tall drink of water Kyle Evans again. He was standing at his table, as were all his table mates. An even taller man walked away from the table looking agitated. Hmm, Yuu thought and then settled into her seat.

'Were you at the Mayor's ball? I could've sworn I saw you there,' for as tall as he was, how could she miss him?

((ooc - Mayor's ball reference - Here))

If Dani had been surprised at Ambrose’s greeting, Pak’s return had been downright –scandalous-. She gave her fellow Evenhet a wide eyed look, wondering if this was teasing banter between two friends or sniping between genuine enemies.

There was, however, little time to contemplate that matter as Simon joined the table. It would seem Ysabel had some kind of connection to the Tacharan, though it wasn’t clear which aspect of Simon’s life the blonde was acquainted with. She looked to Yuu, figuring she’d want to provide more details at some point, but for the moment just lifted her shoulder in a half shrug.

“Small world.”

She was both surprised and not that Simon had apparently turned on the charm; while he had come off as reserved when he visited Arin, a crowd of attractive women had a way of bringing a man out of his shell. Yuu in particular had a way of getting even the strong silent type talking. She grinned a little at his ‘beautiful ladies’ remark and scooted over to make room, all the while wondering in the back of her mind how much Yuu ought to know about Simon.

At Yuu’s rebuke she chuckled and gave her friend an ‘oh you’re terrible’ look before shaking her head, not quite able to resist teasing Simon a little.

“Oh, now if anyone it’s Simon who should feel slighted!”

The conversation turned to the Mayor’s ball and Dani perked up, wondering if there was yet another coincidence in the works for tonight.

Ambrose shrugged at Belle and let the moment drop. That took some effort as the demon librarian returned his greeting. Ambrose just ground his teeth and ignored her. Not that he minded picking a fight, but he wouldn’t do it in front of Belle. Not at this very second.

He thought he’d recognized the name when Simon was introduced but Ysabel’s greeting confirmed it. He was rather surprised she’d stood to greet him, but then again she had a different set of manner.

“Nice to meet you Simon.”

He was somewhat amused with the way Yuu was flirting with the new arrival. She wasn’t exactly what he’d call subtle.

“I missed that ball. But I hear it was quite the party.”

Any explosion that you could walk away from was a good explosion. But he didn’t mind having missed out on that either.

Watching the scene unfold, Dawn became slightly more agitated. She could tell from body language and facial cues that multiple people were down on gimpy, and that wasn't cool with her. As they were female, he was probably guided by some archaic social rule that prevented him from smacking the bitches up in public in front of what was clearly some sort of girlfriend dealie. If she went over there, she could complicate the situation for him. At the same time, she didn't feel obligated to not smack people around in a bar setting. Showing up at a bar or club was like implied consent to physical contact, both positive and negative. Gotta take the good with the bad.

But if shit went down that didn't have to, she'd probably get a black mark in his mind. Still, gotta back your family as best you can. Taking a deep breath, she mentally told herself not to go in assuming anything, and that she was in disguise - polite, calm, collected, sophisticated. She'd even managed to drop the accent. He was a perceptive guy, so he'd probably recognize her when she got over...so it wouldn't be too awkward. Hopefully he wouldn't panic. Discarding her glass, she walked over toward the group. She'd need both hands to look most appropriate.

Walking up behind Ambrose and Ysabel, she placed a light hand on each of their shoulders. Remembering their names from the ledger that she'd swiped from Rupert to study one evening, she lightly cleared her throat.

"This seems quite the party as well, Mr. Townsend, though not as explosive just yet. Miss Yolgrave, a pleasure to see you again, though we've not been formally introduced. Miss Ratana, at your service."

Taking her hands from their shoulders, she placed them together, curtsying slightly while cocking and bowing her head a bit, smiling broadly and with a friendly air toward the Elizabethan woman before her. Completing the gesture, she returned a hand lightly to Ambrose's shoulder and Ysabel's chair back. To Ysabel, she hoped to come of as a friendly, slightly familiar clanswoman. To Ambrose, she was shooting for implied backup should it be necessary, which seemed unlikely. To everyone else, she was hoping to come off as just another member of a fairly unusual group.

"Yes, sir. Thank you for helping Dayle get settled in here in America." Ysabel beamed at Simon and sat back down as he joined them at their combined tables. He was soon taken up in conversation with Yuu and Dani, but that was well enough because Pak's interesting greeting to Ambrose distracted her as well.

Ysabel was far too used to odd social situations to betray any hint of it, but her estimation of Pak went down a few notches. She kept up her sweet smile, however, at the word 'gimpy' and resolved to keep an incredibly close watch on the woman. She'd thought she had outgrown juvenile ideas and petty revenge centuries ago, but she couldn't help thinking what a shame it would be if Pak's drink were to spill.

It would have been impolite of her, to be sure, but she took offense at the slight to Ambrose. There was no accounting for the poor manners of others. Of course, Ambrose's greeting had hardly been the textbook definition of decorum, but if it came to defending him versus the woman, there was no contest whatsoever.

Ysabel was distracted once again by a hand on her shoulder. She turned in time to recognize another clanswoman, giving a little curtsey as best she could in the limited space behind hers and Ambrose's chairs.

"Miss Ratana," Ysabel greeted the woman. It was a party indeed. And how lovely to see that the manners of the Anantya present were so much better, thus far, than those around them. That was to be expected, of course. "This is quite the turnout."

Her smile was no less diminished by the fact that she and Ambrose seemed to be acquainted. Ysabel was glad to see a clanswoman here with them, particularly if things were going to be unfriendlier than she'd hoped.

"You're welcome to pull up a chair," she said. There was no way she was capable of not offering an invitation to join them, the same as with Simon. It was just polite.

Pak winced. It wasn’t that she minded people, well in theory she didn’t mind people but right at this very second she was feeling extremely out of place. Why had she left the towers again? She couldn’t remember.

Fixing a polite apparently sincere smile on her face, she mentally thanked whatever powers that be for gifting her with subterfuge and lit a fresh clove. The place was smoky enough as it was, certainly no one was going to notice or care. She might not be thrilled with the way the evening was going but there was no need to let anyone else know that.

The Thai feel of the new arrival’s cloths. But she didn’t really think anything of it. Asia in general seemed to be trendy right now. What she was more interested in was that she apparently was acquainted with the gimp.

“The more the merrier.”

Of course who ever came up with that saying wasn’t trapped at a table of near strangers and one guy they really didn’t like too much.

"Thank you, dear. I'll do that."

Reaching back, she swiped a chair from a nearby table that was short on occupants and moved to sit in it backward. Before sitting, she realized that would be an error of etiquette, swiveled it around forward, and sat as daintily in it as she could manage. This, of course, caused an odd spinning of the chair in short succession, which probably would have looked a bit odd, but now she was seated, legs crossed, hands in lap.

She hated this pose. It slowed down your upward movement if you needed it. It didn't look like she'd need it, but that didn't mean she shouldn't be prepared for any eventuality.

With another female approaching the table, Simon with his ever noble manners stood politely and nodded towards the one called Dawn. As he sat back down, he looked over at Yuu who was still gazing intently at him. With a large smile, which in all actuality was a teeny smirk, he leaned over towards her.

'Actually I was at that event. Pretty harrowing evening, if you ask me.' Side stepping the topic, he added, 'Now Yuu, that look you're giving me is making me blush.' He was never a charmer, more the silent shadow but suddenly thrust into the spotlight as a clan leader, he felt a little bit of himself changed. When in Rome...

Looking at Dani he gently put his hand on her's. It was a warm gesture and definitely out of character for him, but he always liked Dani, even if he hadn't ever really spoken to her that often. Alfarinn, her employer and master, was really the only Evenhet he associated with. The only vampire he cared to associate with outside the clan. Dani was close to him and any confidant of Alfarinn would certainly be welcomed and trusted by him.

'Where is your old dog of a boss this evening? Entertaining company?' He softly chuckled as he thought of Thaddeus. Things had changed in the past year in Nachton, Simon hoped he'd be able to be a good force in that change, not just the vampire that killed his leader, lover and creator. Ah well, better to be notorious than dead.

((permission to touch Dani))

Yuu gave the newcomer a side look and smile, but remained focused on Simon. 'Yes the ball did a number on my Vera Wang.' She rolled her eyes and then winked.

'So tell me, how do you and Dani know each other and why have I never heard about you before? Let me guess,' she leaned back and touched a manicured nail to her dark red lips.

'Excellent choice', she pointed at his jacket with said nail, 'Armani. So, good taste in clothing, your appearance is important to you but you're not obsessed with it.'

She stopped, blinking slowly as she looked into his hazel eyes. 'You know Dani so...career wise you would know her employer, but you don't work for them. Something that has your paths crossing at the very least. You are in control of your business, a leader or a very intrical part in what is obviously a successful business. The way you walk...present yourself,' nodding she immediately thought killer instinct but let the statement hang.

He acted like a killer or someone with little or no remorse. She had seen enough in her job to recognize it. Surgeons have the same disposition and Simon was exact and deadly in whatever he did.

'Am I close?'

Dani gave Ambrose a little friendly smile at his comment, though there was a touch of incredulity there.

“That would be one way of putting it!”

She looked up at yet another arrival who apparently knew Ambrose and Ysabel. She gave the woman a small wave, scooting over a little more to make room at the table. Meanwhile she was also trying to keep everyone straight in her head by writing a little mnemonic song to the tune of ‘them bones them bones,’ and hoped the new addition’s name was one syllable.

In any case, even Pak seemed inviting enough; it was a relief to Dani that at least the name calling was contained to one person, though she still wondered about that. It would seem that at least her clanmate’s opinion of Ambrose did not extend to his friends.

She hoped for a change to catch the newest person’s name, though there wasn’t a good opportunity to ask right that second. She –did- feel the need to keep an ear on Yuu and Simon, after all; they were discussing the ball at the moment but who knew where the conversation would go. Simon was a friend of Alfarinn and had always shown himself to be a good guy in her limited experience with the man, but the fact was that people in Yuu’s position tended to get snatched up quickly by one of the clans. Dani sighed inwardly; perhaps it was better to prepare Yuu, but that wasn’t something she would do without consulting Arin first.

In the midst of such thoughts, though, Simon got her attention and asked after Arin. Dani couldn’t help but feel a little guilty, wondering if the Tacharan somehow knew what had been on her mind. Not to mention his flirtatious attitude was a touch unnerving, even if not directed at her; he –was- rather dashing. Still, Danielle Martin was more together than most; she returned his warm look with one of her own, though her expression turned amused at the thought of calling the young-looking Arin ‘that old dog’.

“Oh, he has been rather busy these days.” She gave a little wink that, in truth, could mean anything. “You should give him a ring though, I’m sure he’d like to hear from you and catch up. Have you two spoken since the ball?” If they had she wasn’t aware of it, and if they hadn’t, well that was just a shame considering what their last conversation must have been like.

She chuckled at Yuu’s assessment of Simon, grinning over at her friend and asking in a teasing tone: “You got all that from his clothes?”

Sure, one could tell a lot about a person by what they wore, but Yuu was a sharp cookie and that’s really what it came down to. She was going to figure out quite a bit without any interference at all. All the more reason to have a chat with Arin.

“We do indeed know each other through my boss,” was, however, all she said for now.

“Hey little lady. I didn’t think I’d see you here tonight.”

Ambrose smiled warmly at Dawn, trying not to laugh at the get up she was wearing and the manners she was adopting. It would blow her cover to do so and, given that the last time he’d seen her she’d been attempting to stalk the Elder of the Hunt he figured it was some sort of under cover gig. Who was he to give it away?

“I’d rather keep this party from being explosive, there is something to be said for a nice dull evening out. Don’t you think?”

He lightly placed a hand on Belle’s knee. It was under the table and hidden so he didn’t think she’d mind too much.

Hearing Yuu’s assessment of Simon, he regarded her with new respect. Even if he had crossed her somehow, that was a fine bit of deduction.

“Damned did they teach her how to pick a jury or what?”

The comment was made in a general way and not said to anyone in particular.

Ysabel made a mental note to ask Ambrose later what this ball was that seemed to be a hot topic of conversation. People kept mentioning it, and she hated not being able to keep with every possible topic change in a conversation.

She moved her hand to cover his and squeeze just a bit, every bit as impressed with Yuu's deductive capabilites as the rest of the group.

"That was quite the assessment. I'm starting to wonder if she's a DA or a PI," Ysabel said with a soft laugh. "Can you repeat the trick with any of us, Yuu?"

It really was a fine bit of sleuthing, particularly if she was right. Ysabel waited for confirmation or denial from Simon, interested in what he might say about it.

Simon thoughtfully ran his tongue over a well hidden fang. Ambrose had said 'jury'. Curious.

'Are you by chance the new assistant district attorney?' You know, the one my clan was hired to kill last summer? The latter made him pause but he still managed a polite smile.

'Quite the parlor trick though, Miss Yuu.' Simon paused, his wry grin not a little harder than before, then he added, 'But what a man wears doesn't bear on what type of man he really is.'

Simon glanced at Dani. Yuu did not seem to be aware of the groups origins and although Dani didn't appear worried...she felt it. Especially when he brought up Alfarinn. Perception was a wonderful thing. With a subtle sigh, Simon rested his hand on the table and gently tapped his middle finger on the wood.

Yuu's smile widened at Simon's astute observation, 'Why yes - I just happen to be the new ada for Nachton.' She gave him a demure shrug and nod. Her smile faltered as he continued and a high blush crossed her face. Yuu had unintentionally insulted him while trying to compliment him. Averting her eyes she smoothed her skirt and kicked herself mentally.

'Well then,' she started and then cleared her throat, 'I suppose to rectify that transgression, I should get to know you better. Then hopefully I can give you a more...accurate account.' Smooth but she was still disgusted with how slippery that comment sounded. The night was proving to be a disappointment and the goal was to get out of the conversation without completely humilating herself. What was it with her and men lately? So far she was 0 for 2 for reading them, she should stop while she was ahead or rather, in a hole.

Ysabel had asked her a question and right that second felt like the perfect time to answer it.

'Criminal law has a lot to do with gauging people. What they're capable of or if they're telling the truth. Eyes down to the right if they're making up a story or creating a fabrication, left if they're recalling a memory. A lot of line ups, a lot of interrogation rooms after a while are textbook. You can only ever get better at it.'

Dani blinked at Ambrose when he made his offhanded remark regarding jury selection, a little confused for a moment. Did they know each other? Yuu certainly didn’t act as though she were acquainted with the gentleman but his comment indicated at least a little knowledge. Weird.

Then Ysabel threw down the gauntlet and left Dani wondering if Yuu would pick it up. That would be a fun way to get to know all these people! Yuu, however, seemed to be playing it modest. She, meanwhile, was just trying not to snort at Simon’s response. Puuuuleeeze. Like he didn’t know who he was talking to. His intentions remained to be seen but she had little doubt he was thinking business, just like she was. Trouble being that Yuu was her good friend as well as a potential contact; she knew she was having trouble remaining objective about the whole thing while Simon had no reason to have qualms.

In any case her mind was made up; she would talk to Arin and decide what to do next. It was good to be decisive; it kept her from worrying. There was a very positive side to all of this as well; Dani strongly believed that Yuu would not end up in either company’s pocket. Her friend just had too much integrity, however thickly Simon laid on the charm and however many years they went back. She personally believed that if Yuu were armed with more information, she could make fair and impartial choices on her own.

Of course, she sure did seem wrapped up in Simon at the moment…hell, they seemed caught up in each other. She wondered if the Tacharan’s question regarding Arin had been sincere, considering that thread of talk had faded away. Well business was business but she wasn’t about to go making assumptions on Simon himself. Arin’s abilities would pick up something if Simon were playing him false; he probably just had a lot on his mind. She grumbled inwardly at that thought. ‘Yeah, like trying to get in my friend’s pocket. Also possibly her pants. Didn’t he say something about a date?’

To get out of that frame of mind, she scanned the room, taking in the music and atmosphere for a moment. This really was quite a nice place, and really, in spite of worries about the competition she couldn’t have asked for better company. Though Pak was being quiet. Poor gal, probably just wanted her beer in peace and here she’d been flooded in short order. Dani loved it when that happened but that certainly wasn’t for everyone. Some people came to crowded places like this to get lost, not found…she wasn’t sure which was the case for Pak.

And then she could have laughed…why, she was being just as quiet! Wool gathering, Evenhet’s bane! Still, she felt that ought to be remedied. She turned to Simon, grinning.

“Oh come on, give her a little credit where credit is due.” She gave him a little wink and turned to Yuu. “You got him down pretty well.” She added a little smirk, though she refrained from saying any more outright. Just didn’t want Yuu to feel at a disadvantage just because Simon didn’t want to own up and preferred to mutter about clothes not making the man. Clearly there was more to it than that; she’d been joking when she said otherwise.

“-I- think Ysabel gave an excellent suggestion. But who to pick on next?” Raising her eyebrows at the table in general, she turned to the latest addition. “I’m sorry dear, I didn’t catch your name?”

Smiling demurely at Ambrose, she nodded.

"Quiet evenings out are what I do best. This is perhaps a bit raucous for me, but I am told that the music will be worth enduring the crowd."

Winking at Ambrose, she was pleased that he'd not given up the cover. Yuu's game made her a bit uncomfortable - what would she have said about her? And now Ysabel was egging her on. Though it might be an excellent test of her practice, it could be a notably public failure as well. Well, nothing doing for it anyway. It looked like flirting was more important than showing off, and rightly so.

With Dani's leading remark and trailing question, Dawn stiffened her back slightly. She'd seen someone who had been caught off guard do that frequently, especially folk who sat cross legged and kept their hands in their laps. Relaxing her back again, Dawn smiled languidly and responded

"Oh! I'm sorry, Miss Dani. Miss Ratana, Dawn if you prefer. Everything is just so busy in here I was trying to get caught up on the conversation."

So, Belle was going to encourage the new ADA. He’d love to see her take a stab at Dawn, and see what she came up with. Ambrose wasn’t sure what game the girl was playing, but he’d like to see it put to the test. But it might be a bit obvious if he suggested it so he’d leave Yuu to make up her own mind, maybe he’d get lucky.

“Most of the folks who show up to play here are better than average, defiantly worth the crowd. I’m glad you braved it, the evening wouldn’t be the same with out you.”

He shot Dawn a subtly teasing smile. Really, Ambrose didn’t consider tonight too crowded, you could still walk around and breath. Better yet the more people that showed up the more interesting things got.

Casually draping an arm around Ysabel’s shoulders his gaze drifted around the table, half looking at his company and half looking for his drink.

Watching Yuu and Simon wasn’t as entertaining has he’d like so he was keeping half his attention on Dawn. He wasn’t sure if she’d fool him or not. She’d made one hell of an impression the first time they’d met it was difficult to decide if that was still coloring his judgment.

Ysabel sipped at her wine while the conversation flowed around her. Yuu seemed to be slightly embarrassed over her own abilities when Simon made his tactful, yet accurate, statement. Regardless, Ysabel still found the idea somewhat intrguing and hoped Yuu wouldn't be put off from taking a guess at the rest of them. Dani defended Yuu, however, and seemed to know Simon well enough to agree with her friend. The woman said so in such an amiable manner that it would have been impossible for Simon now to disagree without coming off as an ass, Ysabel thought privately, with a smile for Dani.

Waiting to see if Yuu would indeed try it again, Ysabel listened with half an ear to Dawn and Ambrose as well. Ambrose had slipped his arm about her shoulders, and while Ysabel enjoyed that. she was mindful of seeming too affectionate in public. No one seemed to give it a second glance though so she let it be. She did almost slip out from under it, however, when she turned to regard Dawn with a question in her eyes.

"Raucous?" She asked, casting a quick glance around the low-key crowd that filled the club. Even Ysabel didn't think it was raucous, and she had gotten the impression, although she didn't know Dawn well, that her clanmate was even more... energetic... than this crowd on a typical evening. However, she left it at that and simply agreed with Ambrose.

"There's a good deal of talent here from what I've seen; hopefully you won't regret coming."

She made a mental note to find out from Dawn what she preferred to do on a quiet evening. Maybe she knew some places in Nachton Ysabel hadn't found yet to enjoy.

Yuu shrugged, still very much embarassed but doing a decent job of hiding it behind a simpering smile directed towards Simon.

'Well it's not parlour trick. If I made it look fun, I wouldn't be able to make grown men cry on the stand.' She reached up and demurely checked her hair. 'Maybe later.'

Recrossing her legs, Yuu smiled at Dawn's comment. 'I'm looking forward to hearing the music tonight. Good Jazz places are hard to come by.' She had hoped that would be the last mention of her reading anyone else. Her embarassment was starting to wain, but her eyes crossed over Simon again who was still looking at her. Woof, she thought silently. What was it about Nachton that had an affect on the men she met. Being unnerved not once but twice in the short time she had been in town was disturbing to her. There was something about his face, specifically his mouth. When he spoke, his teeth were barely exposed and his voice was so low that you had to strain to hear it, especially with the soft music playing in the background. Too many years of listening to music entirely too loud with head phones had done something to her hearing - low tones seemed mumbled and generally it irrirated her. But with Simon it was captivating...there was something about his mouth. Yuu decided she'd probably figure it out later.

Dani smiled brightly at Dawn’s response, mostly relieved she had caught the young woman’s name. Though she would admit to being tickled at the ‘Miss Dani’, really only children addressed her as such as a matter of course, however, and she sought to amend that.

“Just ‘Dani’ is fine by me; a pleasure to meet you Dawn.”

If Dawn found the crowd overwhelming Dani suspected she was in good company at least. Pak’s clove added a pleasant Christmas-y atmosphere to their tables, quite unlike the harsher smell of regular cigarette smoke, and they had a healthy mix of strangers and friends. She silently declared theirs the best corner of the club as she grinned at Ambrose and Ysabel. Who, she thought absently, made a rather charming couple.

“Well it was certainly worth the trip so far.” Leaning forward, she added just a touch of teasing to her tone as she addressed Ambrose, not-so-casually bringing up the fact that both he and Ysabel were including himself in their statements about the talent at this club. “And when do we get to hear you play?”

She wasn’t prodding, truly, no more than she had been when she followed up on Ysabel’s suggestion to Yuu. Well, perhaps she was a little bit but they were never going to get to know each other if they didn’t talk and most people, with a little nudge, liked talking about themselves, however much they might protest the suggestion. Case in point – Yuu might not have been interested in Ysabel’s game, but she was sure to let the table know she made grown men cry.

She was staring at his mouth. They always did. Yuu was looking at his lip and how it tucked over his fangs. His weren't large, but you could see the impression of something under his lip. This was part of the reason Simon did not smile often - that and because he could care less about most things.

Simon took another long pull at his beer and watched the rest of the table companions with hooded eyes. Still, his eyes came back to Yuu and Dani. Inwardly he sighed - her inquisitiveness was dangerous and he feared he'd have to look into her investigation and if things progressed the way he figured they would... Simon looked at Dani for a moment. No, Dani would not understand, not when it involved someone she was obviously close to.

He blinked. Simon realized just then that he was considering the feelings of someone else over a possible mark. Curious. Being indifferent to most things had become second nature a long time ago yet now he was actually pausing. Maybe it was time for a change, but he feared even the smallest of changes would offset a balance that had worked for so many years. Finishing his beer he set the glass down and stood. Carol was near, he could feel her approaching the bar.

'Everyone will have to excuse me, my companion tonight will be here any moment.' He nodded towards Dani, allowing a smile to creep into the corner of his mouth. 'Miss Yuu, it was a pleasure. I'm sure we'll meet again, same to you Ysabel. I look forward to seeing you around the old homestead with your sister.' Again he nodded and gave everyone a small bow.

'Good night.'

((OOC - Simon out, pending responses))

“Jazz is a dying art.”

He agreed with Yuu. Uncharacteristically he didn’t press her for more detail on her jury selection skills. Someday that might be a fun fight to pick but mindful of the other company, Belle particularly, he let it slide for this evening.

Nodding to Simon as he left Ambrose smiled wryly at Dani’s question. It seemed that Yuu wouldn’t be the only one put on the spot tonight.

“Katrina will probably be out here in about ten wondering why the hell I’m not backstage. Of course, the Moochers are more blues than jazz but they’ve got class. Not my regular gig but they asked me to sit in tonight.”

Speak of the devil. Ambrose could see the tall blond that was Katrina circulating the floor, but she seemed more headed to the bar than him, so he had time yet.

Noticing the Dragon Lady had yet to say more than two words Ambrose set out to needle her slightly and deliberately made eye contact with her.

“And how do you feel about the blues?”

Listening more to the current band than the conversation, Pak found she’d quite lost the thread of it and she didn’t really mind. It wasn’t until Simon moved that she snapped back to what was going on around her.

Finding a faint smile for Simon as he left Pak returned her attention to her beer and clove. She would have been happy to remain invisible but it seemed someone had other plans.

Not bothering to hide her irritation at being addressed by Ambrose of all people Pak glared at him. She hadn’t expected to hold a grudge so long, but she still didn’t feel like forgiving him. He, however, seemed to think it was a game which only irritated her further.

“If you know what you’re dealing with there shouldn’t ever be a problem.”

OK so that didn’t have a lot to do with the music question and now she was cross with herself for rising to his bait. At least she hadn’t sounded as pissy as she felt.

"A magician never reveals his -or her- tricks, is it? How appropriate," Ysabel smiled at Yuu, not at all put out by the woman's declining to work her magic further.

Right about then was when Simon decided to meet his date, and as he left Ysabel rose and gave him a polite little curtsey. Interesting. Apparently, she had just been invited to the Domicile. Was that the case? She and Dayle had never appeared in each other's respective clan properties. An interesting offer. She wouldn't mind seeing where her sister lived... perhaps, in return, she could show Dayle around her own small suite at Heolfor. She would have to look into it.

Meanwhile, the conversation had meandered onto the subject of music, as it was always bound to do at Shades'. Ysabel smiled enthusiastically at the idea of hearing Ambrose play... she had heard him on several occasions, but she very much enjoyed it when he played with Katrina's band, even if she wasn't at all fond of Katrina herself.

The byplay between Pakpao and Ambrose, too, was of interest to her. Ysabel was still uncertain about the way the two of then related to each other, and figured she might just have to ask Ambrose about it later on.

"You should go warm up with them," she said in low tones to Ambrose. "Katrina will get angry again."

The first time Ysabel had been here, a few nights back, the drummer had been less than pleased to find Ambrose sitting in the audience with his lover rather than tuning up with the group, and had had some rather choice words to say about it. Ysabel would rather not hear any of that here and now, so much as she wanted Ambrose to stay, she encouraged him to head backstage before Katrina could come storming out to fetch him.

Smiling pleasantly. That was what Dawn was practicing for the evening, it seemed. No teeth, certainly no fang, just a quiet, mellow smile as her eyes followed the motions of the crowd. She tried to look shocked when Yuu said she'd made grown men cry, but probably came off looking like she had a spot of indigestion instead. After that she practiced the smile again...and again when Simon got up to leave. The smile left briefly at the smoker and Ambrose's interaction, replaced by a look of slight confusion. She'd pretend to treat it as a non-sequitor, rather than jabbing.

Turning her attention to who she guessed was the Katrina individual, she nodded mentally to herself. Definitely a drummer type - someone used to lugging things around and keeping artists bound to joint practices rather than spiraling off into artistic whimsy. Of course, that took a toll on a person's soul - a drummer's blood was bitter and had a kick...like old espresso. Dawn preferred her blood spicier and less likely to make her face wrinkle up.

She hoped that the music would be worth the acting practice...it'd keep her mind more smoothly in character, make it seem less forced. If the bands didn't start in earnest, soon, she'd be a ball of nervous twitches.

If nothing else, it helped her practice her self control.

Taking an inventory of the drinks in front of the various conversationalists, Dawn lightly but firmly placed her hand on a passing waitress's arm.

May I get a chardonnay, please?

Yuu watched the other's discussing tonight's upcoming performance and found herself tuning out. Fading away. Her eyes glazed over as she automatically smiled and nodded, her enthusiam slowly dissapating. Nachton was still so foreign to her, the largeness of the city and its ability to stay under the radar from the rest of the country perplexed her. She never recalled hearing about the city often in the news, yet while here she had already experienced an explosion and now a manhunt - well the manhunt was inevitable for Tai.

Tai. So foolishly did she trust him. With more than just her life, but that first night and barely knowing him. He's not even native to the city yet everything around here seemed to happen under odd circumstances. Dani seemed immune to it, but then she hadn't brought up this weird feeling she had.

What weird feeling?

It occured to her that she had the feeling but never quite noticed it. It never really surfaced until just now. Looking at everyone through the thickness of the air in the club. Meeting Ysabel and Aaron in the park - the way they dressed. Simon, who immediately struck her as dangerous in every sense of the word. Her attraction wanned as she considered that yet again odd feeling while looking at his mouth.

Nothing seemed normal yet everything was. Maybe...just maybe, it was Yuu that didn't fit in.

Life had always seemingly moved with her with an inner soundtrack. At least it did before she stepped foot into Nachton. The andrenaline rush of closing arguments was always accompanied by something metal and screeching in her head. Even walking down the sidewalk she did it with that inner rhythmn that said 'fuck not with this bitch'.

None of it. That feeling of normalcy. Nothing. She felt empty in Nachton. As if she was being missed somewhere. Being in the wrong place, at the wrong time for no reason at all.

Absently Yuu chewed on her lip, causing it to bleed, but even that she couldn't taste.

Dani bade Simon goodbye as warmly as ever, the sense of competition still being on the friendly side in her mind. She was, however, wondering who his companion was; she was clearly not up on news. Noting his goodbyes to Yuu (‘I’ll just bet you’ll be seeing her again’) and Ysabel, she absently concluded that her friend wasn’t enjoying herself and Ysabel’s connection to Simon was more personal than business.

Nodding at Ambrose’s response, she leaned in, interested, when he explained more about the gig.

“’The Moochers?’ What an interesting name.” She gave a smile and turned to hear Pak’s answer, glad that Ambrose was not so subtly trying to bring her into the conversation. And, wow, that had backfired spectacularly on him! Dani thought Ambrose seemed to be kidding around but Pak’s response cooled the table a few degrees. He was obviously finding some way to bother her, but having no idea of their history it was impossible to say how.

After a somewhat awkward pause, she brightly chimed in with another question.

“What’s your regular gig then?”

Noticing out of the corner of the eye that Yuu had gone from sitting quietly to chewing on her lip, she decided to drag her, and Pak if at all possible, to the ladies room at the next break in the conversation. At that moment Dawn caught a waitress’s attention and she thought it was as good a time as any to get a drink as well.

“And I’ll have a cranberry juice, please.”

Yuu stood up and smoothed her skirt. Casting a glance at Dani, she muttered, 'Bathroom?' Pushing away from the table, the waitress heard her question and pointed in the direction of it which was down by the front of the club.

'Dani?'

Not in the mood to hold back, he laughed at the Dragon Lady's respond. Damned she did know how to hold a grudge didn't she? Ambrose was willing to bet she wouldn't be any more civil in fifty or even a hundred years.

Still nursing his drink, he shook his head at Belle. Let Katrina get prissy with him, it didn't bother him at all.

"She'll keep. Besides, she's getting a drink."Â?

Neither of the difficult women he was dealing with this evening, Katrina and Pakpao that was, was putting Ambrose off his mood. He grinned over at Dani's.

"They named themselves after an Cab Calloway song 'Minnie the Moocher'. Do a pretty good cover of it to, its in the set tonight as a matter of fact."Â?

He loved playing that cover too, great fun. He even got into the hidey-hi's with the rest of the group.

"I don't have one per say. Mostly studio work, just happened to click with these guys so we play a lot."Â?

Dani nodded as Ambrose explained the origins of the band’s name, thinking it was cool that there was a story behind it. She could understand not wanting a regular gig; it was good to have the freedom to explore one’s interests, after all.

“I see; you’re an independent.” “She smiled politely. “I don’t know the song; I’ll have to keep an ear out for that one tonight.”

Yuu seemed to be thinking along the same lines and she gave her friend a nod, shooting a look to Pak as she stood and made their excuses in the hopes that she in particular might join the herd going to the lady’s room.

/ooc Dani and Yuu out and into a thread to be created shortly - any/all the girls are of course welcome to join in the break :D

Smiling sedately to the departing ladies, Dawn sighed quietly. On the inside, she felt like flipping over the table and shouting at the top of her lungs. Certainly consuming a large quantity of alcohol, possibly through someone else's system. upper-cutting a punkass would be right up on the list, too. Sadly, that Dawn was left behind in her Manor room this evening, having read a new assignment from Ko.

The gauntlet he'd thrown down - convince several strangers that you are someone and something that you are not - seemed easy at the time, but she dreaded it knowing the initial scoff to be incorrect...as it had been so many times before. Of the possibilities, a sedate and bookish personality had seemed the easiest. In retrospect, she wished that she'd made another choice...like a Gospel shouter or something more energetic. Reigning in all of her energy was going to make her explode...hopefully after she'd returned to the manor and was in the training room.

Turning to her clansmen, she smiled politely.

"I apologize if I am intruding on your evening out. I hadn't realized that you two were so close. Ifya like I kin...ah. I mean, is there anything that I can get for you to make up for the intrustion?"

Fuck...slipup there. Tenshun's showin. Ah, here some wine. 'opeful tey'llsay yessan I kin git a shotatoo inere t'take th'edjoff. RRRrrrr! Least I kin keep th'face calm! Gonna choke th'shit outta Ko fer thissun!

"But I was curious...what do you two think of the wild and exciting new me? I cut my hair today. Did you notice?"

Toying with the wig, she managed not to laugh. If anything, the contained glee probably lent credibility to the part. Granted, the source of amusement was entirely different, but she hoped that would not be obvious to anyone but a mind-reader.

The laugh was the last straw. Pak's dark mood, even tempered by subterfuge, reached a breaking point. She drained her beer, stubbed out her clove and stood accidentally on purpose jostling the table, hoping to spill someone's drink... preferable Ambrose's.

"Sorry about that, must have tripped."Â?

It was a weak excuse but with any luck at least a few would buy it.

She'd thought to just leave, her tab was paid and she didn't really care if she offended anyone or not. However, as she prepared to leave she though just maybe she'd follow Dani to the ladies and at least apologize. She could have handled this better.

(OOC... Pak out)

Ysabel wondered curiously at the fact that Pak, Dani, and Yuu all seemed to have developed a sudden urge to relieve themselves. She regarded them with a neutral expression, concealing her amusement as it would have been rude to express it as such. Perhaps with Ambrose and Dayle she was relaxed enough to tease, but she wouldn't think of doing so in mixed, unfamiliar company.

She twined her fingers into Ambrose's though, smiling as the other women left. Turning to Dawn then she responded to her clanswoman by immediately reassuring her.

"You didn't intrude at all," she said with a calming gesture of her hand. "We're glad to have you. There's no need to make up for it."

Dawn was toying with what Ysabel had been certain was a wig, but again propriety intervened and kept her from saying anything that might be considered rude. "It's quite lovely. It suits your complexion," she said. Then she gave a soft laugh as she realized what Dawn had just said about herself. "Wild and exciting? Do you have a tiger in your purse?"

She offered a smile at the small joke, her eyes twinkling with suppressed mischief. Ysabel didn't know Dawn well, but she'd seen her at Heolfor and from what she'd observed and what she'd been told only briefly by Ambrose, the woman was usually a bit more... energetic.

As the last of the strangers departed, Dawn slid down in her chair, slouching, and gave an audible sigh of relief.

"Sorr'bout dat. Ko's gotsme on a proj t'night an I gotta fake bein' 'quiet-and-bookish'. Idun evn kin HOW ta pull tha, wha? How'd I do? Oh, an thanksfer playin' long. I'll snip bick inta character 'fore dey back, but need to lets it out some. Damn, this actin' ain't easy as it looks!"

Grinning impishly, a complete transformation from the role she'd been playing earlier, Dawn turned fully to Ambrose.

"I'da wonder where you been offta, but now I gitsit. Quick work, gunslinger! And good! Pritty, polite an kin put up wit'choo! Full win, what!"

Standing up suddenly, she stretched herself out, popped her knuckles and pulled her joints. Shaking her head, she stated

"I jist come ova cuz seemd lotta fire at th' table an' wanned t'make shoyo back wuz covered."

Plopping back down, she returned to the "studious" position, in case someone came back quickly.

“Son of a bitch.”

There was no way he was going to buy that was an accident. He’d barley caught his drink in time. If he hadn’t nearly finished the drink, it would have made a mess, as it was he just splashed a little. You make one little mistake in life and people held it against you forever. He scowled after the fast departing Pakpao.

Dawn’s return to her usual self and dialect along with an explanation quickly took his mind off the other and made him laugh. His arm, already around Belle’s shoulders squeezed her just slightly. Formality could be relaxed a little bit since they were all clan mates. That and he was, as always, slightly possessive of Belle and he wasn’t keen on the idea that she wouldn’t put up with him.

“Somebody’s gotta put up with me don’t you think? Have you two met?”

He grinned and arrogant lazy smile at Dawn’s coming over to help take the heat off him.

“Only person cross with me is the Dragon Lady and she’d been holding a grudge for a while now I’m not worried about it. You can pick a fight with her though, might get a fair work out outta it, but man she fights dirty.”

Ysabel tried not to stare, momentarily perplexed by what she assumed was language coming from Dawn's mouth. She ran the gamut of languages she knew without success until she went over it again and realized it was English.

That was English?

Unfortunately the conversation had passed her up in the few seconds it took her to process Dawn's odd dialect and Ambrose was squeezing her around the shoulders and talking to Dawn, apparently having little or no trouble understanding the woman.

That was like no English she had ever heard.

Ambrose asked if they'd met and Ysabel shook her head, as much to say no as to clear the deer-in-headlights look off of her face. Resuming her usual pleasant smile she said, "No, we haven't officially met anyway. Ysabel Yolgrave, pleasure to meet you Dawn."

She shot Ambrose a questioning look when he talked about Pakpao as if rather familiar with her, but resolved to save her curiosity for later. She turned to Dawn instead. "Do you mind if I ask who Ko is? And why must you act a part tonight?"

Grinning at the thought of the workout, Dawn smiled.

"Dirtifightah, huh? No witch carzherz? Cou take zis damn wigoff, putton th'loncote an puncha thru th'windah. That'd learner!"

Winking, she turned back for the introductions. Ah, the what-the-hell-was-that-gibberish look she'd gotten to know so well since moving here. Slow it down for the old folks. Giving a very strange, seated wai, Dawn nodded her head slightly over her hands, breaking into what she called "newscaster English". The transitions were getting easier. Had to give Ko credit for that one - practice making perfect and all.

"Miss Ysabel Yolgrave, it is a pleasure to meet you. I must inform you, however, that you have fallen for the charms of quite the rogue! I'll have you know he was once wanted by various law enforcement agencies! He is not to be trusted lest your innocence be emperiled!"

Chuckling, she continued, a little more loosely.

"But I kin that's th'point."

"Oh, Ko's muh creator. Sensei Ko bore me, Anantya clothe'me an'ow I seek a home within th'three. Th'test t'night was t'see if I'd be comfy as a nighter. Some's hard work...think I'll end up a hunter like th'old man. But more'n anythin, th practice is ta keep th'ol hand in. It'll make adapting later all th'easier."

“Ya won’t get close enough to punch her, she likes to throw things. And she’s… talented… she’s got a lot in common with us…”

Ambrose smiled at the memory of a very large very heavy book screaming through the air at his head. Who knew librarians could be so violent?

Not knowing who was listening to them or over hearing them he could only hint at what Pakpao was.

‘Harrumphing’ at her cleaned up English and her warning to Belle. He let it slide and left Belle to deal with it on her own.

“Sampling all of the above are ya? Remind me to be out of town when you try out being a Rose.”

He was goofing around and grinned smugly at Dawn, taunting her slightly. He was still slightly jealous that she had some direction, he could use some. He kept thinking he should turn his attention to the Night but it just didn’t call to him at all and he knew it.

Dawn's purpose turned on a light bulb for Ysabel and she gave a little "oh" as she comprehended. "What a wise idea," she said. "Your Ko must know a great deal."

In response to the warning about Ambrose, she gave a soft laugh. "I've heard he's a rogue," she said in a low conspiratorial voice, "but I think you're right... that is rather the point. I like him that way."

She turned to Ambrose, gave him a little wink, and then affected a stern tone as she asked, "And what's the problem with being a Rose? I happen to like it well enough."

Ysabel smiled at Dawn once more. "You'll do fine with it," she said encouragingly. "Just wait, it's such fun. All the order and organization, and the ceremonies..."

She gave a little sigh. "I know where I fit in, at least," she said with an apologetic expreession for her semi-woolgathering. "What about you, Ambrose, aren't you of the Hunt, too?"

Nodding in agreement to Ambrose's sentiments, Dawn stated

"Shit, man, I hope I'm'a'outta town when I'm doin th'rose work, too. No'fense t'the orgnizer heer, tho. Som'one's gotta do it an' glad it ain't me! I'd ratha drag folks by th'ears out th' door for breakin' a rule'thn make'um up in th'frst...even ifits me draggin' mysel."

Nodding at Ysabel this time, Dawn continued.

"Yep, he's a good'n, as much I wanna kill'im sometime. Prolly only natural. We git along ok now we're tree tousan mile'way from anotha."

Looking to Ambrose, she waited for his answer. Each time it was a little different, it seemed. What having a bum leg had to do with being a speedshooter, Dawn was sure she didn't know. Some people liked their illusions.

“Nothing wrong with the Rose.”

Ambrose protested doing his best to look innocent, he failed miserable but he did his best.

“Some of us just weren’t cut out for it.”

He sighed and shifted slightly uncomfortably when pined down on his ambitions. He really disliked the subject, it tended to make him feel like a failure or at the very least a serious slacker.

“No I’m not anything just now. Damaris intended me for the hunt, it just didn’t quite work out how either of planned.”

It was the one grudge he held against his creator, the one regret in his turning. He had lost a great deal of mobility with his leg and felt it was a weakness, a liability and that it disqualified him from the one order that called to him.

Ysabel couldn't help but laugh at Dawn's proclamation. "Well, best be the one doing the dragging, rather than the one doing the rulebreaking." She arched her brows and nodded her head once or twice toward Ambrose, who she knew delighted in breaking as many rules as possible whenever possible.

And Ambrose, much chattier now that he was in Clan company, was raising a whole bunch of questions ysabel considered herself too polite to ask in public. That wouldn't stop her from finding ways to ask them when they were in private, however.

Why Ambrose seemed so disgruntled on the topic of what Order he was in, she didn't know. She'd only been with him a few weeks but already it had been a natural assumption to her that he would be in the Hunt. She wanted to say that you couldn't be intended for a particular Order; why Damaris had anything to do with it was beyond Ysabel. But her case had been clear; she enjoyed the role she played and hoped to learn how to be of even more use to the Clan in it.

The topic was not comfortable for Ambrose though, and Ysabel was too well-bred to push it. Instead she changed the subject, interested in learning more about Dawn and moving the spotlight away from Ambrose.

"So you and Ko are three thousand miles apart? Did Ko leave, or did you?"

Her frown directed at Ambrose's cop out of an answer turned to laughter at Ysabel's question.

"It was...agreed upon. He needs me to learn t'be mindful, and t'slow down some. He thought I might learn better from someone else and somewhere else...someplace I wasn't quite so...entrenched in the culture and caught in th'motions. Plus, he gits t'show off both his star pupil an'is cross t'bear! An' his ideas. Tho I was pretty much cut out fer th'hunt club I still gotta see for sure th'other options. He's all about careful plannin' and discovery ah hidden skills an' whatnot. Good teacher. But we bumped heads a lot since I'm...a bit thick an' a bit stubborn sometimes."

Smiling, Dawn finished off her beverage, and waved down another of the same. Best get back into character lest anyone return.

"But, as he always says, hidden talents and being underestimated are what bring us to old age safely. Perhaps he has something in his ideas. I suppose he must, as he is an old man."

Ambrose turned an angelic look on Belle and her quiet insinuation that he was a troublemaker.

Since Dawn was flagging down another drink he took advantage and got another one himself, he still had time before Katrina went on the warpath. Why he enjoyed antagonizing her was a mystery but she had the best blow-ups. Someday he’d have to take her to dinner, as it were, and see what that temper did for her.

“I get the feeling most of us seem old to you.”

It was probably in her manner of speech, but Ambrose had concluded that Dawn was extremely young. By most standards, he was just a kid but she seemed to have him beat by a few decades at least.

Ysabel listened to Dawn raptly, not because she was entirely fascinated although the woman's creator sounded like someone interesting, but because it took all her concentration to understand her odd accent, even when she was (presumably) doing her best to keep it from being too heavy. She'd hearn a regular American accent of course, and a southern one, and even some variations like the heavy New York City accents, but Dawn's was a complete mystery and it was taking everything she had not to stare as she tried to peg it. She made the assumption because of the distance mentioned that it was somewhere out west, but aside from that Ysabel was at a loss.

As the words registered once more, she smiled and nodded knowingly. "There's a great deal of truth to that. I think I've made a lifetime out of being underestimated."

Certainly none of the men she'd ever married had considered her much more than your average well-bred, milk-fed Miss at the time. A few of them had learned Ysabel was made of sterner stuff, but she had indeed lived largely off of the 'weak, frail, and delicate' stereotype she fit so well into. Too well, if truth be told, since to this day her own twin often didn't give her enough credit, she sometimes thought.

"When you don't have much in the way of offense," she continued, indicating herself with a little wave of her hand, "your best weapon is a good defense. We all use the tools that are natural to us."

Laughing again, she nodded at Ambrose's assumption.

"Yes, indeed, Mr. Ambrose. Most of you seem quite old to me. I believe in the case of present company, this belief is fact. It is rumored that linguistic flexibility and technical savvy are the domain of the very young - if that is the case, I am a vertiable stripling in this company."

Turning back to Yesabel, she blurted

"Some use the tire iron, some use interest rates. Ultimately, it amounts to the same beating."

And he had no doubts that Belle could defend herself, in most situation, or at least talk her way out of them. That didn’t mean he was going to let her run blindly into the need to prove that point but it didn’t surprise him she’d look to the defensive side of the equation.

“It never hurts to kick ‘em while they’re down. Makes ‘em think twice about getting up again.”

He wouldn’t have thought tactics was a conversation that Dawn and Belle would be having. It was rather… sweet didn’t seem quite right but it came close.

A short near bark of a laugh was his response to her answer about age.

“Calling us old? Credit where credit is due we haven’t been too left behind” other than Belle’s clothing “caught on to a lot of new stuff. Just not your vocabulary.”

Ysabel gave up the debate on defenses in light of those more experienced at the table... not to mention Ambrose's dubious tactics. She hadn't meant to spark such a spirited conversation on he various merits of lead pipes or kicking anyone. At least Ambrose and dawn seemed to be into it.

She did laugh at Dawn's rather impressive switch from barely discernable accent to proper scholarly vocabulary. The logic that accompanied it was equally amusing.

"So I suppose by that argument I'm a fossil," she lamented. She turned mournful eyes on Ambrose. "I do hope you'll help me get back to my bed," she said. "I seem to have left my wheelchair at the Manor."

"I concur. Sometimes a well placed application of strength is just what a situation requires. Of course, in the long run, social finesse and financial strangling tend to be more effective tools. And camouflage will protect you in ways that obvious power cannot."

Raising her eyebrows, Dawn quipped "Oh, and I am more than certain he can help you back to your bed, mum. Just be careful with what he might want you to hold on to once you arrive at said location!"

What was the topic again? Ambrose had completely forgotten when Belle asked him to help her back to bed. Damned it he was going to be next to worthless on stage tonight if she kept playing games like that.

He grinned wickedly at Dawn, who had the right idea, before turning to Ysabel with his most sincere and helpful expression.

“Your bed, my bed, a bed. I’m happy to help you there any time.”

In the interest of being somewhat well behaved, Ambrose refrained from mentioning his sofa which now needed to be repaired or a few other places he had helped her too.

Ysabel felt her chair drop out from under her and gripped it with both hands. What had been innocent humor had been taken completely out of context. Well, perhaps not completely, but she hadn't meant...

...maybe in another setting, if she and Ambrose had been alone, in private, she might have joked that way, but not here, not even with another clanswoman.

Ysabel felt a blush creep up from her neck and cover her face. She imagined she could expect no help from either party here now, particularly as they seemed intent on drawing their own conclusions. In a moment of desperation she flagged down the waitress for another glass of wine and then turned to Ambrose with what she hoped was a suitably composed expression.

"Don't you have to go play?"

She favored Dawn with a similar one.

"Isn't it past your bedtime?"

With a little smile to let them know she, too, was joking, she thankfully buried her nose in her wineglass.

The pleasant smile she had been wearing cracked, and fell to pieces, revealing a manic grin beneath. Struggling to contain her laughter, she turned to Ambrose...and lost it. The laughter she created wasn't so much laughing as...effeminate guffawing. Grinning like the mad woman she was, Dawn wiped her eyes, and reigned it in to a bizarre giggle-faw.

"Whooo...heeeh haa heee...whooo. G't y'sel'th'r, huh? Whoo! Ok...breathing..."

Managing to pull herself back together, she looked around. Nope. Not a soul in here was going to buy the bookish routine for the rest of the night. Except the folks in the bathroom. Ah well. It had been worth it.

"Yes, Mr. Ambrose. Go play before we think you're all talk. In my case that won't amount to much, but you might lose an opportunity to escort Miss Ysabel safely...home."

Ambrose softly kissed her hand by way of apology. He wasn’t used to, and very bad at, any kind of atonement but with Belle he made some attempted. Besides, she was damned attractive when she blushed.

He was being dismissed, and as Katrina was giving him the evil eye, it was good timing.

“Alight, I’ll go, I’ll be good. Any requests?”

He’d been looking only at Belle but made brief eye contact with Dawn to include her in the question as well.

It was, however, good to see her break out of that shell, it just didn’t suite the girl. She was crazy and should embrace that.

Ysabel, still mortified at her lack of foresight, burned slightly redder at Dawn's teasing. She bore it well, she thought, and simply shook her head at Ambrose. Squeezing his hand as he kissed it then released it, she continued to sip at her wine, offering up a smile and a little wave to Katrina as well.

Turning back to Dawn, Ysabel's smile grew. It was hard not to get caught up in her exuberance.

"You had your audience well-fooled before now," she observed, "but somehow I think the cat might just be out of the bag. For what it's worth I think you've done an admirable job. I never would have recognized you if you hadn't come over and said hello."

Smiling, Dawn nodded, straightened up a bit and taking a ladylike sip. Time to mesh with the environment again.

"Well thank you. I am sure that Mr. Ko will appreciate the positive feedback for the experiment, and I thank you for your praise. It is not every day that I am asked to be so vanilla."

Not wondering in the least how much she should or shouldn't pry into other people's affairs, Dawn switched gears seamlessly. Call it a talent.

"So how long have you known your gunslinger? And is he any good in the sack?"

Taking another dainty sip, Dawn cocked her head slightly to the side to indicate her polite interest in the subject.

Being vanilla... that was an interesting way to put it, Ysabel mused. What flavor did Dawn usually consider herself? She didn't get a chance to ask. Her clanmate was already proceeding to the next topic, and her next question made ysabel very glad indeed to have her wineglass at her lips.

She was hard-pressed to maintain her equilibrium, but she did manage not to choke on her wine. So, how to politely answer that question? Ysabel gave herself a few moments of affected thought as she ticked off the weeks on her fingers.

"We've known each other for... a few months now," she said. "Ambrose is actually one of the first people I've met since moving to Nachton with my sister."

As for the other question she returned Dawn's curious expression. She decided Dawn must be quite young indeed. Her manners were... blunt, to say the least, but Ysabel had raised children, understood sometimes that they didn't always know how to ask about the things they wanted information on. So when it came to sorting dawn out in her little mental file cabinet, Ysabel decided she was more a child than a fullgrown clanswoman, still getting her feet wet as the expression went. That colored her response a bit, but she was at least able to give a straightforward answer.

"Well, although that wasn't exactly a major factor of consideration," she began somewhat primly, "I haven't had any cause to complain."

Ysabel paused. "Well. The furniture has suitable cause I suppose," she amended, her brow slightly furrowed. "But furniture can be replaced." She offered Dawn a small smile. "Ambrose cannot."

Determined to move their conversation back to a more suitable topic, Ysabel rewound to Dawn's first question. "Have you known him very long yourself?" She knew both Dawn and Ambrose were relatively new to Nachton, as she was, but dawn seemed familiar with him. Maybe they'd met before. "Where did you come here from?"

A few months? That means right around the time they'd all pulled into town. Quick work, that! And significant furniture damage?! It sure sounded like there were some stories to tell THERE! Best to wait until they could both share in the telling, though. Filing it away for later, Dawn focused on the other topic at hand - her. Remembering to keep in character, she stated

"No, we met the night I came to town. I came from a smaller internal area of the greater Los Angeles region, where I was recruited and trained. And where are you out from? And where's your sister? I've not had the pleasure, yet."

Politeness and following proper form was supposed to be important, but Dawn didn't understand the value of carefully probing questions. She was more an all or nothing type.

Ysabel swirled her wine around in its glass as she said, "Dayle, my sister, works for Simon Huntington." Dawn had been there while Simon was around. She was no doubt familiar with the Orphans. "No accounting for taste," she said with a slight chuckle. "But if that's where she feels she belongs, then that is where she should be."

She set her glass down, eyes flickering to the stage as the Moochers started their first set, and said, "I'm sure you'll meet her sometime. We go out often enough."

Looking back to Dawn, happy to be on much firmer footing with the girl, she said, "Have you discovered anything else of interest in Nachton?" She was fairly certain the opera and the art museum wouldn't interest Dawn too much, but maybe there was something else? "I haven't had as much time as I'd like for just wandering."

Shaking her head slightly, Dawn said

"I found a nice garden with an interesting fountain, and there are some lovely stretches of open road, but not too much that calls to me. Some of the clubs were interesting, but nothing out of the ordinary thus far. Admittedly, I've not been around town as much as I would have liked with all of the assignments that I've had, but I've got all the time in the world. Have you found any special spots?"

"Oh, I think I know the garden and fountain," she said. "That's where Ambrose and I met for dinner." She smiled at her own little inside joke for a moment.

"That's close to the condo I share with my sister. Also a lovely little place. And there's the house, where the horses are."

She stopped for a moment. "Well, I guess I've done less wandering than I thought. I've seen a lot, but noplace I would call particularly special. I think it'll take some time for that."

Looking around, Ysabel changed her mind suddenly. "Unless you count right here. I think this place is special. At the very least I've seen Ambrose play twice here now, and I almost feel," she searched around for the right description, "at home here, I suppose."

Dawn looked around, considering. It wasn't really her scene, but just about everyone here seemed to be a regular or with a regular. Very little chance wandering. One of those local places that the locals do, but don't extend out to the out of towners. Like the not-a-50's-diner, or a used vinyl store...it had the feel of people comfortable with their surroundings.

"If it isn't special to you yet, it seems like the kind of place that'll grow on you hanging around much. It reminds me of that show Cheers, kind of. Where everyone knows everyone else. Like those two were talking to that group earlier, but have moved from group to group three times already, just saying hello. I mean, how many people did you two know here tonight? You don't get that just anywhere...people with similar interests just showing up out of the blue. Some places bring that out, I guess."

But only in certain kinds of people. Dawn hoped to be one of them, someday...someone who belonged, but she wondered if she'd be stuck in her awkward teen age and mentality forever. It wouldn't be all bad if she were...it'd keep her from getting stuffy like some old folks. Well...she'd find out one way or another.

Dani led the way on the return trip from the ladies room, navigating to the table with ease now that the crowd had settled a little more to listen to the music. Upon approaching the table she observed that Ambrose had apparently taken his leave to perform; she wasn’t certain if she was disappointed or not. On the one hand, she would get to hear his playing – on the other, it meant missing Pak throw things at him.

Unless her clanmate intended to throw things at him on stage…

Deciding it would be best to just cross that bridge if and when they came to it, she made it to the table, where Dawn and Ysabel were engaged in discussion. At the next available break, she spoke up, though, explaining.

“Yuu had to head home. And wow, those bathrooms are –crowded-!” She finished with a slight wink at Pak and picked up her drink, which had been delivered in her absence.

Neatly following Dani back Pak also noted Gimpy had run off, er left to perform. Sitting back down she paused to light another clove and debated throwing things on stage or maybe ‘helping’ with his guitar playing. She snickered to herself and quickly busied herself with retrieving the ash tray she’d left earlier.

“You’d think someone would learn how to build a proper ladies room so the ladies aren’t trapped in it all night.”

She agreed with Dani, but much preferring her clan mate’s solution to the problem.

Ysabel nodded at Dawn's astute observation. "I think Shades himself is a big part of that ambiance," she added. "Ambrose tells me he never forgets a name or a face. That's got to help when it comes to attracting repeat clientele."

As Dani and Pakpao made their way back, sans Yuu, Ysabel smiled at them both. "Shame Yuu had to miss the show," she said, nodding to the stage. Ysabel was only just learning about jazz and blues since meeting Ambrose, but she'd studied enough music to recognize the fact that he, and his friends on stage, were quite good. It was too bad he was only filling in.

She chuckled at the comments on the ladies' room, shaking her head. "I've never had the pleasure," she said, gesturing at her elaborate outfit. It would take her far too long than she cared to dwell upon to actually be able to use the facilities. Hoop skirts, corsets, and stays were not meant for modern restrooms.

"I think, however, that might be for the best. It's a jungle out there." She offered another slightly wan smile; she had lived through centuries of waiting on lines for use of the facilities. Through the ages, the history of women could be written down by what lines in what mansions at what balls they waited on to use whose facilities. If only Dani and Pak realized they were partaking in the age-old tradition of getting all dressed up just to go wait on line to relieve yourself somewhere... the idea made Ysabel laugh a little, to herself.

They always left that out of the history texts.

Dawn nodded at Ysabel's comment.

"Eidetic memory is a useful trait in most businesses, but in interpersonal interaction it must be especially potent. Doubly in a place where reputation counts for so much."

She nodded briefly to the returning parties before turning her attention to the music.

Dani grinned at Pak’s remark and added:

“Though I suppose if they built a ladies room of sufficient size, there would be no club at all and we’d –still- be in a bathroom all night!”

Both of Dani’s eyebrows went up when Ysabel explained her avoidance of public restrooms, though she simply nodded and smiled in understanding after that initial reaction. So she dressed like that all the time...this wasn’t a costume for a night out. And knowing what she knew of Ambrose, she didn’t think it was all that much of a leap to gather that humans were outnumbered at this table.

“I suppose it’s worth it, though – that –is- a lovely dress.”

Hmm. Dawn?

Ambrose and Ysabel pointed toward Anantya. Ambrose clearly knew Dawn. Anantya wasn’t all that keen on ‘mixing with the food’, she’d heard, but ultimately she concluded that she couldn’t be sure. It wasn’t, in any case, as though she needed to know – to Dani that sort of thing mattered about as much as where a given person was born. Interesting information but what was really important was the person.

She was, in fact, more curious about how Ambrose and Ysabel met…did they know each other on sight or had they, perhaps, come together in the same way Ambrose had encountered Pak, with vastly different results? Dani thought that would make for a funny story to tell…well, new vampires perhaps. Ysabel, though, did not look like the sort who fell in with cads, which Ambrose had clearly been at one point – perhaps his encounter with Pak had taught him a lesson.

She thought of Pak’s temptation to throw things and wondered if some lessons didn’t need reinforcements. After all, Ysabel seemed like such a nice lady, it would be a shame if he had a relapse.

Craning her neck a little to look at the man in question as the music flooded through the club, she ultimately decided that reeducation could wait for a time when he –wasn’t- playing. Thinking out loud, she turned her attention back to the table, hoping to explain her long quiet spell with the most obvious explanation.

“He really is quite good – all of the music here is, I can’t believe I waited this long to come here.”

Edit, /ooc - Sorry this was so long in coming :\.

“But with the right music, ambiance, less of a line and an attentive server I wouldn’t mind being in the bathroom all night.”

Pak grinned as she quipped back at Dani and lit a new clove. She’d also taken to absently toying with sugar packets. They really weren’t aerodynamically sound. Olives would work much better, but she didn’t have any. She should have ordered a martini, but who knew.

That and she wasn’t sure how much Ysabel and Dawn would mind. It seemed she might be slightly out numbered here.

“I’m not even sure how you manage a dress like that, it seems a bit… … complicated.”

Out dated, unnecessary and difficult as well, but pretty. Pak, however, was too practical to see that the pretty out weighed the other. Of course as long as Ysabel was comfortable it didn’t really matter, it certainly didn’t hurt any one.

“I didn’t know you liked the blues Dani, or I would have suggested it sooner.”

It was a good way to kill an evening, sometimes you could even find dinner.

Ysabel laughed at the idea of the ladies' room comprising an entire club. It was such a silly concept, but the reasoning behind it was valid, in an odd way.

She smiled at Dani on the topic of her dress. "I've learned to drink sparingly," she said with a wry smile at both Pak and Dani. "And eat even less."

Ysabel made several concessions to the present when dressing herself; for one, she didn't kill herself trying to obtain a waist small enough for a man to span his hands around. She was trim and slender, and her waist looked fine, thank you, without trying to suffocate herself. For another, she had long since replaced some of her undergarments with slightly more modern ones, just for the purpose of avoiding the scenario she had joked about. It wouldn't be easy by any stretch of the imagination, but at least it was possible.

"You get used to it after a little while," she said by way of explanation, adding, "I work for the Historical Society, giving tours through the old houses. They prefer us to dress like this. 'Vintage,' I believe they described it. It helps set the mood and I have to agree. I do feel delightfully old-fashioned."

She sipped again at her wine, beaming quietly and nodding when Dani praised Ambrose's playing. She didn't want to brag. It was obvious that Ambrose was in another league though, even among his friends in the band. She supposed that was what made him a successful professional, though. Ysabel wished, just a little, that she had that sort of passion, but her own music would likely always be restrained. Technically excellent, but without heart.


((ooc: /bonk Dani))

She wasn't certain what it was, but something was grating on her. Perhaps it was the lack of physical motion this evening. Smiling, she stood.

"Someone seems too shy to get my attention appropriately. Excuse me."

Walking through the crowd, she headed toward the shy looking gentleman who had given her the eye on the way in this evening. Asking for a dance was easy - his response, though flustered, was affirmative. She kept in mind to keep things proper - have to stay in character...but the motion was soothing. At least she was moving, even if it wasn't HER kind of dance.

Ambrose really was a skilled player - she'd have to remind him so at some point. Keeping half an eye on Ysabel and the pair as she danced with Lo, she danced out some of her tension.

((ooc: Dawn out of earshot - sorry - since nothing was directed to me I wasn't under the impression it was my go :) ))

Dani smiled a little at the laugh she got out of her bathroom club joke, though she had to agree with Pak – there had been plenty of occasions where, for whatever reason, she –had- stayed in the ladies room all night. If only they had servers in there!

The conversation turned to Ysabel’s dress, and Dani found herself interested in how she managed. Rather well, it seemed – wonderful that she could find a job that fit her so well.

“That sounds lovely – I keep meaning to do one of those tours but with so much to do in Nachton and work…” She shrugged in a ‘what can you do?’ gesture. “Really it sounds like a great job, you must meet a lot of people.”

Pak had lit another clove and the steady stream of fragrant smoke swirled up from the ashtray. She wondered if –she- would smoke if she were turned and came to the quick conclusion that she probably wouldn’t. Of course, most people would like to believe that of themselves, she reflected – that even if they didn’t suffer any consequences for an action, they still wouldn’t do it if they considered it against their nature. People really –could- change, though, and with an eternity to live through, perhaps sometimes they even did.

She took another sip of her drink, thinking that the intellectually stimulating qualities of music were only serving to make her mind wander, and shot Pak a grin.

“Oh, I like all kinds. I pretty much always find live music enjoyable.”

Dawn got up from the table after a succinct but apparently quite accurate explanation, and Dani thought that she rather liked that girl’s style. A lot of girls would have been oblivious to more subtle attention and even more would have been too stuck up to throw the poor guy a bone and approach him for a dance. Either that or their hang ups would get in the way – ‘is he really looking at me? No, he’s looking behind me. Do I have something on my clothes?’. Dawn had seemed so polite that Dani had initially mistaken her for being shy but it seemed she was a gamey lass after all.

“Have fun….”

Skirting around the corners of her mind was a distressing feeling of being unbalanced, and Pak was just trying to keep a handle on that. It was Gimpy’s presence, of course, but knowing why didn’t help; the cloves helped the dark (and increasingly warm beer) helped. Pak just concentrated on keeping that imbalance from her companions, although she was unable to resist completely and with a little concentration had one of the other guitar players hitting a wrong not or two. It would have been too blatant to mess with the Gimp, especially as she wasn’t sure what he and Ysabel were to each other. But it was no less satisfying to see him turn to the other musician obviously irritated.

She determined to believe the historical society thing, for now any way, but doubted he would be that friendly with a snack or even a meal.

“Delightful and old fashioned, not two words I’d use in the same sentence but I can see where it would create atmosphere. But it must be a pain for the society, having to have all those costumes created. I’m surprised they let you wear it out.”

There, that was the flaw in the logic that had been bothering her. Finding it made Pak feel a little better and she inhaled deeply taking care not to exhale in anyone’s face. As she did so she offered s mile and half wave to Dawn as she left them temporarily.

“Live music is always better, it doesn’t help some genres much but…” She shrugged, there was no explaining some forms of music. “I ought to look at a concert schedule, I stay locked up too much.”

That made Pak almost smile, she did tend to be rather reclusive and there wasn’t a good reason, but she was good at it.

Ysabel nodded happily at Dani's observation. "It is a wonderful job. I suppose my only complaint is that the people I give tours to are as new to the city as I am myself; there's not much I can learn from them in return, and I am only reciting my script. I'd like to get a bit more information about Nachton, so perhaps I can add my own flavor to my tours. You should come along on one sometime. If you can get away from work."

She tilted her head at the stage as one of the musicians hit an off note and Ambrose glared. She hid a smile; they all had their snobbish moments. Ambrose was professional enough to practice and know his part, and expected his fellow mucisions to do the same. Mistakes happened, but he was something of a perfectionist when performing.

Pak's words brought her attention back to the conversation at hand and Ysabel furrowed her brow slightly.

Looking down at her attire and then back up at the other woman, she said, "I don't recall claiming my clothing was paid for by my job." She gave a little shrug of her shoulders. Ysabel had dressed in her own style long enough to not feel the need to make excuses for it. "They do appreciate the fact that my wardrobe is as authentic as present-day textiles allow, however."

Ysabel smiled and nodded at Dawn as she made her way to her admirer, and easily stayed with the thread of conversation as it moved on to the venue at Shades'. She smiled at Pakpao and said, "I also tend not to get out as much as I'd like. I have Ambrose to thank for introducing me to this music. I'm learning to like it very much."

Dani grinned at the invitation to join a tour and finished off her cranberry juice before answering.

“I’m sure I could…actually I’m meant to be down in that district sometime next week.” She gave a little laugh before continuing. “You know, I just realized – I’ve lived here six years and still don’t know half as much about the city as I would like.” She waved her hand and set her glass aside where the waitress might observe its emptiness. “So when should I come? I’m making my own schedule pretty much, just house hunting a little for my boss.” Though they seemed pretty sure of what they wanted Dani thought it wouldn’t hurt to look around. Now it sounded like an even better trip, as trips always were when educational tours were included.

There was kind of a tense moment in the continued discussion of Ysabel’s dress and Dani took the time out to make eye contact with their waitress so they might have a chance of getting refills. Well, except Ysabel. In any case the weirdness was fleeting and soon they were going on as though nothing had happened.

“Okay, you have a point there – there isn’t much to be done for this ‘screamo’ trend.” She rolled her eyes, but kept her smile, being more amused by the latest musical fad than truly annoyed. “It seems like I’m –always- out and around, but there’s something to be said for going out to slow life down rather than pick it up, I think.”

She thought to propose they get together and do this again but wondered if there might be a tactful way to leave Ambrose behind, considering Pak’s low opinion of him. Hmm, probably not…though Pak seemed to be enjoying herself well enough now. And she wasn’t even throwing anything!

Still pleased by the results of her guitar playing Pak was debating an encore. The only problem she saw was eventually Gimpy would catch on. What the hell. She again reached out and ‘helped’ the other guitar player, but swore to herself that would be the last time… tonight any way.

Hiding her smile behind a drag on her clove she blinked at Ysabel, now that was some kind of dedication to your job. It had to cost a fair amount in time and money to get an accurate historical wardrobe, but she let the subject drop.

She half laughed at Dani’s observation.

“I think we’re all guilty of that. We live here so it’s easy enough to just assume that it’ll be here tomorrow or next weekend or whenever. Maybe I’ll tag along with you on one of these tours, could be fun.”

House hunting, that was interesting. Apparently she was spending –far- too much time locked up if she was missing even clan happenings, but it wasn’t something she could ask about right now.

There was no good way to ask about Gimpy, how they’d met, how long he’s been playing, why she hadn’t tried to kill him and biased on her own personal experience it was hard for her to imagine him teaching anyone or even going out of his way to expose them to new things. Pak simply couldn’t see passed her own bias in this instance.

“Savoring is a good thing I think and it is hard to savor with someone screaming at you and calling it music and then if you can’t hear the next day…”

Pak’s thought trailed off and she half smiled. No, unlike Dani she didn’t want to slow life down, but then again she was using a different timeline and it wasn’t a fair comparison.

Judging by the expressions on both Ambrose's and the other musician's faces, there were going to be some words exchanged after the set was finished. Ysabel didn't have to use her imagination much to be able to practically see the gathering thunderclouds over Ambrose's head, and the other guitarist was beginning to looked somewhat shocked, as if unable to explain the slippery fingers.

Ysabel turned back to Dani and addressed her question, putting the issue of whether or not to try to intercept Ambrose before the inevitable explosion on the backburner for the moment. "You can arrange for a tour any time you like," she said, "but if you'd like to hear yours truly, it will have to be on a Friday or a Saturday, at night."

She decided to elaborate, since she was fairly enthusiastic about her part-time work, and enjoyed it a great deal. "The particular script they hired me for deals with the metaphysical aspect of Nachton's history; the ghost stories and urban legends, if you will, that are associated with some of the city's older homes. As a result, perhaps to set the mood, they only offer those tours at night. If you can make it though, and if you're not spooked too easily, they're great fun."

She offered up a little grin. "Between the gown and a bit of makeup to make me even paler, the effect is quite ghostly when I'm holding a candle or a lantern."

Add in a bit of the ethereal and a tiny bit of artistic levitation, and she'd been told by both tourist and boss alike that of all the tour guides she was the most haunting. Ysabel enjoyed the opportunity to indulge in her flair for the theatric, although she was careful enough and used enough to her abilities to be able to give the impression that they were tricks and lighting, nothing more.

As the conversation moved on to the music, she found herself nodding along with Pakpao. "I was raised to have more refined tastes in music," she said a bit primly. "My parents insisted on nothing but classical, and my lessons and my sister's involved nothing but." Granted, there wasn't anything but classical at the time, but Ysabel had a feeling Elsa still would have insisted on that, regardless of the year. "I cannot comprehend that such screaming could by considered music by any stretch of the imagination."

Dani leaned forward with interest when Ysabel explained her specific tour, already rearranging her mental schedule to free up a Friday night. She wondered if Yuu might want to come along and while she would, of course, invite her friend, she didn’t count on her interest. Pak seemed to want to go and maybe a few other Evenhet would join in the fun – it was nice to find something they could all do.

“I’m definitely interested, wouldn’t miss it.” Turning to Pak, she added “I’ll email you?” She gave Ysabel her nose crunching smile. “And I don’t think I scare –too- easily.”

The discussion moved on to music and she listened in suppressed amusement to Ysabel’s stated tastes. She couldn’t help but think of some of the kids in the co op at Berkeley who had gone a little wild after too many years of ‘strictly classical education’. She couldn’t fault parents for good intentions but too often their kids ended up being insufferable snobs or crazy and rebellious. Fortunately for everyone Ysabel seemed to be neither of those things.

“I suppose upbringing has a lot of impact on musical tastes – my parents had a diverse collection and so I like most everything.” She gave a little shrug. “Kind of makes you wonder what the screaming kids heard at home.”

The waitress she’d been hinting at earlier came over and Dani ordered a water, finding that while the smoke didn’t bother her it did seem to dry her out a little. Then she leaned back a little so that the others could get a clear view to make their orders, if they wanted anything.

This was too much fun, tormenting Gimpy without tormenting him. It took some effort not to giggle but she managed. She was seriously tempted to go after the drummer, but she looked mean and she didn’t want any one to catch on to her trick and so restrained herself. But it was satisfying.

Pak nodded at Dani. They could maybe get a few of them to go, it would probably be highly entertaining for a bunch of vampires and people who knew about them to hear about supernatural history.

“Defiantly, it sounds like a plan. Pop history can be fun.”

It wasn’t a slight by any means, it was just that to Pak’s mind there was hard history and light history, the fun borderline academic stuff that was entertaining as much as educational.

More music. Not one of Pak's strong suits, she liked the math involved in it but other than a slight inclination towards Pink Floyd from time to time she was very eclectic, what ever fit her mood.

The idea of influencing children with musical choices… no. No, she forcibly shut off that train of thought, Pak wouldn’t have any of it not right now.

She shook off the waitress, changed her mind and asked for another pint of the same.

“Probably impossible to say, some of them might only have heard classical and be rebelling and some of them probably grew up with rock… I wonder if rocker’s children listen to Bach to rebel?”

The prospect of Pak and Dani coming along on one of her tours; indeed, even the prospect of having made two new friends, had put Ysabel in a cheerier mood than she'd already been in. Dani's nose-crinkling smile made her laugh softly, in spite of the fact that the scowl on Ambrose's face meant she would definitely be running interference later. Or trying to, at any rate.

The idea of rockers' children listening to classical to rebel struck another humorous chord for her, and through a soft chuckle she said, "That could very well be. I'm not sure I'd let that idea become common knowledge though; the next thing you know you'll have parents trying to use reverse psychology and raising their children on heavy metal with the intention of sparking a classical-music-rebellion in them at a later age."

If Ysabel had seen anything throughout the years, it was that parents could do some odd, odd things with their childrens' best interests at heart.

"I believe I can at least safely say I am not rebelling," she added with an air of amusement. "I think in my case I'm just the opposite of you, Dani." She lifted her shoulders. "Perhaps I was just a little more sheltered. My parents tend to be somewhat rigid in their own tastes. I don't know what they would say if I brought them here."

That idea was equally amusing to her, and her blue-grey eyes danced at the thought of trying to make Richard and Elsa comfortable here. Although if anyone could manage, Shades could. The nightclub's owner definitely had a knack for that sort of thing.

Shaking her head at the waitress, Ysabel indicated her not-yet-empty wineglass and took a sip, eyeing the stage speculatively once more.

Dani gave a little shrug in response to Ysabel’s declaration that they were opposites.

“Nothing wrong with knowing what you like.”

She was pleased that Pak was indeed interested in making plans, and turned to her as she picked up her purse from between her feet.

“Great! I’ll shoot you an email and we can plan.” She stood, explaining. “I need to get going – I’m about to turn into a pumpkin. Looking forward to seeing you both again soon!”

With that she turned to the bar to settle her tab and then head home to crash – while she was pretty close to nocturnal, being a familiar, she –did- have daytime duties for exactly that reason.

/ooc Dani out pending responses

Ysabel stood as Dani left, giving her a bright smile and sinking into a little curtsey. "It was lovely to meet you Dani. I hope to see you on a tour sometime soon. You as well, Pak."

Ambrose was finishing his set, and Ysabel could practically feel his scowl from where they sat. Offering the same curtsey to Pak, who was standing to follow behind Dani, she glanced again at the stage and decided it was about time to head in that direction.

With a little wave to Shades himself, who had given her permission to use the back door to meet Ambrose after his shows, Ysabel excused herself and went to try to improve her prickly lover's mood before he took it out on the poor guitarist.

((ooc: Ysabel out, permission to move Pak))

"Deal. You know where to find me."

Pak almost laughed when Dani said she was going to turn into a pumpkin, not quite but almost it wound up being a half smile.

Dani was right though she should go too, maybe get a couple hours work in that would be good. Although she didn't feel like it. Maybe no one would notice if she didn't show up, she just have a ton of e-mails to deal with the next night. No, that would be bad, best to go in.

Nodding to Ysabel's curtsey.

"Nice to meet you."

As she moved to the back that settled it she was with Gimpy. God only knew why but she was. Maybe she was a familiar, that would make a lot of sense. Not that it mattered to her in the slightest he could keep all the niave impressionable young things he wanted.

Downing the rest of her beer she stubbed her clove out and left.

((OOC... Pak out. Lock please))