Staten Island - Dunamis Estate
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| Xander Kostas | Samira Bastet | Kevin Curtis | Lilith Graves | Lucas Reynard |
The night before the Ball was spent in preparation. Not of the house or the party necessities, Kostas pays others well to handle those things and not worry him about them, but for the vampires of Kostas court, and a few additionals, to uphold their human facade at all costs. It's a little known and rare blood spell, but one which allows a select number to truly day walk for no more than one rise and setting of the sun. A bit of overkill, in Kostas estimation, given that they only need it for four to five hours leading into the festivities and until the sunsets, but it does serve its purpose.
It's not a perfect spell, and it does have its failings and drawbacks, one being that it is limited to a short radius of where it is cast: the house and the grounds, though not all of the grounds. The other, is that each of the vampires sharing in the gift is linked for the duration of the spell. If one should be hurt or injured, they shall all feel and experience it, in varying degrees depending on their age and strength. Kostas actually considers that an advantage; it makes his body guards and court all the more diligent in protecting him.
The doors have been opened, the guests are arriving, and the opening toast and welcome has been given. Servers, dressed in crisp white shirts, tuxedo pants or skirts and bowties circle through the manor with trays laden with food and drink while in this room, a string quartet plays in the corner. Kostas stands at the top of the staircase, watching the festivities with a smirk of pride and pleasure upon his face.
~
Samira has opted out of the spell for the simple fact that if something does go wrong, she will be able to fight if need be, or hustle the Master of the City to a safe location and out of the fray. It is the smartest thing she could do. Though she would love to be out in the garden during daylight hours, protecting Kostas is something she has grown quite accustomed to.
Her duties tonight include playing gracious hostess, and acting as the man of the manor's date.
Her dress is flashy in nearly every way possible. Form fitting, sweetheart neckline, and covered in black and gold sequins from top to bottom. Every time she turns to speak with someone, or moves to show a guest something exquisite, she shines.
Stepping behind Kostas, she smirks. "Quite a turnout this year. Pity Regina left early once she saw Kieran with one of her witches."
~
Normally, Kevin drives himself everywhere or he takes a taxi and the subway. He manuevers around the City skillfully in his Honda Accord or using the public transportation, but he's smart enough to know that tonight he had to trade up. He rented a car, and even allowed for the driver although it grates to not have his hands on the wheel. He's rented a modest tuxedo, nothing top of the line and too fancy, but nor it is bottom of the barrel. He's quite stylish, hair slightly mussed, with just a hint of stubble. The detective knows he looks good, not because he's arrogant. Because once Kayla and Doris learned that he had a date, they descended on his apartment to make certain, as Kayla put it, "You get a second one."
He picked Lilith up promptly on time, complimented her dress quite sincerely because she does look spectacular tonight, and they engaged in comfortable conversation on the way to the Ball.
The party has spread out after Kostas' greeting and toast, but they've remained in the parlor room, looking at the artwork, and talking to people who know Lilith from her show, or want to know her from her show. Kevin is the eyecandy, arm candy, though he has told her to signal when she's ready to be swept from one group to another, and he'll run interference as she needs.
~
Lilith has two dates tonight, not just one. She has Detective Curtis, who was gracious enough to pick her up, and she has John Jacob Astor; her ghostly chaperone. It was difficult to get out the door with JJ hovering, complaining about her dress and how women of his day and age would never be caught dead (Lilith is fairly certain that particular pun was intended) in such clothing.
There was a little bickering with the ghost in the car about how in this day and age, people wore whatever the hell they felt like.
After that, JJ got silent but played chaperone all through the cocktail hour. He is still in the residence somewhere, but he's left Lilith alone for the time being. Which means she can actually enjoy conversation with her escort all the more.
Checking the dress she's wearing in a nearby mirror, she actually loves the statement it's making. Particularly when she realized what was hosting the party, and the knowledge that she could do a lot of damage if she really needed to.
A signal is given to Kevin, because she does need to get away from Dr. Olivia Aspencade, who keeps asking her to tell her if her dead husband is still hanging around.
~
Dates? Lucas doesn't really do 'dates', per se, but he most of the time has company. Gender rarely mattered. If there's one thing he's learned about social events is that if you're of high profile, you never, ever go to a gathering alone, even if you fully intend to just people-watch like he does.
So he arrives an a slick suit of his own that's white in color, with the company of a young brunette in a slightly frilled, blue dress and plenty of jewelry.
So, they've just arrived, and Lucas isn't certain he's on time, or if he's fashionably late, but he's more concerned that valet doesn't get any scratches on his car. "All right, a ball. Note to self: Do not get bored out of my mind, make things interesting without getting escorted out." he mumbles to himself under his breath.
~
"Oh look darling," Kostas reaches around and draws Samira to his side with an arm around her waist. "We've caught a television celebrity and a Reynard. I was hoping for one of the old men, but the pup will do." It's been a few years since either of the older Reynards have attended a gathering, but Kostas feels more amused than snubbed by their absences. Particularly since they keep up appearances and send their sons in their stead.
His gaze sweeps the room and he snickers a bit, his voice still low so that it can't be heard over the din, but it can be caught by Samira at his side. "Do you think our dear friend Colonel Ashcroft sent the Detective to keep an eye on Kieran's Child and the sorcerer, or to keep an eye on me?"
~
For appearances sake, there's a soft laugh and Samira leans in against her pseudo-Maker as much as possible. "It does appear that we have. She hasn't been able to make it for the past two years. I do have to say I'm surprised to see her here."
There is a raise of her brow at Lucas as he enters with the brunette. A comment kept to herself about the dress, though she smiles. It does happen to be one that she designed last year, and though she never would have allowed it to be that particular shade of blue, it's nice to see that the knock-off had no such qualms.
"A little of both, I suspect."
~
Signal received, Kevin swoops in to the rescue. He slides an arm around Lilith's waist, friendly only and not too intimate, but close enough that he'll receive attention as he slips up beside her. A polite smile is given to the woman, "Excuse me, I hate to interrupt, but …" Kevin turns his attention to Lilith. "Lilith, sweetheart, I just ran into Drs Rodgers and Hammerstein and you know that they'll be upset if we don't stop and talk to them."
To the hanger on, Kevin smiles beautifically. "I hope you don't mind? I don't mean to steal her away, but we only get to see them once a year - " A glass of white wine is easily snagged as Kevin twists Lilith away from the woman and points her in another direction, " - and the night is very short."
The woman is given the glass of wine followed by a cocktail pastry from the next tray, Kevin going on about reuions and commitments, as he leads Lilith away and leaves the poor woman sipping wine and eating a snack in a bit of confusion.
~
It's a chore for Lilith not to outright laugh as Kevin not only makes up people that they need to speak with, but chooses a musical theatre writing team and elevates them to the status of doctors.
"Please do come see the show, Dr. Aspencade. Perhaps if Lawrence is still around he will tell you so then." A gentle smile is given to the woman, and she waits until they are well away before she laughs.
"Rodgers and Hammerstein? Honestly, Kevin! You really are making this party worth coming to, if only for the laugh factor."
~
Lucas' company is not very happy about dress at all; however this is because she's more of a 'pants' person, not so much the color. But there wasn't much she could do about it- one of the downsides of her somewhat unique job description of charming date/bodyguard.
Now as for Lucas, his gaze was sweeping about the room, not looking for anyone in particular, but hoping someone in particular would catch his eye regardless- And he's in luck as he catches sight of Samira and Alexandros. Is there an easy path for him to approach them? Because if there is, he's taking it without a moment of hesitation.
~
It takes only a few moments for Kostas to figure out the route that Lucas is taking. It's confirmed when his feet hit the bottom of the staircase. He smirks coolly over at Samira. "I do love the boldness of the sorcerers. How the Reynard men think that they are always at the top of the world."
Kostas motions to a server, armed with a tray of wine goblets, and the man changes direction heading up the stairs. He extends an arm to Samira. "Shall we meet our guest halfway?"
~
"Hence the extremely tall office buildings." Samira has a few thoughts about those, and overcompensation as well, that she keeps to herself. She's had nearly a millennia to become a gracious hostess.
"I do suppose we should. It would only be the polite thing to do though they arrived late."
Setting her arm to Kostas', she smiles graciously down at the sorcerer and his bodyguard 'date'.
"Good evening, Mr. Reynard. We were beginning to worry that you would not be able to make it this year."
~
"The best part is, that woman is going to spend the next hour or so trying to figure out where she's heard of these doctors and assume that they must be famous for something." Kevin laughs, a hand placed lightly and politely to the small of Lilith's back as he leads her along through the crowd.
"Can I get you something to drink? Wine? Champagne? Water?" He hasn't seen water on any of the trays, but there are several bars scattered through the premises. His cop's eyes aren't missing a detail. Including the arrival of one Lucas Reynard. The sorcerer bodes worth watching, as casually as he can.
~
"Quite likely." It does serve Dr. Aspencade right though. Harassing her at an event of this magnitude. Lilith doesn't mind it usually, but there are quite a few ghosts in attendance as well. Most with pretty prominent markings on their necks or wrists. She's not mentioned this to Kevin as of yet, because she doesn't want him to be rushing her out of the party, nor does she want to make a fuss. She realized what Kostas was during the meet and greet earlier.
"I'm fine for now, thank you, Kevin, but get yourself something if you'd like."
~
It was certainly true, Lucas was no exception when it came to placeing himself high on a pedastal, but in this particular case he wasn't about to get into some sort of contest with Kostas, though he may be showing off.. But that was just a small part of his short-term goal. Once he reached the pair, company in arm, he greeted both the man and lady with a smile, "Well, you know how it is," he says to Samira, "Being unable to decide what to put on, washing the hair, showering longer than planned.." the brunette by his side's smile twitches,"Let me tell you, I am a horrible about keeping time when preparing for these things." Unexpected twist! She coughs lightly into her hand.
"I just wanted to say 'thank you' for the invitation and, if I may be so bold, recommend you look into the sound systems from my company next ball. It'd help carry sound across this wonderful architecture like you wouldn't believe. True story."
~
"How could I not invite someone of your stature and prominence, Mr. Reynard?" Kostas asks with a slow, indulgent smile. "Your family, your father and your uncle, are staples at these events. I only regret that age and time commitments appear to keep them away far more often than it allows them to attend."
Kostas looks around and cocks his head, as though listening to the ambient sounds echoing through the room. "Your company? Perhaps it is time I've upgraded. The current sound system is nearly as old as I am." A smirk and a soft chuckle follow the words.
~
"Mr. Reynard, what a pleasure to see you here this evening," Samira says, offering him a smile. The quite obviously uncomfortable bodyguard is given an appraising look, and also given a smile.
"I do apologize. I didn't quite catch your name?"
A slight smirk touches her lips for less than a second when Kostas mentions that the sound system is as old as he is.
"What a wonderful idea, Mr. Reynard. I'm sure it will be kept in mind for next summer."
~
Kevin isn't revealing to Lilith what Kostas is. He recalls that she can supposedly sense vampires, but he doesn't know how close she needs to be to do such a thing. If she hasn't figured it out, then there's hardly a need to get closer to the Master of the City and allow her to figure it out. If she has … she's very good at hiding her knowledge.
"I wouldn't mind heading over the bar," Kevin admits. Wine and champagne are fine, but he'd really like a properly bottled, cold beer if he's to pretend to enjoy himself. Lilith is good company, but part of his job tonight is to keep an eye on Kostas, but more importantly, evidently Sera's Maker has himself a witch as a toy. That could be a problem.
Conveniently there is a bar set up in this room, and Kevin slowly steers the necromancer in that direction. "I take it your friend JJ hasn't come back yet?"
~
"Then let us head over there," Lilith replies with a chuckle. "I could use a break from all the hobnobbing or whatever it is we're supposed to be doing here." At least, she could use a break from all the old rich biddies looking to see where their husbands hid their money.
"No, he seems to be keeping his word. If he is here in the room, he's not showing himself to me. I'm grateful for that. It may mean that we'll be able to slip away for a dance later without hurting his sensibilities."
~
"You flatter me, Mr Kostas," Lucas replies with a soft chuckle, "It's a shame dad couldn't make it, I can't recall the last time we've been to an event as big as this. But if there's anything you'd like me to pass along, I'd be more than happy to."
The man laughs again, this time along with Kostas, despite it being a little awkward. How old -is- he? "Well tell you what, I just so happen to know of a store with an excellent sound room, but truth be told what's in place isn't terrible just.. Well, you have picky guys like me that know it can get better. What can I say, sound's in my blood. Think it over then give me a call whenever, my line's always open for ya."
A polite nod is given to Samira, it's clear he's distracted now while his company isn't, "Julia Edelman," she replies with a very light Irish lilt, "You'll have to forgive me, I'm not really used to being in the presence of so many important people, I love your work." … "You probably hear that all the time, I'm sorry."
~
The Master of the City is likely far older than Lucas can imagine. Even among those who know what he is, most would be surprised to learn his true age. Kostas, however, never reveals it. That would be telling.
"I will keep your number and your offer in mind, Mr. Reynard. Thank you."
~
"Miss Edelman, it's a pleasure." Samira offers her hand to the woman for a polite shake. The Irish lilt makes her think of Kieran, and how she should introduce the pair for idle amusement.
"I did notice. That dress is one I designed, though perhaps it would suit you more in green?" She tilts her head appraising the woman again, and smiles. "I will send one to Lucas for you if you'd like." It's the human facade that she has to keep, when all the vampire can think about is what fun the bodyguard would be wearing that dress, running through the woods for her life. It is not her fault that her particular breed has a penchant for such sport.
~
"You think he'd object to a dance or two? It's not like this is the place for Dirty Dancing," Kevin laughs. Not that Kevin can even 'Dirty Dance,' not since he was at the Academy and trying to use dancing as a form of foreplay.
It's a good thing that the detective can't hear Samira's thoughts or know what the vampire is thinking. It might cause him to get a little closer, or at least to keep an eye on Reynard's 'date.'
~
"No, but I do think that he'd take great offence to the fact that slow dances these days are continual touching, and not those coy little pre-Civil War things." Lilith glances back at the pair of vampires, taking a deep breath. It's very difficult not to let the specters that loom in the estate to know that she can see them. Especially when she can guess how many of them died.
That is where she hopes JJ is. Chatting with a few of the ghosts here, and telling them to move on.
"Maybe I will have a glass of red wine."
Drinking doesn't make the ghosts go away, but it does keep her from focusing on them.
~
"Thank you," Julia replies as she returns the shake and her grip is a bit on the firm side- likely a tomboy, or just likes to work out. Though the mention of the dress seems to strike a nerve. She didn't want to wear the thing, and now she had to pretend to be interested in doing so! Regardless it was easy for her cheeks to redden since she was genuinely embarrassed and taken aback. "I.. Well, yes, I do -like- green, but.." she replies, skeptical, "How.. Did you do that, exactly?"
Lucas raises his hands in a small shrug to the man, "Well this is easily the highest point of the evening, I'm not sure how you're going to top it, Mister Kostas." he half-jokes. "By the way, I couldn't help but notice a certain detective in the premisis. Is it out of line for a curious guy to ask how he ended up here? Poor guy probably blew half his month's budget getting ready for something like this."
~
Curious.
Kostas considers the sorcerer's words and perceptions for a moment. Is it possible that this Reynard is unaware of Curtis' position in The Priory? Perhaps they do play their own games within the Dynasty, just as they're played in The Coven. Everything 'need to know' until it blows up and no one knows what they need to know.
"The detective has … benefactors, though I'm not at liberty to divulge anything further."
His far too old, too observing gaze falls upon the 'date.' "I do think you would look stunning in green. Perhaps, there is something in one of the wardrobes that you could slip away and try on while you're here?" It's an evil ruse and part of the game he's playing. Luring the bodyguard away from her charge, and leaving her at the grace of Samira and her … appetites. So long as the other vampire doesn't harm the package.
~
"I am a designer, darling. It's what I do. You're Irish by descent, I'm guessing from the accent. You have fair skin and dark hair. The blue seems to wash you out a bit, but I do think I have that exact dress in green." Sizing the woman up, Samira grins. It's almost catlike in appearance.
"In fact, I do believe I have your size here in my studio if you're interested in slipping into something more suitable for you?" Stock is taken of the woman's jewelry as well, and she notes which pieces will need to change to match the new dress if the woman is interested.
~
"Part of the fun of dances today is the touching," Kevin laughs as they step up to the bar, behind another couple. "Any particular red, or will the house specialty do?"
He leans closer, and asks with genuine concern, as he has seen her glancing around, "Are you holding up okay?"
~
"My thought exactly." Her chaperone, on the other hand, has entirely different thoughts. It was hard enough leaving the house this evening without him trying to cover her up. Thank goodness he's not corporeal enough to drag blankets through the house to sling over her.
"Let's just ensure that the house specialty is wine, and that will be fine, yes." Because the thought that Lilith might actually ask for the house specialty and get blood is right there. Just thinking about it makes her gag.
"I'll be fine. We should consider a walk in the gardens soon though. I could definitely use a little bit of air."
~
Lucas doesn't appear to to know many details about Kevin. For him, personality tended to be the deciding factor of whom he wanted to keep in touch/tabs upon and less their affiliations. His father isn't particularly happy about that aspect, but he certainly understands the science of advertising and brand loyalty. That said, the response brings an intruiged, rather then discouraged, response, "You don't say.. -Really-. Well I suppose I'd better be a little more careful about what I say to him." .. "Maybe." The distraction, of course, is successful here.
Julia is once more completely taken aback by Samira's offer. She wasn't really suspicious, just perplexed by her luck, or lack therof. "You're kidding. E- er, I.. I mean I couldn't," she replies with an embarrassed laughed, "I wouldn't want to pull you two aw-"
"Well, you heard the expects. I say go for it." Lucus then murmurs while looking away, and clearly has no qualms with making his bodyguard even more uncomfortable. He has to get his entertainment from somewhere, after all.
The 'blatant' trolling makes the woman bristle a bit, though regains her composure shortly after, "Well.. Then if it wouldn't be any trouble.. Though, I can't help but wonder what the catch is, do I have to pay ten percent or something?" She isn't going to let Lucas get away with this if she could help it.
~
"It sounds as though we're all on board. Good food, good company and an opportunity for my dear Samira to show off one of her designs. Wonderful." Kostas takes Julia's hand and raises it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "I believe you'll look positively stunning."
Beat.
"Please, excuse me, I'll leave you in good hands. I really must make the rounds and be the ever so humble and gracious host."
~
"Why would I be kidding?" Samira arches an eyebrow, and smiles graciously at the woman. "It is hardly pulling me away when I offer, is it? I would be happy to show you to the dress."
With Lucas condoning her taking away his bodyguard, the cat-like woman smirks. It goes without saying that she may just find a way to enjoy herself and make the poor woman forget all about it.
"There is no catch. A simple exchange. The blue dress for something that suits you much better."
Turning away from the sorcerer and his guard, Samira shares a look with Kostas. A slight kiss is pressed to his cheek. Again, playing up the human facade. "I shan't be long, darling. Do give my apologies to the guests?"
~
"How much trouble will I get into with your chaperone if we do too much dancing?" Kevin asks, teasingly. He's mostly relaxed and trying to enjoy himself while not looking as though he's on the clock. It's hard to come off the clock, however.
When she makes her comment about the wine, Kevin nods and lowers his voice, dipping his head to her ear. "I take it you're aware of the nature of some of the attendees?"
~
"Loads. He will stand in front of you making disapproving faces all evening." Lilith winks at him then, because she knows that Kevin can't really see her 'chaperone'.
"I have met Kieran Collins before, and now that I have met Xander Kostas…" It's safe to say that she knows that there are quite a few of the unnatural in their midst.
~
"Oh not at all, thanks for your time, Mister Kostas. Julia, I think you know where I'm headed. Be looking forward to seeing you later." Lucas replies to Alexandros then his company, though he also asides to Samira, "If she says anything bad about me, it didn't happen. All the good things I did do though." and with a click of his tongue and a wink, Lucas is making his way back down the steps and Kevin-ward.
Julia has difficulty keeping the red in her face under control, but she gives a flattered smile in response to Kostas' affirmation and compliments, "Thank ya- you very much.." she replies, and looks back to Samira, "Those.. Are good points, I guess it just seemed a little too good to be true; I mean, not that I'm questioning your generosity, it's just.. I'm.. Embarrassing myself." she runs a hand through her hair with a shake of her head, "I think it's a fair exchange, thank you." Perhaps somehow she could get her to accept gratuity. That should fit the bill nicely.
~
"Hardly anything to be embarrassed about. With this crowd, it's enchanting to meet someone so humble." Samira watches Kostas as he takes his leave, and plays nice with a few of the humans he invites from the Upper East Side. Rather upscale, glitzy couple. The woman decked out in more jewels than she has brain cells, the man nearly old enough to be her grandfather.
"If you will excuse us, Mr. Reynard, I will shower your date with a new dress and return to you momentarily."
~
"You met Collins?" Kevin swivels his head to look at Lilith and blinks. He then orders their drinks and turns back to her while waiting for the bartender to fill the order. "I'm sorry." Yes, Kevin has had the privlege. He much prefers to associate with Serafine. Not only is she friendly and human, but she's easy on the eyes too. He is still reeling from the fact that Blackwell is dating the vampiress, and wonders how in the hell the man pulled off that coup under their noses. Possibly, he should mention that to Lilith before they run into the pair, but Kevin will play it by ear.
The drinks come up and he hands the wine to Lilith, only frowning a little when his beer comes in a glass. He's attached to his bottles. "How … when … did you meet Collins?"
~
"A charming devil. Attempted to deny what he was, until I called him out on having a corrupted soul." Lilith glances at Kevin, knowing full well that he's apologizing for the man's cocksure demeanor.
"It does look as though our host is done lording over all of us little peons." Though considering she did get an invite, she should likely be considering herself an 'elite'.
Good evening, comes the all too familiar voice of JJ from behind the bar.
Lilith is happy she's got a firm grip on the wine glass and it doesn't go dropping to the floor in her surprise.
Giving a very slight nod to the ghost, she clears her throat a little, and downs half of the wine in one shot.
There are an awful lot of us here. John Jacob Astor frowns and leans against the bar. They keep saying that they can see a glow coming from you. You really should attempt to turn it down unless you want to be bombarded.
Another nod is given to JJ, but Lilith doesn't answer him. "Hmm? Oh, in Central Park one evening. I ran into him when another woman lost her dog." Pausing, she lowers her voice. "I was in the area where the… coyotes were."
~
"I'll be looking forward to it." Lucas replies to Samira, and it isn't difficult at all to hide his amusement- If the circumstances were different he'd be more then happy to follow along and watch the 'embarrassing' event unfold. Once down the stairwell he makes his way toward the bar, and seems to just now notice the company the detective is keeping. One surprise after another tonight.
"Thank you," Julia replies to Samira with a small bow of her head, and of course not having the slightest idea anything out of the ordinary's going to happen. She's not too comfortable leaving Lucas off on his own, but what kind of trouble could he get into in a place like this? Actually, she'd best not think that question. She doesn't bother correcting that they aren't dating, and follows her generous company's lead. "I have sort of a personal question, if you don't mind me asking.."
~
Personal questions are a pain, but Samira keeps up the human facade of friendly conversation until they're out of sight of the rest of the party.
The path she takes leads them along the landing, showing off the gathering below. Entering the next hallway, she takes a left and leads Julia to a room that has been set up as a studio and sewing area for when the vampire is feeling overly creative. "By all means, ask your question."
~
"That makes sense then," Kevin remarks. He knows the vampires were exploring the murders, and who better to track down a rogue vampire or two than the Master's Sheriff? "Collins was probably investigating the coyotes." Which will probably make no sense to Lilith, why the vampire would be hunting vampires, and it's a bit political to explain at the moment.
"Yes, he is charming. Frighteningly so. It explains why he's survived as long as he has. I think women just walk up and offer … him dinner." Really, that's not how Kevin wanted to say it, but he is trying to be discreet.
~
"He was," Lilith replies. She doesn't seem at all confused by that. "A specific one named Brandi." A smaller sip of her wine is taken, and she turns to smile at Kevin. "I do believe that our chaperone has returned, though he will be leaving again momentarily." Glancing back over her shoulder she glares at JJ.
Very well, I will take my leave, but do tell your gentleman to behave himself.
"I am fairly certain Moira would've done that were she not afraid he was a pervert hiding in the shadows."
~
Of course Julia is keeping track of her direction, while she isn't exactly certain -where- she's going, she so far recalls how to back. But not once does she look over her shoulder or look lost.. Well, perhaps a little lost in thought, maybe. "When you were growing up.. Did you 'know' you were going to be.. Or wanted to be what you are today? Were you told you could be whatever you wanted to be, or was it something you had to fight for?"
Once inside the studio she glances around, surprised. She apparently had never been in one in person, despite being her employer being who he is. "Wow.. I wasn't expecting a room like this."
"Mister Kevin Curtis," Lucas says aloud as he arrives at the bar with an amused smile, "How does a man such as yourself end up in the company of the lovely Lilith Graves? Is this an interrogation, perhaps?" a glance to Lilith is given afterward, "I'm just kidding, of course. Kevin always came off, to me, as a guy who just really loves his work."
~
Samira laughs at the question. When she was growing up, she danced for a living, was a 'bedwarmer' for many wealthy men who wished to have fun on the side. Since then, she has held many professions. "Not a single one of those things, honestly. I stumbled upon a talent I had no idea I had when I went shopping one day and decided that everything they were selling was rubbish. I designed my own dress, and caught a rather important man's eye, and the rest, as they say, is history."
Not a word of that is a lie. She did design her own costume when dancing for Marcus and Alexandros, and he did make her what she is today.
"The dress is just there in the left corner. Shall I leave you on your own while you change, or will you need help with the zipper?"
~
"I'm behaving myself, JJ," Kevin says in a low sing-song voice. He looks at Lilith as he speaks, but the words are meant for her ghostly chaperone. "I'd hate for you to harass Lilith all night because I'm misbehaving." He winks at the necromancer.
His name causes him to turn and he smirks a bit at Reynard. Yes, Kevin has been a bit enamoured of his work and been a little bit diligent when his investigations take him to any of the Reynards. "Good evening, Mr. Reynard."
Kevin lifts his glass in a mock toast, "It's a small world, isn't it? Have you met my lovely date this evening, or are you only familiar with her work?"
~
Shaking her head at Kevin's antics, she playfully pokes him in the side and then smiles. "Yes, you are behaving yourself." It is amusing to her that Kevin actually answered JJ, with exactly what JJ had said. Maybe he is a bit more sensitive to things than he realizes.
"The lovely lady opened up her mouth and invited herself," Lilith answers. Not exactly the truth so far as that goes, but she winks at Kevin as she says it. "It is a pleasure, Mr. Reynard."
~
"Oh. Wow. Well, this evening is just full of surprises, isn't it?" Julia says with an amused laugh, "Well, thank you for answering that. It's amusing to me because despite having caught an important man's eye, I still don't think I'm going to end up in the newspapers or anything- My talent isn't quite as.. Tangible. On the other hand, I do get to meet interesting people." For the most part.
She heads toward the left as directed, "I think I should be fine, thank you." Mostly because she secured some weapons she'd rather the designer not see. Whether there's a changing room, stall, or shade doesn't really matter to her, she'll use either. Though she does look stunned once her eyes fall upon the dress. It is gorgeous, even she knows that. She just wishes she didn't have to wear it.
"It most certainly is.. A small and fast world, at that. Evenin' to you." a well-timed waiter passes by with glasses of champagne which Lucas quickly grasps one of just in time to meet Kevin's gesture. He takes a sip from the glass afterward, "Mnn, just her work I'm afraid. Though I do want to take this moment to ask your date, if I may, a question that's been bugging me for a long time." his attention shifts then toward Lilith, "Is Lilith Graves your real name, or is that sort of a 'pen name' thing?"
~
"You're a bodyguard," Samira says simply. "Dressed to play the part of a date of a man who is rather important." The vampire can tell, by the woman's demeanor, and her discomfort.
"Just knock on the door when you are done changing. I'll wait in the hall." She has no doubt that the bodyguard at least has a weapon or two on her. The guards at the door would have noted them, dress or not. That's what they're trained for.
"By the by, the green one is the real deal. The one you're wearing is a knock-off." With that, she closes the door and heads into the hall to wait.
~
If that's how Lilith wants to play it, Kevin won't argue with her presentation. Hell, she's a beautiful woman and he's more than happy to let the assumption lie that he was desireable enough as a date for her to want him. Maintaining that ruse, Kevin steps closer to the necromancer, resting the flat of his palm on the center of her back and takes a drink from his beer. "She is very good at her work, but she is off the clock tonight." Kevin says it lightly, with a friendly smile and a wink, but he does mean it. Lilith has had enough people bugging her to talk to their deceased relatives. It's time for her to relax and enjoy the party. Even a Reynard will be made to wait.
~
"It's my real name." Not her birth name. Not her adopted name. But it is legally Lilith's name. She changed it after her adopted parents died. When Kevin notes that she's off the clock, she really wants to kiss him. Dr. Aspencade looked like she was on her way back, but turned around so as not to be confused by the Detective once more.
It also happened to make one of the ghosts JJ was mentioning turn away from her. At least one of them seems to have a bit of tact. She'll remember to try and locate that one again some day.
~
"Nnngh.." Well, JUlia's well aware that she isn't an actress as did Lucas. But it isn't until Samira notes that the dress she's wearing is a knock-off does she realize that she was being trolled from the very beginning and thus starts to get angry. She wasn't sure how, but somehow, someway she was going to get back at him. She isn't equipped with firearms, just blades. However as she changes, she finds herself questioning how Samira knew regardless. She shook her head, and moments later she was changed.
Assuming she wasn't intercepted along the way, she returned to the door, heels clacking.
"Oh, is that so?" Lucas replies to Kevin, "That's a shame, though I suppose I should have known better." Though in reality, he'd only really be interested if Lilith could talk to dead technology but he'll keep that thought to himself. He raises a brow, as if impressed by Lilith's answer, "Wow, it almost makes it all seem destined, doesn't i- Mn?" a brief pause as Lucas reaches into his pocket, withdrawing a cell phone. Apparently the text he reads isn't something he likes. "I'm sorry, looks like I'm going to have to take this."
~
Hearing the approach long before the bodyguard opens the door, Samira grins. Now she can have some fun. Opening the door for the woman, she stops her before allowing her to exit. "Here, let me just fix your hair from the fuss of switching dresses." As she tucks a few stray strands back into place, she catches Julia's eyes. Locking hers onto them, she begins to weave the glamour.
"When we return downstairs, you are going to thank Lucas for suggesting the change in dress. You are not going to recall that awful blue monstrosity. You will remember how very generous I was, and how you will now owe me a favor."
Leaning toward the woman she waits for a good minute to ensure that the glamour has taken, then gently presses her lips to Julia's cheek. "There you go, darling. You look perfect. Let us go and surprise your boss now that you're wearing the proper color."
~
"Yes, every now and then she's given a work release," Kevin jokes. He winks at Lilith.
"Please, go ahead. I know what it's like to have work calling, especially when you're just trying to relax and have fun."
~
Lilith waggles her finger at Lucas, and laughs. "Yes you should have. If you're interested in my work, you can come by the studio."
It does almost seem destined, though not really. She's half certain that her real father, whoever and wherever he is, adopted the name Graves as well. She gave up looking for the man years ago. She doesn't care to meet him except to tell him 'gee thanks for this gift'.
A nod is given to Lucas, and she turns to Kevin. "When we're done with the drinks, the garden?"
~
"Ah, sure.." While Julia's expression is relaxed enough, she does seem to tense slightly at being touched as if making an effort not to react to it- It's kind of cute in a way. And when she makes eye contact, she stiffens completely during the moments of instruction. "…" She doesn't move save for breathing during the moment of quiet, and hopefully Samira isn't wearing any lipstick because the bodyguard isn't going to remember getting the kiss! ".. Huh?" she blinks rapidly with a start, as if awoken from a daydream, and looks flustered, "O- Oh, sorry. I.. This dress, it's -beautiful-.."
That was what she was saying before she spaced out, right? She certainly hopes so. "Well it's clear the other one was a knock-off, this one.. Makes me feel quite proud to wear a dress, your work is really something else. Thank you."
As for Lucas, he's probably going to be a little disappointed that Julia ended up loving it, but hey at least he'll still be able to take credit for convincing her to try it. So that's, like, a half-win. "Thanks. And sure, why not. I'd like to meet the crew sometime if they're available." While the subject matter wasn't exactly his cup of tea, if there was one thing Lucas enjoyed was meeting, and ultimately judging, other people.
~
Satisfied that the glamour has locked in, Samira loops her arm through the other woman's. "It is and it suits you quite well. Your date will be extremely pleased by it. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he actually complimented you." From the way the woman is moving in the new dress, the vampire can tell exactly where the weapons are too. They make a specific rustling.
"Let us return to the party. Xander must be waiting for me by now, and I did promise Mr. Reynard that we would only be a few moments."
Leading the bodyguard back to the party, she gives the woman a friendly hug. Turning her in the direction of Lucas, she herself wanders so that she can save Alexandros from whoever is currently boring him to death.
