Stepping into the Lobby of the Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade, the blonde-haired vampire flushed with vitae to give him a semblance of livelihood. He approached the front desk, smart looking in a steel blue suit and likewise blue tie while carrying a black duffel bag. The lobby, full of floral decor and a statue centerpiece seemed extravagant though not as regal as he had hoped by its online reviews.
The view out the windows overlooking the river was very impressive but all the same he was somewhat nervous. A Regent of Sacramento, and not just any Regent, his Priscus, the Harpy Donovan was asking to see him. Chase Ankers, neonate, fledgling, an unproven vampire in his youth was hardly worthy of her time. Certainly a pleasant, well-spoken, charismatic Lady she was, but the difference between them was still great. A one-on-one interlude was also an opportunity, one that may depend on his composure and tact.
He nodded to the clerk who nodded back kindly. Chase slid over his identification and credit card along with a rather large bill of cash. He had come to a monetary understanding with the hotel clerk that the pool area would be closed that night except to a pair of distinguished guests. He had rented out a room of course, a necessity, not that Chase made any assumptions about what would transpire that evening. He doubted he himself would even use the room for more than a changing area.
"And would you care to order a bottle of champagne to be sent up as well, sir?" commented the clerk with a helpful smirk.
"No, no that won't be necessary. I wouldn't want to give the lady the wrong idea," replied Chase coolly. The clerk gave a confused look but didn't pursue the matter. Just a social call and a swim, thought Chase to himself.
Felix pulled the car up to the from door and wrote something on the notepad to which Ariana shook her head and wrote her reply back. He had asked if she would be staying the night, to which she replied no and requested that he not go too far. There were many things about this situation that would not have happened months ago if it were not for Asa, Ricardo and a particular shadow.
When she stepped out of the car, Felix handed Ariana a small traveling bag which contained what she would need for the evening. The hotel's location was quite beautiful as she reflected before entering. Walking into the lobby, the Lordess was blushed as she always was in public. Her eyes looked around and saw the statutes amidst the other greenery within the lobby area. Her grey skirt flowed calmly along with her lavender blouse as her heels clicked upon the flooring. She adjusted the bag on her shoulder that also held her purse as she caught sight of Chase. Ariana saw him talking to the front desk clerk and waited a moment before greeting him with a smile as she walked his direction. Unsure if his business was concluded with the staff, she spoke briefly more so to let him know she was there. "Good evening Mr. Ankers." The Lordess wondered what the clerk may have been thinking, yet the formal address may put off any thoughts she may have had.
The clerk had just handed Chase his card keys, programmed with special access to the pool room as well as his bedroom. He was just about to check the time on his watch before he heard the familiar lilting ring of Madam Donovan's voice wafting to his ears. He turned his head slowly, a growing and friendly smile on his face as he bowed his head politely to her, "A splendid evening to you, Madam. Is it me or do you grow more ravishing each time I lay eyes upon you?" praising her shamelessly. He reached out a hand to accept hers should she deign to offer it and lay a respectful kiss upon the back of her
Once they had properly greeted one another he would offer an arm to her, "My Lady, are you eager to head up to the pool straightaway or shall we relax in the lobby as we are? I believe the rooms may also have a balcony if you care to take in the view of the river." He waited to read her expression as she responded to the options laid before them. Attempting to remain as respectful as he could, he would stay attentive to her needs and concerns.
Ariana was a little shocked at the flattery and smiled a little brighter. She chuckled a little at his seemingly retohrical question. "Thank you Mr. Ankers." She let him take her hand including the kiss to it, since she did not let him at their first meeting. "You are quite the charmer." The Lordess said with a wink.
She moved a side of Chase so that her free hand slipped into his arm, as the other shoulder still had her bag. Ariana pondered the options given quickly in her mind. She did not want to give the wrong impression, yet she did think the balcony would be less intrusive. "I think I would enjoy a river view first. The water does sparkle quite beautifully with the evening city lights. Not to mention, it would be easier to change before swimming." There was a lilt in her voice as she mentioned swimming. She did not get the chance to do so during the Heat party and it had been so long. "How far is the pool from the room?" Ariana asked as she walked with Chase.
Chase beamed at her beguiling responsiveness, allowing him his pleasantries with an air of sophistication and that famous wink of fluttering lashes that she was so well known for. To her answer he replied, "An excellent choice, Madam. I've been looking forward to that myself. I believe the room is on the fourth floor, though the pool itself, I imagine, is on the ground level." He pointed out the elevators with a wave of his hand to mark their mode of ascension. "Once I see you to the room and we've taken in the view I can then investigate the pool's location while you change."
He would guide her across the atrium to the elevator doors and promptly reach to press the button to call it. As they waited he inclined his head to look at her, "I must thank you for this opportunity of leisure, I imagine your time is quite valuable. I haven't allowed myself the pleasure of swimming for some time. Boston may be known for its harbors but I wasn't at liberty to indulge. In addition the eastern coastline is so very tame, it wasn't thrilling enough for my tastes. Are you a swimmer by nature, Madam?"
"Oh, the fourth floor?" Ariana said with interest as the elevator opened and she began to step in. "The view will be splendid from that height." The Lordess was appreciative of his thoughtfulness as he mentioned leaving while she changed.
"Well, I do enjoy taking the time to speak with people when I can." She smiled to Chase. "I keep things well balanced." Ariana adjusted her bag a little while she stood in the elevator. "I am certainly not an accomplished swimmer, but I did swim a little long ago." She did not add before her embrace since they were still within the public's ears. "There are many things I have not done in quite some time. There was a party a while back to which I purchased a suit and never had the chance to use it. I thought perhaps this would be a good opportunity." The Lordess said as she looked to Chase.
As the elevator ascended he shifted the duffel bag on his own shoulder and replied, "I am honoured that I shall be the first to lay eyes upon this untested ensemble," sounding pleased with this. The elevator dinged softly as the doors opened to the fourth floor. As he escorted her out he noted the numbers on each door to navigate to his, #426. The other rooms seemed quiet, either unoccupied or containing resting or preoccupied mortals. And the walls dampened the sound of their footsteps on the thin carpet patterned carpet.
"I trust that achieving a balance within the City cannot be easy given the recent circumstances," he commented, with the bombing scare in mind as well as other rumors of unrest. "That you make time to welcome new 'family' members is admirable and well-appreciated I assure you." He grinned, his eyes softening as his gaze fell upon her.
Arriving at the door he gently pulled his arm away from the Regent in order to swipe his keycard for entry. The light flashed green and the reassuring sound of a click gave him confirmation that they could enter. Twisting the knob he opened the door. The darkened room became softly lit by the hallway light, casting their shadows onto the designer furniture that decorated the living area. A yellow glow could be seen behind their silhouettes from the window, its source the Tower Bridge dominating the river scene.
Ariana laughed slightly. "Oh that is not entirely what I meant." She said as she entered the rather large room. She saw the switch in the dim glow and turned it on which two small lamps illuminated the room. She set her bag on the bed and turned back to Chase. "I was unable to swim, some did see the suit though." She smiled and walked toward the balcony.
Turning back to Chase again, she let her hand shake to the side. "It is certainly no trouble Mr. Ankers. If one does not take time away from the business of everything, they may become... unsettled." Ariana looked around the room a little, it was more than she anticipated. "It is quite large." She commented and quickly added. "The room that is. It seems very plush and mirroring someone's home versus a hotel." The reporter side was sneaking out as her eyes took in the surroundings. She caught sight of the bridge and her eyes rested on the water. "In a small way, it reminds me of the Manhattan bridge." Turning back to Chase she asked. "Any particular reason for such a lavish room?" She smiled with a lilt in her voice.
Chase shrugged with a grin of amusement, "Came with the view, I suppose." When in truth he had reserved it quite simply to impress the Regent. It had cost quite a bit but he considered the brief time spent there well worth the memory associated with their time together. And some day soon money would be no issue to the eager fledgling that he could share such luxuries regularly. He didn't want to disclose the fact that the price was quite similar for a month's rent at his current apartment. It was hardly a set-back to his budget since he never had to go shopping for groceries nor had he to pay for a car or gas to fill it. This was but a single instance that he was sure to see the Regent enjoy.
He walked between the furniture, his hands comfortably folded at his back, eyeing the room idly as he also made his way to the balcony. He gazed out into the open air overlooking the Sacramento River, its shimmering surface glinting with city lights. A dazzling array of white on black churning beneath the warm well lit towering structure of the bridge. Unsure if they were the only ones enjoying the view he kept his dialogue censored, "When I was younger, one summer I went with some colleagues to Manhattan Island and rode the bridge over. While this bridge does give the impression of Manhattan's it is of base comparison, not nearly as massive, though still beautiful to look upon." He had actually walked the route across the bridge fairly often without difficulty since his lair lay beyond it.
"But I am very glad to see you 'settled' then. I trust your work with the Sacramento Bee provides you much stimulation. How are the Arts & Entertainment doing this month in Sacramento?" He said, looking at her, a face wreathed in the city's glow.
Ariana was becoming slightly fond of another view as her eyes met Chase's briefly and then looked toward the water again. "Yes, the paper does keep me quite busy. Yet, in some ways, I am just hands off enough to let others develop stories and writing themselves. I still enjoy the journalist side as much as the editor. With the holidays, it has been busy. However, I still find time to socialize." She smiled to her fellow Lord.
The copper haired Ventrue looked over the water and watched it dance with the city lights softly falling upon it. "Of course it is not as breath taking as Manhattan's bridge, but it is still a lovely sight." Ariana caught his undertone from his younger years. "I am guessing this room has been host to many couples enjoying such a view." She pondered verbally. A breeze had softly moved her hair so it framed her face as she turned to Chase. "One might think there was more than just a view to be implied." Her voice held a slight jest to it as a wink matched her joke.
After their eyes met he turned away to the view of the river as she had. If she were anything like himself, he doubted if she was accustomed to a hands off approach to anything. To that he said simply, "I see, and how fortunate for me," smiling in return and leaning against the handrails while allowing her to continue. He chuckled briefly at her use of the term 'breath-taking', though any view would be hard pressed to take breath from either of them now.
Looking back to her again when she made her second referral to the room he replied, "Yes, Madam, I imagine this view has inflamed the hearts of many lovers..." His gaze was caught by the strands of chestnut gently swaying about her face and he turned his body towards her. "Personally, I think anyone would be moved to gaze upon a view like this." His voice softened to a warm sultry tone and a ready smile spread evenly across his expression, "though I yield to your interpretation on any further meanings."
He lingered a few moments more by her side, curious what else she might have to say or to ask of him, if she had had her fill of the view depending on its subject matter.
“Now, which view are you speaking of that moves you?” The Lordess gestured to the bridge. “The glow of the bridge, the dancing river waters or something else?” Her head turned slightly, still focused on Chase with a smirk on her lips.
Ariana’s eyes began to form a question that her thoughts had kept. “Mr. Ankers, you never mentioned to me about why you have such an interest in water? Are you a good swimmer by chance? It has been such a long time since I have swum.” Her arm gently touched his for a moment and she teasingly asked. “Would you save me if I looked like I was drowning?” Another smirk crossed her lips. It was more of a question that if by chance she knocked herself out in the water, would she drag her out of the water before someone realized she was undead. Ariana laughed slightly, "Maybe we should go test this theory." She said with a wink.
She knew well enough what he meant, though he played coyly around his answer, "I am moved by reflective dark pools that glisten with light, beauteous, compelling me with delight. And a fine strong structure built upon it, elegant in form like a work of art." His eyes move over her features as he speaks, his words still libidinous in its pitch. "And blazoned with a fiery glow that matches its proud spirit. Not to mention 'well-connected' or so I hear." He adds, putting his hand beside his mouth as if guarding a secret. Laughing cheerfully, he leans in towards the fair Lady as he listens to her queries.
"It was a childhood fascination, the coastline. It represented more to me than a mere plaything, however. My family, cold as they were, did not appreciate the natural world. They were more concerned with monetary sentiments and technology and hoped to mold me into their image. The sea was my escape, a vast landscape which my parents could neither control nor deprive me of. In my search to master it, to tread on water like some great deity, I found a peace and pleasure I've yet to substitute. It is my element, washing me of sin and shame and bolstering my resolve in its swell." He grinned sweetly, "Though I would make any excuse to come to your rescue, Madam Donovan."
The copper haired Harpy's eyes watched Chase as he spoke. His words were poetic, although if she had never heard herself quite described like that before. Her lips pursed a moment before she spoke. "Your ears are correct in regards to being well connected. However, do you often compliment with such words nearly poetic Mr. Ankers?" Her mouth moved into a soft smile as her eyes still held a little bewilderment. "A fiery glow. Some are often scared of what that may do to them." The Lordess did not elaborate entirely what she meant by the statement, but it was there in her eyes.
Ariana had thought Chase's fondness of water may have hinted at something else. "Well, at least you ha a way to escape that you enjoyed." The way he spoke of cleansing made her wonder about his covenant. She turned slowly and walked inside, moving to the bag on the bed and removing something and laying it to the side. "I myself enjoy running in the rain for nearly the same reason. Yet, the way you speak of it, you sound as if it may have religious tones about it. Actually the way you speak seems unlike some scholars." A soft chuckle escaped her throat. She slipped out of her shoes and waited before Chase shut the balcony door before using more appropriate words. Ariana's hands moved to the buttons on her blouse and began unbuttoning. If her fellow Lord happened to look, there was a bright flash of red beneath the lavender blouse.
Chase felt somewhat perplexed at her reply. It felt almost as if she were playfully mocking him for his enthusiasm. He felt a bit embarrassed for embellishing his words so fervently. No, perhaps it was a warning to tread carefully. Perhaps she didn't care for having been compared to the likeness of a bridge, he didn't know. Yet they returned inside to the comforts of the hotel room, and he slid closed the glass door from the balcony.
"In a way academic pursuits are more sacred to me than divine worship. Even some philosophies throughout history had the bearing of zealot followers. Nature itself is the source of divine inspiration and we look to nature for answers to scholarly pursuits. Those that master nature...well they write their own histories." He trailed off, hoping not to have to defend his reasons for his choice of covenant. It wasn't as if he had much alternative as his sire was so resolutely Draculian and insisted on his education thus. To be honest he hadn't considered how an unlife would be following a different path than with the Ordo Dracul.
In his momentary floundering he caught a glimpse of what she was doing. Abruptly he turned around, his body stiff, "Madam...I...of course, I should allow you to change. I apologize for lingering..." he said evenly, as he started to inch towards the door attempting to avert his gaze. A little taken aback, he wondered if she were testing his reaction, but he was far too prudent to assume anything of the esteemed Harpy.
As Chase's back was turned, Ariana had slipped off her blouse which would have revealed her red suit beneath her attire. Maybe she should have mentioned it earlier, but the reaction was quite admirable. "No, no Mr. Ankers. You need not worry." She slipped on the wrap she pulled out previously then stepped out of her skirt and folded it neatly on the bed. "I try to be prepared to save time." When he Chase would turn around she would ask. "Will you need to change as well? I can wait on the balcony." She gestured to the doors.
"I apologize if I seemed to be pressing the question. It seems as if you are a very apt and diverse gentlemen. Your reasons are quite marvelous regarding the work you wish to pursue." Ariana smiled brightly. "Who would I be to change that?" An accidental wink surfaced as she spoke. "Perhaps it is the journalist in me who is always curious and I am usually the one paying compliments to those around me." She chuckled softly as the Lordess looked to Chase. "Some adjustments do take time." Gently shrugging as the last words left her lips.
"Ah," he said in relief as he understood her meaning and turned to face her again. "I'm sorry, I had assumed from the bag you carried that your suit would be in there, ha, how silly of me." He went for his bag that he had set down earlier on the sofa, "I can change in the bathroom if you don't mind the wait. It'll just take a moment." He slipped it around his shoulder and strode smoothly over to the open door within the bedroom. He was quick to move to save himself further embarrassing and recover his composure. Yet in her words soothed his pride, easing off from their assumed playfulness. Her brilliant smile melted through him easily enough, he reflected whilst shutting the door behind him.
He stripped his clothes swiftly and neatly folded them a piece at a time, setting them into his bag atop his shoes. From his bag he took out his swimsuit and pulled over it a pair of cargo shorts for the walk and a sleeveless black t-shirt. Making sure his hair looked good he slowly opened the door. "Madam? I am ready. Shall we search out our swimming hole?"
While Chase changed, Ariana pulled out some simple but slightly stylish sandals from her bag and slipped them on. She was actually rather impressed by her fellow Lord's manners. Then a thin band was retrieved from the bag and slid over her wrist. She walked over to the balcony for another moment to gaze upon the bridge. By this time of year in New York there would be a dusting of snow here and there and the city would seem to glow brighter from it. As she heard the doorknob turn, Ariana walked in the direction of the door to the hallway.
Blue eyes slightly studied Chase as he emerged from the bathroom. Nodding with a smile to his question. "Of course. I am rather interested to see what sort of pool this is." Ariana slipped her arm into Chase's again, although she wondered for just a second if she was being a little too forward. Oddly enough, it did not seem to bother her. His shirt and shorts were seemingly equivalent to her own wrap, as not to entirely walk around exposed through the hotel. "I do not recall any notice of whether or not it is an indoor or outdoor pool." Although her statement was more so of a question.
As she studied him he took the same moment to admire her suit and its wrap clinging to her shapely feminine curves, likening her to an infernal goddess. He wondered if there were significance to her fondness of the color red. Most likely because of its call to attention, being both vibrant and provocative. She earned another grin from him as his arm was taken. He took the lead then, overjoyed to have a charming lady by his side flaring his ego, taking her to the door with keycard in hand and opening it for them as they walked through the corridor.
"The pool, Madam, is indoors, closed for late evenings save for the occasional exception," he mused with a wink of his own. The price was right and they should have it all to themselves, no pressure from the eyes and ears of mortals, though still he would still have to be cautious. Any pool room he knew of had the habit of echoing and carrying words.
They came upon the elevator again and Chase struck the button once more. It had not gone far since their arrival so the doors opened swiftly. A few moments later of soft elevator music and they were ground level. While he hadn't had the chance to locate the pool earlier as he had intended, he could already smell the faint scent of chlorine and moisture nearby. And as luck would have it a sign down to their left read clearly that the pool was that way. Chase directed them thus, noting that no one else was walking the halls they passed.
The facilities lay quiet and the carpeted floors changed to an inlaid ceramic tile. A windowed door stood between a wall of windows, with blinds drawn over them and marked by a sign indicating the pool & fitness room. Set into the handle was a card scanner much like the one on his room. He placed his card into it and after a moment it clicked green granting them access. The pool itself was calm, with only the tiniest of ripples jostling through it. The lights below the light blue water were lit and casting a display of caustic patterns across the ceiling of the dim room. By one of the pillars that stood interspersed across the room was a stack of towels and several reclined pool chairs.
As Ariana walked with Chase she wondered why elevators always played odd music that no one heard of. The smell of chlorine hit her as he opened the door. Glancing around before she entered entirely, she made sure she willed herself to be seen in the reflections that were within. It may have been empty and semi private, but there was surely cameras for security and who knows if staff walked through. There was a table close enough to the water, and she grabbed a towel from the stack to the side. Placing it on the table, she removed her wrap and neatly folded it laying it on the table. As if well practiced, Ariana slipped the band off her wrist and secured it in a low bunch on the back of her neck.
The Lordess shrugged a little and smiled as she walked over to the edge of the pool and dipped her foot within. "The water will feel marvelous I believe." The water danced in ripples from the small movement her toes made. Ariana looked around a little for a point of entry and saw a ladder. "I think I will get in down there." She spoke as she walked around to the end. It may have been so she catch Chase out of the corner of her eye for her repositioning.
The pool was heated, she would discover, and slipped silkily over her skin as she descended into the glowing liquid. Chase watched her out of the corner of his eyes, mesmerized by her elegant movements, the contrast of red on blue. He imagined hot steam drifting up from the water would be all too appropriate in the meeting of the two bodies. The shorts he had donned, slipped off from his hips along with the black top. His body, slender and lean in form was almost feminine, hairless, smooth, showing the subtle curves of muscle shifting beneath as he moved to the deep end of the pool. His walk was still confident, his look concentrated on the water. He smiled to Madam Donovan once, allowing plenty of space before executing a dive. The water slipped around him with the barest of sounds, his airborne stance, arms stretched forward in front of him, his head bend down and feet pointed out behind. It was like a return to the womb, his body remembering the feeling in a surge of nostalgia. He twisted beneath the ripples, the lights circling around him in the thick sparkling bath. The ceiling above him black as he came about, the true abyss, the return from splendor back into the night. He could almost imagine himself on the beach in the sunlight. Such thoughts tore him in twain, the fear of it in contrast against the longing. Bubbles floated to the surface, disappearing as they reached the horizon. He floated, neither buoyant nor sinking until he saw the other side of the pool rushing towards him. In a balletic motion he rolled forward, sending his feet delicately against the pool wall, easily bracing against his momentum and pushing off again. He was amazed by the ease of it, the heightened reaction and timing. He had never swam as a vampire. There was no pressure on his lungs as he needed no breath, no vertigo affecting his balance from the fluid pressing against his ear canal. It was like flying.
Realizing he was being rude by staying submerged, Chase surfaced, whipping his wet hair back out of his eyes, the strands clinging in thick locks that dangled close to his face. "It is...quite marvelous," he agreed whole-heartedly.
Ariana had watched her fellow Lord. The way he moved to get into position, then again as he slipped into the water with ease. Ariana watched him beneath the water, wondering what it was like. She herself had not been submerged yet and had slowly walked from one end of the pool nearing the deep end where Chase had dove in. The Lordess only had basic swimming lessons as a young adult. Nothing near as complex as diving. Something else for the to-do list, she thought.
As Chase reemerged from the water Ariana's smile was apparent, with intrigued eyes. "That was quite impressive." She suddenly wanted to ask several vampire related questions, but thought she would soon find out herself. "Were you on the swim team in school as well?" Knowing the reason for his swimming, but she could not help to ask about where the technique came from. Her body moved with ease toward him further, and was not entirely submerged. Her hair was not even wet yet. Ariana's hands cupped the water around her, gently moving it back and forth to the side of her.
He floated to Madam Donovan's side and tread water with a hand gingerly placed on the rim of the pool. His cheerful grin saddened slightly at the inquiry.
"Oh I never took classes, not really. My childhood friends taught me on the beach, though I do remember one of my caretakers giving me some swimming tips. School was never a place for something like this. School was all about competition and excelling to excellence." His voice remained steady despite the oscillating twists of his body from his underwater kicking, though normally, he thought, he would have to pant for breath to maintain his form. He was beginning to tire, however, and so shifted his weight onto his hand. He was fine when it came to form and efficiency in his movements, but his stamina suffered over time and he wasn't about to exhaust himself just yet.
"But you have my sincerest thanks, Madam. I take delight in every opportunity to please you," he added, grinning playfully as he watched her take to the water lapping around her hips.
The Lordess lowered herself into the water. It was not overzealous, but like it enveloped her suddenly. The cool silk of the water slipped over her skin as she was submerged. It was a dance with liquid viscosity as her body moved along a curentless path. Her eyes opened and imagined what a fish in an aquarium felt like. So much swimming to do, but never going beyond the boundaries of the walls where it was kept. Much like their requiem. So much to see and do and lifetimes of intrigue yet confined to the night and the walls it held them in. And then bound by blood to their evenings and existence. She pulled herself through the water with arms that barely remembered what they were doing. But it was like riding a bike.
Standing on the ledge of the drop down within the water, Ariana looked at Chase as he stayed afloat. She had thought lifeless bodies sank in the water, however, if they were blushed and displaying mortal qualities air would be in their lungs. “If I may ask, you were quick to offer bringing me to the ocean.” She smiled slyly and continued. “I was just curious why asking someone you barely know to do such a thing?” It was as if her eyes smiled as she inquired, a subtle flirtation perhaps.
Chase thought back to the moment of their first meeting at Court, wondering what words had been exchanged between them. Had it been improper of him to offer to be her escort? He remembered she had expressed interest in the prospect. Perhaps in his pride he had overstepped his bounds. Yet the answer was clear, "Even if I had barely known you, all it took was a moment in your company to decide that I would like to know you better." He kicked hard beneath the water as he lifted himself over the edge of the pool to sit. "A woman with the eyes and ears of Sacramento, a kin of family, refined in speech and a treat to lay eyes upon," which he did so eagerly. "Would I not be a fool to overlook such qualities?"
By her tone, however, he believed she may have been asking simply to delve deeper into his reasoning. Was he seeing her as a potential ally, an asset, as a woman? All possibilities crossed his mind. He even considered that she may be using the opportunity to mold him into an asset of her own, testing his thought processes and interests. This too was fine. "And what of you, Miss Donovan, what possessed you to accept such an offer from a simple and humble newcomer such as myself?" He grinned, making his move to join the dance of social intrigue, circling around, casually dipping into deeper meanings and intentions.
Sometimes it was hard to tell if people were being genuine, or if they flattered out of want or need. It was difficult to tell with some. Ariana was curious if her fellow Lord was the genuine type. “Well it seems to me I am not the only one who is refined.” Her lips moved to smile and her eyes insinuated Chase. “It is rare when someone is new that they pique my interest. I only wanted to know the man who was behind such graceful words.”
Ariana scooped herself out of the water and sat not far from Chase. Her fair skin, even for when she was a mortal, glistened from the moister as she crossed her legs toward him and her feet hung in the water. “Well, I believe getting to know family can be important.” After the incident with Kaiden, she also wanted to make sure no one else did anything ridiculous in front of the Prince. And if it was not for the Prince and Ricardo, her opinions of Lordly men would have remained the same. “Besides, it is not often I meet someone who enjoys a little swimming on occasion. Even if I am not as skilled as you are.” Her eyes playfully looked to him.
He was grateful for her kind words and it bolstered his confidence, which was a fickle thing at times. "You are, Miss Donovan, a very regal creature, and you have my thanks for your kindnesses. You've welcomed me at my first arrival and encouraged me in my personal interests. It leaves quite the impression, that." He reflected on this internally. Since his first year as a vampire was under the tutelage of a stringent sire and he felt an innate dependence on attaching himself to a similar figure for comfort and familiarity. This was, after all, an Invictus territory, and the lovely Harpy was ideal in that role as guide. Her playfulness gave him liberty to express himself more freely.
"Well we should take this opportunity to swim, shouldn't we. How about a race then, three laps from pool end to end, on the honor system of course." Since there was no one to judge a victor. He wondered if she were the type to naturally be competitive by this or would be discouraged by his apparent skill in the water.
Ariana could not help but think that it was becoming more rare that the new members of her family who rolled into the city were generally arrogant creatures. Which happened among the Lords, but lately it was beyond acceptable from a few. She waved her slightly. "Think nothing of it Mr. Ankers. Besides, personal interests are what makes us unique. Recreation does have its pleasures. Does it not?" She winked a little with a grin.
"Well, as long as it is all in good fun." The Lordess smirked when questioned about a race. Then quickly raised her hand to make a point. "And if you promise not to laugh at me if I lose."
Chase grinned boyishly for a moment as he hopped back into the water, wading out to the shallows and spinning around back to Madam Donovan. "I wouldn't dream of making light of you or anyone who takes pleasure in a swim or friendly competition for that matter. Besides, I'm certain you're being modest in your own assessment. Come, show me what you've got." He lines up against the wall of the pool, waiting for her to swim to her likewise starting position. "We'll just push off from here, if that's alright. Forgive me if I accidentally bump into you," he says with a wink of his own, as if looking forward to using that excuse should be brush against her in error.
The light from the pool cast a glow against his chin and torso, casting shadows across the shimmering ceiling as he bobbed in place against the lapping waters.
“Well, I guess we will soon find out what I recall.” The Lordess smiled to her cousin. Arching her brow suddenly, Ariana’s eyes grew a little wide but still playfully smirked. The lights made the red iridescent of her suit sparkle a little as she moved to position herself in the water. “Accidents do happen.” She laughed gently. Hanging onto the edge of the pool, and ready to push off, Ariana said, "Ready, go," and pushed off the edge of the pool.
Luckily, the American Crawl stroke was like riding a bicycle. Yet, as the redhead Ventrue pulled her arms back to swing them around, she knew it was not perfect. Like everything, keeping up a skill required practice, which as far as swimming was concerned, she certainly had not. The synchronization between her legs as they fluttered, combining with the alternating stroke of her arms was nearly foreign to her. One thing she realized after they had both moved to the second lap, she was looking down in the water quite frequently. Her head had no need to tilt for air which was necessary the last time she swam. Since there were no lines within the pools basin, Ariana did not realize that her direction was going a little awry.
Chase pushed off in unison with Madam Donovan, he felt the resistance of the water press against him as he positioned his body like a spear, his arms and hands dexterously cutting through the liquid barrier. His was a trudgen stroke, his legs scissoring the water neatly with each surge forward with his torso. Since it kept his head to one side during the swim he kept his eyes partially open to keep tabs on her ladyship. She moved beautifully, a red streak wobbling in the distortion of churning water, though these were just flashes in the fleeting moments of their race. Yet he could feel the strain on his muscles and the fuel that powered them draining. His stroke was easier, faster than most, but his body had lost its conditioning after a year of inactivity. He was just short of taking the lead he felt.
The pool wall approached on his peripheries and he twisted and spun his body as he had before, though his push off from it was weak and he could feel his losing momentum. Also as he turned his head faced the other way and he could not see Ariana nor be aware of her steady drift towards him. Yet this was fine, the race was to his benefit regardless of its outcome. If he should lose then it would save the Lady's pride and serve to bolster her self-confidence. If he should win he may well impress the Madam with his abilities, and since it was a friendly competition it would harm him little in either respect. And then...there was of course the excitement of the race, the eagerness to see its completion, of testing yourself against the elements with innate ability. He pushed on, leaving the outcome to its own accord and concentrating on the feel of fluid against his skin.
Seeing that Chase was ahead, Ariana was still not about to give up. She gave it a little more. Perhaps she was too focused on a little more speed versus the direction she was going. As they returned to the other end of the pool on the third lap, again the Lordess was distracted by the ability to move through the water with out the need to breathe.
Ariana was aware that she was nearing the edge of the pool. Yet what she did not calculate was the sudden beast coming closer to her; or her closer to it. Quite possibly too late to stop herself after the realization, the redhead swam right into Chase. The water cascaded from her wet hair as she rose out of the liquid. They were in the shallower end of the pool, and she did not quite jump back yet as the rush of everything caught up. “Oh I am terribly sorry Mr. Ankers.” She began composing herself while she subtly made sure her suit was still in its proper place.
Chase was startled by the sudden brush of skin against him, twisting around and steadying himself in the water, he came to the surface, his long blonde locks pressed wet against his face, his blue eyes blinking the water from their lashes. He laughed, a peal of sudden chortling as he realized that they had collided in the water. "Oh forgive me!" he crowed, "Are you alright, my Lady?" and he put his hand to her shoulders to steady her and himself in the water as he tested his balance. "I must be more addle-brained than I thought, steering into you like that." Taking the blame for himself easily to spare her embarrassment. Her skin, soft, wet and smooth like a dolphin's, felt good beneath his fingers. Seeing that she was fine he released her, though hesitantly.
His humor reflected in his smile, as if breaking up the tension of formality in the air. "You've got quite a stroke though. We were neck and neck the whole way. If we make this a regular thing and we'll be ready for the pacific coast in no time."
The Lordess could not help but notice his hand on her shoulder. Her beast grew ornery as he did but she shrugged it off. Ariana shook her head and waved her hand. “Of course. I am perfectly fine.” She chuckled a little, knowing that it was probably just an old habit, or if it was more than reflexive. “It is quite alright. These things happen. I am also probably to blame as I am far from what little practice I ever had.” She smiled to Chase.
“Thank you kindly.” She said as he complimented her. “I had been meaning to ask you.” Ariana paused and took the pool area into consideration as she chose her words. “Do you know of someone who has a private beach? From what I can recall or what I have read, after dark they do frequent patrols.” Chuckling again she continued. “Quite possibly from people who frequently attempt bonfires and so forth.” With the unlife of a requiem, one could not be too cautions about the masquerade, she thought to herself.
Actually he was aware of someone who held a private beach, but the thought made him sick. It belonged to his kine parents, the rich Ankers aristocrats. He reminisced back to the summers he had spent there and the bonfires of the evenings. He had invited many children there his own age to the beach but couldn't recall if the beach were securely patrolled. It hadn't been something he considered then or admittedly now, but surely it must be. As he privately thought on his schemes to obtain his family fortune he reminded himself to secure land ownership of that beach. To reply to the Priscus though he merely said, "Well I doubt we'll be starting any bonfires should we go," intending the statement to be lighthearted but shivering at the prospect all the same.
"But to answer your question, my family owns a private beach, but I haven't yet come into their good graces as of yet. Though I plan to attend to them very soon," adding an ominous quality to his voice. Chase surveys the pool room as well, though his eyes fall upon the hot tub rather than an eavesdropper. He moves to the edge of the pool to the steps and turns back to Ariana. "Hmm, shall we continue to converse in the hot tub, Madam?" a coy expression crossing over him.
Snickering lightly to Chase’s reply of fire. “Of course not, that would be preposterous.” Ariana was unsure if he meant the Ventrue or mortal family. Her reply was obscure, considering where they were. “Sometimes it is best to leave things be. Then again, if it is of importance to you, then perhaps your plan will work out. If it is something of a conscious clearing issue, all you can do is try and hope for the best.” She gently mentioned, hoping her words were of use. Her mind drifted to Arielle for a moment, as she truly missed her twin sister. Often she drowned out the memories since they only circled around the rest of her kine family.
“Oh yes, that would be a fine way to end a good swim.” She smiled and moved to the pool’s edge. Rising out of the cool water, Ariana checked her suit while her back was to Chase. She made her way to the small Jacuzzi and slowly entered the whirling waters. It was quite the contrast on her lively skin as she lowered herself into the warmth. She moved to sit along the submerged benches, and the water slipped around her. Her shoulders were barely out of the water on the end she sat on. The Lordess' eyes watched Chase as he made his way over.
Taking a seat opposite the Lordess, Chase gets comfortable in the steamy waters that bubble and froth along the edges of the tub set in the ground. Reflexively he sighs and leans back, closing his eyes while the edges of his hair tickling the surface of the bath. While he perceives the warmth, it somehow doesn't have as much affect on his vampiric body as he remembered. He sits up, his eyes opening again as he realizes this. Still, it is nice, and the company nicer still. Blue eyes greedily take in the lovely Priscus, her face, neck, and shoulders hovering above a chaotic ripple of reflected light.
He wanted to ask her many things, questions that would certainly skirt the Masquerade if uttered. But today they played a game, an amusement also meant to test the waters. "Madam, you are looking good enough to eat, this evening," he began boldly. "A stew for two. You must be well practiced in beating off your potential suitors?" He wondered if such a thing happened among the kindred, such practices of ritual courting. The question was harmless, he hoped, being both a compliment and a question. Beyond that was only speculation.
Since Chase's beast was slightly weaker than hers, Ariana realized quickly he was joking and laughed. "Well thank you kindly. Water does seem to have that gentle glistening effect does it not?" She pulled her arms out of the water and with one hand slid it across her shoulders to her neck and then the reverse. Her eyes fell softly to the fellow Lord. Ariana's lips piqued to a smile as she spoke. "Well, I would not go as far as to say I beat them off. However, it is a practiced art, much like writing." She winked to Chase. Her head turned slightly as the tip of her hair rested into the water as she moved. "Are you suggesting something Mr. Ankers?" She inquired in a playful tone.
Baited to the game, she comes on strong doesn't she, thought Chase. He leans forward only just and replies in a thick ardent timbre, "And what if I were suggesting something, Miss Donovan?" almost daring her to press him further. They were, after all, all alone in a hot tub, on opposite ends of the gender pool. The sexual tension was as thick as the blood of thieves. He wondered if she would write him off as well and wait to toy with him another day.
Ariana lifted her hand out of the water and pointed her index finger up, slowly moving it from left to right. As she did, her mouth parted slightly as her tongue made a tsk tsk noise upon its roof. "Answering a question with a question. That may give an impression of trying to hide something." She pursed her lips as her hand slipped back into the water. Her fingers seemed to play with the ripples from the jets within. "I would not know how to answer the what if, without knowing what you were possibly suggestion." The Lordess playfully smiled. It was almost like chess, moving one piece after another, conquering one square at a time.
Chase's head swiveled only just slightly, his eyes following her finger as if charmed by a snake or under a hypnotist's direction. Oh how he loved word play. And the words forming from her mouth were particularly succulent. Every good speaker knew that asking a question was essentially taking control of the conversation and she knew better than to let him take the lead. Still, he tried fishing for more, "It sounds as if you had something particular in mind, I'm curious what that may have been. I'd sooner follow your suggestions than expect you to indulge my own." He stretched back again, his arm shifting to rest over the rim of the tub, the muscles of his chest moving beneath the skin, subtle yet defined.
Every question created an answer in its asking, especially the what if's. But you had to give to get, so he tried a different approach, "One could say I'm merely suggesting that a Lady with so many enhancing qualities would be neck-deep in attentive admirers. One could also say that I'm suggesting that, from the perspective of a fresh-eyed newcomer, your charms may inspire that newcomer to the same urges of admiration." His tongue played over the words carefully, taking their time in each pronunciation, creating anticipation in each statement's completion. He pushed back the wet strands of hair that dangled in his vision and eyed her with a warm cavalier smile.
Her eyes opened slightly wider than normal as Ariana honestly answered Chase. “No, I had nothing particular in mind. I only asked since generally, when someone describes another as delectable, they may already have something in mind.” Her hand pulled up out of the water and flipped palm up. “One could become disappointed if there are expectations.”
Still she could not help but smile a little as she did enjoy the intriguing discussion of communication. With the raised hand, she pointed upward. “One could also say that you were possibly presumptuous by assuming those admirers. If I was to admit to this, I may be viewed as a narcissist, which I am not.” Ariana said with a gentle shake her head. “However, perhaps it is only my nature to be charming, which may be misinterpreted for something that inspires those urges.” The Lordess wondered if she was indicating she was promiscuous by being slightly flirtatious. “Perhaps I also mistook your words for something entirely different.” Her voice still playful as a lilt with her voice indicated a slight question.
Chase grimaced inwardly. She wasn't giving him many options, shooting down his avenues of retreat. He was being presumptuous as he fished for interesting responses. But essentially she couldn't accept the compliment without justification, which aside from his own observations there was none that he knew of, no suitors he was aware of.
His mouth made strange movements, his lips twisting thoughtfully before returning to form a pleasant smile, "Ah, I should know better than to be vague with a journalist. Certainly we can agree that you may inadvertently charming beyond your own intention. Though whether you're responsible for the thoughts and feelings you inspire in others remains to be seen." He returned his hand to the frothing waters and scooped up some water into his hand to splash against his face, the droplets running along and between the thin scruff on his chin, making their way back to their source. "As for my own thoughts," he continued, "they are purely to serve the head of my family in any matter she deems me capable."
Ariana laughed gently. "Yes, you are quite right. I will tell you that I do enjoy your company though Mr. Ankers. It is always wonderful to be able to converse with someone who is understanding of such things." Rising from the whirling waters, the Lordess turned to Chase. "As far as the other is concerned, perhaps we should meet again soon. A place where we can talk more freely." A smile with an accidental wink moved across her face.
The water beaded off her skin and suit while dripping into the water, and Ariana adjusted her hair a little. Wringing what had been dripping down her back. "Of course, that is, if you wish to do so."
Chase admires her flesh as it discards the flowing liquid, vapor that rises from her body as steam in the cooler air. He could only count himself lucky to have had the time to enjoy her presence. Her offer for a second encounter he counted doubly so. He rose himself from the waters and after grabbing a towel from the stack nearby and wrapping it round his waist he bowed from the waist. "I should like that very much. I will await our reunion with avid anticipation, Madam." Later when he had seen her off from the hotel he basked in the memories of the moment, a number of appetites fed. Though there was one left he knew he should see to before he retired for the night...
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