The Shark meets Martha & Dillon

[Martha Villiers]

In the cellar vault beneath the Avalon nightclub, far away from the press of dancing Mortals, the lights are low.

Down in the cellar vault of the Avalon, away from the sweaty press of people and the nightclubs' bright lights it is quieter.

Here a calm atmosphere prevails.

Recessed lamps cast a soft glow and the bright and rich scent of freshly made lemonade and squeezed lemons fills the air.

Tiny Martha and the larger Dillon Connery sit on a leather sofa in the Common area of the Court while quietly and carefully reading through documents relating to town planning and local taxation schemes.

A simple coffee table in front of her is piled with notes, printed out copies of maps of Sacramento and copies of many US newspapers and learned periodicals...a carafe of fresh lemonade and several tall glass tumblers in case anyone wished to drink some of it.

If asked, Martha would probably admit to feeling a little immodest in her current garb...a top hat and cane and tail coat. White tie, white waistcoat vest...her hair dyed raven black for the evening...a hint of ruby red lipstick...a generous sprinkle of lavender scent...minty toothpaste added to the neat presentation with a crisp white blouse...white gloves...the fishnet revealed a muscular leg, well suited to a dancer or athlete...her other was a metal C-Leg from high up her thigh.

[[ http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3...aaszatanna.jpg ]]

Briefly breaking from her reading Martha checked to see if anyone was descending The Stairs which descend into the covert Elysian Field from the nightclub...

[Mike]

Erich subconsciously adjusted his cufflinks and suit jacket as he quickly descended the stairs from Avalon.

Before stepping into the Elysium he prepared himself for the Beast he knew would imminently challenge him.

After the short pause, inwardly he confidently strode.

"Reeve Connery, Herald Villiers, lovely to see you both this evening."

[Martha Villiers]

With a sincere smile Martha watched as Erich made his entrance. She laid down her paperwork, rubbed at the knee-joint of her C-Leg and steadied her Beast.

Waving a gentle beckon to Erich. "Good evening, sir...good evening! How lovely to see you, sir! Please come and be seated! I do hope you are well!" she chirps.

[Dillon Connery]

Dillon is leaned low and toward Martha a bit, his elbow that is closest to her propped on his knee, hand holding a sheaf of papers. The other hand rests on his thigh, completing the lean as though casually pushing himself closer to the documents they were examining.

And not just because it afforded him a better view of her strong looking leg...

Though the Reeve's arm tenses, gripping his leg and the papers in his hand slightly -- when Erich's presence becomes known -- his only motion is the raising of hazel eyes to assess the arrival.

Without lifting his chin or turning his head, Dillon watches the man, looking up past his eyebrows. The Beast snarls in fury, growling right in his ears. It's never as bad as first meetings, but civil as Dillon is, it can be hard not to just let it go.

Not that the Gangrel has any real reason to hate Erich Passions. Beyond the basic disapproval of some of his earlier methods among Kindred. The one sitting beside him, that the Reeve had been ordered to protect by his predecessor, in particular. But there is just something about him, sometimes.

Which could be simple male ego.

"Good evening, Mister Passions," he finally says, with every bit of his friendly, lopsided smile. He straightens his posture, and places his own documents on the table. "What may we do for you, this evening?"

[Mike]

Erich walks into the room and chooses his seat carefully, purposefully. He ensures that where he sits, places the Reeve in between himself and the Herald.

As if the overwhelming nature of Dillon's beast wasn't enough, Erich wanted to make sure that in every possible way he was letting the creature know, Your the Boss here, I respect that.

"Reeve Connery, Herald Villiers, it is my duty to inform you that I am indebted to His Grace, Prince Clarke. It is his will, that I fulfill that debt that by owing each of you a major boon."

He paused to let that information hang in the air for a bit. He knew both creatures already knew, they knew he knew they already knew. It was the Danse...

"My purpose here is to inform you both that you have, just as you have always had, my full support. I am available should you have need of me."

[Martha Villiers]

Martha smiles and listens. Nodding to show understanding. "I see...I see. Thank you for the information, sir." she had missed the chance to call on advantage from Jim Calloway's Boon. It occurred to her that, should she want to exploit this, she ought to do so swiftly.

She reaches over to reach for the lemonade and, looking to Erich over the wire rims of her spectacles, as if asking Erich if he wanted some.

Martha hated to see Erich glum so she smiled; "I say, Mr Passions...would you like some lemonade?"

[Mike]

Erich returned the Herald's smile. "I thank you for the offer. I do believe that this evening I would love a glass of lemonade."

-1 vitae to Consume

[Martha Villiers]

Martha smiles sweetly and takes time to carefully pour a generous helping of lemonade for Erich and then takes equal care in handing it to him.

"There you go, sir!" she smiles sweetly again as she hands him the drink.

"You are amongst friends, sir! Do not fear!" she reassures. "Be at peace. Is there anything we can help you with?"

Her words seem sincere.

[Mike]

Erich happily accepts the beverage, enjoying the sweet and sour taste for a moment before placing the glass on the table.

"I am hear to serve Herald Villiers. I have nothing to ask of you, but knowledge of how I can work off this debt I owe."

He returns her smile in kind. The shark paces in it's tank.

[Martha Villiers]

Martha nods. She understands. "I understand, sir...you have no wish to labour under a burden...and I have no wish to make the situation lasting or uncomfortable for you." she smiles sweetly.

"In this case...what Powers of the Blood can you make available to me, please...for tuition?" another sweet smile.