A Night at the Saloon

[Garrett Prosper]

Garrett tried to think of the last time he had been in the water, and he couldn't recall. The banter was light among the Supplicants, feeling more like a social club than the rigid, almost monastic structure his last experience had been. Maybe this round he wouldn't be seen as a black sheep; too distracted with the material world to produce anything of note.

Prosper's jaw clenched as he sorted his thoughts. He felt a kindred spirit in Beth's obvious appreciation of positive feedback; his whole life had been about constructing an image that was so much social armour. Hopefully she wasn't torn to pieces as other Kindred hooked their talons into the soft spot, manipulated as she is stretched onto someone else's image. Slave indeed.

"Offering an optimal work environment will definitely give the department a competitive edge. Coworkers working to inspire one another rather than compete is something I have dreamed of. I should stop by to see where the magic happens, it sounds like you all got away with creating a company retreat," a hopeful smile, though not as naive as the design of his appearance. They seem so young, I wonder how many times they've lost themselves to their dominant spirits? Though, what Atticus said could mean this desire came from hard lessons. They were certainly selling it.

"Well, Lina...hm," he casts an eye to the Kine, "How do I put this? I despise the concept of stagnation. A company produces capital when they can offer some form of innovation. Consistent numbers are safe and reliable, but...nothing new will come out of it, ja? I prefer environments that will inspire potential, where the march of time isn't so bleak. Me? I'm not one of those geniuses, not since my accident," he flicks his hand dismissively, as if a cigar was meant to be there, "I work with what I have, to move beyond what God has decided to chain me with. So I don't wake up feeling like there is no change for people like us."

His gaze is serious, aging him for a moment.

[Blackbird]

Blackbird brightened as the praise was reinforced, relaxing in her seat at Lina's and Atticus' words. Atticus' brief promise of violence to Kindred who fail to behave is particularly noticed. Prompting her smirk to return. She was quite certain Atticus could back it up. She had witnessed it after all.

Brieflythis was shaken loose as she saw Garrett's jaw clench, but it proved a momentary distraction as she soon turned to examine her nails, allowing her two betters to gauge the newcomer's value and assess his history. Blackbird was quite vain, but she wasn't dumb. She was still rather new to the Ordo Dracul and wasn't about to discuss she knew little about in detail. Thus, she chose to practice some of the lessons her sire had instilled in her years within the Court of San Jose.

Part of social grace is knowing when to shut your mouth and listen.

Besides, Garrett's words weren't meant for her. They were meant for Lina to show his value and his reasoning for choosing Sacramento. Why would she intervene?

[Garrett Prosper]

Garrett smiles to himself as he swirls the hunk of ice in his Old Fashioned. The word game was entertaining.

Atticus mooning at Blackbird was also entertaining.

"I haven't been a very good Supplicant when it comes to the God of education. I have to blame my taste in material things," he sighs, eyes flicking from his suit to Lina's unwavering attention, "I've changed some, though. My trials and tribulations in the field have made me no stranger to Terror."

He rests his chin in his hand again as he looks at the other two Dragons, not wanting to bore them with his resume. "Do you find you are all making good money to be moving to this department? I say tastes can always get expensive if you try hard enough."

[Blackbird]

Blackbird smirked as Lina not-so-subtly suggested Atticus just skinny dip in the pool.

"What's a quick dip among friends?" she teases in turn.

As Lina continues to speak to wean more information out of the newest Supplicant, Blackbird takes the opportunity to quietly order a Rum and Coke. Simple. Effective. Tasty.

Geez, Lina, I thought we were off hours.

The amusing thought pulls a small, mirthful smile to the neonate's lips, but she does not say anything. She understands why the Grand Wyrm is doing it after all.

Liabilities and assets.

She catches Atticus' grin and glance, gifting him with the same in turn. It was a dangerous game the two were playing, but whether Blackbird considered him an amusing friend, a momentary plaything, or perhaps something more hadn't been explored. What Blackbird did know is that they had similar interests and outlooks, despite what was likely a vastly different experience in the Curse. It was worth exploring. Even through playful barbs.

When the talk moves to material goods, the bird perks up, turning her attention to Garrett. She'd offer a half-shrug. Blackbird was a creature of luxury. In many ways, she was all about the material. If the time came, separating from such things would be a trial in and of itself.

"In the department? Nah, I haven't made much headway," she offers, "but I just transferred. In the past I've mostly made my money in acquisitions and sales."

A half truth. Blackbird had an established net in the Black Market. It had proven profitable enough for her alongside other ventures. How was she able to afford the lifestyle she chose to lead otherwise?

[Garrett Prosper]

Garrett nods, "No,
I agree: change comes from within, and every journey is different. However," he grins, "if the department is ever needing some investments, I am a large fan of your work. Innovation and education should not be hindered due to lack of patronage."

[Blackbird]

So many Kindred had modest nests, suiting their needs, but not their wants.

In comparison, the nest of Sacramento's Dragons may as well be made of gold and ivory. It was a thing of luxury and comfort. Therefore, it likely would come as no surprise to the established Dragons when Blackbird brightened at the prospect of taking the evening to their home in Florin.

"A hot tub on a chilly night? You're really twisting my arm, Lina," she said, her voice heavy with playful sarcasm, "I'm ready to head when you are."

As she drank in her simple concoction, the bird turned her attention back to Garrett as he spoke of a willingness to invest in Atticus' trials. Her own wealth was a point of pride for Blackbird, she could afford to be more than comfortable and the newcomer's statement itself stunk of money.

Subtle, Moneybags. Subtle.

She'd grant the German a knowing smirk. He was either trying to leverage his money for building relations with the chapter or he'd turn his investment back around at some point in the future and request a boon. It would take time to properly assess the man's motives, but for now Blackbird would err on the side of caution.

"I'm not exactly hurting for cash myself," she'd offer, turning her glance to Atticus, "So if you need a new tub? Let me know."

Blackbird allowed her smirk to grow into a smile. She felt she accomplished quite a bit with that statement. It seemed necessary to reveal to Garrett that he wasn't the only one with money to throw around. Part of it was pride, certainly, but the man was still an unknown quantity despite their shared affiliation. Why risk an ally becoming indebted to an untested figure when you can ensure their security yourself?