Rupert was headed for the front entrance the moment he saw the black-clad woman on a motorcycle on the security monitor, and so the doors opened promptly after the sharp knocking. This must be Ms. De’Espionne – they’d been expecting her, though very discreetly as Celeste did not want Amberelle made aware of her coming. Rupert had her description on good authority and that –had- to be the famous motorcycle-no-one-was-to-touch parked in the round about.
Family trait, that. Amberelle had been just as particular about her vehicle.
Opening the doors for Celeste to step through, he held out a hand for her bag.
“Welcome to Heolfor Manor. Ms. De’Espionne, I presume? May I take your bag?”
Celeste might be…particular…about all of her belongings but he should absolutely make the offer.
“Your quarters have been prepared per your request; I can show you to them now, if you like.”
Late Night Arrival (Open - Attn Rupert)
The motorcycle rolled slowly down the Manor drive, gravel crunching softly under its tires. Behind the mirrored visor of her helmet Celeste's cold blue eyes scanned the grounds, impressed. It was no suprise that the Clan's home was stately or grand, that was actually quite appropriate. But it was still a sight to behold the seat of Anantya's power. Stopping the bike in front of the main doors, she killed the engine and glanced around.
Swinging her leg over she stood with the soft creak of leather and PVC. Her short, lithe body was completely covered in a bodysuit, a black PVC creation of buckles, lacings and corset style boning and that was topped with a long black leather duster. Her chunky soled boots came up over the knees and shiney silver buckles cinched them down the length of their side. Pulling off her leather driving gloves Celeste shoved them into her pocket and pulled off her helmet. Smoothing back her short black hair, she sighed quietly.
Her people were supposed to have contacted the staff here to make arrangements for her arrival. 'Hopefully the humans employed here were competent enough to do what I asked,' she muttered to herself. She traded the helmet in her hands for the duffel bag that was strapped to the BMW's rear, and slung it over her shoulder.
Squaring her shoulders, the brunette strode up the steps with her usual confident air and knocked sharply on the doors twice.
Butler
17 years ago
Celeste
17 years ago
It would have been funny any other time. The proper Butler answering the Manor door, every bit the stereotype. Yet it seemed to fit the Clan home perfectly, spoiling her fun. Quirking her pierced brow at the man, appraising him, Celeste debated his question for a moment. A wicked grin spread across her face and she decided to have a little fun at his expense. Shifting her duffle bag filled with swords, guns and heavy leather clothes she knew it was several hundred pounds worth of weight. A pittance to a kindred like herself. Now to see if the human could handle it.
Holding it out with a few fingers, she gave him a cool look, her blue eyes hard and filled with challenge. Sure... don't drop it. Giving him a fang filled smile, she added I'd hate to have to make a mess in the foyer. Glancing around the impressive entry, the raven haired woman absent mindedly noted the various entrances and routes into the manor. It would be a pain to have to defend.
So tell me, were you informed of my requirements? And no word was sent to my cousin, oui? Her voice was carefully neutral as she asked, but she was tense as she awaited the man's reply.
Holding it out with a few fingers, she gave him a cool look, her blue eyes hard and filled with challenge. Sure... don't drop it. Giving him a fang filled smile, she added I'd hate to have to make a mess in the foyer. Glancing around the impressive entry, the raven haired woman absent mindedly noted the various entrances and routes into the manor. It would be a pain to have to defend.
So tell me, were you informed of my requirements? And no word was sent to my cousin, oui? Her voice was carefully neutral as she asked, but she was tense as she awaited the man's reply.
Butler
17 years ago
Rupert accepted the bag, the order, and the threat in a single nod, realizing too late that he could not so much as lift the strap off her fingers. Oh, brilliant work. With a tight smile, he did the only thing he could do; back down. “My apologies; I believe this will be more than one mere butler can manage.”
He gave a loud snap of his fingers in a gesture that still managed to be fairly discreet, and answered her questions while he waited for…’Bub’…to show up.
“Yes, I believe you will find your quarters quite suitable and your…vehicle…will not be touched. We do however have a spot prepared in the garage for your use.” Nodding at Celeste’s next question, he spoke in a most formal tone. “Miss Amberelle was not informed of your coming and your preparations were made with the utmost discression.”
At that point Charles, who had taken to being addressed as Bub ever since that impressively large man Ezekiel came to the Manor, rounded the corner from the office and gave Rupert an inquisitive look.
“A cart, Charles, for the Lady’s belongings.”
’The Lady’ was said without a trace of irony, though Rupert thought there was certainly room for it. All that metal...well, times changed, he supposed.
He gave a loud snap of his fingers in a gesture that still managed to be fairly discreet, and answered her questions while he waited for…’Bub’…to show up.
“Yes, I believe you will find your quarters quite suitable and your…vehicle…will not be touched. We do however have a spot prepared in the garage for your use.” Nodding at Celeste’s next question, he spoke in a most formal tone. “Miss Amberelle was not informed of your coming and your preparations were made with the utmost discression.”
At that point Charles, who had taken to being addressed as Bub ever since that impressively large man Ezekiel came to the Manor, rounded the corner from the office and gave Rupert an inquisitive look.
“A cart, Charles, for the Lady’s belongings.”
’The Lady’ was said without a trace of irony, though Rupert thought there was certainly room for it. All that metal...well, times changed, he supposed.
Celeste
17 years ago
It was intensely gratifying to watch the look on the butler's face when he realized the fun Celeste was having at his expense. That he had to summon someone else to do it, with a cart even, was just too much and the young vampire actually found herself chuckling dryly.
Her amused smile lingered. It seems the staff back home had made good on letting the humans here know to avoid her motorcycle. Idly she wondered if the gruesome story of what she'd done one time a familiar had moved her bike had been passed on. No matter. Very good, after you show me my room I will check to make sure the garage will be acceptable.
Pausing a moment, Celeste could just hear her Grandmere's voice reminding her not to alienate the human staff too much. Such stupid measures to take. A stiff smile was directed at the older man. I appreciate your discretion....? Pausing to give him a pointed look, she wondered if he would ever give her his name. Not that she would remember it, but manners towards their betters should be remembered by these silly mortals. Shrugging lightly, she clasped her hands behind her back and waited for the cart. I am looking forward to suprising my little cousin, it's been so long since we've seen one another you know. Celeste's eyes were cold and her jaw clenched with a faint tick when she thought of Amberelle. The little golden child would get a visit soon enough, but first there were other matters to attend to.
Was my request to meet with Elder Sorin approved? I'm sure he's a busy man.. but I would like to report in.
Her amused smile lingered. It seems the staff back home had made good on letting the humans here know to avoid her motorcycle. Idly she wondered if the gruesome story of what she'd done one time a familiar had moved her bike had been passed on. No matter. Very good, after you show me my room I will check to make sure the garage will be acceptable.
Pausing a moment, Celeste could just hear her Grandmere's voice reminding her not to alienate the human staff too much. Such stupid measures to take. A stiff smile was directed at the older man. I appreciate your discretion....? Pausing to give him a pointed look, she wondered if he would ever give her his name. Not that she would remember it, but manners towards their betters should be remembered by these silly mortals. Shrugging lightly, she clasped her hands behind her back and waited for the cart. I am looking forward to suprising my little cousin, it's been so long since we've seen one another you know. Celeste's eyes were cold and her jaw clenched with a faint tick when she thought of Amberelle. The little golden child would get a visit soon enough, but first there were other matters to attend to.
Was my request to meet with Elder Sorin approved? I'm sure he's a busy man.. but I would like to report in.
Butler
17 years ago
“Certainly – I will have Charles show you the way.”
It was always Rupert’s pleasure to be the source of amusement for punk attired smart assed vampires. Except it wasn’t, at all, and there were any number of things he would rather be doing. Celeste prompted for his name, which he had forgotten to mention (can’t imagine why), and he supplied it with a dignified air.
“My apologies; I am Rupert Burke.”
She certainly didn’t –look- as though she were looking forward to…well, much of anything…but it was not his place to have an opinion on such matters and after all people showed their emotions in different ways.
Fortunately Charles returned swiftly with the cart; a convenient interruption to an awkward conversation. Celeste was, however, sure to prolong the uncomfortable situation with her pointed question.
“Mr. Lazarovici is away this evening – as soon as he returns I will of course inform him of your arrival and arrange a meeting.”
That was all he could safely say on the matter, as he was not privy to the Elder’s whereabouts.
“This way, if you please.”
With that, he led the way down the west wing to Celeste’s quarters, letting Charles push the cart behind them.
It was always Rupert’s pleasure to be the source of amusement for punk attired smart assed vampires. Except it wasn’t, at all, and there were any number of things he would rather be doing. Celeste prompted for his name, which he had forgotten to mention (can’t imagine why), and he supplied it with a dignified air.
“My apologies; I am Rupert Burke.”
She certainly didn’t –look- as though she were looking forward to…well, much of anything…but it was not his place to have an opinion on such matters and after all people showed their emotions in different ways.
Fortunately Charles returned swiftly with the cart; a convenient interruption to an awkward conversation. Celeste was, however, sure to prolong the uncomfortable situation with her pointed question.
“Mr. Lazarovici is away this evening – as soon as he returns I will of course inform him of your arrival and arrange a meeting.”
That was all he could safely say on the matter, as he was not privy to the Elder’s whereabouts.
“This way, if you please.”
With that, he led the way down the west wing to Celeste’s quarters, letting Charles push the cart behind them.
Celeste
17 years ago
Dropping the bag onto the cart with a loud thud, Celeste sighed quietly. Naturally the Elder would be unavailable. Even if he had been in she doubted he would have seen her right away. What was it with old ones and making people wait? Gustav just loved to do that at every opportunity. Glowering slightly, Celeste followed the suit and decided the room had better live up to her requests or she'd be throwing good old Rupe out of a window. That would certainly improve her mood.
Butler
17 years ago
Rupert led the way down the hall, directing a now silent Celeste to her quarters. She had requested simplicity and monotone – all black, as a matter of fact – and he had found what he hoped would be suitable accommodations.
Now he was –really- hoping they were suitable. It was not much comfort to think that there would be severe reprimands should she kill him.
There was a direct view of the training facility and enough room inside to spread out comfortably without having excessive empty space. He’d picked out ebony furnishing and black leather and satin fabrics, and had arranged wrought iron candelabras throughout the room.
He opened the door to the room and stood aside to let Ms. De’Espionne and Charles enter.
“There are additional candles in the curio cabinet by the bed. You can see the training facility just outside, and can reach the outdoor exit by continuing straight on the hallway before the turn to your rooms. Alternatively, there is a staircase at the corner that will lead you to the basement level, at which point there is underground passage.”
Keeping well out of Celeste’s way, he waited for her to look over the rooms and ask any questions she might have before having Charles lead her to the parking spot.
Now he was –really- hoping they were suitable. It was not much comfort to think that there would be severe reprimands should she kill him.
There was a direct view of the training facility and enough room inside to spread out comfortably without having excessive empty space. He’d picked out ebony furnishing and black leather and satin fabrics, and had arranged wrought iron candelabras throughout the room.
He opened the door to the room and stood aside to let Ms. De’Espionne and Charles enter.
“There are additional candles in the curio cabinet by the bed. You can see the training facility just outside, and can reach the outdoor exit by continuing straight on the hallway before the turn to your rooms. Alternatively, there is a staircase at the corner that will lead you to the basement level, at which point there is underground passage.”
Keeping well out of Celeste’s way, he waited for her to look over the rooms and ask any questions she might have before having Charles lead her to the parking spot.
Celeste
17 years ago
The route was memorized as they went, Celeste already drawing a mental map of the Manor and making notes of hallways that would bear further exploration. When they reached the room, the Anantya thought for a moment she saw aprehension on Rupert's face and she smirked slightly. Oh to have him fail, that would give her a reason to vent all of her mounting frustrations on the frail old human. Brushing past him, she gave him a sideways look that spoke volumes.
'Of course,' she thought sourly. The room had to be exactly to her tastes. 'Damn it,' She glared at nothing in particular. Pursing her lips, her icy eyes swept over every detail and could find no faults. She was even glad to be on the ground floor, it would make entrances and exits easier. He mentioned the exterior exit and she shrugged. With her ability doors were less important. When you could become a ghost simple things like walls weren't difficult to circumvent.
I suppose this is acceptable, it suits my needs. Turning sharply on her heel, she fixed the butler with a cool stare. Tell me, are there any others living in this area, and where? And what is the most direct route to the garage, and my cousin's room from here?
'Of course,' she thought sourly. The room had to be exactly to her tastes. 'Damn it,' She glared at nothing in particular. Pursing her lips, her icy eyes swept over every detail and could find no faults. She was even glad to be on the ground floor, it would make entrances and exits easier. He mentioned the exterior exit and she shrugged. With her ability doors were less important. When you could become a ghost simple things like walls weren't difficult to circumvent.
I suppose this is acceptable, it suits my needs. Turning sharply on her heel, she fixed the butler with a cool stare. Tell me, are there any others living in this area, and where? And what is the most direct route to the garage, and my cousin's room from here?
Butler
17 years ago
Rupert listed off several people that lived in this part of the west wing, mentioning that Alex West lived just above her among the others. There was a touch of guilt for the eagerness he felt at inflicting this somewhat unpleasant woman on her neighbors but this was all public knowledge anyway.
Amberelle’s suite was likewise known by anyone who looked at the floor plan or asked her directly. Still, there was a part of him that didn’t want to tell her. Was he out of his mind? Of –course- he should tell Celeste where to go, and for heaven’s sake the woman was family.
“To get to the garage, you continue through the round about and go straight until you see the access road on your right. There is a reserved spot on the ground level – 14A. Your cousin’s room is in the east wing. Continue down this hallway back to the entrance, then take the far right hallway to a pair of wrought iron and mahogany double doors.”
“Would you like Charles to provide an escort to your space?”
Amberelle’s suite was likewise known by anyone who looked at the floor plan or asked her directly. Still, there was a part of him that didn’t want to tell her. Was he out of his mind? Of –course- he should tell Celeste where to go, and for heaven’s sake the woman was family.
“To get to the garage, you continue through the round about and go straight until you see the access road on your right. There is a reserved spot on the ground level – 14A. Your cousin’s room is in the east wing. Continue down this hallway back to the entrance, then take the far right hallway to a pair of wrought iron and mahogany double doors.”
“Would you like Charles to provide an escort to your space?”
Celeste
17 years ago
Rupert mentioned names that meant nothing to the raven haired Creole. All it meant was there would be peole around should she decide to go wandering in more direct paths. That annoyed her, but couldn't be helped. They'd just have to get used to a ghost passing through upon occasion.
Wrought iron and mahogany double doors? Arching a brow at the butler, her voice dripped sarcasm. What the hell, is she staying in the Imperial Suite or some bullshit like that? Damn spoiled rotten baby, Celeste thought darkly. Her cousin had been coddled by them all far too much it seemed.
Sure, I suppose he could show me the way. Eyeing Charles up and down, Celeste licked her lips slightly. I'm feeling a bit... hungry. Where do they keep the walking snacks around here, or is it open season with the staff?
Wrought iron and mahogany double doors? Arching a brow at the butler, her voice dripped sarcasm. What the hell, is she staying in the Imperial Suite or some bullshit like that? Damn spoiled rotten baby, Celeste thought darkly. Her cousin had been coddled by them all far too much it seemed.
Sure, I suppose he could show me the way. Eyeing Charles up and down, Celeste licked her lips slightly. I'm feeling a bit... hungry. Where do they keep the walking snacks around here, or is it open season with the staff?
Butler
17 years ago
Rupert drew himself up to his full height to answer Celeste's question, managing to repress the urge to sniff disdainfully only by force of will.
"Given your Clan's policies on familiars, I wouldn't advise...snacking...on just anyone. Most of us are spoken for..."
As he spoke, though, Charles regarded him with an anxious expression behind Celeste's back. An expression that turned to a violent shaking of the head in denial of Rupert's last words, then pleading gestures with his hands.
Good -God-, did 'Bub' actually want to be this unpleasant woman's next meal? And more importantly, was he free to make himself available? His body language said yes on both counts. Charles came here when his original master, for lack of a better term, abandoned him, and Rupert thought it was perfectly possible that he had not formed…new attachments.
"...though perhaps in Charles' case I spoke too soon."
Charles' pleading gestures turned to a mouthed 'thank you' as he stepped around Celeste and gestured to the door.
'Shall we?' Charles said with a slight smile.
Rupert decided he didn't want to know what happened next.
“If that is all, Ms. De’Espionne, I will leave you to settle in. You can reach me through the intercom should you require anything else.”
/ooc Rupert out pending responses, feel free to move Charles about.
"Given your Clan's policies on familiars, I wouldn't advise...snacking...on just anyone. Most of us are spoken for..."
As he spoke, though, Charles regarded him with an anxious expression behind Celeste's back. An expression that turned to a violent shaking of the head in denial of Rupert's last words, then pleading gestures with his hands.
Good -God-, did 'Bub' actually want to be this unpleasant woman's next meal? And more importantly, was he free to make himself available? His body language said yes on both counts. Charles came here when his original master, for lack of a better term, abandoned him, and Rupert thought it was perfectly possible that he had not formed…new attachments.
"...though perhaps in Charles' case I spoke too soon."
Charles' pleading gestures turned to a mouthed 'thank you' as he stepped around Celeste and gestured to the door.
'Shall we?' Charles said with a slight smile.
Rupert decided he didn't want to know what happened next.
“If that is all, Ms. De’Espionne, I will leave you to settle in. You can reach me through the intercom should you require anything else.”
/ooc Rupert out pending responses, feel free to move Charles about.
Celeste
17 years ago
It was really very hard not to laugh as Rupert drew himself up so stiffly. Celeste settled for smirking. It was too bad, she thought with a sigh, in New Orleans everyone in the household had belonged to Gustav so his children had the freedom to bite as they desired. Obviously that was too much to hope for here. But there was... Charles. Turning to eye the man she gave him a fang filled smile.
Barely turned to acknowledge the butler, she waved a hand to dismiss him. Yeah that's all for now, Rupe. If I need something I will let you know. Walking slowly around the other human, Celeste eyed him critically. He'd do she supposed. Best to build up the anticipation and stir up the blood some, he'd be extra tasty then.
Standing in front of him she leaned in very close and sniffed him slowly. Leaning back she ran her tongue over a fang slowly, giving him a cold stare. Show me the garage, and we will go over the rules while we walk. His eager nod annoyed her, but she was willing to deal with it for an easy meal. He lead the way out, and she followed behind.
((OOC Celeste out... for dinner O_o Lock up!))
Barely turned to acknowledge the butler, she waved a hand to dismiss him. Yeah that's all for now, Rupe. If I need something I will let you know. Walking slowly around the other human, Celeste eyed him critically. He'd do she supposed. Best to build up the anticipation and stir up the blood some, he'd be extra tasty then.
Standing in front of him she leaned in very close and sniffed him slowly. Leaning back she ran her tongue over a fang slowly, giving him a cold stare. Show me the garage, and we will go over the rules while we walk. His eager nod annoyed her, but she was willing to deal with it for an easy meal. He lead the way out, and she followed behind.
((OOC Celeste out... for dinner O_o Lock up!))