for memory's sake.

Jocelyn Valois

Thu 04:08AM CST
"Remind me," Jocelyn had asked, once they vacated the cab, turning to watch the yellow car speed away. The cab twins itself in her pupils; two ghosts, leaving and leaving and -- gone. Then she turns back to study her relative (packmate; more important then blood; we all know how important blood is...) carefully. "Who are we visiting?" Floats behind like a shadow.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:11AM CST
At 3:40 Aurich was as groomed as he intended to get. The sort of man that looked good with a rugged unshaven jaw, he could wear just about anything and be known for what he is. Tonight it was - important word, was - a light grey t-shirt, long-sleeved; charcoal grey slacks and coat.

By 3:50 the coat was gone, and so was the shirt. He was on the balcony dancing swiftfooted around a hanging punching bag, bright red; shifting stance from right-foot-forward to left, and back, he dances the dance of broken cheekbones and black eyes with the toy, his bare knuckles pounding on it in regular sequence. He had a fight in less than 48 hours and, being Ahroun, he was not about to waste time lounging about.

At 4:03 the bell rights and Aurich stops, a little out of breath, a lot sweaty. He glances quickly at his watch. Then he pulls his shirt back on, throws his coat over a stool at the wet bar in the corner, and shuts the sliding door to the balcony behind him.

"Early," he notes with raised eyebrows at Jaan. They could not have taken a limousine. Limos are never early. They took a cab. Pressing a button on the intercom, the small viewscreen 50-someodd stories below blinks to life, giving a monochrome image of Brand's heavyboned, lowland-Germanic face. "Cousins. Be welcome." Click, the door below unlatches and the videocom goes blank.


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:14AM CST
*Jaan looks up as the bell rings and gently sits down his wine glass. Standing he straightens his clothes. Placing his book on the end table he looks to the Alpha, speaking in german as he does* ~G~ Shall I rouse the others or are we going for the less "Freak um out" route of just we two tonight?"


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:17AM CST
"Just you and I, brother. And the ladies." Flashing a quick toothy grin, Brand grabs the collar of his shirt and draws the fabric up for a quick sniff while he heads to the door to open it. They have a few moments while the Valoises rode the elevator up. "Do I smell as bad as I think?"


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 04:18AM CST
"Cousins..." A fleeting smile graces her lips as flesh rounds around and repeats the words, eyes gray and blue and shadowed briefly landing on the other woman's face. "Fun? Perhaps not. Much formality, much tediousness. And I dare say..." The crescent lifts to bare white. "... most upstanding. Like ourselves." The humour fades quickly as the door is buzzed open - and she shifts through it with easy grace -- careful not to let the surface brush the white suit she wears.

"But most importantly, they know why we're here. Uncle.. arranged this."


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:18AM CST
Worse. He moves to an end table and pulls out a can of AXE body spray and tosses it to him* The Baroness went to the planeteriam tonight.... she was quite proud of herself.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:21AM CST
Aurich grabs the can of AXE out of the air and takes a sniff. "Whuf..." and it's tossed back untouched. "I thought I saw her flouncing out in blue jeans. What was that, her idea of camouflage? Was she escorted?"


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:25AM CST
*He catches it and laughs* The girls love this stuff. * He puts it away* Yes, bluejeans. She was being "Daring" and trying to "Blend."
I think she meanderd out alone actually. I just know there was a cap with a metor on a spring on it outside my door*


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 04:26AM CST
"Family is all very well," Jocelyn begins - then Aurich's features appear on the monitor. The door buzzes open. Jocelyn is laden with a tote-bag-esque purse, which she adjusts on her shoulder; glances once more up at the sky, or just up at the building itself, measuring its stature against the heavens. "But," she follows Josephine in - quickens her pace, to catch up. "Uncle," and the word is as bare as bones in the air, fleshless and boneless, "needs to start sending out more detailed memos. What do we know about these cousins?"

They're in the elevator now and it's making its painstaking ascent upward. They can't even feel it underneath their feet. Jocelyn looks up, again, the way people do in elevators - as if that'd make it go quicker, or they could see how close they were to the top.

Then her eyes fall back onto Josephina; her lips skim back from her teeth - just a hint of white in the smile. "And I like formalities." Back to looking at the ceiling. "They're always the same."


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:28AM CST
"Your girls, perhaps," Aurich replies, superiority in every line of his body and in the raising of his dark eyebrow. "My woman likes me stinking." And he grins, flexing his elbows backwards in a stretching, limbering motion as he waits near the door. This, the easy jesting of two men - Garou - that were both blood brothers and brothers in arms, and thus closer than both.


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:30AM CST
*Jaan laughs and nods* Well stinking in literal since makes sence as she's agreed to mate with you. *He checks his breath and munches a quick Tic Tack* Dani is getting used to being my Mate instead of just my kin... I think she's happier.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:33AM CST
"You have taken her as mate?" The smile fades somewhat. They are beyond the formalities of what is condoned and what is censured. "You must not follow me into the Umbra, then. One widow is enough for this pack. Ah -- they approach."

Down the hall, ding, the elevator arrives.


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 04:34AM CST
"Well, the names do change occasionally - but.. essentially..." The silk fabric slides over her form, tailored perfectly over every inch by the deft hands of some designer. Big name? Of course. Chanel. Much like the fragrance which trails behind her. ".. I'm sure you could guess it." The bag in her hand, tiny seed-pearls scattered over it surface, is lightly clutched in her hand - the thought of ringing uncle, or at least someone close to him, for a last minute briefing an eventually dismissed thought. "We are meeting... now what was his name? Some.. german sounding contraption. Aur... Aurich. Actually.." She laughs. "I like the way that sounds. Strong. Aurich von Doenhoff." The voice has a lilt, light and easily amused - though its not long before that guise is fading.

In the elevator, her stance suddenly shifts - one Jocelyn would know (and love?) from the boardroom, the court, the tight business personality served best amongst - most everyone. Straight shoulders, yet not tense - just merely, confident - and its long-legged strides which eat the hallway to the door. And the clip of stiletto heels.

Prada.
(To go with the bag.)


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:34AM CST
*He nods and listens. That's yet to be seen. His place is at Brands left. As allways.
Should his mate be widowd... well that might just be too bad.
He looks to the door as the ding chimes* She's very fond of the Barroness. Trust that she'll be looked after.


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 04:39AM CST
Jocelyn's ice-green eyes thaw slightly when she smiles. [...this time without teeth.] "It's a male name, Josie. Of course you like it." The name - of course it's recognized. How many times did she need to run over the different lineages and why they were distinct and so on and so forth while they'd become more and necessary to her [... more necessary then air...] for survival? Almost as many times as the tribal galliards did.

But when you're walking up to someones doorstep it isn't polite to say - Aurich von Doenhoff? Brand? The doomed one? More doomed then most of us, that is. The really doomed.

So she keeps her peace. And she still follows Josephina -- partly because she has no idea what door they're going to.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 04:44AM CST
Behold, the Fangs done their regalia.

No, not the fur-trimmed mantles in deep scarlet; not the purple emperor's robes. Not the crown and not the scepter, not the sword and not the wand.

Simply this, their presence. Outside Josephina's demeanor shifts to the taut, honed sharpness of her business face. Inside, Aurich's easy lean against the door is no more. He draws himself upright, shoulders back, head high, and if you had a yardstick you could stretch it down perpendicular along the line of his back, from skull to tailbone.

There is no tension in this posture. Like any good swordsman or fighter, his muscles are relaxed but ready, his joints loose. Unshaven, in a longsleeved t-shirt damp with sweat, command still drapes him as heavily as any mantle, and so much more potently.

As the clip of heels approaches the door he sweeps it open, free hand folded at the small of his back as he bows slightly, and graciously, to them. Large of bone, large of frame, large of presence: Aurich Eberstark, Freiherr von Doenhoff, of House Gleaming Eye. His dark eyes (a gleam of green in all the umber-amber) glint between them. If he has no idea who is whom, which is which, there is no panic in the calm movement of his gaze. Stepping back, to invites them enter with a gesture.

"Mesdemoiselles de Valois - my packmate Jaan Rafe, of Estonia, and I your humble host, Aurich Eberstark, of Doenhoff. Please, come in."

The door shuts softly behind them and does not lock. That would be impolite, like a gaoler allowing his new prisoners entrance.


Jaan Rafe

Thu 04:53AM CST
*Jaan offered a smile as he sees the ladies. A bow of his head to go with the warm smile. Jaan is in the slacks and casmere V neck Ralf Lauren shirt. HIs broad shoulders filling it out nicly. Unlike his pack brother, he smells pleasent and is well groomed. As he speaks the Estonian accent is present but cultured* Good evening.


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 04:54AM CST
"Well, come now..." The expression is returned, and improved - she enjoys to smile - where so often her cousin does, will, not. For balance. "That isn't the case at all. It still does need a certain.. something. Much like a good accessory. And of course, it helps when styled by renowned designers." Blue bloods. "For example. The other cousin. Jaan. Now.. that name..." Her hand motions lightly in the air, then falls to her side at the movement of the door.

The smile slips from glossed flesh - last lingering remnant - and schooled into distant, almost haughty, cordiality. Such an easy change. Yet it does not quite bleed into those eyes, storm-flecked pools incapable of complete neutrality.

In there, there is life. And warmth.

De Valois.. She doesn't correct him - though, her full name is preferred over that of her cousin's. A certain pride, well-earned, through years of careful breeding. It should really be acknowledged.

"Good evening, Monsieur Eberstark. Monsieur Rafe. I trust we did not keep you waiting long." She does seem concerned - for that instant when her eyes hold briefly with him, lip-sealed smile tilts corners, before she is moving into the room. There is an accent in the voice, upper-class English - and not the tantalising tilt of French, as may have been expected.


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 05:02AM CST
Take a moment to notice the differences. Jocelyn is, of course, impeccably dressed; but it's a casual, tailored impeccability; so casual it's almost unnoticeable. But where Josephina is warm, Jocelyn is cool-eyed. Where Josephina is gorgeous, Jocelyn is nothing much to look at at all. The blood - the breeding - the legendary ancestors stretching back and back and back - that's all there. Understated. [ Hey, people think when they look at Silver Fangs. Watch them. They're something - great.]

Her gaze pulls away - the tail-end of an unseen warning? - from Josephina to the hosts. Her lips turn up; she nods. And her accent? Is pure french. The hard 'th' sounds like a 'z' - there's something throaty in the otherwise clear voice which has all to do with location-growing-up.

"Bon soir." Nod. "It was very pleasant of you to extend the invitation. If we - if I - " a bit of rue " - am not the brilliant conversationalist that I'd like to think I can be, I blame the time difference."


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 05:06AM CST
"Waiting? Not at all. And madam -- " oh, Aurich still doesn't know which is which, but he's looking at Jocelyn now, " -- you underestimate yourself.

"Please." He indicates the living room with its tasteful arrangement of furniture, lighting, art. There are women living in this condominium. You can tell at a glance. It's in the arrangement of things, in the smell in the air, in the overall feel of the place, which does not have the forcible cleanliness of a maid's dire effort. "The flight must have been grueling. You've come a long way, and not a moment too soon. I trust you've heard of the situation at hand - may I offer you something to drink?"


Jaan Rafe

Thu 05:06AM CST
*Jaan nods to them gently and his voice rolls out rich and thick from where he stands*
I'm sûre nous vouloir pardonner vous tout petit se faufiler ups dames. Pouvions MOI trouver soit soit une de vous la boisson ou peut-être quelques-unes sorte de petit pain rond au lait?


["I'm sure we will forgive you any minor slip ups ladies. Could I get either one of you a drink or perhaps some sconnes?"]


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 05:19AM CST
A critical yet approving eye is cast over the interior of the room - and Aurich may get the strong suspicion that if it were not quite up to scratch - then the eventual invitation (pending?) would be not even considered. Well, outside of polite limits, that is. The white-garbed figure, slender and tall and blending into the simple modernity like a pale stature, reclines on one of the offered seats. A brow lifts sharply in Jocelyn's direction, before the refreshment is accepted. "I do not suppose you have champagne?" There is no expectation in her voice - and if she were to be honest to herself, there are two things possible. One, that she had already imbibed enough on the plane, and two, that she would be disappointed by anything Doenhoff had to offer - should the answer be an affirmative.

"And then, perhaps," An almost apologetic smile appears as she leaves little room for further pleasantries, "you could inform us as to why Phillipe Rouvier thought it important we speak to you as soon as we arrived."


Jaan Rafe

Thu 05:22AM CST
Je suis équitablement sûr thanksggiving nous avons flacon champagne et sparkeling vin. MOI piquet de grève en haut une sympathique Chateu Lature 37, une Merlot si vous would préférons?

*He looks to Brand to field the second part of the question. Being the Earl of Estonia's north eastern provence he'd put up with plenty of refined guests.

[I am fairly certain that we have botth champagne and sparkeling wine. I picked up a nice Chateu Lature 37, a Merlot if you would prefer?]


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 05:25AM CST
Jaan speaks her native tongue - this directs the slight smile [ -- don't pray for the thaw] towards him. She wets her lips with her tongue (it is temptation to respond en francaise as well; she doesn't). "For myself? A scone would be lovely, and some coffee, if you have it. The Merlot perhaps another time." And then - her cool gaze keeps all three of the actors in this scene before her. "And in case the Uncle did not send files with - what do you? - mug-shots, I," a hand on her chest, "am Jocelyn - or Pagan if you prefer that name - and this is my packmate," subtle claim of bond, "Josephina."


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 05:32AM CST
Apparently, they hadn't been briefed. Aurich spears them both with a look, briefly, then turns away to walk into the living room he directed them toward. He sprawls into the overstuffed leather couch, glancing briefly at Jaan. "Give the ladies their choice, Jaan," he replies - in German. "I'm fine, thank you."

A grave nod to both as they are introduced, then. "Honored," and he makes a rudimentary stand as they seat themselves, if they seat themselves, reseating himself afterwards.

"The present situation, madams, is doubtlessly why your Uncle directed you to me. We are currently seeing this protectorate" he opens his hands to indicate the greater Chicago area, "in a state of flux. The forces of the Wyrm press us from every direction, but the tide may yet be turning. The locals have found a slumbering caern, and the way to perhaps awaken it. The date set for this undertaking is this Friday. A little over 36 hours away. So you see," a brief smile, politeness not dimming the potential for great kindness there - and great sternness as well - "it is imperative that things happen quickly at this stage."


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 05:34AM CST
The introduction receives a slight tilt of chin, before the greater subject of interest is voiced. "Chateau Latour? We were just in the Bordeaux region." The brow rises slightly in her packmate's direction at the demure, but she says nothing. And if reclining on the couch while others stand would seem awkward on another, with these beasts (yes. all.) it is their right. Their breeding, their pride, does not allow the absence of eye-level to serve discomfit upon their carefully tuned frames.

Particularly not on this one.

An arm drapes over the arm rest, one manicured finger lifting and then pressing soft into the fabric. A gesture of thought - as attention turns to Aurich. "Tell us of the wyrm threat. Philippe mentioned..." Her gaze shadows, briefly, before giving a slight shrug. "It is a corporate entity, is it not?" Which would explain, amongst other things, why their particular presence was chosen. "How much do you know of its manifestation?"


Jaan Rafe

Thu 05:38AM CST
*He inclines his head and turns walking over to the wet bar in the corner. Pulling out the coffee popt he pours a cup in fine Eastern Russian gold rimmed china, then places the cup on a saucer with a fresh scone delivered from Londons East end just this morning. They kept them for the Barroness. Oh how they doted on her. Then taped the Lature. Pouring a wine glass for the other.

Carrying them back across he offers the saucer to Jocelyn and nods* Pagan.
*Looking to Jose, he offers her the flute with he dark wine in it.
He's about to sit when the entercome comes on. Sleepily inquirieing something in a womans voice. In Estoinian. Jaan smiles* Si vous dames vouloir possiably pardon. I'm être appelé à le profit mon Tasser taxe. Le était une volonté à rencontrer vous tous les deux et MOI attendre avec impatience travailler à vous dans l'avénir.

*He bows deeply to them both and heads for the thick wooden door*

[If you ladies will possiably excuse me.. I'm being called to proform my Pack duty.
It was a pleasure to meet you both and I look forward to working with you in the future. ]


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 05:42AM CST
Jocelyn's mastered the art of sitting without wrinkling her clothing; she should teach it. She doesn't lounge. Her spine is ( ... steel or diamond-) straight, although somehow, somehow, the posture is natural. As natural as breathing. Aurich speaks.

Jocelyn gives Josephina a look - her eyes are seas frozen all the way to the bottom; they stay frozen; but fire reflecting on ice gives the illusion of fever, sometimes, and is intense.

And she takes the cup and saucer, and nods crisply when Jaan takes his leave.

"We were led to believe the straits were not quite so dire. You lead the attack? Where and when?"


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 05:48AM CST
"Goodnight, Jaan," he raises his voice briefly, turning to call over his shoulder and the overstuffed back of the chair.

Still sprawled: relaxed, alpha male. Master of his domain, which is all that they see about them, and all of downtown Chicago as well if they believed his claim. And why should they not? He was Silver Fang, after all. He had a birthright to title and land, no matter what the Walkers and Fianna wanted to claim.

He allows them a moment to enjoy their refreshments. Then, folding in, leaning forward, business continues. "At least part of it - the influential, powerful part - appears to use the conglomerate corporation Pyrell and all its subsidiaries as both front and operating arm. However, they seem capable of calling in large amounts of grunt soldiers rather quickly. The local Garou have been quite capable of stemming off the tide and taking care of the grunts when they rear their heads - as they doubtlessly will on Friday. However, to exterminate the root of the problem could prove more difficult, even for my pack. We are, after all, soldiers at heart." He smiles self-deprecatingly.

Then the raptor-sharp eyes, dark as a hawk's, fasten on Jocelyn. "Oh, quite dire, mademoiselle. And no," this is spoken easily, for the acceptance of a more qualified lord's rule is every bit as important as the willingness to rule on the road to kingship, "we do not lead this attack. We are rearguard.

"The final location of the Caern has not yet been disclosed. We wait for an omen that will be revealed on Friday, Falcon willing. We strike out from the abandoned subway terminal at Washington and 18th - I can show you on the map, if you like. We follow the fetish held by the Quick, a pack of lowborn scouts and mystics and warriors. When the Caern is found, the Theurges will do their job and we will make our stand."


Arabella Eberstark von Doenhof

Thu 05:52AM CST
Arund this hour in Switzerland she would be rising for lessons before her true schoolday began. However, in America, she's still running a similar schedule, if only because she'd be returned to that Academy come fall if she didn't happen to complete her few months of this year while away. There was good reason she'd gone to the Planetarium afterall.

This morning, she was yet again rising. Slipping from her bed, like Sleeping Beauty rising after one hundred years, her feet slid into fluffy slippers, a long pale pink robe buttoned over her soft cotton night gown, the chesynut hair braided neatly. Sleep had pulled a few sft curls from it to frame her face by now. Thus she exitted her room, giving Jaan a half awake smile as he passed her in the hall. He just grinned. She assumed Danica. Of course once she reached the oaken door and opened it, she'd know otherwise.

The heavy oaken door opened just shortly after Jaan disappeared to reveal the still somewhat sleepy eyed young kinfolk. Bearing a remarkable resemblance to Aurich, but refined into delicate female degrees instead, she gave every impression of a young lady. Green eyed gaze was soft as she kept walking a few more steps... and stopped. And blinked. She glanced at the clock, then Aurich and guests. Jaan hadn't told her they had guests. The blush immediate.

"Good morning Aurich... I did not realize we were entertaining... at this hour." Given credit she doesn't bolt back to her room to primp, but maintains some grace.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 05:58AM CST
And credit to Arabella's brother as well: he does not strain for all things to be exactly as the laws of etiquette dictates. Instead, he bends the laws of etiquette to his decree. Apparently unflustered by the girl's nightgowned appearance, he merely lifts a large hand her way and introduces her with a cool, flawless aplomb.

"Josephina, Jocelyn -- my sister and kin to my blood, Arabella Eberstark von Doenhoff. Arabella, these are our cousins, packmates Josephina de Valois-Montreuil and Jocelyn Valois. They have come a long way and have just now arrived."

Unspoken but lingering in the air: the cast of business over it all. Garou business. Not unlike Family business, for the mob, really.


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 06:00AM CST
Garou blood dictated the knowledge of combat - it was integral to who they were, and even these two women, one as completely removed from anything suggesting physical violence in a glance, from the pristine presentation of her sculpted, moulded, primped and prettied form, to the loose-limbed dancer (not warrior)'s grace and the unblemished skin. The modern damsels in distress. At a glance, a stranger's glance, the discussion of war should sit ill on their cosetted shoulders. Perhaps, at a glance, Jocelyn at least would be appraised as the sterner of the two. Still. Soft.

Yet avid, thoughtful attention dawns in the sleek blonde's face, an expression not unlike discussions for a hostile corporate takeover amongst the Board of Directors of her father's company. A shark-like intensity which sifts Aurich's news through a sieve. "We will need to know these details, but also more on the Corporation. What you know of those involved." Those at the top - her own informants could gather the necessary about the company itself, the public operations, even some of the internal, as well as the profiles of those at the top. But what she needed now, was garou-only. The presence of the kin does not stem the tide. Perhaps caution could be advised in any other domain.

But this was his. And his presence vouched for it.


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 06:02AM CST
And then she slides that glance to the kin - that she had not broken her own press for information at the girl's presence could be, perhaps, also lacking in etiquette. Or merely, judgment of priority. But just as quickly as those words are released - the expression relaxes enough for a smile and charmed response. "Delighted."


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 06:03AM CST
"A pleasure, madamoiselle," Jocelyn murmurs (. correct. and. proper .) to Arabella. It is her only input at the moment.


Arabella Eberstark von Doenhof

Thu 06:08AM CST
Ahe glances from Aurich (dear brother) to Josephina to Jocelyn and she smiled, casting sunlight across her features in her light hearted way. She seemed to recover the bits of lost composure in the press of business Then she spots the scones. Jaan knew her tastes too well. Giving a rather girlish giggle, [She's at home and some lack of etiquette can be excused...] she proceeded to place a scone on a gold rimmed saucer... glanced with a twinling green gaze and a second joined it. They were her favorites afterall... straight from London.

"Shall I leave you to it then?"

Some things her brother preferred her not to know and she had practice yet to do before her piano lesson that afternoon.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 06:11AM CST
"We have little intelligence on this matter as of yet. We keep to tactics and warfare. However," a surprisingly deft turn of his fingers spins one of the intricate lace doilies around on the coffee table. He reaches automatically for a pen at his breast pocket, only he does not have one, and so, with a small abashed smile, borrows one from the other Fangs. Continuing then, he scribbles out a name on the doily.

Which is old. Expensive. Intricate. Exquisite. Part of a set of eight. And now, ruined.

"This man might be able to assist you. He's a Glass Walker who seems to specialize in this sort of thing." The tone is clear: they're the help, dear, use them. That's what they're for. "You might find his attitude a little lacking in the respect department, but his information could prove useful nonetheless.

"The Fenrir pack on the Riverfront also has some intelligence on the corporation. However, they're a rowdy bunch whose information is most likely to be of the martial bent, and so of little use to you."

The pen caps with a click. He glances at Arabella; fondness passes there, slight, but clearly felt for all gathered. "No, liebchen, have your breakfast."


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 06:14AM CST
The name: James F.W. Vaughn.


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 06:20AM CST
Not another glance is spared the kin, the frail fabric taken between nimble fingers and the name checked with a glance. It may be old. Expensive (which she can appreciate), but the design is wasted on her modern-washed taste. "Very well. And how do you prefer to be contacted?" The doily is folded, and placed in the small bag in her lap, to be replaced by a sleekly lined cell phone. "And perhaps deatils for Monsieur Rafe, also? In case you are.. indisposed." A pause, before she adds. "And we shall need to meet the rest of your pack, I believe." Not really a question, but then, not an assertion, either.


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 06:23AM CST
Jocelyn's still silent - although she gives Josephina another look, lifting (barely) one eyebrow - and part of the reason for her silence is the coffee (black as a devil's belly) and the scone (how lovely, and they're not even in - ).


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 06:24AM CST
He shakes his head at her cell phone produced. "No need for that," he says, waving it off. "Stay. Be our guest, at least until you've procured a permanent residence. It's too late to hail a taxicab to an unknown hotel. We have guest beds in the study. You can meet the rest of the pack at your leisure during the day. A few of them are always about."


Arabella Eberstark von Doenhof

Thu 06:26AM CST
They talk and she sets her sauer down to pad in soft slippers for the kitchen. Why? Coffee and wine were not beverages she would start her day with. Once there a glass taken out and milk poured [You could drink the milk and eat the beef in this country] before she came back to the room. Not a word said more as they discussed there business. More of the things she'd only heard of from Tucker. Non judgmental or interrupting. Took her seat and ate quietly, a napkin folded over her lap and doily placed under her cold glass. Jaan was NOT going to be happy to see one was missing now.

"If you like, I would be ahppy to show you where things are, ladies."

Pleasant and smiling, since Genevieve wasn't around to play Lady of the House... fingers dusted on her napkin daintily. "And Aurich... when you have a free moment..."


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 06:30AM CST
This time it is Josephina exchanging the glance, one corner of her mouth lifting in secret amusement - even while the dark brow lifts, with a new question. It seems that such looks pass often between the two. And then, she doesn't wait for comment - accepting for them both. When she meets Aurich's eyes, it is a look which also encompasses the sister.

"Previous arrangements had already been organised for us. By the company," By way of explanation. "And our luggage has already been sent on. However, if you allow me a moment to make a cool, I can have them brought here." The smile deepens. "I think, however, that your hospitality would suit us well, given the circumstances. At least, until we have acquainted ourselves better with this city."


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 06:36AM CST
The philodox bites her lower-lip; the gesture has nothing to do with anything at all; then she licks it, and nods, setting her saucer and coffee down. "If all is arranged to be arranged - " a glance between Aurich (a remarkably congenial creature, for one so doomed) and Josephina. Her cool gaze switches to Arabella. "It would be a pleasure to accept the offer." Beat. "Especially if the offer includes a toilet."


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 06:39AM CST
"Oh, and - might I take a picture of the pair of you, for memory's sake?" By way of explanation, "I have a new digital camera I am anxious to try out."


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 06:43AM CST
"Ladies," he accepts their acceptance thusly: a slight bowing of the head, just enough for politeness, not enough for deference. "We are honored to host you in our home."

Then, to Jocelyn, he laughs as if she'd made a joke. And of course, does not deign to make a response. Instead, to Arabella, "Make good on your promise, liebchen, and show our guests where everything is when they have made the arrangements." But first, "Did you want a word with me?"

Then, attention swinging back, something brief and wistful and privately amused flickering through his eyes. The cast of them is momentarily not umber, not amber, but golden as an eagle's -- a trick of the light. The flecks of green gleam and flash. Aurich nods benignly.

"Yes, I don't see why not. Arabella." Relaxing back into the couch, he holds out his arm to enfold his youngest sister in a familiar embrace. For the camera, he does not bother to smile, though the stark lines of his face, rugged and unshaven and rough-edged, relax out of their customary sternness. A picture to remember him by, then, in a moment with his favorite sibling, in a sweatstained shirt, casual, even rumpled, and every inch the Silver Fang heir-apparent.


Arabella Eberstark von Doenhof

Thu 06:48AM CST
"I wanted to give you something... but when we'r not otherwise occupied." The personal level of her gift was small and yet touched her enough she didn't want strangers eyes on her when she gave it to her dearest brother. Sliding from her seat, napkin lad beside her saucer and moving to fold into his embrace. She fit there from long years of such occurences at various times... nightmares and memorable moments, casual time and confidences. Even in her nightclothes and robe she looked the part of his younger sister, child of long lines of blood and history. The smile she herself gave was bright and light, warm and touch adoring. The reason she followed her brother thousands of miles to an ultimately untimely end lay in just that smile.


Jocelyn Valois

Thu 06:50AM CST
Jocelyn nods, without a smile. People, always smiling. It's unnatural. She opens her bag, takes out her digital camera - a sleek little black-and-silver thing, state-of-the-art. It doesn't take her too long to work it, either. She captures the siblings in the .. rectangular-thingy you see people out of... (to be replaced with actual word later) and -

click

- moment frozen. "Merci beaucoup."


Josephina de Valois-Montreuil

Thu 06:54AM CST
Clear eyes, knowing, look on as the short act takes place - the moment taken to rise from the seatee and smooth one hand lightly over thigh-warmed silk. The picture they present provoke the beginning of a smile which remains (perhaps for Jocelyn's lack) once the moment is complete.

"Lovely. Such beautiful features," Her eyes glide to Arabella, almost matronly in that expression, before returning to Jocelyn. "Shall we retire?" The mobile is held loosely in her hand - thumb running over keypad lightly.


Aurich von Doenhoff

Thu 06:58AM CST
Click. Aurich stirs, but only a little when the camera beeps. They don't whirr anymore. That's a pity.

"Later then," he agrees to Arabella. Then, as the Valoises prepare to retire, Aurich gets to his feet with them, giving Arabella a light hey-kid-you're-up-style nudge. "Goodnight, mesdemoiselles."


Arabella Eberstark von Doenhof

Thu 07:01AM CST
Picture taken, one of who knew how many dozens. She herself had a small album filled with phots of numerous things including Aurich. Rising from her seat and nodded to her brother, the serius glint in vivid eyes and then the smile wa back, the carefree well bred daughter.

"If you'll make whatever arrangements need be made, ladies, I'll show you all the necessaries. I'm sure you're both tired after your long trip."

Thats a form of assumption and one of too many rote phrases she'd gotten from her tutoring. She didn't know if they were from Boston or Britain or beyond but she had her guesses.