Simon got changed into some more comfortable clothes and put the roasted chicken plate the chef had given to him from the leftovers not sold tonight into a frying pan and left it to reheat over a low flame on the stove.  He then returned to settle down at his computer to check up on the status of their thread.  Surprisingly, Lovelygirl was still up and around "E" in contrast to her previous statement about nights.<em>The 'roving eyes' must be asleep or otherwise occupied.</em>Simon didn't mind his good fortune and wrote up his response,<br/><br/>"The first painting had its merits, but it clashed so horribly with the interior design of his home.  Valter made a mental note that acquiring the painting would be a "maybe."  Moving on he noticed that a few more people had filtered in, some of whom were milling about the corners of the room.  Valter stopped one of the servers and asked them to direct him to the owner of the gallery who as it turned out was holding court with a group of young professionals talking about gossip and sharing tales of the workplace.  Valter walked over and gripped the owner's hand in a firm handshake and introduced himself.<br/><br/>"Good evening and might I say that the artist leading tonight's gallery has an impeccable touch with his brush and I am willing to consider making an offer for a few of them.  However since I'm but a mere novice I was wondering if you could direct me to an expert here tonight that would be able guide me in this world?"  After a brief chat, the owner pointed him towards the corner where Valter had noticed people milling about informing him that most were dealers who would be best able to help him.  The owner gave him a curt brush off and resumed chatting with his clique.  Valter was not particularly surprised, annoyed perhaps, but not surprised by the bum rush since he was still considered one of the gauche nouve riche.<br/><br/>Looking at the corner, Valter debated on whom to ask first since the gallery owner had so helpfully not pointed out which were dealers and which were guests.  His eyes settled upon the brunette in the fetching blue dress.  Perhaps she would be the first on the list...  Walking over, Valter introduced himself bowed slightly before looking up at her and grasping her right hand gently in his own,<br/><br/>"Good evening, my good lady.  But when I saw you across the room I knew I had to introduce myself to beautiful lady."<br/><br/>Valter said in his Albanian burr as he lifted her hand and gently laid a kiss on her fingertips before lowering her hand.  "Forgive my rudeness, but I'm am a stickler for the traditions of my homeland.  I hope I have not embarrassed you with my forwardness?  My name is Valter Krasniki and may I ask what is yours?""