“I can feel your eyes upon me. Speak what you have to say,” Robert said, allowing his balance to turn his feet, with seemingly no physical effort, he now faced the newcomer fully.<br/><br/>“Y...yess...S...Sir.“ The young servant was shaking, visibly upset, he took three steps towards her and lifted her chin. She was marked, tasted, this was unheard of at these gatherings where respect had to be maintained above all else.<br/><br/>“Who has marked you? I want their name.” Robert clicked his fingers and from the shadows, behind her one of his kin was now waiting. No part of this mansion was as it seemed. The girl hesitated and his hands moved to her cheek to calm her, his voice almost took on a hypnotic quality, consuming in its strength but gentle in its purpose. “There is nothing to fear, you have my word no harm will come to you now. However I must have the name so it stays that way.” Under his presence, she settled finally, leaning over and whispering in his ear softly.<br/><br/>Robert nodded to the woman, speaking to his kindred now, “take her and watch her. She is your responsibility until I relieve you, do not fail me in this.” His hazel orbs fell back to the women, they were at the point of completely concentration, piercing and moving to a silver-like steel quality. “You were sent to bring me to the elders?” The servant nodded in response. “Then you have done your service to them, wait for me to return after the matter is settled.”<br/><br/>Pulling his tunic about himself, he released his grip of her, never physical, but a hold had formed all the same. This matter would be settled after the meeting, or if the opportunity arose, during it, for he had no love for the name she had given him. Soon his walk took him below, gliding across the floor with precise but graceful steps.<br/><br/>Lit by orange candlelight, as he descended the stairs, the mahogany crafted, oval table, awaited him. Sat around the center of this imposing feature, were many elders, servants attending to them, and other vampires watching from the shadows. This would be a meeting of great importance. Every word had to be carefully chosen, for utmost control was paramount, in bearing, tone and intent. A mistake could cost everyone here dearly, and it would take his full focus to remain on top of the posturing sure to take place.