Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne & Krysa)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Ariadne on 07-05-2009, 21:02:36</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-05-2009, 21:02:36</strong>
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				Spencer wanted to ignore the cell phone laying on the side table busily chiming away, playing the familiar tone that meant Bastian was calling. If he could ignore it long enough, Bastian would realize that it was better to call during daylight hours when Spencer wasn't trying to sleep. The ring tone cycled through again.<br><br>"Spencer. Hon. Answer the phone. " Banishing any illusion that she was still asleep cradled next to him. When Spencer didn't&nbsp; immediately do as she asked, Isabeau reached for the cell phone herself.&nbsp; Her arm stretched across Spencer's chest giving him an unobstructed view of her soft curves. The ambient light that filtered into the darkened room from the window made her skin glow.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>"I'll get it." Spencer said reaching for her hand and placing a kiss on the palm side. He sighed, let her hand drop to his chest and answered the cell phone which was now on it's fourth cycle through.&nbsp; Isabeau shifted and moved to get up as he put the phone to his ear. He watched her move across the room and pick up the satin robe that lay crumpled on the floor. <br><br>"Chap. This better be important." he said answering the phone.<br><br><br>Spencer could see Bastian's private jet waiting on the tarmac for them as he pulled the car to stop inside the hanger. The plane was jet black with the word Eclipse scrawled across it in silver. He sat there for a moment gathering his thoughts.&nbsp; It had been some time since the Black Orchid Consortium requested him for something other than&nbsp; an archeological dig. He supposed that their request made sense in an odd way.<br><br>"Are you certain you want to come along?" he asked Isabeau who sat next to him.<br><br>"Of course I am. She was my friend too, Spencer." Isabeau replied giving his arm a gentle squeeze.<br><br>Spencer nodded then opened the door letting&nbsp; the sounds of the hanger rush in. Retrieving a duffle bag from the trunk Spencer and Isabeau climbed the stairs of the jet. <br>&nbsp;---<br><br>Located within a quad of interconnecting building affectionately referred to as The Garden, the Black Orchid Consortium's main building towered three stories above the others. A monument to architectural balance, its glass&nbsp; façade reflected the sunrise making it's slow way on the horizon.<br><br>Solitaire shook her head sending the dark halo of hair swishing against her back as she read over the messages that needed to be sent out for the day as she walked into the atrium of the main building. "Looks like it's going to be a busy day." she muttered settling into her chair at reception area of The Black Orchid Consortium. Her fingers flew across the top of the desk and the screen in front of her lit up. <br><br>"Good morning, sunshine." she told the computer.<br><br>"Good morning, Ms S."<br><br>"We've got some messages that are time sensitive to send out today." Solitaire said as she continued to type.<br><br>"Satellite station 126 then?"<br><br>"That would be perfect, Sunshine." Solitaire replied.<br><br>The atrium filled with the sounds of alternative rock bands. "Station will change in exactly one hour Ms. S."<br><br>"Plenty of time."&nbsp; Solitaire paused reading over the text of the message she had just typed, "Why do they insist on meetings at three o'clock?" she muttered before continuing on.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-05-2009, 21:54:26</strong>
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				The buzz of her blackberry brought Talia awake with a groan.&nbsp; She pulled the blanket up over her head to block out the bright light streaming in though her window.&nbsp; It only took another moment for her mind to catch up.&nbsp; She quickly tossed the covers aside and sat up, her bed rumpled hair falling in a mass of tangles around her face.&nbsp; She had forgotten to braid it before she went to sleep… again…<br><br>She swung her legs down, her feet finding her fluffy slippers without thought as she picked up the phone.&nbsp; With a quick glance she straightened, her whole demeanor changing as she read the message a second time, quickly hitting delete after she was sure that she’d memorized the information.&nbsp; “Three… really? It couldn’t be two… or four?” she muttered under her breath as she glanced at the clock.&nbsp; An hour until her classes started.&nbsp; She would have to miss her last class to make the meeting… she wasn’t horribly fond of advanced calculus anyway… <br><br><div align="center">**********</div><br>She glanced down at the clock, tapping the steering wheel as traffic moved… an entire ten feet… if that.&nbsp; She muttered darkly under her breath… she only had five more minutes… she wasn’t going to make it in this traffic.&nbsp; Perfect… late to her first meeting with her new handler… exactly the impression she wanted to make.&nbsp; <br><br>She saw an opening in the traffic and took it, swerving her car over to the open parking lot, ignoring the honks and curses of the person she had cut off.&nbsp; She turned off the engine and quickly gathered her phone and purse up, locking the car before she began to sprint towards the towering glass structures a couple of blocks away.&nbsp; <br><br>By the time she reached the front doors she was out of breath.&nbsp; She took a moment to calm her heart and breathing, brushing a loose strand of wavy blonde hair from her cerulean eyes before she walked through the turning glass door.&nbsp; The lobby was surprisingly empty for this time of day… Solitaire the only person within line of sight.&nbsp; She smiled as she approached the desk.&nbsp; “Did I make it in time?”<br><br>Solitaire returned the smile, “Barely… half a second left,” she said.&nbsp; “Get caught in traffic?”<br><br>Talia nodded with a roll of her eyes.&nbsp; “I had to leave the car in a parking lot a couple of blocks away,” she answered with a wry smile.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>“Trainer should be down in a couple of minutes, why don’t you have a seat and catch your breath?” Solitaire suggested.<br><br>Talia nodded and walked across the lobby, taking a seat that would give her a commanding view of her surroundings by instinct.&nbsp; She studied the people who started to drift in over the next few minutes, her eyes instantly drawn to one of the men walking through the lobby towards Solitaire.&nbsp; Fae… it was the only thing he could be.&nbsp; She studied him, from his pointed ears, to his tri colored eyes and designer shoes.&nbsp; She was fascinated; she always had been by the more exotic and unusual… people… <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>08-05-2009, 02:48:36</strong>
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				Spencer sat in an executive office suite that had an amazing view of the skyline. If he paid any attention to such things. Instead he was bent over a file, flipping through the pages trying to glean&nbsp; something that he didn't already know. He lifted a coffee cup up to his lips absently as if to take a sip.&nbsp; His nose wrinkled up&nbsp; in distaste as the scent of coffee registered and he wished for the hundredth time that he could have a cup of tea instead. <br><br>"I think she's here." Isabeau said drawing Spencer's attention. <br><br>"Oh?" he asked.<br><br>"She's pretty. Just like Max said. Blonde hair." Isabeau turned away from the camera she held in her hands.&nbsp; "You should go to the&nbsp; Café." she suggested.<br><br>"That's a wonderful idea. Where will you be this afternoon?"&nbsp; Spencer closed the file. As thorough as the file was, if there was anything more to learn it would be done once he met the young lady.<br><br>"Oh. I thought I would drop by the gallery and see how things are going." Isabeau said as she shuttered the camera.<br><br>The phone on the desk beeped and a light went off. "Your appointment has arrived, Trainer."&nbsp; the voice sounded vaguely human but not quite.<br><br>"Thank you, Sunshine." Spencer replied.<br><br>Standing up Spencer took a moment to straighten his appearance using the large windows as a mirror. He wore a white button down shirt and dark wash jeans. In the glass he could see Isabeau come to a stop behind him. She reached a hand up and smoothed an errant brown hair into place. "You look fine, Love." she said, her blue eyes smiling at his concern for his appearance.&nbsp; He turned smiling at her and kissed her forehead.<br><br>"Best be on my way then. I'll give you a ring on the cell after we're done." reaching around Isabeau&nbsp; to pick up a jacket. <br><br>The elevator was empty as Spencer made his way to the atrium. He nodded a quick greeting to those he recognized and moved toward the central desk where Solitaire sat. The dark haired beauty always managed to make him smile every time he saw her. He had to admit that it might have something to do with one of the many soirées that his cousin Pierce liked to collaborate on with Bastian. He paused at the desk.<br><br>"Don't even think about it." Solitaire said looking up at him a small smile playing on her lips.<br><br>"I would never dream of it." Spencer replied, his smile widening as he turned toward the blonde woman waiting for him.&nbsp; It only took him a few steps to get to where she sat but it was plenty of time to look her over and come to the same conclusion his wife had.&nbsp; <br><br><br>"Talia Kinney? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Spencer." he said with a smile&nbsp; as he shook her hand, "Let's get down to business shall we? Care for a cup of coffee or tea? There is a&nbsp; café down the street." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>28-05-2009, 22:17:13</strong>
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				She knew the moment he entered.&nbsp; She couldn’t have said what it was about him… but she knew that he was her new handler.&nbsp; He stepped off of the elevator, full of understated grace.&nbsp; He was the only person in the lobby besides Solitaire who appeared perfectly at home in his skin.&nbsp; He knew exactly who he was and what he was capable of, and that fact showed in the way he carried himself.&nbsp; &nbsp;She could only hope that someday she would be that comfortable with herself.&nbsp; &nbsp;She looked him over as he approached Solitaire.&nbsp; He wasn’t bad to look at either… in fact far from it.&nbsp; <br><br>Her lips curled up slightly into a smile as she was proven correct.&nbsp; He spoke a couple of hushed words to Solitaire and then headed towards her, the smile on his face making him even more alluring.&nbsp; If it hadn’t been for the ring on his finger… well… no use crying after things that weren’t meant to be.<br><br>She stood as he reached her, the smile on her face reaching her eyes as she took his hand, shaking it firmly.&nbsp; “A pleasure to meet you… A cup of tea sounds wonderful,” she said as they headed towards the exit.&nbsp; “I hope your flight was uneventful,” she said, seemingly sincere.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 03:37:54</strong>
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				Spencer nodded as he released Talia's hand and stepped back. "Blessedly so." he responded to her inquiry.&nbsp; He walked next to her and when they reached the door he held it open for her. "Ladies first." he said before following her out into the bright afternoon sunshine.<br>&nbsp;<br>L'illusion Café, located two blocks from the Garden, was one of the oldest Fae run establishments in the Boston area.&nbsp; As such, it enjoyed a wide variety of clientele. Though the storefront&nbsp; matched the buildings surrounding it with it's brick façade and large windows, inside the café was a different story. The moment you crossed the threshold the patron stepped into a Parisian Café. When one looked out the windows one saw the streets of Paris. The illusion was so complete that the smells from the river Sine came drifting through.<br>&nbsp;<br>Spencer loved visiting the café, if only because it was one of&nbsp; the few places in Boston that he could get a decent cup of tea. Which, he thought rather ironic considering Boston's history. <br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;The walk to L'illusion was short, giving them just enough time to exchange pleasantries. Upon entering the&nbsp; café Spencer scanned the open area, searching for a table.&nbsp; "What luck. A corner table." he said when he spotted&nbsp; an empty table.&nbsp; Within&nbsp; moments the two of them were seated and a young girl no more than 18 stepped up to them.<br>&nbsp;<br>"And what can I bring you today?" she asked, her voice bubbly with youth.&nbsp; She held a pen at the ready to write down their order.<br>&nbsp;<br>Spencer smiled at the young waiter, "I would love a cup of tea. Hot. Two sugars, please."&nbsp; he asked. Turning to Talia, "What would you like my dear?"<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 21:49:41</strong>
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				It really was a shame, a man as attractive as him really shouldn’t be attached before she had a chance to get to know him.&nbsp; She kidded herself for the thought, reigning in her vanity with an internal sigh as she smiled at Spencer and preceded him through the door.&nbsp; She really wasn’t that vein, or at least she liked to think that she wasn’t.&nbsp; She just liked attractive men…<br><br>She had heard of L'illusion, but had never managed to find the time to visit the landmark.&nbsp; She didn’t try to hide the amazement she felt as she looked around the establishment.&nbsp; It might make her look inexperienced, but she didn’t feel that it was appropriate to hide her enjoyment of her surroundings when she didn’t have to.&nbsp; She was adept at lying, but she preferred not to do it when it wasn’t necessary.&nbsp; She took a deep breath, wondering for a moment if this is really what Paris would smell like.&nbsp; <br><br>She smiled at the young woman who was taking their order, even though the girl didn’t appear to have eyes for anyone besides Spencer at the moment.&nbsp; “I’ll take a cup of hot tea, one sugar and a twist of lemon,” she said, wondering if the girl heard anything she said as she walked away.&nbsp; “I hope she heard me,” she said with an amused smile.&nbsp; “Are you always the center of attention?” she asked Spencer bluntly, her eyes sparkling with unsuppressed amusement.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 02:35:10</strong>
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				Spencer opened his mouth to rebut Talia's comment more out of habit before he realized that she was teasing him. Closing his mouth he smiled indulgently.<br><br>"No, my dear. I am blessedly not the family star. That falls to my cousin." he replied.<br><br>The waitress returned with their order, setting cups in front of each of them with care as she repeated the order verbatim to ensure she had it right.<br><br>"If there is anything else I can get for you just let me know." she said before going to another table.<br><br>Spencer stirred his cup enjoying the scent of tea carried up on the steam. Taking a small sip, careful not to burn his tongue he smiled. That was a cup of tea. Setting the cup down he focused on the task at hand.<br><br>"My condolences. Sam was a dear friend. She will be missed." he said solemnly.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 23:04:42</strong>
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				Talia almost asked if he would introduce her to his cousin, but that wouldn’t have been appropriate given their working relationship, so she held her peace, at least until she got to know him a little better.&nbsp; The last thing she wanted to do was piss her handler off without meaning too.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>She sipped her tea, her eyes lighting up when the intricate mix of subtle flavors touched her tongue.&nbsp; It had been a long time since she’d had a cup of tea that even approached the subtlety held in this one cup.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Spencer’s remark caught her off guard, she hadn’t been aware that he was a friend of Sam’s… it was something they should have warned her about.&nbsp; She couldn’t successfully hide the wash of sorrow and loneliness that swept across her features, though to her credit she didn’t pause as she raised her cup and took another sip of the tea.&nbsp; Her face was more controlled when she lowered the cup again, setting it on the table.&nbsp; <br><br>“Thank you… I wasn’t aware that you knew her…” she said quietly, looking at him a little more closely than she had before.&nbsp; Her entire demeanor had changed from the fun loving and vibrant young woman she usually projected to a more solemn reserved woman who was far older than her years.&nbsp; Sometimes she wasn’t sure which one was the real her…<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 20:34:26</strong>
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				Spencer's own demeanor did not change, he sat back in his chair and watched the subtle shift in Talia as she processed the information. It wasn't surprising that Sam had never mentioned knowing him. She was a very private person even with those that she was close to. <br><br>"She was a friend of the Family." Spencer explained then moved on. "Sam was in the process of training you, correct?" <br><br>While most of the information in Talia's file covered the basics, some things just didn't make it into the notes. Sam was fond of training off the books. And knowing Sam's somewhat unconventional methods, Spencer was betting that Talia could handle anything he might decide to throw her way.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:31:01</strong>
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				It only took her a moment to recover, her carefully constructed carefree mask slipping into place once again. She took a careful sip of her tea, breathing in the steam with a twitch of her lips before setting the cup down on the table.<br><br>“Yes, she was in the process of training me when she died,” Talia said, managing to get the words out without any inflection what so ever. “The majority of my training should be in my file,” she continued. “We had also worked on some more exotic weapons and some computer and electronics lessons among a few more esoteric things such as Fae lore and power structures.”<br><br>She thought about it for a moment. “I believe there is a more complete list of my training if you would like a copy, I found it in her file cabinet. It’s coded but I can easily decode it before giving you a copy,” she said. She wondered once again if Sam had coded it as another test, knowing that Talia would find it at some point and curiosity would force her to decipher the code so that she could read it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:31:43</strong>
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				Spencer shook his head, he wasn't going to need what was in the file. That file was meant for Talia. "No, I don't believe I will need it. But go ahead and take a crack at decoding it and let me know how it goes" he told her as he took another sip of his tea.<br><br>Looking around the cafe Spencer took note that the early afternoon crowed was thinning. The scents drifting through the air changed subtly as the staff readied the cafe for the evening rush. Spencer's cellphone chirped once then began to play a Rolling Stones tune. Plucking the phone from his coat pocket he glanced at the caller id.<br><br>"If you wouldn't mind?" he asked by way of apology. He knew that if he didn't answer the call, it would continue to ring until he did. And that would just be annoying to everyone involved. Pushing the button to accept the call he held the phone to his ear.<br><br>"I wondered when you were going to call me, old man." he said then paused, "Tagged me at the airport?" Spencer glanced at Talia, a smile crossed his face.<br><br>"Listen Pierce, you up for a meeting later? Isa would love it if you stopped by. Yes, she made the trip; wouldn't hear anything about being left behind." Spencer paused listening, "Really? That's wonderful. Could I borrow him? No, no, nothing out of the ordinary."<br><br>"Wonderful. Say about eight this evening? I'll give a ring later, Chap." With that Spencer ended the call and placed the phone back into his coat pocket.<br><br>"Have you ever worked with a vampire?" he asked Talia when he returned his attention to her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:31:58</strong>
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				She sat back as he answered his phone, managing to look disinterested as she glanced around the café. The patrons were fascinating; she would have to remember to come back when she had a few hours to herself. It wouldn’t hurt to study the fey, as Sam had told her more than once, all knowledge was worth having, and you never knew when it would come in handy. Plus, if she allowed herself to admit it, she was fascinated my some of the more exotic species that graced Boston.<br><br>She stowed the bits of conversation that she had heard away, knowing that if he was anything like Sam he would probably ask her what he had said on the phone within the next couple of days. She had been taught young to listen to everything without appearing to do so.<br><br>His accent made her lips twitch into a smile, which quickly disappeared as he hung up the phone, his question managing to surprise her. “No actually, I’ve never even met one. I’ve seen a few, and trailed one as an exercise, but I’ve never had the pleasure of actually meeting one, let alone working with one,” she answered, curiosity sending her mind running in every direction possible, though you wouldn’t know it to look at her as she took another calm sip of her tea.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:33:51</strong>
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				Spencer nodded. He had thought as much. “Then you are in for a treat.” He said enigmatically as he picked his tea cup up again. The liquid in the cup had cooled substantially but that didn’t stop his enjoyment of it.<br><br>“I’d like you to do some research. Take the afternoon to learn all you can about the Symphony Hall.” Spencer said changing the topic as he tried to catch the waitress’s attention with a wave of his hand. A moment later the bubbly girl was at their table again.<br><br>“What can I get for you?” she asked.<br><br>“Yes, could I get half a dozen of the chocolate mice, and a baker’s dozen of the chocolate croissants to go?” he asked.<br><br>“Of course! Anything else?” she asked before going to fill his order.<br><br>“If it’s not too much trouble, the bouquet of roses and lilies in the flower stand.” He added. The waitress smiled and went to take care of Spencer’s request.<br><br>Spencer smiled as he thought of surprising Isa. “Alright,” he said refocusing on the present, “After you’ve done your research meet me back at the Gardens.” He paused looking at his watch, it was already four. “Say at half past six?”<br><br>The waitress returned carrying a brown paper bag and a large bouquet of red roses and white lilies. Taking his wallet out, Spencer pulled out a small completely clear card out.<br><br>“Charge all of it to Townsend.” He said handing it to the waitress. Again the waitress nodded and left.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:34:09</strong>
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				She kept the excitement off of her face, but it wasn’t exactly the easiest thing she had ever done. A Vampire? She was going to get to meet and work with a Vampire? The thought made her giggle gleefully inside. Not that she had a vampire fetish or anything, she wasn’t one of those women, but she had always wondered exactly what they could do, and if they ‘felt’ different in person.<br><br>She nodded as the girl walked over and took his order, happy for the moment to be ignored while she processed the information. She knew very little about the symphony hall beyond the basic layout. Sam had season tickets and they used to try to go at least a couple of times a year, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to go to any of the concerts that had been billed there since Sam’s death.<br><br>Whoever the flowers were for she was a lucky woman. “Alright, six-thirty it is,” she said with a grin as the waitress brought over a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “Anything I should bring with me?” she asked once the waitress had taken the card away. If she had time a little research on the Townsends might be in order as well.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:34:41</strong>
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				Spencer shook his head in response as he inspected the flowers, making sure that they were the ones he wanted. Bringing them close to breathe in their scent, he was pleasantly surprised to find their scent to be that of an early morning summer storm.<br><br>He stood up when the waitress returned with the clear plastic card. She stared at him as if she had just met royalty as she handed the card back.<br><br>“Thank you. Come visit again soon.” The girl said, her voice held a note of nervousness that wasn’t present before.<br><br>Spencer nodded, slipping the card back into his wallet before putting his jacket back on. “I would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to have a wonderful cup of tea.” He said ignoring the quiver in the waitress’s voice having long ago gotten used to the reaction when he used that particular card.<br><br>Turning to Talia he offered his hand to help her up from the table before picking up his purchases. “It was a pleasure having tea with you Talia. I look forward to seeing you again this evening.” He said.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:35:39</strong>
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				Oh yeah… she had some extra research to do on the Townsend family. It never hurt to know who you worked with after all. Plus curiosity was probably her greatest weakness; she just had to know everything she could. Her curiosity was one of the things that drove Sam to the brink of insanity, and maybe a little bit beyond it every once in a while. Talia was still surprised that she had survived her teen years…<br><br>She took Spencer’s hand with a smile. “The pleasure was all mine, thank you for the lovely afternoon,” she said with a genuinely happy smile. “Until this evening,” she said with a nod before she left the café. The sudden change in scenery as she went from the calm, soothing atmosphere created within the café to the sun-baked insanity of Boston streets during Friday rush-hour was disconcerting to say the least. She glanced back and forth trying to get her bearings for a moment before heading towards the lot she had left her car in.<br><br>It was a quarter till five when she arrived back at the flat that had belonged do Sam. She had an hour to glance over the plans for the Symphony Hall and memorize what she could, she’d download everything else to her blackberry, if she needed it the information would be only a touch away. She went into the bathroom and started the water, adding a few bubbles before she flipped on her laptop and set it precariously on the large marble edge of the garden tub. She’d kill two birds with one stone…
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				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:35:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Covington, get your arse out of bed and make an appearance at the Gardens by fifteen after six if you know what’s good for you. You’re on loan for the evening.” Pierce’s voice drifted across the darkened loft as the message recorded itself on Riley’s answering machine.<br><br>On the opposite side of the loft Riley burrowed deeper into the down comforter, his blonde tipped hair barely visible above the blanket, ignoring Pierce’s direct order in favor of more sleep.<br><br>The answering machine picked up a second message recorded a few minutes later, “Did I mention that you are on loan to Trainer? Or that you’re being partnered with Sam’s protégé?” Pierce added to his previous message, his tone clear even on the answering machine. There was an audible click as the phone disconnected.<br><br>Riley sat up pushing the comforter away. Had Pierce said any other combination of names he would have stayed in bed for another hour. It wasn’t that Riley was tired. He wasn’t. He just really enjoyed sleeping. Riley shoved a hand through his unruly hair sighing, and then reluctantly, slid from between the cotton sheets to let his bare feet touch cold wood flooring that covered his loft.<br><br>Before heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower Riley leaned over and pushed a button on the remote that lay on the bedside table. Instantly the loft became brighter as the heavy drapes across the many windows parted, letting in the last rays of the sun as it started to set on the horizon. Riley grimaced as he stood up and stretched his six foot one inch frame.<br><br>“Christ. He couldn’t have waited twenty minutes.” He muttered moving towards the bathroom and the waiting shower.<br><br>The shower was a glass brick affair with no real door to speak of. If you wanted privacy you were simply out of luck. Living alone, Riley had no issues with the lack of privacy. The water pressure was excellent. Better than one would expect for a loft apartment of its size and Riley enjoyed every minute of his shower.<br><br>Twenty minutes later Riley was dressed in a pair of dark well fitted jeans and button down striped shirt that remained untucked. Though he didn’t really need it, he added a thin sport jacket to the ensemble to complete the look.<br><br>Checking the time, he briefly contemplated skipping his nightly stop by the coffee shop. His stomach growled in response to the thought of forgoing food even for one night insisting that if he didn’t make the stop it would cause dire consequences. Stuffing a wallet into his pocket and grabbing a set of keys off the table next to the door Riley decided to play it safe for the evening and pick up something on the way to his meeting. As he closed the door behind him, Riley slipped a pair of dark sunglasses on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:36:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talia didn’t have a chance to research the Townsend family as much as she would have liked, it would have to wait until after her assignment this evening was over.&nbsp; All she’d managed to learn before she had to leave was that they were incredibly wealthy, to the point of it being obscene.<br><br>&nbsp;She parked her car a block from the Gardens and pulled a backpack out of the trunk before locking the car manually, not wanting to disturb any of the residents of the apartment building across the street.&nbsp; &nbsp;She pulled her blackberry out of the pocket of her dark denim jeans and checked to make sure that the blueprints had downloaded correctly.&nbsp; It always helped to have a backup even if she had memorized the building plans before her bath had gone cold.<br><br>She glanced at the time on her phone before slipping it back into her pocket and adjusting the backpack.&nbsp; She was early; it was only just now five past six.&nbsp; It would only take five minutes or so to walk the rest of the way to the Gardens.&nbsp; She reached up to tie her hair back into a ponytail as she walked down the sidewalk, keeping an eye on the few people who were out this evening without giving it a second thought, it just came naturally to her after all the years of having Sam drill the need for it into her.<br><br>Talia nodded to Solitaire as she entered to lobby, walking over to take a seat in the chair she had occupied earlier that day.&nbsp; She glanced around the deserted lobby for a moment before pulling her blackberry back out of her pocket and going over the plans once more while she waited. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:37:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Will you stop fidgeting?” Isabeau admonished as she reached over to fix the tie Spencer wore, “We aren’t going to be late.” She teased him, knowing all too well that he abhorred being late for anything.&nbsp; Spencer smiled; a glance out of the darkened windows of the limousine gave credence to his wife’s teasing statement.&nbsp; Spencer straightened the cuff of his jacket, the black material barely visible against the leather seats of the car, as he returned his attention to Isa.<br><br>“Have I mentioned how lovely you look?” he asked her for what he was certain was the fifth time since she came out of their room wearing&nbsp; a stunning&nbsp; off the shoulder silk champaign colored gown that seemed to flow like water when she moved. The color accentuated her skin tone, giving it a fae-like glow. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a loose off center ponytail so that the long semi curled tendrils fell across her right shoulder.&nbsp; Those elements combined to give Isabeau a very soft ethereal look and when she smiled at his compliment it was as if the dark interior of the limousine was suddenly lit by thousands of candles. She simply took Spencer’s breath away.<br><br>“Yes,” she replied, her smile evident even in the tone of her voice.<br><br>“I haven’t said it enough.” Spencer murmured.<br><br>The limousine came to a stop in the underground garage leading to The Gardens.<br>“See I told you. We’d be on time.” Isabeau told him as he opened the door to get out. She waited until Spencer turned to offer her hand before sliding across the leather seat to exit as well.<br><br>“Yes, you did. Do you have the invitations?” Spencer asked closing the door once she was clear of the car. He waived the driver to continue on to the front of the building to wait for them.<br><br>Isabeau showed him the cream colored envelops that contained the invitations to the annual Townsend Fundraiser for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. “Of course.” she started to say then paused looking over his shoulder.&nbsp; Spencer turned to look at what drew his wife’s attention and saw that Riley was just entering the car park.<br><br>Riley’s face split in a smile at seeing Trainer and his wife. They made a striking couple. “I do believe I feel a bit underdressed for the occasion.” He commented coming to stop in front of them.<br><br>“Don’t be silly.” Isabeau replied as she gave him a hug in greeting. “It’s so nice to see you again. You’ve been keeping out of trouble I hope?” she asked him.<br><br>Riley nodded, careful of the coffee cup that he carried as he gave her a hug in return, “As much as I can to be sure.” He said. Stepping back he shook hands with Trainer. “Tough lot with being paired with the Old Man.”<br>The comment made Trainer smile. “Yes, well. Pierce was always one for getting into scrapes. Shall we? I do believe Talia will be waiting upstairs.”<br><br>The three of them moved as a group towards the lift that would take them to the lobby of the main building. Their conversation was kept light, allowing Riley time to continue drinking his evening snack. “What hi-jinks have you do you have planned for us Trainer?” Riley asked as the lift doors opened, the light from inside the box spilling onto the marbled floor. Spencer offered Isabeau his arm as they exited the lift.<br>“All in due course.” Trainer said.<br><br>Solitaire looked up and smiled seeing the three of them. She nodded toward the seating area where Spencer had met with Talia earlier in the day indicating that the girl was already waiting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:38:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talia glanced through the information one last time, shaking her head slightly with a bemused smile on her face when she noticed the Townsend name on this evening’s event.&nbsp; Spencer was proving to be more interesting than she had originally thought he would be.&nbsp; Not Spencer, Trainer… she had to get that into her head.&nbsp; She didn’t think he would mind her calling him Spencer, but protocol demanded that she use his call sign when there were other people present.&nbsp; &nbsp;She wondered momentarily what call sign she had been assigned, they had yet to inform her.&nbsp; She would find out soon enough.<br><br>Her thoughts were cut short when she heard the slight ding as the lift stopped on this floor, the sound echoing through the lobby in the silence.&nbsp; She glanced over, one eyebrow rising when the trio exited the lift.&nbsp; If she’d thought Spencer was handsome before, it was nothing compared to now.&nbsp; The woman beside him was equally as stunning, if she had to guess she would have said they were together, they looked like the perfect couple.<br><br>If Spencer was handsome, the other man was striking.&nbsp; She looked him over with desire barely hidden behind her eyes as they approached.&nbsp; &nbsp;She studied him as she stood, hiding her emotions behind a friendly smile.&nbsp; If you didn’t know that he was a Vampire there was almost no way to tell, he could easily pass as an extremely handsome and graceful human. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:41:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Talia.” Spencer said greeting the young woman when the three of them came to a stop in front of her. “This is Isabeau.” He continued as he started to introduce everyone.<br>&nbsp;<br>Isa stepped forward smiling. It was a smile that lit up the room around her and touched everything. Her impossibly blue eyes sparkled with some unrevealed knowledge.&nbsp; “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Sam spoke well of you.” She said, her hand touching Talia briefly before stepping away again.&nbsp; “I’ll leave the three of you alone for the moment to talk business.” She told Spencer as she moved past him.<br><br>Spencer nodded. “Talia meet Riley. Riley, this is Talia. For the evening you will be working together.” Spencer said finishing the introductions then motioned for both of them to sit down.<br><br>Riley paused in the study of his partner for the evening long enough to give her a warm smile and offer her his hand. He expected the slight hesitation as she stared at his hand before reaching out her own, though he did not fool himself into thinking that it was out of fear.&nbsp; It was the look in her eyes the moment before they were introduced that told him she was anything but timid. Cautious yes, as any able bodied person would be when first meeting a vampire; timid not so much. His smile grew wider as the hand shake she gave him was firm.<br><br>“Nice to meet you Talia.” Riley said as he released her hand.&nbsp; Waiting until she took her seat, Riley sat down across from Talia. Taking a drink from his coffee cup he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, the coffee cup held between his hands. “So what’s the plan Trainer?” he asked.<br><br>Spencer took the chair next to Riley before answering the question. “The plan is for you to attend an event at the Symphony. You will have twenty minutes to find appropriate attire in the Closet and return here for your invitations. Once at the Symphony your objective is to gather information.”<br><br>Riley took a deep breath. “What kind of information?” he asked.<br><br>Spencer shrugged, the material of his jacket bunching slightly, “That is entirely up to you.” He looked at Talia. “Do you have any questions?” he asked her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:42:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Trainer,” Talia said with a nod and smile for the woman he introduced.&nbsp; This must be his wife, she thought to herself as she took the other woman’s hand.&nbsp; There was something oddly familiar about her, as if she had seen her somewhere before.&nbsp; The answer hovered just out of reach, taunting her with its flitting presence as if daring her to catch it.&nbsp; “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she murmured before Isa excused herself, her attention already focused on the other man.<br><br>Riley offered her his hand.&nbsp; Nothing else could have shocked her quite so much.&nbsp; She hoped that her slight hesitation would go unnoticed as she took his hand and shook it firmly, some small part of her surprised at the warmth of his skin.&nbsp; “The pleasure is all mine…” she murmured, returning his warm smile in full. <br><br>She took her chair again and crossed her legs, leaning against one arm casually.&nbsp; Her foot moved slightly, keeping a steady rhythm with the beat of her heart as she listened.&nbsp; It was to be a test then, something designed simply to see what she could do and how complete her training had been. <br><br>“Is there expected to be any opposition or is this strictly an information hunt?” Talia asked as she swept a strand of blonde hair away from her eyes and bushed her questions about Isa and her instant flash of attraction to Riley down hard, those were things to think about later, not in the middle of a job.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:42:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As far as we are concerned it is an intel run." Spencer replied leaving the interpretation of what he said completely vague. Looking down at the watch on his wrist he nodded to himself then looked up at Riley and Talia, "Your twenty minutes starts now. Isa and I will be waiting."<br><br><br>Riley grinned at Trainer's mention of time. Twenty minutes would not be near enough time for Talia. Though, she might actually surprise you. He offered his arm to her as she stood up.<br><br>"And the race is on." he mused. They moved toward the elevator. Passing by a trash can he threw the now empty cup away before reaching into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone. "Thankfully, I have Frankie on speed dial for just such an occasion." he added when Talia glanced at what he was doing.<br><br>Frankie was, of course, the woman that ran The Closet. And it was always helpful to let her know you were coming. Riley waited only a second or two before the line was picked up. "Frankie, sweet heart. We need clothes for the symphony. Tux and dress. Oh, Talia." he said as they reached the elevator. "Do what you do so well, my dear. See you in a jiff." Riley slipped the phone back into his pocket as the elevator doors closed. He smiled at Talia.<br><br>"That should give us a head start."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:44:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She grinned, her dimples showing as they rode the elevator.&nbsp; "Putting her number on speed dial is something I never thought of... I'm disappointed in myself," she said, only half joking.&nbsp; She watched him out of the corner of her eye, his graceful movements, the slight blush to his skin which told her that he had eaten recently.&nbsp; She assumed that the coffee cup had contained blood, but decided that she didn't really need to ask.<br><br>The elevator opened into a fashonista's wet dream.&nbsp; The entire floor appeared to be one large closet with area's for makeup and hair, casual and formal, everything one could possibly need to become someone else.&nbsp; Frankie stood beside a rack with an assortment of dresses and tuxedo's, all sized appropriately she was sure.&nbsp; Frankie was nothing if not prepared.<br><br>Talia began to strip almost as soon as the doors opened, slipping out of her shirt before they even reached the rack with no sign of self consciousness.&nbsp; She pulled the tie out of her hair and shrugged out of her pants, leaving it all in a pile on the floor as she grabbed a beautiful, long red dress from the rack and moved towards one of the mirrors.<br><br>"Up, curls," she said simply to the young woman as she grabbed a makeup kit from a nearby counter and began applying it herself.<br><br>Fifteen minutes later she added one final touch to her makeup and stood, glancing in the full length mirror as she passed.&nbsp; The dress was a perfect fit, showing off her lithe form to perfection.&nbsp; While not perfect, her hair was still a study in artistry, large curls falling around her shoulders in a simple style that would be easy to keep up with all night, and gave her the option of tying the golden curls back if needed.&nbsp; She had four minutes to spare... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:45:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riley leaned casually against the wall by the door waiting for Talia. He nodded as she approached him. His brown eyes lighting up as his nod turned to approval. Riley had spent the last five minutes watching his new partner work with quick efficiency, managing to take less time normally required to put together a stunning ensemble.<br><br>"You look marvelous." he commented as she slowed her pace to stop in front of him. Pushing away from the wall he straightened the cuffs of the white dress shirt underneath the tuxedo jacket he wore; then he offered Talia his hand. A devilish smile crept across his face as she took his hand.&nbsp; He took a half step forward as he spun her around to get a three-sixty degree look at her before pulling her close and dipping her. His eyes raked over her for a breath as he let her regain her balance. "Absolutely marvelous." he repeated, opening the door to let her exit before him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:46:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The warmth of his hand on hers surprised Talia for a moment, but it also confirmed what he had been drinking when he had arrived.&nbsp; It was slightly disconcerting to know that he had been drinking blood... but it was also comforting in a way, not that she actually thought that he was a danger to her.&nbsp; They worked for the same people after all. He looked stunning... it was enough to make her heart speed in her chest.<br><br>She shivered noticeably as he dipped her, holding onto him for a moment longer than was necessary as things low in her body tightened.&nbsp; He was a dangerous man... and it wasn't even the fact that he was a vampire that made him dangerous, not really.&nbsp; She looked him over from head to toe, letting exactly what she thought show in her eyes before she met his eyes again, the slowly spreading smile half invitation before she walked out of the door towards the elevator.<br><br>Her heart was just starting to normalize when the elevator arrived to take them back to the lobby.&nbsp; This was going to be an interesting evening...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:51:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Spencer glanced down at his watch as the elevator in the atrium dinged its arrival and the doors opened.&nbsp; They had made it with a minute to spare.<br><br>“Isn’t that the…” Isa began to ask as she moved to step closer to him. The invitations in hand ready to handout.<br><br>Spencer nodded seeing the red dress Talia wore. “It is.” Without turning around Spencer knew that his wife was smiling.<br><br>“They make a striking image.” She said almost wistfully. Spencer chuckled at Isa’s tone. Leave it to his wife to lament a moment in which she did not have a camera at the ready. She was however correct in her assessment of Riley and Talia. They did indeed make a striking pair.<br><br>“You look wonderful, Talia.” Isabeau said stepping forward before Spencer could say anything, “And you look like you could have been cut from the same cloth as the Townsend men.” She added looking at Riley.<br><br>Riley inclined his head at the compliment. “Then we pass muster?” he asked looking at Spencer.<br><br>“Without a doubt.” Spencer replied. “Here are you invitations.” He said as Isa handed them the envelopes. “Shall we commence with the evening?” he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:53:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talia stepped out of the elevator on Riley’s arm, careful to hide the interest she had in the man from Spencer and Isa.&nbsp; It wasn’t exactly a professional interest, and it was something she was determined to keep under wraps until after Spencer made his assessment of her skills.&nbsp; She set those thoughts aside with effort and focused on Isa as they stopped before the couple, a pleased smile gracing her face at the woman’s words of praise.<br><br>Talia took the envelopes from, checking them out of reflex.&nbsp; It wasn’t that she did not trust Isa or Spencer, though she had little reason to trust them yet, but more the training that Max had instilled in her to take nothing for granted and check everything twice.&nbsp; She could almost hear her mentor’s voice… You can’t blame anyone for not being prepared or for being caught unawares but yourself.&nbsp; It’s your job to check everything, no matter how much you trust the people you work with.&nbsp; If you don’t and something goes wrong you only have yourself to blame…<br><br>She nodded in response to Spencer in response to his question.&nbsp; “By all means,” she said, not bothering to hide her slightly excited smile as she put her arm back through Riley’s. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:53:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The symphony hall was ablaze with light, a beacon for all the guests arriving to take part in an evening of music and philanthropy.&nbsp; Riley scanned the milling guests as he assisted Talia from the limousine. In the sea of black she and Isabeau were a breath of fresh air. The two women were striking standing next to each other as they waited for their escorts. He noticed several other guests pause before moving on into the hall.<br>&nbsp;<br>He didn’t envy Spencer’s position as a Townsend for the evening. As the two couples made their way up the stairs into the hall itself, Spencer and Isa were stopped and greeted several times.&nbsp; There were camera flashes the entire way as reporters and news crews tried to get the next scoop while trying to keep a respectable distance, though he could tell that some were chaffing at having to do so. But every time they tried to get a little closer a sentry would suddenly appear to coral them back. <br><br>Riley wondered if he should have warned Talia about the media barrage that tended to accompany an event of this nature, but as he glanced in her direction, he knew that he needn’t have worried.&nbsp; She was handling the situation with gusto.<br><br>“You seem to be handling this well.”&nbsp; He murmured as he inclined his head in a nod to another guest who greeted both couples at once.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:53:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talia took everything in stride, taking Isabeau’s example of how to deal with the throng to heart even as she grimaced internally.&nbsp; The fact that they were so visible would make the task before them even more difficult, which she was fairly sure had occurred to Spencer when he made the arrangements.&nbsp; &nbsp;It would simply make the evening more interesting, or so she told herself with an internal smile as she settled into her role, her smile completely natural as she rubbed elbows with the wealthy elite as if she had done it all her life. <br><br>“I don’t really have a choice in that do I,” she murmured between one couple and the next, amusement lacing her voice.&nbsp; “Part of the test is how well I handle situations that are beyond my control after all.”<br><br>She took another moment to look at Riley, lacing her arm through his with false familiarity as she turned to follow Spencer and his beautiful wife into the building at last, where the greetings were repeated once more in the lobby.&nbsp; She had a moment to wish that she could spend the evening alone with him in much more enjoyable endeavors, but quickly pushed that thought away.&nbsp; She could indulge in her fantasies about the rather dangerous vampire after her mission was complete. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ariadne</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:54:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riley felt Talia's pulse quicken for a moment at a thought and could almost see her mentally shrugging the thought aside as she smiled and nodded her head in greeting to another guest. They passed into the auditorium proper practically following in Spencer's footsteps giving him no time to question her.<br><br>The hall was breathtaking both in decor and architecture. "Our seats are over there." Riley waved a hand nonchalantly toward an area close to an exit. Before they could slip past anyone to take their seats Isa turned to look at them.<br><br>"Good luck, enjoy the music." she said giving Talia's hand a squeeze before turning her attention back to Spencer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Black Orchid Consortium (Ariadne &amp; Krysa)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kye</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 23:54:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talia smiled and nodded as she squeezed Isa’s hands, liking the woman more every moment she was around her.&nbsp; “I hope you enjoy the music as well,” she murmured before moving towards their seats.<br><br>She took her time walking there, fairly sure she was annoying Riley though she did not really care.&nbsp; She studied the entire music hall, taking in the arrangement of the seats, the stage, possible exits as well as any security precautions she might manage to see from this angle.&nbsp; At the very least she by the time she finally sat down, brushing her skirt beneath her to keep it straight she knew at least half a dozen possible escape routes, not that she expected to need them, not in a controlled environment like this one.&nbsp; It never hurt to be prepared however, or so Max had said time and time again.<br><br>She turned her attention towards Riley then, smiling once more in a rather more inviting way than she had with Spencer or Isa.&nbsp; If she had to spend an evening listening to music and engaging in espionage at least she had a dashingly handsome partner in crime.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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