Visitor at the Manor

[Marqués del Stry]

"Is he here yet?" The Marqués del Stry asked Ama as soon as he stepped through the front door of his home. 

"Sí, Señor," Ama replied. The older lady started walking at a brisk pace to keep up with the master of the house as he took off down the hall. He was taller than she and, when he had that look on his face Ama nearly had to run to keep up. "He arrived not ten minutes before you."

"Who greeted him first?" The Marqués was headed to his private study down the hall and at the bottom of the stairs. There was something that he needed to check before going to see the guest. 

Ama, though slightly confused by the question, did not falter in keeping her pace or in answering. She had been at this job for many a years and it would take more than that to disturb her rhythm. "Lauria. Señor Mínguez said to keep her out the main city for a while.”

The Marqués suddenly stopped, his hand rested on his doors' knob.  He did not say anything for a moment, simply stood there in thought. "Where are they now?" He asked in a quiet tone. 

"Why, your guest is in the receiving room, where I send all the visitors unless known otherwise, and Lauria is tending the gardens." Ama held her hands together in front of her waist and corrected her posture to stand straighter than she already stood. "Sir?"

"Yes?" The Marqués replied, turning the knob and cracking the door to his private study open, but he did not go in. This was one of the few rooms in the manor which none were allowed to enter unless invited, not even Ama or his Mayordomo who knew the manor's secrets. 

"I have known you since you were a suckling and you know my advice is sound," Ama said.  She held up a hand to quiet him as she saw that he was about to speak and she was not yet done. "Fourteen years ago, when you were to be wed, I gave you warning about that woman, and you did not listen.  You are not that young man now and it is my hope that you listen to the words of an old woman."

The Marqués looked at Ama.  He knew what she was saying. "I appreciate everything since then and the things to come. Do not worry.  As you said, I am not that young man. Please have Lauria meet in the receiving room."  He said nothing else to her but opened the door and stepped into his room, closing it behind him.

Ama sighed, hoping he had got the message that she did not think his current visitor bore anything but ill tidings.  She left to get Lauria. 

The Marqués waited a moment by the door before he let go of the knob and turned around.  His  study had no windows, so currently it was dark. He did not need light to know where everything was in the room and after a couple steps to the right he flicked a switch and the warm orange glow from  a table lamp started to stretch across the room. Much of the furniture was old style from his home in Spain - and it was very old, likely passed down to him.  It would take more than that one light to illuminate the room and the Marqués was making his way to the other lamp when he suddenly stopped. A moment later he started again to the light but looked in the direction of the dark recesses still there.  

"It is a lack of respect to enter places you have not been invited," said the Marqués slowly.  He flicked on the other light and, again, the warm glow started through the room.  This time it stretched enough to reach the front legs of a chair and the black toes of shoes that accompanied it. "You will not make friends with Alma that way."

 

[Sacher Masoch]

Once Sacher made his way back to his hidden cave, he rested the box upon a folding table that he had set up inside.  Very slowly, and carefully, he opened the box.  The right eyebrow arched high as he looked upon the contents. 

The first thing he noticed was the manilla card stock, upon which there was a note.  He lifted the note from the box to read it. "Cabernet Sauvignon huh? Delicious, but perhaps wasted on my pallet. Though I'm sure a glass or two won't hurt me.  Later though."  He reached in and lifted the bottle with the empty hand, then set the note down to remove the packaging.  He examined the bottle with a smile before replacing it in it's packaging.

He returned to the note and continued reading.   He lifted the red velvet box from it's place within the box. "Urs Graf, now where have I heard that name before?"  Again, he set the note down.  As he was alone in the cave, he was speaking to himself, therefor making the question rhetorical.  He opened the lid of the box and examined the contents.  A whistle emanated from between his lips as he looked at the bracelet without touching it.

He closed the box back and replaced it in the larger box.  He returned to the note.  He continued to read and then chuckled to himself.  "A deal is it?  Not without knowing the parameters of this deal."  There was but one way to find the answer to his question.  Reading of the directions to the manor told him that it would be the next night that he would be departing.  It would be unwise to call upon someone at this late an hour, or at least the late hour that it would be if he were to head there now.

So it was the next night, when Sacher woke to the setting of the sun, that he prepared to set out for the manor of the Marqués del Stry.  He bathed and dressed in black jeans with a button down dress shirt.  His boots remained as they always were, though he did polish them.  A jacket and tie were added to complete the look.  Grabbing up the box, he set out, note in hand so he would be able to find his way.

Along the way he remembered something. "Ah yes, Urs Graf, the Swedish artist with a penchant for the erotic.  Mother has Death and the Maiden hanging in her castle."  He chuckled to himself, still talking out-loud to himself like it was nothing out of the ordinary.  Not long after his epiphany was he at the manor. 

He approached the front doors and if there was a bell he would ring it, otherwise it was that he knocked upon the door.  He held the black  box in his arm as if it were a baby.  He was still unsure if he was here to return the box and pay for his order from the dress shop or if he was here to take an offered deal.  So he brought the items in the box and plenty of coin with him just to be on the safe side.  

[B.D. Adams]

As the light began to fill the room the identity of the speaker was revealed. A dark skinned man, dressed in a black suit with polished boots, sat in that old fashioned chair. His collar was a fraction too tight and well kept fingers captured around the tie to give it a downwards tug. Only one.

"And I sincerely wanted to be her friend....." came the nonchalant  baritone speaker.  Being friends or not with Alma made no difference to him, he had already looked into her and didn't find anything extraordinary to capture his interest. She held information about Stry, obviously, but there were things that she didn't have to tell.

He rested one hand down on the arm rest of the chair, the left one, while he bent his right arm at the elbow and cradled his cheek in the palm. It was interesting to watch Stry move about the room, switching on the lights as he did but, without any windows and there only being a few light sources, this room could only get to a certain level of luminance.  He cracked half a smile.

Stry was not the type of man that he would normally do business with, but the fact that this Spaniard had found a way to contact him before to help with Fauci - that he even knew of him to go looking - was enough to peek an interest. The exchange they had afterward had been of interest as well. He took in a slow, deep breath and felt his chest push against the suits restraints. Why did he bother to wear such again? Right, as a curtesy - or mockery, whichever would sit better. He didn't like wearing at his home either. There were simply some things that were not natural to animals.

"You didn't ask me here to make friends with your staff, did you?" He asked, though the answer was obvious. "It's about the bracelet, isn't it? The deal we made for it is much to good a one to take back."

There was something else going on, as to what it was, he would have to wait and see.

[Marqués del Stry]

After all the four lamps in the room were lit the Marqués lingered at the last one, tapping one of his fingers against the lamps base and smiling to himself. The man said nothing about him being rude so he took that as a known fact and simply moved on to the next point. "She will have to deal with you the same as I."

The Marqués was about to take a seat when he heard the doorbell ring and he stopped halfway to his own chair.  The melodic chime could not be heard everywhere in the manor, but he did have the sound wired to his private study. He stood back up straight and gave his guest a smile. "Do not worry, I would not back out of a deal, " the Marqués said.  "I am recruiting other participants."  He ushered a hand towards the door.  "One of whom may be here to except my offer."

He was delighted to hear the doorbell.  True, it could have been anyone and his enthusiasm of the man coming to accept the deal be for naught, but he wasn't expecting anyone at this time, so it narrowed the options quiet considerably.  

"They will be waiting in the Receiving Room, the place where you should have been."  The Marqués sent that point to him again, perhaps this time it would be responded. What he had oringinally come into the room to get would have to wait for the Marqués was not going to go to anything of importance while that man was in his presence.  He opened the door and held it for his guest to leave out first.

At another part of the manor......  

Alma had just finished walking Lauria to the main Receiving Room, giving her instructions on how to conduct her behavior and when to prepare the light fare.  Needless to say she was surprised to find that the gentleman she had escorted there earlier today was now gone. Alma did  not let this fact show for Lauria to see.

So it was that Ama was moving through the hall (not to far from the main door) when the doorbell rang. She turned her attention to it a moment and went in its direction. It was below her station to answer the door but after the earlier person left from the receiving room mysteriously and the Marqués' reaction to Lauria having greeted the guest, she decided to take this one herself.  

"Don't you matter with the door," Ama said, stopping one of the other house attendants who was about to open the door.  She shooed them away with one hand.  "There are plenty other things you should be attending."

Once the other was on their way Ama put on her polite smile and opened the door to see this new visitor standing there. The old lady looked him over, making no attempt to hide it either.  At least, she thought, he was clean and well dressed.

"Benvingut a la casa del Stry," Ama said with a bow of her head, noticing that he was alone as well.  The only thing he appeared to have with him was the package. "Welcome to the house of Stry." Translating in case what she said was not overly obvious.  

She was about to ask who he was and what she could do for him, but then she saw the box he had cradled in his arms. "You may call me Ama."  She said as she stepped back and held the door open for him to enter.  "Is there anyone else with you?"  Never knew, they could have been in the car. "If not you can direct your driver to the end of the path there,"  she indicated a wrought iron fence a ways to the right, "and the groundskeeper will see to him and your vehicle.  Otherwise, follow me."

[Sacher Masoch]

A slightly mischievous grin curled upon Sacher's lips as he took notice of the woman who had answered the bell.  She was appraising him, and he knew all too well that that was what she was doing.  He waited to see if he met with her approval. 

Spanish was not one of his main tongues, but he understood some and spoke a little less.  And while he understood the words that translated into 'house of Stry', he appreciated the translation.
"Muchas gracias." A sweeping bow was given as he spoke, his right hand extending towards the woman with his palm up.  His intent being to gently place his lips upon her knuckles.

If she rebuked his offer, or if he laid that gentle kiss upon her knuckles, he righted himself as she began to speak again. "Ama, while beautiful, you name does not do justice to your own beauty. You may call me Sacher." He smiled at her making sure to let it reach his eyes.  And though they twinkled with mirth, he did not make direct eye contact with the young woman.

A slight shake of his head was given as he stepped into the doorway farther. "I am quite alone, I have not car nor driver." He then waited for her to lead him to their destination.  He did not feel the need to inform her that he had walked all this way.  And the woman did not ask of his business, so he did not volunteer the information of the Marqués requesting an audience with him.  Instead he traveled two steps behind the woman, admiring the view.  When it came to Sacher's appetites, they were insatiable and made no distinction for age, race, color, creed, or other.  All beings deserved to be loved, even if it was only for that last moment in time before they met with their demise.

[B.D. Adams]

Benjamin couldn't blame Stry for the statements about him being in the wrong location, as he would have done the same.  It always agitated him to see things - people really - not where he instructed them to be, some things relied on procedures being followed to the letter.

Benjamin rose from his seat and used a single downward motion of his hands to smooth out any wrinkles and creases that may have formed on his pants.  "Adding to the deal. You take chances, Señor Stry," said Benjamin. "Whether wise or not."

He was not sure he liked the idea of his man adding participants to the deal, he had thought it was a singular, not plural like the man was making it out to be. Perhaps he had to think about it in a different way. He never said that the item could not be shared by other people - having it wasn't a condition of the deal, it was simply the payment for the deal.  After all, a masterworks piece like that was meant to be worn, so what was this about.

Benjamin exited out of the room and took a few paces down the hall, he held his hands down and behind his back and cast casual glances around at the items around him. He had left the receiving room and found his way to that private study because there was something in there that drew his attention. This man, Stry, was more than his visage made him out to be and there was something in that room that proved it to be so. There had to be for him to be drawn to that place in particular.  Sadly he hadn't had much time alone in the room before he had heard the Marqués and Ama talking outside of the door. Benjamin couldn't help but wonder what the man had gone  in there to get.

"Surely this time I will be where you expect me." A bit of a jab to the Marqués as he followed.

[Marqués del Stry]

It was that Ama had been more distracted than usual for her not to have noticed that the man had come alone. Perhaps it is because no visitors ever did walk up to the door, she had thought that maybe the car had already driven around.

She was to learned in her years to be taken by the suave nature of men and knew rightly well what the offered hand was for, which is why she turned it down. However, she did so with grace of short curtesy. Ama knew to keep the younger women of Stry's employ away from this person and she did that by shooing off the wandering eyes of the servants they passed in the hall. There was always some sort of work to be done at the manor that size.

"Your flatteries are wasted on me," Ama said as she went along the hall. She did not even stop to ask him his name; frankly she did not care. She knew that Stry was going to the receiving room with the other gentleman and, assuming this man was here fir the same reason as the other, she would take him there too.

They did not have much far to go, the main receiving room was on the west side of the manor and inside a pair of ornate doors. Ama took hold of either handle and pulled out, causing both doors to open.

The room was slightly sunken into the ground making a person down down three steps before resting on the floor. Made at a corner of the manor the room had a bit of a pentagon shape, the north western side lined with windows from floor to ceiling, they exposed a great view of the nearby garden and then the vineyard that was planted a ways across the field. At night rich purple velvet curtains kept them covered.  The floors were polished wood, a few accent rugs were under the sitting are of sofa, table and chair.

The Marqués del Stry was already in the room. He and the first visitor were being offered tapas of Pulpo con Cachelos (octopus and potatoes)

"Perdon, Señor, your guest," Ama said, stepping aside so the one she had with her could enter.

The Marqués had looked up the moment he heard the door opening. "Daniel," the Marqués said to his first visitor - that was the name he had been given when he first met the man and he knew no other. "Don't keep Lauria too long, our guest has arrived." The Marqués walked over to Sacher, a hand extended in greeting. "Welcome. I see it is that you have brought the box. Tapas?"  He motioned towards Lauria who had the appetizers. "Or shall we business begin?"

[Sacher Masoch]

Sacher was quick to smile at the woman's words.  "Ah, but my darling Ama, it is not flattery when it is a statement of truth.  And you are quite a beautiful young woman. Votre beauté est un plaisir pour les yeux."  And he meant that most sincerely.  All people were beautiful.  But especially women.

He continued to follow her, enjoying the view that his position afforded him.  He wasted smiles upon those who dared to peek from various places once Ama had passed them, always careful to not show even so much as a hint of fang.  But he mostly watched Ama as he was unaccustomed to being so rebuked.

Upon her opening the ornate double doors, he gave her a slight bow at the waist. "Muchas gracias, Ama."  Then he took the three steps down into the room, already observing his surroundings.  He was taking stock of the exits first.  Never know when a quick escape was going to be needed.  Especially amongst strangers.

Right hand was extended to the gentleman who had offered his.  A firm grasp was taken with a couple of short shakes of a steady pace. "Thank you, but no."   He turned his attention to the young lady and offered her one of his infamously charming smiles.  But beyond that, he wasted no time with her.  

He again spoke to the man who had addressed him. "Business would do fine.  It is not every day that a man sends me a gift worthy of my ... Mother's family jewels."  He had paused before saying the word mother. Then he placed his right hand flat against the top of the box. "I admit, you made me curious." 

He let his fingers drum soundlessly upon the box twice.  He had not been offered a seat, so he did not take one.  Nor had he been introduced to the other man in the room.  For this reason, he said nothing further.  There was no telling how much of what the other man knew, and Sacher would not speak out of turn, yet.



((Your beauty is a pleasure to behold.))

[B.D. Adams]

Benjamin was never one to willingly engage in small talk, therefore he didn't say anything while he and Stry walked to the receiving room. He was busy wondering about what was about to happen to blather about the weather or other nonsense. Although, when they got to the room and he saw who was there, he smiled.   It was the same girl that had greeted him when he arrived at the manor. Lauria, that was her name, and he took the refreshments she offered. Even with Stry next to him, Benjamin kept his attention on the serving girl until the new guest arrived.

Benjamin didn't know this man - yet - or anything much about him other than the fact that he was a vampire.  The Lycan side of Benjamin told him that, just as sure as he knew the other would pick up on the wolf side. He was not surprised to see that Stry had invited vampire, it only made him recall the last time the man had involved him with one. What could this man have to do with the plans Benjamin had with Stry?

Any crumbs left on his fingers were wiped away and Benjamin gave Lauria one of his infamous smiles and took a couple steps closer to the pair of males.  He wasn't called yet, so he didn't want to barge forward, besides, he could hear them even if he had stayed in the corner.

There was something else about Stry's guest that was unsettling to Benjamin. He knew that he had never seen the man before - he would have remembered - and there wasn't a fresh scent that he knew.  Still, there was something about him.  Perhaps it would be clearer if he were closer. Benjamin would be patient.

[Marqués del Stry]

Sacher's pull at flattery was what Ama classified as someone trying to get on her master's good side. She was not your average servant, even her form of dress was more ornante than the ones they had passed in the hallways, and he likely took note. Having already told him that his words were wasted hearing more did not make her change the thought.

Ama faced men like him all the time, putting on smiles when they would rather not be bothered. She had no time for them, there was a job to do.

Once the man had left her to talk to Stry, Ama gave the first man a cold look. If she could make voice the words in her head. He was not there when she had brought Lauria to the room and she did not like to know someone was carelessly walking about the manor.

Ama went over to Lauria and the two of them would stay there unless they were told otherwise; the Marqués did not mind their presence. The girl had greeted the one man and Ama knew much of his dealings anyway.

After the handshake the Marqués took back his hand and wore an amused smile. He did like people who went to business instead of wasting time with pleasantries, this was a person he could have dealings. "I am the Marqués del Stry, and this is Daniel." He said, ushering a hand back to the other gentleman. "Recently you sent a man, to my shop, to pick up items for you. Your servant I assume. I require his services."

The Marqués nodded to the box in Sacher's hands. "That should cover it."

[Sacher Masoch]

That Ama was not immediately taken with Sacher was a mystery to him.  He was not used to such.  Were this a different situation, he would simply take what he wanted from the woman and then cast her aside.  But this was neither the time, nor the place for such pleasant pursuits.  Besides, something told him that this one would be so much more fun if he got her to come to him willingly.

As for the men currently before him ... He extended his right hand to the werewolf called Daniel.  Oh yes, he knew the man was a werewolf.  It truly did come with the territory of being what they were that they would know such of each other on site, or smell, depending on how you looked at it.   "Gentlemen. You may call me Sacher."  Yes, it was intended to sound as if he was giving them permission to do so, because he was.

A slight raise of the right eyebrow was his initial reaction to the words from the Marqués del Stry. "Perhaps.  That would depend on what you would have of him."  He gave a slight tilt of his head accompanied by both eyebrows arching higher. "It simply wouldn't do to send my best boy on a fools errand that could possibly bring him harm. Now would it?" Sacher was prepared to hear any details they chose to volunteer.

As the conversation was being held with the Marqués del Stry, Sacher kept his line of sight centered on the man's nose.  No need to accidentally bespell the man ... Yet.  But out of the corner of his eye, he kept a watch of the wolf.  Something told him that this one could be trouble.  He was definitely not a house pet, that much was certain. 

Sacher chose to ponder about whether it was worth knowing what it was about the wolf or not.  Though, if he was going to 'throw to the wolves' his young man, perhaps it was worth knowing a little more about the wolves.  Both the werewolf and the man who was asking to retain the services of the boy.  For, as long as the boy was useful, Sacher would like to keep him around.  He did follow orders well.

[B.D. Adams]

Since he was introduced, Benjamin moved closer to the group.

He spent a half a moment considering shaking Sacher's hand, but in the end he declined deciding to trade it for a bemused smile instead. Though there was something about the vampire that was unsettling he didn't care to find that out by a handshake. Vampires had a well of memories and though what he wanted would be at the surface, Benjamin did not want to bother. He had his scent now and would remember it.

To show he wasn't on Stry's side, Benjamin stood between the two, and off to the side.   The trio formed a triangle. He wasn't afraid to look Sacher in the eyes - it was how he spoke to people.  It also helped when those simple vampire tricks were not so easily accomplished.  He wasn't a normal wolf.

What Stry said, however, caused Benjamin to take his attention from the vampire and focus on the Spaniard. Did he really hear what he had?  This, Marqués wanted to buy a person from Sacher? Was Stry a slaver? Benjamin glanced to Ama and Lauria while letting the thought turn around in his head. It can't be and yet, if he was, this man was worthy of further attention.

And what about the box the Sacher carried?  Stry didn't call Benjamin here solely about their deal, but the bracelet he had given him must be in the box.

[Marqués del Stry]

Hearing the Marqués speak about getting another person caused Lauria to stop watching the males and cast her eyes down and over to Ama. Lauria knew why she was in the masters employ, but she was sure that it had not gone the way as this.

"Keep your eyes, girl," Ama whispered harshly to Lauria, "Mind the Marqués' needs."

Indeed the Marqués was motioning to the young lady to bring him a drink - there were many simply hand signals used in the manor to ask for things without disturbing conversation or causing a distraction.

Momentarily flustered, Lauria was slightly leaden in putting down the tray of tapas and picking up the wine tray. She approached on the Marqués' right side and executed a small curtesy before offering the tray. Lauria would stay there until told to go.

The Marqués took one of the glasses and had a drink before addressing Sacher.  "You see, mi amigo, that is not how it goes." The smile he wore now was telling. "I came to you out of curtesy as it is that you are his employer. If you give your man to me then what I use him for is not of your concern."

No one would blame Sacher for wanting to know what would happen to their person. If he was giving away a person he may be concerned. Maybe.

The Marqués put his glass back on the tray.

[Sacher Masoch]

It was a shame that Daniel had declined the invitation to shake Sacher's hand.  If he was a collector of knowledge, and physical contact was how he obtained it, he would have found a wealth of knowledge on certain subjects within the mind of Sacher.  After all, he had spent decades as the favorite soldier in his mother's army of destruction.

But that was neither here nor there.  There was more pressing business at hand. "Ah, but you see, that is where you would be wrong. For if you plan to borrow his service and then return him to me, I have every right to know what it is you would have of him.  The details would be of little importance.  But I do have a right to know if I would be getting back damaged goods." Fingers drummed silently upon the top of the box twice more.

He continued. "If you are planning to keep him indefinitely, I am sorry to inform you that I do not participate in the slave trade."   He left the word 'anymore' off the end of that sentence. No need to inform these people of his past illegal activities.  After all, he didn't even know if slavery was illegal here.  But it was back on Earth. Besides, he had his own plans for the boy.

[Marqués del Stry]

He could appreciate a man who knew what he wanted as he was the same way, however this was not all liked when it got in the way of his things. In spite of this, and what Sacher had said, the Marqués gave a small shrug with his shoulder and a dismissive wave of his hand. "I believed you were offered well enough compensation for your man," said Stry. Whether the goods would be damaged or Stry would keep it, he never commented on. Once a person does sign to do the work for the Marqués it is never certain exactly when the time would be over.

"The only way to learn what this task is would be to do it yourself and we forget about Juan Rodriguez." Here,he offered a brief pause before he continued. "Otherwise you may leave the box here and Ama will attend to you, and the collecting of my payment.  Ama?" The Marqués turned his head slightly in her direction.  "The book."

The main housekeeper did not miss the beat.  Hearing what her master had said she answered with a nod and walked over to the side table on the left side of the room.  Opening the table drawer she took out a leather book which was inside.  Closing the drawer again  she pulled a pen from the books binder and walked over to the Marqués, stopping when she was a few steps behind him.  She stood on the side nearer to Daniel, no sense in crowding Lauria whom - to her - had a nervous twitch of her foot.

"I won't use up more of your time than is necessary," said Stry.

[Sacher Masoch]

So that was the young man's name?  Funny how Sacher never even thought to ask such things. "Indeed, your compensation was quite generous."  A wink with a hint of a smile was offered to Ama when she came to stand just back and to the side of the man to whom Sacher was speaking.

His attention immediately back to the conversation, he added.  "Perhaps you should have sent spies to my camp before you chose your compensation.  Or better spies as the case may be.  For you see, while a very lovely bottle, I fear the wine is wasted on the likes of me.  I have not the stomach for such things.  And the other little bobble. While breathtaking, and worthy of royalty, I only know of two females worthy of such a thing.  And one is allergic to silver, while the other ... Well let's just say I wouldn't be in a position to give it to her any time soon." An arched eyebrow and a slight cock of the head went with the statement.

A slight smirk curled at his lips. "So you see, the young man is a bit more valuable than your offered payment.  The bracelet, that's worth keeping in my possession. But to give up my best boy would require something a little better than wine that I cannot drink."   No one ever accused Sacher of being easy to do business with.  If this man wanted his boy, it was going to cost him.  Sacher was sure that something could be arranged.

[Marqués del Stry]

The Marqués started to chuckle lightly when Sacher mentioned spies.   Spies, what sort of business did he think that Stry was engaged? "You can choose to do what you will with the things given.  Keep them, sell them, it matters not." said Stry with a casual wave of his hand.  He never did say that the items had to be kept as they were, only that they were compensation. Surely what price he could get from them could buy something more suited to his needs.

Ama blinked slowly to mask rolling her eyes at Sacher's wink.  Then she opened the book and turned a few pages until she reached the one with the details of Sacher's order.

Making bargains, the thing called haggling, was not something that the Marqués did when he had settled on terms, and this is what he had done. "I will repeat," he said with a small smile. "What you were offered is fair compensation, more than fair, and it stands. You can choose to give your man this opportunity or no."

[Sacher Masoch]

Sacher might have been born at night, but it surely hadn't been last night.  Spies indeed.  Any 'good' business man, especially one who offered compensation for the purchase or at least borrowing of another human being, had spies in his camp.  This, Sacher knew for fact.  Even if the Marqués had opted to not make use of such in this instance, Sacher did not doubt the man's access to them.

Sacher's hand came to his chin, his index finger rubbing over his lips as he pondered the situation at hand.  The look upon his face was one of consideration.  Eyebrows raised, averted eye gaze, you could almost hear the 'hhmmmm' that was heard in his mind. 

Then, Sacher had an epiphany.  He knew what he was going to do about the situation.  After all, it would do good for him to not make an enemy of the men in this room, for so many reasons.  Being in good standing with them could serve his purposes at a later time.  There was something to be said for having allies.  And if Sacher played his cards right, these men could possibly become just that.

So as his eyebrows sank, his lips curled into a wicked grin.  A slight tilt of his head gave away that he had thought of something.  But that something, or those somethings rather, would be left unspoken for the time being.  "Deal."  That one word spoken slightly slower than normal, and with just a hint of an accent long gone.  He extended his hand to the man once again.

He gave a nod of his head to everyone in the room, even the servants, and extended a hand once again to the one simply introduced as Daniel. "I will send the boy once he has finished the task he is currently doing.  He shouldn't be long, perhaps on the morrow.  If you'll excuse me, I believe I will let you gentlemen get back to your business now."  He knew the rules, he didn't move yet.  He had yet to be excused, and he was sure that he would not be left unescorted to the door.  No, his mother had taught him better than that.

[B.D. Adams]

It looks like there was to be another player in this game after all.  At first Benjamin was a bit skeptical, neither Stry or the vampire wanted to give, but then Sacher agreed.  He did not believe that the vampire's curiosity got the better or him, or that he was trying to look good in the presence of the females in the room, something else had to be the underlining reason for the agreement.  Men, like the three of them, made strategic moves.

This could work out for Benjamin's benefit as well in the future. He had been quiet for a while, observing the conversation. As he thought more of this vampire, listened to him and was in his presence, he got a better sense of who he was and why something of him seemed familiar. They knew the same person, or persons.  He was almost positive it was more than one.

Sacher was, once again, offering his hand to Benjamin and the offer to take it was more alluring, however, it was not something he was going to fully accept. His right hand reached into the inside  pocket of his suit jacket and he pulled out a business card. Very sturdy for something so thin it was hard to see and sharp enough to slice and not make a mark. Benjamin would compare it to a finely sharp knife. There wasn't a name on the card but an image of a wolf's ear wrapped three times in a thin silver chain. Benjamin smiled and, with the card being held between his forefinger and middle finger, offered it to Sacher instead of a handshake. If Sacher took it Benjamin would possibly have the answers to his question.  A simple thing it was, the card would give him a quick 30-second insight of the foremost things on the vampires mind. Quite handy cards - especially when doing business - never know what was on a persons mind, even things unrelated to the current matter.

"Until next time," he stated, the card held in waiting.

[Marqués del Stry]

The Marqués took note of how Sacher was responding to what was said to him. They were all businessmen, in this room, and none would easily fold.  It was already seen that Stry did not give way to deals when his mind was set and he did not think this of Sacher either.  He wanted to know what the task was and the Marqués was sure he would find a way to get this information.

Hearing Sacher agree to the terms Ama closed the book she was holding and let out an internal sigh of relief. The Marqués took Sacher's first offered hand and shook it once in his firm grasp and let go. This hands were not the soft and pampered hands that would be expected of a man of his standing, but they told of work and a person willing to do what he had to do.

"We will accept him at arrival," Stry remarked, "Ama will see you out." Turning from Sacher, the Marqués took the book from Ama to make his own notations - things had changed after all.

Ama nodded her agreement to her task - thought it wasn't one she preferred -  and passed Lauria a look.  The younger lady's eyes were questioning if she were to go as well or keep holding the tray of wine.  The answer, of course, was to stay.

Ama went to the door. "At your convience, Sir." she said, the words directed to Sacher.  She saw that he had offered his hand to the other male, Daniel.

[Sacher Masoch]

Had either gentleman voiced their thoughts, Sacher would inform them that they were both correct.  They were all business men, none to easily fold.  And men like the three of them did make strategic moves.  And this was definitely one of Sacher's strategic moves.

A nod was given to Stry when the handshake was received.  Though not calloused, Sacher's hands were not pampered either.  So it was noticed by him that Stry was a man of labor not leisure.  Another point in the man's favor.  Sacher simply abhorred laziness in any man.  A trait he inherited from his mother, who taught them to never send the minions to do something you had not the guts to do yourself.

After the handshake from Stry, Sacher had turned to Daniel.  When a card was presented, instead of his hand, Sacher recovered quickly.  As his hand was positioned for a handshake, he placed the back of his middle finger against the card and brought his index finger around to press the card between the two.

As it was, the card did shave off a few layers of skin from the underside of Sacher's index finger.  As for the thoughts that Daniel would have heard.  Sacher was mid-sentence in his thoughts upon contact with the card. ~... if she has ever met this guy before.  She would probably find him quite attractive, maybe he would even remind her of me.  Though I doubt he could do for her all that I could.  A mediocre second at best.  But then again, that crazy red headed witch never could resist a big chunk of chocolate. Such a whore ...~

Daniel could make what he would of the thoughts.  Sacher barely felt the skinning of his flesh as he took the card. Not even so much as a flinch changed his pleasant expression.  A quick glance at the card as he moved to place it within his own jacket pocket was cause for comment though.  "Found a way around that pesky allergy did we?  Good evening gentlemen." A slight arch of his right eyebrow and tilt of his head went with the comment in regards to the allergy. And with that, he turned to leave, the box still cradled in his left arm like a wee babe.

Following Ama back to the front door, Sacher walked with his right hand behind his back.  His finger starting to sting slightly from the small amount of skin lost. But the pain was to be ignored as he chose to pursue a much more pleasant topic. "Why is it, that I get the feeling, that you do not find my words to be sincere my dear Ama?" A slight tilt of his head was made so as to better view the side of Ama's face from his place one step to her left and one step behind her. He waited for a moment to listen for her response as he continued to follow her.

[Telguest]

Ama, she kept her business to herself in appearance though she was watching the exchange between the males in the room closely.  She was not quite to sure what Sacher had meant when he mentioned allergies to the other man, Daniel, though she was sure she didn't want to know anyway.

Another look was given to Lauria as Sacher spoke that he was ready to go. She was glad that the Marqués had not taken the book from her as it gave a good reason for declining any handshakes that may come her way.  It would even be a convenient tool to use if there was the need.

"This way," Ama directed to Sacher as she left the room and started down the hall.  She would take the same way to the door as was taken to the room.  No need to show more of the manor and she did not want to extend her time with him more than she had.

During the walk, when Sacher directed his question to her, Ama glance to him but did not answer until they were at the door. Keeping the door closed she faced him, the book cradled in her arms. "Señor Sacher, I am neither a young maid nor a naive one." She said, giving him a quick look over with her eyes. "You should trust your feeling."

[Sacher Masoch]

Sacher could not help but smile as he was addressed, and looked over, by Ama.  He fought the urge to laugh, though it was a tough battle.  Choosing to not invade her personal space, which was a new and novel concept for him, he replied to her commentary. "Oh believe me, I am far older than I look.  To me, you are a young maid.  As for naive, I never thought you to be such." His smile was quite sincere.

He tilted his head slightly to the left.  His right hand remained behind his back, his left arm still cradling the box.   His facial expression was as serious as ever it had been."And my feelings that I trust are the ones that tell me that you believe my words to be false flattery because no one has ever showed you otherwise.  I assure my dear, I do not say anything that I do not mean.  So you can take me at my word when I say that you are truly a very beautiful woman."  He meant every word he had just spoken

He righted his head square on his shoulders once again.  Then he leaned slightly forward, but not too close.  Wouldn't want to get slapped. And then he whispered softly to her.  "Perhaps, someday, you will give me the chance to show you just exactly how sincere my words are."  He stood upright again and gave the slightest hint of a smile. 

Obviously, getting in Ama's good graces was going to take time, and effort.  Far be it for Sacher to turn down a challenge.  He would somehow manage to convince her that his interest in her was exactly that, interest in her.  It had absolutely nothing to do with her employer or anyone else for that matter.

[B.D. Adams]

Benjamin did not so things without a reason, and there was plenty if reason for him wanting to have the brief look into Sacher's mind. What he found out told him everything that he needed to know - for the moment - about this newest acquaintance. At the very least it confirmed what he already thought about the identity of 'Mother'. He tucked that information away, but it still didn't answer the other lingering interest.

Choosing not to make a remark about the 'allergies' the corners of Benjamin's lips curled slightly upwards. It was time to turn his sights on to more pleasant things, like Lauria, who had been standing so obediently. "Señor Stry, how do you come to possess such creatures?" He inquired with a grin. "They seem to do whatever they are told." Lauria wouldn't be much fun, but she would be entertaining for a time.

Benjamin looked away from the girl and towards the door, Sacher and Ama had left yet there was something still in the room. A partial backstop was taken with his left foot in a casual manner and his eyes swept the floor. There it was, a bit of the vampires skin - now how was he to take care of this? Benjamin wasn't going to take it, that's for sure. Surely Sacher had known he was cut, and he may have even done it on purpose.

He continued his backwards step and turned around. "Perhaps I will come back in a few days to see this person you have brought with the bracelet," Benjamin said as he went for the door. "I advise that you clean this floor and burn any debris collected."  It was the advice that he gave and whether or not Stry chose to abide was up to him.

[Marqués del Stry]

"What man would I be, Daniel, if I were to tell my secrets?" The Marqués replied in answer about his girls. While it was that they knew much of the conditions surrounding their service, everything was not told.

He closed the book and held it under his right arm, sliding the pen into his pocket. There were not only females in his employ, but he had males as well.  Many of them there under similar reasons.

It was uncommon to see people take an interest in his girls, though, when some did, the Marqués took extra interest.  There was Sacher and Ama - thought he did believe she could take care of herself - and then there is Lauria. He stayed his position and was listening to the rest that Daniel said, being glad that he was taking his leave of the room.  When the floor was mentioned he glanced down at it.  “Gracious, Señor…” he said slowly.

He thought that, even if he did not call Daniel back when Sacher sent the boy over, if Daniel wanted to be there, he would.

Lauria was still standing in her spot, her mannerism was slightly off.  She would need more training, it was something he marked in his mental book for later, for now there were things to attend. “Lauria, did you hear what Daniel said?” he asked her.

“Sí, Señor.” Lauria replied.

“Then be about it.” The Marqués said as he, too, left the room.  He could get from his room what he had intended without any unexpected guest, or Ama, to cast an eye at him.  The Marqués was confident that Ama would find him when his new man - the one Sacher had sold - arrived.

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