Date Night

[Ceutinde]

"I know the name, but haven't had the pleasure. It's so rare for me to get a free night. What sort of private club?"

[The Forgotten God]

Gregori regarded her a second then seemed to internally accept her worthiness. “It’s where we businesspeople meet,” he said. “Away from the old bloods and the do-nothing politicians. Where we make real changes to the status quo. And the entertainment is usually superior to anywhere except probably your own establishment.”

[Ceutinde]

"I see. Well I do believe I'd like to make that judgment myself, if you gentlemen don't mind escorting us." She looked over to Silvia. "Is that all right with you, Roxy? This is your night, I wouldn't want to derail it."

[The Forgotten God]

Robert didn’t seem particularly thrilled Gregori was still talking, but he forced a smile on his face and refilled his glass. “Now Gregori, remember the rules.” The short man snapped his fingers.

“Oh right, right!” He said. “I have to send for the Night Carriage. It’s sort of the guarantor of the club’s security. It’ll only take a half hour or so to get here. I’m sure Cerberus will love having you, though,” he told Ceutinde. “And you can be our honored guest Miss Roxanne.”

As they discuss the place, Ceutinde and Silvia both see one of the servers head swiftly out the door. He’s far too quick about it to be a coincidence.

[Ceutinde]

Ceutinde considered for a moment. Carl wouldn't like her sneaking off, but surely Silvia was capable enough protection. She opted to see where this took them. "Cerberus? What an intriguing nickname. I take it they run the place?"

[Silvia Raizer]

"I'd be happy to tag alone but you'll all have to forgive me if I have nothing to say if the talk turns to business." She smiled sweetly. "I am curious about the Night Carriage," she said.

[The Forgotten God]

“Sort of the gatekeeper, as it were,” Gregori said. “Makes sure the location’s a secret, no one does something stupid.” Robert finally cut in, apparently having had enough of Distennian’s endless blabbing.

“Cerberus just checks the credentials,” he said. “You know how it is. My friend sometimes gets over-eager when lovely ladies are around.” He smiled at Roxanne. “The Night Carriage is how we maintain some privacy. Magically silenced and all, checks for location spells and all that. We get poseurs trying to join all the time. You know how it is.” He leaned in. “The unworthies.” He glanced about. “Which in this case means politicians.”

Silvia saw her sister head down the stairs and take a seat about thirty feet away. She glanced at the quartet talking but went right back to waiting on a drink and presumably someone to join her.

[Silvia Raizer]

""It all sounds very exciting," Silvia said breathily.  "I am looking forward to it."  She took a drink of wine.  "I am honoured that we are considered worthy."

[Ceutinde]

"Indeed, it ought to be an enlightening evening." Under the table, she extended a leg and nudged Silvia's foot. "I'm going to go powder my nose. Would you care to join me, Roxy?"

[Silvia Raizer]

"Oh yes. That sounds like a good idea," Silvia agreed. She smiled at the men. "We ladies do like to powder our noses in groups, after all."

[The Forgotten God]

Gregori nodded at the ladies and went back to the table to eat before the party while Robert used the opportunity to head towards the bar.

[Ceutinde]

"We'll be right back, gentlemen." Ceutinde told them, standing up from the table. She led Silvia toward the ladies' room and made sure they were alone. "Well this hasn't exactly gone to plan. Can't exactly call it worse, though."

[Silvia Raizer]

"Yes, I thought we'd just pick up a few useful snippets of information, but instead it seems like we're going to enter the lion's den. There is obviously something very strange going on here, and it's much deeper than I anticipated. Are you sure you want to do this? It might be dangerous."

[Ceutinde]

"I was going to ask you the same thing. I'll send a message back to the House with our coach, but we'll be on our own. And they won't be expecting us to only ride the Night Carriage, if you take my meaning." She made a clarifying in-out-in-out gesture with her fingers.

[Silvia Raizer]

Silvia rolled her eyes. "They can ask, but I'll be no man's plaything. I won't rule it out, of course, but I cannot abide men who think they have a right to sex simply because they bought me a drink."

She smiled at Ceutinde.  "Do you have a weapon?  I brought a dagger with me, but of course, I couldn't wear a sword with this dress.  I suppose there's no way to send someone after us, since we don't know where we're going."