Under cover of darkness

[Seer]

<< NYC's nightlight was always something to marvel. The city never truly "slept" and there seemed to be one group of people for the day and an entirely different set for the night. Haleigh Davidoff seemed to fit into the set for the night as she was now meeting Ethan Cruise, a man who brings a seed of great trouble for The Six. After the events earlier this evening, a meeting such as this was EXACTLY the kind of thing that Morgan or Alison need NOT find out about.>>

<< back at Illustra, Morgan was enjoying a delicious dinner with Alycia, Delilah and Nicolas. the tension and negativity of the evening had begun to fade from their hearts and minds and now, after dinner they were enjoying drinks, dessert and conversation under the moonlight.>>


<< Ava was now on her floor in her luxury apartment, still reeling from the flood of emotions and how to control them. after her encounter with Morgan, it was apparent to her the differences between Morgan and Darkchilde...as well as that reality and this.>>

<< Meanwhile, Alison was on the security floor of Illustra examining the files and contants of Ethan Cruise, whom she had forcibly evacuated from The Parthenon not even an hour ago. The more she read and examined, the more she realized that he was more than a mercenary. He was a rogue operative of a MysTech facility overseas. He was out to kill Alycia under contract from Stavros Cassadine and he had surprisingly thorough files on each of the Six as well...though his information on HER was rather incomplete (as would any source of info on Alison Marble be) due to her past being all but unknown to even her team mates. >>

<< there was a collision course on the horizon. Haleigh meeting with Ethan would not go unnoticed by the precog of the six and she of course would tell Morgan and the others.>>

<< what is done undercover of darkness, always comes to the light.>>

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra-control room floor

:: on the floor that is secretly seperates the first 98 "business floors" of Illustra from the 6 "private residential floors", Alison Marble aka Guardian sits in one of the "war rooms" as she examines the contents and files of the man she confronted at the Parthenon. She cross references them on a computer console built into the desk she sits at.::

:: the control room floor of Illustra is a technological gem, constructed after Morgan's demise to compensate as much as possible for the lack of mystical protection around the building. the soft, rhythmic pulse and hum of power and energy can be heard throughout the dark floor as lights as lights and other instruments blink, glow and shimmer. Despite Haleigh being the primary engineer behind the integration of Clandestine Inc security tech into Illustra, Alison has demonstrated a surprising, almost ALARMING proficiency in navigating the systems and using them with as much effectiveness as Haleigh.::

:: she scowls as she looks through, her cobalt blue eyes reading through data at speeds faster than humanly possible.::

He is a rogue operative, originates from Europe. Previous affiliations with Mystech and now freelances as a private contract killer. A mutant with the power to psionically manipulate "hard light" to the effect of invisibility and various invisible constructs. he is able to cloak himself from the naked eye as well as various technological devices.

:: running through the files on the six and Alycia.::

He has gathered as much information as he could on all of us..including Alycia and he will attempt to kill her AND expose us. He functions under the assumption that WE are the operatives of MysTech and that HE can destroy the stronghold of Mystech...... a foolish, stupid man to say the least.

:: looking at the view screen.::

not very smart...considering that his own status as a mutant is now known by someone with the power to check him.

:: Alison looked up, and left her desk, walking out to the main bridge of the control room floor. Morgan had instructed Alison to keep an eye on Haleigh...and so it seemed Morgan's on suspicions had been confirmed.::

Haleigh has left Illustra......she is meeting with him now!

:: Alison "saw" what Haleigh's intentions were, but before she alerted Morgan, she decided to observe this first hand. returning to the war room, Alison sits down and looks "ahead". her cobalt blue eyes now glowing solid white as she reaches out with her powers as a Seer.::

let my powers as a Seer show me what takes place undercover of darkness.


:: moments later, a pair of floating cobalt blue eyes opens at Koi. hidden behind a large potted plant, Alison now "WATCHES" the meeting between Haleigh and Ethan unfold. Knowing that neither one would count on her being there in any way, and that her mystical presence wouldnt be detected, this made Alison the perfect spy in this instance.::

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra-100th floor

<< dinner at Nicolas' was amazing. the man's talents were surprising and Morgan couldnt help but imagine what OTHER talents he might have with his hands.. >>

<< enjoying an after-dinner drink, Morgan sat with Delilah and Alycia in Nicolas' lounge area, unaware that Alison was on the control room floor, or what was taking place with Haleigh. She enjoyed her goblet of cristal champagne and crossed her long, flawless legs at the knee.>>

Mmm. Dinner was wonderfull, Nicolas. Thank you so much for sharing your culinary talents with us. Just what we needed... a chance to break bread with one another and turn this evening around from something negative to something positive. I just hope i dont regret it....

<< rubbing her flat, toned stomach, as s he resisted the urge to run to nearest scale.>>

<< looking out of the panoramic window nearby, Mogan saw the moon as it hung in the sky and cast a soft light out into the sky.>>

I almost feel like i shouldn't be enjoying myself right now. I'm so used to one problem after the next..be it with Illustra or something the Six would have to address. Inspite of Haleigh's foolishness and Persephone acting so....frazzled....Surpsingly, i feel GOOD about the way we handled the situation with Stavros. My first instinct was to remove all traces...but now, I think we've done the right thing.

How do you feel, Alycia?

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- Nicolas' suite

:: Alycia was really "feeling" herself. having had a few drinks before, during and now AFTER a delicious meal, the high powered woman, was now laid back as she sat with Morgan.::

dinner was fabulous, Nicolas!

:: she gave a thumbs up as she gulped down more champagne.::

I havent enjoyed an evening dining experience like this in quite sometime.....when you're too busy fending off treacherous "can openers" like Haleigh...or avaricious parasites like Stavros...it kind of gets in the way of having a LIFE!

:: Alycia was being even more blunt than usual, the alcohol had definately loosened her inhibitions. she waved her hand a bit as she spoke. her voice was sharp at some points...a BIT slurred at others.::

How do i FEEL? well, i feel pretty damn good..despite having thrown that old goat Stavros out of the window!

:: laughing outloud in a surprising outburst, Alycia cues for another glass.::

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra- 100th floor

<< despite Alycia's change in demeanor, Morgan wasnt really concerned. she herself was loosened up by a few glasses of the bubbly.>>

ah, don't worry. at least you were kind enough to show him the "Quickest" way out.


<< Morgan and Alycia laughed loudly. as they high fived each other, Morgan poured herself another glass.>>

you know...we have teo spend SO MUCH TIME doing things to help OTHER people!

<< she waved her hand as if giving a speech...>>

it's about TIME we got to enjoy ourselves. don't you think so, Delilah?

<< it was clear that Morgan and Alycia were buzzing right now.>>


We have this whole big ol' building....and its all mine! we can do whatever we want! Let's go to one of the recreation floors....there's a giant pool and a hot tub. Nicolas can take ALL his clothes off then!

<< Morgan laughed as Alycia whistled with approval!>>

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas Apartment

Nicolas laughed as the ladies enjoyed themselves in the sitting room. It was apprent that inhibitions had loosened a bit as had Morgan's tongue. Nicolas guffawed at her hot tub suggestion and made on of his own.

"I have no problem with a skinnydip, as long as I'm not the ONLY one naked. What do you say, Morgan? Care to display for free what Hugh Hefner has reportedly offered you millions to show off? By the way, I can offer you far more than that for the pleasure. Or you Alycia, i'll bet you could fill a secret agent's dossier with your obvious talents. Or you , D? Care to get a little less conservative? I'm game if you are."

Nicolas winked at Morgan and smiled at all three women, then filled each of the women's glasses with the drink of their choice.

"Let's go! Time is wasting, and opportunity is before us."

 

[Prophet]

Koi - With Haleigh

Ethan motioned Haleigh to her seat as she called him by name. It wasn't a surprise. Her computer like brain was more than a force to be reckoned with. He was expecting this. They were both operatives in their own way, and they were both betrayed by those they had fought long and hard to gain trust from. As she sat down he took a drink of the Sapporo on his table and began.

"Well Haleigh, i'm really not here to give you information on Alycia Barnett, you know as much as I know, I am really here to see if you can help me out as our "needs" seem to be on the same page..."

He took a sigh and decided to ask HER some questions before he continued.

"But first and foremost, I need to know the connection between you and your friends and Mystech, because if you all ARE with Mystech, the conversation ends here..."

For years in the past Ethan was an operative of Mystech and there was blood on his hands from many American and European patriots, all under the guise that he was an assasin for British Intelligence, that he was doing good work for his country. He was responsible for destroying the beginnings of a "Citadle" much like the one the SIX destroyed in New York that was being constructed in London before going rogue and becoming a Contract Killer. His life was taken away by Mystech and he had no patience for those who were still trying to manipulate him.

 

[Black Widow]

Koi

Haleigh ordered a martini to start off with, as she studied Ethan's mannerisms to get a good feel of him. Mystech had an extensive file on him but nothing beats reading PEOPLE. She concentrated on him as he questioned her about her standing with Mystech. He's got balls of steel, asking me THAT... little does he know the sway I hold over metal. The waiter brings her her cocktail, and she takes a slow sip of it before responding... revealing NOTHING of how bitterly she feels about being accused yet AGAIN of being on Mystech's payroll.

"Me and My friends..." She begins softly, gazing off for a second before focusing on him again. "We're the reason Mystech is going up in smoke. With all the information you've eluded to having on us... on me... my 'needs'... I'm surprised you don't already KNOW that. Tell me, Ethan.... what did Mystech do to YOU?"

 

[Prophet]

Koi

Ethan looked the woman up and down, now women weren't really his cup of tea but being the English gentleman that he was he couldn't help but realize how attractive she was how they both had extremely similar minds when it came to the world of espionage. The calculating way they were shooting questions back and forthe, but Ethan had a feeling that if he came clean with Haleigh Davidoff that she would deliver the goods that he needed. He continued.

"When I first figured out about my.. super.. humaness, I caused a club in London to explode. I killed everyone inside. I was approached by an Agent of Mystech who was undercover as a British Intelligence Agent. For over three years I worked for Mystech, thinking I was working for my country's own government. I killed high ranking officials of the United States Government and countless others.. At that time.. I met somebody I really fell in love with.. His name was Drew.. He was a Doctor.."

It was painful for Ethan to continue but he was playing the sympathy card, hoping that she would give in to that. She was an emotional person, especially now after the death of her true love and all the things happening between herself and Alycia. He continued.

"Things got.. complicated.. keeping my double life a secret.. My... employers were not fond of this, and they had him killed.. it was then I figured out who I was really working for.. My case handler and other high ranking officials of Mystech were busy building a Citadle in London, that they would use as their experimental surgeries, torture and countless other things, it would basically be their base of Operations in the UK... I went down there in a fit of rage, and I let go with all my power, and destroyed it and everyone in it... From there I took all the case files I could on me, shredded them and recovered their servers. I went into business as a Contract Killer, and that is how I came here.. Someone within your circle is my target.. Alycia Barnett and he has a $50 million bounty on her head.. The people who hired me were protecting Stavros and Ava Cassadine, but I have always been shady on exactly who has hired me, and honestly as long as I get my pay, I don't care.. That is where you come in hand.. I have deduced, the lawyer and her lackeys are making life very difficult for you.. In fact I had a run in with Miss Marble herself.. God Complex much?"

 

[Black Widow]

Koi

Haleigh listened intently to his story... and saw his emotion... and she gave him the first actual expression of the meeting... her eyes betrayed a similar pain... the loss of a great love. She swallowed the last of her martini as he told her about the contract on Alycia. 50 million was nothing to sneeze at... even for a person of HER wealth, an amount like that was something spent carefully. Perhaps she pitied him... perhaps she was truly looking out for those she'd sworn to protect... perhaps she was just saving her own skin... but whatever it was, she found herself reaching across the table and placing her hand on his.

"Ethan... I hardly know you... but I can identify with your loss... and I'd like to make you an offer. [pausing a beat, as if second guessing herself] I'LL pay you.... the fifty million.... if you'll WALK AWAY. Alison Marble is ONLY the beginning. The Six... the people I work with... we're like a spiderweb. If you get caught in it... you'll be mummified and bled dry. Just TRUST me on this... I know how you FEEL... empty.... but LISTEN to me. Put MY check in the bank... and go home. If you dont... mark my words... this contract.... one way or another... it'll be the END of you."

She was convincing... as she always could be when needed. Whether it was HIM she was looking out for or someone else... only SHE knew. It could be a serious offer... or a test... or both. WhatEVER her hand was... she guarded it like it was her lifeline.

 

[Prophet]

Koi

Ethan somewhat scoffed at her offer. Step away from this hit? She was all too willing to give away a large amount of money in order to protect Alycia, or so it seemed. Which was completely contradictory of what he had read about Haleigh. Perhaps she had changed and as they talked he wondered just what the loss she had suffered was. He countered her offer.

"Miss Davidoff, the money is not really so much an issue, I could write the check myself. My job is plain and simple. Everybody in their own way is evil. Nobody is a good person and I find that I have the task of making people pay for the things they have done. I don't do it for the money, I do it for the principle. This woman has ruined the lives of yes morally bankrupt people, but people none the less. She has pretty much used the high profile cases you provided her to get closer to the position she covets within the United States Government, just recently she killed Stavros Cassadine, who is the father of your half sister, both of which she tried to kill for the death of her friend. She has a bloodlust, and just because she has the protection of Morgan Victoria and Alison Marble on her side, it doesn't mean she won't kill again. The relationship with Morgan, Alison and Alycia is dangerous, Haleigh, and the longer it takes for somebody to get rid of her, the longer she will be head over your head to be kept in check. She is less than human to those women Haleigh, she is LEVERAGE, but that leverage can be used in your advantage, not just The Wicked Witch of the East and her Flying Monkey. With her growing status I find the only way to protect anyone else from her is to terminate her before she gets that position so close to the President, her death frees not only you but the rest of your friends and the rest of anyone you hold dear to your heart. I am asking for protection, get back the securities of Illustra, grant me access, I kill her inside, it looks like a security malfunction, or I can make it look like an accident, either way, I just need access to the building, I can take care of the rest..."

He explained his case thoroughly and with conviction. He didn't know the hand she was playing so he played the best one he had, being convincing. Ethan wanted Alycia dead, it was no longer business, it was personal. She may have been responsible for agents in Mystech, but he saw her as a cancer that could be swayed either way, if some power became greater than that of the Six she would go to them and he couldn't risk that power being Mystech, he didn't want the other side to be able to get a hold of her.

"Let me do this Haleigh.."

 

[Black Widow]

Koi

Haleigh sat back, breaking contact between their hands and drumming her fingers on the table. She licked her lips with a sly smile and narrowed her eyes.

"You JUST SAID it was about the money."

She said, raising her eyebrows in question, as he tried another tactic... THIS one, she saw through. He was telling her everything she knew... and he HAD to know she was THERE for most of it... She shook her head, almost laughing, and sat upright.

"Let me tell you something, Ethan. I dont LIKE being USED... so why don't you STOP TOYING WITH ME.... and tell me what you're driving at.... the TRUTH."

She paused briefly, watching his expression, and then continued. "and another thing... I don't think you REALIZE the lengths some people would go to in order to PROTECT this woman.... and I think you SORELY misinterpret MY position. I want her to feel the SHAME... the GUILT that I feel... but I don't want her dead. Like you said... she's leverage... and though I'D like nothing more than a lifetime reprieve from her incessant, pretentious Law-and-Order REPEAT routine... there are SOMETHINGS she is needed for in my circle."

 

[Prophet]

Koi

Ethan sighed as she remained strong in her stance. She was actually protecting Alycia something that he didn't plan on her doing.

"From what I can tell, you were ALL but ready to send her to prison and now you are protecting her. Haleigh she actually isn't needed to protect you. The people who are holding you back are the ones who use Alycia to cover themselves up when they lose all control. You haven't needed Alycia to cover up when YOU went beserk and nearly blew up New York City and killed your sister, that was Morgan. In fact, MORGAN murdered you AND your sister, and those were things Alycia decided to cover up. It seems to me that Alycia protects murderers, yet becomes extremely grey on the matter when she pulls a Tiger Woods lands a hole in one of the Business Park of Illustra. Alycia Barnett's sole purpose is to protect your friends who have been making mistakes, who have been sloppy and you know in the world of intelligence, Morgan, Alison and Alycia would all be dead. Alycia is the one who cleans up after those ticking time bombs, and I personally would like to see what happens when she isn't there to clean up their mess, when they have to be held accountable for their actions, because from the information I know she has on you, she has MORE than enough to send you away and have you jumping whenever she says. Letting Me kill her GIVES you the upper hand, the upper hand on Morgan and Alison. You have made the least messes out of your friends and the only thing they have against you is your past, Alycia holds the key to that past, and with her gone, you are a FREE woman.. I AM going to kill Alycia, I just want to know if I have your HELP..."

He was now going straight for the kill, playing on her independent streak and fragile nature right now, he had seen her earlier at Cameron's grave, he had recorded every word she had said as well as video recorded it, and he knew that she was a woman undone, and that she was dying to get back to the woman she was before.

 

[Harbinger]

Koi

:: hidden behind the foliage of a large potted plant, a pair of floating cobalt blue eyes watches silently.::

:: Alison, one of the "ticking time bombs" Ethan speaks of, is listening in on the WHOLE exchange between Ethan and Haleigh.::

unbelievable!? he views himself as some kind of messiah of justice to purge the "evils of Alycia". THIS from a man who WORKED for MysTech and is now a contract killer!? much of his information is DISTORTED. he clearly doesnt know that Persephone only recently became BLENDED with the emotional essence of Ava Cassadine.

:: Why was she even trying to rationalize the dribble he was spewing? this was nothing more than an avaricious mutant using the facade of "justice" as a means to achieve a massive bounty on Alycia Barnett. Killing her would only spell DISASTER for mutants and metahumans and he obviously didnt bother to realize that.::


:: as she looked on and listened, She noted one major thing...HALEIGH was prooving herself to be far more loyal, honorable and not nearly as much of a security risk as Morgan suspected her to be at this moment. She was not falling for his attempts to bait her and she wasnt revealing anything that could hurt or endanger the six or even Alycia..despite her wanting to humble the woman.::

it would appear that Haleigh is not such a security risk after all. let us see how long she continues on this path.

:: resisting the urge to annihilate Ethan where he sate, the seer remained silent and well hidden as she continued to watch. what INTERESTING things happened under the cover of darkness::

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra - 100th Floor

"I have no problem with a skinnydip, as long as I'm not the ONLY one naked. What do you say, Morgan? Care to display for free what Hugh Hefner has reportedly offered you millions to show off? By the way, I can offer you far more than that for the pleasure. Or you Alycia, i'll bet you could fill a secret agent's dossier with your obvious talents. Or you , D? Care to get a little less conservative? I'm game if you are."

[ Delilah scoffed in a way that said, "As if". Was he serious? ]

"Seriously? Seriously. You'll see God before you see me "skinnydipping" with you Nicolas. Some women might find that attitude appealing, but I have more respect for myself than that. Your flippant comments are not appreciated - I am not a piece of meat for you to eye."

[ In what universe does he think it's acceptable to treat another person like this? She couldn't believe that Morgan and Alycia - two women MUCH farther down the scale of feminism than she was - put up with it. ]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas Apartment

Nicolas heard Delilah's comments and scoffed back in an exageratted tone. Clearly someone was out fo place in the fun little circle being created here. He laughed at her indignant attitude.
"No problems here, D. Keep your shirt on. PLEASE. You know I mean no disrespect, but an offer like Morgan's deserved an answer. Just relax"

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra-100th floor

<< standing up and going over to her best friend, Morgan put her hand on Delilah's shoulder>>

now, now Delilah! << she said trying to bring levity to the situation>> don't severe his testicals with a laser bolt just yet.

we're all friends here...it was just an idea you know.Nicolas didnt mean any harm. besides...there's three of us and one of him. WE have the advantage

<< she snickered a bit, as Alycia laughed softly.>>

you know how we used to do back in COLLEGE so don't front!

<< she playfully nudged Delilah>>

but its okay girl. Alycia and I just wanted to have a bit of fun with Nicolas here....you know there's the "galloping gourmet"....we could have our own "naked gourmet!"

<< Morgan and Alycia, who were clearly a bit drunk laugh loudly at their comments.>>

<< sigh>> maybe we should all just call it a night. I dont want D feeling uncomfortable with all this debauchery. We've had a lovely time Nicolas. We'll be back soon Im sure.

 

[Artemis]

Illustra-100th floor

:: Alycia was laughing with Morgan when she looked at Nicolas, who suggested THEY get naked as well.::

hmph. shame on you Nicolas!

:: she said, as she waved her finger.::

i KNEW you were trying to ply us with liquor so you could get us naked!

:: she joked while reaching over and slapping his hand. she playfull scolded him::

BAD Nicolas!

:: Delilah flat out declined the "invitation" and let Nicolas know exactly how she felt.::

MeOWWW!

:: Delilah put him right in his place. Alycia wondered just WHAT Delilah was like back in her college days as Morgan went over to Delilah and reassured her best friend it was all in fun and joked about the galloping gourmet and the NAKED Gourmet. Alycia laughed as she high fived Morgan::

I think we'd be having dinner here EVERY night.

:: as Morgan suggested they all retire for the evening, as it was late, Alycia finished off the last of her goblet...her 5th glass so far::

awww. oh well. probably just as well, the others of your team might get jealous if they knew we were frolicking nude in a hot tub. I can just hear Haleigh running her mouth now.

:: standing up, she wobbled abit.::

weee, I'm feeling it now. i guess i better head on to bed before i fall down or something.

:: look at Delilah, Nicolas and Morgan.::

Thanks for the lovely dinner Nicolas...you guys really know how to make a girl feel better after they send someone falling to their death.

:: After hugging Morgan and Delilah, Alycia waves goodbye and bids them all a good night. she made her away to the guest quarters in Nicolas' luxury apartment and closed the door.::

 

[Black Widow]

Koi

Haleigh chuckled and shook her head. He was persistant, this one. She uncrossed her legs and then recrossed them the other way, steepling her fingers and smirking knowingly.

"That's SO like a man. Aggressive and Forceful. Now NOW NOW... and brutally violent. Have you no concept of hurting someone insidiously, weeks from now, months? I am a dangerous woman because I'm a PATIENT woman.... and I know that DEATH... and even PHYSICAL pain is not the worst someone can suffer."

There was a gleam in her eyes that was almost chilling... but she was still and calm, a far cry from her behaviour only a little while ago with Morgan.

"I TOLD you... keeping the lawyer alive serves a purpose... one that you don't seem aware of. [sighing] And besides... if she dies.... the first one to look GOOD for it will be me.... after what happened tonight.... so you see.. I have perhaps a little MORE incentive to keep her alive than to see her dead.... for now, at least."

In regards to Morgan murdering her... Haleigh gave him a seductive smile, using the tip of her foot to feel around under the table for his ankle... but instead of playing footsie with him.... she KICKS him sharply in the shin. She flashes a pearly smile when he cringes in pain.

"Yes, and I just kicked you. Now I could apologize... or not... but it doesn't MATTER... because its IN THE PAST. it HAPPENED. I can't change it and neither can you. What's done is DONE, Ethan. Morgan was in a very DARK place when she did that. There's no need to revisit it. There's a LOT between us that make up for that night. You forget that these TIME BOMBS are people that I care about. If Alycia is not around to 'clean up'... then I'LL find someone else to do it.... or i'll do it MYSELF."

She stands from the table and fishes through her clutch... and then hands him a small black card.

"I don't give my help freely to just anyone, Ethan. You'd better rethink your objectives. This is my personal line... if you want anything from me, you're going to have to earn it. Give me a REASON to be interested in your cause... You've ALREADY be warned about what will become of you if you try to take her life. Thanks for the drink... I don't think we should be seen together any longer.... especially if you've already been confronted by Alison."

 

[Persephone]

The Parthenon

:: Arriving at The Parthenon hotel, Persephone made her way through the large lobby toward the bar near the back of the hotel. Some people pointed at her referring to her as Stavros' daughter. Other's were a little less discreet about it. A few hotel staff members came to Persephone asking her if she needed any assistance with anything or desired the bar to be for a private party only. Persephone declined. She just simply wanted to have a drink in a quiet, classy bar, without making a huge scene. ::

:: Walking into the dimly lit bar, it was decorated beautifully with soft jazz music playing in the background. Sliding onto the plush leather stool, she crossed her long legs at the knee and smoothed the wrinkles out of her café length black pencil skirt. Placing her small black purse on the bar top in front of her, the tender made his way over and politely smiled to her. ::

"Bloody Mary."

:: The tender nodded as he proceeded to make her drink. Glancing around the quiet facility, there were a few couples here and there, with an occasional loner. Placing her chin in the palm of her hand, she sat more 'casual' than usual. Not bothering with her posture or whether slouching was 'unlady like'. Allowing her black manicured nails to trace small circles on the marble bar top, she kept her eyes cast across the room in a deep stare. Simply thinking and enjoying the peace and quiet of the serene hotel bar. ::

:: After a few more moments, the tender placed her Bloody Mary on a small red napkin and slid it in front of her. Straightening, she looked to him and nodded a silent thanks before taking the celerey and stiring the red drink. Lifting the glass to her lips, she took a small sip of the tangy beverage, licking her lips there after to savor the taste. ::

:: At this moment she had no idea what the others were up to, and she didn't really care. It was nice to be out of Illustra, enjoying a drink by herself, and relaxing. ::