13147/Interview with a Vampire

Interview with a Vampire
Date of Scene:	23 October 2022
Location:	Shaw's Residence - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Ariah Olivie

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Ariah had no doubt heard about Sebastian Shaw, the notorious Black King, owner of the Hellfire Club and ruler of its secret council, from Blake Riviere. Sebastian had heard about Ariah from Blake as well, and his curious was piqued in a rare way. While Blake had shared plans to introduce Ariah to him, and by extension the Hellfire Club, Sebastian had his own ideas. He wanted to know Ariah without the influence of her sire. He knew enough of Blake to know that any woman that she would have granted immortality to must have tremendous merits. And he is one who ever wanted to see anyone with merits for himself.

And so while Blake never discussed it, she should have expected that Sebastian would take matters into his own hands in short order. Ariah receives the summons to the Hellfire Club while Blake is off attending to some Hellfire Club business on behalf of Sebastian. Did that business truly require Blake's expertise? To an extent. Was it an excuse for Shaw to insure a meeting with Ariah would Blake present? Absolutely.

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    At the appointed time, Ariah does, indeed, arrive. She is slightly early, but navigating the club to get to Sebastian's office is why. Though she had been here once or twice thanks to Blake, she still isn't fully sure of its layout. Its depths and corridors and elevator and more. But then she's there. The small woman of four foot ten, dark skin, and bright white hair. Those mismatched eyes too.

    "Bonsoir," she says politely, if cold. Her voice is icy and quiet, but cuts clear. "You have requested my presence?" she inquires, slowly tilting her head in one direction, angled almost to rest against her own shoulder. She seems aloof, her expression neutral as is her body language.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    Finding Sebastian should not be too much of a challenge. Although he always appreciates someone who arrives early. The staff was on the look out, and offered directions to her, if Blake's had not been sufficient. Upon her arrival, Sebastian rises up from his seat and approaches the door. "Ah, Ms. Olivie, thank you so much for coming." He walks over towards her and extends a hand. "Ms. Riviere has told me so much about you that I decided I simply could not wait to make your acquaintance. I hope that you do not mind." He smiles towards her. "Please, come in, be welcome."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    The much smaller woman peers up at Sebastian when he approaches her and offers the hand. Her own lifts and she grasps his, shaking slowly but firmly. "She did mention that she wished for me to take part in the Hellfire Club's..." Ariah pauses for a heartbeat, "...activities. And that there are certain bonuses afforded people like her and I." She makes no open mention of vampirism, as she isn't one hundred percent sure where Sebastian's own proclivities lie. She's still cold, but she's polite. And when she's invited inside, she follows.

    "It is.. a large place. Luxurious. Merci, for the invitation. I do not know what you wish of me directly that Mademoiselle cannot answer, but do let me know what I may do for you," she states with a nod.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    Sebastian seems to take every bit of advantage of that height difference, his gaze drifting down to admire Ariah's figure in the corset as he stands before her, nodding in approval. "I do see that you are already adopting the dressing code. Ms. Riviere seems to have explained our ways well to you." He seems unbothered by the coldness of the handshake, engaged with it firmly. "And yes, I would very much wish to have you join us, if your tastes run similar to our own." He looks her over again, for good measure, before stepping back to allow her to move further into the room.

    "It is all that, and more, to be honest. A relic of an older time, when those who had power were not afraid to be seen with it, and felt no compunction about expressing their innermost desires." He moves back into the room and bids Ariah to further enter. "Tell me, Ms. Olivie, what is it that you desire most? I am curious to see if the Hellfire Club can provide it, as we so often can."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Ariah's demeanor is cold, her skin is warm, and she has a pulse. Just like Blake. Whatever strange twist in the vampire formula the two are is one that seems far easier to blend in with... polite society. The girl herself leaves a lot to the imagination, with the way her dress covers just about everything. At the commentary on her attire, though, she blinks owlishly at Sebastian. "This is my preferred manner of dress," she states, "I am fond of this look."

    Then she follows him inside, mismatched eyes taking in the decadence of the surroundings. The wood. The furniture. Everything. Likely not too different from Blake's creature comforts. She looks to be in thought as she's asked, though, and then answers: "No desire truly outmatches any other. I play music. I study. I feed. I fight. I bleed. I kill. The latter especially when it comes to... certain individuals and their ilk." Her tone remains even, no variations while she discusses the arts and combat all in the same set of breaths as if it were as simple as blinking. Absent. Casual. She is simple and straightforward.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Ah, well, then perhaps that is why Ms. Riviere felt that the Hellfire Club would be so well aligned to your tastes." Sebastian inclines his head to her, turning to watch as she looks around the room.

    He listens as she rattles off her hobbies, and he chuckles softly when she mentions killing. "No surprise there. We do have plenty of cause for that, from time to time, when matters of the Council loom. I am not sure how much Ms. Riviere told you about this place, but I did grant her the authority to do so, to see if you were interested." He walks over towards a table and retrieves a glass and a snifter of brandy. "Would you care for a drink?"

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    "I am a simple woman but there are times when I have fine tastes," Ariah states quietly, taking in the room a little longer before joining Sebastian at the table. "She told me some things. Not about inner matters or your overall mission, non. But to some extent, the perks. And the bar offerings being in line with our particular... needs." Blood. Blood on tap. Served in a glass. Decadence. Perhaps too much so.

    Her gaze drifts down to the glass and then slowly back up to Sebastian's eyes. "Oui, merci, I will drink. A sweet or ice wine is my favorite, but... it would be impolite of me to refuse an offer from such a gracious host, non?" she lifts her hand, making a casual gesture as she nods.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Of course. We have to make sure that we have something that can serve all of our clientele. It is what any good host ensures." Sebastian watches her move towards the table and nods. "You are certainly welcome to whatever perks you wish to have. Ms. Riviere has sponsored you, in that respect, so you have the same privileges she does, until you decide whether or not you truly wish to join."

    He smiles at her response. "Oh, rest assured, I can provide a different option if you would prefer. He sets the snifter of brandy down and moves towards the bar at the wall. "If you would like, I have a nice dessert port that we could sample." He retrieves a bottle of wine and turns to regard her, shifting instead to two wine glasses.

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Nodding in agreement, Ariah certainly understands the various needs of various sorts. Not just herself, but certainly included. "What would be required of me?" she asks, "Were I to join? As I had stated. I am not sure of your overall... mission. If you have one beyond hedonistic delights. As you did mention the Council." The capital C is practically audible.

    At the mention of a change of drink, her brows lift subtly and she follows from the table towards the bar. "Portugese?" she asks at the wine, likely knowing her 'stuff' as it were. "I would like to sample, oui. It is not a common style from my homeland... and I have not been back in a very long time..."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    There is a soft laugh from Sebastian. "Are hedonistic delights not enough?" He pours two glasses of wine as he regards her. "Our mission is power, and guidance of the world. Shepherding, in some respects, those without the power or wisdom to shepherd themselves."

    He hands the glass to her, and lifts his own to linger just below his nose. "Aye. It is sweet, as you had said. I hope that it is to your liking. If not, we can try another."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Ariah's head shakes slowly, "It is not so much that they are not enough. It is..." she watches the wine pour as she considers. "...this is more than a simple pleasure palace, non? More to it than... decadence." She gest the explanation and considers it, taking the glass as it's offered to her. "Ambitious. I have no such grand ambitions. But if I am of use, especially to honor Mademoiselle, then I wish to offer my help."

    She gives the wine a slow inhale with her own nose, savoring it, "It is what I enjoy. Merci for catering to my tastes." Then, a slow sip. She draws the edge of the glass to her darkly-painted lips and tilts it just so, letting some of it coat her tongue before swallowing. "For more mundane matters, I am fond of playing music at public venues. If there is a desire for that here at the club..." she lets the offer hang in the air as she swirls her glass.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Decadence is the facade, but also the ultimate goal. And between those, yes, we work our ends behind the closed doors of the world." Sebastian takes a long sip. "I should say, the decadence is my goal. Each of those on the Council have their own, of course. Who is to say which is best?"

    He inclines his head to her. "It is my job as a host. I am pleased that you find it to your taste." He considers her offer for but a moment before nodding in agreement. "I am sure that we could make use of your talents here. Simply let me know when you wish to do it, and we shall make the arrangements."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Another sip is taken, the miniscule vampiress savoring the sweetness of the wine on her tongue. She nods slowly, "I am. Not good at stealth and scheming and subterfuge. I am a soldier. I always have been. I always will be." Ariah lets that settle a moment, then gives a ghost of a smile to Sebastian. "A violin would not go amiss here, then, would it?" she inquires. "It is one of... two instruments I am talented in playing. There are times when I also sing... but..." she considers. "...it is not often."

    One might struggle to imagine how this soft-spoken little ice cube of a girl sings, but sometimes the smaller, quieter ones have the best methods of pouring out their hearts.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "We have all manner of uses, and one can never have too many soldiers." Sebastian considers for a long moment, before nodding. "I am sure that we can provide you with a fitting rank and role, if you wish to join." He takes a sip of his wine, thinking on what she says, before nodding. "I am rather fond of the violin, so yes, it would be good to have." A pause. "What is the other instrument, if you do not mind my asking?"

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    "I would not object to offering you a private concert, if you are fond of the violin," Ariah states. "Though I operate very well in a duet with a piano also." Another slow sip of her wine, not taking much at all every time she brings the glass to her lips and subtly paints the rim in dark hues. Then the question, and the answer: "Bass guitar."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "That would be most kind. I would rather appreciate it." Sebastian smiles warmly towards her. "I do, despite rumors to the contrary, have pleasures that are not carnal in nature that I can enjoy." He chuckle softly. "I am not sure that we have a pianist that can match you, but I can ask around." He nods slowly in consideration of her answer. "That is a good contrast, to say the least."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    "Music and knowledge are chief among my passions," Ariah states, tone cool and even. "There are others but. I like to read. I like to listen. I have been granted the gift of immortality, and I wish to make good use of it." Then she bows her head politely. "I, too, have carnal desires but they are not... priority?" she ponders what the final word should be and settles on that one. It fits what she's trying to convey. "Though I do not think the club will leave me wanting... if I am allowed..." she bows her head politelty.

    Returning to the topic of music, she purses her lips, "The bass is difficult to have stand alone, unlike a violin. I would require an ensemble for the guitar work. I do not know anyone of whom I may start a 'band' with."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Rest assured, if I had immortality I would see out some form of artistic expression to master. Hedonism will only get you so far." Sebastian laughs softly, and nods to her statement. "To each their own. You can certainly indulge or not as the case may be. No one here will judge you for your tastes."

    "I am not sure of anyone as well, but perhaps you can ask around here. I am sure there are some which are musically inclined. I, alas, am not."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    It isn't long at all before Ariah has finished her sample of sweet port wine and has let the glass rest upon the countertop. "I imagine that if one were to simply spend their endless days in roiling debauchery, they would grow quite mad," she suggests, then shakes her head. "Ah, but on topic. On joining. If there is a place for me and I may be of aid, and I have Mademoiselle's sponsorship. How do I go about it? Is there a feat or a task I must do for you? Or is there a trail of paper I must affix my stamp upon?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Yes, well, luckily for me, I lack the eternity in which to grow bored of it." He laughs as he finishes off his glass as well, settling it to the side. He considers her question about membership, and shakes his head. "Nothing so formal as that. You wish to join, you join. And we can sort out details such as color and rank later. I am sure that if you are as skilled as Ms. Riviere says you are, and I have no reason to believe she is anything but truthful, then you will certainly be a good fit."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    This earns a slow tilt of the head, Ariah blinking once or twice. "It may sound almost too easy. But now, I must wonder. Were the words spoken with Mademoiselle ones in confidence? Because though I am not of the feline persuasion, I do find myself most curious as to what virtues of mine she may or may not have tickled your ears with..." she leans forward, idly drumming her fingers on the bartop. "I am confident and capable, oui, but.. it is always interesting to know what others expect of me, as I do not wish to fall short of them to either bring myself, or especially them, difficulty when I am unable to perform."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "It is easy only because there is one I trust to such an extent making the recommendation. Otherwise, I would be asking you to prove your skills here and now for consideration." Sebastian looks Ariah over once more, smiling. "In your case, all I know is that Mr. Riviere told me that you would be an asset, and I trust her without question." His gaze drifts towards her fingers, drawing by the sound of them against the bartop, before he turns back to look at her. "If you wish to demonstrate your talents, I certainly would not object."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Slowly, Ariah withdraws her fingers from the bartop to clasp them with her other hand at her waist. "I admit that I am not one to.. show off. I am simply more used to people asking for.. proof. Or wondering what was said on my behalf. If you trust Mademoiselle, then I hope that in time you will come to trust me as well," she states and bows her head deeper, respectfully. "I trust her without question or reservation as well. She is, I will say openly, my world."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    There is a shrug that runs through Sebastian's form. "Like I said, I do not require you to show off or provide proof. That she told me you had skills that could benefit us is enough. I did not even ask what those skills were. I trust that in time I will come to see them used, when the times are right." He returns the bow of her head. "My world is vast, indeed, but I will agree that I trust her without question, and she is one of few that I can say that of."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    "We are not so dissimilar then, in at least that regard," Ariah lifts her head, once more meeting Sebastian's eyes. "Then, if you will have me, I seek membership. I appreciate the simplicity of the process. So often there are so many more... hoops to leap through. Merci. And as well, for the wine. Is there anything more you wish to ask of me?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    "Indeed, we are not." Sebastian smiles towards Ariah, and nods. "As I said, there might have been more, but you get to skip that stage." He shakes his head as he slides his own wine glass further in along the counter. "No, that is it. If you wish, please feel free to enjoy the hospitality of the club. You will be notified when we have our next council meeting, and you can begin to see a bit of how we operate and waht we do."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    Ariah looks around again before returning her focus to Sebastian. "I feel privileged. There was a time when this.. edifice.. seemed as if a place I should not look at, let alone step within. I well and truly appreciate the welcome, merci." She backpedals slowly, calculating a handful of steps to keep her polite gaze upon the host of hosts. "I look forward to meeting the Council as well. Until then, Monsieur, bonne nuit," she gives a more full and formal bow.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
    Sebastian returns the bow. "You should feel privileged. This remains an exclusive club, and you are being granted membership in its most exclusive part." He inclines his head to her. "I shall send word in advance. And I look forward to you joining."