1586/Transitory Hellfire

Transitory Hellfire
Date of Scene:	09 May 2020
Location:	Lobby - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Alexander asks Tess about the Elis Society.
Cast of Characters:	Tessa, Alexander Aaron

---

Tessa has posed:
    The Hellfire Club can be considered a 'busy' affair at the best of times; but they hold themselves to a certain standard of quality and organization that takes the effort required beyond what one might imagine. Sometimes a guiding hand is needed.
    And at times like those, you might find Tessa Fox on the ground floor, figuratively directing traffic; moving with surprising efficiency for someone in high heels; from various groups of security, to the managers on hand, making sure everything is as it needs to be.
    Despite common perception, she is not, seemingly, *just* Sebastian Shaw's shadow. Not all the time, anyway.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It had been during those business time hours, during the day when one might imagine that the Hellfire Club just sat in repose, awaiting the dark and the celebrations that one must imagine are always happening in the depths of its halls. A rare time to take for a visitation, to darken the doorway to the place of supposed excess and indulgence.
    For most during this time of day their efforts may well be more mundane, focusing on the here and now of upkeep and maintenance. A sure hand was ever needed to make sure the teams were focusing on what was required. It was clear with the way she handled the moment to moment that Tessa was well-practiced at that task.
    But then there was a momentary intrusion of something beyond the pale, at least for the place at this time of the afternoon. When the elevator door had opened and allowed the departure of a vaguely familiar young man whose profile might be recalled. There's that shock of blond hair, the furrowed brow, and those strange hazel eyes with hands dug deep into the pockets of his jeans. He walks forward with a backpack slung over his shoulder and a purposeful stride, clearly something weighing upon his thoughts. He looks across the way. And then notices the people at work, moving to step around them. But then there's an instant when he looks across the way and catches Tessa's eye. Recognition flickers to life.

Tessa has posed:
    Despite the relative din of preparation of the looming business gathering at the gates, Tessa seems to notice the sound of the elevator coming down, and casts her hazel eyes to its opening doors. Something very subtly strange happens, then, as you approach. One second she's a part of the hustle and bustle, moving along with it, and then she's simply... not. She is standing stock still, focused on you, and people are moving around her. It's not just that she stopped participating, it's that she's become entirely disengaged from it. Like there's a split second where it feels like she's super-imposed on a movie green-screen of the activity around her, and not actually there.
    Blink and you'll miss it, really.
    Still, Tessa folds her hands in front of you and respectfully bows her head and shoulders just slightly, greeting you, "Mr. Aaron. Welcome. It is a surprise to see you at this hour." For a brief moment she peers up over the rim of her glasses at you, before she straightens up and looks at you properly. "I hope that your visit has been enjoyable. Or fruitful, depending on your needs."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Ms. Fox." The two words float there for a time as he looks at her, remembering for a moment why he liked meeting her eye to eye. Something in the irises shared similar to when he looks in the mirror. Not just the eye color, the greenish blue with the hint of gold at times. But the reservation and control perhaps something to aspire to.
    A glance is given to the surroundings, now just so much backdrop as in that moment she seems all the more the foreground taking due focus. The young Olympian smiles a little and looks back, "Fruitful. In a way."
    Then his own curious gaze drifts past her as if marking the activity behind, one eyebrow quirking as he tilts his head slightly, before refocusing upon her features. "Are you at liberty to wander and talk? Or would it place too much of a demand upon your time?"

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods her head once to Alexander's appraisal of his visit and says, simply, "I'm glad." With perfectly composed politeness; though, it must be said, not a great deal of warmth. Her hazel eyes, as always, seem to gaze very very intently - on you as much as anything else - though she blinks once, seemingly in surprise, at your request. She doesn't look back at the staff, but there's a moment of silence where she seems to be considering them all the same, before she nods her head. "I am not *so* needed here." She answers. The staff is well practiced and well payed, after all, they should survive a LITTLE while. "I am at your disposal, Mr. Aaron."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A ghost of a smile might be seen there for a moment at the way she says that she is glad but the tone in main. It's enough to get him to shift his gaze away for a moment as he eases his expression but then it's with that neutral nod that he gives when he offers a few more words.
    "I shall try not to take your time for granted, Ms. Fox." That said he starts to walk along, heading for the door with a casual steady stride. But then pauses as if rethinking the idea of walking out and about while speaking on what there is to be discussed.
    A tilt of his head back to her is given as he murmurs, "Is there somewhere you would consider a place of reasonable privacy that might be more convenient?" He looks past her and furrows his brow in consideration, then says with a slight half-smile lighting in those words, "Not that I fear eavesdropping, more the matter is a strange one."

Tessa has posed:
    "Please don't worry. Tessa reassures you as she follows you; but the srange, cold, beautiful womman seems to stop suddenly and regard you with interest seemingly at the same moment you hesitate, as if she was clued into it the exact moment you felt it, and simply stares at you silently until you speak.
    She just slightly tilts her head at the request - not unheard of on these grounds, but rarely directed towards her, as those inclined typically know full well where to seek privacy around here. In Shaw's circles, anyway. She only considers for a moment, before she nods. "Of course, Mr. Aaron. Please follow me." She answers, giving a short bow of her head, extending her arm outward in one direction briefly before she begins moving in that direction; leading you through a few rooms, and onto the vast grounds of the Dungeon, seeming incredibly still and spacious without the thick crush of people that usually occupy it during business hours, the click of her heels seeming to echo a great deal in the open space as she stops at some conveniant point an equal distance from the bar or the last booth in a row.
    Tessa turns to face you and says, "You may take a booth, if you like. If you would like refreshment, Mr. Thompson will be happy to serve you before opening hours. He can also be relied upon to leave us, if need be."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    When she pauses and regards him with that calm control, Alexander does not shy away from her eyes, nor that steady consideration. There is perhaps a subtle drawing of his brow faintly more together, small micro-tells that she is likely familiar with hinting at a touch of confusion though for one perhaps untrained he does a rather good job of maintaining a poker face. But in comparison to her... an amateur.
    Then they are walking, moving down into the open area of the Dungeon. She gestures and he turns to consider, moving toward the booth and in turn motioning with one hand for her to join him if she would. His backpack is unslung and set on the seat closer to the wall as he slides in next to it. She makes that offer of drink only for him to wave it off as he murmurs, "No thank you, I do not care to partake at the moment. But if you would do so, please feel free."
    And it's then, once they're reasonably settled, that he looks to her and says. "I spoke to Ms. Frost, but she did not have much to relate. I was wondering if I could impose my questions on you."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods once at Alexander's offer, but says nothing of it and makes no motion for service, simply sliding into place in the seat opposite from Alexander and folding her hands in her lap.
    Tessa's face betrays nothing as Alexander speaks, though there is a moment of silent consideration before she nods her head. "... I see. I will be happy to take your questions, Mr. Aaron. Though, I fear if Ms. Frost can not help you, that I will be ill-equipped to take her place." She adjusts her glasses just slightly. "... Or not at liberty."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A nod is given, "I understand, but though you mortals are so similar I imagine you might have different things to share now and again." For a time as he says that he leaves it neutral, as if he were entirely serious relegating the entirety of humanity so, even as he leans forward slightly as if trying to discern /some/ glimmer of reaction. Whether it's the first flicker of indignation, or the slight inclination of a smirk. And yet somehow... he likely expects to see naught and neither.
    But then his own smile breaks a little, his eyes turning away as if to consider the room one last time, before he looks back at her and offers. "There is a feud going on between two of my uncles. I've been asked to mediate after a fashion."
    A breath is taken as he pauses, as if considering the particular path to take, then embarks upon it. "There is a group of people, they're known as the Elis Society? If you've heard of them I'd like to know what you can share. If you haven't perhaps you can give some insight into the..."
    He pauses and looks away, then back as if trying to gauge how insulting his words might be. "Into the culture. For they are individuals that gather to celebrate in the way many people..." He bites his lower lip then adds, "How many people might imagine things are for the Hellfire Club."

Tessa has posed:
    Indeed, Tessa gives away no expression, but a period of absolute stillness may speak to SOMETHING as she considers this statement. It sounds like he's picked a certain direction to grow it.
    How unfortunate.
    This gets turned over, examined, and filed away in her head like everything else even as she listens intently. She does incline her head very very slightly when comparison is made to the Hellfire Club, a matter which she seems content not to comment on, as she's spent more time in a corset than one would guess, having met her.
    She brings her hands up higher into view, linking her fingers as she ponders her answer. "... They share a similar clientele to ours; though our understanding is they fancy themselves somewhat in the vein of the... Illuminatti, I suppose, if you believe in such things. More in importance than in actual influence, as far as I understand it. They are secretive, but not infallible. What we have gleaned of their... 'culture'-" there is a bit of heavyness to the word, as if Tessa subtly resents using it, "... and especially their revelries... well."
    Tessa pauses for a moment longer than is strictly neccessary before she continues, "... Very little can be confirmed. We know that they deal in... intensity. A gleeful shirking of taboo. Carnal persuits." Tessa pauses. "We at the Hellfire club seek to offer a more... sophisticated - or, in certain cases, simply healthier - brand of indulgence and relaxation." She says, and it's mostly true! A few areas aside! "The Elis Society Clientele come here with... expectations and an attitude that do not serve them well here. Indeed, few are still welcome here at this time."
    Tessa takes a breath, and sighs softly. "... Rumors abound, of course. Everything from celebrity orgies to blood sacrifice. Nothing we can confirm. We have, ourselves, been accused of certain..." Tessa adjusts her glasses, "... absurdities, so one can only lend them so much credence. But we do not believe it is a... healthy environment. That is my understanding, Mr. Aaron. Forgive my lack of brevity."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    She can tell she has him. Such attention paid, the way his own curiously deep golden irises follow hers, flitting between them. He holds his tongue, silent and intent as he listens. His own features giving away little insight into his thoughts or feelings as she recounts the ills of the people he speaks of. At most there's an instant where he draws a deep breath and holds it as she speaks of those last few transgressions against morality.
    But then he nods and says quietly, "No, thank you for being so forth-coming."
    His eyes lower for a moment as he murmurs, "They are the... the point of contention between my uncle Hades and Dionysus. Apparently created some time past as a..." His lip twists displeased. "A joke of sorts. An insult."
    Then there is quiet and he looks aside, then back as he adds. "I am to attend one of their celebrations and I'm not looking forward to it."

Tessa has posed:
    Alexander's thanks is met with a simple, soft, "Of course, Mr. Aaron."
    As he described his position, Tessa's brow knits very very subtly - though she files away the 'joke' bit for later - and she nods her head. "You have my sympathy, Mr. Aaron. If there is ought we can feasibly do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. However, you must understand that any sort of open altercation or transgression with the Elis Society is not in the Hellfire Club's interests at this time. That said..." her head tilts just slightly, "... an elevation of... personal security may not go amiss." She says, basically suggesting you arm yourself, "... and I would not trust their serving staff to be as disciplined as ours." And don't drink anything you didn't see prepared, apparently!
    Though honestly this advice could just as easily be propaganda against the competition.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    His response to her words is a raising of his own brow and his eyes drifting to the side as if recognizing what an understatement she might be offering. And then he looks the other way as if having a small inner conversation with himself that she's not entirely privy to, but she likely can discern the gist. Something along the lines of, 'No kidding.'
    But then a nod is given to her as he murmurs quietly, "Thank you, Ms. Fox. You've helped give me at least some... confirmation in some ways, and insight in others." That said he sits up a little more, letting his gaze slip to the side as he rolls over the myriad of thoughts spawned by her words.
    But then his gaze narrows slightly and he turns back to her and asks, "Earlier. When I asked for a place to speak in relative privacy?" She can hear his tone lilt up at the end there, curiousity playing upon the question.
    "Did I transgress in some form? Commit a faux pas for the club?"

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods her head and says, politely, "You are very welcome, Mr. Aaron."
    His question, though, draws a visible hint of curiosity from the oddly-involved young assistant, and she faintly shakes her head. "Of course not, Mr. Aaron. The comfort and privacy of our members is among the Hellfire Club's utmost concerns."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Are you certain?" Not that she's certain as to the efforts of the club regarding the comfort of their members, but more perhaps to the possible umbrage given. His head tilts to the side with a quizzical mien lighting his features. She likely has no clue why she intrigues him so, but it is a moment like this that does at times rekindle that curiousity.
    "Upon reflection it could have seemed something akin to a proposition of a kind." No condemnation, no inclination one way or the other. More just curiousity still and there are so many aspects of her that defy definition. Yet she can likely read his features easily enough, can realize in part he is perhaps trying to figure out his own motivations as well as if they were things that were floaty and ethereal in some ways.
    "Though I imagine you are subject to such often."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa slowly closes her eyes, and the ghost of a smile comes to her lips as she says, softly, "I see." Her hazel eyes open and she looks at Alexander evenly, saying, "You need not worry yourself, Mr. Aaron. Unreasonable requests are not uncommon among our clientele. It is our duty as hosts to serve them up until the moment they cross that threshold.
    Alexander's last assertion draws no visible change to her expression as she says "... I endeavor to take such flattery with grace, Mr. Aaron." She says, speaking of members hypothetical tendancy to make passes at her. "But it is not a common occurance."
    She has the looks, but she doesn't have the most... seductive personality, unless very specifically necessary. Though there are sorts who make a personal challenge out of melting the proverbial ice queen.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    She can likely tell, see the small tell-tale signs, likely something she's perceived before with others. That inclination to imagine about what secrets are kept behind the controlled facade or reserved exterior. Can likely tell that there has always been some element of curiousity about her but also hints of whatever tales about princesses and castles and rescues needed have shaped the youth's manner. But it's matched with a slight twist, a realization of self knowing that such sentiments... are ultimately silly.
    But that does not stop the smile from coming to his features in return for having earned at least the whisper of one upon her countenance. His own hazel eyes turn away, then back as he considers the matter in silence for a time then back.
    "My time is spoken for at the end of this coming week with the... with what we spoke of. But before that." He pauses, head tilting slightly. "My time is my own. Would it be a thing you'd consider to spend some of it with me, beyond the bounds held here?"

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa actually smiles then, but it's a very... patient smile. A practiced smile. With the exact same polite composure that colors all of her speech - impersonal but not dismissive - she says, "I am, of course, deeply flattered, Mr. Aaron." She says, a glint of light passing over her glasses as she tilts her head slightly forward. "... But my time is largely... dedicated. And decided. I'm afraid there's very little future in that direction."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A small crinkle to his nose as he nods a little and returns the smile with a subtle color to his cheeks, "I understand, forgive my boldness." He rests his hands upon the tabletop but there is a warmth in his features as he takes her words to heart. Taking up his backpack from the seat beside him and drawing it over his shoulder, he cants his head to the side, "I do appreciate your help, it was a kindness. If I can repay it down the line, please don't hesitate to ask."
    As that's said he draws himself to his feet and slides further out of the booth, pausing long enough to give her a nod and offer his hand, "Take care, Ms. Fox. I am very grateful."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods her understanding of Alexander's offered favor, but does not audibly commit to it, simply asuring him. "No trouble at all, Mr. Aaron." She stands when he does, and gives another small bow of her head and shoulders, replying. "And you, Mr. Aaron. Please enjoy the rest of the night, and... best of luck in your duties."