M.T.F: Team Bluestrike

[Roland Gilliad]

*his grin was long and triumphant as he noted her astonishment, And, removing his own loafers, he offered her his hand*

I agree. May I have this dance?

*his eyes danced appriciatively, He gave a nod to the head conductor, and it changed into a delicate, slow waltz, And led her out to the center of the dance floor, and with a flourish of a bow, took her hand and danced slowly with her. His teqnique and steps were near perfection, And though he stumbled once or twice, it was difficult to notice, after some time, the band ended, and he clapped appriciatively for her own talent, his eyes dancing mischivously and his smile bright*

Lovely..Simply Lovely....I hope you approve of my works...

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

She took his hand with a grin, following his lead. It took a few minutes of stutter-stepping and longer strides to get the pace right and in sync with the music, but she could tell he practiced. In bare feet they were able to move with much more grace than the limitations of high heels usually allowed. Much more natural.

His hand rested on her lower back, fingers gently tapping in time to the music as they glided their way across the open space. The back of her neck tingled at his warm breath found it's way over the gentle curve of her shoulders. She could almost imagine the saltiness of his mouth tinged with the slightest hint of wine.

Biting her lip, she hoped he hadn't noticed her tense under neath his powerful touch. She had made a promise to herself not to fall for any more emotional traps. HE was not on her side, and no melancholy wishing would change that simple truth. Despite the fact she had believed his words, and her intuition was rarely wrong, risks like this were too great to be taken lightly.

He brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead, and the second his fingers touched her she almost through caution to the wind and forgot her resolve completely. Almost, but not quite.

"Bravo, bravo. I will admit I was wrong...you genius does live up to your claims, on this occasion at least. Enjoy it while you can, the times I acknowledge to having a tainted opinion are few and far between."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He grins slowly*

I rarely claim things I cannot back up. This is only a tiny facet of my Grand estate. I could, in fact, live here for a great deal of time, And be very close to Immortal. I would not age or lose health, I could keep my body sustained through the foods here, and always have ways of entertaining myself....

*he chuckled quietly, settling back on the balls of his feet, his eyes gently glowed*

Ah, I can understand your stress...I am, of course, not on your side correct? I am working with the government who seeks your capture daily. Yet we are not unlike...

*he circled her slowly*

I have been working tireless hours to get at the evidence they have against me....Soon enough I will be able to erase it and escape the entrapment they have me in....Prehaps then you will trust me..

*he gave her an amused grin, and motioned to her*

Another dance prehaps? A meal? What hospitality can this lonely hacker offer a beutiful woman?

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

"You analyze me well. It's a talent many have tried their hand at, and few have succeeded."

She followed his movements with only her eyes, allowing him to walk behind her back and forcing herself not to flinch. It was instinct for her to turn and keep him within sight, one that had been strongly impressed upon her when she was younger and served her in good stead.

"It's true I don't trust you...but can you blame me? Despite the facade of being full of fairness and loyal to justice, the government is ruthless. If they cannot use pure brute strength against you, they try mind games, to appeal to what is human nature, to the emotional side. I've played this game for what seems to have been my whole life, and a few hours in the scheme of things gives me little reason to change my views of the world."

Taking a deep breath, she hadn't meant to blurt all that out. Years of keeping these difficult feelings to herself had made her eager for any release...anyone who could grasp the mental strain placed on her day and night. She hated the game, but she also thrived off of it.

Smiling at his almost childish need to please her, she linked arms with him.

"Wherever or whatever your heart desires...."

They made their was back across the dance floor, with her lost in though. Do I trust him? What good has anyone's word ever been to me? Is he who I think he is? Does the government know about his mansion? Are they watching us right now? Eavesdropping one of their favorite pastimes, right?

"And what good is immortality without having anyone to share it with?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he sighed a little and smiled couriously*

No I cannot blame you...I have been there my entire life.

*he walked her across the floor and turned off the band, who left immediatly, talking courtiously to one another...he led her out and towards the grand marble staircase..each step was broad and wide, a gold rail leading all the way upwards, he took a right turn and led her into the large dining room..*

A very excellent point. But this program is not without its discrepencys.

*he grinned broadly, and left her to wonder what that might mean...inside of the fabulous dining hall, was a marvel beheld to any eyes...there were, lined up neatly, six great tables that stretched as far as a football feild, each she might think, able to seat hundreds, at the end of the hall a single round table stood, with great chairs circiling around them, and a Throne of sorts at the middle of the table, the walls were gilt golden, designs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from fight scenes to great moments in history...There were two large swinging doors to each side, which obviously led to the kitchen or otherwise, he led her up the isles, past the marvelous china and crystalwear that had been set out...the room was lit, she now noticed, by ten grand Chandeleers, the largest of all hung over the round table and could be identifyed as the exact same design used in the one that was often referred to as the "Phantoms Chandeleer" From the Phantom of the Opera.. and gestured to one side*

A meal first then...what is your favorite meal? And do not think it too large...no matter what it is...

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

By the time they made it to the dining room, she was getting used to the impressive size of everything. But the ornamentation could still take her breath away. With so many rooms to fill, you would think it would be severely lacking in detail. But the truth was things were minutely created, and so finely crafted, the richest rulers in the world would have been envious.

As for food, the choice was difficult. Even at restaurants with limited menus she had a tough time making up her mind...and now being offered anything and everything she could dream up, she felt overwhelmed for not the first time, and most likely not the last time, that night.

Tracing the ornate inlay embedded in the table absentmindly with one hand, she felt herself being lost in his eyes. They were so serene on the surface, totally at peace, but underneath she could see hidden torment....and anger.

The waiter cleared his throat, as only the French waiters can do properly. The effect made her forget for a second that none of this was real...

"Let's try something with a little flair to it. Napoleon de Champignons Sauvages, Tilapia Grille Provencale
àl la Tapenade, Le Plateau de Fromages, with Creme Brulee to finish off."

She tried not to look too impressed with herself as she dismissively shooed the waiter away with a wave of her hand.

"Gentleman's choice of wine, of course."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he smiles, nodding approvingly at her choice of foodstuffs and smiled at the waiter*
Champaign I think. I believe we have a 77' Bottle of Dom Perignon?

*the waiter nodded, and smiled*

Excellent Choice Master.

*he smiled* And ah..I believe I'll have somthing Simple...Call me Overly american but I am quite fond of steak. A Sixteen..no, Eighteen New York Strip steak. Homefries. Sautéed Onions and that lovely garlic sauce you came up with earlyer this week...thank you sir.

*The waiter bowed and swept away, as he pulled out one of the lovely Chairs at the circle table and motioned for her to take a seat, it was extremly comfortable, as he took his place in the supple throne, smiling gently at her*

Everything down to the last detail...

*he picked up a piece of the Golden cutlery and admired it's fine craftsmanship*

The Devil is, in fact, In the details my dear. And I Do so enjoy making sure everything captures the imagination...

*he smiled gently over to her, and rapt a wine glass with a spoon gently, causing it to ting spritely*

Everything ,Down to the most minute speck of dust.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

Sitting in the chair he offered her, she slide the combs out of her hair and placed them beside her on the freshly starched linen table cloth. Running a hand through her smooth hair, the color of a fireplace's golden flames licking hungrily at birch logs in the dead of winter, she leaned back in her seat staring up at the ornate ceiling as she shook her hair loose, smoothing it down. When she sat up it fell in cascades around her face creating almost a curtain. She could see him watching her with open fascination.

Picking up the steak knife, she tilted it so the mood-setting light of the chandelier reflected off it in a cold, steely glint. Running the tip of her finger lightly along the blade, she let the thin crimson line of blood form in its wake. It hurt, but somehow knowing that it wasn't real alleviated all pain and allowed, instead, fascination. A single drop fell, landing on the table cloth, spreading outwards in a lithe motion.

It was like being in a whole other world, and in a way, it was. True to his word, the aspects not appreciated in everyday life were so noticeable here. You had come to expect certain results from obvious actions in life --- you cut yourself, you bleed --- and so on. Here, the obvioius was warped, twisted somehow, the outcome of events altered just enought to make living exciting again.

She stretched her legs under the table, her stockinged feet brushing against the velvet of his seat and then the material of his pants. Keeping up her end of the conversation, she let her foot linger against him just long enough for him to be sure it was done purposefully.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He gave her a slightly soft grin..wondering if she was making a pass on him....nawwww....No woman was intrested in HIM. She was just being playful. he smiled quietly over at her, noticing too the blood drop, and smiled at her unique facination of it..*

This place, and everything in it, is my masterwork. My Opus. I am constantly changing, rebuilding, reforming teqniuques. Refining rooms to the point of perfection. It is an eternal work in progress, and I am always improving upon it.

*he spread his hands broadly and clapped them together*

Everything interacts, Sound, light, wind, temperature, everything here makes somthing else change, action and reaction, catch and throw. It all affects one another, That has been called impossible by everyone else, yet here it is before your very eyes. I could do anything, make the waiter turn into Brad Pitt, cause the room to fill with water and give us aqualungs, I could do anything. but I dont, It is an artwork, a true masterpiece, every part is elegantly played out in it's own, simple way...

*he smiled quietly*

Pardon me for bragging, but Im quite proud of this place. Ah, dinner.

*The waiter walks up, placing their courses before them, and offering for Shawn to uncork the champaign bottle, he does with a resounding pop and deftly fills glasses for the both of them, raising it*

To future relationships!

*With a ting of the glasses touching he took a long sip of the excquisite drink, and smiled appriciatively*

Ah, My favorite year of Dom...

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

If such a thing as ‘perfect' exists, the food she dined on was a clear indication of it. The meal was served on silver etched plates, artfully arranged with garnishes placed just-so between and around the food. Textures and flavors so strong it was difficult to describe, every bite was distinctly different. Perfectly chilled champaign coursed down her throat, quenching her thirst, the delicate bubbles tickling her nose.

Somewhere during the meal he dimmed the lights and a faint trickle of background music flowed over the open floor. She was too distracted by the sumptuous delicacies to fully appreciate the mood. As they chatted idly about this and that she slowly warmed up to him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and although her own jokes were usually tinged by dark taunts and teases, she found herself giggling like a schoolgirl again.

She kept her guard up, and although she still wasn't perfectly comfortable around him, she thought she played the role out pretty well despite the circumstances. Two more glasses of Dom certainately helped with this.

Watching every move he made, she was impressed by his quiet elegance, and self-assured grace. It was a thing few men possess and most ruin by flaunting it. The sculpted face, crystal clear analyzing eyes, a sharp aristocratic nose, the smooth lines of jaw and cheekbone beneath his supple young skin, and lips that looked as if they had made for the purpose of reciting poetry in a low sensual voice.

Egotistical...perhaps, chauvinistic...a little, but if he was pretending it was one hell of a performance.

Her lips curving into a sly smile, she met his wandering gaze, and held it.

"So, Mr. Hacker, what did you have in mind for dessert?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he smiled Gently towards her...He had always admired her style, If a bit different toward his own, she was always one step ahead of everyone...Just like him. He admired her quiet facial features...her elegant style, and, to his eyes, her totally immersion in the experiance he had created here...Perfectionism, while somthing most despised ,was at it's best here in his mansion....Avalon, The Legendary home of The Knights of the Round Table...ah he remembered when he first began to construct this place...The effort, The Tenacity needed...In avalon he had assured his position as the Master Hacksman of the world...an Impenitrable fortress of Solitude, with everything one would need...including some of the more, intresting tastes one tended to encounter with some personalitys....she seemed to be enjoying the meal, and with a few glasses of the Fine Champaign, he was finally able to penetrate her coldish exterior...using some of his finest jokes, and laughing at every one she made...The tensions which had once stood melted away, and the meal, now cleared away, left them sitting with one another, the quiet classical music drifting in and setting an atmosphere...he smiled over at her, finishing off the fine bottle and placing it in the ice that kept it chilled perfectly..smiling gently over towards her, he looked thoughtful for a few moments, giving her a long look*

An excellent question my dear...

*he looked thoughtful...when he felt a soft somthing....and realized it was her hand, running over his leg, he flushed and gave her a slightly startled look, his eyes curiously glowing*

Chardonnay?

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

It wasn't until he shifted somewhat nervously that she realized she had her hand on his leg. It was a natural gesture of affection, and she was surprised at how easy it was to communicate her attraction without words. She usually saw men as the weaker sex -- that could be teased, beguiled, and seduced into doing her bidding -- but in her eyes, he stood as an equal.

Running her nails over the smooth material of his pants, it's silkiness sliding through her fingers. The wine, the meal, the music....the man....it was all almost too perfect. She gave him a sultry look, smiling fully at his suggestion and devious implication.

He placed his hand on top of her, interlacing their fingers, and gently caressed his way from her shoulder to her elbow. She shivered under his touch, and at his sly hints of what was to come. People -- men in particular -- weren't supposed to have this effect on her. She was tough as nails, she could look people in the eye, kill them, and lose no sleep over it. She could match wits with the best of them. She could dance with the devil and keep tempo with lost souls. But she couldn't keep from trembling under a mere mortal's touch. It was unnerving.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he was inside, admittadly startled..no woman had EVER liked his company, his jokes, even his taste for the finer things in life...they thought him pompus and having a superiority complex..he sighed within, but smiled without, his eyes dancing amusedly as his carefully paracticed caresses sent shivvers down her spine, he grinned broadly. His self assurance seemed to help...okay this was new...she liked him...she didnt think he was a geek or a pig....wow what a huge shocker for the kid...he was silent as a snake in the underbush with his gentle touches, lightly pressing at the various pressure points he knew....working into a light massage, his eyes glowed quietly, as with one hand he turned her head so their gazes caught one another, and he smiled...in that -way- of his...*

 

[The_high_king]

times a ticking

ooc: where are the rest of the peple.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

OOC: *shrugs shoulders*

His smile alone made her want to bolt. It was so intense...so passionate...she didn't want to give into her emotions. If she did, he would have control over her. And being from a branch of the government she had played cat & mouse games with for the last few years of her life, she couldn't trust him fully enough to give her entire self to him. Regretting whatever choice she made seemed to be an indefiable part of the future.

She could tell from the way his fingers danced over her skin he was not quite as experienced as he might have liked her to think. But what he lacked in expertise, he made up for in that offbeat charm of him -- eager, and yet reserved, with the impeccable mannerism of a gentleman.

Clasping his other hand to stop it from roaming over her, she took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. Wrestling the thoughts over in her mind, the angel won...for now, at least. Smiling cautiously, her expression was a long-practiced one of denial...one that tucked her emotions far away from the surface, and left instead only an empty canvas.

"This is a rather large house, Mr. Hacker, and I wouldn't object to getting a bit more of a tour in...If you're willing to serve as my personal guide, of course."

 

[The GrandMage]

OOC: Just clocking in so you know I'm still here.

 

[The_high_king]

great

ooc: I know your still here, but wheres Jocelyn, and the rest. They just left me drinking my coke-wine.

 

[Jocelyn]

Shadow

OOC: Sorry again. Everytime I think I have things settled shit keeps happening. If it doesn't stop I may have to quit Lit which I don't want to do. I talked to Najia and she says she will post today. She has been handed extra hours at work and couldn't get to a computer.

IC: Shadow laughed and took the drink from Steel Ghost. Going to the bar she grabbed a wine cooler instead and handed it to him.

"Try this. It's got less kick but can make you feel nice and mellow.", she said as she sat back down. Looking around the room, she nodded and said,"Yeah, as far as government rooms go. Still it lacks the coziness of a personal room."

With a shake of her head, she added,"Though personal is not exactly what you could call us, is it? We are numbers on a government computer to be put to work when we are needed and shelved as inactive whenever we get deleted by the enemy."

There was a bit of bitterness in her voice and her lips were twisted in a humourless smile.

"Sorry, Boss," She said as she draind her glass and went to make another one,"Dark thoughts after a dark mission. You know?"

 

[The_high_king]

Steel Ghost

It was getting late, and we had a long mission ahead of us, "I understand. I'm the guy with the piano wire remember? Anyways its getting late. I think I should go now". Then I saw something in the corner of her room, a large grand piano. I walked over to it, "you play the piano much Shadow?" I traced my fingers along the keys.

 

[Jocelyn]

Shadow

Shadow shook her head. "No, I know some basic songs but my mom..." Her face softened and her voice went dreamy as she got up and went to stand by Steel. "My mom could play. She would play at family gatherings and weddings. Everyone wanted her to play because she sounded as if she were coaxing the notes from the piano instead of just playing it."

She sighed and drained her glass again before sitting down and lifting the lid. Her fingers danced along the instrument as memories of happier times came to her.

"When she died, Dad wouldn't let anyone move her piano from it's place in the living room. And he insisted that I at least try to play it. I did and enjoyed the lessons but soon got involved in other things," She said meaning her father's line of work as a thief,"and they got put by the wayside. Sometimes I regret it and sometimes I think about taking lessons again but I always have a piano wherever I am because it's a reminder of her."

 

[The_high_king]

Steel Ghost

I say down on the chair, that was under the piano. I checked out the smooth texture of it, "do you mind if I...". She nodded, and my fingers began to dance. It was a classic piece be Mozart, (in real life, I have no idea how to play a piano). My fingers seemed to dance through the piano, making it almost seem easy. I was a excellent piano player. Shadow seemed to sway to the music. I just continued playing, with lightning-like fingers.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*Though he could tell that her emotions were constrained, he accepted it for now. She was to be expected, as coldish sort...cautious...Being forced to work for the govt. didnt help him either, he sighed and smiled beniegnly, well he thought...maybe i'll have better luck later on....what am I THINKING...Im just imagining things...He smiled brightly at her*

Of course My Dear...and Do call me Shawn. Or If you happen to like calling me Mr.Hacker, go right ahead.

*he poked her arm playfully and stood*

Well, where shall we go next? The Pool? Prehaps the Gardens...Wherever you wish to go Madam, It will be my pleasure to guide you there..

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Queen of Hearts

"I must say, the rooms you spoke of on the second floor have continued to hold my interest. 'Personal Hobbies'...are you keeping secrets from me?"

Lowering her voice to a conspirital tone, she continued...

"You tell me yours, I'll tell you mine. Quid pro quo, Mr. Hacker..."

She was curious, ever since he blushed embaressedly when he told her about them. Dabbing at the corners of her lips with the linen napkin, she placed it on the table, and stood to follow him out of the room.

Catching her eye on the far wall was another of her favorite pieces. A fallen matador, lying prone on his back, the pink silk still gripped in his hand.

"The Dead Toreador...dark...morbid...macabre........I like it. Certinately fits the decore."

 

[Mistress Jorja]

"The Dead Toreador" - Edouard Manet - Oil on Canvas - 1864

http://www.nga.gov/image/a00006/a0000680.jpg

 

[The_high_king]

promise

ooc: can you guys promise not to quit this thread before the second mission even starts.