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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 5, 2016 12:25:12 GMT -5
Virianus nodded at Kereth's answer to his question, and gestured loosely with a wave of his hand in the general direction of Tahliya's location in the penthouse.
"I'm pleased that we have made a good impression on you thus far. Tahliya specifically - I am sure you are already discovering that she is quite knowledgeable."
The Siren's skepticism didn't surprise Alpha in the slightest - he had anticipated the woman's unease with his true motives, and his choice had, in part, been a tactical one designed to keep Keretheriel slightly off-balance when it came to Alpha's actions. The Magistrate's arrival at her door in the middle of the night, a legitimate reason for his visit or not, would assure Kereth that Alpha was not one to stay cloistered in his Tower, a perception that was easily inferred without knowledge to the contrary. If Alpha was predictable, Counselors would make choices outside the Tower's direct shadow which might have been less cautious than they should have been; therefore, the Magistrate's proclivity to just 'show up' when he was not expected was one he liked to periodically reinforce.
Games such as these were always built of many layers - while the visit was an opportune one for the reason of setting precedents, it was also related to a real topic that Alpha felt the need to address with the Siren. Therefore, since she asked of his reasoning fairly bluntly, the Magistrate would proceed to get straight to the point, completely bypassing her quips regarding his choice of 'pleasure activities' in order to strike a more serious tone.
"Strategy is indeed what I came to discuss, though I admit that the discussion I have in mind has a direct relation to the true reason for my visit."
Alpha clasped his hands behind his back and set his eyes very pointedly on Kereth's own, his shoulders squaring as he moved into a more business-oriented posture, signaling that his time of pleasantries was over.
"My daughter, Floraelia, has sent word to my aide that she wishes to meet with 'Dorya;' now Tahliya. The request is for the meeting to take place soon, and therefore you have an easy opportunity to accompany dear Tahliya to talk with Floraelia and begin the work of convincing the Council of the legitimacy of your candidacy. Because I expected you to meet with my daughter at a later time rather than so quickly, I felt it appropriate to direct you as to the importance of a certain degree of etiquette and . . . discretion when interacting with Floraelia."
That Kereth might feel Alpha was growing slightly larger as he took another step towards her indicated the degree of imposition held within the Magister's presence.
"Floraelia can act as your greatest ally on the Council or your most significant roadblock, depending on how you present yourself. Unlike many of the others, my daughter holds few personal aspirations, and therefore she cannot be influenced by implication of alliances or personal gain. She will support you if you are the best choice for the city as a whole, and as goes Floraelia, so too will go Ishmael, and quite possibly Aeorex."
Alpha would pause briefly in order to gauge Keretheriel's reaction before he continued: now there was only a foot or more of space between them, but the Magistrate left that bit of buffer for Kereth's consideration: she could forsake it if she chose to continue her games, but to do so would be her choice, and at her own peril.
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 5, 2016 18:00:52 GMT -5
Keretheriel might have stood a millimeter straighter to a watchful eye when Alpha seemed to ground himself and lose all trace of humor. The Siren couldn't quite keep her brow from quirking but her expression didn't really shift otherwise. It was a clear signal that she needed to be more serious and she had no trouble interpreting it. For now, anyway.
Alpha's words were given careful attention and not only because he demanded it, but because his opening words were of instant interest. When he continued on, speaking of things like etiquette in dealing with Floraelia, Keretheriel got the distinct impression that perhaps she'd missed something. Why would Alpha deem it necessary to offer Kereth special guidance in dealing with his daughter? Certainly she was aware some extra care was vital in her miniature campaign for the Council Seat, if only because of her apparent relation to the Magistrate. His elaboration, while it offered information that would be useful later, didn't really supply any clarification.
Kereth's form tensed involuntarily as Alpha lessened the space between them, her face lifting to keep his gaze centered in her vision.
"I certainly appreciate the forewarning on the benefit of staying within the good graces of your daughter, Alpha, but that is my goal in reaching all of the members of the Council, yes? It would not be to my advantage to behave in any way less than appropriate."
Kereth closed some more of that distance as if drawn, halting in her movement the second she realized what she was doing. Though her lips parted she seemed more watchful than anything, determined to understand the true motivation behind this strategy meeting. Was there something she should know or was it literally that Alpha wanted to give her a significant leg up by letting her know which Councilors would fall in line? Truthfully, she'd already gotten the gist of that from Tahliya, but she thought it wise to keep that to herself. Let Alpha think he was giving her inside information, in that case.
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 6, 2016 8:11:32 GMT -5
Devinian Virianus chuckled at the Siren's reply, and didn't make any attempt to back away as she continued to close the distance between them. Her answer was a farce, whether intentionally laid or otherwise, but the Magistrate nonetheless would treat it as though Keretheriel would continue to truly have the most appropriate intentions in dealing with the members of the Vascxious Sigma Council.
"Ah; perhaps that you have not yet been exposed to the members of the Council is of detriment to your understanding of my meaning. Perhaps I should reverse my meaning - seeing Floraelia before the others presents the most unobscured genuine interaction you will enjoy whilst vying for your Council seat as your first: do not, then, assume similarity between my daughter and the others when planning your later actions."
Alpha understood that his meaning may have been no less confusing than it had been moments prior, but the Magistrate was confident that Keretheriel would understand his words more completely as she became more familiar with the city and its Council.
"Let me only then impress on you one final time the importance of Floraelia's belief that you are the best candidate for the city's greatest good: any action that undermines that belief, or Floraelia herself, will lead to dire consequences, indeed."
Alpha intentionally kept his voice even and as light as it had been as it produced previous phrases, meaning that, were Keretheriel not to pay close attention, the edge of the warning might be missed. The Magistrate also moved on quickly from his warning to other matters - apparently his message was simple enough to be communicated in a few phrases.
"In any case, I wish you much luck in your endeavors over these next days. Tell me: is there anything myself or my office can enact to make your stay, and coming work, more successful?"
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 6, 2016 10:12:36 GMT -5
Of course her answer was farcical in nature: hadn't they spoken of her true nature as a Betrayer? He wanted her new blood to infuse the Council with renewed vigor for the new "world that is to come"— whatever that meant. As he spoke the Siren's head tilted just so that she could watch him sidelong, measuring his words carefully. Floraelia was clearly different from the rest but that wasn't really new information either. Understanding some detail of the relationship between Vascxious Sigma's Pristine Pearl and Viers had shed some light while Tahliya's earlier remarks had given her slightly more insight while raising even more questions. Her relation to Alpha of course made her a person of interest, but the fact that the woman was apparently so engrained into the Council's culture was almost enough to make her teeth set on edge already. Surely she'd find out soon enough for herself what made her so incredibly special.
Not for the first time in the last several minutes Kereth found herself wanting to cross her arms and the impulse gave her pause. Her initial meeting with Alpha had been radically different. She'd gone in expecting battle and instead underwent negotiation. Her expectations had been made clear and she'd presented a very composed, strong front. This time, only a scant few hours later, the Magistrate had already caught her off guard and managed to unbalance her. The vixen was quickly realizing just how fitted his chains really were. Virianus had been courting her earlier and already, now that she'd agreed to his proposal he sought to bind her further. How he meant to do that, she couldn't fathom. Kereth was already acutely aware of how much she didn't know but she was beginning to understand that not knowing was going to cause her to bend when she didn't want to because she wouldn't be aware of any other choice. By the time he spoke of "dire consequences" Keretheriel's expression was fixed into that ever-present smirk. Somehow she could sense the ground giving way from under her, but how or why was elusive.
Dire consequences.
From who? From Floraelia? Or from Alpha?
"I can appreciate that there will be effects because of choices I may make, Magistrate. Even that there are special ones concerning your dearest daughter."
She closed the remaining space between them yet did not quite touch him. Pale eyes stared up at the mask of his office.
"But from everything I hear of your remarkably accomplished progeny," her accent thickened on the descriptor,"she probably doesn't need your reinforcement that I take special care with her."
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 7, 2016 19:05:59 GMT -5
Devinian Virianus' frozen face was ever a mocking smile, no matter his mood or circumstance. Yet, as Kereth spoke, she might have to wonder if the mask was more than a simple ceramic ornament of Vascxious Sigma's highest office due to the way in which its smile seemed to become more mocking as she laid down her lines.
"Oh, I am very certain that you are correct, that she needs no assistance from me in that regard."
While the Magistrate's sentence might have seemed quite the cliffhanger, Alpha did not follow it with any further exposition. Instead, he bowed his head down slightly and took a decisive step back, folding his hands before his waist in a calm, genial manner.
"I believe we understand each other well in these matters, and therefore we may consider our business concluded for the time being. Now, unless there is something else I may do for you, I should pass along the message from my daughter to dear Tahliya, and then leave you both to your evening."
Alpha let the words hang for long enough that there was definite space for Keretheriel to broach other topics if she chose, but if the Siren did not, Virianus would turn from her and open the door, stepping with every intention of going downstairs to request Tahliya's attention for a short moment in order to inform her of the real reason for his visit . . . Assuming the Operative had not already overheard the intended information through the door.
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 7, 2016 21:19:07 GMT -5
The Siren's smirk shifted into a somewhat sly grin, coaxing her lips to part and show teeth.
Do or die, do or die, do or die. . . Curiosity killed the cat.
When Alpha took his step back, offering up his words with such marked finality Keretheriel's stare bore into that mask's jeer.
"Do we understand each other?"
The Siren's lashes made a stark contrast against the ice of her eyes when her chin raised, lending her expression an indolent aire.
"You were far too occupied to see me before the vote and yet this small matter vexed in such a way that you deemed it necessary to alter course immediately. I'd never dare ask that the Office of the Magistrate explain himself, but his behavior is curious indeed. Certainly my business with you can be considered concluded, by your esteemed leave. . ." As she spoke, the shoulders of the oversized, sheer garment slid down just enough to expose skin on either side of those raven's feather tresses. The vixen's stare turned wistful and her arms finally crossed as her weight shifted and the curve of one hip became more prominent.
"You should pass along that message, my Love. Alpha's business is never quite concluded, is it." There was no uptick: Keretheriel wasn't asking a question. "Never time to savor an explicit invitation even should you obtain one. . ." Her arms uncrossed deliberatively, persuading a little more exposure of pale flesh.
"A pity, that."
The grin had long since curled back into a small smirk.
"I bid you good night then, dear Alpha. I trust you'll see yourself out when your dealings with Tahliya reach resolution."
Once he acknowledged her farewell Kereth would wait only until the door closed behind him before she returned to her post before the window, staring out over the City.
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 7, 2016 21:40:05 GMT -5
Virianus, it seemed, was not destined to pack up and leave quite so quickly as he had initially anticipated. Keretheriel's questioning statements would cause the Magistrate never to turn from her, but instead continue the conversation for a moment, though he had taken one step away as he spoke his previous words, an action that seemed to give the Magistrate all the better of a view of the Siren's not-so-subtle displaying of her body. The mask's grin never changed.
"My dear, though I can certainly understand the reason, the mistake happenstance for conspiracy. My behavior is only curious, you see, because you lack the knowledge and perspective of the larger nature of events at play. While I certainly chose to hand-deliver a message that could have certainly been carried by another, that the choice was made due to the circumstance, or providence, of where I happened to be when I received word of my daughter's request."
Alpha declined to elaborate for the time being, but chose to step back towards the Siren, his body towering over hers as the distance between them was reduced to mere inches. Though the Magistrate clasped his gloved hands carefully behind his back, Alpha leaned in towards his partner in conversation enough that his masked visage would float just a scant distance from the woman's own face, his voice lowering in tone and coming out, instead of in a commanding boom as was its usual, instead a whisper - a rasp of sound that carried with it the sharpness of a dagger, but the enticing wonder of silken sheets and locked doors.
"Though my time is quite in-demand, my dear Keretheriel, do not underestimate my ability to use it as I see fit. I certainly can, and shall, accept those invitations, explicit or otherwise, which I find to be of equal value to the time required. Yet, I do require that such invitations be interesting enough to take advantage of, in the given circumstances . . . And, though an invitation may be worthy of my time and attention, many parties find that my savoring comes at a time decided by my own dictation, rather than theirs."
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 8, 2016 9:51:35 GMT -5
Keretheriel didn't move when Alpha reclaimed the distance between them; her only adjustment was to lift her gaze so that she could hold that jester's jeer directly in her vision. His words only encouraged her smirk to deepen. If it was providence that sent him here so soon for another opportunity to attempt to understand both him and her situation better then she would send a prayer to the divine Goddess in thanks. Before she'd spoken the door had been swiftly closing on her fact-finding intentions. Something she'd said or done in the past twenty seconds had stalled the lock from turning and the awareness caused her pulse to race. She could sense more than articulate that there were two very different paths available to her in this moment. One was a complete unknown and could alter her circumstances in Vascxious Sigma rather unpredictably― but also mean serious progress. The other would mean relative safety but would also mean she'd be forced to surrender any ground she'd taken: once the pieces were reset not only would she have to begin again, but her onslaught could not be clumsily executed. Given that she couldn't be completely certain what Alpha was reacting to just yet and it might not work a second time Keretheriel's bold, impulsive nature was loathe to retreat or regroup.
Her lips parted when his voice lowered and the smirk melted away, leaving nothing but raw hunger in its place. If Kereth had seemed bemused or playful before she was a predator now, watching as another, possibly larger predator scented the air for possibility and raised the friction in the room tenfold. Though the Siren didn't intend to lose ground physically her spine didn’t appear to wish to cooperate: she found herself arching backward, sternum lifted with liquid tension as her gaze dropped to the ever-present grin on that mask.
"Then it is not time that is my enemy, it is your level of intrigue."
The Siren chose her murmured words very carefully as her thickened accent clipped every syllable. Her pulse sounded in her ears as she closed more of the distance between them, letting the robe draped over her elbows drop to her wrists. After what felt like an eternity― but was more likely only a moment or two― one of her hands finally reached for him if he hadn't moved, looking to graze the fine fabric that was barely above eye level for her. Unless he stopped her the tips of Keretheriel's fingers would brush a feather-light stroke against the center of his chest. If there happened to be a tremor in her hand the vixen wouldn't notice.
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 16, 2016 21:16:46 GMT -5
"Ah, but are you so certain?"
Virianus Devinian's body did not move in the slightest to interrupt Keretheriel's roving touch, though surely as her flingers slid across the Magistrate's robes, caressing their firm texture, she might feel some crackle of energy coming off them, as though the 'tension' she so sought to incite within the interaction had created a field of static between them. Of, it was not a literal thing she would feel, not some magic or hinting at greater power beneath the Magisterial visage, but instead a representation of her own attunement, and daresay, fear, that developed within her final, unhindered contact with Alpha's form.
Alpha's own hand, gloved in dark, textured leather, rose and slid underneath the Siren's chin, winding his fingers under her smooth, pale flesh and drawing her face upward with a rock-solid strength.
"My intrigue is clearly not apparent to you, whatever 'level' it may currently occupy: yet, while my intrigue should concern you greatly, do not mistake time for your fast friend within these halls. At least, not yet."
The Magistrate's fingers would slide away from Keretheriel's chin, gently caressing the side of her face as they journeyed further down, each independently moving to wrap around her throat with the practiced ease of a snake coiling around its prey, preparing for the final strike. She might feel the pressure, suddenly, but by the time she recognized the presence of Alpha's firm grip in her, it was gone, a memory or mirage both, and the Magistrate was again speaking, his hand carefully clasped with its twin behind his back.
"Be aware, Keretheriel - in the Tower, choosing the right moment and utilizing patience can be the difference between great success and catastrophic failure. I trust you will remember that as you meet with the Counselors in the coming days."
Alpha suddenly straightened and took a step back, clearly moving to open the door as he continued to speak in a much more pleasant, conversational tone.
"Now, where is dear Tahliya? I really should pass along this message and leave you ladies to enjoy the remainder of your evening."
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 16, 2016 22:41:29 GMT -5
Keretheriel understood the inherent design of the Magistrate's response and its intention to cause her to cast doubt on her own conclusions. Despite her understanding the tactic was rather effective. No, she wasn't so certain, but then the greater philosophical question stood: was anything certain? What the Siren knew to be true was that the moment her flesh grazed him time slowed to her perception and there was enough friction in the room that she wondered at the lack of literal sparkage at their fleeting exchange. That he hadn't moved to stop her was not lost on her, however the vixen was unprepared for his reciprocation.
The instant leather coaxed her face to lift further Kereth froze and, in that moment, her countenance loosened from languid to inquisitive. It was extremely brief, but perhaps the only unguarded micro expression she'd offered anyone since she'd awakened. She suddenly became intensely aware of the breadth of him, how close he actually was, and how unyielding his form was against the flat of her palm. As he spoke, inhumanly pale eyes watched him with a solemnity she'd not shown thus far― her lips remaining parted, hungry for every word. Her pulse beat harder, deafening her, and she couldn't mask the subtle shiver that shook her shapely frame. The Siren was a creature of impulse and cravings and Alpha had already managed to strike chords she hadn't known existed in her array of appetites. That unearthly gaze drifted down to the carved grin and, for the first time, it was not taken for granted that the mask was a fixture: for the first time Kereth wondered what lay beneath that façade.
Her stare remained fixed on the Jester's Jeer though her face turned toward his caress― however slight the adjustment was Alpha wouldn't miss the reaction. Full hips shifted as he elicited another, less subtle shiver as his stroke progressed downward. Her sharp intake of breath at the abrupt pressure was involuntary― perhaps a delicious, unmitigated retort he might savor while she internally struggled to regain her buffer against him. His next remarks dissolved whatever openness had relaxed her features but the character-defining smirk didn't return.
She realized her palm was still pressed to him but she didn't allow it to fall: soon enough Alpha stepped back, leaving the delicate extremity to linger in midair for a moment before pensively dropping back to her side.
"I'm sure dear Tah-lee-hah is precisely where you left her, Lovely." She paused only for a moment. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Magistrate."
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Aug 16, 2016 23:06:38 GMT -5
Tahilya, of course, had been listening in on the entire conversation, despite the fact that she had returned to her room as she had initially indicated. The Operative's hearing was impeccable, and so even through the walls and floors, Tahilya could make out the sounds of the two 'public officials' speaking quietly to each other, though there were a few lines that Alpha said in a voice too low to be overheard.
The manner in which they were speaking was interesting, and Tahilya found that she couldn't quite get a clear understanding of the subtext behind the two's various motives. Was Kereth using heavy subtext as a manipulation tactic? Why did Alpha warn her off about Floraelia, as if there was some sort of special significance to their meeting. The Operative couldn't be sure of anything at the moment, so she filed away what she heard for later analysis when she could get more context on the situation, perhaps from Kereth herself, depending on how forthcoming the Siren was feeling after that particular meeting.
Since she heard the conversation, Tahliya made sure to remove herself from seclusion just in time to intercept Alpha whenever he managed to come down the stairs. The woman kept her features neutral, but she played at the hint of a smirk with the corners of her mouth - it was a thing she was trying out.
"I hope your conversation was productive, Magistrate."
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 16, 2016 23:18:40 GMT -5
What Alpha noticed of Keretheriel body language, tone, and tension he made no outward note of. The Siren might assume, whatever her reaction, that the Magistrate had anticipated it accurately, having tailored his motions and words to elicit just the right response - however, it would be impossible to discern where intention ended and happenstance began. It always was with Alpha.
Virianus paused, his hand on the door clasp, in order to turn his head just slightly and speak in response to Keretheriel's dismissal.
"I certainly will not enjoy it nearly as much as I might have, had I not chosen to leave here so quickly. Goodnight, Keretheriel - know I wish you well on your upcoming Counselor visits, and will be checking up on you very soon."
There was no hesitation, once his words had left his lips, in Alpha's frame as he opened the door and proceeded gracefully down the stairs from the loft, encountering Tahliya quickly enough on his way back to the kitchen and eating area.
"Ah, Tahliya, yes - most productive indeed. Now, for the reason I came to visit you both this eve - I have received a note from Ms. Vaughn that my daughter, Floraelia, has reached out in an attempt to contact you, asking to meet with you in the very near future. The message did not mention the reason for the meeting, though I am certain the use of my office as a relay was due to your propensity for being difficult to track down to those who do not work closely with you."
Alpha waved a hand dismissively, indicating that the last sentence was meant to be a mild joke. As he did, however, the Magistrate also stepped closer to Tahliya, standing over the young woman as he had Kereth only moments before, though without the same space encroachment or, perhaps, tension to his language, both verbal and physical.
"I know you are a busy woman, especially with your new assignment. Shall I have Raife inform my daughter that you will seek her out urgently? Perhaps you might encourage dear Keretheriel to meet with Floraelia at the same time."
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Aug 16, 2016 23:26:38 GMT -5
The Operative listened to Alpha relay his message without expression, though she made sure to raise an eyebrow in order to denote a slight bit of surprise at Floraelia's request, as though Tahliya hadn't just heard of it moments before through the walls. It didn't exactly shock Tahliya that Floraelia would think to go through Raife in order to reach her - usually the Operative was in deep cover, and therefore she didn't have a personal listed Communikay designation or private Council server address. She could have simply accessed the server and sent Floraelia an encrypted message in order to set up a meeting, but for some reason Tahliya decided to forgo that option and follow the Magistrate's lead - by leaving Floraelia just a bit unaware of exactly when the Operative would be paying her a visit, there was a chance that the visit itself would be less scripted, and therefore, more candid. Tahliya nodded and offered the Magistrate a small smile.
"Please do. Assuming nothing cataclysmic happens, I should be able to pay her a visit sometime tomorrow."
The Operative resisted the urge to take on her customary 'at ease' position in the face of the Magister's towering, and instead forced herself to adopt a new position, with her weight on her left leg and her right hand and right hip connecting. She even kept that small smirk afloat, despite Alpha's uncomfortable closeness.
"Is there anything else I might do for you this evening?"
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Aug 16, 2016 23:34:53 GMT -5
"Most excellent. I will be certain that she is informed."
Alpha stepped carefully away from Tahliya and took a quick moment to look her over one more time. Already she was changing, crafting a new persona - the Magistrate was eager to see how this new Tahliya was different than Dorya had been . . . And also, in what important ways she was still the same.
Bowing his head slightly, the Magistrate turned from Tahliya with the intention of letting himself out, and moved in the direction of the suite's exit portal as he spoke his last to the Operative at his side.
"Yes, Tahliya - do take good care of Keretheriel. I did not have time to make it clear before, but she is unaccustomed to our ways, as you may have yourself surmised. She will need your assistance and guidance. Do have a good evening."
Unless halted, the Magistrate would turn from the Operative and let himself out, his cloaked figure sweeping down the external hallway of the 97th floor towards the lifts. Producing his communikay from within his robes, the Magistrate would tap out a quick message to Raife before rejoining his protective detail at the lift egress, at which time he would inform them of their need to return to the Tower.
As he stepped aboard the lift, Alpha smiled beneath his mask. What, then could become of this?
{Exit to The Tower - City Seat }
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Aug 16, 2016 23:46:31 GMT -5
"I'll be sure to do so. Good evening, Magistrate."
Tahliya let out a small sigh as Alpha let himself out, and the woman took her time stepping to the door behind him in order to engage the locking mechanism. The Operative was aware that Alpha's words were full of hidden meanings and innuendo, but she didn't have the kind of experience in political subterfuge of the Tower's type to make out just what the hell Alpha was really getting at. Tahliya made a note to watch Tower interactions very, very carefully from her vantage point at Keretheriel's side - knowing the ins and outs of how Alpha and Kereth fought their quiet, subtle battles would be a great asset to Tahliya's own ambitions being realized in the coming times; of that she was certain.
Ensuring that everything in the kitchen was appropriately tidied up from their dinner, the Operative dimmed the downstairs lights, but turned toward the stairs to the loft instead of heading back to her room. At the top of the stairs, seeing as Alpha didn't bother to close the door behind him, the Siren's Aide would find a cozy place loitering just at the doorway, pressing her back against the far edge of the inner frame and folding her arms around the structure at her back. Small smirk intact, Tahliya regarded Kereth fairly quietly, but did make sure to address the woman in order to ensure that her presence would be noted.
"That seemed . . . Interesting."
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