Path of the Vampire forum

"You can't win if you don't play, Mr. Early," lips colored a dark maroon smiled broadly just against the shell of a gentleman's ear. The voice was soft and whispered, intimate but the eyes were another matter. Shark-like, depth-less, cunning. She knew just what to say, how to say it. The lilt and pitch of her tone was almost to an art form. The behemoth of a man at her side belted out a baritone laugh. A large hand squeezed and pawed at her side, just this side of possessive. "Elodie, you little minx. You just want to see me spend all of my ill gotten money," more laughter rumbled from Early's barrel chest.

"Pardon!" The French accent grazed from her mouth like a bullet wound, such indignation. This outburst merely caused the handsy male to guffaw once more. "I have half a mind to abandon you here in your shame, Mr. Early!" Her fine jaw squared as she lifted her head to stare across the blackjack table to the dealer and waved a dismissive hand. "You are going to let this scoundrel win? I think I'll take my company elsewhere." Her exclamation of abandonment was met with meaty arms wrapping about her slight waist. "No, don't leave me like that, darling Elodie. Sweet Elodie." Her hands smartly thwacked at his hold on her and it was dropped.

"Buy me a drink and we'll talk it over," she insisted. Soon after, a stiff brandy was brought over by one of the many attendants of the casino. Elodie, unfortunately and much to her chagrin, could no longer eat or drink like she once could. But... she was trying to find a way around that. She brought the clear glass to her mouth and tipped it up. A few drops of the fine amber liquid swilled into her mouth. As she dropped the glass, her lips parted discretely to let it filter back out and into the glass.

It was her way of fitting in with the crowd that she had once been a part of - human. Humans liked to drink as they gambled their thousands and millions away and if her marks saw her drinking, they, too, would be more inclined to imbibe. Which she then could use to her and her family's advantage. The fat cats spent and gambled and they prospered, as did the less fortunate. Small fingers brushed back through loosely curled locks of dark, chestnut hair as she watched Mr. Early lose another thousand dollars worth.

"Oh no, Mr. Early! Have you lost your touch?" She knew his patience was dwindling and she had learned long ago, the hard way, not to push men too hard when it came to their money. Then again, so had he. Bang bang bang. Elodie granted a kiss to the large man's cheek, a quiet promise between each other that they would see each other next week for their cat and mouse game of gambling and flirting. The Levesque twin settled upon a seat situated at the luxury bar, one knee crossed over the other. The dress she wore was sleek and slimmed to her body, the length just barely above bony and prominent knees. Her dancer's feet were comfortable in a pair of black stiletto heels that she hooked over the bar at the bottom of her chair.

This was how she played. Aloof, just another pretty face at the casino bar, but something bright and fierce lay just beneath, bared for all to see.

There was almost no such thing as a day off. Segreti, everyday, checked in on his businesses. Everyday he worked to learn more and grow himself and his moneymaking. It was the way of things. It could get tiring, but it also meant he made quite a lot of money for a man who didn't come from high money. Course, crime had helped get him started. But once he was up where he was, things could mostly be done legally. He had also been intentionally avoiding getting involved in the less than legal matters ever since he found out about telepaths, and the fact he might be interacting with vampires more often. Their ability to read memories being a big issue. So he kept his mind and his actions away from what should not be seen.

Right now was not work though, it was late. Very late, he'd spent the last few hours of day practicing rituals, writing down symbols and memorizing them. He wanted rest, but he wasn't tired enough to sleep, nor did he have any interest in trying to watch a film or read a book. He ran his hand along the desk, covered in papers and writings about the supernatural.

He pulled a silver coin from his pocket, looking at it and running his finger along its brim in thought before clutching it and standing up, "Eh, might as well give it a shot." he said.

The sorcerer got up, heading for his car.
He put on his coat, shutting the door and locking the car. Gambling. He didn't do it often, an active avoidance of a dangerous habit. Still, why not amuse yourself with a game. He brought $30,000 with him, specifically for gambling. He wasn't so sure he was actually going to use it all. If he hit too much of a losing streak, he'd get bored most likely. He could always just sit by and drink if that happened.

The man headed inside, his eyes scanning the interior with a breath in and out. Casino's had a specific smell. Sometimes, you could tell their quality of a casino off it. He headed off to exchange his cash for coins. Grabbing them and taking a look around the casino in thought, tapping his fingers, "What to do, what to do." he mumbled to himself.

Blackjack, Five card, Texas Hold'em maybe? Options options.

Elbows were rubbed politely at the bar as she pretended to drink along with the patrons that had found themselves there. It was good for business; to be seen chatting with everyone. Harmless, and some not so harmless, flirting. Elodie could've been an actress but it hadn't been the stage that had called to her like some sort of unforgiving siren. It had been dancing, ballet. Luckily, she had inherited her father's charm. She could talk for hours on trivial matters and those of state. Some interested her, most didn't. And there came a time when her mask slipped. "Please go bore someone else, senator." She'd likely get scolded for that but God above did he talk far too much.

Elodie whipped up the still full glass of warm brandy to go find another mark or perhaps she'd turn in. The Levesque's had been a busy bunch since their arrival and while the younger twin was taking her sweet time, relishing in some of the finer details, Elodie was also worn down. With a little sigh, the woman shifted her attention about the room. Couples giggled and thrived on the thrill of winning or losing it all. Just like their relationship I'd personally wager, Elodie taunted them in her head. Staring at them made her hungry.

Eyes closed tightly a moment, finding her center, her calm. Her family loved her, but there was a good chance she'd be thoroughly stomped if she dared to feed in the casino - let alone with so many people around. Elodie cleared her throat, squared small shoulders and put that proverbial mask back into place. As she refocused her gaze once her dark eyes reopened, they landed upon a smartly dressed gentleman who appeared to be scanning the room. As she approached, she could hear him. "What to do, what to do." An easy as could be grin parted her lips once she was standing before him.

"Such a loaded question, as they say. The options are quite numbered." He smelled of money, that thing that gets everyone talking. It made the world go round and its fruits could fill many an empty belly. Elodie took another feigned sip of her brandy, eyes casting about a moment at the slots and then to the Texas table. "What's your poison, Mr..."

Segreti's attention was diverted as a woman approached him, he smiled at her and her comment."Quite problematic huh." he said, "Get used to making all the choices for making money. Never did pick often when spending it on...temporary non-essentials." he furrowed his brow at the way he put it himself. It seemed an accurate description. He definitely did pay for non-essentials, mainly being various forms of historical artwork. But that was his fascination after-all.

He watched her sip the brandy, and than asked him his 'poison' while prompting his name, "Ah, Antonio Segreti. Or just Tony, depends who you talk to." He held out a hand to shake, "Never did have a specific preference. For Poker or alcohol. Got any suggestions? Either one."

He looked at her in thought, people. They were such an interesting thing. Human, vampire, whatever you were. It was something truly fascinating to discover. He breathed in the atmosphere in thought, shaking the coins in their container, then chuckling, "Funny isn't it, how a casino can attract so much attention. It's just...math isn't it. It's not a game of pure skill, nor a game of pure chance. Just like life. You can try and optimize your hand the best possible, sometimes you make the wrong choice. Sometimes a really good one. But there's only so much that you can do in the end."


"Ah, sorry perhaps that's getting a little off topic isn't it." He said with a smile, "I don't usually spend money in places like this. But I wanted just a bit of a distraction from the struggles of...never-mind. No need to burden." he said waving the topic aside and staring blankly for a moment.

So much was going on. It was funny to think, there were probably others in this room like him. Humans with powers. And probably others who were like Elizabeth Constance, vampires.

Her sculpted eyebrows lifted as he spoke, the ghost of a grin following. Non-essential was an interesting way to put it. He didn't know the half of it, as well he shouldn't. Elodie chuckled on cue, following his lead easily, practiced. She was a good lure. "Such an interesting take, I will give you that. Ask an addict and you'll get a far different answer." In their defense however, gambling addicts were seeking that one in a million high chance of winning. That was their essential.

As he gave her his name, Elodie offered out the free hand after situating the quite full glass of brandy. The faint grin widened into a twinkling expression of happiness. "I think I prefer Antonio. It suits you," her eyes did a once over of his person and did not bother to hide it. She lifted up her own glass in answer before laughing softly. "I'm Elodie Levesque. My father owns this fine casino and slice of dastardly heaven." A hand was placed just on his forearm after the handshake if it occurred, to guide him to the Hold 'Em table. It was an easy enough game to understand with fair stakes. Or high, depending on who played.

"I'm trying to slow down on my consumption, but Remy is my absolute favorite brandy. I would certainly recommend it, if you enjoy brandy I mean. The built in bar also serves other things. Wine, mixed drinks, beer. Water, too." She peered back up at him as he regarded her, head tipping to the side. Elodie was wondering what he was pondering on. She was no mind reader, but thankfully, she didn't have to fret over it too long. As he spoke, the dark brunette laughed once more, though it was no longer feigned. He had quite a way of thinking. "It's the thrill of the chase. It's the 'go big or go home.' You can't win if you don't play." Elodie chuckled once more and swept a hand toward the table and those already assembled for the next game. "What do you say, Antonio. Care to make a wager?

Elodie leaned in conspiratorially with a cheerful grin and giggle. "Is Lady Luck your friend tonight?" Luck was a fickle mistress. She could love and reward you or strip you clean of everything, including your dignity.

Antonio made a face, of agreement and pity, as she mentioned that addicts wouldn't treat it that way, "And that's exactly why I don't do this often. It's dangerous for those who aren't careful." he tipped his head to the side, "Or rich enough." Even then he knew it posed some danger. It all depended on the type of people who you were gambling with. And how much you felt like gambling away.

As she took his hand for a light shake, he reflexively did what he did whenever he ran out of time. He stole. Not her money, not her blood, her power. Well, steal was the wrong word. Copied was more accurate. Segreti hated having to drink blood in order to gain power, which made him more pitying of vampires who needed to do it often just to live. It was for this reason, he found a way to get their powers without feeding. It was a costly venture, but the results were incredible. Now some of her gifts, were his gifts. He could feel it, but doubted she'd be able to tell what just happened.

He held onto the hand a moment longer, as she said she preferred Antonio. It was his eyes now to shine a bit more. A vampire. "Thank you." he said with a head nod. She did a look over of him, he looked mostly at her face and hair. Lovely woman.

She introduced herself, and mentioned her father owned the casino. "Lovely name. Not particularly familiar with it, don't think I've heard it before." he said, she led him to the Hold'em table with a hand on his arm. Fine with him, at least he didn't have to figure it out.

He set down his container, tossing in to join when it was open, and looking over the others present for any signs of cheating as Elodie talked about alcohol. It explained why her glass was still mostly full. "Yeah I'd be willing to try Remy. I have a few things at home but haven't tried many brandy."

She was a vampire, was her father one too? Surely it'd be hard to hide it from him. Well..maybe, depended on the powers she'd gained. He wasn't sure. Still, good chance that he knew.

She laughed at some of what he said, and commented on the game. Time to play. [quote=Elodie Levesque]"Is Lady Luck your friend tonight?"[/quote]

"Guess we'll find out, won't we?" He said smiling at her and checking his cards, a pair of 4's. Could be worse, could be better. He looked at the others, looking for their eyes. Years spent in business, and indirect crime, had given him a considerable amount of skill at hiding whatever thoughts or feelings he had underneath. "Raise." he said doubling the in and waiting as the rest went as he looked at Elodie.

"So, how long have you been here in Harper Rock? Got any thoughts on it?" He asked friendly, that was legitimate at least, even if there were other things he wanted to learn, "I mean, it's a bit wild of a place isn't it?"

Careful enough or rich enough, he had it just right. Her head merely bobbed in agreement, pleased he understood what she was meaning. Elodie took a special and pride-filled boast to know that her family's business business front could draw so much attention. And in such a short amount of time! It was promising, to say the least. When their hands met, all she could feel was the defining warmth of his hand in hers. Perhaps if she were older, more skilled in her new found vampiric ways, Elodie would've been able to feel... something. A tingle, a tickle. But in her current state of being and person, the young woman was none the wiser to his copying.

"And thank you. My family and I are still fairly new around the city. I'm sure you'll trip over one of us soon enough," she teased. There were quite a fair share of them haunting and traversing the city streets. Some more quietly than others, some surely causing chaos somewhere (here's looking at you, Junie). Elodie chuckled to herself and situated her attentions firmly back onto the man at her side.

She saw him glance about the table's patrons; a few of them had become quick regulars since the opening of the casino. Most could afford to be there and gambling and certainly some were trying to cheat their way into lady luck's favor. Elodie laughed once he said he'd be willing to try her own personal drink of choice. Well, her 'used-to-be' drink of choice. A pale hand drew up to catch the attention of an attendee. Being the proprietor's daughter had its perks.

"Another Remy, for my new friend Antonio here." Once the attendant drifted off toward the bar, Elodie peered back at him with a faint smile. A thread of panic weaved through her, realizing she had smiled like a loon earlier. She was still trying to train her wayward mouth to work in new ways: to smile just so, so that her fangs would not flash constantly. She knew relationships between vampires and the rest of the city, humans by and large, were at odds. Better to be safe than impaled. Or missing limbs... "Let me know if it's to your liking."

She quietly observed him though she offered up a giggle at his answer. Yes, they would find out. She rooted for him like a good hostess and companion. Elodie winked across the table at one of the regular patrons genially, as Antionio requested the raise. The dark haired young lady looked back toward Mr. Segreti and thought over his questions. Finally, she settled on, "Not too long now. Nearly a month I believe. Give or take. It is certainly... different." Elodie laughed again, this time behind the back of her palm. "It's a lot to take in, if I'm being perfectly honest. But I like a challenge. What about you - have you lived here long? Would you impart some wisdom on me?" Elodie took a quick peek at his hand and made a cooing sound, as if to frighten and trick the rest of the table into believing that Antonio's hand was to die for.

“Ah but I already have haven’t I?” he responded as she mentioned tripping over one of the family, “Didn’t take long At all did it. But I’m sure I’ll run into more of you soon. Harper Rock is only so big.”

He wondered for a moment, was her sire, or her sires sire, at that meeting he attended. There was absolutely no way to know without asking. And he had no intention of exposing her here. That would be very unkind. Then again, he realized, she had already shown her fangs. Perhaps that was an accident though. Maybe nobody else really noticed. Especially for someone new, revealing yourself was a dangerous thing to do right now.

She got someone to bring a Remy over as he evaluated the other players. Secretive was familiar with cheaters. Unfortunately, he was not familiar with how to beat them at cards. In business, you exposed them. In crime, you let their secrets slip...or let them. At a card table...well he didn’t know. There was little way for him to find out who was really cheating, and even less to prove it without looking like a sore loser.

He smiled as he received the Remus, “Ah, thank you kindly.” he said before taking a sip and letting it sit as he shut his eyes for a second drowning out the noise and just feeling the flavor before swallowing then eying the glass with an approving nod, “Yes that is pretty good indeed. Good suggestion.”

She furthered his half bluff on the cards. That was nice, made him chuckle inside as he watched half the players panic wondering if she meant that or was just helping him. Panic was good. It made them afraid to wager. But despair would be better. That was not so easy.

He smiled as she laughed calling the place ‘different’ that was definitely an accurate wording. Covered her mouth this time. Clever. Not too apparent, but did the job to hide the fang. She also asked him some questions which he thought over for a moment, “Oh been a little while. Before vampirism went completely public I think. Found some truly interesting things, including sorcery. Which apparently is a thing I can do. That’s public knowledge. I think it’s truly fascinating.”

“As for advice,” he leaned back in his chair, and looked at her. “Get a weapon, or a power, and learn how to use it to escape or fight. Sooner or later something might happen, and you will want that. Course if you have allies, that’s also a huge help. Some vampires can heal for instance. I can too, but not so sure I can heal vampires.”

He looked back at the table as they flipped the next card. Another 4. One more and he’d have four of a kind. Not great, but still worth staying in. Especially where he was right now. “You’re in a good position though. With family, and a job, you’re already doing well. And hey, if you ever need some additional help. Im pretty easy to get ahold of.”

He wanted to tell her he knew. Or show her. Show her he was on her side. Course, she might find out later if she looked him up. He’d been very public on his position on vampires and wanting fair treatment.

"We are hard to miss, some more so than others," she quipped with a nod. She threw herself into that lot as well. Elodie was... vivacious given the right environment. Even more with the right people. But on any given night not at the casino? Elodie was enjoying her alone time and freedom to do as she wished. Becoming a vampire had opened many doors for her that she didn't even know existed. It was thrilling and illuminating.

Her eyes eagerly watched him try the suggested alcohol and to say she was pleased he enjoyed it was an understatement. Elodie even did a happy little wiggle of slender shoulders. "It's so smooth isn't it? Worth every penny is the saying, I think?" She shifted her attention back to the cards in Antonio's hands and the air that changed at the table itself after her sound of praise at his hand. Elodie smirked, just the slightest tilt of her mouth. Would any fold though? That was the burning question.

"It was such a shock to find out such things were real. Some of my family were born to it, I feel like. I know nothing about sorcery, sadly. What does that mean, if I may ask? What is your sorcerer specialty, Antonio?" Again, Elodie laughed behind her hand, feigning a petite cough after with an excuse me, apologies. Her family had warned her of the ruckus being found out could cause, especially for the newfound business. Family was everything, and Elodie would not be the one to blow it for them all.

"Your advice shall be taken to heart, thank you. My family is doing well in those, myself included. But in such uncertain times, having too many weapons is unheard of." Elodie made sure to watch her wording, leave things open, vague. Perhaps she could sneak a peek at the many avenues of information the city offered, to see if she could find her new friend. But... her father had taught her to give others her attention and mean it. Or, at the very least, make them believe she meant it. "Any help is greatly appreciated. Here," Between drawing of cards and wagers, Elodie withdrew her cellphone from the small clutch to take his number down. And in kind, hers was given to him if he so wished.

"It happens so often to think of questions to ask after company parts, yes?"

"Oh I don't doubt it, if they are like you." He added. Though there was one way in which he hoped they weren't as noticeable. And which he hoped she'd match too, which she'd already clearly worked on earlier when hiding her teeth. It may have been only a brief slip up, but it was one nevertheless.

She clearly enjoyed that he also liked the alcohol, which made him happier as a result. "Yes it is! I'll have to keep it in mind in the future, maybe buy some to keep at home when I'm too lazy to go out." he added, partially jokingly. Or injured perhaps.

He waited a second, watching the other players. He saw the hesitation. One of them moved to fold, retreated, but eventually grumbled and set his cards down. The man didn't seem to have nearly anything that would hold up at present. Just a two and a Queen.

She responded about his question. And asked another, "To be fair I think a lot still don't. The best way to explain it is that I can manipulate or alter a type of energy. Maybe it's Chi, maybe it's magic, maybe it's life itself. But the simplest, is energy. I can heal most people, including myself, I can leap incredible distances, create bursts of searing heat with my hands. I can even turn this 'energy' into energy I can use. Or vice-versa, as I seem to regenerate only so much per day. Mostly, I use it to give myself energy and, when asked, to heal. I don't fight too often if I can help it." he wondered if any of that would concern the other players. Segreti had leapt great distances in public before. And at one point, in front of a crowd, used the searing heat he mentioned. However these individuals may not know that.

Of course, they also hopefully did not know that the woman, in the long run, might be more of a threat. Segreti was still human. Shoot him enough in the right places and he was bound to die. But she could always come back. It might take time. But it would happen.

"I can agree with that for sure." He said taking a sip of the drink as she mentioned having too many weapons being unheard of, and immediately smiling as he tasted it again. A few nods could be seen from the others as well. Even with money on the table. Some things were just agreeable.

Segreti added the final bet, success was about to be revealed and it seemed everyone else was either confident...or too far in to give up now.

He swallowed what was left in his mouth as she withdrew her phone to take down the number, and he removed his as well if she'd give them. "Oh very often. Especially in Harper Rock. You're quite fun to talk to, you do it well. Some people...well it's hard to explain what I mean. Don't worry about it."

He already knew what he planned to speak of. Now he could stop worrying about it until later.

"You know, sorry to backtrack, but...sorcery, though incredibly useful. Isn't good for working alone. I often think of how, the best way for a sorcerer's abilities to be maximized. Is to use them to aid allies. Even in simple life."