Chapter 140 A Night at the Theatre

To all that looked at him, Rassa may have appeared handsome and dignified, but in truth he felt completely out of his element. He'd never worn clothing this expensive, and whilst it was all comfortable and light, it also smelt of money. Whilst coins carried the scent of metal and those that had touched them before, beyond that Rassa hadn't perceived it as having it's own unique scent until he'd entered the Trader's Council building that evening.

He followed Jeremiah in, a man who truly was out of his element. Rassa was so used to seeing the man in his sailor's coat and boots that he looked the epitome of a fish out of water in formal attire. Rassa, admittedly, preferred the sailor. This Jeremiah looked so uncomfortable that Rassa was almost embarrassed to be accompanying him. Thankfully, Griffith Token appeared nearly the exact opposite. He greeted warmly and made introductions as necessary, joking and shaking hands and in all being a fabulous and lively presence. The man was without a doubt an expert in negotiation, and Rassa gave Ebony a look that he hoped she would interpret as his way of saying she should learn. Evidently, Ebony didn't need the reminder, she was already doing her part, though admittedly with a more elegant approach than Griffith.

She was unconfident at first in the way she carried herself, but she seemed to fall into the role rather quickly. No doubt her time watching and serving nobles had given her some insight, but Ebony seemed to be able to take on any role that was handed to her. As Rassa had witnessed her play more and more parts over the time he'd known her, he couldn't help but realise that perhaps this was what she was best at. He was even tempted to make her practice, but wasn't sure how she'd feel about it. To play a role, especially one of significance, and be believed…it was not only a stressful and confusing environment, but a dangerous one. He would not suggest it for the time being at least.

Most of the invited parties arrived an hour before the play was to begin, they mingled and partook in the drinks and elegant spread of food provided. It was clear that this was truly a gathering of the elite, and despite the fact that in the memories that had taught him of his ancestors had depicted events far grander than this, Rassa could not help but be impressed. Order may have regressed since Chaos had fallen, but that didn't make its achievements any less worthy.

"Ah, the young lady who sells the protective charms, why, by the gods, are you accompanying these has beens?" asked a rather dignified looking man as he approached. He swept a hand at Griffith and Jeremiah, two key figures of one of the most powerful Trade Organisations, as if they were nothing less than common rabble. He looked foreign, with bronzed skin and dark features, his hair braided into rows that met at the crown of his head and flowed freely halfway down his back. His attire was looser, draped over his body rather than fitted, though he wore it with as much dignity as a king. He also held a cane, the metal work around it pure gold, only serving to reinforce his status along with the gold jewellery that pampered the rest of him. He appeared to be in his thirties, but he carried himself like the most powerful man in the room.

"Ishta, so noble of you to grace us with your presence," Griffith cut-in, saving Ebony who was quite taken aback by this new gentleman.

Ishta grinned, his arms sweeping around him in a welcoming motion, "And miss the greatest gathering of wealth in the known world? My Griffith, I see you're still underestimating its value".

The insult was subtle, but Rassa had witnessed vampire politics for years. Listening to a room full of bored and cunning immortals for hours on end tended to sharpen one's wits. Though, for the most part Rassa had yet to test himself in that sense.

Ishta swept up Ebony's hand and kissed it, his amber eyes, which stood out from the rest of his figure, meeting hers. Rassa immediately sensed Ebony's discomfort and surprise. She clearly had not expected him to be so forward, "Might I know the name of the beautiful lady who seems intent on protecting us from certain death at the hands of our foes?"

Ebony pulled her hand back, stepping back to her position beside Rassa as she composed herself, "Ebony".

"A commoner then," Ishta stated, "A diamond in the rough as they say".

"What do you want, Ishta?" asked Griffith, "You never approach anybody without a purpose".

"If it were any other time, I would be offended you think that of me, but right now I believe any business talks I desire to have are not with you. After all, rumour has it that Token will only have monopoly over these new treasures for so long. The real deal is for the taking, is it not, Ebony?" Ishta's gaze swept back to the young woman.

To his surprise, she met his gaze with narrowed eyes, "I appreciate your forwardness, but you have already offered me a business deal which I have rejected. Unless your terms are for that of equal parties, I suggest you talk business elsewhere".

Ishta seemed surprised to be outright rejected so thoroughly, but he recovered quickly with a smile that was on the verge of threatening, "You must be joking, no one can offer you a better deal. I should know, I own the greatest shipping company here".

"As I recall, that is yet to be seen," a soft voice spoke.

The crowd, who had quietened and moved back to witness the talks, further seperated to let through a woman as beautiful as a porcelain doll. She stepped forward in a sapphire blue dress that showed off her elegance and beauty better than any other woman in the room, and as she stepped forward with confidence, it was clear that she carried herself in a similar fashion to this Ishta. Not because she believed herself better than all others, but because she was confident in herself and her ability. Rassa froze as soon as he saw her, the scent wafting over him. Her name fell on his lips, but he stopped himself from uttering it, simply watching as the scene unfolded before him.

"Miss Falla Startree, I hardly think your humble self should be involved in this discussion," Ishta protested softly.

"I think she should, considering her offer was more attractive than yours," Ebony cut in before either could speak up. It was a white lie considering Falla had yet to make any offer, but as Ebony cut across in front of Rassa and took Falla by the arm, the two women looked impregnable.

Ishta paused for a moment as if weighing his options, then scoffed and turned with a flare of his arm, "Proposterous. No one offers better deals than I, but it is your fall to take".

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The room slowly turned back to normal, and Ebony stepped back, "Apologies, I didn't mean to-"

Falla smiled at Ebony's sudden change in character, "It's fine, I was glad to see you anyway". Her eyes travelled to where Rassa stood behind Ebony, "Both of you".

Ebony turned to look at Rassa, who was trying very hard to keep his expression calm despite the emotions that dwelled in Falla's gaze.

"It's good to see you, Rassa".

Rassa held her gaze for a moment, then turned away with a sigh, "Let's get to our seats, Ebony".

"Bu-"

But Rassa had already disappeared into the crowd.