Le Chiffre's Poker Table

My name is Le Chiffre. If you've some less-than-legal banking to do, I can smooth your path. Do not attempt to fool me; my poker face is impassable and my mathematical skills are, frankly, genius. [Independent RP blog for Le Chiffre of the James Bond franchise. Semi-selective due to time constraints.]

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil’s eyes narrowed, just a bit, and the smile on his face slipped a notch. Watch your words, Mr. Graham.

“I did not say that. He finds you interesting, I said.” Basil took another sip from his glass. “You play games well. And he wants to know of this Hannibal, maybe. But if you wanted to meet him, ‘laid bare,’ maybe you can ask him. Are you going to sit and have a drink, or stand there like vampire at the door?”

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

Will sucked his bottom lip in thought, pretending to deliberate on the pros and cons of following this man. Hannibal was worth it all. Just one chance at catching or killing him could mean everything. 

“You have my interest. You handcuff me again, however, and I will not hold back.” He stepped towards Basil. 

[blindeyedmastermind]

The smile was back. “That would be an interesting fight.” He almost wanted it to happen, wanted to see how this strange man fought. If he could knock the knife away, how would Graham keep Basil from bearing down on him like a wolf over a lamb?

But no. Le Chiffre wanted information--but not that kind of information. A pity. He shrugged and caught a server’s glance. “Fine.” Basil directed the server to Will to place his order; the cran-vodka in his hand was far from empty. ...Well, maybe halfway. Close enough. “Who is this Hannibal?” Will had said Hannibal had marked him, it was obviously revenge, but there was a story. People were always more willing to talk about others than about themselves--perhaps Will would let something slip.

[bloodsweetaschocolate]

Eye Candy to Starboard|| For blindeyedmastermind

@blindeyedmastermind

Naples had agreed with Aiden. Very much so. It was sunny and hot and full of beautiful women and men.

But he wasn’t here to vacation. Despite his tan and sun highlighted curls and hours lounging on the deck of his yacht, he was here to work.

And on his fifth day, as he wandered back from shopping, he saw his job had arrived. Like his own Wolf Queen the yacht that he was now docked starboard to was built for cross oceanic travel, unlike her the ship was made for security, not speed and lasting power.

Aiden fished out his cabin keys, eying the burly man on deck, who was doing repairs. Meeting the man’s gaze he smiled and waved. “Ciao.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil turned, giving their new ‘neighbor,’ as far as ship life went, a look-over for security... And then another, for posterity.

“Ciao,” he echoed. Italian had never been one of his strongest languages, but he was good enough with the basics. He enjoyed listening to Le Chiffre speak it more; it sounded like chocolate in his voice, how he strung it together.

“Have you been here long?” Hopefully English was an option. He’d gone into town with Le Chiffre that morning and half the population spoke only broken English. René had gone in again for a few last-minute items while Basil stayed behind to repair a lamp that had been mangled in the voyage.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

He grinned. “I retired from Russian mafia. Blame that on the man I followed here.”

Basil shrugged, opening his arms. “Da, maybe. I do not blame you for it. But I could not know he was not your target, mm? I protect him. But now he finds you interesting. Not many people can beat him at poker. Not that many times.”

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

“Maybe he needs more people to beat him at poker once in a while. It’d get rid of that air of self-importance he infects the room with.” Will glanced at Le Chiffre. He knew lots of people with that air. At some points, Will had even felt the call of it. He simply had to remind himself that confidence and cockiness were two different beasts.

“And now he wants to meet me, again? Laid bare? No pretences.” Even if Will were to tell Le Chiffre everything he doubted he’d know a fistful of Le Chiffre’s true nature… Not without his empathy, at least.

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil’s eyes narrowed, just a bit, and the smile on his face slipped a notch. Watch your words, Mr. Graham.

“I did not say that. He finds you interesting, I said.” Basil took another sip from his glass. “You play games well. And he wants to know of this Hannibal, maybe. But if you wanted to meet him, ‘laid bare,’ maybe you can ask him. Are you going to sit and have a drink, or stand there like vampire at the door?”

[blindeyedmastermind]

Well, that comment was just rife with hints. A troubled past, bad treatment? But he would save his curiosity, wait until he could glean a clearer picture, see what hints came later.

The meal went quickly and quietly for the most part. Le Chiffre complimented the oatmeal’s seasoning, and Basil murmured a request for the water to be passed.

Breakfast was over, and Le Chiffre disappeared to his desk while Basil and Iolai cleaned up. He would not miss this, Basil decided, though he’d probably continue to help cook. Cooking was… Calming.

“We will go to ashore. Buy things for tonight, buy clothes for you. I have ideas.” He put away the last glass and closed the cupboard.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

Iolai was the one to pass the water. The moment Le Chiffre stood Iolai began to clean up, piling dishes expertly in her arms before taking them to the sink to clean them. She was used to simply dropping them off for others to take care of, but the Fae still knew how to perform the task. Made simpler by the second pair of hands to help dry them and put them away. Iolai didn’t leave a spot on anything and as Basil finished putting them away, Iolai turned her attention to cleaning the counters.

Iolai wiped off the last bit of counter space and began to wring out the cloth over the sink as she glanced at him.  Once she caught his eye, she raised a brow, interested in his ‘ideas’. “Go on.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil shrugged. “I need to check your dress for tonight with Mr. Le Chiffre, but as you need, there will be room for wings. Maybe not like this shirt-” he gestured at her halter top- “But similar.” He’d already had a look through some of the fashion boutiques’ latest lines, just to check which were running the sort of things he needed. “We leave in half an hour. You will be in your room until then.”

He ushered her out of the kitchen and back toward her room, locking the door after her. There should be nothing she needed to do that her bathroom wouldn’t contain, and Basil left her to herself while he went for a shower.

An hour later, and they were in the city. The car had been the same low, lean sportscar Iolai had been picked up in, and they’d driven it straight off the boat on a a specially-designed ramp. Now, they were parked outside a high-end clothiers, Basil shifting clothes along racks in a store with huge glass windows and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. There were more than enough attendants around the store to aid them, but Basil had shooed them away, preferring to look himself.

“Here. Try these.” He passed over a few items, hoping he’d gotten the right size, or at least come close. A couple pairs of shorts, a few halter tops, some racerback tank tops. He motioned to one of the women watching him, and she came forward.

“How can I help you, sir?”

He nodded at Iolai. “Measure her for intimates. She can choose.”

The attendent nodded, snagging a measuring tape from the wall as she guided Iolai toward the dressing rooms. “Come along.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil nodded. “I want to bring some on the boat. For cooking, and for the air. It is good to see plants. But we are gone for days sometimes, inland…” He trailed off, shook his head. “Maybe I buy him the plants that do not die. Eh… Succulent? But those cannot go in food.” He paused, forehead wrinkling. “Maybe. I will research.” Deep-fried succulent buds? Not quite parsley and thyme, but Basil had never turned up his nose at new food.

Le Chiffre stewed, eyes glazing over as he retreated into his mind, thoughts overtaking him while his mouth was otherwise occupied. He blinked back into the present, taking out the thermometer and checking it. “I’m completely fine.”

Basil snagged it from his hand before he could erase the temperature–the boss would have no qualms lying to him about a fever to get a few hours’ work in. He checked the number, huffed through his nose, and left to return the thermometer to its place. This is what he had to deal with, trying to care for sick employers who had no respect for vacation…

Le Chiffre went back to his tea, taking another sip. “You know the answer you will get, whether it is true or not,” he huffed Still, he continued to drink, keeping the warmth between his hands. It really wasn’t that bad. A little green-tasting, but not overpoweringly so. “What is the spice? Chai?”

[opheliaavery]

“I think some cacti are edible.. I wouldn’t take my word for it though, I’m afraid I don’t have green thumbs just yet. When I’m away I have someone water the herbs, anything else is beyond me.” Too absent. She’d never even kept a goldfish; though sometimes her abstract vision of the future involved a fruit tree and something warm curled up on her lap. An unlikely daydream. “Worth a try though, I think they’re cute.” She liked talking about these things with Basil, indulging a side of herself which most people didn’t care to see.

She watched, amused as Basil plucked the thermometer away from Le Chiffre. Sometimes the interactions between the two men were rather endearing, though she would certainly never say so. 

“Just a touch, I usually make it without. I don’t mind a little bitterness..” Ophelia smiled, and you could tell she took gleeful pride in her ability to handle these things. A pause, as she studied his face. “I hope it helps. Even if you are ‘completely fine’.”

She stood, taking her drink with her to stand and gaze at the ocean. “What do you usually do when you’re sick?”

[blindeyedmastermind]

“Attempt to get back to work,” Le Chiffre replied dourly. “Or sleep. Sometimes read on the deck. I’m sure Basil would accompany you for a swim, should it interest you. Or we could simply take the ship out to sea for a bit.” He sipped his drink and watched her, but didn’t stand. It seemed like so much /work/ at the moment, and the blanket on top of him was comfortably warm...

[blindeyedmastermind]

An evasive answer, and one that Le Chiffre didn’t miss. “I would have hoped you would sleep better in a bed than in the slave house, Iolai. Don’t tell me I fail to provide better accommodations than Thrash; my delicate feelings will be hurt. Sit.”

Basil had already taken his place at the table, but waited for Le Chiffre to serve himself before filling his own plate. They both took eggs and sausage, and served themselves a portion of oatmeal. Basil ate in silence, glancing every now and then between Le Chiffre and Iolai.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

His last comment brought a small smile to her lips along with a light chuckle. Once she had had her seat, she watched the others fill their plates before beginning to fill her own. “Sadly my comfort has little to do with how well I sleep anymore. That wasn’t the first time I’d slept on a cold, hard floor.” She set the plates back in the center of the table and started to load up her fork, sharing one last comment before taking a bite. “The bed was wonderful, though.” Iolai paused a moment longer before she began to eat. 

[blindeyedmastermind]

Well, that comment was just rife with hints. A troubled past, bad treatment? But he would save his curiosity, wait until he could glean a clearer picture, see what hints came later.

The meal went quickly and quietly for the most part. Le Chiffre complimented the oatmeal’s seasoning, and Basil murmured a request for the water to be passed.

Breakfast was over, and Le Chiffre disappeared to his desk while Basil and Iolai cleaned up. He would not miss this, Basil decided, though he’d probably continue to help cook. Cooking was... Calming.

“We will go to ashore. Buy things for tonight, buy clothes for you. I have ideas.” He put away the last glass and closed the cupboard.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil suppressed a smile as it tugged at the corners of his mouth, and rolled his head in an elaborate shrug. “I do my job for Mr. Le Chiffre. I would think a…” He glanced around, making it a show– “Police-man would understand just doing a job. Maybe you were trying to hurt him, I did not know. I could not be polite then. I can be polite now.” He took a long drink. watching Will over the rim of the glass, one side of his mouth inching up. After a moment, he delicately extended his pinky. See? Polite.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

Will actually looked… Amused. He glanced between Le Chiffre over at the table, and Basil - standing before him.

“I’m no longer a cop. I retired and was fired… From my other law abiding positions. Blame that on the man I’m hunting.”

Will was tempted to have a drink. He relied on alcohol to sleep. But it wasn’t bed time.

“If you want me to accept your offer, tell me one thing: if a man looking exactly like me walks into a bar, would you not assume it is me? Even with a disability that could be fresh?” Doppelgänger effect.

[blindeyedmastermind]

He grinned. “I retired from Russian mafia. Blame that on the man I followed here.”

Basil shrugged, opening his arms. “Da, maybe. I do not blame you for it. But I could not know he was not your target, mm? I protect him. But now he finds you interesting. Not many people can beat him at poker. Not that many times.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

He watched her closely, but aside from a few comments about the way Le Chiffre liked his eggs and the amounts of seasonings to add to the oats, Basil didn’t have to direct her. It looked as if she knew how to cook well enough, but tonight would be the real test.

He nodded in approval. “Dining room. Through there.”

As Basil was bringing in the pot of oatmeal, Le Chiffre entered the dining area. He was in light sailing clothes, though his hair was already done in its usual slick. He sank into a seat and bit back a yawn. “Good morning, Basil. I hope our new crewmember slept well.” A glance toward Iolai–the comment was meant for her to answer, if she was inclined.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

Iolai brought the food to the table and started setting it, finishing just before Le Chiffre took his seat. Once that was done with she stood and looked at Basil, waiting on his next order. Iolai looked down at Le Chiffre just as he looked up at her. How rude, she thought, not to address her, or at least use her name.

“Just as well as any other night, sir.”

She hardly wanted to discuss her nightmares, knowing that that terrible discussion would most certainly lead to another one regarding her past. Though it wasn’t simply the subject matter. Truthfully she didn’t want to talk to Le Chiffre at all. His comment had put her off, and now she intended to have her breakfast in silence. Or at least with as few words from her as possible.

[blindeyedmastermind]

An evasive answer, and one that Le Chiffre didn’t miss. “I would have hoped you would sleep better in a bed than in the slave house, Iolai. Don’t tell me I fail to provide better accommodations than Thrash; my delicate feelings will be hurt. Sit.”

Basil had already taken his place at the table, but waited for Le Chiffre to serve himself before filling his own plate. They both took eggs and sausage, and served themselves a portion of oatmeal. Basil ate in silence, glancing every now and then between Le Chiffre and Iolai.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

Le Chiffre stayed at the table. His ego had taken quite a beating; it would take a few hands to win that back, even if he didn’t manage to win from others the funds Will had taken from him.

When Will returned from the banking area, Basil was already lounging at a small table, leaning back with a drink in his hand.. “Mr. Graham.” It sounded odd in the accent. “So, you finally belong here, da? I hear you made some money. Sit, I will buy you a drink.” A wink, though Basil didn’t smile. “We both know I will talk with you eventually. Might as well be comfortable.”

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

Will didn’t have anything more to say to the man, honestly. If he didn’t know where Hannibal was, there was nothing they had in common.

Of course, Will understood that men like this worked differently to Will’s kind. While Will distributed his interest between people who were interesting and kind, men in power only showed interest in people they could gain something from.

A poor fisherman and cop had nothing to give a man like Le Chiffre. A literal overnight millionaire and master bluffer was something special.

“I think I’d prefer to buy myself a drink and sit with the polite… I have no place in my life for the rude. Unless you have something to say for your behaviour?” It was a game, now. Will had no need to play it but what fun would the night be without it?

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil suppressed a smile as it tugged at the corners of his mouth, and rolled his head in an elaborate shrug. “I do my job for Mr. Le Chiffre. I would think a...” He glanced around, making it a show-- “Police-man would understand just doing a job. Maybe you were trying to hurt him, I did not know. I could not be polite then. I can be polite now.” He took a long drink. watching Will over the rim of the glass, one side of his mouth inching up. After a moment, he delicately extended his pinky. See? Polite.

[blindeyedmastermind]

“Mm.” Let the past stay where it was. It did no good now.

Now? Le Chiffre pursed his lips, the smile breaking through anyway. “I am a… Private banker, and personal investor. My clients are across the world, and for whatever reason, be it privacy or… Questionable legality, choose not to bank with traditional institutions. I offer a way for people to access their money discreetly, anywhere in the world, no questions asked.” He shuffled his foot again, and there was a soft hiss of sand falling from the pier and into the water. “I dabble in the stocks for myself. Market trends are not so difficult to anticipate… With a little help.”

He caught the glance. Was it that she didn’t like her grandfather’s work? Should he perhaps not tell her he dabbled in the same, when it was necessary? “Heh. It sounds like you have your own Basil.” René turned to look at her. “I’m surprised you would find a need to enlist his services. I can’t imagine someone would come under your… Scrutiny, in that way, without your grandfather’s knowledge. Or perhaps I assume his too much of his involvement in your life.”

[opheliaavery]

“My grandfather wanted my father to go into banking, and he did for a while..” The acquisition of money had remained a primary goal throughout many generations of the Avery family. “I’m sure your talents would be appreciated by him.” But he wouldn’t like these visits she made. Conversation and moonlight; he’d find it distasteful.  

If any of this had put her off, it didn’t show. Instead, some unfortunate instinct drew her closer. “I didn’t enlist his services.” Her voice was low, as if it were a story she shouldn’t be telling. “Roman was a friend of my uncle, always hanging around. He flew me to Paris for my eighteenth birthday..” It was an on again, off again affair. “I always knew he was involved in something, then one day I was at his place and some men turned up. They were dragging this guy with them, he kept apologising for something. Then Roman shot him in the head.” She left out the part where she was picking brain matter out of her hair for hours. “My grandfather did know, you’re right. But he’s a big fan of learning lessons the hard way.” 

Her hand reached out, slow and deliberate, fingertips grazing the sleeve of his jacket. “I appreciate your honesty.” 

[blindeyedmastermind]

He watched her for a moment. They might appreciate his talents, but she didn’t seem to appreciate their appreciation of it. Perhaps she didn’t find it outright unpleasant, but she seemed to find no happiness in it. “Are you against the institution of banking, Miss Ophelia?”

This ‘Roman’ seemed like a man after Basil’s heart. “Quite nice of him, to gift you a trip.” He didn’t mention it surprised him that Roman would shoot whatever man had gotten on his bad side, in front of Ophelia. Generally that was something you didn’t do in front of people--or at least, not in front of people you didn’t trust implicitly. It seemed he’d been wrong about her hiring him. “Did that bother you?” René said quietly. “You must have been very close.”

He glanced down at her fingers against his jacket, and slowly moved to cross her fingertips with his fingers. Le Chiffre looked over the water again. She was... Nice. Interesting enough to befriend, but not wanting anything in return, as far as he could tell. It was refreshing. “...I enjoy your company, and I trust your secrecy.” He appreciated fact that she understood what honesty meant to people in their positions.

[blindeyedmastermind]

“All of us, today. I usually eat with him. Not sure what he will want for you.” Thank goodness she knew how to cook. He’d obviously have to watch, make sure she knew how to make things how René liked, that she didn’t poison anything… Really great timing, René. Give me one more thing to look after all day, just when I’m going to be busy.

Basil led her to the kitchen. “Eggs are in the fridge. Sausage, freezer. Red box.” He began taking out pans, setting them on the stovetop.

Soon enough they had the meal going: sausage almost done, eggs cooking, a pot of oatmeal warming in the back. Simple, but decent.

“Tonight a man Mr. Le Chiffre has been waiting for comes to the ship. Important client. They will talk over dinner, then play a game. Hopefully they will agree on business options.”

Le Chiffre wandered out into the living room, hair already gelled, and settled at his computer to check the night’s stock changes.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

Iolai got right to work with cooking, keeping a close eye on the food and taking care of it with an expert hand, making sure nothing was too over or under cooked. She also took a few moments to clean up any spot of grease or piece of egg that may have hopped out of the pan. Once it was ready she looked around on her own until she found plates and piled up the food for serving. She turned to Basil with the full, steaming plate. “Where are we eating?”

[blindeyedmastermind]

He watched her closely, but aside from a few comments about the way Le Chiffre liked his eggs and the amounts of seasonings to add to the oats, Basil didn’t have to direct her. It looked as if she knew how to cook well enough, but tonight would be the real test.

He nodded in approval. “Dining room. Through there.”

As Basil was bringing in the pot of oatmeal, Le Chiffre entered the dining area. He was in light sailing clothes, though his hair was already done in its usual slick. He sank into a seat and bit back a yawn. “Good morning, Basil. I hope our new crewmember slept well.” A glance toward Iolai--the comment was meant for her to answer, if she was inclined.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

And the game commenced. Le Chiffre was a card-counter, too, but only so far as to predict the likelihood of a useful being drawn. He liked a little chance in his gambling, usually.

Tonight it was certainly not working out for him. He put the first lost hand down to a warm-up, the second to chance. He was winning the odd hand here and there, but more chips were being taken from him than he was used to. It was… Aggravating.

Le Chiffre glanced up, two fingers pressed to the side of his head, staring Will down. His pile of chips was growing, against all odds. René hadn’t pegged him for a gambler, or a man good with tells. Curious.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

Will’s unwillingness to lose against Le Chiffre meant he’d made himself a millionaire in a few good wins. The chips piled up and he knew he’d have to leave with them soon. 

He placed his cards down and announced he was finished playing with a soft, “I fold.” 

He gathered up his winnings and started towards the cashing in area. Once the chips were gone and the money was put away, Will felt a little less conspicuous. Well, now he truly did fit in around here. 

He was disgusted but how much money they threw around as if it meant nothing. This was what they meant when they said that “The rich got richer while the poor stayed poor.” 

[blindeyedmastermind]

Le Chiffre stayed at the table. His ego had taken quite a beating; it would take a few hands to win that back, even if he didn’t manage to win from others the funds Will had taken from him.

When Will returned from the banking area, Basil was already lounging at a small table, leaning back with a drink in his hand.. “Mr. Graham.” It sounded odd in the accent. “So, you finally belong here, da? I hear you made some money. Sit, I will buy you a drink.” A wink, though Basil didn’t smile. “We both know I will talk with you eventually. Might as well be comfortable.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

He wasn’t sure what to say to that. Childhood dreams really weren’t his specialty. “I try not to remember when I was a child. Endless possibilities, however… That I understand.”

Le Chiffre looked at her. A smile, an honest-to-goodness smile pulled up one corner of his mouth. He looked away again, over the ocean. “Then ask.” It was a generous offer, from the man who hid so many secrets. “Surely it is not a secret that both of us do what we like.”

“Of course not,” he amended, “I imagine you have people who are your hands, as Basil is often mine. Or perhaps you were protected, shepherded away from the things a lady shouldn’t see?”

[opheliaavery]

A sigh pushed the breath from her lungs. What if she were honest about her childhood? Her hope had been misguided, and gone too fast. For a moment she thought she might clarify, since Le Chiffre’s comment was rather telling. A childhood not worth remembering, or too terrible to consider.. Something they might have in common. But it was easier to say nothing, to let the truth rest for now. 

“Well, we’ll leave the past in the past. What is it that you do now?” Ophelia’s eyes shone with something fierce, as she was hungrily lapping up the hint of a smile. How rare it was to see a genuine smile. 

“I suppose my grandfather has use for that type of thing.” A sidelong glance followed, “I know he does.” Ophelia corrected herself, opting for the truth. “He would prefer if I avoided these things, so of course I haven’t.. I know a man, Roman, who does’t mind a little blood on his hands. Not because he has to, I think he just likes it. Every so often, when it’s personal.” 

[blindeyedmastermind]

“Mm.” Let the past stay where it was. It did no good now.

Now? Le Chiffre pursed his lips, the smile breaking through anyway. “I am a... Private banker, and personal investor. My clients are across the world, and for whatever reason, be it privacy or... Questionable legality, choose not to bank with traditional institutions. I offer a way for people to access their money discreetly, anywhere in the world, no questions asked.” He shuffled his foot again, and there was a soft hiss of sand falling from the pier and into the water. “I dabble in the stocks for myself. Market trends are not so difficult to anticipate... With a little help.”

He caught the glance. Was it that she didn’t like her grandfather’s work? Should he perhaps not tell her he dabbled in the same, when it was necessary? “Heh. It sounds like you have your own Basil.” René turned to look at her. “I’m surprised you would find a need to enlist his services. I can’t imagine someone would come under your... Scrutiny, in that way, without your grandfather’s knowledge. Or perhaps I assume his too much of his involvement in your life.”

[blindeyedmastermind]

“Need to get things for you, and for tonight. Have to prepare dinner for company, and then teach you how to serve for game later.” He sighed, running a hand over his head. “Simple breakfast. You know how to cook?” If she’d worked in a castle, she had to know something, right? “Eggs, sausage, oatmeal.”

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

“That won’t be a problem at all. Is this for all of us or just for him?” She wanted to include whether or not they ate with him, whether or not they ate at different times than him. But Basil seemed to know how to be specific and bombarding him with questions didn’t seem to be a good idea. Iolai had to trust him to give her enough information. It was strange, but if he was going to be her superior that connection had to be there.

[blindeyedmastermind]

“All of us, today. I usually eat with him. Not sure what he will want for you.” Thank goodness she knew how to cook. He’d obviously have to watch, make sure she knew how to make things how René liked, that she didn’t poison anything... Really great timing, René. Give me one more thing to look after all day, just when I’m going to be busy.

Basil led her to the kitchen. “Eggs are in the fridge. Sausage, freezer. Red box.” He began taking out pans, setting them on the stovetop.

Soon enough they had the meal going: sausage almost done, eggs cooking, a pot of oatmeal warming in the back. Simple, but decent.

“Tonight a man Mr. Le Chiffre has been waiting for comes to the ship. Important client. They will talk over dinner, then play a game. Hopefully they will agree on business options.”

Le Chiffre wandered out into the living room, hair already gelled, and settled at his computer to check the night’s stock changes.

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil knocked, and let himself in. “Good morning. It is time to make breakfast.” He was curt, quickly moving to unlock the cuffs. There would be no clothes in the dresser, Le Chiffre not having known Iolai’s size until yesterday afternoon. “Very busy day. Get ready. I will wait in the hall.” It would have been today René chose to bring someone new onto the ship, someone who needed everything from pants to basic instruction to place setting for a guest. Excellent timing, Boss. No, really, thank you.

He pocketed the cuffs and leaned against the wall out in the hallway. Le Chiffre was just waking up–he could hear the slow sounds of movement from the bedroom down the hall, and the water started.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

Iolai hopped off the bed as soon as she was free and walked over to the dresser, trying to remember if there were any other clothes in there. Just as she found it empty, she heard Basil shut the door behind him. Her wings sulked a bit as she wondered what she was supposed to wear. After a moment she simply shrugged and began to change back into what she was wearing the day before, keeping mind to make her bed and lay her night gown at the end of it. After quickly washing her face and running her fingers through her hair, Iolai stepped out into the hall.

“Two questions, why are we busy and what are we making for breakfast?” Iolai stepped past him a bit, indicating that she wanted to talk as they made their way to the kitchen.

[blindeyedmastermind]

“Need to get things for you, and for tonight. Have to prepare dinner for company, and then teach you how to serve for game later.” He sighed, running a hand over his head. “Simple breakfast. You know how to cook?” If she’d worked in a castle, she had to know something, right? “Eggs, sausage, oatmeal.”

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

CROUCHING DOG, HIDDEN BANKER [BLINDEYEDMASTERMIND/DESTRUCTIVEEMPATHY]

[blindeyedmastermind]

Le Chiffre had no qualms about looking Will in the face. He checked everyone around the table, noting their ‘natural state,’ as it were, checking for tics and tells. Will was either nervous, or angry. Well, Le Chiffre could deal with either of those.

René checked his hand, peeling up the corners of the cards, and the dealer flipped his first card into the middle of the table.

[destructiveempathy-deactivated2]

Will felt the hairs on his skin stand on end whenever Le Chiffre looked over to him. it was like he was breathing down his neck, trying to read him. Was this what people felt when Will empathised with them? 

A pit grew in his gut, just imagining someone with the ability to empathise the way he did. Especially a man with great greed and darkness. It didn’t bear thinking about. 

But Will didn’t have tells. He had learned to act well enough to hide when he was lying. It had worked with Hannibal well enough. It was only Freddie Lounds’ scent that had tipped him off. 

Honestly, it was that and his ability to count cards which would carry him. Will had no true ability to perform slight of hand. 

[blindeyedmastermind]

And the game commenced. Le Chiffre was a card-counter, too, but only so far as to predict the likelihood of a useful being drawn. He liked a little chance in his gambling, usually.

Tonight it was certainly not working out for him. He put the first lost hand down to a warm-up, the second to chance. He was winning the odd hand here and there, but more chips were being taken from him than he was used to. It was... Aggravating.

Le Chiffre glanced up, two fingers pressed to the side of his head, staring Will down. His pile of chips was growing, against all odds. René hadn’t pegged him for a gambler, or a man good with tells. Curious.

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil closed the handcuff around her ankle, leaving it loose, but checking that she couldn’t slide her foot out. It was an excuse to consider the question. “…Mr. Le Chiffre does not speak his mind so much, but it means his opinions change easier.” What was a pet today could be a prize tomorrow, and a valued crew member three months from now. Giving any sort of definition was useless, as it would change and morph by the time a week had passed. “Goodnight.” Basil left, turning off the light behind him, and the lock on the door clicked.

[ruinofhumanity-deactivated20180]

Iolai sat in the dark for a moment before slowly beginning to pull the blankets over herself. It was odd feeling the occasional tug on her ankle, but eventually she got used to it.

The night passed her by and as the sun came up Iolai was already awake. It had been a long night with a bad dream and no option to pace her room. Not only that, but what woke her up was the fact that she had pulled so hard against her restraint that it had cut into her ankle, leaving a slight but visible scar and just a bit of blood on the inner edge of the cuff.

None of that was on Iolai’s mind, she simply reviewed the layout of the ship and considered, what would come of this day?

[blindeyedmastermind]

Basil knocked, and let himself in. “Good morning. It is time to make breakfast.” He was curt, quickly moving to unlock the cuffs. There would be no clothes in the dresser, Le Chiffre not having known Iolai’s size until yesterday afternoon. “Very busy day. Get ready. I will wait in the hall.” It would have been today René chose to bring someone new onto the ship, someone who needed everything from pants to basic instruction to place setting for a guest. Excellent timing, Boss. No, really, thank you.

He pocketed the cuffs and leaned against the wall out in the hallway. Le Chiffre was just waking up--he could hear the slow sounds of movement from the bedroom down the hall, and the water started.