Somehow in Cardiff, music festivals are a big thing. Or maybe more likely all around UK. But this one was the biggest here, hype wise and size wise, and damn is it loud. Bute Park was flooded with big top tents with DJs and stages for bands and musicians, and carnival rides and games and food and bean bags. And Ashton was here, at night, behind a bar. To be fair, music isn’t really all too exciting for him, he wasn’t sure if he’d listen to any of the artists at the festival but it was such a huge event, knowing loads from Altolusso would be going. He might as well join in the fun while earning a few pounds an hour. This was definitely a lot more fun than a usual bar, it’s like a huge outdoor party, and during the day, people were constantly wanting alcohol, the service never really stops, with at least like eight bartenders at a time. But at night, things calmed down slightly, so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise he couldn’t do a day shift. “What can I get you?” Ashton asked the next new face in front while his hands were busy serving another.
This castle was a little bit too much for Ashton. Sure the Paris Coven was pretty fancy but not old ancient huge castle with towers fancy. It added onto the pile of nervousness he had coming here. The invitation was strange from the very beginning but it seemed just like a small gesture to bring spirits up. Hopefully. No one ever really knows with Romulus. But Margot was coming and that meant he was too. They haven’t settled down for long, everyone just finding their rooms and getting as comfy as they can be, and Ashton was one to get out of the warmth and back into the cold. He walked around the outside of the building, finding himself at the garden and just take a bit of time away. Fancy flowers was easier to deal with than a whole castle right now. But he soon sensed someone else out here with him. “And I thought no one else would want to stand in the cold,” he commented before sitting down on one of the chairs.
who: margaret & aaliyah
when: after the attack, during the lock-down of altolusso
status: incomplete
Aaliyah didn't care much for Margaret, as in, she didn't think about the vampire often. After Eric's interview, she figured she should show something and see what his girlfriend was like. She had put the poor boy through what was probably hell to him, and now, she got to see the other half. Her strategy was simple: appearing well meaning to lull the vampire into a sense of security, then turning on her with facts. Coming into the room where she had kept the brunette waiting, she smiled to her, "Hello, Margaret-- is that what you prefer, Margaret? Or would you like me to call you something else?" she set her bag down along with her coffee, then sitting in the chair across from her. "I'm Aaliyah, one of the founders of the treaty. As you know, there was an attack recently within the walls of Altolusso. While we don't consider you a suspect, we're looking for any information to help us solve this. So, firstly, can you tell me what you think of Altolusso so far, Margaret." she took a sip of her own (spiked) coffee, needing everything she could to be faux nice to this woman. "And don't leave anything out now," Aaliyah chuckled, "I won't take it personally, darling."
Margaret tried to look as poised as she could, shoulder back and head held high; though, admittedly, she relied more on the familiar comfort of her silken blouse and tweed skirt. Flashing a polite, small smile at Aaliyah, she rose from her seat where shed been waiting. “Margaret’s fine. Thank you,” she replied, a bit stiff. She shouldn’t be so hesitant around the coven’s matriarchs, but something about Aaliyah made her . . . uncomfortable in this moment. She didn’t know what was happening, didn’t know why she was here, so she listened carefully to the Founder’s words. “What I think?” Margaret asked. “My opinions on the truce have been far from secret. I fully support this alliance and hope to see peace between our kinds. So, in that manner, I believe Altolusso to be a place of good intentions . . . And I’ve had no issues with anyone.” She paused, growing quiet for a moment. “I am very sorry to hear of this attack. To hear of such violence here is horrible. I hope whoever is responsible is caught soon, before any more have to suffer.”
Aaliyah nodded her head as Margaret answered, trying to act as much the part of a sympathetic mother as she could to the woman. It was worth nothing to Aaliyah that the woman seemed obviously nervous, on edge, and for that reason, she wanted to know why. Her answer was laughably rehearsed even, but the part about the attack was genuine. That genuineness could be used, and so pulling her bag up, she took a folder out. "Thank yo so much for that, Margaret. We appreciate it more than you know." she nodded, then going into the folder and taking out pictures of Eric, Gwen, and Ashton. "Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but these first two ones-- Miss King and Mr. Daniels -- you both know very closely." she then moved to the last one of Ashton, "And Mr. Ryder, him too, correct? I'd just /love/ it if you could tell me a little more about your relationship with them." she smiled as welcoming as she could to the brunette, but inside the smile was pride of her soon-to-be victory.
“Oh . . . I just want this peace to work. I know you, Margot, and Romulus have worked very hard to bring us to this point.” Margaret shifted forward to see the pictures. It should bother her that they were being kept under surveillance, but she pushed the thought aside. Of course they were. They needed to if the were to keep the peace. “My relationship with them?” She asked, slightly confused by the question. Her brow furrowed as she sat back in her chair, taking a moment before she replied. “Eric is my lover. Gwen and I are good friends, I’d say; and Ashton is my trainer.” There wasn’t much more to those relationships, she supposed. Margaret didn’t have anything to hide . . . Well, she didn’t think she did. Should she be hiding something? “Might I ask, why do you want to know the nature of my relationship with them?” Margaret’s eyes widened. “You don’t think they have anything to do with this, do you?”
Aaliyah found it interesting that she said nothing of the pictures that she had pulled of each of her friends. Yes, they were surveilling them, albeit not all so closely. However, all three of them were of interest, if not for their ties to each other, and of course Ashton's work for them. Aaliyah ignored the question about them having anything to do with it, instead moving onto the substance that Margaret had provided. "Being lovers with a human is dangerous, is it not, Margaret? We are aware that he plans to make...the change, but do you not fear for his safety, or better yet, his sanity having to live with members not of his own kind? And Gwendolyn has time and time again shown that she has no respect for our authority, yet you still have seemingly supported her all throughout her insolence despite your admissions otherwise about the treaty. Does it not concern you to lie to someone of such high caliber?" a single eyebrow raised at the line of question directed at Margaret, the smile that had before graced her face to help the woman feel safe now gone. "Ashton is a foot soldier of ours, a powerful one at that, and so I can only wonder if he's training you in the same skills he might have used in the attack one our your own. What 'training' exactly has he given you, Miss Sutton?" Aaliyah's questions came at rapid fire, her gaze fixed intensely on Margaret she watched for the expression on her face.
Margaret blanched. “Yes, of course I know the dangers.” She was quiet, the words an unpleasant reminder of the pain Eric would endure. Pain she’d never felt; yet another thing that she wouldn’t be able to share with him. “But his decision is his own. I care for him, and he cares for me. For now, that is all that concerns me on the subject. And lie?” Margaret quickly shook her head. “I’ve done no such thing to you. Gwen and I are friends and I do support the peace. Gwen is a wonderful person. I’m not sure what you’re trying to imply here, Aaliyah.” Her fingers clenched in her skirt before she relaxed. The other was biting, now. She felt every barb. Margaret just wasn’t sure why. “He teaches me how to defend myself, that’s all. Ashton is a good soul. He just wanted to help.” Margaret looked back up at the elder, drawing in a deep breath. “Why does this feel like an interrogation? I’ve done nothing wrong. Eric, Gwen, and Ashton have done no wrong.”
If Andrew heard one more person say that this truce was the answer to everyone’s prayers he thought he might be sick. It wasn’t that he necessarily disagreed with them, it was more that he knew that no one thing could be the solution to everything. Still, he continued to mingle about the overheated ballroom, trying to remain on the outskirts of the crowd while talking to people he’d seen around the building until his head was spinning trying to keep track of all the conversation’s he’d had.
It didn’t take long for him to get lost in the throng of expensive outfits and effervescent champagne and by the time he realized he was almost in the middle of the ballroom floor and had already begun to feel trapped. Crowds had never been Andrew’s thing—it had been one of his parent’s concerns regarding the trip to Disneyland 41 years ago and nothing had changed—and crowds where half the attendee’s would happily rip him to shreds if they could didn’t sound anymore enjoyable than regular ones.
He tried to avoid attracting attention as he pushed his way back through, passing the bar and walking as fast as he could as soon as he was free of the bulk of people. The cool outside air felt like a relief on his skin as soon as the door opened and he stood there for a moment, just enjoying the peace before walking a ways away from the door and pulling off his jacket to lean on the wall.
blue diamonds watched every part of the crowd before him, all at once, the tension that could be felt in the room keeping him alert. this was a little more than a social gathering for him, he was on duty. astor stood with his back to a wall, close to a side entrance, that practiced polite smile on his face every time someone unfamiliar caught his eye.
he gaze briefly swept up, catching the glimmer off the chandelier, this was going to be a long night. maybe someone who wasn’t entirely unpleasant would stumble his way...
Ashton tugged on his tie uncomfortably, almost forgetting how tight these things can get. It’s not like he doesn’t like a nice slick suit and tie, he adores them, just maybe should’ve fit them better; it’s been awhile since he’s been in one of these. Though he wished he was seated down at those fancy tables, he was up and around, pouring wine and blood for everyone else. For the whole year not a single order from the elders, and today, could you be a darling and serve the guests? and make sure everyone’s... not too grumpy enough to ruin the night. if not, you know what to do. Margot gave out the order in whispers. Yes mam. It can’t be that hard, right? Just serving drinks all night, look out for.. anyone shady. “Red or white wine?” He asked as someone approached the bar.
