Bloody Mary's Bar
Given to irony, Bloody Mary's Bar is decorated primarily in black and varying shades of red. From the black bench seats and chairs, black tables, black walls with chilling red blood flowing down them in a continuous manner, it's quite obvious why this bar has the name it does. Deep red mahogany makes up the floor and bar. Dangling red star lights illuminate the bar, lending to it's somewhat creepy look.
A typical evening at Bloody Mary's…perhaps. In as much as any night is typical. patrons pepper the room, some living, some otherwise, drinks and the sounds of music sometimes exposing conversations, sometimes muting them. And the flow of patrons in and out is a constant thing, insuring that the cold snap of the air outside is always circulating close to the entrance.
Coming in on one of the gusts, is Mignonette, who takes a minute or so to rub her hands and leave behind the chill of the walk in, before she steps into the bar proper. As per usual, she has her briefcase with her, and tonight her white gabardine belted coat and black slacks over a light coral sweater. She doesn't move to find a table with the hostess immediately, but instead, take some time to scan the room, as if she might be searching for someone.
—-
Beatrix is sitting at one of the tables already, whispering something to the human sitting across from her. The woman smirks and hands a book across the table to the man. He takes it and gets up to leave, seemingly forgetting a backpack under the table. A few of the vampires in the room glance over at the transaction, but none of them make any indication that anything out of the ordinary had occurred. She sighs and takes a drink of something red poured into a wine glass. She makes a distasteful face and frowns at the True Blood, doubting they could do much to make it taste more real. She sighs and looks around the room. Her eyes pass by Mignonette without hesitation, it appears that she does not immediately recognize the woman.
—-
Mignonette nods, perhaps more to herself, than to anyone else, as she starts to weave her way through the tables to approach the one Beatrix is sitting at. As per her usual, if she makes it a point to notice the man just at the table and now leaving, she makes no indication of it. Not her business, and all that. But she does finally stop, not rude enough to walk right up to the table, but instead, a few steps away, to allow the woman to acknowledge her or not, "Madame Beatrix?"
—-
Beatrix uses a foot to casually slide the bag beneath the table a bit closer to herself. She looks off to the side and nods to one of the vampires a few tables down, but turns back toward Mignonette when her name is called out. She looks at the woman quizzically for a moment before the expression is replaced by one of recognition. "Ah, the French girl from the library. Have you had a chance to read Don Quixote yet?" And before waiting for an answer she asks, "Also…Do you usually frequent vampire bars?"
—-
Having been acknowledged, Mignonette steps forward, still keeping a pace away, out of politeness, "I did, and thank you. But I don't make it a point, no. I came, actually, hoping that I might run into you. No offense intended to you, Madame, but the lifestyle," she pauses, looking at some of the more obviously human patrons of the bar, "Is not of interest to me." She looks away, for a moment, reaching into her briefcase to take out a simply wrapped hardcover sized package. It's just simple cream coloured paper, and she reaches across the distance between herself and the seated woman, "I came across this recently, and thought of you."
—-
Beatrix is slightly confused as to why this particular human would come looking for her here. Had Mignonette heard that she could get V from the vampire, she would have known not to approach her in such an open place to discuss the terms of the sale. She does smirk when Mignonette motions to the fang-bangers in the bar. "Yes, they do take all of the fun out of it. But they are a bit better than this artificial…" She stops as the parcel is presented to her, realizing that she may cause the other woman to become uncomfortable if she discusses humans as a food source. "Oh? What is this? A book?" She takes the package and begins to unwrap it.
—-
"I can imagine it must be very different," Mignonette offers, "Much like preferring real beef to vegetarian meat patties. They try to be similar, but…it's still pressed vegetables." She doesn't seem particularly squeamish about it, after all, it's a fact of life. Well, not hers, but Beatrix's. A nod, though, as she sees Beatrix begin to unwrap the book. It's an early 20th century edition of Don Quixote, in French, in a nicely preserved leatherbound hardcover edition.
—-
Beatrix finishes unwrapping the book and holds it up, looking rather surprised at the contents of the package. "Oh my. Its just like the one that I used to have back before the fire." She opens the book and smiles, "Its so rare for me to get something almost as old as I am." She looks it over a little more and closes it. "Leather, they never make books with leather anymore. Thank you for finding this. I can pay you for your troubles if you would like."
—-
Having heard of the bar many times, Desiree decides to check it out. She slips in through the front door, pausing to one side to let her eyes adjust to the different lighting. Once she can see properly, she makes her way to the bar, taking her time. She doesn't so much walk as stalk her destination, her stride confident and sleek. Once she's found an empty stool, she slips onto it, sets her purse on the bar, and makes herself comfortable. When a bartender comes by, she orders "something frothy—-with a kick." A killer smile and a large tip assures her of good service for the evening. Taking the mimosa (it's frothy, but doesn't have a real kick) she swivels around on the stool and just observes. No one she knows is here, so she just relaxes with her drink and watches. Should anyone make eye contact with her, she will nod and smile.
—-
A faint smile comes to Mignonette's lips, as she sees you unwrap the book, and find it acceptable. "It didn't seem to suit you, to buy something in paperback." But at the offer of payment, she shakes her head, "A gift is not a gift is money is exchanged, and I wouldn't accept it. It just seemed the right thing." She takes a step back then, "I am sorry if I interrupted your evening, I only wanted to deliver it to you." A glance over, as a gust of cold filters in, and for a moment, she tracks the newest arrival, a slight frown between her eyebrows of curiosity. And then a shake of her head, as she returns to Beatrix.
—-
Beatrix runs her fingers over the spine of the book and shakes her head. "I was done with my business for the evening, and it is difficult to waste the time of someone who has nothing but time on their hands." She follows the gaze of the other woman to watch Desiree for a moment. She does not recognize this girl, and dismisses her as another fanger. "So, the Fellowships been in the news a lot more lately. They really need to get a new hobby."
—-
Desiree's cream colored dress sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb, but she doesn't appear to be bothered by stares. She sips the drink, the froth forming a faint moustache on her upper lip until she licks it off, then dabs her mouth with a napkin. The shadowy lighting isn't the most flattering for her tanned skin, but again, she doesn't seem to care. The air of sheer confidence she exudes does one of two things: it either attracts people or repels them. When she feels eyes on her, she turns her head in time to see the women looking at her, one of them frowning. She counters the frown with warm smile and a nod of her head, but obviously cannot hear their conversation.
—-
"I cannot imagine being in such a position. I would not want to be. What do you do when all of the books are read, all of the movies seen, all of the places visited? All of the people known?" She lifts a hand, "My apologies." Rather than continue along that line, she looks back to the woman at the bar, returning the nod, and then to the conversation, "Fearmongering, I think. Vampires are the new terrorists." There's more than a hint of derision in her voice, "I'm certain as soon as they find something else abnormal they'll willingly add that to their repertoire. Did you see that interview with their new poster girl? Honestly, I'd never been so ashamed to be human."
—-
Beatrix chuckles. "Ah, in todays world? There are more books, movies, and songs being written every day. With the internet I can order them all. I think it will be a while before I run out of things to do." She glances back at Desiree again and motions toward her. "Do you know this girl? She seems…Happy to see us." She shrugs and looks a bit annoyed now. "Hope Tyler? Wretched little beast. She should be strung up and burned, see how she likes it." If Desiree cannot hear the conversation it may appear that Beatrix is talking ill of her based on her motions and facial expressions.
—-
After a few minutes, when the smile is not returned, Desiree's brows will knit in serious thought. Then, as if her attention is drawn elsewhere, she looks away, offering the women a profile of her face. The drink is finished, and she swivels back around, beckoning to the bartender. Ordering a second drink, she waits patiently, tapping blood red nails on the bar as she waits. Legs are crossed, and her foot taps along to music apparently only she can hear. When the drink is brought, she pays with a credit card, and goes back to her people watching. A glance is spared to the pair of women frowning at her, then they are more or less ignored as she watches the rest of the bar.
—-
Mignonette's laughter is a warm, bright thing, "The wonders of the digital age." A tilt of her head, as she considers the question. "I don't know her personally, but her face is terribly familiar." That slight frown again, as she considers, "I think…I know i've seen her somewhere, but I can't. I know…she looks like that womanin …good grief, what was it called, a little indie movie I saw at the theatre a few weeks ago, 'Suddenly One Evening?' As for Hope, she offers, "I imagine she will, eventually. When the fellowship decides that she's just as tainted, because of what she says happened to her family. The problem with being intolerant, is that it never gets better, only worse." And then, after, "Perhaps she wants to speak with you? I mean, she can't be here for me." This isn't a human-watching bar, after all.
—-
Beatrix continues to watch the girl at the bar and quirks a brow when Mignonette mentions the resemblance. "Oh I'm afraid that I am unfamiliar with that movie." She sips her drink again and makes a fist at Hope's name. "What kind of a ridiculous name is 'Hope' anyway? I'd wager she made it up to look better for the Sun Worshipers." She sighs and ponders for a moment if Desiree really is here to see her. It would not be the first time a human came searching for her. "Perhaps, let us see." Beatrix motions for Desiree to come toward them, assuming she is looking to buy V or a spell.
—-
The beckoning is noticed from the corner of Desiree's eyes, but she doesn't immediately hop off the bar stool and head over. No, instead she takes her time, finishing the second drink, paying the bartender and then she gets up from the stool, takes her purse and saunters over to the table. She negotiates the distance with an almost fluid grace, with her head erect. There is no smile on her lips, merely an interested expression in her eyes. When she nears the table, she nods politely, offering a respectful, "Good evening." There's a pause, then, "Is there something I've done to offend? I couldn't help but notice the frowns…" Her accent is Texan, but it's a cultured Texan, and she looks every inch a lady. The clothes and accessories are expensive, that's for certain.
—-
Mignonette steps again back, so that the conversation will not exclude the woman walking over, seeming comfortable standing by the table, "I'm not offended in the least. I was trying to place you. you have a very familiar face. I thought perhaps there was something you wanted from myself, or perhaps the Madame?" She uses the word again, as a title of respect, knowing it's not her place to give Beatrix's name. "If I gave you that impression, I do apologize."
—-
Beatrix eyes Desiree with mild interest and waits for Mignonette to finish speaking before she does so herself. "Yes, many people seek me out for my various services. And often they sit at a distance and watch me for a short while before deciding that it is safe to approach." She turns the cup in her hand idly. "So is that the case, or are you simply taking in the sites of our fair establishment?" She motions around the room with a free hand.
—-
"Accepted," Desiree tells the speaker. "I'm Desiree DeVIlliers," she says by way of introduction. "You've probably seen me on a television set. I do commercials for local businesses." There's a pause, then, "I was the Happy Doughnut girl." She imitates the brilliant smile used on the commercial. "Loathed that job," muttered when her face goes back to normal. "Actually," she says, turning to the other woman, I heard about this place from some friends, so I decided to see it for myself, so it's the latter." Desiree smiles. "The drinks were excellent, and the bartender is quite pleasing to the eye."
—-
Mignonette, having steered the conversation to where it seems it should go, since it seems now, that the woman is here for Beatrix, as it were, more than for her, certainly, settles in next to the table, hands folding around the shoulder strap of her briefcase, if only to give them somewhere to rest. she does offer though, in passing, "I remember that commercial."
—-
Beatrix looks slightly confused at this. Perhaps she does not watch much TV. "I am sorry, I am unfamiliar with this advertisement. And also I have never had a doughnut, so I do not know the joys associated with eating them." It is still slightly unclear as to whether or not Desiree is here to see Beatrix, but shell give out her name anyway. "I am Beatrix Reynard, also well known…But perhaps not to your race." Beatrix is trying to be congenial, but she often comes across as cold. This is probably because in truth she sees most humans as unworthy of light chatter.
—-
Desiree seems to take this in stride, neither upset nor offended. "You're lucky," she says bluntly. "If it hadn't paid as well as it did, I would've run screaming from the set. At any rate, it was hardly my best work, and it was only local. I've done ads for Cover Girl make-up and Neiman-Marcus-" She stops. "-and I'm a 2nd string Dallas Cowboys cheer leader." She gives Beatrix a smile. "Pleased to meet you, Madame Reynard." Her manners are impeccable. "If you ladies will excuse me, I need to be going. I'm meeting an old friend for dinner and dancing." A nod to both. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. Good evening." And she backs away from the table and heads out the door.
—-
Mignonette just…waits in silence, as the woman introduces herself. Clearly, she's no idea what this is all about, but, well, it's a bit mindboggling. Still, she offers a polite, "Good evening to you," before she turns to watch her walk out of the bar. The same expression is offered to Beatrix, as she looks back to the seated woman, "I feel as though I just stood in at a job interview. Is that normally how humans approach you?"
—-
Beatrix quirks a brow as Desiree prattles on, adding nothing to the conversation but offering a slight non when the girl departs. She turns to Mignonette and sighs. "Unfortunately it is not uncommon for humans to tell me so many things when they first meet me. Though she is hardly the type I tend to deal with. I suppose she was not one of the humans who needed me for anything specific. Either way, it doesnt matter now."
—-
"I suppose not. it was just such an odd thing. I mean, she obviously was looking around, but at the same time, she seemed to be trying to draw attention to herself. Perhaps I'm not quite meant to understand it. " Mignonette shakes her head, uncurling her hands from her bag, "But she does remind me of the time. It's getting late in the evening for me. And I should be going as well. But I hope you'll enjoy the book."
—-
Beatrix smiles and holds up the book once more. "Oh I already do enjoy the book. Thank you again. Actually I have to meet with someone shortly anyway, so I would have been departing shortly myself." She leans down and picks up the bag beneath the table. "You have a good night, Mignonette." She smiles once more and stands, heading toward one of the doors of the establishment.
—-
Beatrix smiles and holds up the book once more. "Oh I already do enjoy the book. Thank you again. Actually I have to meet with someone shortly anyway, so I would have been departing shortly myself." She leans down and picks up the bag beneath the table. "You have a good night, Mignonette." She smiles once more and stands, heading toward one of the doors of the establishment.
—-
"And you, Madame Beatrix." Mignonette waits until Beatrix has departed the table, before she'll take her own leave. having delivered the book, she has no other reason or inclination to remain in the establishment.
