\ Haven:Mist and Shadow Plotlogs/The Odalisque Of Madrid Sr Alabaster 241118
Plotlogs

The Odalisque Of Madrid Sr Alabaster 241118

In an intense negotiation held in the eerie, magical dwelling of the ageless sorcerer Don Cristobal Coron, a group consisting of Ritsuka, Illyana, Percy, Tabitha, and the pregnant Lilah converge to recover the spirit Ramle-se, a priestess who shares a connection with the cult of Bastet. The setting is the sorcerer's luxurious home, filled with servants and guarded by his bodyguard, Lisette.

The sorcerer's collection includes a sarcophagus holding Ramle-se, an acquisition the group is determined to recover. Despite the sorcerer's grandeur and the initial daunting aura of his dwelling, the team, especially led by Tabitha and supported by Ritsuka and Illyana, negotiate fervently for Ramle-se's release. Amidst the negotiations, tensions run high, underscored by Lilah's defiant stance against the sorcerer's demeaning treatment and the moral implications of the trade being discussed.

The sorcerer offers to trade Ramle-se and the locations of other priestesses in exchange for a dark, ancient book Tabitha holds—one smelling of brimstone and much coveted by the sorcerer. The discussions turn complicated as Lilah openly challenges Don Cristobal, and Tabitha vehemently disagrees with Lilah's perspective, hinting at a deeper rift between them. Despite the heated debate and the sorcerer’s manipulative offers, the group stands firm, eventually reaching an agreement to recover Ramle-se along with information on three other priestesses located in a museum in Cairo, Illinois.

In a climactic resolution, the group, distressed yet united in their cause, prepares to leave with Ramle-se’s sarcophagus. Don Cristobal, amused yet conceding, watches as they depart, with Percy carrying the precious cargo. Illyana serves as a stalwart protector to Lilah amid the conflict, embodying the role of a guardian and a warrior against the sorcerer's potential wrath.

The story concludes with the group stepping onto a mystical path back home, leaving behind the sorcerer’s lair with a mixture of triumph and unresolved tension among them, especially between Tabitha and Lilah. Don Cristobal’s final remark to Tabitha, a blend of charm and threat, leaves a chilling reminder of the complex dynamics at play.
(The Odalisque of Madrid(SRAlabaster):SRAlabaster)

[Sun Nov 17 2024]

At the Royal Forest of El Pardo
In late autumn, the El Pardo forest feels like a realm caught between life and decay. The ground beneath visitors' feet is thick with fallen leaves in hues of amber and deep rust, their crisp edges crackling softly underfoot. Bare branches stretch toward a pale, overcast sky, while the few remaining leaves cling stubbornly, shivering in the cool breeze. The air carries the faint aroma of damp earth and wood smoke, as the quiet rustle of unseen creatures sounds just out of vision.
The forest, a sprawling preserve inside the city limits, once served as the hunting grounds for the King of Spain, and it is still dotted here and there with palaces that served as hunting lodges for the elite. One of those palaces sits atop a hill, with a brass observatory dome sitting prominently atop it.

It is night, about 50F(10C) degrees, and the sky is partly covered by dark grey clouds. There is a waning gibbous moon.

Since everyone had remained in the foyer, Tabitha returns to it. She has changed, and holds a book at her chest. It is old, and dark, its pages smell like brimstone. She is also changed, with a kevlar vest hooked over her shoulder.

Pathing is a simple process; Not always accurate, but largely intentional dependent on understanding of the location intended. The air shimmers, and in a blink, those following said travel method are emediately shunted onto a dark forest at night, and that is what Illyana finds herself walking upon. One must never stray from said path however, so she remains close to Tabitha, Percy and Ritsuka, eyes forward and intent on the destination before that path breaks open in the shimmer of air at its location.

Ritsuka steps on through the dark forest with skeletal fingers. To her, the sight has become so familiar and inherent that she does not even look at it for a second time anymore. How often had she traveled? Apparently enough times that she is familiar with it now, and so, she follows on after Illyana and steps on through, and once on the other end, her moonlit, frozen eyes take a glance around the forest, the fallen leaves and the weather. She does rise a hand as a breeze carries along a few of her white strands, and then lowers back to her side. "I've never been to Spain before. What is this country like? Is it more like America?" She asks, more to create brief conversation. "It is just night here, in Japan it would be in the middle of the night."

Lilah arrived at the last minute, really -- joining Illyana's path as she leads Tabitha, Ritsuka and Percy through the mysterious woods. The path spills out into a different set of woods -- the forest of El Pardo, on the outskirts of Madrid. Once, this was a royal hunting preserve, and is still dotted here and there with the palatial hunting 'lodges' built by grandees in Spain's golden age. Most of those grandees, of course, have long since given over their property to the government...

...but one of them still lives. Don Cristobal Coron, ageless sorcerer, keeps his infamous Madrid Library here. Those with Occult Knowledge 3 know it to be one of the finest private collections of occult artifacts and knowledge in the world. The path spills out into the shadowed paths of the park before the hilltop with the library.

OOC: Welcome to the Odalisque of Madrid. I don't anticipate combat in the plot, but you don't need to wear armor or weapons, you can just emote having them if it comes to that. If it gets to that sort of conflict, we will try to resolve it quickly so it doesn't bog down the story. Feel free to ask questions via tell or stalk as needed.

Tabitha is familiar enough with the process of pathing, so that moment of nausea that is often associated with the travel passes fairly quick. The woman clutches hard onto the book she's got in her hands, the smell of brimstone light in the open air, and made less offensive with the smell of the forest. Once the path shimmers and lands them before this structure, the redhead peers up the hillside to it. "I am told that if I have time to try some specific sandwich. But I don't think we'll have much time." She puts on a familiar face, a smile, her shoulders loosening in their tension.

Percy steps off the path. "I say," he says. He says a lot. "I really should have changed," he murmurs. "I feel like if we're breaking in a place -- well." His eyes flicker between Tabitha, Ritsuka and Illyana. "Well, I can go last on the ladder," he says.

Tabitha rolls her eyes.

"This is ultimately your project." Illyana nods to Tabitha, not completing that statement as she falls into line. "Ladder?" the bohemian smirks. "You cant jump a number of stories in a single leap? You're missing out." Lilah gets a smile as the late addition, and she goes on, "I've never really done anything other than follow, so point me where you need me, set me to task and give me chance to remove my heels and I can do pretty much anything. Ladders though arn't happening in this dress."

"I daresay..." Percy considers some quip to Illyana. "I'm a gentleman," he says. "It's always ladies first."

By the time they arrive at their destination, Lilah is looking quite seriously like she regrets showing up. But she doesn't immediately turn tail and head back home, even if there's a faint wince, and a press of her hand to her abdomen. "Ladders aren't happening at all, here," she states wryly, though she gives a small nod and smile to Illyana and the others as she looks around the group. "I should probably not have come."

From the look of the manor on the hill, a ladder may not be necessary -- though it is two stories, or three if one counts the brass-covered observatory dome atop it. Still: it has a front door, quite obvious, and no obvious guards, at least. Nor, for that matter, is it clear what Tabitha, Ritsuka, Illyana, Lilah and Percy plan: after all, the proprietor of the place is well-known as an individual who bargains, but equally well-known as an individual who hoards. Still, for anyone with skill in larceny, a number of ground-floor entrances besides the grand, main doors present themselves.

Ritsuka slides on over to Lilah when she sees her and reaches down for one of her hands with both of her own to attempt and take it into her oown. Her smile is very sweet and there is a distinct sparkle in her eyes, and a fond squeeze if the touch was allowed. "We should follow up on the Praestas, Lilah. I am pretty sure I know how to do that now. Would you like for me to carry you?" She jumps between the two topics, from one to the other, quite quickly, and the tone of her voice is a very fond one.

"It's fine." Illyana quips. "I've had a lot of practice as the weaker and more expendable monster in the group of monsters. So if anything happens, I'll just get in the way of anything that heads for you." she points out to Lilah. "As for you, Sir," she smirks at Percy, "Ladies first is the phraise of cads and vagabonds, and you, by your own admition are neither." As the group observe the ornate home, there's the considering note of teens across the world. Hand on hip and dejected conveyance without words of 'are we there yet'. Though with the group needing to be subtle (as subtle as this group can be, at least) she remains unobtrusive and waits for instruction; This is not a Hand op, so Illyana will likely not be forcing any doors, easy as that might be.

Peering a little at the manor, Percy offers, "If ladders aren't in the offing, I see a servant's entrance over there." He gestures vaguely towards the side.

"Well, I think we start the ascent. It doesn't look to be very guarded. but I wouldn't let that fool you. He is a sorceror, and it is very likely that the place is warded for any nightmare activity. And I wouldn't doubt it there are plenty of cameras that if Don Cristobol is in there, he's already aware we're here." Tabitha says to the group as a whole. She stops gripping the book, this measure of bargaining.

"It's very kind of you," Lilah says to Ritsuka, though the redhead has no sparkle, no vim or vigor these days. She just looks worn out. The 'glow' of pregnancy has definitely faded, though the smudges of deep, dark purple beneath her eyes suggests that the lack of sleep is only increasing, these days. She gives the other woman's hand a little squeeze, before she says, "Nobody ever bothers me. For any reasons. So it's likely not a necessary risk on your part." Suddenly, though Illyana speaks to her, the redhead tenses again and swivels a look to Tabitha. "I gave that to you to -destroy-. You promised," she hisses, at the sight of a book that makes her go entirely pale. "You and Miles, you promised to destroy it."

The ascent is easy enough -- a winding path up the hill, to where the grand mansion sits atop it. It has a stately feel, some relic of a bygone age, and the double doors that lend entrance to it are tall, oaken things. Each door is intricately carved -- left and right part of a piece, with the Green Man standing on the left door, and some voluptuous woodland wife of his on the right. Each is detailed with tiny cuts, but if one peers carefully at the carvings one can see the tiny faces of imps and demons peering from behind the leaves.

Ritsuka makes a nod of her heads to Lilah "I don't mind." And then the conversation does turn to a book she knows little about. She keeps near Lilah, protectively, ready to pounce but not in such a fashion that she would on her own allies, more for strangers that might suddenly make a rush for her. "I'd bother you more but we don't run into each other so much anymore, Lilah. It's alright." She picks up after the destroy it and her own eyes glance to the ascent "We should just approach the front door and knock on it. I don't think there is much to achieve with burglaring. It is a direct approach that would bring us to talking and if we need we can find something else afterwards."

"It is a good thing that I did not. If we need, it is a bargaining tool to replace one item he wishes to hoarde for another." Tabitha says to Lilah, as the book is stored beneath her arm instead of at her chest. She says, lightly to her, "I understand that you are upset by it, but it has been stored and untouched. And I suspect that it will remain as such with Don, if he is willing the exchange."

"Did you destroy the book that I sold at auction, or do you hold it in a library?" Tabitha asks.

There's a concirted effort for Illyana in this tence moment. She sees that Tabitha has the bargining chip, though another friend suffers because of it. There's empathy: The need to protect there, but there's also something of amusement. That though is tamped down behind a mask of guilt at the very idea of basking in that pain, as Illyana struggles with her heritage. "Solomon's?" she mouths, the bohemian asks nai silently, raising her sunglasses enough to get a better look at Lilah. Though her attention is redirected towards Tabitha for the resolution of this moment of internal conflict between the group."

Percy quips to Ritsuka, offended, "I daresay there's a lot to achieve from burglaring. Buglaring is a noble profession." He glances at Tabitha. "Don is a title, old girl. He's not some Yank in a sack suit, clutching his lunch pail. Don means he's some grandee -- a Dago grandee, to be sure, but grand all the same. More blue blood than Nelson, I daresay, though perhaps a little less spirit."

"Solomon never gave me anything but heartburn," Tabitha quips to Illyana. "No, this was .. well. Solomon wanted it. He never ever knew that I had it. Else, I'd likely be dead rather than at Cristobol's library..." She glances at Percy when she corrects herself with the aristocratic naming conventions.

"The one I promised not to destroy? It's hidden in... a few different places," Lilah tells Tabitha vaguely, but she doesn't look relieved by the justifications offered in lieu of promises kept. She starts to speak, then just presses her lips into a tight line, and shakes her head, with a hand lifting to fidget with the clip in her hair. "He wanted it," she finally says over to Illyana. "They wanted to destroy it. I gave it to them to -destroy-." What she doesn't say, but what echoes in the haunted tone she speaks with, is what she suffered for that choice.

"Don --" Percy sighs. "I've never been more glad to a bastard," he says, looking to Lilah, Ritsuka, and Illyana for support. He gestures to Tabitha. "Can you imagine how that tongue of hers would mangle a title, if I had one?"

"I'm exceptionally bad with occult matters. I'm no arcanist," Illyana observes as the group finds its way to the doors, "Though I see demons here. Well hidden, but they're here never the less. I'd suspect if that book comes from where I think, it's going to fit right in." Nodding to Tabitha, the bohemian considers, though it's a vapid thing, still born as she really has no context aside from the upset it causes Lilah, and the fact Solomon wanted it, which is all the more reason that he should have never had it.

"In a few different places." Tabitha snorts amusedly at Lilah. "You seem to forget Lilah that you weren't the only person affected by Solomon, and I was a little disillusioned for a while. So it did not get destroyed. But it also was not handed over to him."

Demons, indeed: little implings, peering back at Illyana from behind the Green Man's leaves. Up in front of the door, there is no movement, but there is a -sensation- of being watched. For those with arcane power, there's that prickle at the back of their necks, the presence of power.

"We could get you a title." Illyana quips once more as an aside to Percy. "Three hundred pounds and you can have your own two foot by two foot plot of land in a welsh or scottish castle and a lordship."

Ritsuka tries to squeeze Lilah's hand one more time, she looks to her, and there is a gentle smile in her eyes as she then tries to make her way forward, and simply start the approach to the mansion openly. "I don't think this is the first time he had visitors show up at his doorstep. Let's just go on and figure this out? I don't like this arguing, it makes me want to throw a tantrum to try and force everyone to be friends here because I actually like all of you." Perhaps why she's simply made a decision to approach, and does not leave for much of a choice for the moment now for those that want to stick to a single party.

"Ritsuka's going to go ring the door bell and ask if she can talk to him about god." Illyana observes as Ritsuka begins to head for the door. "Shall we?" she asks Percy, Tabitha and Lilah.

"I think that is a scam." Tabitha says to Illyana, her attention sliding from Lilah with a purse of her own lips, to the door. "A knock sounds just fine. He is at least familiar with mine and Lilah's face. I don't know how he will greet... but something tells me that he's aware anyway. There's a lot of magic in the air." By all accounts, the little hairs on her arm are standing. "I'd like to have a peaceful talk and not resort to violence. But ---" She looks back to Lilah, "I really hope that this does not turn out like last time and no one comes to harm."

"Far be it from me to cause harm in the outset." Illyana assures Tabitha. "But I can if it comes to it. Though my primary aim here is to protect you all and do my bit for Vengeance."

Lilah returns the squeeze to Ritsuka's hand, then murmurs, "You guys go on. Not to be difficult, but I don't think this is a wise place for me to be at all," as something draws a grimace to her lips, and once more her free hand presses to the rounded curve of her belly. Her features shift into something guarded and protective. "Me too," she offers back to Tabitha, quite seriously, before she turns and starts to walk back to the edge of the property.

"Let's," Percy says. He glances over at Lilah. "I don't think it's wise for you to be in this park alone," he tells her. "It's full of Spaniards, and you know how they get."

"Can you get back safe?" Illyana asks Lilah, not moving off just yet, gaze never leaving the fae. "Or shall I get some friends to path in to get you?"

"Come now," Percy tells Lilah. "It's best to stay with the group -- we are in a place of some danger," he says. "And Yana is more than puissant."

Ritsuka slides her backpack around when she hears Lilah say as much. She does not turn back around, but for those that catch up to her, they can see her eyes darken, and then lower a moment as the backpack opens, and the subtle sound of, and reflective shimmer of a blade being part-way drawn. This was the blade with which she took a single man's life, that weight still carries when she comes to wield the blade, but the blade is returned and the backpack closed. "Yana, would you stay with her for a little? You are very quick and have good senses. You will probably know if something is wrong. I am scared to leave Lilah behind." She says that, and this does have her come to a stop and turn around. "She can still be hurt here, and I do not know enough about what we are about to run into and face. I get the sense that she has been hurt here before."

Ahead, the door sits there -- the woodland woman peers out of her own side. Is there a rustle in her leaves, in the night air?

"One would have to -trust- the group, in order to believe that one was safe with the group," Lilah mutters at Percy's blithe claims. She's clearly in no good state of mind, but after Ritsuka adds her claims in, she rolls her eyes and mutters, "Fine. Fine. I'll go. But it's stupid, and it's dangerous, and you can't even trust everyone you're here with, let alone that hundreds-of-years-old asshole inside!"

Tabitha sighs at Lilah's statement. "Why did you fucking come then"

Tabitha hit enter too fast!

"Nothing is going to hurt her." Illyana snaps. It's not directed at Ritsuka, more a claim. Illyana's protective instinct has kicked in. "If you still want to come, I will protect you, Lilah." the bohemian tells the pregnant woman. "I'll promice it on Venice if I need. But I'm not comfortable with you being here alone and without escort." As Lilah agrees to come with, the bohemian's head nods. "I'll guard you like I did Konstantin and Ash." the angel claims. It's likely meant to be comforting-- That's the intention, but Illyana was Hand, so that likely deminishes some of the potential impact it could have.

Tabitha sighs at Lilah's statement. "Why did you fucking come then?" she asks when Lilah has mentioned a little thing about trusting a group, which includes two of the woman's friends or at least friendly with, a woman who has tried considerably to make amends with the woman who she shares some dark and twisted history and emotional trauma, and one man who might be a little sexist. She calms herself some and that sigh is an air drawn in. "Your skills will be important, here Lilah, and I don't want anything to come to blows if it can be avoided. We are just here to return a spirit to her sister. Free her. We all want freedom, afterall."

"Cease the arguing and accusing," Ritsuka now says, very, very firm. "Focus. We are here to do right and good, to free those spirits stolen from their restful peace, all of us, besides for Lilah has witnessed this." But Illyana says something, and that does bring ease over her shoulders. She can ever rely on the angelborn, and Tabitha relents, as well. She had said what she had said, but there was no point to add any more now, and she approaches, her eyes glancing to the woodland woman. "Ohayo madam. We wish to speak to the owner of this library. For a trade. No, I am not going to negotiate for entry with you. I will not make any pacts or deals with you."

The on the door woman smiles -- and then the doors, both of them, swing open. Inside is a man dressed in some antique finery, like an old-fashioned servant in late 19th century garb. Just behind him is a woman in platinum hair. Tabitha and Lilah would recognize her -- Lisette, Don Cristobal's constant angelborn protector. She has a katana thrust through a sash she wears.

"Come in," says the servant. "Welcome to the Madrid Library."

Ritsuka curiously glances over the katana itself that the woman bears. Her expression does not really say much to this curiosity, just a playful little sparkle that does glimmer in her eyes and shows. "Ohayo madam." She greets, making a dip of her head to the platinum haired woman, though by far it is habitual here. She glances back to the others, to see if they have or got anything for the platinum haired woman, even if it is just recognition.

Inside -- the Madrid Library soars, some maze of stacks behind the servant and Lisette. She is dressed simply, in a pair of white yoga pants and a light blue lace bralette, with thin ballet flats, flexible like parkour shoes. The sash she wears is wide and blood red, with the katana in a simple wooden sheath. Her hair, platinum blonde, tumbles down her back, caught only be a ribbon. For the moment, she is silent, letting the servant speak.

"Don Cristobal bids you all welcome," he says. "Your arrival was anticipated."

"Anticipated," Lisette says at last, some high soprano with a touch of French. "Anticipated some time ago."

"If he's sexist," Illyana asks Tabitha in all seriousness, though there's some evident teasing there as her gaze flicks briefly to Percy, "Why did we bring him? Is it so someone can swing their--" Then Ritsuka knocks on the door and she's needed to fall into step at Lilah's elbow, perceptive gaze sweeping, acute senses straining for anything additional she should be noting. Having cut off, the question of course doesn't ever find its refrain, though Illyana's mouth soon shuts as she enters, somehow not having expected such a well organized layout, perhapse. There is of course the note of the library's floor space-- That which she can see, of course, and careful observation of what is likely her counterpart, though of course, for the Don, rather than this visiting party.

Percy checks the blonde angelborn out, eyes skimming Lisette. "Oh?" he asks, finally. "I do hate to be anything other than punctual," he says. "But it is rather fashionable to be at least a -little- late." He glances over at Illyana. "I appreciate all the sexes," he replies back to her.

Tabitha puts on her usual smiling face. That smile that is only half there, just a shadow of a smile. But when she is spoken to, she forces it up to a broader thing, a dimpling thing. She curtsies to the man behind the protector. "I suspected as much." Her blue gaze roves the stacks, the maze of things. So much to get lost in. So much to ... They return to the man, then to Illyana, whom she approaches to say, quietly, despite supernatural ears, "He has familiarity with what we come for. Whom, I should say."

Illyana cant help but to snicker at that, though it's unprofessional, and having asigned herself as a bodyguard, she coughs lightly, schooling her features to impassivity.

Very clearly lacking anything to say at the moment, Lilah follows behind the others - or beside Illyana, it seems, with her features twisted into a faint grimace. She tries to smooth it out at the appearance of Lisette and the servants, offering them a nod of greeting and something like a smile, but holds her silence.

There is a voice from above -- descending, on an iron spiral staircase that overlooks the grand library. "I don't think I do," comes the easy baritone, calling down. The man himself is on that wrought-iron stair: he's still in his prime, if his hair is salt-and-pepper, with a rougish smile and a goatee. "I know what I'm owed," he says. This is surely Don Cristobal Coron, proprietor of the place. "But not what finally lures you here." He's dressed in a red dressing gown, quilted and belted, open a little to show off a dusting of hair on a muscled chest. He has no obvious weapons to hand, those his fingers drip with gems. "And I do not know your friends, Tabitha," he says, pausing on the stair to that he overlooks the whole assembly. "Though..." His eyes flick from Ritsuka to Illyana to Lilah. "They do seem delightful, don't they?" Arch humor.


Don Cristobal looks very much like Sean Connery in the original Highlander: https:pbs.twimg.com/media/ElqYwh5WoAAxs0t.jpg

Ritsuka keeps to a silence as well now. She glances from Tabitha back to the angelborn protector and the servant, waiting. When the man calls her delightful, her head tilts a little bit, but still, she chooses to keep to her silence.

There's a subtle shift as Illyana deliberately places herself between the Don, his bodyguard and Lilah protectively. Otherwise remaining visibly at ease, Illyana is ready if anything should break out, though she doesn't expect it (yet). She gives the don a glance over, though leaves this back-and-forth primarily for Tabitha. Besides, the redhead has Ritsuka and Percy to protect her.

"Owed?" Tabitha asks Don Cristobol. "Memory serves that we were not successful. But that is neither here nor there, yes?" The redhead watches at the man descends. "I suppose I do still owe you some wine. Which I did bring. As a gift." She is complimentary to the man, "You haven't changed a bit, if I may say," as she pulls that bottle of Arabic wine from her tote.

Percy is, without question, quite the protector in his tweed suit. Still: he has a kind of wariness about him, some pantherish coil to the way he stands. He's looking around -- for exits? Things to steal? Who can say.

Lilah cants her head slightly to one side, watching Don Cristobal descend those stairs. Eventually though, she reaches out to gently touch Illyana's shoulder and murmur, "I'm fine," as the other woman puts herself between the redhead and everyone else. When Tabitha makes that claim, there's another faint twist of her lips, the expression very minute.

For the moment, Cristobal keeps his perch, looking down at them, but then he begins to smile. "Wine seems delightful," he says. "Lisette, dear," he tells the angelborn, who doesn't seem entirely happy. "Do show them up to the apartments." He turns, beginning to climb the stairs again. "Let's all have proper introductions over a glass, shall we?"

Illyana nods to Lilah as she says that, and there's another subtle shift, though she doesn't move far. Of course, not far in mundane means and for an angelborn are two different things, so this provides double duty; Lilah looks to have a very loyal bodyguard, and there's the perspective of observable (though incorrectly telegraphed) vulnerability.

Ritsuka glances back to Lilah and Tabitha, is a glass of fine with him acceptable? No she will not introduce herself truthfully. Arcanists are youth stealing evil bastards. At least that is what her look would try to communicate, but what it looks like is her looking particularly pensive about the apartment and drinking part and the asked look back to the others.

"Perhaps here. It is not just pleasure that brings us, afterall." Tabitha says to the man. "But you are a wise man," she compliments his ego again. "And no doubt already know that." The pretty-in-pink thing brings her finger up to the side of her nose, as if to scratch at an itch. "You have quite the collection. Perhaps you can show us about some of your newest aquisitions."

"I'm afraid I'd have to settle for water," Lilah says, speaking up for the first time after Illyana moves that small amount. She slants a smile at Ritsuka, then tips her head to offer much the same to the man on the stairs, Don Cristobol himself. But then Tabitha is turning down the offer, and the redhead once more draws back into herself as she stands with the others.

Percy looks up towards the ceiling and Don Cristobal, and then back to Tabitha, Ritsuka, Illyana and Lilah. He shrugs, light enough. "I never say no to wine," he offers. "Wherever it's being poured." His eyes twinkle. "The vintage Tabby brought is delightful."

Seems that Tabitha is is trumped, and that is fine. She relents easily enough. "Wherever is fine. It is a nice vintage."

"It's not just pleasure?" Cristobal asks. "Why -- color me intrigued," he says, as the angelborn feel the desire to find out more prick at him interestingly. He up down the stairs. "Though you're right, of course: we do have unfinished business. I leant you my men for your help, and you promised to come back and call upon me," he says. "But I suspect that now, accompanied as you are? It's not for an evening's enjoyment." Clonk, clonk, clonk -- his feet sound on the iron of the stairs. "No. I think there's something you want," he says. "Come," he bids them all. "Lisette -- do make sure they don't take anything."

Lisette moves, them, close to the quartet. There isn't anything specifically threatening about her motions, but her hand does fall to the wire-wrapped hilts of her katana. She seems relatively unbothered by her relative undress.

glances to Tabitha. This is her show, so Illyana will follow, though she's never far from Lilah, should she be needed. Her eyes perpetually flick back to the Don's bodyguard though, though this motion is hidden behind the lenses of her sunglasses. Percy and Ritsuka are still in play, and they too will have to observe Tabitha's lead- Or so Illyana's mind works, so she waits to act until instructed.

If folks are following Cristobal up the stairs, you can move up.

Lilah looks amused as the odd group of well-dressed women, Percy, and herself are accused of being there with the intentions to steal. "Really," she coos, mostly beneath her breath, but there's a thread of husky laughter in the simple, murmured word. She steps forward to link arms with Illyana, assuming the other permits, and heads up the stairs, pressing her hand to the railing to support the upward path of her off-kilter body.

Ritsuka can be seen rolling her eyes, when she sees Lisette do the motion she does, and so, she slides her own backpack around, opens it, and then simply takes out the sheathed blade just the same, and adjusts it at her hip, a hand laying onto the hilt of her own katana all while her eyes lay on Lisette - It is one for one. Put that hand away from the hilt and mine will be nowhere mine either. Perhaps the other understood this lesson from eastern culture, but the kitsune-descendant doubts it. Her eyes do not sway to any of the collection, there is no interest in them. Only on the singular threat that has a hand where it shouldn't be.

Tabitha lays it on thick, "Just being in your presence lends to an evening of enjoyment, despite others in company, I think." She does concede, "Though I did make that deal." Not a promise. No doubt an evening with him... Well. She follows him up the stairs, her heels clicking against the iron. "I'm hurt that you think we would steal." Though --- they likely would. Isn't there a story of an unexpained burglary of a sarcophagus from the Boston Museum still out there, afterall?!

True to her word, Illyana is there for Lilah at every step. Linking her arm with her companion, she (it has to be said, over protectively) instures the way is clear and free for Lilah to move. For a girl not yet twenty, Illyana certainly does take what ever task she appoints herself far too seriously.

Upstairs, Cristobal's gilded apartments sprawl. More servants are about, though in contrast to the butler below they tend to a one to be young, female, well-proportioned -- furniture, really, for the ancient sorcerer. A drawing room lies near the upper terminus of the stair, and it's there that he goes to sit in a thronelike chair, legs crossed beneath his robe. "Sit, sit," he says. "Wine, please, all around, and --" This for Lilah. "How about juice? If you're avoiding imbibing on account of your condition," he says. When Tabitha lays it on thick, the goateed magician turns to her with some amusement. "Steal?" he says. "I prefer to call it the art of acquisition." Humor. "But I do not intend on letting any light fingers part me from what I have," he says. "Which begs the question again, Tabitha --" He begins to start into the question, but then he pauses. "I forget my manners." He rises, approaching first Ritsuka. "Don Cristobal Coron," he says. "Charmed." If allowed, he will sweep some bow to kiss her hand, only to move onto Illyana and then Lilah for the same display. Percy just gets a friendly smile, without such grandiloquence.

Tabitha opens her mouth to speak, but then the Magi is off to make proper introductions with the hands of Ritsuka, Illyana, and Lilah. And so the woman, herself, waits, to either speak, or to formally greet the ancient sorceror herself.

Allows the kiss to the back of her hand. She is english and upper middle class, after all, and she was raised properly, all private schools and weekend classes. Still, no curtsey, though what Illyana does offer the Don is the respectful dip of the head. "Charmed, I'm sure." she answers in kind. "Illyana Howlett." she introduces, watching Tabitha, Ritsuka and Lilah gaining the same treatment. She's aware that names have power, though there are layers here, and such non-public things most certainly wont be stressed or impressed upon in a potential enemy spellcaster's home- Besides, she did leave the security of home for personal reasons, so some of that etiquett has somewhat dwindled over time.

Ritsuka does, for some reason, permit it. "Hinatsuki." She answers, of course, she for her own looks quite divine in her dress and her very big tiddies today. The name is, of course not hers, but when she says it, it does not sound quite like she is lying, for those more familiar with her, just definitely not an outright lie, it probably means something to do with her own heritage. She does not take any offered seat though, and the other hand stays by the hilt of Lisette's nearby with a hand on her own.

"Delightful, old boy," Percy offers Don Cristobal, in a tone that suggests he is something else than entirely delighted. The cat turned man -- or man turned cat -- has his metaphoric hackles up, and he goes to take a seat as soon as he is able.

As with Ritsuka, Illyana does not sit. It's no slight, and to any with training, they could note it to be more so convenience for motion and attendance to those of greater station or more need: She stands to the left of Lilah's chair, the classical spot one might take to observe their liege's non-dominant side.

"A pleasure indeed, Don Cristobal," Lilah offers to the man, as he approaches her. She smiles, more than willing to accept his greeting though she's a New Yorker, and heavily pregnant, and it probably doesn't even cross her mind to do more than merely offer that charming smile. "I'm Lilah McFadden." When her hand is released, it immediately settles in a gesture that's pure motherly protection, against her bump once more.

The old Spaniard straightens. "Miss Hinatsuki," he tells Ritsuka. "Miss Howlett," to Illyana. "And Miss McFadden." Lilah. "I truly glad to make all oyour acquaintance -- you are, each of you, delectable." Is that a compliment? He turns to Tabitha, then. "And Tabitha, my dear," he tells her, sketching a bow and reaching out some hand, then, to touch the redhead's cheek. It is an entirely too familiar gesture, deliberately so: it's meant to provoke, just a little. "You tarried too long. It made me think you are the sort of woman who does not keep bargains," he says, as he goes to resume his seat.

He snaps his fingers, and young women are scurrying, pouring glasses of wine to be place in front of each of his guests. Lilah, for her part, gets sparkling water.

Tabitha doesn't react to the touch of her cheek in some unpleasant way. She doesn't shy or shirt away from it. But there is something in the tightening of her smile that she keeps frozen there on her features. "Life has a way of getting, well, in the way sometimes, Don Cristobal. I am sure that you understand -- all those adventures you have. The stories you must have, even. The world traveller that you are." She finally steps away from his touch.

Ritsuka glances around the room and her eyes specifically focuses on the servant girls. She noted earlier that they are well proportioned, and there is most definitely something monstrous in her eyes when she examines them clinically. Have they been brainwashed? Do they look too... robotic, like marionettes? Or just common day to day ladies employed fairly?

No one ever looks brainwashed, do they? They are not robots, though: they are people, careful not to meet Ritsuka's eyes, or anyone. Many of those here have seen those who serve out of fear, and the girls are not that. Some of those here have seen those who serve out of love, too -- but again, at least for most, the servants do not seem to have that motivation. Still on balance... It's hard to imagine that anything in the household of an ageless sorcerer is fair.

Sparkling water is great. Better than juice, though Lilah certainly wasn't going to blatantly reject the offer of juice. She takes her glass, holding it in her hand as she settles into a seat, just watching the others for now, especially Tabitha and Don Cristobal.

"It's not been a year and a day since you made your promise -- not yet," Cristobal tells Tabitha. "I'm sure you'll make it up to me." He shifts where he sits. "Sit, sit!" he says. "Let me not be a poor host -- drink," he tells them all. "Drink, and tell me what actually brings you here. It is not Tabitha, making apologies for blowing off an old man," he says. He looks at her. "She'll have to make those herself, I think." He leans back. "Now then." He smiles, beckoning to Lisette with a gesture, so that she goes to stand besides his chair. He reaches up, patting her behind. "Would you like a drink?" he asks her. The tone is just a little patronizing. "Or are you too busy being bodyguard?"

Ritsuka is now looking back to Don Cristobal, and then to his angelborn protector, and it is the measuring kind of look. Evidently she has got herself stuck on a thought that has her now assess the trouble, at least for a few precious seconds before she pulls her own brain together and looks to the glass in her hand, raising it up to her nose to sniff it for any chemical substances she may recognize.

Percy leans over to Ritsuka, sotto-voice: "That's what I mean by scarlet woman." Who is he referring to is unclear.

Cristobal turns to look at Illyana and Ritsuka. "Care to enlighten why you are here, since Tabitha is in hock for favors?"

Tabitha offers the bottle to a servant and then takes a seat somewhere in the vincinity of Don Cristobal. "Yes, lets share a drink. I imagine that, depending on the evening, I will stay behind to continue our conversation, if it is truly something you need." She starts by saying, "We actually come to speak to you about one of your recent finds. And I have an offer to make with you, in hopes of a trade."

Lilah fixes her gaze on Don Cristobal, as she lifts her drink and sips from it. She watches him over the rim of her glass, but makes no effort to speak up for now. She wasn't asked. Instead, she glances aside to the two women he addresses, as if she, herself, is quite curious as to how they will approach the matter.

"What do you think, mister?" Ritsuka asks, tilting her head just slow and deliberately to the man. Her slips do curl into a sort of sly, but far more sensual smile and her eyes do try to linger a moment longer on the sorcerer's own, and then they sway all away again, almost as if it wasn't on purpose. "Why do you think I am here?" She asks again, her smile turning a note sweet while her eyes carry something knowing.

There's no rejection of the offered wine. Illyana takes it, holding the glass by the bowl, rather than the spine in fingers that are slightly pinched so as to professionally swirl the beverage. The stem and base are left below her palm, and the aesthetic is one of calculated elegance of the kind that one is taught, rather than learned. Not leaving Lilah's side, Illyana's senses are still opened, acute as they are, and there's that supernatural sniff that's not present enough to be abrasive, but not subtle enough to be anything other than scenting- Illyana's own expression of inhuman nature. To keeping with her duty here, she doesn't drink, simply turning that glass, allowing the wine to swirl, inhaling the boquet and appreciating it for what it is. The bohemian does not answer the Don's question though; That is for Tabitha to do, not her. And she has slotted herself into the hierarchy in only that way an angelborn taught their place by the Hand's higher ups may: Below the person giving the orders. And still, there's the bated breath of that slight rebellion granted via her blood, though it is directed, with purpose to the presumed slave servants of the Don.

The wine appears, for all intents and purpose, to be just wine.

"It's clear you want something that's mine," Don Cristobal tells Ritsuka, and then he turns to look at Illyana. "No answers -- but you know it, too. A..." He looks at Tabitha, apparently in the doghouse. "A 'recent acquisition'." He savors the words, carefully, and then his eyes encompass Lilah. "Something of interest to, what..." His eyes flicker across the cult sigils most of them wear. "Bastet? I daresay I can guess," he says. "Though she's not that recent an acquisition." His hand squeezes Lisette's rear, and then it withdraws, only for him to give her a little pat. "Go fetch the sarcophagus, please," he tells the platinum-haired angelborn. "The one in the rose bedroom."

Lisette moves, then -- disappearing, for a moment, from the chamber, leaving Don Cristobal and the servants behind.

Percy glances over at Illyana, and then he leans over, to put a hand on her knee and squeeze. "We'll all here together," he tells her, his voice pitched low.

"Yes," Tabitha says to Cristobal, drawing her finger over the sigil she does wear. "It is not truly Bastet that you have, though, but a sister of hers. Ramle-sa. We wish to reacquire it. And I do have something to exchange for it that I do think you will have a great interest in, and not just the pleasure of my own company." She sips her wine to look upon the man over the rim of the glass, awaiting the man's response. There is a small delight written on her features.

looks back to the Don as he makes his observations. There is no challenge, but the deliberate, unspoken unwillingness to budge on her stance of silence here. Neither subjigation or rebelliousness, but cold professionalism of the kind one would see from operatives of the Hand- Conditioning at its best, though directed in a way that is unconventional. Her prodominant attention never leaves her scanning of the room and those around her, though there is, of course, the return to Lilah with frequence. Percy of course gets the slightest of nods, and on her next sweep, Illyana's attention tracks over Ritsuka and Tabitha, too. When Lisette moves, there is calculation there. Illyana, as a champion is familiar with angelic speed, so she calculates that rapidity of motion. She would be of little use if she couldn't at least meat it, even with light feet and gravity manipulation, if only for a second- Though that shouldn't come up, surely.

Of course, to Ritsuka a lot of this is far more like a game, and so, when Cristobal finds out, her head, slowly tilts another way, and then the angelborn is off to recover the item desired by the group. "You mind-control these women?" She asks, now far more bluntly, she has noticed the level of touchiness the man has had with the angelborn, and the women here are a lot more obedient. There is, of course, also something that crosses over her expression that she does not outright state.

Tabitha shakes her head to Ritsuka.

"Mmm?" Cristobal asks Ritsuka. "Of course not," he says. "They're all here of their own free will," he tells her. He gestures to one -- "What's your name?" he asks the girl.

She replies in a stammer: "Maria." Her Englush is imperfect, far more comfortable in Spanish.

"Am I influencing your mind, Maria?" the Don asks with some humor, curling up mustachioed lips.

"No, senor," replies Maria, at which point Cristobal pats the young woman on the cheek before he leans back, looking at Ritsuka.

"See?" the sorcerer tells her. "Entirely their own selves." Of course... is any of that true? He leans forward, looking now between all present. "Ramle-se," he says. "She is not here of her own free will, of course: she's dead." A beat. "Saved from that state by some magic, and more than delightful."

Please drop a tell if you have sensitive or clairvoyance.

"Dono kao ga kamen?" Ritsuka speaks, in Japanese this time, before she takes a few steps back. The other angelborn is not here, and so her hand had removed from the hilt of her own blade, and then the sorcerer speaks of defiling of those who have passed on, and should not be here. Dark, corruptive magic. Her gaze turns to Illyana, it is, almost asking of something, but her eyes lower before it could be settled to full, and she moves closer to the far more familiar angelborn.

There's no outward motion save the shift towards Lilah when Ritsuka is so blunt as to question the validity of the Don's staff: It's common knowledge for those who deal in circles with actual monsters, but one does not draw attention to their preclivities. Still, Ritsuka has spent little time around creatures of such standing and might not know that, so the best Illyana can do is be ready to protect Lilah Her charge, should the Don prove himself outwardly callous. Thankfully he is not, and instead of making an issue of this, he enthuses with his charisma, power and his mastery of the situation with the questioning of the servant girl, and Illyana relaxes- Oh so slightly.

Illyana shakes her head with a single subtle motion towards Ritsuka.

And then Lisette returns, carrying in her arms a golden sarcophagus, painted with the emblem of a woman. Tabitha, Ritsuka and Percy have seen a similar sarcophagus before, in the Museum of Fine Arts. Cristobal smiles as she walks in, gesturing for the blonde angelborn to set it on a coffee table, but his eyes aren't on the coffin at all -- they are on some point of space a little behind it. "There you are," he tells the empty air. "Don't be sad -- even though these people want to part you from me, I'm not so sure I'm ready to let go of someone so delightful."

Percy leans forward, frowning a little -- staring at the same empty air that his host is. He looks to Tabitha and Ritsuka, meeting their eyes.

"With all the women that are here on their own volition, I feel that you can spare yourself one. Though I can understand you fascination and draw toward the magic that keeps her in that state. But she does not belong to be locked up and made a toy, no? She deserves to have the same freedom that your servants have, I think." Tabitha opens up her tote, but doesn't take whatever it is she is going to offer in return. There is a look to a spot, a darkening there in the nightmare, and there is a sudden crestfallen expression that drags her features down. She may not see her fully but there is a sense. "I am sure she is delightful. But I feel I hold a key to something far more enticing." Hedging a bet, for sure, as the man seems to want to make trophies out of women, alive and dead.

It's probably not a good sign at all that Lilah sits fully upright. Her eyes narrow, lips pursing together, and cheeks turning red, all combining to make the mostly silent, very pregnant redhead look absolutely furious. But her seething stays quiet, for now, though she too looks over to that 'empty space' and the expression she wears doesn't soften, but it does shift to something of simple, shared misery and sorrow. And then it's back to anger, when Tabitha brings up that very, very disputed 'offering' yet again.

Ritsuka does seem to see the figure, and her eyes settle on the space as well, she breathes in through her nose, and though the others are not familiar with her to that level, Illyana knows that it means she sees something that genuinely upsets her. Her steeled and frozen eyes, turn and return the look to Percy and then a look to Tabitha. "Kindness is not for others' sake." She puts those words together in her own tongue. "Treatment as cruel as demon's."

Hidden behind the lenses of her sunglasses, Illyana's gaze flicks over to that ancient sepulchre. This too is a symble of Lisette's strength, and the ease in which she manoeuvres with it offers another piece to the puzzle for Illyana's protection detail of Lilah. Her attention continues to sweep, though when she looks at that point of air that Percy and the Don are looking into, there's no sign of recognition. Once more there's a hint of motion as she loosens up. She's not done so yet, but with the grace of an angelborn and that inherant speed, anyone looking closely enough could see that she's ready to move-- Discard her exceptionally expensive heels, too, at that. And yet, she sees nothing. Though Tabitha is certain of it, and the coffin is there, so only trust must remain, and that is hard for Illyana to manage. She does so though. There is a shared goal in this situation: A rescue mission.


"Do you?" Cristobal asks Tabitha. "And Ramle-se is here of her own volition," he says. "She had a choice: remain trapped, alone, in a box... or not." He beckons to the empty air. "Come here," he tells that emptiness, before he shifts to pat his knee. His eyes flicker with amusement. "Do you know the secrets she has?" he asks Lilah, Ritsuka, Illyana, Tabitha and Percy. "The things she knows?" he says. "No. I do not know that I want to part with her..." His eyes flash. "But I will listen to your offer."

Lilah though is clearly upset, and that's something that Illyana cant abide. Protectiveness kicks in again and though she allows Lilah her space, a hand lowers to settle near by the pregnant red head. It's unspoken, but there's the suggestion, 'I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.'

Percy shifts where he sits. He sets his wine down and crosses his arms. Those with an eye for such things might notice his hand inside his jacket, as if reaching for some weapon for comfort with flicked eyes to Illyana.

Lilah lifts a hand. It's a subtle gesture, but what happens because of it, is not. Clearly, the pregnant woman is far too triggered to use common sense, for heat and flame flare along the thigh that Don Cristobal had just patted in that slimy, degrading intimation.

The book is removed and it is held tight within Tabitha's fingers; she is not strong like some, but the fingers are indenting the leather some. A flash of her own redheaded anger, full of desires that she tries to swallow down and lock away. She says, at first, tightly, that loosens to casual: "I have no doubt that she holds secrets. But they are secrets from eons ago in a world that has changed and morphed and is now something completely different than what she knows of." The book is put on her lap, and that familiar smell of brimstone, so very very light, tickles at the nose.

The Don's eyes flash with his enjoyment of the situation, though for Illyana, who cant see what's happening on the spiritual side, it's made exceptionally obvious. The Don is making it so to get Tabitha, Ritsuka, Lilah, Illyana and Percy, and to some extent, it's working. There is control, and thankfully, Illyana was trained well by her previous employers, as behind the lenses of her sunglasses, Illyana's eyes very literally glow, the temperature around her risingdegree by degree. Her expression doesn't telegraph, and she has been in enough of these situations with beings stronger than her that the bohemian doesn't do anything, but her knuckles are whiteand it wouldn't take much for sparks of fire to begin dancing. The effort is almost palpable as Illyana restrains herself, ever the trained attack dog, though so as to not damage that delicate balance of hospitality, one of those servant girls finds herself holding an undrunken glass of that egyption wine.

Tabitha looks to Lilah, Illyana and Ritsuka and seethingly whispers after the action and the subsequent reaction. The look is tight and hard. And her eyes ask the question, What are you doing?

Now Lisette moves -- she just shifts, her hand tightening on her katana, and as flames alight on Cristobal's thigh he yelps. He jumps up, his robe flapping open -- rather undignified, as a string of Spanish oaths follows. "What the devil!" he says, stepping back -- tension rising as he shifts, his hand making some complicated hand-tut in Lilah's direction, like the beginning a spell. He hasn't begun to chant, but he's on the verge of it when his eyes fall on the book in Tabitha's lap. "This is rather rude," he says, his voice low.

"I'm sorry for.." Tabitha says, peering at Lilah, spitting out, "That." Whether she is or not, she does at least say it. She keeps the book tight in her grasp, peering from Lilah to Ritsuka and Illyana a moment, a breath given, released. "Perhaps Lilah should be escorted downstairs? Outside?"

As Lisette moves, the bohemian moves, too. It's not a shift, but a blurring movement that puts her before Lilah protectively, very willing to eat that spell if the Don were to chant if it would protect Lilah. She doesn't seem to care about the flame, and she does nothing still that would endanger the mition, remaining as passive as she can when enraged as she is, but protection seems to balance Illyana, and so she is able to master herself for the sake of the red head she stands before, as well as the sake of the rescue this is all about.

"Sexually harrassing someone is also rude. Making a display of it because you think that you'll upset women devoted to the service of Bastet upset is, as well," Lilah states bluntly. She gives Tabitha a disparaging look as that redhead lowers herself into apologizing for this redhead's own choices. She lifts her chin, then. "A man of power has better ways of making his point, surely, than trying to demean women, Don Cristobal?" There's a slight widening of her eyes as the man makes to cast some spell, and her own hand lifts in a gesture that's clearly meant to be defensive, though it brings a smirk to her lips, all the same.

When everyone seems to be getting rather martial, Percy rises. His hand closes on whatever is inside his coat, tight and tense.

Well, Ritsuka is familiar with Illyana, enough so that she sees the knuckling that happens with her, but it is enough for her to understand who has become her closest friend in the Yokai world, and so, her gaze turns back to the Don, and there is a tilt of her head. "I can see the girl, and a choice that is not a choice, is not truly a choice. But I see that you are enjoying this quite enough. Your game will not do very much." When Lisette grips her blade, Ritsuka also places her other hand on the hilt of her weapon. The angelborn may be fast, running, yes. But there is an art to drawing a katana right - and that is to not draw it at all, but to remove the sheathe from the blade. Her style had been one that was less taught, to wield it to kill and that was part of it.

"Let us keep this simple. The book for the dead girl. And you can return to your peace."

Tabitha gives Lilah the same disparaging look. It is now turning to hate and dispise for the woman. "You know what Lilah, I think that you and I need to have a little talk after this. No.. I don't care to speak to you about anything anymore. I've apologized, I've explained. I came here to do something good and right and you sit there pouting in your self-pity and self-righteousness."

Don Cristobal's eyes scan the now very tense room. "Rather ungrateful for guests," he says, tucking his robe back into place. "I'm more than content to trade her for the book," he says. "After all..." He leans forward. "I know where to find some of her friends." He pauses. "So let me make you a counter-offer," he says, still in some tension, ready to cast his own magic. "I will give you the keys to rescue three of her companions," he says. "And I keep her and the book." He pauses. "Is it not worth it? She is not trapped in madness, her spirit ground down," he says. "And I am rather fond of her."

Tabitha turns back to Cristobal. "Pardon my outburst. As you can tell, this is something that is near and dear to our hearts.." the redhead, cheeks full of a fire that she probably wishes she could set something ablaze with.

Ritsuka removes her hands from her own weapon and takes a few steps forward, but not too close. "Why do you desire to keep her?" Of course, it is not appropriate to ask the powerful and blah blah. Well, it is to her, and the bluntness may just work for the best today. Her voice is a tone louder, but still softly and gently spoken. "Answer this to me and I can work from there."

"For stealing the book under false pretenses? For sitting here watching women be treated poorly right in front of your eyes while belonging to a cult of Vengeance?" Lilah gives a slow, but firm shake of her head to Tabitha. She doesn't raise her voice, nor does she let it fill with emotions. If anything, it's professionally polite and distant as she makes her points. "I think you're right. We've said more than enough to each other at this point." She looks to Ritsuka and says simply and softly, "That woman is not free to make her own choices. Spirit or no, she would not wear that mask of resignation and caution if she were. I know it all too well." She pauses and then adds to both her and Illyana, "The deal he's asking you to make is to either leave her to suffer, or to leave three of the others to suffer. I say neither deal is acceptable, though I'm not of your group."

For her part, Illyana doesn't advance. She stays where she is before Lilah, though she does glance over her shoulder to check on the pregnant red head. There's a pleeding to that expression that almost begs Lilah to not turn this to combat, then Ritsuka steps forward. Yet, Illyana has done nothing hostile, nothing unexpected for a bodyguard. Nothing that would directly and openly endanger the objective, so she can be mollified in that at the very least, even ifthe the atmosphere shifts.

Tabitha looks to the book in her hand then to Lilah. "Shut up, Lilah. Just shut your fucking mouth. Before I slap it shut."

"We will take the three sisters for the book." Tabitha looks to Ritsuka and Illyana, there is something in her eyes. A new mission perhaps? To come. She's definitely angry. She begins to rise, and smooths out her dress and her hair.

"Three is not enough. If I put the contacts of my family and the Blossoms behind it, three is found within a short time, and the book is worth more," Ritsuka finally says, her tone finally showing a measure of something that hinges at something impolite. "Five. That is the worth the book has." She does look to the girl, but her expression has grown cold by now.

"No, you wont." Illyana speaks for the first time since entering, her words directed at Tabitha. "There's nothing to be gained from in fighting here, and the Don has offered a counter proposal." With effort, Illyana steps back, the diplomatic side of her stepping into view over the attack dog; Illyana was a Whisper in good standing, after all. "Though your counter offer is generous," the bohemian directs to the count, "It still leaves a distinct absence of trade on either side for the future." Nodding firstly to the Don, Illyana points out, "This is one spirit and one object in exchange for another object that you very clearly desire. And by your own words, you've made it clear you'd like Tabitha to work for you again. Perhapse the original deal: The priestess for the book this time is in your best interests, Don. The information of the location of the other three is worth a favour from Tabitha. Doesn't that benefit you to a far greater degree in future?"

Tabitha purses her lips when there is more requests from Ritsuka. She makes a small fist, and releases it. "If it is the sarcophogi in which you intend to give us, then I accept that offer. If it is just keys, then I am afraid that i can't take that offer." She looks upward to the ceiling. "Ritsuka or Yana, be prepared to path the lot of us to my home when the sarcophogi are brought. We have some things to discuss." She shakes her head. "I did not work for him. He worked for Those Seeking Redemption in order to get the book that Lilah was forced to help Solomon retrieve."

The delight in the old sorcerer's eyes at the squabble is deeply amused. "So many offers," he replies to Illyana. "Well. I'll pick the one I like best -- our Asian beauty's offer of five." He pauses. "I might trade it for a favor from Tabitha," he tells Illyana. "But she's been rather tardy in the last one she offered." He pauses. "I have the location of three of your lost sisters that are easy to recover, and two more that are more difficult, but within your power," he says. "You can have the knowledge of those five, or you can walk away with Ramle-se. That's the bargain I'm willing to make." He goes to retake his chair, picking up wine again with some pleasure.

"Again a reasonable offer." Illyana offers, a finger held up to Ritsuka and Tabitha as she composes her thoughts to continue bargining- Illyana is a business woman and a socialite with the knowledge of how the hand works, and this is a benefit when dealing in supernatural circles.

Percy looks around, stepping closer to Tabitha, Illyana, Lilah and Ritsuka -- ready to path out, obviously. He perhaps a thought, but he seems unwilling to voice it. He scans the area, though, as if looking for something.

Lilah says nothing now. Instead, as they bargain around the poor, suffering woman that stands there in the room with them, she merely shakes her head and purses her lips. Sitting where she is, she finally takes a sip of her water. Externally, she may appear calm, cool, and collected, but internally?

"I can explain further later. But for now..." Tabitha says to Illyana, turning back to Cristobal to make her offer. "If it is only the locations, then no. I wish for Ramle-Se and the locations of three." She holds the book tight. "This is a very important book for your collection, isn't it. I think that it is worth these things. And you are a very wise and crafy man, are you not? You will have more things in your collection within days to delight and enthuse you."

"I'm going to call your bluff." Illyana tells the Don. She doesn't leave her spot before Lilah, but there is metaphysical money on the table, and a better deal can be made, and she knows it, so of course the Don does, too. "You're immortal. Time is nothing. Societies rise and fall, but you are life perpetual. You don't care if Tabitha takes her time. You care about results, and you know that Tabitha provides. What is a month or two between business partners if you end up with mutual bonuses?" Gesturing to Ritsuka and Tabitha and Percy, she nods. "The locations of three of the priestesses, the book for the priestess here- Four in total, less than Ritsuka's demand and you get a favour. That is the best deal for you and us. It's logical, gives you more options to deligate for results you can trust the authenticity of, and of course, it keeps Venice happy."

Ritsuka hears something Tabitha said and now Illyana does as well, and she steps on over towards Lilah. Her expression is bereft of any emotions, but she holds out a hand to the pregnant woman now.

"Mmm." The Don's voice is low and long, thoughtful, as he looks between Illyana and Tabitha. "The Grand Albert is mine, Ramle-se is yours, as is some piece of knowledge I have acquired... and Tabitha owes me even after she whiles away her evening." He considers this, toying with the thought, rolling it around as if is something special in his mind. "So it is," he says. He reaches out, then, to someone unseen, and the motion of his hand is as if he is touching the thin air. "Alas," he tells that invisible place. "We will have our memories, will we not?" Then he turns to look at those gathered. "Lisette will path you back to Haven, Tabitha," he says. "Your friends can take Ramle-se with them. As for the location of the other three that I know you can so easily acquire -- are you ready?" he asks. "Are we in some agreement?"

Tabitha speaks lowly, "Not without the locations, Don Cristobal. And I am holding it to you, with this exchange that you will not simply tell us then retrieve them. Certainly more so if I am part of this equasion." Though it was not quite part of the plan.

Tabitha says to Illyana and Ritsuka, "Have Percy let you in. He knows where to put the sarcophagus. We will speak with Alabaster when I get back home."

Percy looks more than a little upset at this, looking between Tabitha and Cristobal. His hand hasn't left beneath his jacket. He glances sidelong at Illyana, Ritsuka and Lilah.

"Lilah, please take my hand," Ritsuka says, her hand still held out to the pregnant lady. There is something upset in her tone, but it isn't for Lilah, it lacks that force when saying those few tender words.

Lilah sighs, but stands slowly, pressing a hand to her back and setting aside her water. Once she's straightened and eased the tension on tendons too long in one spot, she puts her hand in Ritsuka's. There's no smile, nothing but that professional politeness still on her features.

addresses the Don once more before acknowledging Tabitha's words. There is protocal here, and the Don is the ranking supernatural. Illyana was forced into knowing this much. So now she does curtsey, "Thank you for your hospitality and your consideration." she tells the sorcerer, then, waiting for Lilah, she makes for the sarcophagus, expression professionally blank, ready to transport it.

Percy moves to go shoulder the sarcophagus, finally releasing whatever he was holding. It doesn't seem to impact his slim form at all.

"I do not want Lilah in my home." Tabitha says, to Percy.

Cristobal nods to Tabitha. "A wise condition, indeed." His eyes are amused. "No, I will not steal them out from under your noses. You don't need to fight me for them, I promise -- after all, you have each other to fight with instead." He chuckles, leaning back, and then tells Tabitha, Illyana, Ritsuka, someone and Percy, "Three of your lost mummies are presently on display, all of them, in Museum of Circus Curiosities in Cairo -- Cairo, Illinois," he says. "Other than the spell hiding their location, you'll find the security there quite laughable." He smiles. "The proprietor does not know what he has."

For her part, Lisette steps aside, allowing Percy to go pick up the sarcophagus.

Cristobal nods to Tabitha. "A wise condition, indeed." His eyes are amused. "No, I will not steal them out from under your noses. You don't need to fight me for them, I promise -- after all, you have each other to fight with instead." He chuckles, leaning back, and then tells Tabitha, Illyana, Ritsuka, Lilah and Percy, "Three of your lost mummies are presently on display, all of them, in Museum of Circus Curiosities in Cairo -- Cairo, Illinois," he says. "Other than the spell hiding their location, you'll find the security there quite laughable." He smiles. "The proprietor does not know what he has."

For her part, Lisette steps aside, allowing Percy to go pick up the sarcophagus.

Ritsuka keeps hold on to Lilah's hand if there is no pulling away, but there was mention of being pathed away from here and so, for the moment she allows to wait. But then it all continues, and the single thing she does then say is "I am growing fed up with the childish behavior."

Percy nods to Tabitha, silent, as he settles the sarcophagus on his shoulder to go step back close to Ritsuka. There's a look back at Tabitha, his face inscrutable, before he looks at Ritsuka, Lilah, and Illyana. "I think it's time to find the forest, old girl," he tells Ritsuka. "Shall we?" he says. A look back again at Tabitha.

Ritsuka withdraws the blade from somewhere on herself and draws blood by grasping the razorsharp blade by sliding her hand along. She does not let go of Lilah's own hand, and she starts to look focused. As ever, her blood is not here to linger as it turns to blue, floating light that sway in the air, and then, eventually turn to golden floating lights. And- if nothing stops them, they return into the forest with the path forward to the other end, back home.

As Ritsuka, Illyana, Lilah and Percy step onto the otherworldly path, Don Cristobal turns to Tabitha. His voice drips with humor. "Now then," he says. "Have a seat -- pour some wine." He pauses; the last thing the others can hear before the eerie forest closes around them? "Do remember to smile, my dear."