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Post by Rad on Jul 8, 2011 16:34:13 GMT -8
Glorious rays of sunlight slanted in through wide French windows, illuminating the entire bedroom. A clock perched upon the western wall ticked languidly, complying with the general atmosphere of languor. It was already noon yet the bulge of the quilt indicated that the room’s occupant hadn’t even bothered to greet the morning. The sound of a horse drifted in with the breeze through an open window and gradually the figure stirred, moving his head out from beneath the sheets. ‘Was that Sabrina riding Dally?’ Memini wondered, half-opening his eyes as he surveyed his surroundings. Funnily enough, he had been awake since morning yet...well he truly wasn’t looking forward to his task for the day.
Leisurely, the mahogany door leading to his bedroom creaked open and Adrasteia entered holding the weekend paper. “Ah, it seems my presumption was correct and you are indeed awake. Now please prepare yourself immediately. The auction commences at 3pm and it’s currently already past noon.” Commenting on the obvious, Adrasteia flung the paper at Memini who managed to catch it before it ended its proposed trajectory on his head. Hugging the item to his chest, the kid made no further attempts to move. It was all rather irksome to Adrasteia, he knew the reason for Memini’s little rebellion yet nonetheless he couldn’t shake the feeling that he should simply allow his young master to avoid his duties to the Veritas household.
As it was, Adrasteia was just about to launch into some endeavor at prompting his young master to get up when Memini sat up of his own volition and gazed forlornly at a particular article in the advertisements section. “The Lillington Bank auction of the property formerly under the renowned Matthews family is set to begin today at 1:30pm whereupon the doors of the exquisite estate will open for the first time in months to allow potential buyers to enter, examine the property and ultimately place a bid at the main event within the establishment itself in the guest hall. (However, a select few will have the option of viewing the mansion prior to its official opening to the public.) Due to financial adversity, the bank has been forced to sell this piece of prime estate at such a low point in the real estate market or face bankruptcy themselves. As such, economists predict that the property is likely to fetch a mere 25% of its actual value. The auction ends at 5pm sharp whereupon the new owner of the estate will be announced.”
Having finished perusing the article, Memini fell back onto his bed as he scrunched up the abhorrent paper in his hands. “Of course, I already knew this. Those belonging to the esteemed families such as the Veritas, the Exousia, the Desmeraise, and etcetera were notified of this by their hoard of financial advisors even prior to it becoming a publicized event. I know that as the heir of the Veritas I must venture to take advantage of this opportunity to make an enviable investment. As part of my responsibility to the name Veritas I am supposed to show my presence there today and place a bid if the price were to fall to a number that my treasury can reasonably sustain. Nonetheless, I…I…”
“You would feel like a villain for profiting from another’s misfortune, especially since you are personally connected with the Matthews family, am I correct?”
“Well, I suppose if it were just some random family I were indifferent to it wouldn’t matter if I were to acquire an advantage as a consequence of their demise yet…you’re quite right in this matter. I just can’t do it! I can’t show my face at that auction! Even without my conscience here to burden me how would society regard the matter? Won’t it appear as if the heartless Memini Veritas is leeching off his own friend? How will Sabrina ever accept me then? How then will I ever have the courage to talk to her again?” It was evident from Memini’s tone that these contemplations had plagued him all morning, possibly all night and maybe even ever since the evening when he had first been notified of the property’s fate.
Sighing, Adrasteia approached Memini, standing beside his young master as he gently removed the torn and crumpled paper from Memini’s fervent grasp. “Well, you’re simply not considering all your options. You’re failing to understand that Sabrina’s father was once a successful businessman and as such, once this economic slump eases he will accordingly promptly reassume his original status and wealth as it is money and not ability that he has lost. At such a time and in the case that you are the holder of his former property you would then have the option to return it to him for minimal profit at a low price or even without yourself acquiring any profit from the transaction whatsoever. I’m sure Mr. Matthews would much prefer this over some other rich bastard purchasing the property at its lowest point now and selling it at its peak later.”
Muttering something inaudible, Memini removed himself from his bed and toddled over to his closet, selecting some formal wear before retreating to the bathroom with instructions for Adrasteia to notify the chauffeur with ‘directions and whatever’. Finally, after some time of preparation, the two exited the building, whereupon Memini again hesitated. Walking around the side of the building until the stables were almost within sight, Memini hid in the shadows as he listened to the sounds of the horses neighing, cantering and galloping. ‘Was Sabrina there or was she still inside the mansion back in her guest suite? Should he notify Sabrina that he would be absent for the day? What if she asked questions? Should he answer with the truth or some fabricated lie? What if she too had perused the paper that morning and knew of the auction? Would she guess that her former estate was his destination? If so, what would she think of him?’ Sighing, Memini slumped down on the grass, peeking expectantly at his watch. As he had guessed, it was approaching 1pm. He should probably leave soon. Still…Sabrina’s former place wasn’t really that far away, was it? This was one of those things that his memory simply refused to reveal. Still, he had the inkling that it was still rather too far a distance to walk.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 8, 2011 17:28:38 GMT -8
Unlike her friend, Memini, Sabrina had only been in bed until dawn. She had only awoken because Tami had been speaking with someone outside her door. She had tried to get back to sleep for awhile, but had given up when she looked to the window to see that there was a light blue light shining through the shade. Finally, she got up and opened the window, seeing the foggy dawn outside.
The entire yard of the estate was surrounded in a thin layer of pale mist. Past the hedge wall surrounding the property, there was a grove full of Aspen and Maple trees. However, Sabrina could only see the front few trees because the rest faded away because of the fog. After gazing out the window for a few moments, Sabrina turned to try to sleep for another hour or two when she heard a loud whinny from outside.
She looked back to see from a corner of the paddock there was a black horse tossing its head. Sabrina recognized Dally instantly and watched her, wondering when the last time she had been ridden was - she looked so restless. So she decided that instead of sleeping in, she would take the mare out for a run while the temperature was still cool and the grass would be covered in dew.
After quickly getting dressed in formal English riding attire, Sabrina placed the familiar locket around her neck. Then she walked from her guest suite down to the stable where she retrieved a saddle, blanket, and bridle. She asked a stable hand to go fetch Dally and groom her before the ride.
Within ten minutes, everything was ready and Sabrina lead the horse out to the woody valley. Soon, the mare was warmed up with walking, and Sabrina used a few fallen tree trunks and streams to make a sort of steeplechase course. When she reached the end of the forest, she let Dally eat the fresh grass before returning back to the Veritas estate. The sun was high in the sky by the time they returned, and Sabrina assumed it was at least noon.
She began to cool Dally down around the stable, then returned the horse to the man working around the barn. She started back toward the mansion to change, she saw Memini. "Memini!" she called, walking up to him. "Good morning." She gave him a pleasant smile.
"Where are you off to?"
She hadn't heard of the auction of her former estate, since they didn't own any part of it anymore. She tried her best not to think about it, since she knew it would only make her miss it more. Besides, she probably wouldn't see the house return to their family ever again. So she just decided not to trouble herself with looking around for news about its sale.
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Post by Rad on Jul 8, 2011 21:37:33 GMT -8
"Where are you off to?"
The unanticipated inquiry caught Memini off guard and as a consequence of this ‘surprise attack’ of sorts Memini didn’t really have time to contemplate on his reply before he blurted out, “Oh, hello Sabrina. I was just about to head off to the Lillington Bank auction of your former property…” Now why had be said that? He should have been more considerate of Sabrina’s feelings. Additionally, how would this impact on her impression of him? “That’s fine with you, right? If it’s within my ability, I aim to secure the property so I can return it to your family at a reasonable price once your family’s business recovers…so it’s not for selfish purposes that I’m going or anything like that…um…would you like to accompany me?”
Glancing timidly at Sabrina, Memini shifted uneasily, not really wanted to get up from his crouching position. If only he had the ability to dissolve into the wall. “Er…I mean it might be…nice to reminisce about the past and be reminded of…” Oh golly, what was this blather he dared sprout? Was there any conceivable reason anyone would want to recap on their past if it only procured a feeling of loss? Seriously, what he had said was so completely wrong in more ways than one, making an attempt at correcting his mistake, Memini said, “Well, of course, your don’t have to come. It’s not obligatory for you to accompany me anywhere you don’t want to. It’s completely your own decision whether you follow me or not.”
Oh gosh, it was already 1pm. It was of utmost importance that he at least made some attempt at a prompt appearance at the auction. Getting to his feet, Memini hurried to the front of his estate. Gazing for a moment at the iconic rose maze within which Memini often spent his time (both due to idleness and inability to locate the exit) Memini just managed to avoid the urge to vanish in its many twisting pathways. Steps led down to this network of rose bushes so that it was situated in a concave dip. In this way it conveniently provided any potential observers with entertainment since standing above the structure before the descending stairs one could observe people traveling within. Hastening along the path bordering the labyrinth, Memini finally spotted the sparkling black vehicle which had been chosen for this rather formal occasion.
“Well, should we wait a moment for Sabrina?” Adrasteia inquired as he opened a door and ushered Memini inside.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 9, 2011 6:11:26 GMT -8
Sabrina smiled down at him and reached up to remove the riding helmet from her head. Before he even started talking, though, she knew that something wasn't right. Why did he seem so nervous? Her smile faded and she looked at him as she waited for him to start speaking. When he finally did state his reason, Sabrina paused for a second to take in what he had said.
"You're... what?" she asked, dumfounded that her mansion was being auctioned off in the first place, and also that Memini would go to scavange off her family's misfortune. "Memini? How could you do that?" She looked truly wounded by his percieved betrayal. It wasn't until he explained that he would return it; then she started to look a little less hurt.
That was, until Memini asked her to join him. "Let me get this straight," she said, masking her anger as best she could. "You want me to come with you to watch my home and all of my things get pawned off to scavengers just trying to make a profit off us? Of course I don't want to go, Memini!"
"Why would I want to watch the rest of the rich families buy all of my cherished things for a fraction of their worth!" This is when her hurt began to show again. That was also when Memini tore off into the maze.
Sabrina couldn't stand still when he ran off like that. "Wait!" she yelled after him. "Memini, don't go!" Once she was in the maze, however, she lost sight of both him and the exit. She sighed and sat down next to the wall, giving up on ever finding him before he left. She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around her legs while resting her chin on her knees.
She looked very upset, but she didn't cry or anything else. She knew she shouldn't be hurt by that, and that Memini was doing her a favor, but she couldn't think about him trying to buy everything that she'd ever known at the lowest possible price.
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Post by Rad on Jul 9, 2011 17:00:39 GMT -8
“Well, seeing as how I was escaping her reaction I think it’s improbable that Sabrina would have followed me. It was a mistake to even disclose where I was going, let alone ask her to accompany me.” Sighing, Memini entered the vehicle, closing the door before rolling down the window, “Adrasteia, aren’t you coming?”
“Considering that you have upset Sabrina as I had predicted would be the case it’s quite ungentlemanly to simply leave her to her own devices. I’m sure the chauffer would suffice as your entourage for the day. I may join you later but I’m sure you’re more than capable of being independent for a few hours. What concerns me at the moment is young Sabrina whom you have probably left in an exceedingly wounded state.” Adrasteia’s tone was rather reprimanding as he frowned at Memini, “you really should have made an effort to mitigate things if you had planned on telling her. Women are not like men, they cannot simply shrug it off. At any rate, I’ll tend to Sabrina here; in fact it’s probably a better option than if you were to face her at this moment. Now go before you’re late.”
Watching as the vehicle disappeared from view, Adrasteia retreated to the rose labyrinth. If Sabrina had been attempting to follow Memini it was possible that she would have believed Memini to have entered here. It was a likely place to commence his search. Having memorized the layout of the maze, Adrasteia navigated its numerous passageways and dead ends, making sure to inspect every single inhabitable space for Sabrina. Finally, he caught sight of Sabrina’s figure huddled beside one of the walls. It was evident that despite her emotions Sabrina was making an effort not to cry.
“Beware the thorns, milady. After all, that is a rose bush looming behind you.” Sitting beside Sabrina, Adrasteia gazed at the picturesque display of crimson roses, “did you know that the life of a rose is only ever ephemeral. Despite its unparalleled beauty it can only ever bloom for a fleeting while. Yet even after it has disappeared, the memory of its splendor will not be forgotten and for years to come, other roses will flower and replace what once was lost. Memories are similar in this way, happy memories will never be forgotten and even if the present may appear bleak the future will always hold an abundance of good times to come. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend that you hold back your tears. It’s better to let it all out; it’s not a sign of weakness if that’s what you’re thinking. Besides, there’s no one on this estate who would judge you.”
{OoC: Sorry, Memini ran away so it's Adrasteia & Sabrina now.}
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 9, 2011 17:44:54 GMT -8
As Sabrina finally felt like she could hold back her tears without fear of suddenly losing her composure, she decided that she should try to find the exit and go back to her suite. At least there she could bolt the door closed and not have to worry about her emotions getting the better of her in front of anyone else. Just as she was about to stand, however, a voice startled her.
She looked over to see the exceedingly tall figure of Adrasteia walking towards her. She forced a smile, to try to mask her emotions. "Oh, Adrasteia," she said. "You startled me." She started to stand up - so as not to get pricked by the thorns as well as not to be in danger of crying - only to realize that a couple of the thorns had become entangled in the back of her riding jacket. Afraid of tearing the loaned shirt, Sabrina stayed put where she was.
As he started talking, Sabrina listened to him intently. He did make very good points. But Sabrina was still too proud to allow herself to cry until she was alone where no one could see it. "And what happens when someone damages the root of the rose?" she inquired. "There will be no more roses then." She crossed her arms in a sort of defensive posture. "The same goes for me. If I'm forced to be a leech off others or be trapped in the slums for the rest of my life, how will I be able to live out any more good memories?"
"Especially when my best friend is off buying everything valuable of mine for next to nothing!" She was still bitter about losing everything in the first place, so didn't even want to think of it all being auctioned off for everyone else's benefit but her own. Suddenly overcome by an intense feeling of homesickness, Sabrina sighed and returned her head back to where it had been resting on her knees.
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Post by Rad on Jul 9, 2011 19:12:50 GMT -8
Adrasteia laughed, “In my opinion the notion that wealth is the origin of happiness is completely irrelevant to reality. The root of happiness is fabricated from your own perspective, nothing more. Consequently it can just as easily stem from poverty as if can from affluence. Additionally, isn’t it rather presumptuous of you to assume that your father cannot earn back his fortune once the Depression concludes?”
At the mention of Memini as a ‘best friend’ Adrasteia smiled. It was a pleasant surprise that his young master had managed to gain a friend despite his general arrogance and standoffish attitude. “Don’t underestimate Memini. He may still be an ignorant kid at times in addition to being a fool in some aspects but he does make an effort to ensure the happiness of those he cares for. Think of it this way, if your possessions are being auctioned off for ‘next to nothing’ he’ll be able to purchase more of it and as a result of that more of your belongings will be returned to you. I assure you that despite his effeminate appearance Memini won’t even be tempted to keep those accessories, dolls, dresses, and etcetera, of yours.”
Reaching over to Sabrina, Adrasteia placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “in my opinion you’re better off than a lot of people, including me. What's more, you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care about your wellbeing. That’s more than what most denizens of this city can wish for. Despite your current lack of riches you’re also fortunate enough to maintain a life of luxury in the Veritas mansion. That’s not a bad substitute, is it? If you’re patient I’m certain you’ll soon return to the lifestyle you were once a part of. After all, your father is trying his best too.”
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 9, 2011 21:19:13 GMT -8
Sabrina sighed and looked down. "But Adrasteia, you don't understand," she said quietly. "The only thing I want is to go home..." She frowned a little. "And it will never get better. The business is gone, and he doesn't have the money to start a new one. And nobody is hiring, so we're stuck." She sighed again.
"It's not that I'm not happy to be here, though. That's not it at all," she said quickly when she realized that she sounded ungrateful. "It's just odd to be living in another person's home... And my father feels the same way. He always taught me never to become a charity case - and now we depend on the Veritas wealth for everything."
A laugh escaped her as Adrasteia tried to comfort her about her possesions. "I'm not afraid of Memini taking all of my things," she said honestly. "Actually, there isn't much left of that sort. It's mostly just the furniture and the property itself. Everything that had sentimental value was already sold or stolen... It's just the thought of everything being sold to scavengers just trying to make a quick buck off of our situation that bothers me."
She reached back and tried to get the thorns from the back of her jacket without damaging the cloth. "Honestly, I don't even know why I'm getting so upset... I know it's just material things," she said. Finally managing to get a strong sense about her, she was able to hide her emotions, hoping that he would just fall for the facade that she was alright, because she really didn't feel any better about anything.
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Post by Rad on Jul 9, 2011 22:21:42 GMT -8
“Actually, on the subject of employment there is, in point of fact, a vocation I urgently need to have filled. As you are probably aware, Memini is only an adept in the areas of economics and mathematics and an utter failure with everything else. Can you believe he made repetitive mistakes in his geography examinations by labeling Japan as America, England as Africa as well as various other foolish blunders? His ignorance isn’t just limited to that single subject either, I assure you. I would love to educate him myself yet since I haven’t received a formal education he refuses to have faith in my corrections. If your father would rather earn his keep why not have him work as Memini’s private tutor? My young master desperately requires one to lift his appalling grades.”
At the mention of the Matthews’ stolen possessions a serious contemplative expression clouded Adrasteia’s face. He was familiar with the flourishing black market business which had erupted in its success and proficiency when the Depression had hit. In fact, despite his current more moral occupation as the Veritas butler he still maintained his connections with the more notable of his former colleagues. If he pulled the right strings it wasn’t out of the question to retrieve what had been purloined. He might even be able to ascertain that retribution would be dealt to the perpetrators, depending on who they were. “Sabrina, how badly do you want those stolen items returned to you?” Perhaps his tone was rather too ominous when he asked, oh well, knowing her innocent disposition it was likely that she wouldn’t think too much of it.
“You know, Sabrina, it is okay to feel so down that you want to cry but I understand if you would rather not show your true emotions in front of me.” Smiling in an attempt to assure her that no offense was taken, Adrasteia stood, reaching into his pocket to withdraw a bundle of cash. He had originally intended to purchase a few classy bottles of wine from Leon’s Burlesque. However, since it wasn’t an urgent matter it could just as easily be postponed for a while. Handing out the sum to Sabrina (from the looks of it, possibly a few hundred, he wasn’t really sure, he hadn’t bothered to count) he added, “I understand how some scavengers can be the epitome of the deadly sin of Greed, I would like to see justice dealt to some of them myself. Yet Greed is not yet a measureable crime...but…Come to think of it, it may be a swell idea for you to stop those scavengers yourself. Think of this as a deposit for your future employment as Memini’s piano tutor. I always felt pity for the neglected Grand Piano slowly gathering dust in a corner of my young master’s study.”
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 10, 2011 12:10:15 GMT -8
"He would appreciate that very much, Adrasteia, thank you," said Sabrina with a smile. She wasn't surprised about Memini's intelligence in certain areas. He's always been like that. But he was still very smart in the subjects he enjoyed. "You know, it's really too bad that my mother couldn't be here. She would love to tutor Memini. She taught me almost everything I knew until I was seven..." She couldn't help but smile as she thought about the lessons her and her mother would have together, despite being so upset mere seconds ago.
She was about to continue when she saw Adrasteia's change of expression. "I want them back so much, but I know they're long gone," she said honestly. "Why? Do you know of a way to get them back? Because I would greatly appreciate getting all of my stuff back if you know of a way."
She finally detangled the thorns from her jacket without breaking them off of the rose plant. She smiled and scooted away from the wall. "Yes, it is very greedy of them to steal all of our stuff," she sighed. "And it's not that I don't feel comfortable showing you my emotions... It just feels weak to. I'm sorry if I've offended you, though."
Then, when he handed her the money, her eyes widened a little. "Oh, no," she said, handing it back to him. "I could never take that from you! It's so much!" She looked at the pile of money quickly and saw that it was more than hundreds of dollars. "And I can teach Memini to play the piano, but I don't know if that will affect our friendship. I don't want to ruin that, especially because of his generocity toward me and my family..."
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Post by Rad on Jul 10, 2011 16:10:48 GMT -8
"I want them back so much, but I know they're long gone. Why? Do you know of a way to get them back? Because I would greatly appreciate getting all of my stuff back if you know of a way."
“Certainly, milady. Just leave it to me and you shall see your belongings returned to you. Simply write a list of what was lost along with any details you can remember about those involved and I’ll be sure to make the necessary calls.” Adrasteia was already contemplating his next mode of action. Should he involve himself with the criminal underworld and personally retrieve the items for her? No, as butler to Memini Veritas it would be more in his favor to remain inconspicuous rather than risk acquiring an enemy by directly bloodying his hands. Should he contact his mafia associates? No, such action was unnecessary unless some significant adverse circumstances arose and additionally it might attract attention from the authorities. On the subject of authoritative figures… maybe it would suffice to simply employ Johnnie Michalchuk into his services. The cop was a professional and for a comfortable sum he could get the job done with both proficiency and efficiency. So it was settled, Adrasteia would simply have to invite Johnnie for a drink at the Burlesque where he would present both the payment and the details of the ‘assignment’.
“Please, Sabrina, don’t mistake my silence for offence. I was simply pondering the possibilities and options available to us in retrieving your possessions. Please rest assured that I am not so narrow minded as to be insulted by a maiden’s wish for privacy. Furthermore, I believe this is the typical sum for a deposit for a piano instructor. Besides, I originally intended to purchase a few bottles of alcohol with that money and since it’s currently the era of the prohibition you would be saving me from breaking the law if you were to accept the money.” Adrasteia smiled, that last comment about the alcohol might slightly stain Sabrina’s picture of him yet he felt that with her personality it was the only way he would succeed in convincing her to accept the cash.
“Furthermore, you need not worry about some simply lessons ruining your friendship. Indubitably, that child is bound to complain and whine…maybe even threaten if he’s in a foul mood but for those he cares about his words will always be empty. In fact I would recommend that if you not tolerate his misbehavior. Subjects that usually shut him up are his height, high-pitched voice and his effeminate appearance. If you so much as make a slight implication about something along those lines he’ll generally become more obedient.” Laughing, Adrasteia added, “You can even imply that you’ll coerce him into a dress and make him wear it somewhere in the public domain. The warning of public humiliation always works.”
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 11, 2011 9:07:08 GMT -8
Sabrina watched him carefully as he thought over their options. She wondered what he was thinking about. "Oh, I couldn't possibly make a list of everything that was stolen... There was so much." She thought about it for a minute. "I can't remember for sure, but my father might have had a mark monogramed or carved into everything valuable... I think it was a fancy 'M'... Hopefully that was the case."
She grinned a little when she heard that he was going to buy some wine with the money. "You're awful," she teased. After her run-in with Lefou as he was bootlegging, she didn't find it too surprising to hear that people bought alcohol. It didn't affect her perception of Adrasteia at all.
"That sounds awfully mean, though," she said, though couldn't help giggling a little at the thought of Memini in a dress. "I don't want to insult poor Memini. But I guess I'll have to just to if he doesn't listen... I'll do my best, Adrasteia. Thank you so much." She smiled gratefully at him, obviously forgetting about all of her troubles that had been making her so upset just minutes before.
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Post by Rad on Jul 11, 2011 18:00:08 GMT -8
“You’re more than welcome, Sabrina. Now would you prefer to attend the auction and re-purchase some of your belongings yourself or would you rather remain here for the day? Depending on your selection I can either drive you to the location of the auction or prepare some tea for you and your father as we discuss Memini’s future lesson plans. The decision rests entirely with you. However, let us escape this labyrinth first.” Having said this, Adrasteia held out his hand to her; it adhered to the conventional customs of higher society for a gentleman to lead a lady and judging by Sabrina’s upbringing Adrasteia assumed that Sabrina would be more inclined towards his assistance rather than the alternative of finding a way out by herself.
{Meanwhile at the Lillington Bank Auction}{OoC: The following events are occurring at the Lillington Bank Auction}
Having permitted his chauffeur to wonder about the Matthews’ former property upon arrival, Memini had retreated to the main guest hall away from the glaring rays of the summer sun. Here, also, was where the refreshments were located and not having eaten breakfast or lunch he was quite literally ecstatic at the sight of the free meals arranged so extravagantly before him. As the other potential buyers were still preoccupied with viewing the property Memini took this opportunity to scoff down as much food as he could, looking quite unrefined as he attacking each morsel like a starved man much to the shock of the attendants.
“Oh heavens, such uncivilized behavior! It can only be Memini Veritas!” A haughty voice exclaimed as a rather plump old lady entered the room. Something about the figure seemed familiar yet as Memini struggled to recall the name attached to the face his offender decided not to waste time and simply disclose her name herself. “Ah yes, I had anticipated that you would have a memory deficit, especially after such a tragedy. If you cannot recall, my name is Mrs. Hamilton. Sara Jean Hamilton, to be precise and I’ve known both you and Sabrina since you two were born! I do say that YOU certainly have changed for the worse since that…unfortunate incident.”
“Well, since you were evidently such a good acquaintance of the Matthews’ family why are you here as a scavenger seeking to make a profit from their misfortune?” Memini retorted, a smirk spreading over his cream-covered lips before he returned his attention to the array of desserts and stuffed another scone into his mouth.
“Pardon me, young man! I am here on SELFLESS reasons, I say. SELFLESS reasons!” The flustered and indignant Mrs. Hamilton replied. “I am simply here to secure the property so that it doesn’t fall into enemy hands! Hmph! After all, what’s an aging lady got to do with the world of profit and business? I already live quite comfortably and have no descendents. I have no need to earn anything for anyone! I intend to return this estate to Sabrina FREE OF CHARGE when she becomes an adult. I had such high expectations for the both of you but since you seem so intent on ruining your reputation with your slovenly ways I will not stand by whilst a measly depression destroys Sabrina’s future happiness. I am not here for myself I am here for her.”
“I’m here on moral grounds too, and have the same purpose in mind.” Memini responded with a rather ashamed expression on his face as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Ohohoho, well that’s just wonderful! Why not agree to combine our funds for this auction so that we have an improved chance of obtaining this estate? Of course, it will be on the condition that the deed to this estate and other proof of ownership will be written in Sabrina’s name. Do we have a deal, young Veritas? If so let’s shake on it.” Mrs. Hamilton offered, holding out her hand to Memini.
Cleaning his hands off on a napkin Memini was surprised that his image of Mrs. Hamilton as an arrogant, nasty and pompous old hag would contrast so much with the reality of the situation. However, in retrospect, the only memory Memini had that was even remotely connected to Mrs. Hamilton had been that dastardly incident with her cat which had literally left quite a nasty impression on his face. Then again, he reason that the lady’s pets would not be a good representation of her own disposition itself and it had been both illogical and foolish of him to have thought so in the first place. Without a second more of thought, Memini too Mrs. Hamilton’s hand in a firm grasp and shook on their agreement.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 11, 2011 19:39:40 GMT -8
Taking Adrasteia's hand, Sabrina smiled and followed him. "Maybe I should go," she said. "Hopefully I make a surprised look on those scavengers' faces!" She grinned and made the many twists and turns to the exit. "Would you mind coming, though? You've already done so much for me, I don't want to inconvenience you further." She really hoped that he was really okay with doing all of what he'd done.
"But I will want to discuss those classes whe we get back," she said. When she saw the exit, she hurried toward a car that was there. "It's really not a long way," she said. "So hopefully this won't be long." She placed the money carefully in her pocket so she wouldn't lose it. That would be such a tragedy.
When they arrived, one of the first thing she'd seen was all of the fancy foods set out for the guests, and her anger flared up again. Nearly free possessions that rightly belonged to her, and free food. The nerve of those salesmen. Then she saw Memini with a very pudgy old woman, who she barely remembered as Mrs. Hamilton. "What are they shaking hands about?" she wondered quietly to herself.
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Post by Rad on Jul 11, 2011 20:45:27 GMT -8
Just as they finished confirming their agreement, a pronounced cry of joy escaped Mrs. Hamilton’s lips as she spotted a figure walking towards them, “Sabrina dear! We were just talking about you! Fear not, hun, we will get this property back for you!”
Sabrina? Why was she here? How had Adrasteia convinced her to come? It defied all logic! Staggering backwards, Memini attempted to support himself on one of the food-baring tables. Since these were merely temporary stands which were not designed to support such weight, the imbalance created by Memini’s rather abrupt application of force promptly tipped the table. As it flipped, Memini fell rather painfully on his bottom whilst the array of food hurtled through the air to land randomly about the place, creating a mess wherever their trajectory ended.
A rather appealing cupcake even attempted to assault Sabrina before Adrasteia caught it. Passing it to Sabrina, he asked, “Would you like to sample a cupcake, milady?”
“Oh goodness, Memini you really have made an utter fool of yourself…” Mrs. Hamilton stated, watching the attendants scurrying to clean up the chaos created by the scattered desserts. “That may take them a while to clear up.”
Blushing, Memini attempted to pick himself up off the ground, noticing that a cake had tangled itself in his hair only when it finally liberated itself to plop contentedly onto his lap. At this moment, Adrasteia could finally contain his amusement no longer and broke into a bout of laughter. “Ahahaha, oh it’s pink icing too! Young master, you’ve really outdone yourself this time!”
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