(OPEN)

[cleptes]

WHO: Bela and YOU
WHERE: Across all of the cities
WHEN: March 15th - March 31st
WHAT: Drinking, possible heist plotting, class (3 different prompts)
WARNINGS: None so far. Will update if necessary


Bar Hopping (all porter cities, various dates):

Wine is Bela's drink of choice tonight. She's opted for a Chardonnay, her favourite kind. The booth she was sitting at was in the corner, tucked away in a quiet spot. Despite her chosen location, Bela wouldn't be completely opposed to some company, familiar or not. If a friend wanted to stop by for a quick chat she wouldn't ignore them; maybe she would even offer to buy them a drink in order to persuade them to stay a while longer.

As for the topic of possible conversations, it would depend on whom Bela was talking to. Anything personal about herself was restricted to only the closest of friends. She wasn't entirely comfortable with disclosing certain details. If someone came close to the truth she was quick to lie, putting together a story if necessary.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a waiter who had come over to top up her drink. She nods a thank you as he fills her glass, taking a sip from it after he moves to another table.

Now that was the kind of service she could get used to.



Shopping District; Heropa:

Every so often Bela would scope a place out, just for fun.

Okay, mostly for fun.

There was always a thought at the back of her mind, the kind of thought which reminded Bela about her career back home and how she funded her lifestyle. It wasn't the first time that she has stolen something here, lifted from a pocket or two - that was the kind of thrill Bela enjoyed seeking.

She was sitting at a table outside a cafe sipping on a cup of tea. From here Bela could see what she wanted to see, the perfect vantage point without arousing suspicion from any passersby.

The jewellery store was quaint and in the middle of a busy street. Beside it was a boutique which sold exclusive and exquisite clothes. Both had their own individual appeal (as well as risks) and Bela could not decide on what one she should go for, if any. Maybe it would need to be a two, even three person job. Which meant splitting the takings.

Hmm.

This may require a little more thought.

A little while later, when Bela is finished with her scoping, she leaves her empty cup and a tip for the waiter on the table before taking a gander around the shops.

Feel free to stop her for a chat (or if you're super observant, question Bela about what she was doing earlier.)



Maurtia Falls, Residence 002 and thereabouts - Open to housemates and anyone who may be lurking/visiting!

It was almost two years since Bela set foot in this apartment. She had seen roommates come and go during that time, even becoming friends with some of them. Bela did still think about moving to a place of her own, somewhere bigger and possibly within a different city. But her business was here and she was on very good terms with people who had influence. That was something she couldn’t ignore.

She was currently standing on the porch outside, leaning against the wall. The weather was not bad for March, a little cool but at least it was dry. The reason for Bela being outside was simple, she just needed some air. A stuffy apartment did not make for a good mood. It also allowed her to people watch - not that there was a lot of activity going on outside her apartment right now.

Bela stretches and rolls her shoulders to get the stiffness out of her body, exhaling softly. She felt a little tired due to working late last night at the antique store. This seemed to be her usual routine now, a lot different than what Bela was used to back home.

Part of her preferred that, strange as it seemed.

Comments

Maurtia Falls

[stretchy_girl]

What was life without the finer things? Art, good movies, luxurious accommodation, Gemini enjoyed all three but in this new world she would have to go about getting them from scratch, and to do so would need a little expert advice on what to steal and where.

Maurtia Falls wasn't the best place for at she'd been told, but that hadn't stopped her making enquiries in shady places and a certain someone's name had been given to her. That name had led her to an Antique Shop and then to an apartment number, black avian wings carrying her over the city and towards her goal.

The crow glides in to land out of sight around a corner, and a moment later a young casually dressed man in shirt and jeans wanders round, making a beeline right to Bela's porch with a warm smile.

"I'm looking for a Bela Talbot, are you her?"

[cleptes]

There were a handful of people that knew where Bela lived, and this guy was not one of them. Naturally, she was suspicious of him. What exactly were his intentions?

"Depends on who is asking and what you want." She replies flatly, still not keen to trust him. It's times like this Bela wished she had her firearm at hand just in case.

"State your business."

[stretchy_girl]

Catching the suspicion in the woman's glare, the young man held out his hands to show that he wasn't carrying a weapon and put on a winning smile, stopping a good couple of feet away so she wasn't threatened.

"My name's Adam Chandler and I can assure you I'm not here to cause any trouble Ms Talbot. I've been asked to come here and contact you by a third party and act as an intermediary, nothing more."

[cleptes]

Bela remains exactly where she was, still suspicious. But she decides to hear him out, see what he had to say. "Is that so, Adam? Well, it's not very often that I get a house call from an interested party. Especially someone who doesn't seem to want come meet me themselves."

She crosses her arms and watches Adam closely.

"How did you know where to find me?"

[stretchy_girl]

"I'm sure it isn't. However my...client said she in't quite ready to meet you face to face at this time." Adam nods smoothly, looking slightly apologetic.

Standing on the porch steps he leans casually against the wall, looking out over the viewoutside and checking for onlookers before continuing.

"My client gave me your address and told me to meet you here, I hope I'm not intruding?"

[cleptes]

"You are intruding. It would be different if you had come to my antique shop instead."

Suffice to say, Bela is not impressed by his or his client's behaviour. But then again, there could be money to be made here. Money talks in Bela's world.

"I think I'd prefer it if she actually came to me instead of sending me her representative. Although, she must have her reasons for doing so."

Internal sigh. Then-

"What does she want?"

[stretchy_girl]

"I'm sorry that she couldn't be here to speak to you herself, but actually my client did go to your shop, she said to tell you that your security system is very good, but really not much an obstacle." Adam shrugged apologetically, continuing on.

"But don't worry, she didn't take anything, that's her special talent you see, she can slip in virtually anywhere undetected, I'm sure that someone in your line of work could see how useful that could be?" A line of work that 'Adam' knew to be outside the lines of the law.

"As for what my client wants, shall we say she's looking for an art adviser to help her build her future collection?"

Maurtia Falls

[song_of_ice]

It had been a long day, started much earlier than Jon would prefer, but had grown used to at the Wall. Up before dawn to begin his tasks, one of them now being to help the construction of Baelish's library. He had stayed longer than intended, lost in his work and the mindless routine it offered him.

It felt like a long walk back to the porter, his muscles stiff from work. To at least get his blood flowing again, he took a different route, passing the apartments and different scenery than his usual route. He had come alone, having left Ghost at the farmhouse to look after his family. The lack of company and isolation did little to improve his mood, even though it was a state he normally preferred.

Stopping for a moment to let him catch his breath, he glanced towards the nearest apartment building and spied a familiar face. He blinked in confusion, trying to place her before recognition came.

"My lady," he nodded his head at her.

[cleptes]

Well, well, well. She didn't expect to see him by her house. It was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise; Bela could not help smiling back at Jon.

"Jon Snow." She greeted him warmly before descending the steps of her apartment, resting casually against the fence with her arms by her sides. "How lovely it is to see you again. Especially in much better circumstances." Of course Bela was going to turn on the charm and hit Jon with everything she has.

His good looks still haven't eluded her.

"Do you have time for a drink? I'm not expecting any guests so you wouldn't be intruding."

[song_of_ice]

She at least remembered him. So much had happened during the blackout and so much time had passed, he wasn't certain whether or not she'd recognize him. Their acquaintance had been brief, brought about by Baelish more than anything else.

Her charm managed to coax a smile from the otherwise terse man. He hadn't failed to notice that she was beautiful and her accent intrigued him. There was a mystery about her, just as there was one about Baelish. He didn't know what to expect or what to think of Bela.

"I have nothing urgent in need of my attention. I should like a moment to sit and rest." He felt exhausted and sore from the work, but the idea of sitting with pleasant company eased his mind. "Are you well?"

[cleptes]

It was quite chaotic, the blackout. She wouldn't deny that. But despite only spending a short amount of time with Jon, Bela wasn't about to forget him. He had managed to make an impression upon her.

"Good." Bela replied with a smile. "And yes, I am well. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, which I'm taking as a blessing."

She gestured to the front door which was slightly ajar. "Come in and tell me how you've been since we last spoke. I want to hear it." The charm remained intact, accompanied with an easy going voice.

[song_of_ice]

He hadn't forgotten her either or the charm she displayed. There was something compelling about Bela, enough to raise his interest now that their paths had crossed again.

There was a moment of hesitation, but was gone at the thought of sitting and resting his limbs. Despite being used to the cold, he wanted to get out of the chill and warm his blood again.

"There is little to tell, but thank you. I should be glad to come in." He followed after her, taking a moment to admire the surroundings. "This was the home they gave you when you arrived?"

[cleptes]

"Yes. This place was waiting for me when I arrived. Alongside the antique shop as well - they seem to have thought of everything."

She led Jon to the living room which was a decent size and had nice, comfortable furniture in it. Bela made sure to have the best as possible within her budget. This made things a whole lot more bearable.

"I've added my own flair to it of course but overall, this is what it has always looked like. What about your home here?"

Maurtia Falls

[flowerette]

Raina popped by Bela's place with a bag of Thai cuisine (vegetarian, of course) and a bottle of wine, grinning at her friend on the porch as she held up the items. "I do hope you haven't eaten. Sorry for coming over unexpectedly. I was just in the area and thought I'd give you a little bit of sane company."

She wasn't sure if Bela still lived in a house of children and teenagers. But she could do to have a bit of adult company for the evening!

[cleptes]

"Not at all, darling. You are always welcome to stop by at anytime." Bela returned the smile warmly. "And no, I haven't eaten yet so this would be absolutely perfect."

Thankfully, Bela's house was child and teenager free. She didn't want that to change any day soon.

"Please come in and make yourself comfortable. I can fetch us some glasses for the wine."

[flowerette]

She grins at Bela's invitation and follows her into the house, heading to the kitchen to set the bag on the table and take some of the items out just to help set things up for them.

"How have things been, sweetheart? Meet anyone new and interesting lately? Our imPorts just seem to be getting younger and younger with each port in, don't they?"

[cleptes]

"Everything has been fine, thanks for asking." Bela replies, taking out two wine glasses from the cupboard. "And they do, yes. I have seen quite a few imPorts coming in whom seem like they just got out of high school."

She doesn't waste time in pouring them each a glass of wine, addressing Raina's other question afterwards.

"Well, I did meet a dashing looking man a few weeks ago. Circumstances weren't ideal at the time, but I hope to talk to him again."

[flowerette]

"Ohh? Is he fuckable?" Raina glances at Bela with amusement. Dashing looking men weren't the same as fuckable men, of course. If their personalities were intolerable or they were boring, they usually weren't worth the effort. But goodness, Raina would love to see Bela have a steady someone. Even if it's someone she uses for money, fame, or whatever else they may provide.

Her best gal pal only deserves the best, after all!

[cleptes]

"Absolutely." Bela looks just as amused as her friend. "Although, I think he may be a little shy. Which only makes him all the more interesting to me." Because she would dominate the hell out of him.

Bela fetches some plates and cutlery, laying them out on the kitchen counter. "I love how concerned you are about my sex life, Raina. It's rather sweet." She teases, giving Raina's arm a slight nudge with her own.

Residence 002 - So late

[moon_in_her_hair]

[ooc: Have a quiet roommate who I should have introduced sooner.]

Alice had kept to herself since her arrival, preferring to remain in her room and absorb the information she received at the facility. Had she a choice, she would have stayed locked away for weeks, but there was a job that had been arranged for her and it was somewhat nice to be surrounded by the familiar. She would rise early each morning and leave before the others were awake and come back in the evening when it seemed they were still out.

It was only a matter of time before they crossed paths, but Alice hadn't expected it to be when she was still wearing her large gown from the re-enactment site. Her skirts were held in her hand, allowing her to step easily over the curb and sidewalk. She stopped short of the stairs as she saw the young woman, apparently enjoying the air and the night.

"I didn't mean to disturb you."

[cleptes]

[ooc: Not to worry! Sorry for the late reply.]

The hours that Bela kept during the week were not always so regular; in fact, she sometimes spent the night at her shop when she was working particularly late. When Bela wasn't at work she was socialising or going to the shopping districts in another city away from Maurtia Falls.

Bela looked up at the sound of a voice and noticed Alice standing there just a few feet away. She's quiet for a moment while she took in the newcomer, noting the dress. Then she smiled.

"You didn't disturb me. Don't worry. Are you alright?"

Figuring she should ask that.

[moon_in_her_hair]

"I'm fine." The voice is soft at first as she adjusts to seeing an unfamiliar place in the equally familiar place that was meant to be her home. It was still an adjustment and she had never paid much thought to it. There was simply rest, quiet, work. Having someone about meant that she couldn't sneak away like a shadow.

"I'm Alice." A long overdue introduction. She flushed as she looked towards Bela, her hands fidgeting together. "I should have introduced myself before. You live here as well?"

There were two that she knew of, but hadn't seen. At least now she could put a face and name to the figures she avoided.

[cleptes]

"Hello, Alice. My name is Bela. It's nice to meet you." She nodded at the question. "I do live here. For close to two years now."

In that period her housemates had come and gone, sometimes leaving without a warning. Even then, Bela didn't get to interact with them all of the time. "I'm sorry that I haven't spoken to you before now. I don't always keep such sociable hours."

"How long ago did you arrive to this place?" Just so she could put into perspective.

[moon_in_her_hair]

"Two years?" So long? It seemed so strange that someone could be held here for that length of time, but why should it be so? They were brought in for some purpose. They would remain here until they were deemed no longer useful.

So why do I remain when there are others better suited?

She shook her head, "No, I should have introduced myself before. I don't prefer to socialize very often, so I have only been attending the profession I was provided."

The question formed a knot in her stomach. It felt like an eternity. "Near a fortnight."

[cleptes]

"I see."

Socializing with other people may help her in the long term, but if it wasn't her style then there wasn't much that Bela could do about it. At least she was going to her job everyday.

"Goodness. That's not long at all." Stating the obvious, but she was trying to put it into perspective. "Am I correct in assuming that you haven't had much time to properly familiarize yourself with the city?"