#ccsemberclub

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the after hours, even Jazz clubs grow quiet, and the freehold mirroring the club? even quieter. Zara remembers when this rath was that curious niche she noticed. Now she steps through feeling the warmth of the balefire. It is warm wicked and welcoming, and oddly smug with itself.

She extends a spidery hand, as if she could touch the glamour in the air. 1122 is alert, perched behind one batlike ear.

"Careful now, my dear." comes his voice from a table; jolly and a good friend to all.

"Oh?" Dark eyes slide towards the voice, picking out the speaker from the shadows with little difficulty.

"Tea is ready, I hope you like it" A cheery voice

"Mmm.... unless you have need?" Some concern for her.

"I'm sure we will, Dearest."

"Tea? That would be lovely, thank you..."

He rises and bustles out to help.

Indeed, the cups. are elegant, and well arranged.

The booth is set up, and CC begins to pour.

"Do be seated, Miss Zara. So good to see you, and here!"

"Good to see the both of you - it seems it has been so long!"

"It has, how are you and your family dear?"

"It has been -too- long." He agrees, taking his cup when offered. Hm. A bit stiffly. And.... there is a touch more grey at his temples.

CC on the other hand seems vibrant, energetic...perhaps she fed on his life force

Zara's keen gaze notes this, watching - a stir of curiosity. "Longer than I can think, aye."

He sips.

zara finds the tea prepared how she likes it, apparently CC noticed her preferences sometime ago

A little quirk of a smile. "Lovely tea, just perfect. Thank you." A sip.

"Now, catch us up, Miss Zara. How're your family, and your friends?" With a twinkle.

"You're most welcome, dear. " sip of her own

"Mama and Papa are well... I told you of the cruise, yes? It seems to have done well by them."

"The Uncles are busy, Pennons prep already..."

"Already? My word"

"Ah yes. Hm." He glances at CC. "Do you think we should do something for and about the holidays?"

"You know how nockers can be..." A gentle shrug.

"I suppose we should, perhaps a singing or cooking competition?"

"Oh, that could be fun!"

"How much of clashing swords can anyone take, really?"

"Something... discrete?"

"Well, no need to advertise this place to the wrong crowd, of course..."

He nods appreciatively to Zara. "Just so."

"Well, that's true, mmm we can work on the details. "

Sip.

"It sounds lovely, nonetheless."

"Mmm well, whatever we decide we'll try to keep you posted as I'm sure you and Earl would be invited." A look to Emerson "But I believe those plans can wait."

"Mm." A business-like sound, and he sets the tea down as he catches the look. "Miss Zara, we do have some news for you. Quid pro quo."

"I don't think Earl would wish to do one of the noble Pennons... but I could be wrong. He surprises me, a'times."

"Ah."

"Earl seems a quiet sensible boy, pardon, young man."

Sip "And yes, quid pro quo. Zara dear. Would you lie me to withdraw for this part?"

He clears his throat. "I should say she was instrumental in the gathering of this intelligence and... well, she's heard it, as well."

"I would suspect as much, aye. Please, Miss CC - stay."

"Thank you, dear," SHe says, pleased

And stay she does

The boggan slides a file over. "The information is there. The provider I trust utterly, in this matter."

She takes the file, silently flipping through.

CC sips her tea. Letting the young woman process it