if she'd been covered with glitter

[maleficum]

Comments

[unforgivably]

Company of the vampire variety?

( Damon and Melanie follow Scarlett's trail. Damon disposes of the body she left behind, it's the least he can do. He's impressed she avoided the barracks. She always liked the finer things. But she didn't keep the apartment in a state he'd expect her to keep it in. It's confounding, really, but it gives him the focus he needs. )

[indurare]

["Oui. They call themselves the Ivory Tower. A pile of pretentious bastards if you ask me, but they were intrigued with Scarlett."

That doesn't exactly strike Melanie as good. And she hasn't really heard of the Ivory Tower beyond jokes and rumors (13).]

I didn't think they were a real thing.

[unforgivably]

( Damon comes from the 'New World,' ever the small town man turned military deserter. He was Mystic Falls high society, but not Paris'. It doesn't ring any bell (4), nor does he remember Sage or her compatriots mentioning them. To Damon, they're not a thing. But, he's not delusional to think that there isn't a world beyond Mystic Falls, Virginia.

Here he goes, expanding his world view and maybe rescuing a ... *friend. )

Pretensions aside, is Scarlett as besotted with them as they are to her?

[indurare]

["Hard to say. She hasn't really been herself lately. But she didn't resist them either."

Melanie doesn't want to just take that without seeing Scarlett for herself, so:]

Do you know where we can find them?

[Their contact shrugs. "They have these salons. I'll see if I can find out where the next one is going to be."]

Thank you.

[unforgivably]

They're one of those groups. My father maintained an idle fascination with a group in town. All politics and theatricality. Nice to know people celebrate the sentiment in other countries.

( Damon went once and found it rather boring. )

[indurare]

["Not my cup of tea either. But I can't deny they have resources, and they've developed ways for their kind to not draw attention."

Hence the salons.]

I don't particularly care one way or another so long as Scarlett is alright.

[unforgivably]

And in her right mind.

( That matters more. )

[indurare]

[Melanie doesn't know if their friend can promise that. She's willing to bet that Scarlett isn't going to be in good shape for a while, but Melanie's willing to wait it out.

It takes a few hours but their French friend returns with an address for the latest salon, and Melanie passes it to Damon.]

It's not far from where Scarlett was staying.

[unforgivably]

( Damon reads the address. )

How do they take to newcomers?

[indurare]

["They don't mind visitors. Likely because they're trying to recruit to their ranks. But if they ask, say Michele invited you."

Melanie nods, finishing her drink and getting to her feet.]

Shall we?