The ride is quite uneventful, Uwin perceptive enough to realize that his master is having more troubles than usual, and Alexi thankful for the time inside his own head. While his mind tumbles over and over things, his heart seems to begin locking off. He recognizes the response, one he has had often from his encounters with his father, and something he has avoided doing since his death. However in this case he thinks perhaps putting them off for now, all the emotions still bombarding his system, and redirects his focus on the task of getting through this meeting.[i]'This group was originally one of my father's, and not one I relish having contact with, however their influence in the slave markets. . .It is imperative that we remain on good terms'[/i] He sighs at the recollection of their last meeting, the man appearing so cold and short sighted that Alexi begged off early, using a false sickness as an excuse to leave early.

When they pull up to the tall dark blue building Alexi had the elf pull right up to the front door rather than the usual place near the end of the walk. This worries Uwin, but as they are in public, none of this worry shows as he holds the car door for his master. Alexi gives him a smile none the less and as soon as Uwin is sure he is in the building the young elf makes all haste to the parking lot. The unwanted stares from the rather busy sidewalk making him want to get out of sight as soon as possible. Most people ignore slaves for the most part these days, but when it comes to a slave with such a simple control device like Uwin, an especially in front of this particular building, more curiosity is to be expected. 

As he parks Uwin's eyes pass over his devices, one on each wrist, and one around the neck. The smooth silken material hides the network of wires that run along his skin. In the event Uwin needs to be controlled, a current would run through the devices, to one another, and stop him cold. Because of elves' natrually magical nature, it is necessary to not only stop the body, but to still the power within, and the current passing over his heart would do just that. [i]'Not that Master Alexi has ever used them. They're just for show. . .'[/i] Having seen some of the control devices used on other races, Uwin has become eternally grateful for his rather simple, and relatively comfortable shackles.

~*~*~*~*~

Alexi refrains from rubbing hims temples in frustration. Well over two hours into his meeting with Mr. Grunblack and Gidian has as of yet to get t the matter at hand. For all his conviction for being efficient and precise, whenever the old man meets with Alexi, whom he's known since childhood through dealings with Alexi's father, it seems ha simple can not help lecturing him on every little thing that has crossed his mind since last they met. [i]'If it was not for the occasional couch from those foul cigars one would assume he has no need for breathing'[/i] Alexi has never understood the habit, smoking being a mark of station almost these days with how rare the tobacco plant has become. Men like Gidian have their own farms, and since the cheaper to make cigarettes were banned centuries ago for their detriment to human health, those of lower class have nearly no access to the nicotine rich leaf. The plant has been changed over the years, so while they are still addictive, they no longer contribute to human ailments.

[i]'Save for the damage they do to one's lungs, however any man rich enough to smoke them often can afford the medicine to summarily repair them. I still fond the practice foul. . .'[/i] There was a time where Mois and Alexi's father tried to get them to take up the habit, and while Mois humored the man for a while, he has long since kicked the habit, only keeping a box around for special occasion when he has to atend an important meeting with Alexi at the house. At those times Alexi politely turns down the offer to partake, but having Mois offer them to the guests is enough to smooth over any social issues with his guests. 

When the meeting finally gets underway Alexi and Gidian quickly work out the contract the younger Vandros came to discuss and within an hour they are ready to sign. “So, Alexi.” The younger male once more holds himself in check as he does not like many using his first name, especially when he has not given them permission. He smiles up at Gidian instead, waiting for the elderly gentleman to go on. “I see you're still riding around town in those out-of-date vehicles, eh? Such an odd habit for a young man to have.” Despite the car he cam in only being thirty years old, it is still considered odd to drive anything less than ten years old, another mark of social status is having an up-to-date model at all times.

Alexi shakes his head lightly, turning his attention back to the contract while he signs. “I find the ride much more enjoyable my old friend.” Though loth to use the word to describe the man, proud owner of a good number of downtrodden slaves, as well as a man who prides himself in the profession of appraising and breeding slaves, but as in many aspects of his life Alexi endures the lie. “And it is not all that old. As you know, I have several over a hundred years old.”

Gidian shakes his head disapprovingly as he too signs. “Yes, that that too is even more disturbing. Living in the past they way you do, it's not healthy!” He goes on for a good long time on this rant, and by the time he notices it is well after when Alexi should have been to the slave market. It isn't until a slave comes int o inform Gidian that his presence is required elsewhere that he glances at the time and laughs. “Ah me, my moth does run away with me sometimes.” He looks over at the dull eyes werewolf gazing blankly at the floor and smiles. Alexi knows the smile and looks away towards the window, unable to see that fierce approval directed at such a broken slave. Alexi and Gidian leave the room together, the slave trailing behind, and at the elevator they part ways, Alexi once more thanking the elderly man for his time. “Think nothing of it lad. Your father was a dear friend of mind, and at the least I can treat his son with my presence on occasion.”

Internally rolling his eyes the younger male bows before stepping on the the elevator. Moving as swiftly as he is capable, which truthfully isn't all that fast in his current state of disgust and slightly trembling muscles from repressing Erik's feelings for so long just to let them loose where they need to be. He manages to keep his breathing steady and as he slides into the back seat of his car his eyes fall closed. The drive will be well over a half an hour and Alexi can feel the need for sleep calling to him. After making sure Uwin knows to head home he gives in to the feeling and in no time at all, he is asleep. Not an uncommon occurrence the elf thinks nothing of it, the time his master decides to take for himself not only none of his business, but a welcomed sight to one who cares for him so much.