[color=gray]Lerick had been tailing the carriage since the two vampires had hopped aboard. Cornelius already briefed him before he left town on the details of their new guests, right down to wild glint in the woman's eye. It seemed that they were arriving early, no doubt the voodoo woman had her own agenda, and didn't seem the type to adhere to other's schedules. He followed along at a safe distance, hoping to catch bits of conversation. Cornelius had not explained in full disclosure the reason for bringing the Elder and her childe to the manor, only that it was of utmost importance. Unfortunately both vampires were silent during their ride. When the carriage reached the edge of the woods, it stopped and they descended at a leisurely pace down the small one lane track through the forest. This was when Lerick left the watching to the Shadows nearby, and took on quick foot to the manor. Lerick, once at the manor, promptly headed to Cornelius' [url=https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5497/10525072576_dd38547726_b.jpg]study[/url], rapping on the door lightly.[/color] "Enter." [color=gray]A gruff voice called from behind the thick oak doors. Lerick obliged. He shut the door behind him and stood tall, hands folded neatly behind him. Cornelius was at his desk, eyes scanning the pages of a worn leather book. After a moment he snapped it shut, and placed it among others on his desk. He motioned in the air for Lerick to speak.[/color] "Sir, the guests will be here in less than ten. They came by carriage, accompanied by a human driver until they reached the property. I did not witness their arrival to the Prudence. The woman brought her fledgling as you thought." [color=gray]Cornelius nodded slowly then stood. He walked toward the back of the room where the wall was nothing but glass, revealing the lush green forest of Prudence. Fog circled the trunks, and the sky was starting to lighten. He grabbed an oil lantern from the hook near the wall and lit it before drawing the curtains closed. He then stood beside the desk, lantern in hand.[/color] "Let us greet them, shall we?" [sub][color=gray]------------------------------------[/color][/sub] [color=gray]Vivienne had heard the knock echo throughout the foyer as she stood in a nearby room chatting with another coven member, pondering at who might be at their door unexpected. She gave a quick dismissing nod to Iris before she pattered down the hall and opened the tall sturdy doors. Before her stood a male and female vampire, both with highly distinguishable features. The male's eyes looked to her beneath full sturdy brows, a rather posh looking mustache twitching with either impatience or agitation. The dark skinned woman stood with a posture demanding respect, her gaze unwavering. Before Vivienne could speak, Lerick and Cornelius were approaching down the hall, and she stood aside for her Elder. Cornelius glanced from the female to the male briefly before taking a half step backward and motioning them inside.[/color] "Welcome Mama Lion, and guest." [color=gray]Vivienne was standing across from Lerick, at Cornerlius's side, and he was looking at her with furrowed brows.[/color] [color=darkgray][i]'She may be reputable, but her fledgling is not. I believe him to be a con artist, or at the very least a privateer, as if there is a difference.'[/i][/color][color=gray] Lerick mused silently.[/color] [color=darkgray][i]'Cornelius does not to business with criminals, brother, you would be wise to hold your tongue.'[/i][/color][color=gray] Vivienne warned[/color] [color=darkgray][i]'How would you know who he does business with, you're not even on the council. All I'm-'[/i][/color] [color=darkgray][i][b]'Hush!'[/b][/i][/color] [color=gray]She hissed silently, her words bellowing in his mind. Lerick breathed forcibly through his nose and watched as the guests entered. Cornelius glanced to Lerick, his eyes questioning.[/color]