[Center][h1][color=CD7F32]The Meeting[/color][/h1][/center]

[Color=CD7F32]"Only some acquaintances of mine. They have paid a good sum to partake in this hunt. A few at this table may also be partaking, should they choose to."[/color] The masked man replies to Barghest while motioning to a nearby servant. Mortimer whispers something to them and they take off to another adjoining room. Mortimer shifts slightly to look at Annie with an amicable smile.

[Color=CD7F32]"Oh, by the gods, no. This is not the material plane at all. We are in a specially created space, one of my colleagues here, "[/color] he gestures to a woman in an eagle mask [color=CD7F32]"made specifically for this game of ours. Due to what we are doing, we wanted a plane that could be secured against unwanted persons. Or unwanted escapes. While it does make bringing people here problematic at times, it is a measure that has allowed us to keep our sport going."[/color]

The servant Mortimer had whispered to, returned from the room with a silver chalice inlaid with crimson gems in hand. He makes a beeline for Cedess, offering it to the impertinent man. Mortimer looks over to Cedess with a flat expression. [Color=CD7F32]"Will this do or do you require it more 'fresh'? If so, take your pick from the servants. Spare the dramatics of going for the neck if you would be so kind. It makes an awful mess and would ruin the upholstery. Why go through all that when you can draw from an arm no?"[/color] A thin smile starts across Mortimer's face. [Color=CD7F32]"You can do it yourself yes? Or does Benjamin need to fetch a blade to open a wound for you?"[/color]

While Mortimer is addressing the others, the man wearing the mask of a bear looks at who sits across from him. Eleanor sees the realization in his eyes, and his expression turns to anger. He shot a glare down towards Mortimer, mouthing something at the host while fidgeting with a copper ring. Mortimer makes eye contact with him, replying with a gesture signifying it would be discussed later, before he directs his attention to Eleanor.

[Color=CD7F32]" Apologies my dear. Normally, Stefan knows how to handle all participants with care. He must have gotten a bit overzealous. I can have someone tend to your wounds should you wish."[/color]

The rest of the masked individuals quietly look around the table while the conversation continues. Some seem to be evaluating the new arrivals, almost like they are deciding which one they might want to pursue. Two others notice the tension between the bear man and Mortimer, quietly waiting to see what would unfold. All are eating from the food at the table drinking fresh-poured wine.