Uriel

When Uriel stepped into the private gardens of Torrwood Manor he found a teaming mass of lavishly dressed mage and the businesses men who dared to throw their lot in with them. A quickly cast glamour gave him a dark gray suit and elegant white gloves. With so many roaming about none noticed his sudden appearance and he strode through the gardens uninhibited. All around sprawling beds of lavender, daffodil, and bluebells wove between perfectly trimmed bushes, each manicured into the shape of an exotic animal. In one corner a family of giraffes looked over at a prowling tiger in another as it stalked a swan in midflight. Marble statues posed shyly to line the gravel walkway their attire displaying styles from every century and culture in history. Tonight, the gardens were decorated by tables and milling guests. Baby's breath and pink roses were artfully scattered throughout the towering arrangements of food and servants wove their way through the crowd presenting their platers of wine-filled glasses.

The beast's interest stirred with the proximity of all the powerful mage and its hunger flared back to life.

Ignoring the beast Uriel went to the opulent wrap-around deck. Large French doors lay open, their frosted glass depicting a whimsical scene of flowering forests and nesting birds. Inside was a lavish sitting room lit by a red crystal chandelier and an army of twisted candelabras while a bright blaze set deep within the fireplace warmed the space. Elizabethan furniture decorated the room while men and women milled about socializing in small groups as they drank expensive wine. One such group clustered around a low sofa where the host of tonight's events lounged amid her more honored guests.

"Anything is obtainable," she told them with a perfectly cultured English accent before taking a sip from the tall thin glass she held. Her sickly-sweet voice grated against the beast's sensitive hearing and Uriel, resisting the urge to hiss, approached with a smile just as sweet.

"True, but only for the right price."

The small crowd turned at Uri's comment, parting to reveal a golden-haired beauty. Lips as red as roses curled seductively and amber eyes lit with wicked delight. Wearing a deep crimson dress with a plunging neck and long flowing skirt splayed out like a silken pool of blood around her, she was regal queen in the palace of her own making.

"Darling!" she purred holding out her unoccupied hand. "You came."

Uriel took her hand in his own gloved one and bent to place a kiss on the massive ruby that graced one finger. There was so much glamor surrounding her Uriel wondered how she didn't choke on it; the beast however was delighted.

"Victoria," he returned in greeting "How could I not when such a beauty requests my presence."

She let out a high breathy laugh.

"Such a charmer." With a flick of her hand, she dismissed her guests. "Go," she told them "Mingle, I shall be with you shortly." She stood to gracefully balance on tall strappy heels and Uriel politely offered an arm. Setting her drink on a passing tray, she slid both hands around the crook of his elbow, and the two mage made to exit the room.

"Tell me, dearest, why have you come? It isn't often you choose to grace my humble home."

"Humble," he scoffed, leading her into the hall. "Hardly. but a little bird told me you require my services."

"Ah, business. You know you can come to visit me for... other reasons." She emphasized other with a suggestive glide of her hand down his arm and caressed the inside of his wrist through the material of his glove.

The beast twisted with delight.

It wanted out, it wanted to touch.

Uriel forced the beast to be still and held his power carefully in check.

"Had I known I was invited; I would have come sooner."

Victoria drew him to a halt and opened a gilded oak door

"And have the King complain of your absence, I think not. Your too busy trying to save the world, or is it end it, I can never remember which one it is these days."

"Saving it of course," They entered another sitting room this one much smaller, with a more modern design of marble, leather, and sharp corners. "Well, at least the fun parts, that is."

Victoria immediately went to the bar at the back and began to pour drinks while Uriel sat in one of the dark blocky chairs. Stretching out long legs he watched Victoria as she returned with a glass in each hand, his head tilted ever so lightly. She handed one to him and he took the offered beverage. Raising the glass, he inhaled, then raised an eyebrow.

"Vodka, very good." She beamed at him and took her own seat, sprawling back to create a picturesque display herself. He leaned back, mirroring her position. "Tell me, what is it the great Collector needs so badly this time? A little girl's Doll, another dead king's crown, or is it something less savory? A finger from some forgotten corps perhaps."

"Oh posh, you enjoy tracking down my treasures, don't deny it."

"I wouldn't dream of it" He drawled and drank.

"Actually, I wish to call on your other talents"

"Oh?" he asked, unfazed by the sudden change in subject.

"Henry Emerson."

"Hm, afraid of a little competition?"

Please." She scoffed "don't insult me. No, he's just become a rather inconvenient annoyance. In the last few months, he's made it his mission to keep the more powerful Talismans out of the wrong hands and it has cost me several rare items. He is set to attend an auction next week where I plan to bid on a very expensive piece. It would be unfortunate of course if he were... delayed... permanently."

"Very unfortunate. Makes me wonder what it would take to change such misfortune."

"Five million."

"Hm, do you really think that would be enough to convince fate she should change her plans?"

"When given in pink African diamonds? Yes."

Uriel leaned forward, interest sparking in his eyes.

"Uncut?"

"Of course." She said as if the mere suggestion otherwise was offensive.

"In that case, I think she could be persuaded."

"Wonderful." She gave him a brilliant smile, then stood and gracefully glided to the door. "Come now, the night is young, and my guests will be missing me." She turned at the door to coyly look at him over her shoulder. "Won't you be joining us?"

Standing to follow her out, Uriel shook his head.

"Not tonight, perhaps another time."

She nodded in acknowledgment.

"Next time you are in town, don't hesitate to call on me."