Valerii Raven: He trails through the store slowly, circling a statue or a peice of furniture here and there, or reaching out to touch something curiously.

Catie: *hums to herself as she slips into the shop. peering around curiously as he eyes adjust to the change in lighting before heading toward the curtains. kittens, claws, and curtains. not such a nice combination....*

Catie: 5,1,4,4,1,6,

Catie: *and manages to end up blinking at towels instead.....they DO have curtains here, yes?

Valerii Raven: 1,8,6,10,5,2,

Catie: *a soft sigh and small frown. steps into the aisle a bit to look around. sometimes being tiny isn't so much fun...*

Catie: 2,4,4,9,10,3,

Valerii Raven: He blinks when he registers Catie, reaching up to touch the feather on his choker. He takes a deep breath and then steps toward Catie. "Not what you're looking for?" He asks in a voice hardly above a whisper.

Catie: *blinks at the slender young man. he's almost as nice-looking as Chimal. nods shyly* no....i need new curtains. we've a kitten who likes to climb them. and i might try to get my friend Mr. Bliss some, although i doubt he really needs any. *a soft chuckle* the curtains at his place are marvelous with his decor already.

Valerii Raven: "Oh, even beautiful decor needs an update now and again. Curtains are over this way mostly. Tell me about the place...places...maybe I can help." He moves off in the direction of a different corner, walking backward, with little glances behind him.

Catie: *drifts after him, wodnering if he works here* well, my place is quite open. hardwood floors, lots of windows....the living room has leather-upholstered furniture. my room and the guest room are the ones that really need new curtains--i favor lavender and frill. i'm rather a girly sort of person. *chuckle* and the guest bedroom is mostly in pale wood with touches of white and yellow. Xanetia likes that room, though, and she's a black cat. i'm sure you can see the problem there. for Mr. Bliss..*gives a short description of his place, including that wonderful mural*

Valerii Raven: "What color leather?" There is a quick flash of a smile. "And thank you."

Troy Lawrence: He makes his way through the door, on his lunch, giving a slightly imperious look down as the little bell announces his arrival into the place. Back on the job after a week layoff, and already, the young ADA is dealing with headaches. Now, is not for those, though. He straightens out one of his cuffs as he scans the store, looking for something in particular.

Troy Lawrence: 9,5,8,8,

Catie: *a soft chuckle* black. *nods, then tilts her head* thank you? did you decorate Mr. Bliss's place? *dark eyes rounding slightly* you're very good!

Catie: 2,5,10,6,8,10,

Catie: *the bell rings. reflexively looks toward it and gives a soft, shy smile to Troy* i know him, too....

Valerii Raven: "I did, on the general assumption that otherwise he'd have a chair, a bed, and maybe a table." He laughs softly. "And that would just be agitating whenever I dropped by. Is the cat declawed?"

Troy Lawrence: He doesn't immediately see whatever his eyes are searching for, but they do fall on Catie and the young man she's speaking with. A moment's pause, and then, he makes his way over, smiling politely.

Valerii Raven: He looks over at Troy, fingering the feather again. "Cousin of yours, perhaps? He seems a bit old to work with you..."

Catie: *soft laugh* and a chest to hold the things he likes in his hair....you do wonderful work. no, none of the cats are declawed. Xan will get on the guest bed, so i need something pleasing in the way of linens that won't show her fur quite so badly. but the curtains in there and in my room have become the kitten's jungle gym. they're lightweight and light colored--they show clawpricks horribly.

Catie: *gives Rei a small smile* yes, he's family. *tilts her head at Troy, scanning his face breifly before politely dropping her gaze* hello, Mr. Lawrence. how are you tonight? *a sudden blink* i apologize--I'm Catie. *smiles to Rei shyly* it's a pleasure to meet you. and this is Mr. Lawrence.

Valerii Raven: "They make better things for cats to climb on. Do you have any?" He seems almost startled by her introduction. "Valerii Raven, call me Rei, everyone else seems to." Troy gets a slight nod. "Mr. Lawrence."

Troy Lawrence: "Miss Catie." He nods to her, smiling politely as his hands go behind his back. Cool, dark green eyes pass over, looking at Rei appraisingly, and he extended his hand. "Troy Lawrence."

Valerii Raven: Rei reaches out to take Troy's hand, squeezing lightly.

Catie: *chuckles* we have three cats--Xanetia, Bana'ast, and Fiero. Fiero's the curtain-climber--the ladies are refined enough to simply hide under teh beds. when they don't get on them. i've taken the curtains in my room down already. they're simply in a condition that renders them unfit to see.

Catie: have you been doing well, sir? *tilts her head at Troy, careful not to meet his eyes. of course*

Valerii Raven: "They make things for cats, with clawable fabric and perches. Are there windows they can see out of without climbing on anything they shouldn't?"

Troy Lawrence: "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Raven." His grip is firm, strong, though not to the point of pain, of course...the perfect business handshake. He relases Rei's hand and looks over to Catie. "I am well. The last week was a rare vacation week for me, and I have rested myself. I am ready to rededicate myself to my work again. How are you?"

Catie: *ponders the question* i think there are a couple of windows that could be made accessible to them, yes. Fiero's still very young, though. i think it's going to take a little while to really train him not to climb the curtains. i'll look into one of those....cat trees for him. anything to keep the house looking nice! *a soft chuckle, then smiles to Troy* i'm glad you got a chance to relax, sir. you work very hard. i'm doing quite well, thank you.

Valerii Raven: "Rub it with catnip before you put it out for him. If you make it more interesting then curtains, he'll likely stay off them more."

Catie: *grins* i know where i can get fresh catnip, too. i wonder if there's a foot-shaped cat toy on the market. *wry chuckle* Fiero's full name is "fierce eater of toes" for a good reason.

Valerii Raven: That gets a laugh from Rei. "He sounds like quite a handful."

Catie: *nods, chuckling* he is. he's terribly cute, though. Bana, though, is my favorite. and luckily for me, grey fur doesn't show nearly as badly on my coverlet. i'm pretty sure she's decided that she owns the apartment and everyone within it, though.

Troy Lawrence: "Excellent. Im glad you are well." He listens to the conversation idly for a moment, briefly looking around the store. Conversations of cats...to use a word the lawyer never would...meh to him, though he shows no outward disapproval to it.

Catie: *smiles up to Troy* what are you looking for, sir, if i might ask? *tilts her head curiously*

Valerii Raven: "I don't suppose you have any advice on cats, Mr. Lawrence?" There is just a hint of something mischevious in his eyes as he asks that.

Troy Lawrence: He looks back. "My...home office is rather seriously lacking, I am afraid. Actually, most of my home furniture is lacking, as I do not tend to spend much time there. This is something I noticed during my vacation. I believe I need to change that."

Catie: *glances to Rei with a quirked brow. her eyes getting a humored gleam as she notes the mischief....*

: (What sort of business is this?)

Catie: *chuckles softly* i suspect Mr. Rei would be able to advise you far better than i on that matter. i'm likely to try to lead you toward things that suit my tastes. and i have rather feminine tastes.

Troy Lawrence: A glance to Rei, and a slight shake of the head. "I'm afraid not. I'm not a...cat person, Mr. Raven."

Catie: ((upscale home decor/furnishings place. *G*))

: (ah ok, nobody I got would go there)

Catie: ((eek! the nicks, they go poof!))

Valerii Raven: [Fairly upscale import store - lots of furniture and fabric, but also small staues and decorative things.]

Catie: ((*points cheerily to what Rei said* that's a much better DD. ))

Valerii Raven: "I hardly know him, I'm not sure anything I could do would suit him quite like you're thinking. I could make something that matched itself. Matching people is far more difficult."

Troy Lawrence: A nod of acknowledgment to Catie. "I hired someone make suggestions when I first came here to New York...unfortunately, however, it did not work out. He complained greatly of my feng shui being entirely inappropriate for harmony, and more dominating. I disagreed, so I fired him and demanded he leave." Whether he gets the irony of that statement and did it on purpose or not is suspect.

Catie: *ponders this and nods a bit* good point, Mr. Rei. perhaps between the two of us we could advise him, then? *soft chuckle* with his input. of course......

Catie: i don't know much about feng shui at all. i started a book on it but i had to set it aside for other matters. *a slow nod*

Valerii Raven: In the pause before he speaks again, it almost looks like he's about to politely decline. "Mmmmmmmmmm...we could try. Though it is slighty more complicated than just pointing you toward the curtains. I did schedule the next few das for scouting out furniture and such, I suppose I can try to arrange a few more at once without much trouble."

Catie: or, perhaps, if you know any decorators with more agreeable personalities...? *looks between them both speculatively* i would ~guess~ that you, Mr. Lawrence, probably find either good, solid furnishings or rathe rmodern things most comfortable? like...oh, like my Daddy has a wodnerful desk that's been handed down for several generations. it's carved, but not gaudy, and made of nice, polished wood. dark wood--Daddy favors a grave seriousness about his personal furniture.

Troy Lawrence: "Only if it is not a burden to you, Mr. Raven. I would not wish to cause scheduling difficulties for any other clients you may have." A small shrug.

Valerii Raven: "I'm my only other client at moment, Mr. Lawrence, and my current project is running a bit ahead of schedule."

Catie: *tilts her head, curiously, listening to the men*

Troy Lawrence: "Ahh. Very well, then." He nods slightly, and looks to Catie. "I would say...solid is good. I do prefer a more stately, modern touch to my furnishings, yes."

Valerii Raven: "Wood or metal?"

Catie: *nods to Troy seriously* even though i like more delicate things, i prefer furniture that doesn't look like it'll fall to pieces in a moment, myself.

Troy Lawrence: "Wood, definitely. Metal is too...cold. Impersonal. I prefer my surroundings to have a slightly warmer touch." Perhaps to make up for other things, as he stands there, the epitome of formality.

Valerii Raven: "Warm colors also?"

Troy Lawrence: "No, the colors should be darker. Greens and dark browns."

Catie: *tilts her head slightly. that's a difference from Daddy. he likes deep browns and reds.*

Valerii Raven: "That works out well enough. Green works well with copper or gold tones. Or brass. Brass could work out well for that. Do you like those copper fountains? With some bonsai, maybe a few koi...."

Catie: don't bonsai require special care, though? *nibbles her lip thoughtfully* i seem to recall they need to be clipped regularly. they are pretty, though. both soothing and elegant.

Troy Lawrence: "Koi?" He raises an eyebrow. "You mean the fish?" Damn, that would mean he'd have to be around his apartment enough to feed them, or something.

Valerii Raven: "They aren't terrible for upkeep, if you don't mind a little light gardening."

Catie: the nice woman who cleans our home has sort of taken over feeding the cats. i'd not be surprised if Chimal perhaps pays her a bit more to do so. if you've a cleaning lady, perhaps she'd be willing to make sure the koi were fed? *hesitantly offers the suggestion*

Valerii Raven: "Yes, koi the fish. They help keep the water from looking like a giant puddle in a bucket."

Catie: *gives Rei a smile* i might get a bonsai, then, when Fiero's a bit older. i like plants but there's no place for me to try real gardening in our home.

Troy Lawrence: Hmmm...he considers. "The whole thing sounds a little...Eastern...for my tastes. Not that I dislike Eastern styles, mind you. It's simply not really my style, I believe."

Valerii Raven: There is a little twitch at the corners of his mouth. "We could get you one of the designer catfish. Nothing says 'upscale Louisiana bayou' quite like a catfish."

Catie: *purses her lips* isn't there a style of furniture named after one of the French Kings? i'm not sure if my memory is supplying me with the proper style--the heavy, dark wood stuff. *closes her eyes, frowning as she tries to describe it* a lot of things like....carved lion's feet. it just ~looks~ noble and grand. it always makes me think of a masculine version of the Queen Anne style somehow. i think it's from a different era, though.

Troy Lawrence: "Designer...catfish?"

Catie: *she can't stifle a giggle* i think catfish are funny. they have such grumpy faces....

: ((what scene and would Merc be welcome?))

Valerii Raven: "They have long whiskers. Tres elegant." He smirks, just slightly. "Or, if you prefer to live dangerously, I suppose we could find you an alligator...."

Catie: *carefully examines a decorative bowl to keep from giggling some more.*

Valerii Raven: [Fairly upscale import store - lots of furniture and fabric, but also small statues and decorative things. And I always love Merc! I'm sure he can carry things. It's not like Rei can.]

Mercury: ((I just have to ask *S* as he's not everybody's favorite. But he's much less obnoxious these days.))

Valerii Raven: He's still smiling as he picks up his phone. "One moment," he says to Troy. He flips the phone open. "Hello?"

Catie: ((aw...Merc's just a wee foofy cuddlesnuggy-ums. *hides now....*))

Troy Lawrence: All right, now he knows he's being kidded. A hint of a smile on his face, the semblance of amusement there, though more polite then warm. "No. No alligators, please, Mr. Raven. I don't think the condomenium manager would approve."

Catie: *tilts her head up to Troy, speaking quietly* on the note of those copper things...why not a small table fountain? they're soothing. *and hers is put up until the kitten stops trying to imitate Jesus....*

Catie: *giggles softly* it's too bad you are so busy. fish are very soothing to watch. koi would be a wonderful way to relax.

Valerii Raven: "I'm still there. It's just down the street from the Italian place I took you last week. You remember, the one where you were threatening to order the waitress...." There is definite tone in his voice now, and none of it manages to be quite disapproving, only a warm tolerance.

Troy Lawrence: He nods, after a moment's consideration, a brief frown, and a stroking of his chin. "A table fountain may be a possibility."

Catie: *perks up happily* i've seen lots of different styles. some have changing lights or music as options. or even nature sounds. i'd like one of the sort that drips a mist. it's not smoke, though. it's..*thinks* ionized water, if i'm not mistaken. of the non-misting ones, i personally like the ones best that simply have the sound of falling water.

Valerii Raven: He hangs up the phone with a faint shake of his head. "Mercury's coming by. I told him earlier I might need him to carry things around. I know that he knows Catie. Have you met?" He's defaulting to addressing Troy. He's just too well to address Catie on news that's for both of them.

Valerii Raven: "Or one of the wall fountains, just a copper sheet and falling water, might be an option, fairly dramatic and no chance I'll suggest adding plants to it."

Troy Lawrence: "Misting is...interesting." He shrugs. "A bit overly flamboyant, though. If I were to have a fountain, it would be something...subtle. Inobtrusive." A not to Rei. "Something like that could work."

Catie: *blinks and smiles happily. Merc's not really so scary once you actually talk to him. he IS big, though. and...dramatic. perks up* those are interesting to watch. *nods to Rei*

Mercury: He wasn't far away, and finally in he walks. Those who know him may be surprised to note he has removed all of his piercings except for a small diamond stud in each ear and a gold hoop in his lower lip. He is also no longer dressed in his street-rat jeans and t-shirt, but rather nice, tailored clothing that fits him well and shows off his physique. In fact, he is attired well enough so that he doesn't get any dirty looks in this upscale store.

Catie: 9,6,8,6,3,3,

Troy Lawrence: 2,1,3,9,

Valerii Raven: "They are quite nice, escpecially in an office."

Troy Lawrence: He does not note Mercury's presence...presumably too busy considering how the wall fountain would look in his home.

Mercury: 9,6,1,6,6,

Catie: *smiles and gives Merc a little wave, dark eyes approving of the change in attire*

Mercury: After looking around a few corners, he finds them, giving them each a big smile, trying not to do his toothy grin that tends to scare people. "Evening."

Troy Lawrence: He nods in response to Rei's comment, and then gives a glance back at Mercury. "Good afternoon, Mercury." Then he double-takes, blinking.

Valerii Raven: "Good evening." He looks Mercury over with a faint smile from the floor up, smirking just a little as he finally meets his eyes. "Tie's crooked." Which it isn't, but hey....

Mercury: "It's good to see you again, Troy. Have you settled on anything you like here?" Grins at Rei. "Be nice, or I'll wear bow ties and you'll have to be seen with me."

Catie: you look wonderful, Mr. Mercury. *nods cheerfully*

Troy Lawrence: "Ah...not yet, Mercury, no." He shakes his head, quickly finding his semblance of formality again. "You look well."

Mercury: "Thanks, Catie." He preens a bit, but it's mostly out of self-consciousness. Trust Mercury to only be self-conscious when it comes to looking *nice*.

Valerii Raven: "At least I managed to dispose of the yellow one you brought home while you weren't paying attention," he mutters in response to Mercury, but he's still smiling.

Mercury: Troy: "You, too. It's been awhile since we last saw each other." Nods to Rei. "I don't wish to interrupt your flow. Carry on."

Catie: *reaches out and gently pats Merc's wrist* i mean that sincerely.

Mercury: He manages to *not* stick out his tongue at Rei, but he has a look of "I'll get you later" in his eyes.

Catie: *blinks. a yellow bowtie? ew!*

Valerii Raven: "Oh, you interupt everything, you're like a train werck. But at least you'd let me buy you an alligator." And with no more explaination to Mercury of why that's funny, he resumes walking backward toward the curtains. "I was thinking blues this time, and maybe some silver...."

Mercury: Catie: "He's joking about the bowtie," he protests, but quietly as Rei is trying to work.

Troy Lawrence: He's silent, listening to the conversation...using the opportunity to quietly examine the interpersonal relationships between these three.

Catie: *oh, yes! curtains. she should probably go with something not satinyish this time. sigh* Mr. Lawrence, do you have curtains or blinds? *eases closer to the curtains herself*

Catie: *nods to Merc* that's very good. bowties have never been my favorite thing to see a man wear. and a yellow one...well, the thought is actually almost scary.

Valerii Raven: "This shade of green?" He asks Troy, tapping a deep green fabric. "I'm guessing anyway. Dark like oaks and ivy and some evergreens, not like spruce or new clover?"

Troy Lawrence: "I do in fact have blinds, Catie, yes."

Catie: *smiles up to Troy* blinds aren't bad. i'm more fond of curtains, myself, though. easier to clean or change for a new look. and they make a place feel more like somewhere a person lives than a business place.

Troy Lawrence: He looks to the fabric Rei is indicating, and nods, a smile coming to his face. "Exactly, Mr. Raven. You've hit the nail on the head."

Valerii Raven: Rei nods to Troy with a faint smile. "The browns would be dark, warm grain. Have you ever seen koa wood?"

Troy Lawrence: "I'm afraid that I cannot say that I have seen koa wood, no.

Mercury: He looks bewildered at Troy and Rei's conversation. The greens all look alike to him.

Catie: *gives Merc a comforting smile. she can tell the difference in the greens--but she's never even heard of koa wood*

Mercury: "I'm just here to lift and carry," he mumbles quietly to Catie.

Catie: *chuckles to Merc, murmuring back* i'm hear for new curtains. light purple ones. *nods slowly*

Mercury: "You mean lavender." He's sure of it.

Catie: *nods happily* yes. it's my favorite. *chuckles*

Valerii Raven: "More often medium brown, but with amazing patterns and gold tones. It would make for either great accents in a room, or a centerpeice, like a table. I'll find you some pictures. I presume I can mail them to your office?"

Catie: *tries to picture this koa wood. it sounds very pretty!*

Mercury: He looks mollified. See? He knew a color!

Catie: *beams at Merc happily* what's your favorite color?

Troy Lawrence: "You can." He nods a little, reaching into his inner sport coat pocket for a bsuiness card case. He snaps it open, sliding one out of the case and handing it over.

Mercury: "Favorite color?" He looks surprised by the question. "Um...dunno. I suppose dark red."

Catie: *ponders Merc* that color would look good on you. *chuckles softly* i've got a dark red evening gown--it's not that bad a color for me, either, so long as i wear base to cover up some of this pink. *touches her rosy cheek gently*

Valerii Raven: He accepts the card with another of those faint nods. "I'll put some samples together. Do you have any preferences on carvings?"

Catie -> Troy Lawrence: ((*L* eagles!))

Mercury: He grins. "Sounds great, but I don't really wear evening dresses. Somehow, I can't quite pull it off." Flexes.

Troy Lawrence: "Eagles." He says it without even realizing he's said it, but then, goes with it with a nod.

Troy Lawrence: "And falcons," he adds, after a moment, as a Numen gives him an earful.

Catie: *a soft, impish giggle* no, i think you'd look much better in a tuxedo than a gown....*nods cheerfully* of course, in a gown you could do the Hulk thing. you know. rr! *flexes. yep. that would be a pitiful, and yet adorable, round of flexing there. completely unimpressive* so that it would rip all up. *ponders* you'd look quite odd if you painted yourself bright green to enhance the effect, though.

Valerii Raven: "Anything I shouldn't expect?" He asks softly.

Catie: i've a small carving of an eagle at home, Mr. Lawrence. a very strange olf man gave it to me. i think because i felt sorry for him and gave him a sandwich. he looked hungry. would you like it? *tilts her head cheerfully*

Mercury: He smiles and very gently pinches Catie's 'flexed' bicep. "I'm impressed. And yeah, actually I do have a tux now."

Catie: *giggles at the pinching* some day i hope to actually have a mucle there. *glancing ruefully at her flimsy psuedo muscle* Miss Brianna is teaching me self defense! *grins* i bet you look quite dashing in your tux. *nods happily*

Mercury: "I don't know about that, but it gets me into the Concerto so I can actually hear Brianna play once in awhile."

Catie: *wistful sigh* i can't go there when she's playing--i'm too young. *shrugs lightly* i'm only allowed in before nine in the evening, with an adult.

Troy Lawrence: "Nothing I can anticipate, I don't believe, Mr. Raven." He looks at Catie, head tilted. "Thank you for the offer, Catie...but by all means, keep your gift. I rather like the idea that you have an eagle carving in your home."

Catie: *nods to Troy* all right. he currently guards my jewelery box. *which is, actually, empty. she only has one pair of earrings and one necklace, both adorning her person currently*

Mercury: "They haven't carded me. They might not have thought I was under 21."

Catie: *giggles softly* well, i can't pass for even eighteen yet. i'm only fourteen. *blinks suddenly. goodness. the next birthday isn't that far off. bother that--she'll buy herself a nice dessert or something then*

Mercury: "Hm, I was off. I was thinking 16."

Mercury: "I'll be 19 in December. Still a teenager." Sighs.

Catie: *grins at Merc and shakes her head* no, fourteen. i'm almost fifteen, though. i was very nearly a Halloween baby. *faint eyeroll*

Catie: *pats his arm gently* that's legal for almost everything, though.

Mercury: "Not drinking," he says with a grin. "Though I don't do that anymore."

Valerii Raven: "Do they make you feel old too?" He asks Troy, watching Mercury and Catie talk with a faint smile.

Troy Lawrence: He smiles a little, listening to Catie and Mercury's conversation. It's not the warmest of smiles, though of course for the lawyer, it's about as warm as he gets in an average day.

Troy Lawrence: "Exceptionally, yes." A nod to Raven.

Mercury: Winks at Rei. "You're not old, you're just finely aged." Smirk.

Valerii Raven: "I doubt I'll find a good falcon already carved, but given some time, I'm sure something can be arranged." The transition back to business is effortless. "I'll send you designs. I presume you like symmetry?"

Catie: *chuckles softly* when i was twelve, i was allowed to go to a sleepover. my friend's parents weren't home, and she got things from her Daddy's bar. *wrinkles her nose* Bacardi 151 and a ~box~ of wine. rose to be precise. i recall how awful i felt the next day quite clearly, and i ~never~ want to feel like that again. *considers a moment* the stuff didn't even taste good, either. *tilts her head at Troy and Rei, giving them a tiny giggle* just please, gentlemen....don't threaten to change our diapers? i promise we're old enough to do that ourselves...*ducks her head, another giggle and a blush*

Valerii Raven: Mercury gets a sound between a snort and a smothered laugh.

Mercury: Rei: "What about a local artist co-op or a craft market? Granted, they're not 'name' artists, but usually their stuff is better than the garbage you see in some galleries. Particularly if he's looking for realism."

Catie: *gives Merc an innocent look* oh, is Mr. Rei like good wine or good cheese, then? *big, wide eyes. earnest little face--she pulls off the innocent look rather well....*

Mercury: ((I have seen it all! I just saw in a catalog *monogrammed* toilet paper. That's right. Toilet paper.))

Valerii Raven: "I was going to draw something up for one. I've never been into carving myself." He smiles at Mercury. "Like the carousel bed at the hotel."

Catie: ((*blinks...and giggles* oh, dear....))

Troy Lawrence: "Absolutely. Symmetry is a definite plus." He looks over at Catie, eyebrow raising. "Believe me, there will be no diaper-changing from me."

Troy Lawrence: ((Hooooly shi-at.))

Catie: *nods to Troy with a chuckle* that's a good thing. although it isn't really as bad as it seems. *thinks* it isn't ~pleasant~, but not really awful.

Valerii Raven: He gives Catie a strange look, eyes blinking slowly, head tilting to the side - and then he laughs.

Mercury: Catie: "I could make a very crude comment right now, and normally I would, but I'm *really* trying to behave myself."

Mercury: He nods to Rei. "Yeah, that was cool."

Catie: *very calmly and gently pokes Merc in the side* self-control is one of the marks of a gentleman. *chuckles happily*

Catie: which hotel has a carosel bed? it sounds interesting. *looking between Merc and Rei cheerfully*

Mercury: Catie: "I know." A brief smile. "I remember. Believe or not, I was originally raised to be a gentleman. Prep school and everything. It all went to hell in a handbasket, though."

Catie: it's like riding a bicycle, Mr. Merc. once you've been taught, it all comes back quickly. *nods cheerfully* you don't ever forget it.

Valerii Raven: "The one I'm opening. Eventually. I'm hand decorating about thirty rooms in the main building and a handful of cottages."

Mercury: Catie: "It's pretty cool. A fixer-upper in some ways, but you can really picture how it's going to look once it's done."

Troy Lawrence: A look to Rei. "Ah, so you're a hotel entrepreneur, then?"

Catie: *blinks at Rei* oh! it sounds wonderful. do let me know when it is open? i'll see if Chimal and i can stay there for a night or two.

Valerii Raven: "I'm an artist. Once I'm done this I'll find some other project. I was entranced by the staircase."

Catie: *grins up to Merc* having seen some of Mr. Reis' work, i can easily imagine it's very cool indeed.

Troy Lawrence: "I see." A short nod, neither approving or disapproving.

Catie: are buildings and rooms, that sort of thing, your preferred canvas, Mr. Rei? *curiously*

Mercury: He stage-whispers to Catie, "Don't tell Rei, but I slid down that staircase when he wasn't looking."

Catie: *giggles to Merc and mock-whispers back* i won't...*eyes twinkle at Rei*

Catie: oh! *suddenly, her attention is caught. slips forward and ponders a set of curtains. yes. these. perfect. extracts one of the wrapped sets and holds it like a large book. victorious as she eases back into place beside Merc*

Valerii Raven: "Not normally. This just something I decided to try. As painting on normal canvas has gotten to be just too customary. But I've made all kinds of things."

Catie: *nods to Rei* all i can do is sing a bit. *soft chuckle* i've tried to draw and the like but i'm not good at it. i envy you who can see something in your head and make it tangible.

Valerii Raven: "It has it's moments, like all things. It's no more extrodinary than any other talent."

Catie: that's because you have the talent. it looks like magic to those of us without it. *chuckles*

Valerii Raven: He looks back to Troy. "How much space? What kind of rooms?"

Valerii Raven: "True, but I can't lift anything much heavier than a paintbrush, I can't sing, can't sail a boat. Everyone has gifts, they seem most remarkable when they aren't yours, but it isn't truly so."

Catie: *considers, then nods a bit* i can see that.

Mercury: "I can fence." He shrugs. "Can't draw a stick figure with straight lines, but I can fence."

Troy Lawrence: "A condomenium...approximately 1200 square feet, split beteen a bedroom, an office, the living room, kitchen, bathroom."

Catie: *grins to Merc* i enjoy watching a good fencing match. although i can't fence. i can play tennis, though. *chuckles*

Valerii Raven: He nods to Troy again.

Mercury: "I was given tennis lessons early on, but it didn't work out." Wicked grin. "Especially after I got mad at the tennis pro and whacked him in the groin with a racket. I think I was 8 or 9 then?"

Catie: *blinsk at Merc and giggles* oh..i ~wish~ i'd had the courage to do the same thing. except my teacher was female. *whispers* i HATE tennis. it's a boring, stupid game.....*wrinkles her nose*

: ((open?))

Mercury: "True. It is." Nod.

Troy Lawrence: (('tis! A fairly upscale import store - lots of furniture and fabric, but also small staues and decorative things.))

Troy Lawrence: (('tis! A fairly upscale import store - lots of furniture and fabric, but also small staues and decorative things.))

Valerii Raven: "Why are you taking it then?"

Catie: *gives Merc a wide smile* squash isn't much better,a lthough at least it has a faster pace. these days, i play tennis only with Mr. Grimley. he's a very nice old gentleman who keeps calling me by his granddaughter's name. *chuckles*

Troy Lawrence: "There are far more worthy recreations then tennis," he agrees mildly.

Catie: *gives Rei a rueful smile* i began lessons because Daddy said i should do so. *it's perfectly logical*

Mercury: Troy: "Absolutely. I'd like to get into boxing. That would be fun. But it couldn't really be in a public gym, and my opponent would have to be of a certain type." Meaningful look. "Could be dangerous otherwise."

Catie: *beams at Troy happily* i think dancing and self-defense lessons are good enough to keep me in shape now. and the dancing should serve me well in social situations--it seems that most girls my age can't waltz or things like that, so the few of us who can seem to be looked upon favorably in certain situations. *a small shrug*

Valerii Raven: "I suppose he hadn't learned not to put boots on a cat and ask it dance." It's spoken as gently as everything else, but it's entirely disapproving.

Catie: *smiles a bit, considering* my father...is very assured that his way is the best way for everyone. and i don't have a very aggressive sort of personality. so..i learned tennis. *not that it pleased him in the end. oh, well. such is life.* perhaps, had i been stronger-willed, i would have said something and learned some other physical pastime to keep myself fit. *tilts her head to Merc* what about asking Mr. Joshua to learn boxing with you? i'd imagine he could hold his own against you and vice versa.

Troy Lawrence: "Of course," he nods to Catie, nodding to her. "You do your family proud, as always."

Mercury: "Yeah, true. I don't see him much. He's busy with his, uh, group of friends."

Catie: *blushes and ducks her head to Troy* thank you, sir. i do try. *tilts her head at Merc* well...why not ask the next time you see him? it cannot hurt, right?

Mercury: He nods. "Yeah, maybe. Or I could throw Eddie around some more." Grins.

William Campbell: *the little bell on the door to alert the staff to customers (I assume there is one) rings, as the scrawny fang enters the store* ((PM me if you need a DD))

Catie: *has to think to recall Eddie* she's the lady with the differently colored eyes, correct? i've met her. she seems very nice.

Catie: 1,8,6,3,5,7,

Mercury: "Yeah, I'd say Eddie is just about one of my best friends in this city."

Mercury: 6,9,8,7,5,

Catie: *hears the bell and looks toward the door.....is that...? yes! *moves slightly to see if she can subtly get William's attention and smiles shyly if she can*

Mercury: He happens to have the perfect angle to see the main entry, and so he notices William. Tilts his head. Nudges Troy discreetly. "One of yours?" he asks quietly.

Catie: *blinks to Troy and Merc and gives a tiny little nod. then chuckles softly* i've only met her the once. but she did seem nice.

Troy Lawrence: A slight smile as Eddie's name is mentioned, but no comment. He looks to Mercury, then up to William, and nods. "Indeed, yes."

Mercury: Troy: "I haven't met him." Could it be? Maybe there *are* some others left over for a pack!

William Campbell: *he gives a pleasant nod to Catie and then he spots Troy, whom he gives a polite, if nervous nod to, and he heads in their direction...though it could be just because he's looking at the things in the direction they have to be in...*

Mercury: He smiles pleasantly at William as the man approaches.

Catie: *once William is close enough, she speaks quietly* Mr. William, hello. i'm halfway through the first book you gave me. have you met everyone here? *tilts her head slightly*

William Campbell: "And how are you finding it? I hope it is the appropriate level." *he looks around* "Only yourself and Mr. Lawrence. Pleased to meed you Misters...?" *to Valerii and Mercury* ((btw, Val, Merc, can I get DDs PMed to me?))

Troy Lawrence: "Mr. Campbell." He nods to the man, then extends his hand out. "A pleasure to see you again."

William Campbell: ((ack... that was *extends a hand to Valerii and Mercury*))

William Campbell: *his hand is sidetracked and he shakes Troy's* "Likewise, Mr. Lawrence." *eyes downcast slightly*

Mercury: He shakes William's hand firmly, not too macho though. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I'm Mercury."

Valerii Raven: "Rei. Valerii Raven." He takes William's hand without hesitation.

Catie: *smiles warmly* sir, this is Mr. Rei, and this is Mr. Mercury. gentlemen, this is Mr. William Campbell.

William Campbell: "It is a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. Murcury and Mr. Raven." *he gives a slight and polite bow of the head to each of them*

Catie: ((*L* DLP.)) *smiles happily as everyone gets all introduced and the like*

William Campbell: ((actually, completely forgot, my fault not his, so tack on)) "I am William Campbell."

Mercury: He grins. "It's good to meet an associate of Mr. Lawrence." More meaning to 'associate' but only the 'family' would pick up on it.

William Campbell: *Troy's presence does something to William...and whatever it is, it brings up some terribly submissive behavior. At Mercury's words, he glances questioningly at Troy, as if asking if this person is 'safe'...though of course, he's careful never to be so presumptuous as to make eye contact*

Troy Lawrence: He nods a little to William in response to the questioning look.

Mercury: He's not at all put off by the silent exchange, understanding the caution, at least.

Catie: Mr. Mercury is a very nice person. *softly giving her own opinion. for whatever it's worth. and not adding that he can eat almsot as much and as fast as Mr. Stephen when he wants to*

Mercury: Chuckles. "Not when I'm riled, but thank you, Catie."

Valerii Raven: He edges closer to Mercury. After a point the strangers do start to bother him, just a bit.

William Campbell: "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Mercury."

Catie: well...*points out logically* i've never seen you riled. and you aren't right now, anyway. so you're a very nice person. *nods. see? she can make a decision!*

Catie: *gives Rei a soft smile, dark eyes understanding. quietly makes sure he has an "escape route" should he need it*

Mercury: He leans a bit towards Rei, unconsciously responding to the other's need for security.

Troy Lawrence: He checks his watch, and sighs. "My apologies to all...but my work demands my time. I will see you all later...Mr. Raven, a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Campbell, nice to see you again. Catie...Mercury...good day."

Mercury: "It'd be good to catch up with you sometime, Troy. See you."

Valerii Raven: "Good evening Mr. Lawrence."

Catie: *smiles warmly to Troy* have a good night, sir. *a nod that's almost a bow of her head*

William Campbell: "Good Night, Mr. Lawrence." *he lowers his head in a bow/nod goodbye*

Troy Lawrence: A last smile, and he turns, heading off.

Valerii Raven: Closer to Mercury, Rei seems to have no plan at all to escape.

Mercury: Rei: "So you're not actually getting anything now?" Chuckles. "Nothing for me to lift and carry?"

Catie: Mr. Rei, do you think these curtains will hold up under kitten claws better than satin ones? *anything to restart a conversation, yes? shows him the package*

Troy Lawrence: ((*hugs on all* Thanks for the scene, guys))