The Aria Hotel and Resort

[MeloraBelikov]

After the flight and drive to the hotel, Melora was relieved to finally have arrived. Before her was The Aria, one of the most expensive and high end resorts in Las Vegas. What would bring her here? A spoiled executive's wife decided it was time for a ladies night out. Melora sighed heavily and stepped from the car, met almost immediately by some desperate employee. "Hello Miss Belikov, how was your flight?" His voice shook as he spoke, obviously this poor kid's job depended on him kissing as much ass as humanly possible. She would play along with the whole thing, though thoroughly displeased with the idea. "My flight was pleasant, however very long. I am very tired." Which was untrue, the flight wasn't too long and she wasn't the slightest bit tired, but if she could avoid doing any handshaking in favor of getting to her room more quickly she would say anything to do so. The attendant laughed nervously and gave in too exactly what she wanted. "let's get you to your room then, okay? It's on the 40th floor..." Uhg, the 40th? The thought of having to go on a 40 story elevator ride with this guy was almost unbearable. Despite this, she put on a smile and tried her best. "That sounds like it has a beautiful view. Let us please get there quickly, I cannot wait to see the room."

The hotel was lavish and beautiful, one of the few places that compared to even the Banglaire court. Visitors in fine clothing stood about the lobby, talking to each other loudly as if they weren't two feet away from each other. Melora waited for it, then one by one people began to notice she had come in. A few people pointed, more polite people whispered to one another, and the entire room became about half as loud as it previously was. Melora straightened her back and walked with purpose, making eye contact with a few people and nodding to a very select few as she swept through the lobby. Finally, something past a crowd of people caught her eye. "Over there," she said, pointing an elegant finger towards the source of her interest "what is going on there?"
"Oh, that is a art exhibit. We have it here during this month. If you're interested, they're still setting up tonight but the exhibit will open tomorrow evening. I'm sure that the hotel events coordinator would be honoured if you would come."
"Yes, I think I should." And with that, she continued her walk, slipping into an elevator with her guide.

-------------------

Finally she was in the room and alone. Dammit, I can just feel the vampire presence around this place. My host must have a knack for picking out terrible places... She thought as she walked around the room, examining her surroundings. The room was nothing short of artwork, the colours, lights, and furniture all worked together to fade into the background compared to the view from the huge windows. On the table sat a gift basket and a list of scheduled activities, very few of which Melora actually intended to be present for. Las Vegas was vampire hunting territory. Yes, Melora mused, as a smile played across her delicate features This is just like a hunting trip. Perfect.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima felt fairly cramped after the plane trip. Despite her amount of wealth, she often didn’t choose to display it much. Humans were attracted to that sort of thing now more then ever. Her slim fingers adjusted her glasses on her face, the slim, black wire frames having a professional, sophisticated aura.

Once she strode into the large resort and hotel, and had dropped her charcoal black bags off in her room, also on the 40th floor, right next door to Melora’s room in fact, she had decided to pass some time. She had just stepped off and elevator and spotted something that nearly made her his. Despite her 600 years and great control, Hunters had gotten to her ever since Thomas’ death. Her brother, her twin, baby brother, had been so close to her, as families in the Renaissance were, yet a Hunter had taken his life not 10 years ago. Nimbly, and carefully staying out of sight, she bypassed the girl and the person with her.

Her contact wasn’t here yet, but the art exhibit was. Perhaps. Yes. Dressed in the long black over coat, the sleek black slacks, and the white ruffled blouse, she blended in well with the various humans. They haven’t the slightest idea of the values of these things in 50 years. She mused. Her grey-blue eyes picked up a few vampire amongst them as well.

Between a human in a tailored suit with a grey beard, and a tall woman with a fiery red blouse and very low cut black business shirt, she noticed something which caught her eye. The painting was an oil, and by the smell of it, very old. An original. It looked as though it was something from Vincent Van Gogh. I do believe that I will make a stop later. She muffled and quiet laugh.

[MeloraBelikov]

The day passed with all sorts of activities that women her age find enjoyable. Melora pretended to enjoy the trip to the spa, laying out by the pool and displaying their bodies for men gawk at, dining out....but she did take some time to enjoy her day when it came time for shopping. Simple things like finding the time to shop fades away when you hunt blood sucking demons in between showing up to required social events. By the end of the day Melora had picked up more than a few outfits, most of them in practical black of course. When the time came to get ready for the gallery opening, Melora wished she could still be out shopping on the strip.

The process for getting ready was enough to make her eye twitch with impatience....an hour of makeup, another hour of hair, finally when Melora was all prettied up she had started to ponder the point of such things, seeing as hair and makeup never stayed in place when hunting. The thoughts slipped from her mind when her dress was on, a beautiful cocktail dress in deep red silk. It ended at the knees to show off her long slender legs and soft skin. She concealed her pistol by strapping it under the dress. Melora turned in the mirror a few times, checking to make sure no one could spot the gun that she had so carefully hidden. Оно закончено, she thought to herself with a smile. The smile faded almost instantly as her admiration of herself gave way to an inner argument. Her entire life was about vampires. How could she enjoy art? Normal people go to art galleries she reasoned. Normal people go to see art, not to keep vampires in line. A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. A good looking young man about her age in a suit opened the door and explained that he would escort her downstairs to prepare for the grand opening. Her smile returned, but this time with a hint of completely fake. Miss. Belikov was nothing if not an actress, so this smile would have to stay for the rest of the evening. Showtime.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima was extremely pleased when her contact showed. Stefan was tall, African-Amrican, and a human, although it was obvious he was involved with some sort of illegal activity simply buy the large suitcase of bills he handed over to her in one of the darker corners of the bar. She had left him barely 10 minutes before, now with the case full of a little over $500k in her hand, she was making a stop back at her room to deposit it in the hotel room’s safe. She was wearing a deep grey dress, a halter style, tightened under the bust down to the waist, and flowing to a stop at her shin. Waves of long black hair were loose in the back, and piled in a bun on top, creating a Florentine style look. The gold and topaz of her pendant glimmered along her throat.

As she set foot in the hall, black heel easily walked in, she stopped. It was her neighbor, and the hunter. “Hello.” She said as she began to walk, then stop near her. The case in her hand seemed a little misplaced with her professional look.

[MeloraBelikov]

Melora looked her up and down. Yes, a vampire. The question hung in her mind, was the vampire guilty of anything? No, the real question would have been what is she guilty of? All vampires were guilty. "Hello." She said, thick accent rolling elegantly from her lips. "You look lovely tonight. Would you happen to be visiting the opening of the art gallery?" If Melora could just indulge the creature in conversation long enough, she could gather information from her. Perhaps something incriminating. And thinking of which, the suitcase had caught Melora's attention, though she hadn't given any indication that it had. Instead, she gave the woman's dress one more pass with her eyes, taking in the details of the person in front of her. She would need to know everything, her dress, her facial features, how tall she was, her possible skills...all of it was going to be important to apprehend her. Women could say so much in just a second of time without saying a word at all. Melora could feel the dislike of the creature in front of her, it sank into her. With an exhale, she let go all of that negative energy.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

More then just the opening. That Van Gogh will look nice in the study in Florence. Rima thought to herself, a small smile lacing over her mouth. "Your assumption proves correct." Rima answered, her own hints of Italian accent rolling off. Grey-Blue eyes scanned over this woman in front of her. Hunters could never be trusted, sure she’d help them make a hit on somebody for pay, but friendships with them… felt impossible. A brief flicker of a shadow crossed her beautiful face, a memory of the night of Thomas’ death. She should have died. She. Not him, not her precious baby brother. Clearing her throat softly, and banishing the sad memories, she brought her attention back to the Hunter. “And youself?” She asked. “My name is Rima by the way.” Her gaze didn’t miss the woman’s pass by of the suitcase. Under her dress along her hip, she could feel the strap and cool metal of her staff, ready to use in case of a threat. Experience practically oozed from this Hunter.

[MeloraBelikov]

"Melora is my name. Приятно быть введенным." She smiled charmingly, this vampire already knew that she was a hunter, it was obvious. Her energy was tense and full of distrust, and rightfully so, Melora was famous for more than just being an heiress, she was the most famous hunter of the Banglaire clan. Now, something risky. Melora outstretched her hand to shake with her new found prey, bracelets jingling as the delicate metals knocked each other. She almost had to hold her breath as she waited to see how Miss Rima would react. A hunter, a true one, would never touch a vampire in a friendly manner, this was common knowledge. Melora, nothing if not an actress, would do it anyway. She took a breath, then exhaled, relaxing her muscles as she exhaled. She felt confident as time seemed to slow down around her and her hand, outstretched for a handshake with one of her worst enemies.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima paused, letting the woman’s words sink in for a moment. Melora seemed to not know of her. Her age, nor her own experience. She let some of the tenseness fall, but kept herself well guarded as she reached out and gently shook the woman’s hand. Her own could turned clawed, and held enough power to grind those pathetic little human bones of her’s to dust, yet she did not. Rima was over 600 years old, and she had far better control then some newborn or young vampire. “È un piacere incontrarvi.” She savored the taste of the old Italian, her native Florentine words, dancing along her tongue. To Melora, the words would sound aged, Old Italian, rather then fake, new Italian. Of course, her word’s meaning was a little exaggerated. Her eyes slid around from the Hunter for a moment.

[MeloraBelikov]

The attractive and completely ignored man escorting Melora cleared his throat. "Miss Belikov, we really should be going".

"Ah, да, we are to be going, is that not correct? I would hate for you to look bad for me making us late. Very sorry Miss Rima, perhaps we shall meet again before either of us leaves this place. I hope to see you at the gallery downstairs. Do enjoy yourself." The words fell gracefully from her mouth with her thick accent spilling over them. She allowed the man to lead her away from the conversation, but Melora took one last lingering look in the woman's eyes before being led away and down the hall to an elevator. The man leading her smiled at her non-stop, looking her up and down, but Melora paid no mind to this, normal human men were a disinterest, boring as they were.

Upon stepping from the elevator Melora was bombarded by interviewers and the rich and famous alike, all wanting to ask her questions and be seen with her. She was surrounded by beautiful people, beautiful art, and a beautiful hotel. And yet the beautiful girl still had to fake her beautiful smile, because she knew somewhere in the crowd there were vampires. These vampires were not a part of her assignment, nor was the one she had met in the hall. Unless they were to make a move, she wouldn't be able to hunt any of them. So she resigned herself to making the most of her public appearance and setting a good image for her father's company. Her dear father, who would have wanted her to enjoy this moment of her life. Who would have wanted her to settle for a man by now. Who would have been here if he wasn't dead. For him, she would smile and set a good example.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima inclined her head to the pair and waited until they were completely out of site before she walked further down her course and entered the hotel room. Things weren’t extravagant, but they could be considered upper class. She couldn’t wait to return to Florence though, that home was beautiful and she always preferred it. The bed had silken sheets, a rich navy, and black furniture.

She crouched down, depositing the suitcase into the safe, and spun the lock. Several minutes later she had slipped back downstairs. The Huntress appeared to be being swarmed by press. Apparently she has some value to other humans… Rima thought, and ignored the pang of longing she had. Being a Vampire was alright, but she still could remember the days when she was a human as well, clear as crystal. She slipped over to go check out the Van Gogh she has found the day previous.

Human security is pathetic. She adjusted her glasses. And they haven’t a clue how priceless this piece really is. Rima continued to criticize this in her thoughts as she scanned over the painting.

[MeloraBelikov]

Melora was suddenly very aware of the vampire she had met before. She watched her study the painting intently. Nothing troublesome about that...she must just admire art....but still... Melore rolled the possibilities around in her head while she spoke in Russian to a few people on accident. "Oh, my apologies," she laughed, "occasionally I lose track of what I am saying."

Hours passed and finally people began to clear from the lobby. Melora had long since gone back to her room to catch up on some work on her laptop, purchase plane tickets, and of course clean her pistol while she had some free time. Without any vampires from Vegas on her clan's shit list she found herself becoming increasingly bored. She gave her pistol the most detailed cleaning possible then assembled it and stored it in it's holster. Again dressed down to jeans and a nice top, she left her room and wandered down the hall and to the lobby, wondering what she should do with her night in Vegas. Tomorrow she would leave for Russia to meet with a contact about her new assignment.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima laughed fluidly, now wearing a sweater that dropped off just after each shoulder, jeans, and a long cashmere jacket. She had a wine glass, but of course the humans weren’t paying attention to the fact that the liquid inside was darker then red wine, although red wine was also mixed in. Rima needed a feeding, and had found a willing donor, then mixed the small helping of blood with some wine to create a tasty sort of treat for herself. The Van Gogh painting was gone as well, easily retrieved between the switching of the Day and Night shift.

“It’s been a pleasure Don.” She said with a curt nod to the gentlemen near her.
The man with the grey beard, a human, nodded, and he was clearly under the influence of alchol. The champagne had been easy enough to entice him into drinking too much, which had also allowed the flawless theft of the painting.

Rima turned on her heel and deposited the wine glass as she finished, then started for the doors. A game of cards with min control could help her earnings, earning a bit of pocket money per say.

[MeloraBelikov]

The sound of a song filled the air, muffled by Melora's jeans pocket. She pulled the phone from it, smiling at the adorable phone charm she had attached to it like normal 20 somethings do. "Здравствуйте? Нет. Нет, Я не выходил. то справедливо? да." A representative of the Banglaire had called and told her that she would be staying in Vegas for a few more days. Lucky her. Melora sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, annoyed. What would she do without an assignment for a few days? With no one to chase Vegas wouldn't be nearly as fun as she hoped. A couple stumbled past her, completely intoxicated, laughing and smiling. She couldn't help but smile and think to herself that maybe it was time to get into a little mischief herself and have a few drinks.

[escott]

Charles grinned to himself as he snapped a picture of the giggling drunk couple. "Honestly, do they have to make it so easy for me? It's like they want their wives to pay me for a five day stay vacation."
His camera clicked, as he took another picture. He had been following Reno "Buddy" Fawkes and his mistress for quite some time. He was an art curator for a museum in New York, and apparently exotic paintings wasn't the only thing he shopped for on his "business" trips, beautiful young women also made it into the list.
Escott felt the twinge of guilt he usually felt when it came to confirming the soon-to-be-ex wive suspicions. But, business was business. "Laugh it up chuckles. Hope you win big in Vegas, cause you're going to be paying alimony for years to come."

Escott sighed to himself. He had only been in Vegas for about an hour or so and solved the case, again. Divorce cases were treadfully simple affairs...literally. Tail a guy, snap a few pictures, and testify in the divorce hearing, and bam instant paycheck. He usually liked to extend things a bit though, especially when his client had afforded him such luxurious accommodations. Honestly, who could refuse an open bar? And since he was in Vegas, maybe he could try and double his per diem. "After all when in Rome...."

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima had confronted the young vampire. A freshly turned thing that was absolutely ignorant to any rules. She had been in that position; well, near it, once before. It had been scary and foreign. But she hadn’t been able to help this one. Too many people could witness further activity, so her shadow manipulation had… swallowed it. The human had been virtually drained, already dead. The shadows had swallowed that as well.

She strode back in now, somehow having managed to keep blood stains off her clothing. Poker was pointless now. She decided she’d stop into the bar. Some wine or champagne would do her good. Her thinning back jeans and long jacket hit a lot of her, but her face looked worn and tired.