Into a Gilded Cage ((Attn: Lily Patrons))

Heathcliff had been told of the Lily when he was Embraced over a year ago. This was his first visit, prompted by his sudden need for...people...who would understand what he was going through. He had guessed that he'd need to get dressed up, and had put no small effort into his wardrobe tonight. He looked pleasant in his cheap suit and spit-shined shoes, so long as you didn't meet his milky stare.

He had guessed right, apparently. These people were done up proper. He tried to keep himself from licking his lips at the menagerie of soft, supple female flesh assembled before him.

If they only knew...

He walked up to the bar and did his best attempt at 'casual,' as he looked over the club and decided who he'd talk to. There was an interesting woman in red...

Heathcliff wandered about the club, smiling wanly at people who caught his eye, but felt terribly out of place, despite the effort put into his appearance tonight. Finally, he leaned against a wall and checked his watch.

Whatever he was looking for, it wasn't here tonight. He started making his way toward the exit.

Goddammit, Heathcliff thinks as he looks over his shoulder before leaving the club, only to see the woman in red follow the man to a booth.

He walks out and feels the cool night air on his face and exhales, out of habit. He sets out on foot, letting his thoughts wander.

Hector walked along the street absorbed in some thought as he approached the Gilded Lilly, he stopped dead in his tracks and focused in front of him to Heathcliff who he’d inadvertently just blocked from walking his set path. An easy and infectious smile came to his face as he moved out of the others way saying, “Sorry, I got a little lost in thought,” looking at the building he’d been approaching he made a satisfied noise and looked back to Heathcliff, “If you’ll excuse me.” Hector then began to turn with the intention of entering the upscale classy bar.

Heathcliff feels the presence of a more powerful Beast behind the easy smile of the man who had deterred his path. He tried to smile back, but only managed a grimace.

"No problem. I was wrapped up in my own thoughts, too." Heathcliff decides that he literally has all night to brood alone, and he's had plenty of those nights recently. Why not strike up a conversation?

"Hey...that's a nice suit. Where did you get it?" he says after the man passes by.

Hector's reply is quick and smooth, "From one of my favorite places in Athens," he stops and moves out of the way of any more foot traffic to speak easier as the man seemed to react a little different than most normal people to him and somewhat intent on making conversation to boot. Curious as to who or what he may have bumped into if anything, Hector chose to fish a bit, "I'm Hector, recently arrived here and checking things out." His smile's infectious and genuine as he offers his hand in greeting.

"Hector," he repeated, as this helped him remember people's names when he felt nervous, and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you. My name is Heathcliff. So you're new to Sacramento? I have lived here most of my...life, but I haven't been out in Society much in the past year." He tugs at the lapel of his cheap, yet nice-looking suit, to prove his point.

"However, I feel that it is time for that to change." He smiles faintly. "So what do you think of the city so far?"

Hector comes across as not only likable but charming as well upon his reply, "A pleasure Heathcliff, and yes I've only been in the city a very short time most of which was finding a suitable, living space." It would have seemed he was going to say something else before finding the living space phrase more entertaining.

"I don't recall ever meeting more than a real handful of people that are true natives to a city, if you wouldn't terribly mind I'd be interested in picking your brain, so to speak." He takes a moment to look back at the Gilded Lilly, "Could I interest you in a less busy conversation spot?" He motions to indicate the foot traffic rather than anything else. Almost as an aside without missing a beat or having paused, "And if you're any indication of proper attire here I may have to put a little extra effort in to look my part as a respectable member of, society." As he says this he noticeably brushes imaginary dust from off a sleeve of his suits light jacket.

Hector upon spotting a private booth with a decent view indicates it's where he's heading to Heathcliff and takes a seat, looking as though he were wanting to lounge but restrains himself.

Heathcliff joins Hector at the booth. "Well, I've been away from Society for about a year, so I've had the opportunity to do some game hunting," he says in response to Hector's earlier question.

"You said your suit was from Athens. Are you originally from Greece?"

Hector ponders Heathcliff's admission for a moment before deciding to come back to it at some later time. Looking into the other kindred's eyes he smiles as he replies, "If only that were the case. No, I'm an American by birth but I've been on the move most of my life thanks to mother fond of hard to find rare art among other things. I've found that I enjoyed Greece quite a lot and go when ever able, I can put you in touch with some people if you're inclined to try, which I of course heartily recommend." His smile has gone from the easy charming to the remembering infectious sort as he recounts something or other in his memory with his gaze wandering the available scenery.

Holding up a hand as if to forestall he says, "However I must say that there are no comparisons to the women of Germany." He looks wistful for a moment before finishing with, "The things I have done would not hold to what I would do for a decent German woman." He sighs in a very elaborate manner as if just having witnessed something awe inspiring, looking back to his companion he asks, "What about yourself, go anywhere other than this continent?"

((Perception Checks for Heathcliffe and Hector, please?))

A very small and quiet laugh escapes Hector, one to match the smile on his face which changes to a cat having just found the mouse that had previously eluded it. He looks about to say something just as the man freezes as a reaction to something and attempts to find it's source.

Spoiler:

Heathcliff watches the man and looks over at Hector. "I wonder why that man is watching us. Perhaps we should ask him. What do you say?"

Spoiler:

So apparently Hector doesn't miss much.

Recovering quickly Hector looks at Heathcliffe saying, "Yea but this could get a little dicey and I'd rather not have to worry about you getting hurt. Just wait here a moment and let me see if I can catch up to him." Getting up quickly he moves after the supposed biker, not quite at a run but fast enough to indicate importance to anyone in his way. The intent is to catch the man just outside the doors rather than inside.

"Ok, I'll wait here, but be careful." Heathcliff decided to give his new friend a few minutes to do what he felt was necessary; if he didn't return in a reasonable amount of time, he'd go looking for him.

Hector hurries after the tall man and rushes through the door just a couple steps behind him. As he comes through, the man turns toward him, his expression hard to read. Above his thick eyebrows, his brow is furrrowed, but the left side of his mouth is turned up in a half-grin.

"You want something?" he asks.

Hector looks the other man right in the eyes as he smiles saying, "Yea actually. I think you got the wrong impression of the place and left to soon. Plus I'd appreciate it if you helped settle a bet my friend inside." Pointing out the motorcycle boots, "I can tell those aren't for show as you're not the type. It's really a point of pride, my friend you see thinks that bikers are preening Madonna's while I contest that it's about functionality with a care for one's possessions." Holding up his hand to forestall any rebuttal he continues, "Look just come in have a quick drink and you'll be fifty bucks the richer for your time and you don't even have to side with me. if that's not a deal I don't know what is?"

Hector while talking is also ensuring he gets a good look at the guy and anything that may denote affiliation.

Spoiler: