Flora at the Blackbacks Part Two - RPLOG
Participants
Date
29/7/479
Log
Highlady Longtail is once again left to her own devices as the high society of Firmament swirls and eddies around the great hall in the Blackback Manor. There are not many familiar faces around, aside from her guards. And there is that blue reindeer who hangs around Brutus Blackback, but it looks like he is on guard duty and doing a very good impression of a statue.
Then there is a familiar white lion, chatting amiably with a peacock near the buffet.
Flora seems... Honestly okay with being all alone right now. Still, best to find someone she already knows, than to risk being approached by another total stranger...
Soon enough, she's standing closer to Hugo, tail twitching behind her, although she doesn't seem all too eager to strike up a conversation just yet.
". . . I told them that half measures would do them no good, of course," Hugo is saying to the peacock, "That was their problem from the beginning. No risk, no profit. Making the sure bet may be safest, but everyone is making the same bet." The enormous lion tosses his snow white mane and takes note of Flora. "And speaking of long shots, here is the new Highlady of house Longtail herself! I did not think I would ever see you at one of these events! I don't suppose you have reconsidered selling me those rings?"
"Flora... Appears in public from time to time, yes. That doesn't mean Flora enjoys it. Flora would... Much rather be working productively, in the laboratory, yes."
"Still, obligations are obligations, yes. As for the rings... Not for sale, no."
"A pity indeed," Hugo says, "I had so hoped to add them to my collection. You know, I am a Longtail myself, if only distantly. On my mother's side, you see. It is not something one shouts in the streets, you know." The lion shakes himself and looks at the finely dressed peacock. "Where are my manners?" he rumbles, "Mister Fanning, may I present the Highlady, Flora Longtail. Highlady, this is Mister Archibald Fanning, a business man of some means hoping to open a modest entertainment establishment here in Firmament."
"Yes? Mister Hugo will understand that Flora will have her guards around, considering... Most of the family, yes," Flora concludes, tails twitching lightly as she gestures for one of the guards to stick close.
"Yes? And Mister Fanning wishes to provide... What kind of entertainment, exactly?" Flora asks, a genuinely curious gaze on her face.
Hugo smirks, then assumes an air of mock indignity. "Why, Highlady! You cut me to the core! Are you insinuating that I would make an assault on your person?" The lion twitches his overlong tail over one arm and leans on his ornate cane. "My lady," he says with an easy smile, "I did say that they were DISTANT relations. I can assure you I have nothing to do with such lowlifes and riffraff and I hope that the better qualities of the Longtail line show themselves in you and your children."
The peacock, Fanning coughs, covering his mouth genteely. "Call a spade a spade, Hugo, old man," he says, turning an amiable gaze on Flora, "I plan to open a Casino, High Lady. A bit like a public house with an emphasis in games of chance. They are quite popular in many cities. I have one already in Snowhame and Mister Snowmane is kind enough to help me in applying for the permits I need here in Firmament."
"Still, given the nature of the family, best not to take chances, no," Flora concludes after a short moment of contemplation. "A... Casino? Flora... Hrmm." Flora seems a bit confused at the prospect. She's got a rough idea of what a casino is, and how it makes its money, and she's not exactly sure if she likes it... Still, it's not like she'll say it.
"Yes," Fanning says, nodding vigorously, "As I said, it has been very popular in Snowhame and I am eager to introduce it here in Sweetwater. I hope to build a fine inn and restaurant along with the casino itself. It could be an enormous draw for commerce! Even visiting Creators have been patrons of my establishment in the North. Perhaps you would be interested in investing in my endeavor?"
While the Peacock gives his spiel to Flora, Hugo has sauntered over to where Flora's guards stand watching, carrying a small platter of goodies. "Well, boys," he says, "It seems that I am not trustworthy. Best keep a close eye on me. But there is no reason to do it on an empty stomach! The Blackbacks lay a fine spread, let's not allow it to go to waste!" He offers the goodies to the guards and turns to listen to the conversation again.
The guards do, in fact, partake from the food, although they do take turns to make sure there's always one of them ready to act, should it be needed. "That isn't what Flora said, no. But Flora does have to be careful with the family... For what it's worth, Mister Hugo seems... Trustworthy enough."
"Flora will... Pass, yes. The house doesn't have a lot of spending money, and LongTech Industries needs all the reserves it can get to ensure its continued existence, yes... Business is good, but still... Need to make sure business stays good."
"Understandable, of course, High Lady," Fanning says, then fumbles in his pockets before producing a little gilt edged card. "My calling card," he says passing it to the tigress, "Should you find an interest in my work." The well dressed (if a little soft on the edges) peacock turns to the buffet to load up his plate.
"I shall take that as a compliment, my Lady," Hugo says smoothly, just a touch of northern accent showing through, "Now, since I have you here at a social event at last, who shall I introduce you to? I believe you have already made the acquaintance of Lord Blackback."
Flora nods and smiles, tucking the card away, before looking to Hugo. "Flora wouldn't know. Flora is... Not a fan of social functions, no. Whatever Mister Hugo thinks is best, Flora supposes? People who could be useful to Flora and LongTech, yes."
Hugo raises an eyebrow at that. The girl sounds rather like the Lady in that respect. "Who should I introduce you to?" "Why, the people who will be useful to me, of course." The old lion shakes out his mane and extends an arm to Flora, keeping all of this hidden behind an avuncular smile. "Then come along, my Lady," he says, "Let old Uncle Hugo give you the who's who tour."
"No... No touching Flora, no. Not a fan of touching Flora. Flora will follow," she notes, gesturing for the guards to join the duo, her tails flicking behind her. "Is that not the purpose of a social function? Meeting people who can help you? Flora prefers being direct, yes."
