Old Blood, New Wealth [closed|Chihaya

[Dracula]

Take a plane into Craiova, Romania. Get on highway 552 and take it south west until you've long since left the city. Take the exit for 552e all the way to Leamnas de Jos. After that you'll need to hire a guide to take you into the wooded hills and small mountains further west. If you have the time and wherewithal, appreciate the air and scenery. The summers are wet in this part of the world so the forest is lush and the air thick. You're deep enough now that you can't see civilization. No farmlands, no cities, no skyscrapers. The planes are too high to really hear and the canopy shuts them out anyway. You can take the time to pretend that population doesn't exist. No smog, no hustle and bustle, forget about your cellphone because that wont work out here. You've probably noticed a perpetual ringing in your ear. If you're lucky, that ring has faded and you're not paranoid about hearing your own heart beat. You've hiked for a couple of hours now and are beginning to encounter something resembling a path. The guide has become slightly nervous about getting back before nightfall. Probably just scared of wolves but he wants the money. A little ways further and you reach your desired coordinates. A clearing breaks the tree line but this clearing it not old. Someone was cleaning the space around a large, dilapidated, castle. The guide wont progress further and insists on being paid. He tells you that you can either comeback with him and pay or pay now and be left behind.

Upon the terrace of the entrance is an unusually tall man, your host and employer. He's dressed down a little bit in khaki's and a white t-shirt that he's obviously been working in. There's dust and dirt on his hands with the faint smell of man sweat on him. His thick black hair is tied back but has still managed to get a bit dirty in the work effort. He has unique features such as pointed ears and a strong jaw but all in all he's fairly handsome in a mature way.

"Ms. Fields," he greets with an old fashioned European bow before gesturing to take your bags from you. "I am Marius Ardeleanu, the one that contacted your firm. Would you care for refreshment before we got started on the work?" The foyer presents signs of new life being breathed into the castle. It could easily be assumed that Marius was planning to renovate the entire thing. There were cleaning supplies, lumber, and masonry equipment present. The floors had been made safe where possible with boards to walk across or cones to signal danger. "I apologize for the mess. We're not quite ready to host guests. But, I'm hoping that you can help me settle that. I'm told you're quite good at what you do and I am in desperate need of help navigating this world."

[Chihaya]

She is unfamiliar with this part of the world.

A well manicured hand reaches up, gold bangle on her wrist twinkling in the dappled sunlight, as she sweeps the wavy length of platinum blonde hair off the back of her neck and twists it into a bun. Humid summer air makes her feel more stifled and heavy in the faux body than she would like.

How people live this remotely and willingly is beyond her. It's asking for a Hollow to take residence and pick off easy prey one by one as far as she's concerned.

It is pretty though, she acknowledges with another glance around her. Old wood and growth here is almost untouched by human hands. No pollution, light or otherwise, taints the air and she can taste the forest on her tongue.

Chihaya moves with an ease and confidence betraying her faux body's otherwise fastidious and fashion forward image.

Her guide grows more nervous, more prone to jumping at the shadows that line their path as time marches toward late afternoon. Close to tears, he refuses to go further and she pays him for his services. Ignoring his pleas, she pays him a second sum to follow her instructions to the letter once he returns to the vehicle he'd driven them in.

Practicality, after all, may as well be her middle name at this point and a smart woman would not go without certain security measures put into place.

Two calls were to be placed: one to the mortal branch of… interesting accidents who pretended they had any degree of order and structure. Pitiful things that they were, they didn't understand just how little a single flame, bright as their own may be, mattered in the grand scheme of the world order.

At best, they would perish and their soul would be released to the Rukongai. If they did not immediately reincarnate, they would be discovered and join the ranks of the Shinigami and find true purpose at last. And that was their best case scenario.

The most likely would be their death, miserable as it usually is, and then devoured by one of the Hollow. A tragic fate, for sure, but such was the cycle of life and death.

The order must be kept above all else.

The second call would connect to a line only her superior officers and division members had access to. Strict instructions to check in were enforced and any who missed their time would have fifteen minutes to rectify the error before other measures were taken.

Her newest contract is a man of significantly tall stature. Long dark hair pulled back into a tail and dressed in khakis and a dirt streaked white shirt deceptive in its casual nature. Her eyes mark the quality, however, and her estimate of the Earth funds for her "company" goes up a notch.

She guesses his age to be in the middle to later part of his forties in Earth time to the late twenties of her own falsified identity's own.

"Mr. Ardeleanu, a pleasure to meet you face to face at last!" She greets him warmly with a flash of white, even teeth and presentation of her business card. "Isuzu Fields, chief consultant for the Ibaraki branch of Genex Consulting. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

At the offer of refreshment, she offers another winning smile. "Water would be wonderful, if it isn't too much trouble. I must compliment you on the location, the hike here was simply breathtaking and I really should have come better prepared."

There's something about the way the man is dressed that puts her off… but what, exactly? Normal looking… sort of. His height and breadth of his body is decidedly on the unusual side. His attire is also normal, if a bit silly in her eyes given the way he gives off the impression a suit and tie would fit him better.

Why is there something so off?

[Dracula]

"Waiting is a specialty of mine Ms. Fields." He took the business card carefully, understanding that this was customary in this day and age. At a small table in the foyer he took hold of a white porcelain vase that was decorated with a painting of blue threads. As he poured two glasses of water, there was briefly a small cross like shape visible on the bottom. Beside the glasses was a bowl of citrus fruits. He presented his hand to them with the lady selecting the lemon. Two slices were removed from the middle while he squeezed the juices from the ends into the water. He laid the slices on top, cleaned his hands with a towel, and presented the glass to his guest.

"I wish I could say I chose the location but it was passed to me." A sip of his water and he takes a moment to note the quietness of his Hollow. Normally he'd be demanding to eat their company. "Which is why I contacted your company. There are a great many old things in this house. Things that no longer have a place in this world. I would like to know the options on what to do with them. Where can they find homes to rest in." The more he spoke the thicker and older his accent seemed to become. As though he had been practicing English for this conversation. While reflecting on the house, his mask was slipping and the rehearsal fading. For a second he had a forlorn expression before coming back to the moment.

"But you must be tired from your trip. I hear plane rides are quite exhausting, never mind the car ride and the hike. Shall I show you to the living quarters for you to freshen up? I made sure to prioritize those renovations first for your comfort." He gestured to a hallway with a much safer floor made from newer wood but there was always the option to begin work right away.

[Chihaya]

"What a coincidence!" Chihaya chirps out cheerfully and offers a short, playful laugh after. "Waiting happens to be a specialty of mine as well."

She accompanies him as is befitting one of her current role as client prospective. Her expression does not betray that she's seen what rests on his wrist as he pours even as her thoughts begin racing to prepare for what could be a potentially ugly conflict between them should he find out. She is, after all, a professional no matter what role she serves in.

How many of those workers are actually one of those folks who didn't even have the decency to stay out of sight if not dead entirely?

Blights on the system. She should consider whether or not it would be worth eliminating him on the spot to head off any damage he would cause in the coming days. A sip from her glass to cleanse her suddenly dry mouth and snap her back to present. She can blame any pause or sudden shift in demeanor on the weariness from the hike and long drive.

No need, currently, but a useful card nonetheless.

"Aha! Antiques are definitely one of our specialties. If there's something I can't guesstimate, I'll be able to put you in contact with someone who can." A pause to build the tension and take another drink of her water and a conspiratorial stage whisper follows. "Also to advise you regarding who to stay away from so you aren't taken advantage of or ripped off."

His accent thickening may be a trick or it may just be the effect of living among the locals for so long. Another man haunted by the nostalgia of a past long dead and buried... why were there so many in her life all of a sudden? Such tediousness of these mortals, they just didn't know how to let go.

"If you would be so kind," Chihaya replies graciously and with a gesture to the luggage she's carrying with her. Even if she's suspicious, she will give him the credit he deserves for being a generous and thoughtful host. "if I could drop these off there, we can begin with a light tour to show me some of what we'll be appraising and continue in-depth in the morning if it so suits you?"

And gives her time to reach out and reestablish communications with those who need to know about this little development. It might be just a fancy bracelet picked up and worn as a good luck charm against demons. She knows several such former Quincy relics can and have been used in such a way.

But being a security specialist... it's best not to leave it to chance.

[Dracula]

With an old-timey bow, Marius reached out and took the woman's luggage with out effort. His escort down the hall was accompanied by a brief history of the castle and its original purpose as a staging ground. It was never meant to be a fort or a battle castle. It was much more of a place to host and house information. Originally built some 600 years ago when the family first moved into the region. The area was quite destabilized from wars, raids, and invasions. The Ardeleanu family moved in to help stabilize the region, in a manner of speaking. Against the wishes of the elders and forerunners, the younger folk swore fealty to the kings of the area and made themselves of service to common folk. They used their wealth, education, and skills to provide humanitarian efforts to the village folk so they could not safety. Soon, they obtained the ranks of noblemen and were officially charged with keeping this land safe. But, eventually, even they were not able to hold the forces that threatened this land at bay. Close to 400 years ago, this castle was ambushed. In one night, every member of the family was slaughtered and the land was left defenseless.

Isuzu would find her room to be well furnished in a burgundy, gold, and dark wood tone color pallet. Her suite included her own bathroom with shower and a western tub that one could actually fit comfortably inside. Her own closet and wardrobe, several electrical lights and wall sockets but not a television, phone jack, or anything of that sort. A king sized, four post bed, with a corona and draperies. The south wall had large windows and glass doors leading out to a terrace that over looked the forest. Though the were on the second floor at this point, you'd find the landscaping put this more on the third and a half level. A basket of fruits, a bottle of wine, and glasses sat on a table next to the vanity.

"I hope this proves comfortable enough for you. I tried to modernize it but I'm afraid I'm still used to a different living standard." When she was ready, Marius escorted her on a "light" tour through the level they were on, the main floor, and into the basement and cellar area. He explained a few knickknacks and antiques along the way. Suits of armor, paintings, wall hanging rugs. He said they were all mostly gifts or brought over from the forerunners that first moved into the region but there was a common theme if you knew what you were looking for.

It was down in the basement where things became more interesting. He used the ornamental cross on his rosary as a key to a cast iron lock to access a more private room. Stacks of 13th to 15th century coins rested on a table with just as many of them having fallen to the floor. Trinkets and artifacts were strewn about the place. Jewelry that they just simply didn't make anymore with stone placements too large to believe. To say nothing of antique books and historical accounts that were considered invaluable to some. He walks around to some particular pieces and shared their origins as gift from Vasily of Moscow for helping them exert independence from the Mongols. Or from Fredderick the third for helping him quell problems at the far reaches of the Roman empire.

"I am told wine is well respected these days." To the left of the room is a still intact cellar with barrels presumed to be filled with wine a collection of bottles stored on a rack. "The bottles are mostly from the late 1300's. It's wine made from reisling grapes from Mosel Germany. I'm told the family was quite indebted to mine for their services in protection. When we left the region, they gave an entire year's stock."

He rested a hand on an unopened barrel. His mind went back to his young times with his brother and cousins as they played at men and drank til drunk. He never got rid of all of this as Dracula in the hopes that more Quincy would come. But they never did. Now, in his third life, he didn't see much point in hoarding it all and longer.

[Chihaya]

Isuzu's eyes flick from the furnishings to the taste in décor as they deposited her suitcase into her quarters.

Modernized while still playing to the castle's history; not a cheap renovation in the slightest. His pockets run deep indeed. Second floor, she notes, large windows and double doors that offer a terrace and stellar views of the southern forests. She offers an airy chuckle at the fruit basket and bottle of wine waiting neatly on the table.

"If this is how you intend to greet all your future guests, Mr. Ardeleanu, I can assure you that only the most high maintenance of clientele will dare find fault with the accommodations." A playful wink sent his way. "I'm not one of those high maintenance folks, however, so this will suit me just fine."[/color]

She can't help but think of a very specific spirit while saying such and anticipates a possible 'visit' during her slumber.

Not a lie either. The quality of the materials borders on obscene in terms of pricing as well as the maintenance required to ensure they were cared for and would last. Construction work seems to be secure as well-- not shoddy and slapped together the way some might have anticipated.

Then again, as much of a hermit as the man with her appears to be, Mr. Ardeleneau doesn't seem to be the type to tolerate anyone attempting to scam him out of his wealth.

The tapestries, old rugs, and suits of armor are noted and documented in a small notebook she carries with her on the tour. The paintings would need a curator to look at but they appear authentic. There's something tugging at her about a recurring theme seen in everything she's been shown thus far but, as the wind plays with one's hair and casts it askew, the specifics elude her.

Most women would be unnerved about being escorted to lower levels without at least another two or three. The air flow down here isn't stagnant, suggesting the ventilation is still in proper order and grants her a measure of comfort. She's the picture of youthful energy and excitement, exclaiming in wonder over the appropriate things, peering hard at ones she's decided not to specialize in with a frown and solemn nod, and otherwise acting like a rather well mannered tourist in another's home.

Upon entering another room, unlocked only by the bracelet on his wrist, it wasn't entirely her current role that caused her jaw to visibly drop in shock at the vast display in front of her. From tomes to stacks of coins to jewelry adorned with gemstones that were truly absurd in size-- it's a good amount of actual treasure. She knows no less than seven historians who would sell literal organs just to see it, much less touch it.

She knows several more politicians who would send assassins and use their clout to seize it for their own.

Feeling as though she's been poleaxed, Isuzu clears her throat and attempts to reestablish herself as the professional she advertised. A youthful response, one that should lend itself well to her cover, given that most mid-twenties have never seen anything remotely like this in anything other than video games, movies, or a visit to a museum.

She makes a mental note regarding the historical tomes and documents in particular. She'd personally review and note those herself if the contract is secured.

A sunny smile is his response to the wine. "The wine industry has experienced quite the boom in recent years. A historic vintage like that can go for..." She pauses to flip back through several pages in the notebook itself and runs a finger down a column. "anywhere between thirty-two thousand per bottle to well over a million US dollars."

Notebook closed, she taps the corner against her chin as she thinks further. "Considering what I have seen thus far, you have more than enough means after the curators and appraisers are done with their side of things to equip this to be just about anything you would like it to be."

She ticks off a few options. "If the wine came from a vineyard on the ground itself, you could easily offer complimentary tastings for your guests. The grounds and castle itself would also make an excellent wedding, movie, photography, and music video venue and destination spot."

Isuzu tucks an escaped lock of blonde hair out of her face and behind her ears. "I suppose the next question is; what are you wanting to do with the items you've shown me? Do you want them appraised so you know their value in today's market and find people interested in them? Do you want me to match you with a curator to check their authenticity so they might be donated to museums across the globe?"

A gesture around the room meant to encompass the entirety of the grounds. "There is endless potential in today's world and you have the means to turn this place and the contents within it into something truly marvelous if you wanted."

[Dracula]

"A million dollars for a bottle of wine..." Marius was trapped in memories of him, his brothers, cousins, uncles, and father all celebrating with glasses. They ate and drank from these pantries and celebrated on these tables. These items all contained the stories of people four hundred years deceased. There was a moment's hesitation as he considered throwing the bottle against the wall. Instead, he turned courteously towards his guest and offered it to her. "Should be a bit better than what's upstairs then. We shall have it for dinner."

She spoke of the castle being used to entertain people. Wedding ceremonies, music videos, and movies. He had taken the time to see these new forms of entertainment. They were stunning and alarming at first. If he were to speak honestly, they simply weren't for his old mind. He returned to books and found the modern versions of those to be far more enjoyable. It was like the entire world had grown into such a rush. And then it came time for the real questions. The forlorn expressions and nostalgia left and Marius gained a focus and clarity he had not had since the moment Ms. Fields walked into the castle.

"Find whatever appraisers and curators are appropriate for these rooms." He motioned towards two more rooms further in, under the implication that they were similar in content.

"The objective is speed, Ms. Fields- apart from your reputation it is why you were hired. I require these rooms to be liquidated into currency. I have a very specific objective in mind that requires a certain amount of... clout" He said the word like it was his first time using it. There was always the feeling a certain level of detachment to his mannerisms. One could simply think he was a recluse or eccentric. He lived in a castle in the middle of a forest, after all. Perhaps a Shinigami wouldn't pay it any mind as it must be common in Soul Society.

"Once we have the weight of this currency supporting us, I have a very specific collection that I require you to spread rumor of. It needs to be discreet while reaching as many ears as possible. All ears except Adimus Industries."

Adimus Industries- a tech giant of the modern world that puts out the majority of quality of life goods. Based in the United States but outsourced all over the world. 99% of the population would only know them by this identity. It is painfully clear, however, to those with a certain sixth sense that Adimus has its hands in things it shouldn't. It only took a light investigation from Marius to discover that they had taken over several locations that used to be Quincy strongholds. Very specific spots that played into Ginto formulas and ley line theory. Far more than could be a coincidence.

"Ensure that they hear about what I am offering third or fourth hand. After they come to us with an offer, we can proceed forward." Unknown to the man, he had been gripping his rosary rather tightly. It is the waif of food that brings his attentions back to the present. The object is released from his grip and tucked back into his sleeve.

"Ah, yes. I had some of the locals come by to prepare dinner service for you." His hand motioned for the door to lead her back upstairs. "If it would not trouble you, I wish to retire to my chamber to prepare for dinner. Though it can be dangerous in places, you are welcome to wander the estate above ground. Please arrive in the renovated dining room within an hour and a half."

"Don't forget the bottle."