forum Passions of the Hidden// OxO //Closed

Started April 02, 2021 by @knightinadream group

tune

(Yeah I did, I just had to fix something. It's all good though!)

He waited till she started down the hallway before swiftly coming over. As they walked, he glanced around taking in every detail possible. Here and there his gaze would wander to her.

A friend. The phrase caught his attention, but he managed to refrain from making any comment or showing any sign of curiosity. Something felt off with the way she spoke, he wasn't sure why. A strange feeling overcame him. Although, it could mean anything.

Antony stopped walking for a second to take a look around the club. "Ah, Elyasia," He muttered under his breath. The place looked as elegant, just as it was explained to him. Definitely a place NSS workers loved to go after work.

All in all, surely is a place that the revolutionaries could use with little to no suspicion. That is unless they have an informant working without their knowledge. "It's lovely," He nodded. Antony caught up with Dorota, but was still gazing around looking for security cameras.

(okay if you say so :') )
Charming as it was, a professionally trained eye could spot a hint or two of Elyasia being armoured; compact security cameras were tucked into the corners and by all three entrances. The glass cases that held glittering bottles of liquor held the glint of bulletproof glass and, although invisible to anyone else, on the inside of the bar there was a slit at the top that could be pulled forward to reveal various small blades and handguns.
But Dorota did not, of course, stop to describe any of this to Adrian. As far as she knew, it would not concern him. The three entrances each led to darkened rooms, deserted as well: the first door, locked, led to another hall that would in turn eventually lead to private offices and rooms. The second entrance, the one they had come in through, led out to the main lobby. The last entrance led to a secondary lobby, that then opened out into the theatre area. This was the way Dorota led Adrian.
"I don't spend much time in the bar, since it's a public space, but I ever do come in here you'll have to be with me at all times. We'll be going there," she said, pointing back towards the locked door, "afterwards."

It did not take a while for him to point out the tiny red dots blinking in the corners of Elyasia. In fact, there were more than plenty for a place like this. Yet, they did not stick out like a sore thumb, but even he had to squint once in awhile.

Why would such a place need this much security? He is surprised how with all the cameras there is, no one has been caught on either side: revolutionaries or Vuscagoian officials, or even the informant. On his left palm, he wrote the Chaenan character for camera then flicked his wrist, making sure his watch wasn't underneath his sleeve.

Gradually, he was starting to come up with a lengthy list of things to remember. Sincerity tactic, laughter, a friend, security cameras, the informant… Hopefully his handler will be able to get more information for him or to write down it for later at the least.

Antony looked over at where she pointed at then nodded, "Yes ma'am." Taking another glance back at the locked door, he let out a small sigh.

(Sorry quick clarification, is he the 'informant'? Also, for reference, I was thinking the Elyasia theatre could be inspired by this)

She nodded and led him through into the secondary lobby and then into the huge theatre area.
It was a truly incredible space– the stage snaked its way across the floor, creating small seating spaces that were, incidentally, perfect for meetings. The stage's pattern left ample space for people to wander and gain their seats as the evenings progressed.
At the far end of the space, staircases led up into the darkness of the wings, also punctuated with seating spaces. Lights were embedded into the bottle green walls like gems, shining dully in their current darkness.
The lobby entrance led onto a pathway that led to the floor, comfortably crowded with small circular tables and a handful of cushioned benches with longer tables.
Dorota gestured grandly to the space. "My pride and joy. The design was quite a process, but I'm in love with the result." She turned to Adrian, her hair bouncing along. "What do you think?"

(No Antony is a spy. I was thinking that the informant is someone else, like a server, who works in Elyasia that told the NSS about possible Purple Infantry activity. I hope that clears things up, sorry for the confusion. And also, the theater inspiration is amazing! I love it!)

What a sight to see for a ghost like him. The theater was already so exquisite in pictures, yet it was completely different actually being there. Briefly he thought about the fact that someone like him shouldn't even be here.

He couldn't help but in awe. Even if this place existed when he was younger, he would've been more amazed and expressive about it. The right corner of his lip cruved up into a small grin, but he forced it to go away.

Somehow it was not much surprising that Dorota designed the theater herself. Art tends to reflect its creators, that's what Mister Sachs always told him. Every single detail appeared as if it was carefully drawn and made into reality.

"It is gorgeous," He responded. Antony took a moment to get another glimpse, then stared back at her. "If I may say, this place is almost as mesmerizing as you."

(Aha, okay, I like that, no worries! And yeah!!! It's the set of one of my favourite musicals it's so cool. Also please these two actually have chemistry ahhhh)

She felt Adrian's next to her, and spotted his smile out of the corner of her eye; a surge of something like pride washed over her, and she sighed happily into it.
He spoke, and her heart dropped. That was unexpected. Her smile didn't move and she turned her head to look at him, letting her gaze linger on him.
"Mesmerizing? A beautiful word. Thank you," she said softly, her heart still pounding. She hadn't gotten a compliment in a long, long time, and was trying to reason with the feeling it was giving her.
She looked away from him without moving forward in the space. "This place gets crowded in the evenings. I present every night, and perform most nights. There's a seat permanently reserved for you next to the stage, so that you can keep an eye on me and whatever is going on at the tables. I will let you know if anyone in the audience ever needs to be supervised."
She turned fully back to him. "Back to where we were now!" she said energetically, pointing back through the secondary lobby. "We're heading for the space that's roped off to the public now. It leads to the wings, dressing area, kitchens, storerooms and living areas."

Antony wasn't sure what had come over him when he saw her beam. Warmth began to sting his cheeks as his eyes flickered over. He was frozen in place, and staring back at Dorota. Was he acting so strange on his own or was someone else controlling him?

Perhaps it is only the temperature in the area. It is almost summer after all. Maybe the air conditioner isn't on. He bit the inside of his lip when he came to the conclusion; it makes sense after all, the warmth he is feeling is only the summer heat. Or maybe…

"A beautiful word to describe a beautiful woman," He added, while rubbing the back of his neck. Right after, his eyes wandered down to the floor. He could feel his weight shifting to the balls of his feet. What he thought about the mission right before it began lingered in his mind. If he was able to say anything, he'd say it still gives him a bad feeling.

Eventually he rolled his shoulders back then glimpsed over at the stage and his seat. His eyes followed from the seat up to the rest of the area. Really, he was trying to figure out how quickly he can run up or anywhere else if he saw someone suspicious.

The energy in her voice startled him just a bit. He managed to let a small laugh leave freely from his mouth. What? Internally, he had to admit that was cute. Letting himself laugh a little is all part of the sincerity and lovers' tactic.

"Perfect. After you, Dorota."

She nodded and stepped in front of him, walking briskly through the lobby and the bar. She pulled out a key card from a pocket in her skirt and scanned it by the door. She waved it towards Adrian. "You'll be getting one of these sometime soon."
She opened the door and stepped through, pushing it open for Adrian to follow. The hall was blander than the rest of the building, a soft creamy white colour on the walls and with tiled floors. To the left, the hallway continued into darkness, towards what Dorota explained were the wings of the theatre. Straight ahead, the kitchen opened, already bustling with voices and clattering dishes.
Dorota waved Adrian to their right, where the hall continued on, brightly lit and opening up onto many doors.

Just before they were on their way again, he took one more look around the theater. He followed after her once they continued on.

Antony watched as Dorota took out a cars then scanned it. His eyebrow quirked as he heard a tiny beep sound following with the door unlocking. He squinted, glancing at the card when she waved it and nodded. Mumbling a thank you, he walked through and pulled the door to shut.

Compared to the other parts he's seen, the hall they are is much different. To him it gave a comforting feeling, it's bright and the floor had pretty colored tiles. It changed though getting dimmer for him to look at the details around him.

The sounds coming from the kitchen caught his attention. Were people already getting ready for dinner? He turned his wrist to look at the time. Three-fourty. Guess it makes sense; he forgot that Vuscagoians eat early. Antony shook both of his wrists before noticing all the doors in the hallway.

"Ah Dorota, I'm sorry for thinking about this now, but is there anything I should be aware of?" He asked, "Food allergies, triggers, fears? Anything specific?"

Dorota stopped walking to think about it. She leaned against one of the walls, letting her head drop to her chest.
"No allergies, at least. Maybe…" Images of her father lying dead, shot through the head, were resurfacing. She blinked them away, praying her face was staying normal. "It should be fine. I'll let you know," she finished slightly abruptly. Forcing a smile, she shook her hair out and turned on her heels to face the long hall ahead of them.
"So, here. We get a lot of people, including officials through here. The Elyasia hours also tend to be long. There are rooms along here if we ever end up staying overnight." She had been walking while talking, and stopped next to a door, marked only by a little cross painted over the handle. "This is your room. Mine," she continued, pointing a couple doors ahead to a door marked Private Area, "is there, where I end up on long nights. Even if we stay overnight, you're off-duty at 11 in the evening unless otherwise specified. You'll have to walk me to where I live most nights, but it's not far. Then you get to go home until 8, which is when I get here in the mornings. The rest of the rooms are storerooms and a couple meeting rooms and the security office."
She turned to him. "Do you live far away from here? If you can't get here for eight am, it's a problem, so if needed you can stay here, I can organise it. The cameras run all night, obviously, but there are no cameras in the rooms," she told him.
She just needed to show him the security office and then they were done with the tour. They'd walk past the meeting rooms, and she only hoped he didn't ask to see them; how would she explain that he didn't have clearance to go in there?

Taking him a couple seconds to notice, he eventually came to a stop. He walked back a few steps and placed his feet together then stared over at Dorota.

Again, there was that lonesome look in her eyes. Unlike when he saw it the first time, he assumed that the feeling was just more than being lonely. Sadness? Loss? Frustration? Even in her immediate smile, he was able to pick up the remnants of it. His lips curled back as he nodded in response.

His finger lightly brushed against the little cross. Next his hand wandered down to the door handle, wrapping his fingers around it. Glimpsing to see where she was pointing, he leaned over to the right. Immediately the words on the door stood out to him.

As Dorota delineated everything, he silently went over everything in his mind. Some things were blank. Hearing about officials coming here made his left eyebrow swiftly rise for a second. His schedule doesn't seem to be that bad. Showing up on time isn't a problem nor is staying late.

On the other hand, he took interest in the security room and meeting rooms. Of course interest in the security room is natural, but he shouldn't appear interested in the meeting rooms. Not yet anyhow. Those could be used for anything, so he is going to be oblivious and leave it at that.

Antony shook his head. "It's alright, I live on Dalca Avenue, not too far from here too," He replied, then added, "I'll always be on time, but in case anything happens, I will let you know as soon as possible."

He went back to thinking and glancing around as they walked. The place is big and quite fascinating. For him its a treasure chest or a safe. All he needs is the key to see what's inside.

Dalca Avenue. "Alright." That was quite close by, he was right. "I trust you to be on time, then."
She kept on down the hall, stopping at a door that also had a card swipe. Dorota knocked, waited, and then opened it.
"Welcome to the security office, dear Adrian. A lot of the time you'll find the Elyasia head of security in here, though she must be busy with something else at the moment."
She said all of this with her back turned to Adrian as she went straight for the desk. She opened one of the drawers and pulled out a card identical to hers except for the colour: while hers was orange at the highest clearance level, this card was light blue at the second highest. "Here is your security card. Don't lose it, because they're extremely hard to replace."
She stepped out of the way for Adrian to see the full office: it was a dark room, furnished with a desk and set of drawers and a filing cabinet tucked into a corner. It smelled of coffee and cleanliness, a combination that felt fresh and that woke you the minute you walked in. Above the desk, in neat rows up on the wall, 24 screens played high-quality video of the different rooms of Elyasia. On the desk, other than one or two piles of paper, was a monitor, an extension of the screens.
Dorota pointed to it. "You can, with this, control the alarms in the entire building. You can lock or unlock exits, shut down the lights, alter the camera placement or which rooms you're looking at, and turn on the sound for the few cameras that allow it, the cameras in the theater, bar and lobbies. Are you going to need a guide to the program we use or do you have sufficient technology experience?"

He looked over past her into the room. It was oddly quiet to him, but from what he could see, the room had everything needed to make sure that nothing wrong could happen. Briefly, he wondered why the head of security wasn't here or why no one else took her place.

Antony watched as Dorota pulled out a light blue card from the drawer. His head tilted slightly as he listened. Nodding, he mumbled a soft "Yes ma'am", still staring at the security card. Flickering his gaze around the room, he focused on the screens on the wall.

"I am up to date on the latest technology. I'll be fine," He said, while staring at the screens. Shaking his wrists, he slipped both of his hands in his pockets. On some of the screens, he watched as people were making their way through the hallways or sitting in the lobby.

After a while of staring at the screens, he turned around, noticing a pile of sticky notes on the desk. First he picked up one sticky note and wrote with his pen, "Adrian Lee, Dorota's Bodyguard 7815-1920." He stuck it on the rim of the computer monitor. After he picked up another and just wrote his name and number.

As he tucked his pen back in his suit jacket pocket, he held the note to Dorota. "This is my number, just in case you need it," He said.

Dorota watched him watch the room, probably acclimating himself to the new environment. Familiarising, in a very professional manner that she approved of, as a professional. There was, though, something about the intensity of his stare, how it took in every single detail and spun them back into some sort of web of knowledge you could only achieve if you were not only sharp, but driven. Much like herself, or so she thought.
More and more, Adrian was seeming like the perfect candidate for the job. She took the sticky note from him and pocketed it, thanking him.
She stepped back out of the security room. She stood off to the side of the door and waited for Adrian. "Any questions?" she called back to inside the room.

Antony nodded then backed away so he could keep looking around the room. He held the security card between his left index and middle finger while examining the monitor. The card tapped against the desk. Quietly to himself, he went over the controls and wrote with his other index finger.

In the corner of his eye, he gazed over at his target. Straightening himself as he stood away, he fixed his suit jacket. His head shook while he slipped the card into a pocket. "I do not believe so," He answered, strolling over to her. Flicking his gaze to the floor, he made sure that he was three steps away from her then glanced back. "I am ready to start working now."

Adrian kept a fair distance from her. Dorota considered that fact and tucked it away mentally. "Okay. I have a meeting in," she checked her watch, "about 10 minutes. I'm meeting with the liquor suppliers, and they always bring a legal representative with them to check my license papers. Shall we?" she asked, gesturing back down the hall. "Starting next week, you'll have my schedule once a week, every week, so that you know where I am at all times. Or, most of the time," she added mischievously. Slightly counterintuitive, seeing as he was supposed to be with her all the time, but it was just a joke. Although, Adrian didn't seem like the joke type. Oh well.

Carefully, he leaned over to get a glimpse of both ends of the hallway. Antony closed the door to the security room. At the same time Dorota checked her watch, he turned his wrist to do the same. A meeting in ten with suppliers and then receive her schedule once a week. He nodded in response.

At first, he was not sure what the joke meant. In fact, it flew over his head at first. His brows furrowed while his head slightly tilted. Every single word he hears, he meticulously picks apart to see if it means anything. It is only a joke though, right? Seems so. Antony flashed a small grin despite it being a bit odd. "Don't worry, Boss," He responded in a teasingly manner. "I will always protect you, even if I only know where you are, most of the time."

She stopped to turn back and look at him as he spoke. She let out a single laugh, partially caught by surprise by him and his crooked grin, but pleased that she could maybe have some fun with him.
She turned back and her smile fell. There was no time for fun, not now that there was so much to do. She shook it off and kept walking, back out into the bar with her keycard and then through into the main lobby.
There was someone at the door of her office, professional in her attire but leaning against the wall, relaxed and clearly at ease. Dorota grinned and called at the woman, waving for Adrian to follow her as she sped up.

Smiling really must work after all; guess he will have to take note of that then. Her laugh prompted him to chuckle for a quick second, but he lowered his chin to clear his throat afterwards. Even with a weird smile, he expected to receive some sort of awkward exchange.

The grin faded away once she turned back around. He stared straight ahead, walking in long strides. Down at the target's office, he noticed a woman standing next to the door. His eyes squinted to observe from his distance. It must be the legal representative that Dorota had just mentioned. Antony gave a simple nod, starting to walk a little faster to stay in pace with Dorota.

“There you are, Yasmin,” Dorota sang. Yasmin lifted a hand in greeting as she pushed off the wall to come towards them.
“Sorry about that, Dora, I had an errand to run.” Yasmin’s icy blue gaze lingered on Dorota, heavy with implication, and then she looked over to the man behind her. A soft smile that contained a hint of suspicion spread across her face.
“You must be the new bodyguard. I’m Yasmin, head of security. I’ll have to show you my office,” she offered quietly.

The head of security. Makes more sense after seeing the interaction between the two. Antony maintained his indifferent expression. Only for a few seconds did he let his eyes examine Yasmin's expression. He returned the smile with a short head bow. A few strands of hair fell in front of his field of vision. Letting out a quiet sigh, he carefully brushed them away.

"Ah, yes. I'm Adrian Lee, pleased to meet you," He greeted. "I am afraid that Dorota has already shown me the security office. There's a note with my number on it at your desk in case you need me."

Yasmin nodded at him, her smile lingering. "Sounds good. I'll be on my way then." She turned to Dorota and squeezed her shoulder affectionately before leaving them.
Dorota looked over at Adrian. "You'll be working with her a lot from now on. She handles my schedule."
Yasmin knew everything Dorota knew, and was responsible for making sure that Dorota's two… conflicting jobs didn't meet one another.
Once Yasmin had left Dorota continued to her office, letting herself and Adrian in. She took a seat at her desk and set up some paper, pens, whatever she needed. "You can stand, if you like, or I can get you a chair?"

Antony decided to not attempt a smile again. Instead, he kept his eyes staring straight forward at Yasmin. As the head of security began to walk away from them, he gradually turned his head to look back, watching.

In order to get close to Dorota, he'll have to befriend Yasmin too. And with the wary expression he had noticed, it may take a while for that to happen.

He turned his head back, then gave a nod in response. Following the target into her office, he flicked his left wrist before closing the door behind him. Antony tried to relax his stiffened posture when he stood against the wall.

"I guess I could sit," He responded before adding, "I can get instead. Where should I go to get one?"

(sorry!! I just had a couple exams so I had to focus on that)
(hey omg I had an idea also that maybe at some point, dorota is off on some purple infantry mission and she's wearing a mask and antony happens to be there and he's also wearing a mask and so they fight but have no idea who each other is and THEN they fight together out in the open and one of them realizes who it was they fought that day??)
Dorota nodded. "Sure, yes. You should be able to get a spare chair from somewhere in the bar, as long as it's brought back."
Yasmin had gone from the lobby to leaning forward against the bar, immersed in what seemed to be a very intense conversation with one of the bartenders. Meanwhile, Dorota pulled out documents from her desk and fanned them out in front of her. Her meeting was indeed with suppliers for alcohol, but little would Adrian know that although vodka was vodka, Elyasia did not in fact serve liquor and liquor simply meant guns. A simple but effective cover that they had been using for a long time, and Dorota had to admit that having a supplier for both her businesses was very practical and saved her a lot of time.

(It's all good! My responses are going to be a bit delayed cause of finals and catching up on work. Also, I love your idea, it's great. Let's do it!)

"Thank you," He said, in a low tone. Stepping away from the wall, he turned to face the door. "I'll be back, soon." Wrapping his fingers around the door handle, be turned it then walked out of the office.

He checked the cameras before disappearing behind the corner of the hallway. Antony walked into the bar, stopping himself once he noticed Yasmin. He didn't bother saying hi or anything as the head of security was occupied with speaking to a bartender. What use would it be to pay any attention to the conversation?

After flicking his wrists twice, he fixed his cuffs. While doing so, his index finger lightly tapped on the crown of his watch. He picked up the chair and walked on the side closer to the other two before heading back to Dorota's office.

His footsteps were quick yet cautious. Antony held the chair up, making sure it wouldn't touch the floor or hit anyone passing by. And when he was at the door, he made sure to knock before heading in. Antony placed the chair in the same stop he was before, then sat down, keeping his eyes lowered to the floor.

(No problem, good luck! And awesome! )

It took only a moment for another sharp knock to come at the door. Quick as a flash Dorota was at the door, a diplomatic smile already fixed into her face. Two men in crisp grey suits walked in, accompanied by another man with a briefcase and a sweet-looking purple sweater vest.
“Very nice to see you all again, gentlemen,” Dorota said lightly. Her entire voice had changed, taken on a new colder quality. This was her professional voice. She waved at the chairs in front of her desk, welcoming them into the office. She took her own seat, sitting slowly down. The men who had not yet spoken looked over at Adrian.
“Who is this?” one of the suits asked.
“A friend,” Dorota said simply. “Introduce yourself,” she told Adrian, a hint of her usual warmth edging into her tone.

Just as he was gradually relaxing into the chair, he immediately sat up when hearing the knock. Tension arose in his feet, having the urge to make him stand up. Antony remained in the chair, watching as the two men walked into the office then glanced down once again.

He could feel their eyes on him, yet he did not bother to look up. In the corner of his gaze, he looked at the purple sweater vest. To keep himself from looking attentively, he just bit the inside of his lip and kept on pretending to not notice anything.

Dorota's voice rang in his ears causing him to glimpse up at her then at the other men. "My name is Adrian Lee," He said. Standing up, he fixed his suit jacket then gave the two men a gentle yet respectful head bow. His eyes flickered over at the one and then the other. "I am Solene's personal bodyguard, it's a pleasure to meet you two."

(sorry!! I've had such a week. how were your exams?)
"And you," one of the suits said. He sat down, his hands primly set in his lap.
His colleague offered Adrian then Dorota a smile. "This is our legal representative, Daniel," he said, indicating the man in the purple sweater vest, who didn't smile, only nodded.
Dorota smiled widely at each of them in turn. "Okay, so the last shipment was five cases of vodka and four cases of liquor."
The men nodded. "Correct. Although, the liquor brand from last shipment was… put out of commission." He finished on what was clearly a rather loaded tone. Dorota nodded in understanding.
"That's quite alright. Whatever one you recommend. We will need an extra case of vodka. We ran through the last one quite fast," Dorota laughed.

(It's alright, I hope everything's going well. So far so good! Thanks for asking!)

Antony nodded then sat down at the same as the other man did. Like always, he was rigid, and kept his eyes on the two men. His finger traced along his knee, writing the name "Daniel". Purple vest, Daniel; he wonders if that serves any importance or not.

He turned his wrist so that his hand laid perfectly above his knee. Then he let his eyes lower to the floor once again. The watch rested at the end of his sleeve, revealing just a bit of itself. Even though he was staring at the floor, he was attentively listening to the conversation. Every now and then, he would look up at his "boss" and the two men before going back to staring at the floor.

Just like before, Dorota's laugh caught him off guard. His expression softened a little as he glanced up for a second. Biting the inside of his lip, he let out a quiet exhale. He let his shoulders drop as he sat back in the chair.

(thanks, and no problem I’m glad!)
Dorota heard Adrian rustle around but didn’t take her eyes off the three men before her— the first lesson her father had taught her was never to look away from who you were dealing with.
Her shoulders stiffened minutely. It didn’t feel right to be thinking of her father around other people. He was too much of a secret.
The grey suit in the center nodded drily at her laugh. « We will provide the brand we recommend then. Are you looking for something that will last you, or something stronger? »
Dorota paused, considering. « Something that will last, if you please. »
The man nodded and leaned over to mutter in Daniel’s ear. The latter nodded as well, scribbled a few notes onto a document in his folder and then picked it up gingerly. He set it onto the table, slid it around and over to Dorota, who already had a pen in a hand.
Only a moment later the document was signed and put away and the men got to their feet. They shook hands, and the man nearest Adrian offered his hand.