video;

[cleptes]

[ See Bela. See Bela seated on a comfortable chair with a black cat in her lap and a glass of wine in her hand, looking like a queen. ]

Rather than delivering a speech to mark my anniversary in this place, I've decided that a few bottles of really expensive wine and the presence a beloved pet will do the trick instead. Now I'm not opposed to having company this evening, but you have to be prepared to drink. And like cats.

[ She idly pets the cat, scratching behind its ears and beneath its chin. The animal soon begins to purr. ]

I could be convinced to go out instead. [ A knowing look. ] Though that will take a lot of persuasion and the promise of free drinks so don't get your hopes up on that one. I'm a very particular lady sometimes. Can't help it.

[ Bela takes a sip from her wine, looking thoughtful afterwards. ]

For those out there who have been here for a year or even beyond that, did you mark the occasion? Or did you choose to leave it as a normal day, nothing special. Just another day in a place that isn't your home. Not having a sense of familiarity like you do in your own world. [ She stops. Checks herself. ] God, this is beginning to sound like a speech and full of bloody sentiment. I won't bore you all to death.

[ And then breezily, as if everything was fine. ]

There's already enough shit in this place to kill you.

Comments

Video

[dun_moch]

[See now, this is a woman who knows how to carry herself with class- an all-too-rare trait in Dooku's opinion, and one he appreciates.]

A happy anniversary to you, Bela. This appears to be the season for it- I was wishing another acquaintance the same just the other day.

If you don't mind the company of an older gentleman, I would be happy to pay a visit to you and your fine friend, there.

[He means the cat. But that's just an affectation for her benefit- the Count has little taste for something as affectionate and alive as a pet. Unless it's a beast he can feed his enemies to, that is.]

Video

[cleptes]

Thank you, Count Dooku. [Bela offers him a smile.] I can't believe that it has been a year already.

I wouldn't be opposed to having your company for a little while. And neither would my cat. [its ears perk up and Bela rewards the animal with an affection stroke along its back.]

Shall I prepare anything for your arrival? Tea, coffee?

Video

[dun_moch]

Tea would be delightful, thank you. Simply provide me with your address, and I will be by momentarily.

[The Count is secretly grateful she didn't press wine upon him. Dooku is not much of a drinker, regardless of the occasion.]

Video

[cleptes]

Hold on a moment, I will text you the address. [Which she does, switching back to a video feed afterwards.]

I'll see you soon. Or we both will in this case.

Video --> Action

[dun_moch]

I am much obliged, madame. You can expect me shortly.

[And within the hour, there will be a caller at Bela's door, with a quickly-purchased but also tastefully-selected bottle of wine under his arm. Since she has demonstrated such an appreciation for the stuff.]

Good evening, Bela. And a happy anniversary once again.

Permavid

[governorkang]

It's difficult to not mark the occasion. One year felt like a decade. Two years as of this month feels more like a century.

[He smiles wryly.]

Company does help, though.

[cleptes]

Two years? That is a while.

[Bela offers a slight smile in return.]

Company can make all of the difference sometimes. I had thought about maybe hosting a bigger party but the planning never really happened.

voice;

[angelfire]

Damn. I don't like cats.

voice;

[cleptes]

Well, I'll try not to be too disappointed.

[ Snark was her best defence at the moment. ]

voice;

[angelfire]

But the least I can do is send along a gift. Something to make you feel like you're more at home here. What do you say?

voice;

[cleptes]

I am going to politely decline your offer of a gift, Lucifer. There's no need for you to give me anything, yeah? I'm fine.

voice;

[angelfire]

Oh pssh, it's nothing. Besides, who actually needs sleep, right?

[ Yeah, he's going to set the hellhounds on her for one night only. Which night? Dealer's choice.

But you know, just so that they can howl and frighten her and such, because Satan is Satan. ]

voice;

[hisheartsdesire]

Congratulations on your surviving a whole year. Let's say I promise you some free drinks—care to spend the night out?

voice;

[cleptes]

Hmm, a night out with one of my handsome, sweet and charming friends who could possibly be a wingman. [There's a smile in her voice.] I've got an offer already, but I am sure I can meet you afterwards.

[hisheartsdesire]

Ah—I guess someone beat me to it! [He chuckles.] You know where to find me if you need me, all right? Do enjoy your night, Bela. An anniversary is cause for celebration.

[cleptes]

I will enjoy my night, Toby. And it's likely that you will get a message from myself at some point. [Hopefully not a drunken message.] Even if we can't meet up tonight, we can arrange something else, yeah?

[hisheartsdesire]

But of course! I'd be more than happy to spend some time, at your convenience. Besides, you'll do the same for me if I should reach my anniversary here, yeah?

video;

[baetiful]

A whole year. My sincerest congratulations to you for surviving the odds that seem to be against the imPort populace. In my short time, I have already seen people swept up by the porter.

video;

[cleptes]

You're the first person to actually congratulate me on this. I will take it as a compliment, and as a credit to my ability to survive.

[A smile plays at her lips for a moment.]

Have you been settling in?

video;

[baetiful]

Well I believe such a thing is cause for congratulations and celebrations.

[ He smirks. ]

I have been settling in well, yes. The renovations on my newest business are nearly complete and I will be opening it at the beginning of the month of May.

[ Slowly learning how time is marked here. ]

How have things been going for you, my lady?

video;

[cleptes]

Ooh, now that does sound exciting. Remind me to swing by once you're open for business. Congratulations by the way.

[ Well, Bela hopes that his business is exciting, but it seems likely to be the case, given who he was. ]

Things have been fine; nothing has really changed since the last time we spoke. Thank you for asking though, Lord Baelish. [ A smile. ]

Perhaps things will be a little more exciting for me in the near future.

video.

[magnitudes]

( oh hello, attractive lady with cat. Sarissa quirks an eyebrow, bemused, and cants her head to the side. )

I feel motivated and inspired by all that sentiment. Really. It was beautiful.

( okay she's a smartass, but she's a friendly smartass. Mostly. Sometimes. )

video.

[cleptes]

Awh, well I am very glad I could inspire you, sweetie. Truly.

[ Bela is also a smartass. A smartass who appreciates banter and people who can deliver on it. ]

Have we met before? You seem familiar.

video.

[magnitudes]

I'm thinking I might just embroider your words of wisdom on a throw pillow, yeah? Maybe give it to a loved one as a gift.

( Hahaha funny joke she has no loved ones

Ah, ha. Well. Sarissa's brow quirks and there's a clear ahhh moment. )

I have sisters? ( Apparently??? ) I'm the Australian delinquent branch.

video.

[cleptes]

Ah. Well, I only know of one sister - Sarah. But she sounds like she is from England.

[ Bela doesn't know how many sisters (or doppelgangers maybe) there are. ]

Who might you be then? Instead of me just referring to you as the Australian one.

[ She's teasing. ]