<TIAMAT> *It's midnight -- same time, same night as Jarod's nightmare. The Arena is quiet and calm at this hour; those who are awake -- mostly vampires, undead, and the like -- are more than likely in the underground bars and taverns. Except one dark cloaked figure who waits patiently in one of the empty rooms down the dark corridor that leads to Buriki's workshop.

<TIAMAT> *The room is small and sparse -- it apparently hasn't been used for much of anything in quite some time, as the only piece of furniture is a small, dilapidated table in one corner, on which a small candle flickers -- the only light down the whole hallway. The cloaked and hooded figure paces slowly between the table and the door and back again.

<JETMODE> *Several minutes after the appointed hour, though not many more than ten, there's a patter of hurried footsteps from outside, accompanied by very muted swearing.

<TIAMAT> *The figure, back turned toward the entrance and halfway between there and the table, pauses and turns sharply, watching the door expectantly.

<JETMODE> *If there was some passcode specified, the newcomer evidently forgot all about it, so the door swings inward abruptly, admitting her with another flurry of swearwords, then shuts behind her with a faint click.

<TIAMAT> *The figure breaths a quiet sigh of relief as he lowers his hood. "Genoa."

<JETMODE> *Genoa jumps slightly, putting a hand to her forehead. "I'm sorry I'm late. I had to assure Whisper -- repeatedly -- that I wouldn't wake her up when I came back."

<TIAMAT> *Teal goes over to her, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. "Quite all right. Isn't Gem with you?" He frowns a little.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *puzzled* She isn't here yet? I didn't pass anyone on my way in..

<TIAMAT> *Teal shakes his head. "I haven't heard from her since yesterday evening when she contacted me saying she had information for us and wanted to meet us tonight. *he sighs a little. "It's still fairly early -- she might have gotten held up. *he smiles a little apologetically. "I'd offer you a seat, but I'm afraid there's not much here."

<JETMODE> *Genoa grins, ambling over to the wall next to the door and leaning easily against it. "It's quite all right. I've spent most of my day sitting down already."

<TIAMAT> *Teal follows her, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall next to her and staring at the floor. "How are your lessons going?"

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *glances at him sideways, mouth quirking in a faint smile* Slowly. I'm several months behind everyone now, but I've been trying to keep up. *shifts her shoulders with a sour look* Admittedly, it would help if I didn't have to knee someone in the groin every other day.

<TIAMAT> *Teal returns the glance, eyebrow raised questioningly.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *sighs and shakes her head* Largely due to Clyde's overlarge mouth, I'm on the receiving end of the occasional catcall. Or lewd joke. Or indecent proposition. *sardonic grin*

<TIAMAT> *Teal straightens a bit, turning to face her with a frown. "Why didn't you tell me? I've dealt with Clyde already, but if there are others giving you trouble.."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *waves a hand absently* I didn't want to bother you with it -- it's not a terrible inconvenience. Just mildly annoying. *she tries a smile*

<TIAMAT> *Teal smiles back faintly. "It's not a bother, my dear, I assure you -- if you have a problem again, don't hesitate to let me know. *he kisses her forehead lightly.

<JETMODE> *She sighs, leaning against him with a murmur. "It's difficult to get used to, having someone who thinks I deserve to be defended." She smiles faintly. "I've been doing my own defending for so long."

<TIAMAT> *Teal wraps his arms around her, holding her gently. "And I don't doubt you could continue on your own, if you had to. But you don't. Because I'll always be here for you."

<JETMODE> *Genoa doesn't answer him, but her cheeks go red -- affection is definitely not something she's used to.

<TIAMAT> *Teal holds her for a few moments longer until a loud "ahem" from the doorway brings him sharply back to life and he looks up quickly just as a lithe figure slips through the door, shutting it behind her. "My, I do hope I'm not interrupting anything too serious."

<JETMODE> *Genoa jerks away abruptly, folding her arms with some irritation. "There wouldn't have been anything to interrupt if you'd been on time."

<TIAMAT> *Teal relaxes a little with a sigh as Gem steps into the candle light, grinning easily and nodding to both. "Oh yes, I do apologize for that -- I was ... unavoidably detained. *she doesn't look like she wants to get into the details.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *blandly* That thug of yours?

<TIAMAT> *Gem sighs a little, a small smirk playing at her lips. "Something like that. Unlike you, I try to stay as far away from my thug as possible. *she glances at Teal, then winks at Genoa.

<TIAMAT> *Teal frowns a little, face going slightly red, though it might be hard to tell in the dim light. He clears his throat loudly. "You said you had some information for us?"

<TIAMAT> *Gem: Why yes, as a matter of fact, I do! As you well know, my dear thug -- Jimsey, that is -- has been involved in the black market for some time now, and I think we finally may be able to pin him down soon -- tomorrow, even.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *arches eyebrow* Not a false trail this time?

<TIAMAT> *Gem: Well, I suppose there's only one way to find out. *she shrugs a little* I received some information that he's going to be transacting a major deal tomorrow afternoon, so with any luck, we may have him.

<TIAMAT> *Teal frowns a little. "Do you need some help?

<TIAMAT> *Gem grins. "I think I can handle it -- trailing him until I find a location, anyway. You'd draw a bit too much attention, anyway, wouldn't you? *she winks again* Besides, being the Baron and all, you must be awfully busy ...

<TIAMAT> *Teal sighs a bit. "Too true. Especially with these recent scares ... *trails off, shaking his head a little*

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *inquisitive look* Scares?

<TIAMAT> *Teal, tiredly: The past few days, there've been several people reporting ... unusual behavior from friends and family. It's hard to explain ... mostly lack of interest in activities, drowsiness...small things, though they've gotten quite a few people upset, and the infirmary can't seem to find anything wrong with any of them.

<JETMODE> *Genoa shakes her head, frowning. It sounds familiar, but she can't make any connection. "Well, I can come along, if need be. My classes end early tomorrow afternoon."

<TIAMAT> *Gem thinks about this for a while. "Well, an extra hand might be helpful...though I'm not entirely sure where I'll be, I'm afraid. I can try to have word sent to you once I know for sure."

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *nods* Of course. *faint smile* I shouldn't be too hard to find.

<TIAMAT> *Gem: Oh, of course not -- you'll be with this great thug, as usual, am I right? *her lips twitch into a playful smirk.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *soft snort* Astute, as usual. Alternately, I'll be in my room, studying for an exam the professor promises will be an unholy nightmare -- no pun intended.

<TIAMAT> *Teal goes slightly red again at Gem's comment.

<TIAMAT> *Gem grins, then bursts into a huge yawn. "Ooh! It is getting rather late, isn't it. And we've got a lot to do tomorrow, so I suppose, if we're done here ..."

<TIAMAT> *Teal coughs and nods. "Of course. Thanks for the information."

<JETMODE> *Genoa smiles faintly. "Good luck tomorrow."

<TIAMAT> *Gem nods. "Always a pleasure -- and thank you. *she gives a wave and trots out the door.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *folds arms* Well, tomorrow should be interesting.

<TIAMAT> *Teal watches Gem disappear, then glances at Genoa. "Indeed. Let's hope her sources pull through ...

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *chuckle* Well, even if they don't, we're not much worse off than we were before. *wistful smile* I should be getting back.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Ah, of course... *he takes her chin gently, lifting her face to kiss her lightly. "Sleep well, my love."

<JETMODE> *Genoa returns the kiss, though not without another blush. "And you."