#━━ ⟢ 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘴. * / isadora x.

[isadoraxantcs]

open starter @sinnerssquarestart location: at a cafe in manhattan

Though she generally had no issues with violence, her surrounding enviroment had always been one where Isadora had no close touch with it; certainly not as close as she'd been that night in Babylon. As much as she denied and tried to hide it, that night had left her shaken up. It made her reevaluate her view on this whole thing. Whoever stood behind all the phone calls and texts had clearly made their point. Desperate to push those thoughts aside, the woman turned to the person on her right. Charming smile twisted her lips on command. "If you treat me to a glass of wine, I promise to talk your ear off about art. Do we have a deal?"

[isadoraxantcs]

It was only after she'd turned to face her companion that Isadora realized who he was. Though proven himself countless times for the period of time he'd been part of the Society, Isadora remained wary of Gabriel. It didn't stop her from enjoying his company nonetheless. She was taught how to keep small talk casual. "It's perfect choice then," she smiled, sliding her index finger down the curved glass before taking a sip. "Because I need both tonight." Her light eyebrows furrowed together at his words, she certainly didn't like being judged. Even more so when the other was perceiving her like an open book. "I feel like that's been most of us these days. There's been a lot of turbulence, both internal and external. But I'm curious, what's your excuse? Don't you have more fun plans than brooding alone at a bar?"

Gabriel regarded Isadora with a calm intensity, the corners of his lips barely hinting at a smile. He could see the weight of her thoughts, the way she wrestled with her own reflections. “Wine can certainly offer a moment of relief,” he replied, his voice calm and measured, glancing at the glass in her hand. “But it can also be quite the distraction.” He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the air between them. “It’s easy to rely on something external when the internal landscape feels turbulent.” Gabriel did not feel the need to say what he could see painted in the women's face. He recognized the sight of a woman in a turbulent relationship. After all, why else would she be sitting alone in a bar at this hour? The soft glow of the bar lights glinted off her wedding ring, a silent testament to the complexities of her life.

[isadoraxantcs]

open starter @sinnerssquarestart / giovanni's farewell party location: babylon

Babylon was yet another hidden gem for Isadora to find under a rather tragic circumstance, but she was sure she'll be coming back later. She could only imagine what a lovely place it was when there were less people. She could feel the silent stares at her — people, why did they always have to be so judgemental? and why was it always the others that mattered than focusing on their own shit? yet, she wasn't going to let that ruin her night. she'd come with a mission. the phone call was a rather distasteful move, but the text... Well, let's say she just wasn't happy with someone thinking they have the authority to give her orders. "To Giovanni Moretti," she exclaimed, lifting her glass of wine after feeling the presence of someone to her right. "May he rest in peace." She took a nice gulp before finally looking to her right. "Didn't know him very well, but he certainly knew how to make his presence last, didn't he?"

[isadoraxantcs]

closed starter: @ronniextorres location: luxury car dealership

While Isadora had an eye for pretty things, cars included, it was not her usual scenery and it showed. She felt out of place, walking into the establishment, immediately catching the attention of the workers inside who eagerly offered their help. But the only help she needed was for directions which she already knew. Despite a couple proteste on behalf of the staff, she walked straight to the back and into the manager's office. "I'll cut straight to the point - I know you prefer it that way. I have a job for you."

[isadoraxantcs]

closed starter for @saccharinexvenom (dakota) location: tba.

Isadora was a firm believer in the idea that there was no such thing as having one too many connections. Her father has various business partners and her mother was also a well-known woman, which gave her and her siblings a good start in life; however, she wasn't the type to live solely on this foundation. She liked expanding her associations, mostly due to her trust issues, which made her always think of a back up plan. She'd heard news of a man, who sounded as a valuable asset in her arsenal of connections from what the rumors had to offer and she'd agreed for a meeting to be arranged in Downtown Brooklyn. "You must be Dakota?" She asked, taking the seat to his left.

[isadoraxantcs]

She would never understand Seraphina's motives, not that Isadora was really interested in that anyway. The other woman could be so contravertial at times. Why want be at the top of something if you're not willing to hold the power? "Oh, I'm definitely going to get a drink. You have some fine wine, I suppose. And yes, I'd love to see who you've got here, but... Why do I get the feeling you're trying to get rid of me already?"

"I'm not a leader and I have never claimed to be a leader." Sera honestly couldn't understand what the point of the whole conversation was. She liked to own the club but besides that she had never claimed she wanted responsibility. In fact it was quite the opposite. That was the last thing she wanted. "You can sit and have a drink we have some wonderful bartenders, I'll send some of our dancers over to you and you can decide who takes your interest. That's how it usually works."

[isadoraxantcs]

closed starter for @liamjarcher location: the metropolitan museum of art

Her family owning shares of the Metropolitan as well as it being one of the most prominent place to exhibit art in all its forms in NYC immediately made it one of Isadora's favourite places to be in. Often times she simply enjoyed walking through the halls, admiring the current exhibits and studying each piece because experience had thought her that there was always more that one could learn about art and its history. However, today her attention was caught not by a painting or sculpture but a person; not that she'd argue that the man himself could be considering a nature's work of art. "Fancy seeing you here, Mr. Archer." She greeted him with a smile.

[isadoraxantcs]

tag drop.

[isadoraxantcs]

"Someone desperate for power and control, who saw opportunity in using Giovanni's hold on the city in their favor." Isadora shrugged. It was the most rational explanation. A rather distasteful move in her opinion, but also one to put her on edge, despite her not showing it as much as Valentina. It bugged her that she didn't know who stood behind these phone calls. She didn't like being kept in the dark, even if she was sure her secrets were well-kept. "Do you think it's one of them?" She looked over at the other woman, not seeing the need to clarify that them referred to the Serpents.

It was easier to look at the painting and enjoy the beauty of it rather than focus on what they should be discussing. She wasn't sure how much of Isadora's words comforted her, but a part of her felt like they should. "I think a lot of people would have made a decision if given the chance." They both knew what she meant, and she didn't feel the need to say it outloud. "It doesn't make you wonder who's making some piss poor attempt to pull strings?"

[isadoraxantcs]

"Bellissimo," Isadora exclaimed, her crystal blue hues sparkling. "Sparkling water is fine, I don't wish to be too much of a burden to you." She took a step to the side, her eyes falling back at the racks before she traced her fingertips at them. The fabric was ever soft beneath her touch, no matter whether it was silk or cotton. There was always a certain type of thrill that excited her the second she stepped into the shop. "Did you get one of these awful texts by the way? I thought the call was distasteful, but keep pretending to be a dead guy and not let him rest in peace... Now that's just hideous." Yet she said is so casually as if they were discussing the weather.

Giada didn't typically work the floor, but when she did it was costumers like Isadora that made it all worthwhile, a different kind of thrill than what the Serpents provided. Empowering even, her name on the tag. She didn't have to share or fight for power, just reap the rewards. "Of course, sweetie. Take your time. Can I get you anything while you shop? Sparkling water, espresso, champagne?" Giada asked, irises sparkling wide at one her most esteemed customers. "And I have just the set that will simply wow your husband. I didn't even get a chance to add it to the display yet. It just shipped this morning from Milan. Let me go grab it for you."

[isadoraxantcs]

Isadora scoffed. Soft, amused chuckle following shortly after, provoked by Seraphina's response. "And what exactly is 'this' that you're referring to?" Isa asked. "Taking all the credit for ownership while someone else does all the hard work of keeping everything under control because enjoying yourself is more important to you than being a true leader?" Her words were harsh, but her anger was well-deserved and they both knew it. "But let's not kill our mood tonight, I actually came for some fun, so what you'd suggest about that?"

"Yeah well, I never was the working type was I? You know that better than anyone. This suits me a lot better. Plus, what's life without a little enjoyment?" Or in Sera's case a lot of enjoyment. That was why she was doing all of this wasn't it? For money and the happiness money provided her. It was true that money brought happiness, only poor people tried to make themselves believe otherwise. "Thank you. I like it." She'd liked being rich more but that was besides the point. That life didn't suit her any more anyway.

[isadoraxantcs]

"We all have our hopes, dear." Isadora sighed. "Especially following the most recent events." If she had to be honest she saw the Serpents and The Society as equals; their lines of work so different from each other that it was probably for the best if they could keep the peace and join forces when needed in crashing the smaller groups seeing advantage in these times to raise their heads. Of course, she was never a fan of direct violence, which only made this unity stronger. But that also meant it was crutial for who stood at the top, too. "So it's up to who has the strongest pull at this council then."

Noelle nodded, “I have my assumptions, more like hopes I guess,” Jordan was the most fit for the job, he would be best at it. Dante would drive the gang into the ground, “unfortunately I don’t get a vote, at least traditionally that’s how it’s run. The council decides,” she admitted. “So we just all have to sit back and see how this will play out.”

[isadoraxantcs]

There was nothing a good old glass of wine couldn't help with. Sometimes Isadora wondered if that made her an alcoholic. Lately it seemed the glass of wine was her companion far more often than her own husband. Then as soon as this thought crept, it was pushed again to the back of her mind, because when had she ever been seen without a glass in her hand? It didn't necessary mean she was drinking it, it just gave her an excuse to avoid conversations or unwanted company. However, tonight she needed it. "You can say so." She replied, her curiosity winning once more and her light hues darting off towards the man next to her. "What about you?"

Status: Open @sinnerssquarestart Location: The Velvet Oasis Hotel

the last couple days were a shitshow. someone was shot. the ghost of a founder of his former gang was calling him and giving cryptic messages. gabriel washed his hands of all of them a long time ago. but snakes are notoriously hard to get rid of. the whiskey in front of him kept him company as he sat at the hotel bar. it was late, and yet someone decided to pull up a seat at the bar. "late night?" he ponders, eyes going from the other person to the bartender.

[isadoraxantcs]

Isadora let a small smile grace her lips, but she was in a mood, especially after a glass of fine wine being placed next to her, which made her gracefully dismiss Noelle's words. She'd tried to warn the other at the beginning, but it seemed as if her words haven't been taken into full consideration. "I agree." Isa pulled back her phone, considering inviting Noelle another time to maybe have a look at the piece of art in person. "Do you have any assumptions who that may be?" She mused. "Enlighten me, dear, what are we to prep for? Unless you're talking about the elections. Then I have no say in that, but you better choose wise."

Noelle shrugged, "Pretty sure he saw a pretty woman and painted it." Not that she cared much. The conversation had turned a bit to art for her liking, she didn't actually care much she just wanted to make her house pretty. "A few people have actually. Which brings up your point exactly. It is a distasteful mockery of Moretti." She rolled her eyes, Giovanni was no saint but he was a person, right? Not that she cared about that either. "I mean whatever though. People should be more focused on who is actually smart enough to pull this off and be more worried about the future problems that come with rather than the past. We have so much coming up that we need to prep for." LIke the serpent elections for one.

[isadoraxantcs]

Small smile graced Isadora's lips, provoked by Noelle's blissful ignorance. "If I were you, I wouldn't be using Mona Lisa as a comparison. I get your point, but there has been a lot of contraversy whether or not it truly is what we see or rather what Da Vinci wanted us to see." The woman mused before taking a sip from her glass. "And I can say the same for other paintings, too. I feel like people are often wrongfully attracted to the abstract thinking it's more open to making assumptions as to what it represents when often times there is barely any hidden meaning behind it. But that's just my opinion, of course. Don't let it influence your choice." Realizing she'd been talking a lot, Isa paused and pushed her phone towards the woman, having finally found the picture she was speaking of. "Who said they are coming from them? Just because someone decided to use a dead man as a cover doesn't mean we should believe the people closest to him are involved. Don't you think it be rather distasteful on their behalf to mock with their leader in such way?"

Noelle scrunched her eyebrows and looked at her, "That is the metaphor, nothing is what it seems. I mean you look at the Mona Lisa and it's just that. The Mona Lisa, but you look at the abstract, you have to figure it out. Your first assumption may not be right." SHe shrugged, "Kinda reminds me of all this shit we are going through, I mean people are so sure the texts are coming from the Serpents and it seems that way but they aren't. It's almost like the sender wants people to believe that, airgo, abstract."

[isadoraxantcs]

"No?" While Isadora agreed there was a line that shouldn't be crossed and she was more inclined to comdemn those vicious attacks, she wasn't going to agree with the woman that it wasn't a sort of performance art. Maybe they didn't get it, but if there'd been one thing she'd learnt — it was that art wasn't something everyone would always like or approve of. She, for example, didn't see much meaning in modern art, but that didn't mean there weren't people who didn't like it, who didn't sought it at auctions. It was a matter of preference and taste and there were people for everything. "I believe it was just that. You can't deny there was a plan. It wasn't a random shooting and I doubt the victims were random either. The text invitations. Everything is all part a bigger scheme, which we are yet to figure out." Personally, Isadora loved solving such mysteries. As someone who'd spend decent amount of her life studying the hidden messages behind each painting she'd encountered, she loved trying to figure out what stood behind each message. "But let's not dwell on that gruesome act."

𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐄'𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 work she is often paraded around a wide variety of people -- but the common denominator was the size of their bank accounts. either on the arm of her husband or one of the higher-ups of her ballet company, she was always waltzed around those events like some kind of prize. galas. benefits. gallery openings. but what had always brought her some amount of ease in these times was admiring the art. life is art, if you think about it a certain way. " i believe we've crossed paths several times -- but have never had the chance to officially be acquainted. " simone hums, gracefully crossing her legs before cradling her chin in the palm of her hand. the woman listen's intently, coming to terms with the fact that yes indeed, the vibrant blonde had been in attendance at babylon. she knew about these texts, why they were corralled there like a herd of sheep. " oh -- i'm well aware that people can take the twisted and make it into art. take francisco de goya, for example. i believe one of his most well known works is a portrait of saturn eating his son. people can find both beauty and ugliness everywhere, in mundane life, in work, play, religion, the latest evening's dinner plate. and yet, it can all become artwork. i believe where the line is -- it's when real people are involved. the brutal attacks on those two people are anything but performance art. "