With careful precision, Ether ran the comb through his long dark locks one final time. Setting the comb down on the dresser before him, he took a long critical look at his reflection in the mirror. He ran his fingers along his cheeks and jawline, making sure he’d missed no rogue stubble. He smiled widely, checking his teeth for imperfections. He had to look good; better than good. Jobs like this one didn’t come along every day. Quickly, he dabbed some of his cologne onto his neck, the thick woody scent filling the air. He was ready.
“Noemi,” he spoke, holding his wand to this throat, “I’m going,” he offered, his wards carrying his voice throughout the whole house. She already knew about today, he was quite sure, but he wasn’t taking any chances. Heaven forbid he elicit a repeat performance from the Italian. Double checking that he had all his necessary possessions, the tall wizard took one last lingering look at himself in the mirror. With a slight grin, he disappeared with a crack.
He reappeared on the walk of Bojkov Manor, the house looming before him. He stood still for a moment, wondering if his presence would trigger any response from the property. Quickly, he sliced his wand through the air, colorful sigils soon giving way to the information he required. They knew he was here. They had that much going for them. He made his way towards the door.
The Bojkov family interested him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to service the rich and elite, but very rarely did her interact with foreign families of such prestige. Ether was among the best at what he did, that he was certain of, but there tended to be a certain loyalty to one’s own homeland in these situations. By some struck of fate, his name had been the one summoned to Bojkov Manor. Foreign wizards. New money. Surely, that meant secrets, and rest assured, if there was anything buried in this house, Ether would uncover it.
Just as he reached the front door, it swung open, and a flash of lavender fabric caught his eye. The girl was youthful; glowing. She was tall, slender, and very… receptive. Lavender certainly suited her. Beyond her looks, though, she was most certainly unexpected, and that interested Ether. Was she the caretaker? The assistant? He was so used to dealing with the Elder wizarding population; she was a very welcome change of pace. New money, he reminded himself. New money afforded pretty things. Ether repressed his urge to let a predatory grin slither across his lips, instead opting for a welcoming and genuine smile. Hidden behind his eyes, he wondered how quickly he could unravel the girl, in more ways than one.
He nodded politely in response. “Ether Vandross,” he replied, “at your service,” he added, his eyes on hers. He opted to remove his lengthy outermost layer, leaving him in his dark form-fitting vest and trousers. He folded the robe over his arm as he looked to the girl quizzically. “And I’m willing to reckon that you’re not Mr. Sterling Bojkov?” he inquired, a flirtatious and playful air to his words. Surprisingly, for him at least, he was actually interested to know Lavender’s name. He needed jobs like this more often.
