Jairo closed his book and accepted the tea from a snobby, solemn household servant. As he took a slow sip from the aromatic drink, Jairo surreptitiously studied his father and grandfather. The elderly patriarch D'Astendal sat next to the current governor of the Santles.
Both Santles looked like a human in their mid-twenties would. Both young and attractive, even after living for hundreds of years. The only thing that gave away their age was their state of lethargy. Both Santles looked like two living statues, they barely blinked.
"Everything is moving along diligently as far as the military review and drill is concerned, father." Jairo began as he placed his cup on the shiny white marble table. "I must remind you that it was not in my plans to advance the exercise of inspection functions over the military bodies. However, Asalphas recommended doing so. He assured me that according to your old agenda, an immediate supervision of the state of instruction and discipline was in order."
Hilles Asalphas served as the second in command of the Santles Army. Asalphas was also the father of Phillex, Jairo's party friend. One day Phillex would inherit that position. Jairo could not wait to see his friend with such a degree of responsibility. The thought alone made Jairo laugh out loud at times.
"I have no doubts about the way the bodies have been managed by the immediate leaders," His father began without taking his eyes off the front, without meeting Jairo's sight. "But it is the master's eye that keeps the mill going. I have nothing more to add.
"And by the way, let's deploy all the troops in the process and make a show of it. Let's use all the means to publicize it. What you want is a demonstration of power, father."
"From time to time it is reasonable, son, to show who has the power." His father finally agreed and with that, he returned to his almost vegetal state.
Jairo suppressed a sigh. What was the point of being immortal, if eventually you began to lead a black-and-white life? As time passed, the oldest Santhels remained frozen in a state of lethargy. Some had lived so many years that the world over time just stopped being interesting. Others had received a wound to the soul, being forced to live a miserable life alone. Missing her, their lost companion, forever. The latter had happened in the case of Jairo's father.
After an insufferable day of work at the office, Jairo decided to accept Phillex's invitation and attend the 'Full Moon'. The Full Moon was one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Aspen, the capital district.
As he drove his car to his private residence, Jairo's thoughts returned irrevocably to work. The press conference for the inspection and the annual meeting with the district leaders were less than a month away and his secretary was already pestering him with consultations and arrangements for the preparations. Jairo wished he could take a break from it all for at least a week.
Angus was waiting for Jairo on the gateway, accompanied by a row of impeccably uniformed domestic employees.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jairo."
For his part, Jairo greeted him with a nod and a half-smile. Before passing by him he said: "Angus, how has your day been? Mine has been predictable, boring, and stressful." Then he got rid of his jacket and vest and placed them in the outstretched hands of an employee. "I will swim a little now, but I plan to visit the Full Moon tonight."
"I will make preparations and serve a light meal as soon as you like, sir."
"I appreciate your help, Angus."
Jairo then took a relaxing swim in the water sports pool of his mansion. He only got out of the water when he felt his head clear and his body energized.
After a quick warm bath in the outside shower, Jairo headed to his quarters dressed in a thick, dark terrycloth bathrobe. A valet was waiting for him with a letter on a tray. It was a reminder from Jami regarding the final fitting of his military attire for the event. As he pointed out to his valet the outfit he wanted to wear that evening, Jairo silently cursed the hour he had volunteered to take a more active part in his father's government affairs.
About an hour later, Jairo entered the Full Moon. The Santles guarding the entrance, a pair of giants dressed in shiny black tuxedos, greeted him respectfully. Without stopping, Jairo returned the greeting with a slight nod of his head. He also greeted the doorman who hurried to open the door for him.
As soon as Jairo set foot in the luxurious hall, he felt a special scent. Something different and exotic had crept into the Full Moon that night. Jairo wanted to savor that scent right away. Practically ignoring the greetings of those present, he moved through the luxurious reception hall without bothering to look for Phillex.
The tempting scent led Jairo to the ballroom. It was a huge space wallpapered in white and silver that he was very familiar with by now. An excessive amount of gold ornaments and decorations abounded near the walls. Hanging from these and framed in glittering frames was a large collection of impressionist paintings, which Jairo thought were the most interesting and valuable in the entire club.
Then he found the source of the fragrance trail. It turned out that the scent came from a human. It was a young woman wearing a royal blue dress with a bold front slit. And if Jairo had wanted her vitality before, now he wanted her.