Good to see he wasn't the only one who speculated that Scarlet Oak had some shadows lingering in it. Of course, that was why he and his Andraste came here in the first place. There was definitely something about it that perked their interest and he was happy to see that he wasn't the only one who thought that. And if Ava was so keen on knowing that, then perhaps she had wandered into those depths at night on and off. With a guise of a child, Ashcroft knew he would have fun playing tricks and putting up masks if he looked that young. Made life more exciting that way. Props to her.
Though finding out she was a Gabriel? He almost took the lord's name in vain the second he found out, eyes widening as she laid that card out on the table. "Another one! Well well, isn't this a spectacular night!" Ashcroft laughed to himself for a second before waving a hand about in apology. "Excuse my amusement, my lady. I mean no harm. I just cannot recall the last time I've bumped into a fellow family member. Far too long, I know that." Ashcroft didn't have the typical sire/childe relationship and was left to rot on his own for years. Shayla had been in his life for so little and even then she didn't really show him much of the ropes. He had to figure them out on his own. Which he did, in due time. Was just a pain in the ass while he did.
"I must say," Ashcroft lifted his glass in her direction to make a toast, "it is quite an honor to have met you this fine evening." He nodded to Ava before taking a gulp, finishing off the blood. "Good to know I have like-minded acquaintances in the area." Then he paused while lifting an eyebrow up. "May I enquire as to what has brought you here, my dear Ava?" Now that he knew she was a Gabriel and vice versa, that said something about the two of them. They weren't fluffy, happy vampires, like the Azraels. They were twisted to some extent and he couldn't help but wonder if the elders had her here for a reason. Been a while since he had a task, but it was worth asking.