Deirdre kept her gaze fixed on Irene, but took in her surroundings at the same time. She took in the comfortably furnished living room with a massive oak desk – her office then. And yet the couches looked designed for comfort, rather than stuffy meetings. Similarly, the vampire’s greeting to her was a mixture of formal and inviting. Deirdre wasn’t sure the last time she’d been addressed as Ms. Prewett – particularly since she’d met and worked with the vampire once before. Was she in trouble (again ) for something? It was the first time she’d been summoned to meet with the Second of the Territory – or anyone high ranking for that matter. But the smile Deirdre had been given had felt more welcoming than the title. Or was the Vampire just the formal sort? She hadn’t thought Vampires were much different than everyone else, but maybe the Vampire was seeking to remind her of her Manners? Her reputation had preceded her apparently, though why anyone would bother talking to the Second of the Territory about her baffled her. She was just a normal human.
Still, Deirdre took the offered hand and shook it firmly (for a human woman), and smiled a greeting as well. The vampire used a formal greeting, but then thanked Deirdre for coming? As if one refused that sort of invitation. But she quelled her tongue, and settled onto the couch. Not at the desk? Again the odd mix of formal and informal… And now the Vampire was apologizing for not having anything to offer her with a laugh? “I’m fine. I always make sure to grab something before my shift is due to start.” “Thanks for asking,” she added, remembering Manners. Formalities taken care of, Deirdre wondered why she had been called for. No doubt she would be informed soon.