"Oh, well, I'm open to listening," Mi-Ha says, "At a later time."
Arthur smiles, "We'll have time tonight my dear. I assure you, it will take time for everyone to arrive. Besides, you'll need a few nights to consider what I suggest and with how busy we will be once we begin , well, best to discuss tonight".
"It will detect lies spoken by a target that I am focused on...to the best of my knowledge, unerringly. As to how good am I in a fight? Fighting is not my strong suit, but I can manage should push come to shove. I assume this line of questioning has to do with the current Sabbat threat?"
Arthur nods to the Kiasyd, "Very well then, call me Arthur.
Good. I'll be suggesting to the Prince and the Sheriff the use of your abilities. I suppose of course my suggestion does have one flaw but well, that cannot be helped.
Indeed, it does have everything to do with the Sabbat. I assume neither of you have been told why you were instructed to be here. You've gained two promotions in one night Damien, Keeper of Elysium and Hound.
I heard nothing further last night since I left the Prince and the Sheriff, besides the two I killed, were any other Sabbat shovel-heads slain?
Do you know if the Pack struck the Tattered Veil? I would be surprised if it was not considering how thorough the attack was. Hmmmm. Tattered Veil, I suppose we should ahve seen that coming..."
Arthur nods to the Kiasyd, "Very well then, call me Arthur.
Good. I'll be suggesting to the Prince and the Sheriff the use of your abilities. I suppose of course my suggestion does have one flaw but well, that cannot be helped.
Indeed, it does have everything to do with the Sabbat. I assume neither of you have been told why you were instructed to be here. You've gained two promotions in one night Damien, Keeper of Elysium and Hound.
I heard nothing further last night since I left the Prince and the Sheriff, besides the two I killed, were any other Sabbat shovel-heads slain?
Do you know if the Pack struck the Tattered Veil? I would be surprised if it was not considering how thorough the attack was. Hmmmm. Tattered Veil, I suppose we should ahve seen that coming..."
Damien's eyes widen, "Given what I had heard about the Veil I half assumed the roll of Keeper of Elysium, but Hound?" he says, still stunned.
"I have very little knowledge of the events of last night. Certainly nothing first hand and only slightly more second hand. Damascus had run into a pack or a portion thereof. Got shot up pretty bad. Gaetano had come here to alter the memories of a mortal than had seen too much, but that's about it."
"No need. I can make it unseen by then, give me time to hunt," Betty assures, "You watch butt though."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Paolo said. "See you there."
No need for the rental then. An Uber to get coffee and dose it. Then an Uber to Daphne. A quick pair of drinks and Paolo should be able to do whatever he needed to with her and Contessa. It was a plan.
Paolo collected his usual supplies, minus the laptop he used for the hacking last night, and skulked out through the back of the house to meet his first Uber a block or so away.
Damien's eyes widen, "Given what I had heard about the Veil I half assumed the roll of Keeper of Elysium, but Hound?" he says, still stunned.
"I have very little knowledge of the events of last night. Certainly nothing first hand and only slightly more second hand. Damascus had run into a pack or a portion thereof. Got shot up pretty bad. Gaetano had come here to alter the memories of a mortal than had seen too much, but that's about it."
"Better Hound than Hunted.
As I understand it Mi Ha, you too will be selected as a Hound. The Anarchs have stepped away from their Traditional roles as protectors of the realm and first line of defense. That leaves others to fill those roles else perish under the fangs of Sabbat.
Did the Ravnos manage to kill any or just make his escape?
What of you Mi Ha, did you see any sign of the Sabbat last night?
I advised the Prince and Sheriff to make Coteries out of all residents. Whether they will do so or have just chosen we who combine to form the Menagerie I do not know. Of course after what happened to the Toreador they would be wise to follow my advice which includes hunting the Pack causing all of this mayhem".
sheriff, you have a most uncanny way of finding my whereabouts, of course I have time for you. Please come in and sit
Marcus opens his office and takes a seat after thr sheriff does saying would you care for a member or two of my herd perhaps?
"You're too kind, Professor but I've no need of your herd. Finding you? Well, I make it my business to know where all Kindred are if I can. Would that the Sabbat were easier to track," She does take a seat, "before you went to the meeting tonight, I thought I best I talk to you about Bethany. While how great her crime might be for hunting on these grounds might be debated, she also confesses to me you helped protect her from a sabbat, so there is a debt. I would know what you are hoping for regarding that?"
When Mi-Ha hears that she is also a hound, her eyes widen, "You are serious? I am not of the warrior line. I do not know what I can contribute to this, I am...reluctant to engage in battle."
"And I fled from a shovelhead last night, at least, i think it was a shovel head, her soul was troubled. She wore the remnants of a server''s outfit, a waitress? Soemone had given her a shot gun."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Paolo said. "See you there."
No need for the rental then. An Uber to get coffee and dose it. Then an Uber to Daphne. A quick pair of drinks and Paolo should be able to do whatever he needed to with her and Contessa. It was a plan.
Paolo collected his usual supplies, minus the laptop he used for the hacking last night, and skulked out through the back of the house to meet his first Uber a block or so away.
Taking extra caution, Paolo believes he leaves unwatched.
And certainly hopes so.
the uber trip goes smoothly, and he soon comes to the house of Daphne. Not too many windows, and lots of green around it to shield it from too much view.
And yes, he can hear a conversation
"Terrorist attacks suspected at a nightclub? A restaurant blown up before then by a mysterious 'gas explosion', I'm starting to think Paolo is right and some conspiracy really is going on," Contessa says, "He's very smart."
"Is he? We barely know the guy, and yet you're acting like he's walking on water and..damn it, even I'm drawn to him and he's so not my type. Something weird is going on, Contessa, especially with you. That doesn't mean he's the bad guy, but it does mean there might be something he's not telling us. We should try to get him to come clean."
"I'm not acting weird, ok, I'm hooked on the coffee, but there are worse addictions."
When Mi-Ha hears that she is also a hound, her eyes widen, "You are serious? I am not of the warrior line. I do not know what I can contribute to this, I am...reluctant to engage in battle.""And I fled from a shovelhead last night, at least, i think it was a shovel head, her soul was troubled. She wore the remnants of a server''s outfit, a waitress? Soemone had given her a shot gun."
"Consider yourself less warrior and more combat medic. So, about that talk..."
"Consider yourself less warrior and more combat medic. So, about that talk..."
"Ah, yes, as you'd like." Ready to follow him if he wants to have it privately, clearly she is very distracted by the idea of doing violence.
|
the next blood hunt that is called I wish to be given right of destruction as I see fit over an elder whether this is shovelhead or not. I wish to have this elder handed to me staked. That is what I wish Sheriff. I will find that equal to both issues mentioned and in addition clan gangrel would be considered my personal friends and I would be glad to allow hunting rights of the university.
"Consider yourself less warrior and more combat medic. So, about that talk..."
"Ah, yes, as you'd like." Ready to follow him if he wants to have it privately, clearly she is very distracted by the idea of doing violence.
"Excuse me Damien, we shall be back momentarily".
Arthur walks Mi Ha outside nearby but within site of the building for privacy. He attempts to extend his Perception as the Imp taught him though he knows he is not quite there yet.
Once satisfied that the conversation is a s private as it can get, he continues, "My dear. Yours is a life filled with constant danger and for the forseeable future it will only get worse. My proposal, and it is a bold one, is that we merge our interests together. You have something I seek, I have something you need. Together we can aid one another. To ensure that I do not betray you nor you me, I propose that we share blood. Perhaps not a full bond but enough that the trust is just as much blood driven as it is honor driven. In addition, you will teach me the forbidden Discipline of Obeah and I you the Secret Discipline of Temporsis. What you provide to me will aid me in my research and what I will provide to you will aid you in avoiding conflict with your foes for my powers can be utilized both offensively sand defensively".
the next blood hunt that is called I wish to be given right of destruction as I see fit over an elder whether this is shovelhead or not. I wish to have this elder handed to me staked. That is what I wish Sheriff. I will find that equal to both issues mentioned and in addition clan gangrel would be considered my personal friends and I would be glad to allow hunting rights of the university.
"There is a Sabbat pack, a true one, experienced. How strong their blood is I do not know, but they are the ones who hit the Tattered Veil, tore apart that Elysium, and slew it's Keeper, 'JJ' of the Toreador. The prince, under advisement from others, has named you and your fellow 'diverse' ones to titled Hounds and a blood hunt on the Sabbat is declared, or will be in two hours. She eyes him intently then, "I think I can arrange for at least one of those Sabbat true pack, to be turned over to you for destruction by any means you see fit. Of course, I won't inquire what your plans are. You would not be the first to take advantage of a blood hunt. But I would advise as much as discretion as possible. Does that sound, satisfactory for this deal?"
While Lydia is nearby , she does not appear to be listening in as does not stalk after or any such thing. He's pretty sure she's not spying and they get more distance.
Once satisfied that the conversation is a s private as it can get, he continues, "My dear. Yours is a life filled with constant danger and for the forseeable future it will only get worse. My proposal, and it is a bold one, is that we merge our interests together. You have something I seek, I have something you need. Together we can aid one another. To ensure that I do not betray you nor you me, I propose that we share blood. Perhaps not a full bond but enough that the trust is just as much blood driven as it is honor driven. In addition, you will teach me the forbidden Discipline of Obeah and I you the Secret Discipline of Temporsis. What you provide to me will aid me in my research and what I will provide to you will aid you in avoiding conflict with your foes for my powers can be utilized both offensively sand defensively".
"I do not know, this what you ask is not just a discipline, it is a sacred gift our Founder went to the Far East to acquire. It is meant to reach towards Golcanda. As for sharing blood, I, that is no small thing either in this age of distrust. Lastly, I worry I would endanger you. A third eye, should you ever develop that, would brand you as one of us even if you were not and the Tremere might conspire to slay you just to be 'safe', " a shake of her head, "I would not endanger you."
I agree to those terms Sheriff. We have an accord. Please inform your childe she may hunt the university as she sees fit but to please be more careful. I look forward to being good friends with your clan here in the city. Marcus says and stands and offers his hand shaking hers to seal the deal.
She rises and shakes his hand, "A bargain then. My clan roams, yours hold their terrain close, but we both understand what we are I think. And we have old enemies, common ones, that are coming back eventually. An ally might be most useful indeed. I shall see you at the Fields of the Nephilim tonight"
Paolo didn't linger; no sense looking like he'd eavesdropped. He made straight for the door and rang, two dosed cups and one empty one (for himself) in hand.
"Hi; coffee's here," Paolo said, offering the cups first thing. The sooner I can get this over with the better.
Paolo didn't linger; no sense looking like he'd eavesdropped. He made straight for the door and rang, two dosed cups and one empty one (for himself) in hand.
"Hi; coffee's here," Paolo said, offering the cups first thing. The sooner I can get this over with the better.
Unaware they're about to be finally ghouled in a rush, both women may annoy him by delaying; or maybe not, they are just looking after him.
"Are you okay? It's been crazy" Daphne admits.
"We were worried about you, have a seat," Contessa says gently. Neither drinking ...yet.
[/Bigger]
Sheriff, have I been personally summoned or can I send someone in my stead?
"I'm afraid you must come in person, Professor Welby. The Prince is an ally to the bloodlines but she also wants you each to show the others your capabilities in person"
Unaware they're about to be finally ghouled in a rush, both women may annoy him by delaying; or maybe not, they are just looking after him.
"Are you okay? It's been crazy" Daphne admits.
"We were worried about you, have a seat," Contessa says gently. Neither drinking ...yet.
"I'll talk while you drink? Paolo offered gently.
"It's been...rattling," he said. "But I'm ok. I saw an old friend last night and felt a little better afterwards. I guess you've heard about the nightclub and the restaurant? Insane. I had to do some work last night in a real hurry. That's why I had to go so quickly. There might be more tonight."
"I'll talk while you drink? Paolo offered gently.
"It's been...rattling," he said. "But I'm ok. I saw an old friend last night and felt a little better afterwards. I guess you've heard about the nightclub and the restaurant? Insane. I had to do some work last night in a real hurry. That's why I had to go so quickly. There might be more tonight."
"Well, I imagine everyone is worried about their computer networks whenver..." Daphne was speaking, but turns her head at a sound from her friend.
Contessa is almost writhing as she had taken her last cup, and again has been hit by a wave of euphoria as she gulps the third and last draught of Paolo's vitae, "yes..."
Daphne stares at her then, looks at the cup in her own hand, "Wait, I've been looking forward to this all day as well, and you are acting like... wait, it's the cofee. There's something in the cof-" But before she can cast it aside, Contessa (who has recovered) catches her eyes with her own.
"Daphne, stop fighting it and drink up," Looking her friend in the eyes.
Daphne drinks her coffee, and while she is not as dramatic as her friend, she does make a softer pleased sound as her world spins and she realizes it will never be the same.
"You wanted her to drink, right?" Contessa looks to Paolo, "For us both to drink? She was right about that. I, want to thank you. I've never felt so complete in my life."
"I do not know, this what you ask is not just a discipline, it is a sacred gift our Founder went to the Far East to acquire. It is meant to reach towards Golcanda. As for sharing blood, I, that is no small thing either in this age of distrust. Lastly, I worry I would endanger you. A third eye, should you ever develop that, would brand you as one of us even if you were not and the Tremere might conspire to slay you just to be 'safe', " a shake of her head, "I would not endanger you."
Arthur grins, "I appreciate your concern for my safety but rest assured, I know what I propose and the risk I assume on my own.
Consider it, do not refuse at this time. I take no offense if your refusal still stands at a later date.
Also please know that even if no part of this offer is accepted, my desire to align with you has not changed. Come, let us return to Elysium, no doubt the rest of our colleagues will arrive soon enough".
Paolo blinked in astonishment. Contessa is kindred? It's that or she's some kind of prodigy! She had to be kindred. There were other things in the night, but she acted just like a kindred using the Discipline. No wonder she enjoyed the vitae so much!
"I wanted both of you to drink very badly," Paolo said. "The main reason being my safety. It's very important that neither of you tell others about me or what we've done together. I know you looked into me, Daphne. I'm not angry; It was a perfectly reasonable thing for you to do. But have either of you informed anyone else that I advised Contessa to hide, told people about my business dealings, or anything like that? The truth is, I am in considerable danger and need to be sure."
"Also Contessa, I'm sorry for the strange question but could you tell me when you last stood outside and felt the sun on your face?"
While Arthur and Mi-Ha are away, Lydia tells Damien, "There's something pressed against a window. before I totally freak out, you want to tell me what I saw?"
Damien looks out, and finds, a stone like wing barely comes into view. It can only be Betty, and she's chosen the window you'd have to be in the 'private club' area to come to.
Arthur grins, "I appreciate your concern for my safety but rest assured, I know what I propose and the risk I assume on my own.
Consider it, do not refuse at this time. I take no offense if your refusal still stands at a later date.
Also please know that even if no part of this offer is accepted, my desire to align with you has not changed. Come, let us return to Elysium, no doubt the rest of our colleagues will arrive soon enough".
"Our ways, perhaps even our beliefs are very different, but I will consider it," She says nodding, and then heads back to where Damien is.
While Arthur and Mi-Ha are away, Lydia tells Damien, "There's something pressed against a window. before I totally freak out, you want to tell me what I saw?"
Damien looks out, and finds, a stone like wing barely comes into view. It can only be Betty, and she's chosen the window you'd have to be in the 'private club' area to come to.
Damien smiles at Lydia, "Nothing to worry yourself about, my love. That's just Betty, she's a Gargoyle."
Opening the window, Damien says to the Gargoyle, "Welcome, Betty. Please come in. Is there anything I can get you?"
He adds, "You really should look into learning Obfuscate some time in the near future. It make things a lot easier for you."
Paolo blinked in astonishment. Contessa is kindred? It's that or she's some kind of prodigy! She had to be kindred. There were other things in the night, but she acted just like a kindred using the Discipline. No wonder she enjoyed the vitae so much!
"I wanted both of you to drink very badly," Paolo said. "The main reason being my safety. It's very important that neither of you tell others about me or what we've done together. I know you looked into me, Daphne. I'm not angry; It was a perfectly reasonable thing for you to do. But have either of you informed anyone else that I advised Contessa to hide, told people about my business dealings, or anything like that? The truth is, I am in considerable danger and need to be sure."
Daphne has a mix of surprise, and adoration on her face. After all, she loves Paolo now; but she's also savvy enough to realize this love came from no where but she answers honestly "I have a small folder of what little information I could gather ready to be mailed to a trusted friend if I vanished for more than a week. I can stop it easily and no one else has seen it." She touches over her belly "I actually feel guilty for almost betraying you, endangering you, and yet i barely know you. How..what's going on?"
Contessa may realize the love came from nowhere, maybe not, but she doesn't care. "We won't allow you to come to harm, Paolo. Neither of us. And no, besides Daphne, I've not told anyone."
"Also Contessa, I'm sorry for the strange question but could you tell me when you last stood outside and felt the sun on your face?"
"Today actually," She answers, titling her head curiously, "Normally this time of year I enjoy sunbathing. Why do you ask?" Her skin is flush, she breathes. IF he grabs her wrist, he can feel a pulse. Kindred can fake these things, but he's pretty sure she's alive.
very well Sheriff, we can go together if you liked. With that Marcus will gather his things and make his way to a tawdry club none too pleased to be going in person anywhere with so much shovelhead presence. He will be sure to be carrying his flare fun and the rounds that go with it.
"By all means, would you like a ride in my car?" The Sheriff says.
If he takes her up on that, once he's ready they get into a sturdy four wheel SUV that Marcus suspects have heavier plating than most civilian vehicles. The Sheriff comes from a clan known for survival after all.
A lot of businesses in Perle Perdu seem closed tonight, or at least to have closed early.
Unless he makes conversation, there is little talk, and soon he is at the club where all are to meet. Unlike the library, it does not appear to be quiet. The mortals on the first level are a gothic alternative set of fashion, and music plays around in some sort of mix of gregorian chants, computerised distortions, and many minor key laments... or so it sounds to him.
Damien smiles at Lydia, "Nothing to worry yourself about, my love. That's just Betty, she's a Gargoyle."
Lydia rolls with it, and mutters "Licks come in gargoyle form? That's actually kind of fricking cool."
Opening the window, Damien says to the Gargoyle, "Welcome, Betty. Please come in. Is there anything I can get you?"
He adds, "You really should look into learning Obfuscate some time in the near future. It make things a lot easier for you."
"Very good at hiding even without, knew up here was safe," She slurs, not drunkenly, but her mouth is not conductive to easy speech "So let wing get seen. Blood good. Gonna need it I think. I normally never take blood from others, history, you know? But...gotta trust sometime." She comes in wearing a hoodie with slits for her wings.
She's not pleasant to look at, but Lydia has seen Nosferatu and while no one gets USED to that much ugly, she nods a greeting.
"I am Betty," Betty says to Lydia, "Did not mean to scare, but had to be seen a little."
"Totally understood," Lydia replies very at ease for one facing the new and weird in an ugly form, "I'm Lydia. Like the wings, then again, I hate traffic."
At that Betty gives a wide if homely smile, "Me too. You not know road rage until you a fiend of the night." Then she looks to Damien, "I like her. You pick cool ghoul girl."
LYdia smiles, "Thanks" Then she looks damien, "Want me to get her something or prefer to prepare it yourself as it is her first on the house? I was thinking maybe some old Poet who was prone to absinthe during his life?"
Damien also notices that the Old Clan Tzimisce, Professor Marcus Welby has entered below.
"Very good at hiding even without, knew up here was safe," She slurs, not drunkenly, but her mouth is not conductive to easy speech "So let wing get seen. Blood good. Gonna need it I think. I normally never take blood from others, history, you know? But...gotta trust sometime." She comes in wearing a hoodie with slits for her wings.
She's not pleasant to look at, but Lydia has seen Nosferatu and while no one gets USED to that much ugly, she nods a greeting.
"I am Betty," Betty says to Lydia, "Did not mean to scare, but had to be seen a little."
"Totally understood," Lydia replies very at ease for one facing the new and weird in an ugly form, "I'm Lydia. Like the wings, then again, I hate traffic."
At that Betty gives a wide if homely smile, "Me too. You not know road rage until you a fiend of the night." Then she looks to Damien, "I like her. You pick cool ghoul girl."
Lydia smiles, "Thanks" Then she looks to Damien, "Want me to get her something or prefer to prepare it yourself as it is her first on the house? I was thinking maybe some old Poet who was prone to absinthe during his life?"
Damien also notices that the Old Clan Tzimisce, Professor Marcus Welby has entered below.
Damien smile and gives Lydia an impressed nod. "Please do. I think that sounds like a wonderful suggestion for our friend." Turning to Betty he asks, "Does that sound good to you? I think you will enjoy it."
Taking note of Welby's entrance, Damien thinks to himself, Holy s#@$! Things must be bad if he's actually here in person...
"Beats rat," Betty shrugs, "Many thanks , will be good."
Lydia tries not to beam at the praise, that would be uncool, but she's clearly happy to have nailed one and nods to Betty when the Gargoyle confirms,"Right away."
And Lydia heads to his special stores.
Once she's gone, Betty says "Like the decor up here. Comfy seats. Sure Prince brings guns. Do not want to hunt outgunned."
"Beats rat," Betty shrugs, "Many thanks , will be good."
Lydia tries not to beam at the praise, that would be uncool, but she's clearly happy to have nailed one and nods to Betty when the Gargoyle confirms,"Right away."
And Lydia heads to his special stores.
Once she's gone, Betty says "Like the decor up here. Comfy seats. Sure Prince brings guns. Do not want to hunt outgunned."
"Thank you." Damien says in response to the compliment about the decor.
"Betty, I've been on the outside looking in on this one so far. Do we have any idea of just how many Sabbat are we talking about?"
"Thank you." Damien says in response to the compliment about the decor.
"Betty, I've been on the outside looking in on this one so far. Do we have any idea of just how many Sabbat are we talking about?"
"No one sure exactly, but sheriff kept running all night. Probably, what they call, Shovelheads? That mean 'real sabbat' just making random vampires to break masquerade, test things. They hit Lakeside eating place, very low time, but staff and customers they get what, at least ten rise up? And then last night, while shovel head rampage, pack could make even more if they want. If didn't we got maybe less than ten, if they nuts and shovelhead folks they kill at veil? We could have up to twenty very hungry confused shovelheads, and maybe five to ten experienced Sabbat warriors. Is my guess. We got quality I think, they got quantity. Feel better about quality beating quantity if I have lots of ammo. You?"
"No one sure exactly, but sheriff kept running all night. Probably, what they call, Shovelheads? That mean 'real sabbat' just making random vampires to break masquerade, test things. They hit Lakeside eating place, very low time, but staff and customers they get what, at least ten rise up? And then last night, while shovel head rampage, pack could make even more if they want. If didn't we got maybe less than ten, if they nuts and shovelhead folks they kill at veil? We could have up to twenty very hungry confused shovelheads, and maybe five to ten experienced Sabbat warriors. Is my guess. We got quality I think, they got quantity. Feel better about quality beating quantity if I have lots of ammo. You?"
"Can't say that I have a lot of experience as a fighter, but your theory would seem to be a reasonable one." Damien concedes. "How's the drink, by the way?"
"Can't say that I have a lot of experience as a fighter, but your theory would seem to be a reasonable one." Damien concedes. "How's the drink, by the way?"
Lydia has indeed handed her the drink by now, and Betty takes a sip, "Is good. My Palate may not be developed enough to notisse... nuance. But taste is good. Gonna burn it up fast tonight maybe."
Marcus will follow the sheriff to where ever in this god forsaken place they are going because the sooner he got there, the sooner he could leave. I hope the Prince has business in mind and we might leave sooner rather then later as I have business to attend
"This is called Fields of Nephilim," The sheriff says and leads him up the steps and says "Just tell any below you're a member of the club up above."
Marcus can see Damien, Arthur, Mi-ha, and if he gets all the way up Betty.
And others can see the Sheriff
As Athur approaches the club he stops near the entrance when he sees the Sheriff and Marcus.
"Good evening Sheriff. Marcus wonderful to see you once more though the circumstances are most unpleasant.
Shall we all head up to convene with those who have already arrived and speak freely?
I believe our daughter, trickster, and shadow oh and the living statue have yet to arrive".
As Athur approaches the club he stops near the entrance when he sees the Sheriff and Marcus."Good evening Sheriff. Marcus wonderful to see you once more though the circumstances are most unpleasant.
Shall we all head up to convene with those who have already arrived and speak freely?
I believe our daughter, trickster, and shadow oh and the living statue have yet to arrive".
"There is still time," The Sheriff says, but she does go up the stairs, "For tonight, at least, this place is Elysium and we will treat it as such."
Seeing the power of his blood wash over both women was a powerful experience. Everything Father had said about their natural lordship made so much more sense to Paolo now.
Daphne has a mix of surprise, and adoration on her face. After all, she loves Paolo now; but she's also savvy enough to realize this love came from no where but she answers honestly "I have a small folder of what little information I could gather ready to be mailed to a trusted friend if I vanished for more than a week. I can stop it easily and no one else has seen it." She touches over her belly "I actually feel guilty for almost betraying you, endangering you, and yet i barely know you. How..what's going on?"
"I would have done just the same," Paolo said. "But it's important that you get the file back and destroy it. There are still things I can't tell you -many things- but I think you both understand how important you are to me now." Paolo didn't have time to weave a deep web around them tonight, but he might as well get a start and settle those nagging doubts. The Contessa problem had to wait too. What was she?
"Before we get further, I want to make one thing clear: to the best of my knowledge and the knowledge of my business associates both of you are safe. Contessa, you can go home tonight if you want. Daphne, you should be able to go on just like you were before."
"I'm sorry; I don't think you'll see Hank again. My sources tell me that something happened to him because of the things he saw. We now believe that has some connection to the attack on the nightclub tonight. That's something my business associates have a serious concern with and we're working on it. For everyone's safety, including mine, it's vital you not tell others about any of this. I know it's a burden, but this is part of what being in security is."
"That's all I can really say right now- Except the question. Sorry. Contessa, I asked you that because it's a recognition phrase we use in the business. I had to ask you to be sure for my associates. It's overkill, but if you knew the correct answer then they would need to know."
Marcus walks up and nods to Arthur saying it seems we have more business to attend after all, yes let us join whomever else is here.
Going up Marcus can see the other kindred here, including a gargoyle in a hoodie.
"I stand corrected, our living statue is here".
Arthur approaches Betty, "Arthur Carter, the group stopwatch. We were not formally introduced at Elysium the other night, welcome to the city".
Seeing the power of his blood wash over both women was a powerful experience. Everything Father had said about their natural lordship made so much more sense to Paolo now.
His sire once told him...
The Sabbat consider humanity cattle, if so, they have forgotten good animal husbandry and I don't speak of the breeding programs of the Tzmisce. It's a poor herdmsman who guts his cattle when he may need milk over time instead or at least to portion out the meat"I would have done just the same," Paolo said. "But it's important that you get the file back and destroy it. There are still things I can't tell you -many things- but I think you both understand how important you are to me now." Paolo didn't have time to weave a deep web around them tonight, but he might as well get a start and settle those nagging doubts. The Contessa problem had to wait too. What was she?
"I'll have it destroyed as soon as possible," She says and realizes she means it.
"Before we get further, I want to make one thing clear: to the best of my knowledge and the knowledge of my business associates both of you are safe. Contessa, you can go home tonight if you want. Daphne, you should be able to go on just like you were before."
Relief at that. Both did grow tired of being on guard.
"I'm sorry; I don't think you'll see Hank again. My sources tell me that something happened to him because of the things he saw. We now believe that has some connection to the attack on the nightclub tonight. That's something my business associates have a serious concern with and we're working on it. For everyone's safety, including mine, it's vital you not tell others about any of this. I know it's a burden, but this is part of what being in security is.""I, I miss Hank very much," Contessa says, "But at least I have you looking into it. I hope you'll avenge him, I...I love you now, and that makes the hurt less, but I still miss him."
"That's all I can really say right now- Except the question. Sorry. Contessa, I asked you that because it's a recognition phrase we use in the business. I had to ask you to be sure for my associates. It's overkill, but if you knew the correct answer then they would need to know."Contessa nods "Any test you put me to, I will strive to pass. Any thing you ask, I will strive to do. I feel your strength inside of me, and I feel like I can do anything with that."
Daphne looks at her friend, then at Paolo, and blushes, "Anything else, Paolo?"
"Place seems to be filling up." Damien comments. Looking to each of the newcomers, "Can I get anyone anything? I suspect we will all be wanting a drink by time this meeting is over."
The way they offered themselves to him set Paolo's mind to spinning ways to shape both women into useful instruments. It had to wait for other nights.
"Believe me Contessa, I intend to get to the bottom of the whole affair. Many of my associates feel just the same."
"Thank you both for trusting me and for your patience. I don't want to keep you any longer; I've disrupted your lives enough. Please call me if anything strange happens or you need something. I'll do my best to keep in touch, but with how things are going it probably can't be every night for a while."
Paolo rose to go, already planning to contact Father. The business with Hank concerned both of them, whether it was the Sabbat or not. And Contessa was...something. Under his thrall, yes, but Paolo didn't know what he was dealing with there.
He needed to feed too, but that would have to wait. Instead he did his best to make sure his hair and clothing were still in order and kept his back to a wall as he waited for the Uber to take him to Elysium.
"Place seems to be filling up." Damien comments. Looking to each of the newcomers, "Can I get anyone anything? I suspect we will all be wanting a drink by time this meeting is over."
"I will take that drink Damien, in fact make it a double. The house is fine, I've no taste for vintages so best to reserve your best for those of more discerning palates.
Sheriff, will the Prince also be joining us or shall you be the Elder present to conduct this meeting?"
"I will take that drink Damien, in fact make it a double. The house is fine, I've no taste for vintages so best to reserve your best for though of more discerning palates.
Sheriff, will the Prince also be joining us or shall you be the Elder present to conduct this meeting?"
"Suit yourself." Damien says with a shrug as he pours a double of unremarkable blood.
"Suit yourself." Damien says with a shrug as he pours a double of unremarkable blood.
Arthur knocks back the double and smiles at Damien, "My thanks, let me know what the damage is.
Tell me, while it seems we have some time for small talk, what led you to seek out a business such as this? Fine vintages? I've never quite seen it's like".