Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano listened with curiosity for some time, he was of course displeased to see the elder leave when there was much he could learn from a man who has seen the very world turn many days over.
He however had found a new target to garner a bit of favor from if he could. This Luca could prove to be a source of great power in the time to come as could Prince Narses if he could find a way to gather a bit of respect from the man but he figured that given the immense respect he has shown Durga Syn, then it would seem that she was will a great source of curiosity also his main target for the time being.
Piero sips his wine, nodding along. He hadn't expected anything else, of course, but it had been worth a try.
"I have always respected that professionalism of yours, you know. It's something I strive for myself; one must have standards, after all. I'm engaged in a bit of work tonight as well. Nothing too taxing, certainly. Sometimes, I just need to see for myself that those in my employ are doing well."
Piero will look about the room, keeping an eye out for any of his agents or anything unusual.
She gives Piero a little smile,
"Well the best way see that is to put on a wig, some make up, a pretty dress and take a client yourself. Thought that might be a little too taxing." She gives a little giggle than turns serious, "Do you think one of your your girls is in trouble?"
Piero couldn't fight off the grin that infected his face.
"For you, my dear, I would try anything once...perhaps twice, if I found it to my liking! As for any actual danger, no, there has been nothing to make me expect that. It is...merely the nature of the business. The houses that you and I administer are, of course, safe themselves, and the clientele that we cultivate drrm a far cry from the brutes that leave poor women with black eyes and broken teeth...but one never knows what beast may be wearing the shape of a man, and I worry, sometimes. I don't know what I would do if one of my doves were hurt. I imagine it would not be pleasant," he added somewhat darkly.
"All men are beast. It just a matter of which aspect of the beast is in control...I make my living off of one...you pander to the same one. The trouble for I and women in my line of work is when the wrong aspect rises it's ugly head. Oh there is ways to still remain in control of the situration...it can even be fun...but like any wild beast men are unpredictable...no matter how good his civilized mask is."
She takes a sip of wine,
" Oh and a small correction...I don't administer any 'house' I merely help young woman getting started in the business and teach them self reliance and...other tricks of the trade. And while I set them up with their first couple of clients...and take a small percentage...I try to guide them to independence.
Piero raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, of course...I suppose I merely meant to refer to your, ah, advisory role. You are quite a mentor, after all! One of these days, perhaps you'll consent to work with me. We could accomplish great things for these women together, after all! But I remain content so long as we are both helping as we may."
She give him a little smile,
"You could not afford me...unless you got your poor girls working overtime." She gives you a wink. "Honestly I have been mildly curious on how your deal Works? What is your overhead on the houses you Run? What is you take on your...doves Profits?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
"You will have all the knowledge you desire and then some my friend. However, I require two more for this 'pact' I seek to finalize.
One of them is known to your friend and you have very recently met him. Sergei Volkov. The other is his sister Katriana Volkov, the same young woman my two associates were searching for. Sergei must have a kathairein before he will be ready to move on and accept our pact. You see his entire life, it has been a lie he has told himself to comfort him along his dark journey.
I believe his sister always sensed that in him, the darkness that cloys at his soul. First we will cleanse that taint by allowing him to confront the villain that he has been searching his whole life for. Then, once he is set free by the truth, will he be able to freely join us, as you have. For this pact can only work of those who enter it do so freely of their own will".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
No one replies to Narses "last call" for business.
"Very well then. BY this time tomorrow night the vacant seat of the Inner Circle representative for Clan Ventrue will be filled. I suggest those of you who still believe you have a chance to be the one sitting there use your remaining time wisely..." Narses stands, the candles in the room flicker and he fades into the shadows that have been created therein.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Each table breaks off into its own quiet discussion.
Khay'tall turns to Michele, "So, it seems your Sire has already begun to have you act in his stead eh?"
Bajazet's Childe Giovanni stands and approaches the Ventrue table. Bajazet then turns to you, "It would seem then that your Sire and I are to compete for this seat. Tell me my dear, do you not think it for the best that he be simply eliminated from contention entirely? I would be happy to bring you into the fold of the Clan properly..." He cuts his sentence short as Brexiano approaches you.
He narrows his eyes at Bajazet, "Durdona, I sense you wish to speak with me?"
The sentence is interrupted by the approach of Simon to your table, "Greetings Dr. Cappelli. Have you a few moments for an 'old' friend?"
Lanzo smirks, "Spare us your prattling fitz Gilbert. All here know that Lord Hardestadt has the largest most influential holdings among those present. It makes the greatest sense for you all to support my Lord as the representative of our Clan on this Inner Circle.
Alexander, while individually powerful you serve a Prince, and Tzimisce Prince no less of an Empire whose glory is now past. Lady Jadviga, your holdings are under constant threat by the Tzimisce of the Carpathians and the last of the Tremere hold outs who still seek to make those lands their own. Surrounded by enemies, you are lucky you arrived here without being assassinated. Lady Alyssa, representative of the Courts of Avalon, yours is indeed the closest center of power to rival my Lords. Join me and I shall see to it that Lord Mithras is named Ventrue Justicar..."
As Lonzo finishes his statement, the Assamite Fledgling Giovanni approaches you Alessandro, "May I have a word with you, once your business here is concluded of course".
Lanzo turns to Giovanni, "You are unwanted and unrequested Fledgling..." Giovanni stares daggers at Lanzo, his stare so filled with the promise of death that Lanzo pauses for a moment, "You have certainly perfected the menacing stare of your bloodline, but I wonder if you have what it takes to stand before one such as I and actually do something of which you wish you could do. Boy".
Before you can answer an old crone of a woman with dark brown skin but dressed like a gypsy approaches you both, "Come Children, come speak with Durga Syn that you may learn what is expected of you..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"Indeed I do, Simon." Lorenzo says with as much of a smile he can muster for one of his first teachers. "If you will permit me a moment or two first?"
Lorenzo mentally reaches out to Lord Benne. It would seem that Lanzo von Saschen is the most politically adept of the candidates, based on what I have observed, though I do not know if that would be a benefit or a detriment to your plans. Alyssa Gilbert seems to be rather manipulative, though I am beginning to understand that is commonplace for our kind. Her childe is a business partner of sorts to my family, so I must admit that fact may flavor my opinion. As to the others, I have not had much of an opportunity to form much of an opinion on the other suitors.
"Thank you for your patience, Simon. What is it I can do for you, my friend?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Lanzo represents Hardestadt, I have some connection with him. Alyssa is the representative of the Courts of Avalon. Mithras' Seneschal though is a member of our Clan. If you have ties to Alessandro then I believe the matter is settled, we shall vote for Mithras and recommend Hardestadt as Justicar". His voice then goes silent and he remains on the dais looking out upon the sea of Cainites assembled before him.
In the meantime, Simon sits patiently until you address him.
He smiles when you do so. "As we near the end of this Conclave. I thought it proper to speak with everyone currently on the Council to understand what each of you wishes to accomplish here. Though I do wish to represent my Clan, I do not wish to violate my personal beliefs in so doing. To ensure that I do not, I must be reasonably certain that this gathering of our kind will not become some sort of power structure utilized to crush the resistance out of those who simply do not fit into the new order that Narses has envisioned".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Carthage but two not including its Salubri as well as Baali advisors.
This will be the first time since the fabled tales of the Book of Nod that all Clans will be united under common purpose, assuming that any of those tales are true and that this Conclave does not degenerate into backstabbing of course".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano laughs quietly and then covers his mouth quickly before adjusting his throat and saying with a smile. "If you think alliances, talks of building peace, and making laws doesn't include backstabbing then you are naive. Every word out of everyone's mouth is an attempt to gain a little more power" he said before bowing his head apologetically for interrupting.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
It's somewhat of a shame really, were the impetus behind this doing it for the right reasons perhaps the Clans could be saved from the sins of their Elders..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"It is not for me say as to my Sire's motives, Simon." Lorenzo begins, "More due to not being expressly told what they may be than any attempt to beguile you, my friend."[b]
[b]"In the time that I have know him, Lord Benne seems to be reserved and have a distaste for unnecessary conflicts." Lorenzo states.
"The very fact that Prince Narses seems to have taken to the...Road of Heaven, I believe it is called, much as I imagine you have should provide some level of comfort to you. Does it not?"
"Is there something else or more you would like to discuss, my friend?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
There is nothing else I require except perhaps a vote of confidence from you and your Sire when it comes time to decide who between myself and Petradon will be elected to lead my Clan".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"I would be happy to speak to Lord Benne on your behalf."
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
Geoffroi nods
"I did meet M'sieur Volkov. He seemed a very angry and conflicted man from the few interactions I had with him."
He rubs his chin with his hand
"Would it perhaps help if I was to search for this woman? I have my associate Baldemar waiting outside. Perhaps we could discover her. Of course, we do not know what she looks like."
Onfroi will write a note to his sire and slip it to him:
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Xing makes her way to Alejandro and whispers to him.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
"Your body craves sustenance. The Hunger drives us but we must develop a strong will to resist ts call, the call of the Beast within.
We have considerable powers but we have weaknesses as well. Our fellow man, your fellow man, has now become prey. You will need their blood to sustain your own life and vitality. Without it you would fall into a sleep from which you will wake infrequently and too weak to act".
"that might have been good to mention before this all started. Is there a way to build up a tolerance to how frequently one needs to drink?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Bagrat, Xing, Vitaliano, Michele, Onfroi, Durdona, Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro & Luca
Each table breaks off into its own quiet discussion.
Bagrat Will get up and walk towards the area behind the dais
Venice by Night- Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero shifted in his seat. He pondered his answer for a moment, then settled on the simplest course of action; the truth.
"To be frank with you, I make no personal financial profit from my business interests in this area. It's a rather simple system; a certain percentage of the money my employees make are taken by the 'house', and this goes to pay monthly expenses and the salary of...let us say non-contracted workers, such as the instructors, the secretaries and madams, and the guards. This percentage also pays for room and board, as well as food. If the amount the 'house' takes exceeds what is necessary to maintain the premises for the month, and it always does, the extra money is channeled into a trust. As the business owner, I oversee this trust. If one of the ladies has any medical complications, payment for treatment comes from there. Every three months, I pay all of my employees a bonus, based on their position and the time they've been in my employ. I will occasionally use money from the trust for expansions or renovations, though I generally do this with input from my on-site staff.
When I first got into the business and bought the buildings and hired the requisite personnel to train my employees, I diverted funds from the trust to recoup my initial investment, but that has long since been made up. To be honest, I didn't really need to do that, either; my business interests are manifold and my resources are vast. However, one of the instructors I hired, someone you might know, Madame Alessia, gave me a spot of advice. She told me that some of the worst people in this line of business were those who would do as I did, and then feel that, because they laid out money and helped those that needed it, that sometimes, they were owed. That they were owed certain things by the people in their employ, and that that feeling could make seemingly good men turn monstrous. No, she advised me to recoup my investment, and make a profit if I wish, but to avoid as many pitfalls as possible. I thought this good advice, so I listened. It seems to have worked out well so far. I have little personal interaction with my doves; most of the information I have comes in the form of reports from Madame Alessia or the other administrators I have hired. Still, from time to time, I must remind myself that they're doing all right, and so I come to places like this and make sure all is well."
She listens and ponders it for a second,
"So why do It? What is your Angle? I think you really do care for your...doves. But I have a feeling you are gaining from this and what you are gaining put those women at a far greater risk than what you are protecting them from." She pauses to take a sip of wine.
"There is a reason why I never repeat what a client tells me...or use that information for gain unless my clients says I can. Besides the fact that I will never gain another client if that gets out...and my honor in keeping a confidence. People do not react well to betrayal. I know you got money...but that is meaningless if you anger the wrong noble. Unfortunately your...dove will also bear their wrath."
You get the distinct impress she does not like when you are referring to your employees as 'my doves'.
She shrugs, " You are probably the nicest pimp I have meant...but you are playing a dangerous game and your doves are just pawns...albeit well taken cared pawns."
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Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Petradon nods to you and picks up the note sliding it into his pocket, "It shall be done. I have a meeting this night with Prince Narses himself. I will remain here, you do what you believe is best for the rest of the night. I hope to change the Prince's mind as it is clear he favors Simon, that does not bode well for our success..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Bagrat as you step onto the dais you see Lord Benne look in your direction for a moment before he turns his head back to the crowd before him.
You close in on the two statues of the angel or man who appears to be an angel, the area near you goes dark and you feel yourself slip into the strange shadow realm. Before you stands the Prince.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
Talisman describes what the woman, Katriana Volkov looks like.
"If you can succeed where my assistants and many others have failed you would indeed be worthy of the gift OI bestow upon you Templar. See the aid of your friend and search for Sergei first. He may have some insight as to where Katriana may be... Tell him nothing of what I have told you of course, he would not understand.
Once we accomplish our mission together I can and will relieve him of the anguish that torments his mind".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
He stands and heads to the Gangrel table.
Sir Dunstan approaches you from Clan Brujah, "Dr. Cappelli, can we speak?"
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Khadaji Household -
Robin grins, "Well I did mention many of the drawbacks, this one must have slipped my mind.
There are ways to do so yes but they take time. The more active you are the more you will need to feed to sustain yourself. Even if you remain idle, day by day you will weaken and need to feed. There is no way to stop it entirely, well, no way that has been proven to be anything more than a Legend anyway.
Come, let us head out and find your first drink. Then we will introduce you to the creature of Night that rules this realm. Do you fancy a drink from a man or woman first?" Robin grins.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Vitaliano bowed his head to the Setites before he began to make his way along to the Cappadocian Table at first but it seemed his quarry was making his way elsewhere. His eyes followed him for a brief moment before he continued his movement to the Cappadocian table.
He bowed politely before the table once it seemed like enough of a pause. "Forgive me, I hadn't had the pleasure of introducing myself to you formally. I am/was Vitaliano Da Riva of clan Malkavian, childe of Antoine le Fanu. I heard there was one among you known as a Doctor? I myself am a practitioner of the medical arts as well."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
"Until next time, Simon." Lorenzo says as Simon leaves.
"Of course. Sir Dunstan is it? What can I do for you?"
Piero takes a sip of wine and drums his fingers on the table.
"I think you misunderstand what it is that I do. To put it succinctly, I am in the business of fulfilling desires and necessities. I am not some spymaster, hoarding secrets for blackmail. I'm not so crude. No, I would never put someone in my employ in danger. Sometimes, though, one hears things. A doge's cousin, in need of stone for a construction project. A cardinal's brother who wishes to procure exotic fabrics for his mistress. Such information is passed to me, and I simply use it to do what I do...make people happy. If I happen to gain a useful contact or a favorable disposition in a potential trade partner, why, what's the harm in that? Ultimately, my employees and I are in the same business...we make people happy."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Luca shrugs.
"Aren't you technically the experienced one at this..." he hisses at Adria quietly, "Even if its only a short difference?"
I'm surrounded by people who could take my head off. And now Yenshun is gone. Have I been tossed to the wolves? Bats? Is this another test.
When the crone approaches and speaks, Luca gives a glane to Adria and nods once.
Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309
Venice - A Residential Home -
Geoffroi gives a curt bow
"I will seek out Sergei. As you say, he will likely know the whereabouts of his sister better than anyone. Should I bring her or both to the house here?"
She shrugs..
"A courtesan is much more than bed companion. We are valued for our conversation...and advice we can give. If we are not dicreet...even with such minor things like you pointed out a advantage in trade can be dangerous. We deal with powerful men who if they hear of the innocent gossip that you get..they will wonder else she is saying."
She takes another sip of wine,
" I have seen what happens to a courtesan who divulge a client's secret that is minor even compared to what you gather. Sure...the client was...very extreme in his response...but we trade in discretion and trust. Consider it warning based on my experiences."
Piero stifled a sigh, offering a thin lipped smile instead.
"I'll take that under advisement."
He didn't say what he was thinking. That it was the fault of whoever screened that poor girl's clients. That he never forced any of his girls to do this sort of work, that for innocent secrets, they were gifted substantial bonuses. That the secrets and whispers he learned would pave a path to glory for him, enabling Piero to help on a larger scale than he had ever dreamed. That this was the way he would build the future.
Instead, he poured another glass of wine.
She seems about to say something more but decides not too and instead says,
"I can give you a opportunity...though you probably heard of it...there is a party being thrown by Lord x "These parties are great for new girls to be seen and usually a safe place to gain some experience in mingling with the elite."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Xing - Lasombra Table
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Piero inclines his head gratefully.
"I'm relatively newly arrived to the city, and my network of contacts isn't quite up to par yet. I'll be happy to attend that event, perhaps with an escort of my own. I'm sure I have several lasses that would be suitable for such an event; perhaps they could wrangle an affluent client out of it for themselves."
Onfroi will pat his sires hand with a gentle confidence as if to say that will be handled and then will depart.
Venice by Night - Tuesday March 25, 1309
Blurred Mongoose
Veronica nods,
"That is the idea of the event. I am sure your Madame Alessia should know how to get the girls invited that is easy. You would have to get a invite...though that should not be too hard for a man of your influence and talents. She finishes her wine.
"I have yet to decide if I will be attending. But if I do I make sure our paths will cross there."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 25, 1309
Prince Narses Court
Adria curtsies, "I am Adria Darkling and this is my... uh. Kin I suppose Luca Marano. We could certainly use some guidance if that is what you are offering..."
The Crone smiles, her smile has a warmth you would not have thought possible from a blood sucking fiend, "Let Durga Syn tell you true Childe that this is indeed a very dangerous place. You stand on what could be precipice of a bright new future of hope or a dark tyranny to last an age.
Your Sires and the Clan you have been brought into prides itself on leaving their young to fend for themselves to prove they are worthy of the blood they were given. This place is perhaps too difficult of a proving ground for that.
Tell me, what have your Sires told you about what is taking place here?"