Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
You push past the human woman managing to not attack her in the process. As you search the apartment, you find it empty.
The woman is in you face yelling in her strange language still.
Adjusting to his new senses, Lorenzo follows his sire into the chamber, taking note of his surroundings and making a mental note to himself to record his thoughts about the experience of death in a new journal when he has the chance.
Xing Shi will move uncomfortable close to the woman and place her hand over her mouth.
"I don't know if you understand me or not but if you don't shut up I will silence you permanently. Capice! Just point me in the direction of the person I'm looking for."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"I believe tha many o them might be willin tah return to tha main land where tha murder victim was buried an tha walkin dead battled. I ave long reasoned tha a return trip might be warranted."
Alessandro is surprisingly relieved that he will not be completely alone on this journey into the dark endless night. Or will being Venture set him apart, still?
Will Lorenzo maintain semblance of humanity, allegiance to Venice... or become wholely monster?
Michael nods to his man thanking him for looking after the business
"I appreciate you looking after the shop, you will be compensated accordingly"
Michael steps further into his office.
"The job will get done. I will inform the same crew of your instructions and see to it that the cargo is moved."
Michael moves the coi s without counting them into a safe box
"i noticed you following Sergei and I today you have any business with him ?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
The woman does not understand but your demeanor silences her. She simply does not understand what you are asking her for.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"An excellent idea. I shall travel there to ensure the sight is safe and purge any creatures that may interfere with our meeting. I have heard rumors of our enemies operating in a small city nearby. We shall send your mortal allies towards them to root them out. By the time they return, our business here will be concluded and the threat of exposure will be minimal. Most importantly, if your allies find what I suspect is there, they will trust us moving forward then together we can rid the world of those of our kind who would have dealings with the Devil and his minions".
Brian stands, "After you set the meeting, we shall hunt together for the first time. You will need me there to guide you in this process my Childe".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
"Excellent. You will come with me and we shall discuss more about you".
He turns to Dragan, "Bring the body back, I will have a use for it at our temporary home. Be not seen or I will have to allow the Prince to slay your worthless hide".
He turns back to you, "Come with me young Obertus, let us see if we can discover who you are".
Xing Shi places a finger over her mouth and over the woman's mouth with hopes she will understand to be quite.
She takes in the room around her holder the finger to the woman's lips.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
The woman remains silent. Other than the presence of articles of women's clothes there is no change to the apartment.
No other sounds or people there. Only you and the woman with who you cannot communicate.
Xing Shi motions for the woman to follow her place a finger over her own lip indicating to continue to keep quite.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
The place is rather small and you case it within 10 minutes. The only odd thing about the house is that there is luggage of some sort with some clothes packed but obviously not taken along.
A chance to know more about everything, but at what costwas all that could finn think as he followed
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Then let us both take the boat from here to the city an then each find his own way to tha farmlands, me with that Inquisition in tow and you to meet with them an send them upon a task."
Andrew heads for the ladder......
Xing Shi lets out a low growl.
"Who are you and why are you here?" she says in the 2 languages she knows to the girl to see if she can try to spark something out of this girl.
"Name?" she points her finger to the girl.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
She does not understand either language. As you point at her she looks behind her then turns back as if confused...
Xing Shi sighs.
"This is not so good for you my dear. Since Michael is not here your coming with me then."
Xing picks up a half empty luggage and throws some of the womans cloths in it and grabs her by the arm.
"Time for a trip my dear."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
You walk through the streets shrouded in darkness. The moon and the stars not visible with the cloud cover you sometimes find yourself taking missteps over the cobblestones. Myca is always there to keep you from faltering.
He speaks with you casually about the weather and the dismal place he is staying here in the city. You keep silent still wary of what is to come next.
Finally, you arrive at an Inn, the sign above the door states, Greetings .
As you enter the first things to strike you is the smell of incense. The room which was once a bar has been transformed into a lounge of sorts. Standing right next to the door is a Szlachta, its hideous deformities unnerve you further but yet bring back memories of the past.
As you peer bout the room, you see that many of the inhabitants are missing limbs. They are in some sort of drug induced state which is perhaps why they are all so calm. A pile of bodies lays in the far corner, if they are not dead, no doubt those people wish they were.
Myca sees you looking at the guardian, "Breathtaking is it not? My first attempt at building one. I have been taking lessons from my Carpathian cousin, Velya. He would see it as a poor imitation of the real thing but an arttist must start somewhere no? Sit have a drink my friend, we will be here for some time. Now tell me what is your name?"
As Myca directs you to a seat a woman walks to the bar and retrieves a glass of red wine for you and she hands it to you.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Brian heads up the ladder with you. He unties the rope mooring the small boat to the mini island.
'it is critical that you do not reveal yourself for what you are my Childe. While you do Gods work, they will see you as an enemy in disguise".
He rows you to the city and drops you off at a darkened pier. "I will see you n the far shore later this evening".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
The woman tries to pull herself away from you. It is clear she has no idea what you are saying.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
You step through the threshold of the doorway into an underworld that you would not have dreamed of in your wildest fantasy. Mosaics cover the walls and floors flecked with gold and platinum, the mosaics are filled with activities by various figures. Each one representing a different action by a series of actors. Unlike other mosaics you have seen, these are darker in their imagery. The sun does not shine in any scene, at best the soft moonlight is present above the heads of those who are depicted. Each character has an obvious set of gangs in their mouth, these characters are all Vampires. Your eyes must flicker over these scenes, perhaps you can come back later and explore but for now those who have brought you here move forward through the room leaving you little time to admire or condemn.
Porphyry statues stand in shadowed alcoves. Upon these statues rest long tapered candles as black as night. They give off a light which is not bright but illuminates the large room in a way which seems to make the shadows dance around in odd patterns.
As you continue to move forward you realize that the shadows move and shift of their own volition, they do not match the sputtering of the flames. The shadows cover the floor as a cloying mist reaching around the ankles of all present including both of you.
In front of each alcove is a series of chairs, some chairs have occupants while others do not. The amount of seating seems excessive for the amount of people present in the room. In front of each set of chairs is a small black table. Each table has a porcelain bowl sitting in the middle, stains of some sort of dark liquid cover the inside of the bowls though each bowl presently appears empty. The closer you get to the front the more of the chairs and tables are occupied. Presently there are fifteen people present. Whether they are all Vampires is not clear.
Lorenzo sees familiar faces in the crowd from the last time he was here, the haughty female that Brexiano named Lady Jadviga. The female with her stands next to her attending her, they view your group with a look of disdain normally reserved for insects.
Standing off to the side speaking with another figure is Lord Jurgen and his Seneschal, the figure they speak to is dressed as an Egyptian trader.
Antione le Fanu speaks to a figure wrapped in a cloak. Antoine is animated while the cloaked figure is very calmly speaking to him. You hear a snippet of their conversation as you walk by, “I assure you le Fanu, this man was born to be a Lunatic. He is the perfect choice for your Childe…
As your eyes scan forward Lorenzo you see the figure who Brexiano called the Childe of Narses sitting at the far end of the room.
Once your eyes move in that direction it is hard to pull your eyes from the figure who dominates it. Alessadro’s eyes move there as well tracing yours.
The figure sits on an opulent episcopal throne made of walnut wood and decorated with inlays of ivory, mother of pearl, colored wood and precious stones. The figure is dressed in red robes that look like those of a patriarch of some formal church order. In his hand is an enormous golden scepter. On the wall behind him a set of statues made of gold and inlaid with precious stones depict the same figure in different poses, the identity of the figure is not known to either of you but appears to be some sort of angel.
Your attention is momentarily called away as Brexiano breaks the line of sight between the two of you and the man on the throne. Brexiano faces your groups and smiles, the then turns his back, “My Prince, Archbishop of Nod, and Inner Circle of the Lasombra. Before you stand two who would ask for your permission to enter the Domain of Venice”.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
"Step forward then and present yourselves", replies the Prince with a lilting voice. Shadows dance as if a crown on his head.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Lord Benne defers to Alyssa who curtsies and speaks, "I am Alyssa Fitz Gilbert. Childe of Vander Fitz Gilbert. Childe of Raoul Snake-Eyes. Childe of Medon. Childe of Ventru. Childe of Ynosh. Childe of Caine. I have come here to announce my intention to bid for a seat on the Inner Council of the Camarilla. I represent the will and power of the Barony of Avalon, the seat of power of Mithras. I also present to you Prince Narses, my charge and my choice as associate Counselor, Alessandro Khadaji. I would be honored if you would extend to me the protections that you would afford those of your flock who dwell within your Domain. I observe and respect that this treatment is a privilege and not a right".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
"You have dwelt in my Domain in spirit but not in body for some time. Such a affront is reason enough for me to ban you from my Domain forthwith. However, on this solemn occasion I shall allow this insult to pass unnoticed. Be advised that you are not alone in vying for the Ventrue seat on the Inner Council".
Narses pauses, "I shall protect you as if you were my own Childe for as long as you remain in my Domain. An insult to you shall be an insult to my own House and punished as such. While you dwell in my Domain the blood that passes your lips will be the blood of those which you have brought with you and no other Blood unless I give special dispensation to you. The entire Domain of Venice is declared Elysium as such, you shall not spill the blood of another of our kind. Neither shall you seek to procreate without my dispensation. The silence of the Blood shall be observed at all times within this Domain. Be warned that Hunters of our kind roam the streets and canals of my fair city, these mortals are not to be confronted upon pain of Final Death. Obey these rules and you shall remain in my Domain in good standing".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Lord Benne bows and begins, "I am Dr. Robert Benne. Childe Japheth Cappadocius. Childe of Cappadocius. I have come here to claim my seat on the Inner Council of the Camarilla. I also present to you Prince Narses, my Childe and my choice as associate Counselor, Dr. Lorenzo Cappelli. I would be honored if you would extend to me the protections that you would afford those of your flock who dwell within your Domain. I observe and respect that this treatment is a privilege and not a right".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Narses shifts in his seat, "This Lorenzo Cappelli is known to me. Here at my Court less than a week ago, Dr. Cappelli was mortal. You bring him before me, having never left my city, as a Childe of Caine. Never did I give you dispensation to embrace this Childe, yet here he is before me. Tell me why I should not destroy it and you Lord Benne?"
Michael Santos
"none with him. I was curious as I understand he is quite deranged. I was more interested in what you were doing with him. Why are you associating with him."
Still somewhat fearful I have chosen for my self the name Finn he replied weary of the Szlachta Something happened, something terrible i guess as i remember nothing before the last five years and i have been travelling ever since.
Xing Shi spend 1 blood and whisper a lullaby to the woman activating The Song of Morpheus. DC = Victims Willpower.
Alessandro's thought are of his god. He is greater and holds dominion over all things, even this.
Preordained, yet still unwritten. It was a paradox even religious scholars struggled with. Free will, the capacity to err. Some say it was flaw, others hold that it allowed for greatness.
Ghost... I will tread deeply into the Darkness, my light even more deeply, within. Eternal ember.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Internal
As he walks he notes that the pain is no longer in his leg, though somehow the limp remains and he continues to plod along with his cane in one hand.....The irony is the many times he had prayed for surcease of this pain, and now it was gone, yet replaced by a pain and hunger he did not yet fully understand and had yet to master.....
Control over one's body and mind was invaluable.
As a soldier, as a merchant and negotiator... Alessandro had studied the mastery of his body. He used that skill, now to still body and mind.
Stark still, he looked on, observed, absorbed, learned.
Lorenzo passively looks around the room, drinking in the scenery with his newly gained senses as he listens to Alyssa present Alessandro to the Prince and Prince Narses's response.
He listens more attentively as Lord Benne begins to present. Hearing the Prince's response shocks and frightens the former doctor, though he manage to steel his resolve enough to outwardly to mask his surprise and fear.
Uncertain of what is to come, he silently await Lord Benne's response or any further commentary from the Prince.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The city is dark as you stalk its empty streets. You pass a few patrols who pay little heed to a man alone who is well dressed if a bit unkempt.
As you near the Inn, you see that the tables normally set up outside have been brought in. The dark skies have brought weather which is a bit cooler than it has been for the past few days.
Upon entering you see Aodhan speaking with the barkeep, there are a few other patrons sitting at tables quietly talking. Two of them are women wearing the latest fashions. The other four, located at another table, are men who look to be mercenaries of some sort.
Aodhan sees you enter and waves, "Lord Andrew, come have a drink with me, it seems you had a long night and day since we last spoke eh?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
"Yes, the horrors of the past stay with us and can often cloud our judgment. Tell me Finn. Would you object to my attempt at straightening out your jumbled thoughts? I may be able to probe the recesses of your mind and discover things you had forgotten long ago. I would of course, not do such a thing unless you wished me to".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi
Your beautiful voice, amplified by the abilities of the blood soothe the foreign woman. The song from your tongue of lilting grace, whose sounds caress her ear, begin to force her eyelids to droop.
Though not a word she heard could she relate, the story was quite clear, sleep mortal, sleep...
Sleep she does, slumping in your arms. Packing things for her you are easily able to carry her lithe form out the door.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
After a tense moment, Lord Benne laughs at Prince Narses comment, "As always, you have a flair for the dramatic old friend. Shall I answer that question honestly or do you wish for me to simply prostrate myself and give you all due deference throwing myself upon your tender mercies?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Prince Narses responds, "I have always appreciated a good grovel" then chuckles softly. "I shall protect you as if you were my own Childe for as long as you remain in my Domain. An insult to you shall be an insult to my own House and punished as such. While you dwell in my Domain the blood that passes your lips will be the blood taken in the quarters in which your clan has traditionally hunted. The entire Domain of Venice is declared Elysium as such, you shall not spill the blood of another of our kind. The silence of the Blood shall be observed at all times within this Domain. Be warned that Hunters of our kind roam the streets and canals of my fair city, these mortals are not to be confronted upon pain of Final Death. Obey these rules and you shall remain in my Domain in good standing".
The rest of the Court lets out an audible sigh though some faces seem disappointed that the Prince did not act more heavy handed based on the crime with which Lord Benne was initially accused, "Perhaps it is better that you Embraced your charge before you brought him here, I fear my jest may have made him soil himself. Tell me, old friend, how fares your Sire?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
"He sends his regards to you Prince Narses. He has also given me leeway to act as I see fit with respect to the interests of Clan Cappadocian. To ensure that the goals of my Clan retain a single vision, he has contacted Augustus Giovanni and informed him that within the week, the Giovanni shall pass to me their holdings in the City. With the exception of Pietro, the rest of Augustus' brood will relocate to other city states".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Prince Narses nods, "Very well then. With influx of new Kindred this will reduce the pressure on the populace to provide for so many new mouths to feed. Tell your Sire I thank him for this gift he has given to me".
Prince Narses stands, "If there are no other introductions to be made..."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Before the Prince can finish a voice from the back speaks surprising Brexiano and the rest of the Court.
"Hola, Prince Narses. I apologise for my lack of Etiquette but it seems my courier was waylaid on his way here from my city. I would present myself to you having just arrived this night".
As you both turn, you see well dressed Spanish man. He is youthful in appearance and attractive, unnaturally so.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Prince Narses sits, "Proceed".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
"I am Rafael de Corazon. Childe of Callisti y Castillo. Childe of Arikel. I am here as the only logical choice of the Representative of Clan Toreador to the Inner Circle".
Murmurs of shock reverberate around the room in the form of whispers from all of the shadowy alcoves but a few.
"This is preposterous!" states a man rising out of his chair.
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Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Prince Narses glares at the Kindred who stands up. His withering glance forces the man to take his seat though he does so slowly.
" You are known to me Rafael de Corazon though I admit I am surprised to see you here. The Courts of Love traditionally have spoken for your Clan. As you may already know, you face entrenched competition in your quest for the coveted seat of Inner Circle. Regardless, I shall protect you as if you were my own Childe for as long as you remain in my Domain. An insult to you shall be an insult to my own House and punished as such. While you dwell in my Domain the blood that passes your lips will be the blood taken in the Titian Inn. The entire Domain of Venice is declared Elysium as such, you shall not spill the blood of another of our kind. The silence of the Blood shall be observed at all times within this Domain. Be warned that Hunters of our kind roam the streets and canals of my fair city, these mortals are not to be confronted upon pain of Final Death. Obey these rules and you shall remain in my Domain in good standing".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Rafael bows, "I thank you Prince Narses. While my proposal does seem preposterous, it is not nearly as preposterous as the ensemble worn by my clanmate Francois Villon. By virtue of luck, the deep shadows of your Court enable him to be mistaken for the Jester in your Court my good Prince".
The man who stood before stands again ready to lash out verbally but the Prince cuts him off.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Prince Narses stands and the rest of the Court stands again, "The arrival of Signore de Corazon does raise a question. Sadir, come forth".
The man wearing the Egyptian clothing steps away from Lord Jurgen.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Lorenzo Cappelli
Sadir stands before the Prince, "Prince Narses, within the week the rest of my deliveries will arrive in the city. The presence of this Hunter and potentially others has given me cause for worry. I have contracted with a certain Pirate and his Navigator as well as his Ghost to bring our charges to the City safely. The price they ask is the absolution of their sins. Is this a fair price to ask Prince Narses?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Adohan.... I can but pause a moment mah friend, ave we any word o meetin set with tha Doge?"
Andrew sits down heavily.....
"I must gather tha holy brothers fer evil is afoot...."
Points to the church