Noticing Edouard has worn out his welcome with the Tremere, Edward says to Lucien, "If you will excuse me good Sir, while I am enjoying our conversation I believe someone is need of rescuing lest he lose his head this night."
Edward strides over towards Edouard but then notices he is speaking with someone else now and changes direction, approaching Elizabeth Banchar thinking, "Be careful little one. Do no irk the others. You saw what happened to the Caitiff. Be a little patient, though it might seem boring. This night is still young and there is yet much that will happen."
Edward approaches the cainite keenly observing her. Without a mentor or ally at court Edward is once again required to make his own introductions. Confidently and politely he introduces himself, "Miss Elizabeth Banchar it is a delight to see you at court. I do not believe we have had the pleasure of a formal introduction, though if you would permit me, I am Edward of York of clan Brujah recently returned to York from the holy land, at your service." ending with polite half bow and adding, "We have the beginnings of quite an interesting evening it would seem, don't you think? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
Edward interrupts Lachlan's conversation with Lady Sian, who reguards the newcomer with a venomous stare:"You are a Brujah, ser. Of that no one could doubt in a thousand miles. Now, if you'll excuse us, me and my childer were having a genteel conversation with ser Lachlan, about how he'll cover himself in glory against tose vile lupines we heard so much about. Until he does... consider yourself... dismissed"
Edward feel the beast rise up within him at the slight. He nearly bears his fangs controlling the involuntary urge to hiss at her. He pushes the beast back. "No, I shall just hope that you do meet a lupine one day. You can chase it away with exploits of goodly knights such as Sir Lachlan."
Thinking better of creating an enemy of Lady Sian, Damned Ventrue scum and not wanting to steal the good knight's limelight he lets his stern expression give way to an amused smile.
He makes his way over to Edouard and Vito, interrupting their conversation. "Hello Edwouard, will you introduce me to your new friend."
"I am not sure who he is....."
Looks at Vito....
Vito, who had been sitting at a somewhat darker than normal table near one of the corners of the room, gets up as two kindred approach. He wanted to speak to Alberto about his fellow Clanswoman, but it would be rude to just ignore these others.
As he walks over to meet them, the light around him dims, shadows seem to cling to his body and there is a definite, noticeable chill in the air.
"I am Vito, of Clan Lasombra, recently arrived in York"
Edward begins to say something as he notices the dimming of the lights in the area around Vito.....
He then remembers something about high and low clans and not remembering if Lasombra is or is not defers to Edward with a hand wave.
At the same time he attempts to use the illusion created by Chemistry to keep the area in a normal state of illumination......
Bertrand pauses for a second a bit dumbfounded at the response, "So you serve the Clan but do not care about what your Clan leader here in York does? Seems to be a contradiction there no? Well if I find any shiny coins to wave in the direction of a distinctive Cainite such as yourself I will be sure to seek you out". With an exaggerated bow Bertrand will take his leave of the Giovanni.
Bertrand turns and spots Edouard who seems to be engaging with others including Edward of York. Bertrand will head over to the group and smile pointing at Edward of York, "So um Edouard what did our friend here have to say for himself?"
"Interesting. A Lasombra. What brings him to York? Let us see what patience and politeness reveals."
"Good evening Vito. I am Sir Edward, this is Edouard and this is Bertrand. We welcome you to York. A friendly work of advice. Speak with that impeccably dressed cainite bearing a staff in his hands and have him announce you when the Baron re-enters. He is not in the best of moods this night and does not take kindly to unintorduced cainites in his barony."
Eleanor blonde tresses shake as she giggles at Lachlan's approach, but her smile deepens even more, if possible, yet she's not the one who answers the knight but her sire, Lady Sian:"Yes, Ser, you are known to us. It's a pleasure, as always, to meet such a valiant knight. I gather you came to us to make a declaration of sorts regarding what's going to happen when the Baron finishes explaining that... recluse what's been decided?", as she finishes the other two Cainites look at Edward, Eleanor with a mix between admiration and worry, Valmar with something akin to defiance.
Nodding in acknoledgement of Lady Sian's statement, he says, "I do no' place his grace's words. I do intend to help end this threat." Looking over to Lady Eleanor, he continues, "Although it bring heart to my courage if a lady would give me her favor to display in battle."
At the approach of his fellow knight, Lachlan amiably nods to Edward. At the Brujah's mistake in identifying the noblewoman, Lady Sian Brach, he smothers his shock in the rim of his goblet. As Sir Edward stalks off, Wemyss attempts to explain. "Milady, I do believe yon crusader made an honest mistake. He mistook you for Lady Elizabeth Banchar. I realize that Lady Banchar works diligently to match the shining light that is your own countenance. Surely you could forgive him the slight. He is newly returned from Outremer. Such righteous crusaders deserve our respect for their personal sacrifices."
Edward adjusts the intensity of the illumination subtly increasing the lighted area around himself, but not too obvious as the light appears to be coming from everywhere rather than a certain point.
|
|
Eleanor smile deepens at Lachlan words, then she nods solemnly:"It will be a pleasure and an honor for me to give such a fine knight as yourself a token of my favor, for I'm sure you won't fail me or my kin", so saying she hands Lachlan a Rosary with beads made of red stones.
Lady Sian looks unimpressed at Lachlan words but she chooses to indulge him:"Perhaps you are right my good ser, although I doubt even one freshly returned from outremer could mistake me for that young thing, Elizabeth. But enough chatter! Apologies accepted, I'm sure this fine crusader will find a way to show the world the rage his clan is famed for against our terrible enemies. Perhaps he will even lend you an hand in accomplishing your quest, ser!"
"I was just going to speak to speak that exact person, when I was stopped Edouard there. Can I help you, or may I move on?"
Bertrand sighs inwardly realizing he will have to address this Edward himself. He runs through his conversational tics as quickly as he can addressing Edward of York.
"Why did you speak up for us when no one else did?"
"Certainly. I do not wish to keep you from your own affairs Vito. I should enjoy a good conversation later and badger you for news from whence you came. News does take it's own time to reach York."
Once the Lasombra departs Edward looks for one of the servants who is serving vitae and with a polite hand gesture signals the servant to bring them goblets of vitae. He then then turns to Bertand says more kindly than the Malkavian would expect, "Pray tell what tidings do you carry. What news from your travels?"
Bertrand cocks his head sideways as he addresses Edward, "Traveling is hard. New places new people, mostly unhospitable and unfriendly from my experiences. Certainly Alexander's court was much more inviting than that of Mithras, his Malkavian lapdog or this place. The news is that the road is a terrible place Edward!"
Edward nods as Bertand speaks, remembering the plight of those who were not heavy armed knights, but common peasants on the road. "Well you are now in York and we shall see if we can change your opinion of the place." he says handing him one of the goblets the servant brought over.
Edward takes one for himself and hands the other one to Edouard, ""So my little one, what news from the street? Tell us what gossip you have heard and lighten up the mood."
Bertrand takes the goblet and sniffs at it. He then proceeds to drink it in a distinguished manner as he learned in the Great Court.
His gaze sweeps over the crowd of Cainites seeking out the patterns between those in attendance.
"Sorry I thought you were just hanging back an didn't have anyone to talk to.."
Edward scowls at Edouard. "This child cainite yet has much to learn.
Edward continues the conversation with Bertrand and Edouard. "This isn't bad if not just a bit on the bland side. I've been finding that I enjoy a more fiery sort. Not necessarily noble born or peasant but those with a zest for life, passionate, strong willed. There was this one noble lady, a young thing from France if my memory serves. She refused to marry some old Count her father has selected for her and made the journey to Outremer, to seek God's guidance in the matter. She was a fiesty thing. She had some very interesting thoughts for a woman, but her vitae, I have never tasted anything like it since. That was an interesting night rudely interrupted by the approaching dawn."
Bertran addresses Edward, "I certainly have a zest for not meeting the sun! Thank you for sticking up for me".
Seeing Vito's intent on approaching the Giovanni Bertrand blurts out far too loudly, "That Giovanni can't see past Gold. If you don't have any, I wouldn't waste my time talking to him! A personality three kilometers wide and one centimeter deep!"
"Sometimes I forget to eat or when I last did so..."
Edward points at his head...
"Way too much swirling around...."
He notches the intensity of the light illusion up a little more in the general vicinity, though the light seems to be coming from everywhere at once.....
Edward observes the two cainites before him thinking, "These two are strange, but very entertaining I cannot deny. Though I am concerned for them. The dance of court, the unyielding need of the elders for respect and deference. These two low bloods have less than the sense they need to keep from meeting the sunrise. I do hope sincerely that they find some way to make themselves useful, that they may be of greater value than trouble.
|
|
As you keep talking with each other (with Vito trying unsuccesfully to gain an audience with Alberto and Lachlan who stares with empty eyes at the rosary in his hands) the Primogen council and re-enters the main hall. Everyone takes seats, and in a rush you are forced to sit togheter. As the august cainites of the council take their places on the dais the Baron adresses the assembled vampires once more:"It seems like this night is full of surprises and unforseen events, slowing us down from adressing the matters of import I mean to discuss. No matter, forms, laws and etiquette all require me to present you Vito Lintini, of the Clan of Shadows. He was sired by... Noctifer" at this point the Baron stops and smirks, "Which Edward here"- he briefly nods towards the Lasombra primogen, Edward De Guignac - "assures me to be a legitimate clanmate of his, a sort of mystic heremit. I reserve the right to delve further into this at a later date but at this time I believe we can all welcome Vito among us, " as he finishes he motions for Vito to raise, and show himself, once the Lasombra does as asked (with a strange dampening of the ambient light) the Baron quickly gestures for him to sit down again and carries on.
"And finally we are at the main reason I called all of you here tonight. The word is "Lupines". As some of you might have heard the brutish creatures have attacked Sheffield in force, killing several of our kind including my nephew own childer. As it stands the city is under siege and dear Henry awaits reinforcements not knowing how long he will be able to resist. He pleads Us to give him soccour in the name of Lord Mithras himself. As you can imagine I cannot deny my subject and blood-kin my help in such dire straits. So here we are: this assembly is meant to marshal the forces that will break the lupines and send them back to the devils that spawned them! I expect each cainite standing here this night to contribute to the war effort: those who can fight should prepare themselves to join us, those who can't can give us gold, ghouls or supplies. Now I'll let you discuss among yourselves which which way you feel best suited to help us retaking Sheffield, once you have decided just notify ser Marquand" as the Baron finishes a mormur raises from the assembled cainites, some, like Alberto Giovanni don't seem pleased with the request, others like Lucien Arbaud seem rather pleased, most debate among themselves in whispers.
The primogen exit the hall from behind the dais, as does the Baron. You stare at each other but before you can start a conversation a valet appears near your table and bowing says:"My Lords I'm pleased to announce that you are requested to follow me" so saying he moves towards one of the side doors of the hall.
Edward, accustomed to following orders follows immediately all the while still thinking of the news that Baron John presently informed them. "Lupines. They dare attack us openly? Edward remembers his silver broadsword fondly, eager for his first lupine kill.
Bertrand follows a bit bewildered by the request.
Perception+Politics
Perception+Alertness
As always ignore a single botch for each roll.
|
|
Vito joins the others, without saying a word.
|
|
Perception + Alertness
P&P
Bertrand's face darkens as he follows the valet. He tries to grab Edward's arm but hesitates as he does not really want to touch the Cainite. Instead he sticks his hand into his pocket and produces Benny who grabs the Cainite with little hesitation.
"Bertrand has a question for you Sir Knight", says Benny gruffly.
|
|
You walk just behind the livered servant along winding and claustrophobic passages the sound of your own boots and the moonlight that broke through the clouds as your only companions...
Edward is momentarily startled at being grabbed nearly baring his fangs at the cainite andregains his composure once he realises it's Bertrand. "Yes Bertand, what is it? Be quick for we are summoned.".
Bertrand pulls close and whispers to Edward,
"Pageantry and show, but which is real and which is the masquerade?"
Edward smiles to himself, wondering which truth it is.....
Edward smiles and whispers in reply and continues on.
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
You follow the valet slong the claustrophobic passages until you meet stairs. Then the ghoul stops and bows:"Those who summoned you are waiting on the solar above. Don't make them wait, please" so saying he leaves you.
Turns out you have a pretty long walk in fron of you but at the end of it you find a black metal door, Edward opens it and you step into a well lit and richly furnished room. Sitting in the middle of it you see Lady Sian Brach, Lady Eleanor de Stuteville, Edward De Guignac, Lucien Arbaud... and the Baron himself.
It's the baron who welcomes you, although he :"Greetings, I see you have made fast friends already! That's good, because I believe I've found a way to put these low blooded cainites to the test as you suggested Ser Edward. But I fear that implies you, ser Lachlan and ser Vito will have to help them out, and so you won't be able to join our expedition in Sheffield. So before I tell you too much and you can't back away tell me: are you, young knights willing to forego the glory of battle for the honor of a lady who lays in grave peril?
Bertrand smiles even more confused than before. He does not speak though as even he realizes that the trap for the high blooded Cainites has been set so well they have no choice BUT to agree. With that understanding Bertrand smiles that much more broadly.
Edward is disappointed at the news of being deprived of a chance to hunt lupines, but remembers who is before and does his best to hide his disappointment with a smile, hoping none of the elders noticed. He thinks for a moment, "Well I brought this on myself for defending the low clans."
"My Lord Baron, I cannot say that a part of me is disappointed at the loss of the chance to hunt the lupine menace, though it is my pleasure to serve my Baron in any manner my Lord would have and I must confess that as a knight I would be hard pressed to resist the desire to rescue a damsel in distress."
On thinking further, Edward realises, The Baron has played them perfectly. They are in no position to refuse whatever task the Baron seeks of them. The low bloods have just been granted their unlives which they would be foolish to throw away in the same night as they were granted. I have cannot refuse after my speech that of the low clans deserving a chance to prove themselves and turning my back when my baron asks me to perform such a duty. Neither am I in a position to negotiate myself out of this situation. Though it perplexes me. Why us? What service is it that such a group such as ours must perform. No doubt it could be one which would have up performing some unpleasant and likely fatal task, but why have his loyal servant Sir Lachlan included in such a party? Bah, too many question and no answers, all shall reveal itself in time. For now I must bear the task of missing out hunting lupines.
Edward does himself a favor and bows deeply at the waist....
"My life is not my own."
|
|
The baron nods wisely:"And so shall it be, ser. Now for the task at hand: you should all know that not even half an year ago the barony has been troubled by a plague of Setites. It is a well known fact they were making their nest in Whitby and never bothered to present themselves at court or show respect to their betters. They came and went as they pleased believing their heathen god would have shielded them from our righteous wrath. To make a long story short: our cappadocian friends in Whitby noticed the creatures where hiding something and warned Simon, who warned me. We fell on the scoundrels, found them guilty of sevral crimes against the traditions and the blood laws and sentenced them to death by greeting the sun."
The baron stops for a moment then goes on:"What not many know is we failed to uproot all of that evil plant. One of the serpents slithered away in the commotion and hid himself in high grass, so to speak. Then, when he felt secure no one was looking for him he stroke."
At this point Lady Brach raises and continues the tale:"With your permission my lord I will take the story from here: this monster was cunning, in a vile, lowborn sort of way. He hid near Whitby and waited for a chance for revenge. And unfortunately fate accomodated him: one of my blood, a neonate by the name of Juliet Throvaux was to come to us to be fostered in the ways of court and ladyship. Unfortunately that setite demon noticed her, killed the ghouls who were escorting her and captured the poor thing. Now he sends us letters describing the gruesome fate he will reserve her unless we gave him what he wants. We warned His Grace and asked for justice... and he sent the Sheriff's own childer after the heaten. That has been a forthnight ago and Godfrey still has to send word or return... honestly we fear the young and brash knight has fallen to that dastardly creature.But such an affront cannot stand, and you will provide our means to save poor little Juliet and punish that wicked fiend! Three knights of the blood and their retinue will certainly prove more than a match for such low born scum, no matter how wily he is!"
Ser Arbaud nods with convinction at Lady Brach words, as does her childer Eleanor. Edward De Guignac merely inclines his head though.
The baron waits for the Lady to be finished before adding:"Now that you know the task in front of you feel free to ask any questions. I expect you to start hunting down this Ahmed as soon as possible. Suceed and you will go a long way to prove yourselves to me and to the Barony itself. Fail... but you won't be failing ur, won't you?"
Edward starts to listen with little interest but immediate perks up at the mention of setites.
"We shall not my Lord Baron. Such heathen filth shall be washed clean from your lands. I have dealt with their kind before and shall be glad to introduce them to the morning sun. I do worry though that Juliet Throvaux may not yet live and the young knight... these setites have no hesitation in performing amaranth." Edward pauses for a moments, enjoying the effect this might have on Lady Branch.
"Regardless we shall deal with it and do what we can for the neonate. If we may learn where they first made haven in Whitby that would aid us."
Lachlan stares hard at his liege at the news that he is to be deprived of the opportunity to face lupines. "Milord, I would'nae miss the opportunity to slay those low beasties which plague you an' yoor kin. Such are my sworn enemy, as you well know."
Edward turned the idea of Setites over in his mind some group of ...what was the word...kindred, yes thats it, who follow a heathen god of some sort. Edward tucked this information into his mind and waited for a chance to ask one of the others for clarity.