Alyson did manage to slip some blood into Lawrence's drink and he even commented on how good it tasted. Flattering one supposes.
On her way home, Alyson stops at a Gas Station to do some shopping. Back at her and Sams place, she checks her mail, finding a link to an online drive containing her performance at the veil from Tony. Alyson spends some time editing it, preparing it for upload, then, on a whim, checks tweets and news feeds for anything regarding lakeside restaurant, while playing with Sir Pouncer.
It may not be her magnum opus, but her performance is well worth uploading, especially after a touch of editing. No news on Lakeside , but at least Sir Pouncer is adorable!
Sam's alarm would go off at 07:00 for work, way past Dawn. But still, she would do her best...as sunrise approaches, she locks the Kitty out from the kitchen, then cracks 3 eggs into a pan and lays out bacon in the oven, setting a timer on both, to start a few minutes before 07:00...just in case.
Then she sits down on the floor, checking Imgur on her phone and trying hard not to fall asleep.
She'll awake later tucked into a bed lovingly in a nice change of clothe s and all. But that's a story for later.
Marcus rises almost instantly! The sun is setting, and the university around his haven is full of life!
And noise
and gossip
"Did you hear about the Lakeview Restaurant?"
"Yes, it's been in the news all day... they're saying it was completely destroyed in a gas explosion!"
"I heard it was a domestic terrorist attack"
"Where'd you hear that?"
"the internet."
"Oh yeah, that's reliable."
Arthur does not have daymares tonight. It's amazing. He... hasn't rested so soundly in time. It was almost as if there was something else distracting him.
He wakes, of course and he has a lot to be distracted about. His soon to be ghoul probably needs a shower though at least the temporis use kept him well handled and no trouble. And, of course, he needs that third drop of blood.
What was the man's name again?
mmm
There is his mortal family, that if he hopes to turn into a viable herd, he best continue to visit.
And, he dare not miss whoever he has set up as an Auspex teacher. The discipline will just be too useful in a world where information the best defense is knowing when the attack is coming.
Damien's eyes open to Lydia, always a pleasant sight, "Hi. How you doing for blood?" She asks "two reasons I ask, one, I worry about you, you're all skin and bones." A light tease of his elfin features, "And two, well, much as I loved the attention, I wouldn't mind a sip of you if you can spare it. You know I think you're sweet."
Lydia is very much aware of what she is, and one advantage to hanging out with folks of the counter culture is that blood drinking is easy to adjust to. She enjoys the strength and energy, she admits to being intrigued by the idea of getting extra decades or more (perhaps much more) with youth and health insured. And she cares for him...
Only because of the blood bond The Mara hisses in his head If she thought she could gain such power as you have for herself, she'd rip your heart open in a moment except she is your soul slave. Isn't she? Slaver.
Damien's eyes open to Lydia, always a pleasant sight, "Hi. How you doing for blood?" She asks "two reasons I ask, one, I worry about you, you're all skin and bones." A light tease of his elfin features, "And two, well, much as I loved the attention, I wouldn't mind a sip of you if you can spare it. You know I think you're sweet."
Lydia is very much aware of what she is, and one advantage to hanging out with folks of the counter culture is that blood drinking is easy to adjust to. She enjoys the strength and energy, she admits to being intrigued by the idea of getting extra decades or more (perhaps much more) with youth and health insured. And she cares for him...
Only because of the blood bond The Mara hisses in his head If she thought she could gain such power as you have for herself, she'd rip your heart open in a moment except she is your soul slave. Isn't she? Slaver.
"I am fine, my love. I should feed tonight, but I am fine." Damien says, biting into his own wrist and offering it to Lydia.
Doing his best to mask his inner turmoil from Lydia, he thinks to the Mara, Quiet, damn you! She was with me before she knew what I am... trying to convince himself as much as the Mara, but knowing in his heart there was a certain amount of truth in the Mara's taunts.
- success
After providing Lydia a bit of his vitae, Damien licks the wound closed and prepares for another evening.
"Take your time, my love. I think I'll head downstairs to "chat" with a couple of the regulars. See you down there in a bit" Damien says before descending into the club in search of a couple of his personal blood-dolls.
It's good to be in the Abyss. To Dream. To rest deep. To be smothered in the black.
Is it any wonder Paolo is a hard sleeper? And almost doesn't hear his phone ringing?
Arthur's eyes narrow, odd but I suppose I should be thankful.
He pulls out the most ornate cup from the cabinet and pours enough blood to finalize the blood bond on his new Ghoul.
He then pulls open the closet and brings the man out from his "loop". Aiding him in removing the bindings that held him fast. He hands him the cup.
"Drink this. It is a draught of longevity. Then, we shall discuss your new beginning".
It is possible to dream when you're dead, Alyson knows this. She had wonderful dreams. Dreams of a circle of people leaning their necks open to her , accepting her for who and what she is without her having to act this way or that. Dreams of Vivienne clapping for her. Good dreams, wonderful dreams and...
she woke.
In a bed.
Someone had dressed her in her comfy set of PJs and propped her up nicely.
A thought comes to her...
The Bacon!
Work!
And the newsfeed on her phone has a stream...she had set it on keyword after all
The Lakeside Restaurant went up in a gas explosion?
It's good to be in the Abyss. To Dream. To rest deep. To be smothered in the black.
Is it any wonder Paolo is a hard sleeper? And almost doesn't hear his phone ringing?
The beautiful Abyss commanded Paolo's mind. He drifted in its silent thrall and- Was that the phone? He struggled to rouse himself and answer it, groping blindly about for a moment before he realized he was in a backup haven and the phone was on the other side of the bed. [i]There[.i]
"Yes?" he said, trying to force the day from his voice. No one would call him at this hour unless it was urgent. It would have to be Betty or Father.
"I am fine, my love. I should feed tonight, but I am fine." Damien says, biting into his own wrist and offering it to Lydia.
"All right, Lover. Long as you take care of yourself. Sometimes when you get wheeling and dealing I worry you forget the world." And her nose twitches delightfully before she suckles some of his sweet vitae from his wrist, then laps it one last time. Her eyes glaze for a moment before gaining even sharper focus, "I almost feel sorry for the first jackass that tries to cope a feel tonight. I feel like I could punch a truck...and win." A smile "Thanks."
Doing his best to mask his inner turmoil from Lydia, he thinks to the Mara, Quiet, damn you! She was with me before she knew what I am... trying to convince himself as much as the Mara, but knowing in his heart there was a certain amount of truth in the Mara's taunts.[
If a sneer had a sound, that's what Mara's next sound in his head would sound like, but then it is quiet.
"Take your time, my love. I think I'll head downstairs to "chat" with a couple of the regulars. See you down there in a bit" Damien says before descending into the club in search of a couple of his personal blood-dolls.
"I won't be long," Lydia assures.
And Damien goes down to feed.
And finds the twins. They're fraternal twins, early twenties, and prefer to call themselves Phobe and Demo, a play on the sons of Aries or the moons of Mars. Damien would call them a little on the salty side. The brother and sister yield to his need eagerly knowing only that this is one hit they never get tired of.
Juice is provided for them after, a good policy for the place. Take care of your donors, and your donors will take care of you, after all.
There is no sign of the Giovanni here tonight. That's good news. Then again, there's no sign of any Kindred here. That's not unheard of mind you.
"What kind of groundhog day s@$$..." the man gasps as he comes out of the loop.
"Drink this. It is a draught of longevity. Then, we shall discuss your new beginning".
"What the f!$$'s a 'draught'?" But he takes it, muttering "Gonna make a junkie out of me, as if I don't have enough problems..." His vocabulary is abominable, but he does have a grasp of some basics.
He downs it, the third drink, and it takes a moment for him to register then "What... you...oh wow. I would kill for you." it's not a question, though he is surprised, "I would murder my own damn mother for you. You're... everything. What..what did you do to me?"
Arthur smiles at the rough around the edges man, "I have made you someone else.
Three days ago, you were assaulting the downtrodden for their meager belongings. Tonight you are reborn.
I am Arthur Carter, I am what you would refer to as a Warlock. My powers are formidable and they grow but even one such as I need allies, loyal allies. In exchange for your loyalty, the mixture I have provided to you will grant you great strength and a long lifespan provided that I continue to give it to you.
You, despite your humble beginnings, shall be my High Priest as it were. Together, we shall create a cult of followers that shall do my bidding and your bidding.
There are of course a few rules we must abide by to do this successfully. Before we get to all of that, I need to know who you were and more importantly, who you want to be".
It's Betty "Good. You are awake. Just making sure. Your old haven is on fire. You are a -heavy- sleeper,Mister Costa."
On FIRE?
Sure enough, if he looks outside, there's a firetruck putting out the last of the flames of his regular home. The good news? It appears in tact. Perhaps not overly damaged. The bad news?
Someone set his haven on fire.
If he had been in it.
Damn.
As she woke from her dreams, for a sweet moment of lucidity between the waking world and that other one she visited, Alyson wondered if she dreamt more now than she did when she was younger. As she woke more, she wondered if it had to do with being a vampire...she remembered that there were different sleep phases, and most often, people would wake up when they were not dreaming...but vampires fell asleep suddenly when the sun rose, and woke when it went down...some slept longer, but Alyson always rose pretty early after sundown. Maybe being a vampire meant the phases did not matter, and that's why she'd often wake during a dream.
It took her a few moments to realize she was in bed, and what happened in the morning. For a moment, she was sad that she had not manage to stay awake, but then, she did remember to set the timer. She also had a comfy set of PJ's on and it all seemed good.
Hm. Sam often woke her at night, but he did not seem to be here right now. Staying in bed, Alyson grabbed her phone...she'd have to work later, but she wanted to check her instagram...seeing the newsfeed made her stomach cramp up for a moment. At least it felt that way. With some things, like this, she was unsure if it really happened, if her body still worked that way, or if her brain just remembered what was supposed to happen and pretended it did. Ack...way too complicated thoughts for such early in the evening.
Getting up, carefully displacing the sleeping sir pouncer from his claimed human-formed pillow, she checks her phone again. The incident seemed to be pretty present in the news, and Alyson half expected to find a text from Charlene...she'd not look forward to explaining her "vision", maybe she should just have told her that an old Gypsy Woman said so...but then, would they have waited? Alyson shrugs mentally, then gets up and checks the flat for Sam.
Arthur smiles at the rough around the edges man, "I have made you someone else.
Three days ago, you were assaulting the downtrodden for their meager belongings. Tonight you are reborn.
I am Arthur Carter, I am what you would refer to as a Warlock. My powers are formidable and they grow but even one such as I need allies, loyal allies. In exchange for your loyalty, the mixture I have provided to you will grant you great strength and a long lifespan provided that I continue to give it to you.
You, despite your humble beginnings, shall be my High Priest as it were. Together, we shall create a cult of followers that shall do my bidding and your bidding.
There are of course a few rules we must abide by to do this successfully. Before we get to all of that, I need to know who you were and more importantly, who you want to be".
The guy gazes at him then, " I thought it was just drugs, but drugs don't make you care about the supplier just only as a means for... oh crap, you really are a warlock!"
Fortunately no Tremere are here to protest this little trademark infringement. And there is a certain irony in it. He now knows the supernatural is real.
But he has no idea of what's really going on.
"My name is John Winston." "A cult...high priest. I don't know if I'm good at speeches but I'll try."
"My name is John Winston." "A cult...high priest. I don't know if I'm good at speeches but I'll try."
"Speeches are about passion John the feeling you leave others with.
Is John Winston the name you wish to retain?
I will assume for a moment that it is. John, we will need the three men you trust the most, hooligans like you used to be, to expand. Murder, rape, such crimes are forbidden. Theft, the taking of another's property, that is not after all, the strong deserve to have what the weak cannot retain. We will take what we need to build what we want. Are you following along so far?"
|
Marcus wakes up and takes in the news before once more meditating in the early night
Ever so slowly he rebuilds his will, now only slightly low.
Marcus once again feeds the two ghouls thus completing their journey and sends the two of them to find the most combat ready homeless vet hiding on campus on the riverside and bring him to Marcus.
Next Marcus feeds on his herd and then while he waits he will see if the full time camera monitor might like a cold tomato juice. If not he will condition him to "drink."
Finally Marcus will wait for his mule so he can go after the interloper and the Petunia Hotel.
Getting up, carefully displacing the sleeping sir pouncer from his claimed human-formed pillow, she checks her phone again. The incident seemed to be pretty present in the news, and Alyson half expected to find a text from Charlene...she'd not look forward to explaining her "vision", maybe she should just have told her that an old Gypsy Woman said so...but then, would they have waited? Alyson shrugs mentally, then gets up and checks the flat for Sam.
Sam it turns out is tuned out, his ear plugs in and listening to, that must be her latest performance , the one she edited last night from the veil!
He's cleaned the kitchen spotless.
"All right, Lover. Long as you take care of yourself. Sometimes when you get wheeling and dealing I worry you forget the world." And her nose twitches delightfully before she suckles some of his sweet vitae from his wrist, then laps it one last time. Her eyes glaze for a moment before gaining even sharper focus, "I almost feel sorry for the first jackass that tries to cope a feel tonight. I feel like I could punch a truck...and win." A smile "Thanks."
If a sneer had a sound, that's what Mara's next sound in his head would sound like, but then it is quiet.
"I won't be long," Lydia assures.
And Damien goes down to feed.
And finds the twins. They're fraternal twins, early twenties, and prefer to call themselves Phobe and Demo, a play on the sons of Aries or the moons of Mars. Damien would call them a little on the salty side. The brother and sister yield to his need eagerly knowing only that this is one hit they never get tired of.
Juice is provided for them after, a good policy for the place. Take care of your donors, and your donors will take care of you, after all.
There is no sign of the Giovanni here tonight. That's good news. Then again, there's no sign of any Kindred here. That's not unheard of mind you.
Taking note of lack of Kindred at the club, not terribly unusual this early in the evening, Damien sets up his bar in the private club and with no one to serve, heads downstairs to the public club.
"Good evening, Chandler." Damien says to the man who has begun to run the public club when Damien is not around - forcing Lydia upstairs. "You've done an admirable job as of late, and since you are doing the job anyway, how does assistant manager sound? Obviously for the purposes of day to day operations you would still report to Lydia and ultimately me. Comes with a fifteen percent pay bump. Interested?"
While waiting for an answer, Damien thinks to himself, Very well could be decent ghoul stock...we'll see how he does with this first promotion first...
Seeing Sam spaced out, softly hearing the tune she sang yesterday from his plugs makes Alyson smile. The kitchen was spotless.
Except, of course, for the monstrosity on the wall near the fridge.
No way she would go near there...but she manages not to scream...her first instinct was to simply turn around and head for the shower...but if she just left, it could hide, and then it would be in the flat but she wouldn't know where...not an option! Without looking back at her boyfriend, she speaks up: "Sam! Sam! SAM!", trying to catch Samuels attention, then points at the wall:"Sp..spider!" - they'd been together long enough that this was not the first Spidergate...the first time it happened, he assumed she was mucking around with him...her being a powerful Vampire with magical powers and all that...afraid of a harmless tiny little spider...but when she was pouting for almost a week after he made fun of that fact, he understood pretty quickly that she was dead serious about her phobia...
"Speeches are about passion John the feeling you leave others with.
Is John Winston the name you wish to retain?
A slow nod.
I will assume for a moment that it is. John, we will need the three men you trust the most, hooligans like you used to be, to expand. Murder, rape, such crimes are forbidden. Theft, the taking of another's property, that is not after all, the strong deserve to have what the weak cannot retain. We will take what we need to build what we want. Are you following along so far?"
"Yeah, I get it. You either got standards or there's certain types of attention you don't like. You want three more bruisers for this cult who don't mind a little violence if they have to, and sure dont' mind stealing but they have to be the sort who keep a deal once it's made. Kind of guy who would break open a window and steal someone's laptop but always pays their poker debts. what ever you want, you're the man."
Marcus once again feeds the two ghouls thus completing their journey and sends the two of them to find the most combat ready homeless vet hiding on campus on the riverside and bring him to Marcus.
Officer Lackey loves the drink, and talks to the Professor like he's a long lost friend. His beer buddy to the extreme.
He pats the professor on the back, "I don't know if we have one, Professor, but we'll look for him."
"Professor, could we talk?" Officer Stephanie Grey says, and pulls him to the side. She smells pleasant enough, perfumed in fact, and she's showing a bit more cleavage despite her uniform. "I asked earlier if you were married...and you didn't say no." She flirts more direclty now, "Seems to mean you're available. Are you...shy?"
Sometimes kine react very strangely to the blood bond. Sometimes Marcus wishes he knew the secrets of Old, how to instill the emotion of HIS choosing through the bond.
It looks like his other plans are on hold until he deals with this.
"Good evening, Chandler." Damien says to the man who has begun to run the public club when Damien is not around - forcing Lydia upstairs. "You've done an admirable job as of late, and since you are doing the job anyway, how does assistant manager sound? Obviously for the purposes of day to day operations you would still report to Lydia and ultimately me. Comes with a fifteen percent pay bump. Interested?"
"There are some spiritual beliefs that do not value mere worldly goods," He says with an almost serene expression, for about fifteen seconds then "I dont' follow those. Hell yes, thank you. I could really use it. Oh, before I forget, because the Lakeside Resturant exploded last night, they city fire department is making courtesy calls reminding all businesses to make sure they're up to code. Not a threat or anything."
"There are some spiritual beliefs that do not value mere worldly goods," He says with an almost serene expression, for about fifteen seconds then "I dont' follow those. Hell yes, thank you. I could really use it. Oh, before I forget, because the Lakeside Resturant exploded last night, they city fire department is making courtesy calls reminding all businesses to make sure they're up to code. Not a threat or anything."
Damien's jaw drops open for a second before he regains his composure. "What do you mean the Lakeside Restaurant exploded last night?"
I suppose Lydia is right...I do forget the world when I'm working a deal...
"Yeah, I get it. You either got standards or there's certain types of attention you don't like. You want three more bruisers for this cult who don't mind a little violence if they have to, and sure dont' mind stealing but they have to be the sort who keep a deal once it's made. Kind of guy who would break open a window and steal someone's laptop but always pays their poker debts. what ever you want, you're the man."
"Excellent John, you are a quick study. I shall leave you to the search.
However, these initiates must believe at first that they serve you in a criminal enterprise. You can imagine that if the authorities find out about me, they will do what they can to shut our operation down.
Most important, the use of phones is absolutely forbidden. Like the Mobsters of old, our dealings will be in secret with information exchanged face to face.
For the forseeable future, we shall remain here, in this location. Soon enough, we will move to a location that is more suitable for my work and your station. If you have no further questions, I have other business to attend to tonight.
I shall see you later with a report as to what you accomplished tonight".
Arthur hands John $200 for the night and takes his leave of his new Ghoul. He heads to an area near the Web, calling a taxi from the nearest phone in the area as he does not wish to waste time dawdling on foot.
Seeing Sam spaced out, softly hearing the tune she sang yesterday from his plugs makes Alyson smile. The kitchen was spotless.Except, of course, for the monstrosity on the wall near the fridge.
No way she would go near there...but she manages not to scream...her first instinct was to simply turn around and head for the shower...but if she just left, it could hide, and then it would be in the flat but she wouldn't know where...not an option! Without looking back at her boyfriend, she speaks up: "Sam! Sam! SAM!", trying to catch Samuels attention, then points at the wall:"Sp..spider!" - they'd been together long enough that this was not the first Spidergate...the first time it happened, he assumed she was mucking around with him...her being a powerful Vampire with magical powers and all that...afraid of a harmless tiny little spider...but when she was pouting for almost a week after he made fun of that fact, he understood pretty quickly that she was dead serious about her phobia...
Sam turns "mm? Oh!"
Some ghouls are called upon to do violence as a matter of course. There are legends of Tzimisce lackeys that are true war machines! So, in that vein.... to a very diluted degree, the vampiress commands her ghoul sam to dispense with the enemy! She can imagine it springing across the room to devour her eyeball. Fortunately, this imagining's limits get no chance to prove true or false as a papertowel use and quick hands on Sam's part rescue the day.
"Got it, it's okay. I got it." He assures, and is, THIS time, smart enough not to approach her with it in his hand alive or dead.
He also does not laugh.
Wise ghoul.
Wiser boyfriend.
It's Betty "Good. You are awake. Just making sure. Your old haven is on fire. You are a -heavy- sleeper,Mister Costa."
Paolo's blood ran colder than usual. He sat silent for a moment before he had control of himself.
"Thank you, Betty. For telling me and for warning me. I'm going to have a busy night, but I'll try to check in with you later. I have...too much that needs doing."
Paolo dressed himself as best he could, collected his things, and texted Contessa. B ovr soon Then he slipped out of the vacant house and headed away from his haven, not sparing it another look. Instead he had eyes for every shadow and hiding place.
Insurance later. Someone has probably called 911 by now, and I'm not officially here. I was taking the day off and got home late. He pulled out his phone as he walked, looking in ever direction for lurking threats, and dialed Father. He needed to know things had escalated.
Damien's jaw drops open for a second before he regains his composure. "What do you mean the Lakeside Restaurant exploded last night?"
I suppose Lydia is right...I do forget the world when I'm working a deal...
"yeah, it was all over the news today, big fire lit up last night, very late last night, they're blaming it on a gas line explosion. Weird thing, that awas a four star restaurant. Those places usually extra careful." He shakes his head, "Apparently burned nearly twenty people to death."
that's putting it mildly, Damien is not a restauranter, but his business s not so different. He moves in those circles. And he knows folks who run it. Or knew them. Crap. No place is one hundred percent sure, but.. they had reinforced lines and everything. It seems..unlikely.
"yeah, it was all over the news today, big fire lit up last night, very late last night, they're blaming it on a gas line explosion. Weird thing, that awas a four star restaurant. Those places usually extra careful." He shakes his head, "Apparently burned nearly twenty people to death."
that's putting it mildly, Damien is not a restauranter, but his business s not so different. He moves in those circles. And he knows folks who run it. Or knew them. Crap. No place is one hundred percent sure, but.. they had reinforced lines and everything. It seems..unlikely.
"Curious..." Damien says, his voice trailing off. "Curious and unlikely. Chandler, have the doormen use extra caution when looking over our guests for the evening."
Arthur hands John $200 for the night and takes his leave of his new Ghoul. He heads to an area near the Web, calling a taxi from the nearest phone in the area as he does not wish to waste time dawdling on foot.
John looks surprised at the mention of no phones, but nods, a cover story sounding wise to him and he's going with it. "I won't let you down." And the two separate.
Arthur hands John $200 for the night and takes his leave of his new Ghoul. He heads to an area near the Web, calling a taxi from the nearest phone in the area as he does not wish to waste time dawdling on foot.
The drive is brief, and he goes to the Web. He waits, until he realizes a young boy, six or seven years old it seems, is watching him.
Paolo's blood ran colder than usual. He sat silent for a moment before he had control of himself.
"Thank you, Betty. For telling me and for warning me. I'm going to have a busy night, but I'll try to check in with you later. I have...too much that needs doing."
"Okay, this is..." She struggles with the S sounds, "Obvious to say, but...someone does not like you." And she hangs up.
Paolo dressed himself as best he could, collected his things, and texted Contessa. B ovr soon Then he slipped out of the vacant house and headed away from his haven, not sparing it another look. Instead he had eyes for every shadow and hiding place.
Lking forward to your visit. Don't 4get at Daphne's house now. He has the address.
Insurance later. Someone has probably called 911 by now, and I'm not officially here. I was taking the day off and got home late. He pulled out his phone as he walked, looking in ever direction for lurking threats, and dialed Father. He needed to know things had escalated.
"My boy, You are wise to call me. The elders have been busy all night. I didn't expect you to know about though. Not so soon. "
Arthur approaches the boy in as non-threatening a manner as possible in case it actually is a little boy. His speech though does not assume that it is a boy, "Good evening. Tell me, are you by chance looking for me? My name is Arthur".
"My boy, You are wise to call me. The elders have been busy all night. I didn't expect you to know about though. Not so soon. "[/B]
The elders know my house burned d- Of course not.
"Sorry Father, but I hope this is a different matter," he said softly into the phone as he kept moving. "The woman who left our meeting with me two nights ago -the one with the odd hair- has been taking care of my house. Last night, very late, she saw an armed man watching it. She thinks he counted windows and doors. She woke me up to tell me the house is burning now. I think our problem has escalated."
Paolo was glad for the decade of practice at being vague in public. Father would understand and check his own security if he hadn't already because of whatever was going on with the elders.
|
|
Marcus had plans and things to accomplish but no need to be rude. no dear I am not married. Neither am I dating. If you would be so kind, let me get you a drink so we might start at the beginning, no? Marcus will attempt to give her the blood point in private and then smile and say I would like if you would go with officer Lackey and find and bring me a combat vet who is homeless and not be missed. I appreciate that so much. We can have another drink another time perhaps and continue
Good Samuel, Alyson thinks as she watches her Ghoul dispatch the Foe. The use of a papertowel made the act of watching bearable. It looks so easy when he does it.
"I...fell asleep. Sorry.", she looks at him sheepishly, "And thanks for rescuing me from that 8-legged beast."
She wanted to walk over and hug him, but he'd have to wash hands first...napkin or not.
Looking at the wall clock while he does so (good, he remembers), she realizes her shift will start sooner than she would like - resignating, she comments:"Sleeping all day sucks in Summer. I feel we have so little time together...sorry about spending all night out yesterday, did you get my text? You didn't write back so I was worried..."
You don't have to worry about him...he is bound to you, you will always be the world to him, her mind commented unbidden...making her wish she would simply forget that simple fact that their love was true, but not as pure as she would have wished.
"Curious..." Damien says, his voice trailing off. "Curious and unlikely. Chandler, have the doormen use extra caution when looking over our guests for the evening."
"Unlikely? I.. okay," One does not pester or argue with one's boss especially after one has gotten a raise, "And thanks again."
That taken care of, Damien sees a girl who, frankly looks so midwest it hurts. Big and blonde and wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. She looks like a model for farmersonlydotcom only not as good a dresser, not that she's unkempt, it's just her fashion is ...terrible. She's taking a deep breath and looking about.
There is a flush to her skin that indciates she's probably human, but who knows?
Arthur approaches the boy in as non-threatening a manner as possible in case it actually is a little boy. His speech though does not assume that it is a boy, "Good evening. Tell me, are you by chance looking for me? My name is Arthur".
"gosh, I was just looking for Wally ..." In a pretty good impression of the Beaver that might be completely lost on both young people and vampires who aren't in sync with some pop culture, then he grins a bit, a slight flash of fangs, and in a much more adult voice, "Come on, Art. We got lessons to learn. Other rats call me Imp. Which, I might add, I was called before Game Of Thrones. Thank you very much." He guides him away from where mortals would be, "Not my favorite place here, but Northcliff loves it. And it's good neutral ground. Sunflower says you kiss hands. Pass. No offense."
"Sorry Father, but I hope this is a different matter," he said softly into the phone as he kept moving. "The woman who left our meeting with me two nights ago -the one with the odd hair- has been taking care of my house. Last night, very late, she saw an armed man watching it. She thinks he counted windows and doors. She woke me up to tell me the house is burning now. I think our problem has escalated."
His sire is an educated man, and knows how to curse in several languages.
"You have no idea. I trust you are in some place safe, and private? my son, I have ever reason to believe a very dark hand has entered the city. The Lakeside Restaurant went up in flames last night, the news has been trained to say it is a gas leak...indeed, I woke early to aid in making sure of it. Garnering favor with a mutual friend . But the the truth is otherwise. they are here. I can smell them."
"gosh, I was just looking for Wally ..." In a pretty good impression of the Beaver that might be completely lost on both young people and vampires who aren't in sync with some pop culture, then he grins a bit, a slight flash of fangs, and in a much more adult voice, "Come on, Art. We got lessons to learn. Other rats call me Imp. Which, I might add, I was called before Game Of Thrones. Thank you very much." He guides him away from where mortals would be, "Not my favorite place here, but Northcliff loves it. And it's good neutral ground. Sunflower says you kiss hands. Pass. No offense."
Arthur grins, "It is customary to kiss a Ladies and not a Gentleman's hand though the Spanish and Italians kiss cheeks even of men. Not a custom of mine.
Game of Thrones? I fear I do not watch much television Imp so your name is one of initial impression with me.
I am certainly ready to learn. Tell me before we begin, is there a reason why you do not favor this location? It is a grand achievement to be sure".
"Unlikely? I.. okay," One does not pester or argue with one's boss especially after one has gotten a raise, "And thanks again."
That taken care of, Damien sees a girl who, frankly looks so midwest it hurts. Big and blonde and wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. She looks like a model for farmersonlydotcom only not as good a dresser, not that she's unkempt, it's just her fashion is ...terrible. She's taking a deep breath and looking about.
There is a flush to her skin that indciates she's probably human, but who knows?
Taking note of the proverbial farmer's daughter that has just entered his establishment, Damien raises an eyebrow. Rather out of place. he thinks to himself.
Approaching the poorly dressed blonde, Damien says, "Welcome to the Fields of the Nephilim. I may be wrong, but this does not seem like the type of place you would typically frequent. How may I help you?"
Marcus had plans and things to accomplish but no need to be rude. no dear I am not married. Neither am I dating. If you would be so kind, let me get you a drink so we might start at the beginning, no? Marcus will attempt to give her the blood point in private and then smile and say I would like if you would go with officer Lackey and find and bring me a combat vet who is homeless and not be missed. I appreciate that so much. We can have another drink another time perhaps and continue
"Sounds great," His newest ghoul says with a happy sigh,"And sure. I'll do anything for you." She seems quite ready to kidnap a vet for him if need be.
And she goes to get on the job and catch up with officer Lackey
..........
Next Marcus feeds on his herd and then while he waits he will see if the full time camera monitor might like a cold tomato juice. If not he will condition him to "drink."
The herd was easy, his students only know visiting the professor is a wonderful experience.
The Camera man waves it off, "Thanks, no I..."
And locked eyes and soon he's drinking tomato juice.
Sometimes, for a particularly stubborn nail, you need a hammer!
Then Marcus notices something on the camera monitors while waiting for his mule.
A pale girl, and very attractive at that, is running hard. If he's seeing right, that's blood on her shirt.
"I...fell asleep. Sorry.", she looks at him sheepishly, "And thanks for rescuing me from that 8-legged beast."
She wanted to walk over and hug him, but he'd have to wash hands first...napkin or not."Are you kidding? Bacon and Eggs for me? It made my day all day" He smiles at her, "And don't worry, Anything with over four legs here, I'll deal with. Sam Smash." Hulk voice, and yes, he soon is washing his hands, nearly to the elbows.
Looking at the wall clock while he does so (good, he remembers), she realizes her shift will start sooner than she would like - resignating, she comments:"Sleeping all day sucks in Summer. I feel we have so little time together...sorry about spending all night out yesterday, did you get my text? You didn't write back so I was worried..."
"I didn't? I'm so sorry," He's aghast, and looks at his phone, "Crap. I have it as a draft and forgot to press it forward. I'm so sorry." He looks distressed at his failure.
Arthur grins, "It is customary to kiss a Ladies and not a Gentleman's hand though the Spanish and Italians kiss cheeks even of men. Not a custom of mine.
"Good, I'm too old fashioned to be completely secure in my masculinity." The chuckle indicates he is having fun. Possibly with everything.
Game of Thrones? I fear I do not watch much television Imp so your name is one of initial impression with me.
"Well, the character that has the monikor is one of the best in the books so I odn't much mind." He says, "And you are the first 'true' brujah I met. I guess that makes the regular Brujah 'Fake' Brujah... which does not surprise me. I always thought they smelled of silicone and outrage."
I am certainly ready to learn. Tell me before we begin, is there a reason why you do not favor this location? It is a grand achievement to be sure".
"Long passages with few exits. I prefer an escape hatch ten feet from me any place I'm at; preferably one others can't squeeze through. Dwarfism should have at least some benefits, right? Making your weakness a strength, all that Sunny tzu stuff."
They're heading down towards a park, "Also, the park may in the long run be quieter. Easier to hone the hearing part of your training."
Approaching the poorly dressed blonde, Damien says, "Welcome to the Fields of the Nephilim. I may be wrong, but this does not seem like the type of place you would typically frequent. How may I help you?"
"Yes, if your'e the owner, you can give me a job," She offers a hand friendly like, "I'm Holly Walker, yes I am new in the city. I thought i had a job lined up, and..well, a tragedy has removed that opportunity." for a moment she looks very troubled, then "And I cannot afford to sit on my laurels."
"Yes, if your'e the owner, you can give me a job," She offers a hand friendly like, "I'm Holly Walker, yes I am new in the city. I thought i had a job lined up, and..well, a tragedy has removed that opportunity." for a moment she looks very troubled, then "And I cannot afford to sit on my laurels."
Damien shakes Holly's hand before gesturing for her to have a seat.
"A tragedy you say? Did that job you had lined happen to be at the Lakeside Restaurant?" Damien asks. "What brings you to Perle Perdu?"
"Well, the character that has the monikor is one of the best in the books so I odn't much mind." He says, "And you are the first 'true' brujah I met. I guess that makes the regular Brujah 'Fake' Brujah... which does not surprise me. I always thought they smelled of silicone and outrage."
"Outrage certainly. Silicone, well, hopefully if you are the teacher that Northcliff believes you to be, I'll find out soon enough".
"Long passages with few exits. I prefer an escape hatch ten feet from me any place I'm at; preferably one others can't squeeze through. Dwarfism should have at least some benefits, right? Making your weakness a strength, all that Sunny tzu stuff."
They're heading down towards a park, "Also, the park may in the long run be quieter. Easier to hone the hearing part of your training."
Arthurs nods at the comments, "Indeed, I can see your point of view on that and it is a sound one. I would have thought there to be at least a few false doors and passageways perhaps only Northcliff knows if there are. I have heard tales of Tzimisce Fiends of old who constructed castles with passageways and trap doors only they and the builders knew of. Those builders ended up in the grave thereafter".
Arthur simply nods and follows along, after all, here he is the student not the master.
"Yes, if your'e the owner, you can give me a job," She offers a hand friendly like, "I'm Holly Walker, yes I am new in the city. I thought i had a job lined up, and..well, a tragedy has removed that opportunity." for a moment she looks very troubled, then "And I cannot afford to sit on my laurels."Damien shakes Holly's hand before gesturing for her to have a seat.
"A tragedy you say? Did that job you had lined happen to be at the Lakeside Restaurant?" Damien asks. "What brings you to Perle Perdu?"
"Eminent Domain," She frowns, "My family lost their home to it because a company nudged the local government. So...there's that. It's robbery, but we fought it and lost. So family split apart. My mother and father are in one place, I'm here. And...yes, I suppose it's on the news and everyone's heard about it, but I just gotten the job and then..." Holly shakes her head, "then that tragedy."
She glances around, "Look, I realize I don't fit in, but if you give me some tips on how you want me to dress, or whatever, I will do it. And I'll take what job you have. Server, bartender, heck, I'll rough someone up if you need muscle but I admit most folks do no see farm girls as scary."
"Outrage certainly. Silicone, well, hopefully if you are the teacher that Northcliff believes you to be, I'll find out soon enough".
"Heh, and if I do it right, you'll see it better."
Arthurs nods at the comments, "Indeed, I can see your point of view on that and it is a sound one. I would have thought there to be at least a few false doors and passageways perhaps only Northcliff knows if there are. I have heard tales of Tzimisce Fiends of old who constructed castles with passageways and trap doors only they and the builders knew of. Those builders ended up in the grave thereafter".
"That so?"
Arthur simply nods and follows along, after all, here he is the student not the master.
They head to the city park, "Okay, Auspex one oh one, enhancing your senses. It's a matter of relaxed focus, if you can believe that. Being at ease while being aware as you become at ease with being aware. It's as much mental for us as physical."
He begins to relate some tips, tips for when Arthur is ready...
As they cross into patch of trees, he turns, "Oh crap."
Apparently Imp's senses allowed him to see it first, or smell it, or whatever. There, amid a a thick patch of trees, is a family of four. A husband, a wife, and two boys. And they're dead, their throats torn open or at least pierced, and their bodies pale.
these four were slain by a vampire.
Arthur does not respond in any way to the sense that he gets from the Imp but it is good to know that he may not be wrong, he hopes his heightened senses will allow him to find these doors himself at some point.
Arthur frowns, "Four dead all slain so sloppily. Quite odd indeed.
It seems our Caitiff creator may have struck once more.
Unfortunately, I do not have a vehicle where we could hide these bodies and this takes precedence over my current lesson I fear. I will wait here to ensure that no Mortals stumble upon the bodies, can you contact your Kin to see if they can arrange for a discreet pick up? Perhaps, after this is resolved we can resume my lesson..."
Arthur will look beyond the shroud to see if the souls of the deceased are still present, a pity he cannot speak with them but perhaps they can communicate with him...
"Eminent Domain," She frowns, "My family lost their home to it because a company nudged the local government. So...there's that. It's robbery, but we fought it and lost. So family split apart. My mother and father are in one place, I'm here. And...yes, I suppose it's on the news and everyone's heard about it, but I just gotten the job and then..." Holly shakes her head, "then that tragedy."
She glances around, "Look, I realize I don't fit in, but if you give me some tips on how you want me to dress, or whatever, I will do it. And I'll take what job you have. Server, bartender, heck, I'll rough someone up if you need muscle but I admit most folks do no see farm girls as scary."
"You really do seem to have rotten luck, my poor dear" Damien purrs.
"There are a number of places in Perle Perdu that would more suited to a person of tastes obviously far different from mine." he says. Making a point of making eye contact with Holly, he says "Of all the places in Perle Perdu, tell why you chose to come in here?"