Alyson nods:"Audacity is the right word. Her composition depended on the Sabbat taking the bait...and playing their part. But then, if all of this was orchestrated, that also means...", for a moment Alyson stops talking when she realizes, but keeps talking(since if she could not trust Vivienne, who could she trust):"...that means JJ was a victim of the Princes plot. A sacrifice to further her plans...maybe not planned, but not prevented, either..."
"More the latter than the former if you're right, I suspect, it is certainly possible. Or perhaps it is our new Lasombra Primogen who masterminded this? He did gain much."
Alyson, after coming to her realization, has grown more silent, more solemn, ceasing her rambling quickly after the gentle shh..."I...I know it's a powerful boon. And yes...you are right...Sam would not make a good Daughter...maybe I should trade the boon to a clan he would fit better." Alyson quickly continues, before her Sire can speak up:"I know, that should not be a basis for a decision, and I should know better. But it's nice to envision it even if it will not come to pass. It's what I would want right now. But there's no hurry. Not from my point of view. 10 years. Jeez, I was celebrating a classmates birthday on a playground that long ago. An eternity, to me. There's no need to rush things, especially not when I am as agitated about recent events as I am now. I will take a while to calm down, then consult you on the matter once more, when I had time to think."...
"Very wise, passion for our craft, but thought must be focused in matters s o weighty."
As Alyson says her farewell, her sire casts her perfect gaze towards her and says "I am pleased with your showing in this, my dear. Very pleased."
The praise is like a jolt of warmth through out her whole body. Soon her sire is gone though...and...
Sam is asleep, but he stirs easily, he was waiting for her and...
Rushing up the stairs, fiddling with the keys on the way, she makes her way to the bedroom while getting rid of her overcoat. Once there, Alyson wakes Samuel if he was asleep.
"Sam. The things that happened...today..." Her blouse falls to the floor. "...the things in the last few days..." Her skirt follows. "...it's all...overwhelming, and not in a good way!" A kiss filled with longing. "I need you. Make me feel alive." Her hand slides down his chest, with a clear target. "Anything you want. Anything. Make me regret tonight during confession. But make me feel alive."
'Not in a good way? Are you oka..." And she steals his lips and makes her demand, one he is happy to comply with, "I'm here for you" And she loses herself in him for a time, she enjoys the lie as long as it lasts!
Yes, confession should be interesting.
She actually gives a near giggle at that, "We're pretty good in the tech, I hear you're into real estate? I don't suppose you have a dream house with one way windows ? Or are independently wealthy? mmm you see, someone is gunning for your sire. Not a surprise to you. But I know what, and I know how, and maybe even when. Interested now?"
"I don't suppose you need wifi set up?" Paolo said with a smile. Might as well see what she knew about his abilities before offering something. Not progeny, though. Never that.
[dice=Perc+Subterfuge]5d10
Paolo considered it for a moment. The thought of sharing with another kindred he had no hold over annoyed him, but it seemed that couldn't be helped. Once things settle down for a night or two, I need to go raise some capital the old fashioned way. "Ms. Sunflower, I must disappoint you. I am involved in real estate, but none of the properties I have an interest in has one-way windows. I feel they don't adequately secure one's privacy. What's really best is an interior room. No windows. Doors not in line with any outside. I'm always happy to welcome good neighbor."
Not next door. Somewhere down the street. Kine to either side. And information I can sell to Father.
"Sounds like we can at least negotiate" A nod, and she moves with him, "I will trust your clan is too new to power not to deny prestitation. Understand, our Primogen is not happy to have you despite his agreement, but me? I'm more...fluid. The Ventrue Primogen has plans to somehow set off your sire into a frenzy at his formal induction ceremony. When he goes beserk, he'll lose his newfound status, and perhaps even be put down."
Of course, to aid you against the Tremere in combat could be a possibility but I would not be required to do so".
"Sounds like we can at least negotiate" A nod, and she moves with him, "I will trust your clan is too new to power not to deny prestitation. Understand, our Primogen is not happy to have you despite his agreement, but me? I'm more...fluid. The Ventrue Primogen has plans to somehow set off your sire into a frenzy at his formal induction ceremony. When he goes beserk, he'll lose his newfound status, and perhaps even be put down."
"To new and too old both," Paolo said. "A debt is a debt. I can think of several homes that might interest you."
"it's still summer, you can't say I'm not giving you lead time." Her eyes look him over, "really? I give you my best rah rah short of pom poms pep speech and it's the joke about a bonus that you fix on?" A chuckle, "It'll be okay. We'll be okay, especially since this is a win. Now as for how to handle it? Why not act like it doesn't faze you at all? Where others are about that is? You know how it is, acting chill earns cool points. "
"I suppose that would be the best way to handle it." Damien concedes. "It's just been a very long night. I think I shall retire for the day."
Looking around the club and seeing little business, he says, "Last call!"
Turning back to Lydia he says, "Join me as soon as you can, my love."
"Who could blame you for fearing the Tremere?" She sighs, then ponders,"You will share knowledge with me? that..has value. I would have more proviso. Whoever you take, if you do take someone, I wish to have a chance to tell them of Golconda, that it exists, and it is possible. If you can take that, and share your knowledge, then I think we have an acccord"
Try as he might, Marcus Welby finds himself unable to restore the original footage.
Someone has managed to out hack him.
"Sounds like we can at least negotiate" A nod, and she moves with him, "I will trust your clan is too new to power not to deny prestitation. Understand, our Primogen is not happy to have you despite his agreement, but me? I'm more...fluid. The Ventrue Primogen has plans to somehow set off your sire into a frenzy at his formal induction ceremony. When he goes beserk, he'll lose his newfound status, and perhaps even be put down.""To new and too old both," Paolo said. "A debt is a debt. I can think of several homes that might interest you."
"Well, I am saving your Clan's bacon, i trust thaat will have more behind it than a nice place, but yes. For a start it will do. Sounds like we have a deal then. Let your sire know. He's going to owe you big too." a smile on the false face, "A pleasure doing business with you."
"it's still summer, you can't say I'm not giving you lead time." Her eyes look him over, "really? I give you my best rah rah short of pom poms pep speech and it's the joke about a bonus that you fix on?" A chuckle, "It'll be okay. We'll be okay, especially since this is a win. Now as for how to handle it? Why not act like it doesn't faze you at all? Where others are about that is? You know how it is, acting chill earns cool points. ""I suppose that would be the best way to handle it." Damien concedes. "It's just been a very long night. I think I shall retire for the day."
Looking around the club and seeing little business, he says, "Last call!"
Turning back to Lydia he says, "Join me as soon as you can, my love."
She nods, "Count on it" COnfident whatever happens she can get him through it. She's got so much faith in him. Maybe too much confidence for his world.
But that's another worry.
"Well, I am saving your Clan's bacon, i trust thaat will have more behind it than a nice place, but yes. For a start it will do. Sounds like we have a deal then. Let your sire know. He's going to owe you big too." a smile on the false face, "A pleasure doing business with you."
"The same," Paolo said, trying not to think too much about how far the debt would be carried. He made straight for home to call Father, not wanting to risk being overheard.
Arthur grins, "Fear? No. Respect, indeed I do respect their power.
My dear, I shall agree to these terms and do you one better, I shall allow you to teach me of Golconda.
Convince me your path is the best and perhaps I shall follow it along with you".
Arthur places out his hand to shake on their accord.
"The same," Paolo said, trying not to think too much about how far the debt would be carried. He made straight for home to call Father, not wanting to risk being overheard.
Home he goes.
So much on his mind, ghouls, and being a 'proper Clan' and the threats that brings.
"Yes, my boy? This is a busy time, even at this late hour. I hope all is well?" He knows Paolo would not tell call him this close to dawn if it meant everything was going smoothly.
Marcus will save the video loop and pull it from rotation so he can perhaps have another look at it to see what he can discover. Then Marcus will call it a night before the day.
It is done. Just because he didn't crack it this time doesn't mean he can't get it another.
his blood is pulsing still with the new power in it. He feels almost dizzy with it.
But he rests, and he dreams.
Arthur grins, "Fear? No. Respect, indeed I do respect their power.
My dear, I shall agree to these terms and do you one better, I shall allow you to teach me of Golconda.
Convince me your path is the best and perhaps I shall follow it along with you".
Arthur places out his hand to shake on their accord.
She ponders, "You and the new one. the older of us can be set in our ways." She offers her hand .
If he's good with that, he's soon on his way.
Marcus had the strangest dreams, so many new souls in him lately, he had glimpses of their lives, or..unlives, as they case maybe, rattling around, banging in his torpor...destroyed they might be, but the fractured bits of them are ...persistent.
It is a new night at the university.
She wants you to make her a monster... just.like.you. a voice, not his own, rattles him awake.
Dreadful Mara will have her say.
She awakens with a melody in her brain, that is her new normal, but there is also the scent if flowers near her nose. That's new.
When she opens her eyees, it would appear flowers have been laid on the pillow next to her to surprise her.
She wants you to make her a monster... just.like.you. a voice, not his own, rattles him awake.
Dreadful Mara will have her say.
Damien awakens with a sneer, disdainful of the words of the Mara. His disgust only worsened by the fact that perhaps the Mara's words ring of a bit of truth that the Kiasyd does his best to disbelieve.
Undoubtedly should I tell her the nature of the boon I have been granted, she would want the embrace - regardless of the cost. At the same time, the idea is not without its merits... Damien thinks to himself as he begins his routine preparations for what he certainly hopes will be a much more mundane evening that the night before.
- Failed
"Yes, my boy? This is a busy time, even at this late hour. I hope all is well?" He knows Paolo would not tell call him this close to dawn if it meant everything was going smoothly.
"I've acquired news of value to you, Father," Paolo said, carefully respectful. "It came dear, but I think worth the price." That would be enough. Paolo would not be so crass as to say it outright, nor hold it back and waste the short time or Father's patience.
"In as many words: the Ventrue Primogen intends to drive you to frenzy at your induction, with the obvious consequences. I have it from one of his own Clan."
Nothing more needed spelling out. For the Primogen to plan something like that, he must have taken Father's measure and think his scheme adequate. Father was perfectly in control of himself at all times, of course, but everyone had a breaking point. It might even be the last heir of his body, just now on the phone.
Closing her eyes again for a moment, Alyson breathes in very slowly and deeply, focusing on the Scent, letting it linger for a moment now and then...not needing to breathe for oxygen was a clear advantage right now, allowing her to draw that single breath out almost indefinitely.
Raising one hand towards the flowers, the bedcover brushing against her arm makes Alyson instantly aware that she is not wearing her nightgown, quickly followed by the awareness that she had indeed fallen asleep nude, cuddled up with Sam.
The subsequent memories of last night, then, made her feel guilty, like blushing in shame, and bold at the same time. Re-opening her eyes, focusing her gaze on the flowers, guilt and shame withdrew, leaving only a newfound boldness in her that Alyson gladly embraced.
Standing up, she gently brushes over the flowers with her hand, then walks over to the window, opening it, spending but a moment to look at the night sky.
Where the old Alyson would have went to her dresser and the bathroom, the new one went to Sir Pouncers Scratch Post, petting the purring Cat behind it's ears, then sneakily onwards to the Kitchen, hoping to surprise her Cavalier. There was no hurry in getting dressed, NOW. And she very much felt like having Coffee, the consequences be damned.
Marcus centers his self, he is the master of his mind. His sense of self, stone. his will, fire.
In the end, however, he wonders how many of those rambling thoughts he defeated, and how many instead are now just dormant, waiting for a moment of weakness?
Very well, he will not be weak.
For now though, he is in control.
Damian feels himself shaken, the Mara has definitely gotten to him and that puts a mark on even a mundane evening.
Still, it seems to be going easier tonight, as he readies himself, and heads downstairs, he sees the Club is actually quite lively. And some of the conversation? Interesting...
"Biggest solar Eclipse in while..."
"So?"
"Just ..some folks think it has supernatural meaning."
"Yeah, Apep is going to eat all our asses."
the second mortal is joking, but.. mmm
A full Solar Eclipse? Does that mean his slip will get jarred? For a Vampire, superstitions often have a grain of 'you should pay attention' and whenver sunlight might be involved, it goes double.
"Yes, my boy? This is a busy time, even at this late hour. I hope all is well?" He knows Paolo would not tell call him this close to dawn if it meant everything was going smoothly."I've acquired news of value to you, Father," Paolo said, carefully respectful. "It came dear, but I think worth the price." That would be enough. Paolo would not be so crass as to say it outright, nor hold it back and waste the short time or Father's patience.
"In as many words: the Ventrue Primogen intends to drive you to frenzy at your induction, with the obvious consequences. I have it from one of his own Clan."
Nothing more needed spelling out. For the Primogen to plan something like that, he must have taken Father's measure and think his scheme adequate. Father was perfectly in control of himself at all times, of course, but everyone had a breaking point. It might even be the last heir of his body, just now on the phone.
Some cursing in a very old version of his sire's native language, then, "Trust a Ventrue to shake your hand and plot your demise. The Clan of Kings and the Clan of Kingmakers have always had a rivalry but I thought in this case he'd see past that. What did you pay for this information?"
Standing up, she gently brushes over the flowers with her hand, then walks over to the window, opening it, spending but a moment to look at the night sky.
Where the old Alyson would have went to her dresser and the bathroom, the new one went to Sir Pouncers Scratch Post, petting the purring Cat behind it's ears, then sneakily onwards to the Kitchen, hoping to surprise her Cavalier. There was no hurry in getting dressed, NOW. And she very much felt like having Coffee, the consequences be damned.
Sir Pouncers is delighted to receive her attention. Animals have always liked or at least tolerated her, and that is rare among most kindred save those gifted in Animalism. Her own sire makes animals nervous.
She slips up to the kitchen, and hears... "Yes, Doctor. I understand" Her Cavalier is in the kitchen but on his cell, "I'll try to be there this weekend. Thank you."
Some cursing in a very old version of his sire's native language, then, "Trust a Ventrue to shake your hand and plot your demise. The Clan of Kings and the Clan of Kingmakers have always had a rivalry but I thought in this case he'd see past that. What did you pay for this information?"
"More than I'd like, but as much as it's worth," Paolo admitted. "She's accepted a house as a suitable downpayment, future consideration to come for -as she put it- 'saving our Clan's bacon'. I don't think I could have gotten better. I'm sure it's not worth anything, but she called herself Sunflower and showed me a face she wore."
Damian feels himself shaken, the Mara has definitely gotten to him and that puts a mark on even a mundane evening.
Still, it seems to be going easier tonight, as he readies himself, and heads downstairs, he sees the Club is actually quite lively. And some of the conversation? Interesting...
"Biggest solar Eclipse in while..."
"So?"
"Just ..some folks think it has supernatural meaning."
"Yeah, Apep is going to eat all our asses."the second mortal is joking, but.. mmm
A full Solar Eclipse? Does that mean his slip will get jarred? For a Vampire, superstitions often have a grain of 'you should pay attention' and whenever sunlight might be involved, it goes double.
A full solar eclipse? Damien thinks to himself. I wonder how many damned fools will try their luck with that...not this guy, that much I know.
Taking note of the lively crowd, Damien proceeds to wander around the club, making idle chit-chat with the clientel, all while trying to pick up on anything intersting.
Alyson was glad that her effect on animals was...different. She had grown up with animals, and being able to maintain a bond with her cat companion was cherishable indeed.
Most kindred seemed to spook animals...and it made sense. First of all, her kind was the ultimate Apex predator...secondly, they were dead, yet not. Thirdly, their very existence was an abomination in the eyes of God, the creator, and of course the presence of a kindred would be disturbing to the creatures he placed on earth. To Alyson, the fact that animals did not shy away from her then served to feed her hope that she had not entirely lost a chance to redeem her soul.
Sam was on the phone...for a moment, she considered hiding, listening in and surprising him...but it seemed that the call was just about to end, anyway - so she might as well make her presence known.
Silently stepping inside the kitchen, she audibly places 2 mugs on the table and pours coffee into both of them, waiting until she has her boyfriends attention:"A doctor? On the weekend? Is something the matter?" - she knew that HE know that she wasn't the type to eavesdrop, and would simply have overheared it...besides, after recent events, he would certainly keep her updated about his schedule, anyway so chances were she'd have learned about the reason sooner rather than later- she was bringing it up herself out of politeness - and, of course, curiosity.
Athur's ghoul was a brutish man, but seems to be accepting the new reality surprisingly quickly now that he's bonded. This night, Arthur gives him his orders, and the big man grunts, "Damn, I have to say this fix sure does the job. Too bad we can't sell it on the street- Make a mint with the roid freaks. What do you want me to do?"
Some cursing in a very old version of his sire's native language, then, "Trust a Ventrue to shake your hand and plot your demise. The Clan of Kings and the Clan of Kingmakers have always had a rivalry but I thought in this case he'd see past that. What did you pay for this information?""More than I'd like, but as much as it's worth," Paolo admitted. "She's accepted a house as a suitable downpayment, future consideration to come for -as she put it- 'saving our Clan's bacon'. I don't think I could have gotten better. I'm sure it's not worth anything, but she called herself Sunflower and showed me a face she wore."
"Sunflower, a nosferatu lady, not..powerful but with growing influence, and perhaps she wishes to change that. I am surprised she is trying this given how Her primogen feels about new bloods. We must be cautious, this could be a ruse within a ruse, but the Nosferatu's whole powerblock is based on a degree of reliablity. They dare not risk too much falsehood less they undercut themselves. A house will be no trouble, but if what you say is right, we may find ourselves paying off for a time. Meaning, I owe you for your part in this. I am not blind my boy... you have mixed loyalty and your own ambitions well. I am curious to your own plans as much as you intend to share them."
Testing? Or is his sire truly considering more opportunities for his childer? And..really, why not both?
Once more Marcus will seek more information about the ghoul and his hotel and his business doings trying to use the computer to track him down. [Dice= computer]6d10
This time, Marcus gets through, and breaks the loop. Figures with hoods and bonnets, meant to conceal their faces are stealing the body. One of them, he zooms in on, a wart ladden hand...
It would seem the Sabbat Nosferatu was taken, though not unstaked, by the local Nosferatu.
Damian feels himself shaken, the Mara has definitely gotten to him and that puts a mark on even a mundane evening.
Still, it seems to be going easier tonight, as he readies himself, and heads downstairs, he sees the Club is actually quite lively. And some of the conversation? Interesting...
"Biggest solar Eclipse in while..."
"So?"
"Just ..some folks think it has supernatural meaning."
"Yeah, Apep is going to eat all our asses."the second mortal is joking, but.. mmm
A full Solar Eclipse? Does that mean his slip will get jarred? For a Vampire, superstitions often have a grain of 'you should pay attention' and whenever sunlight might be involved, it goes double.
A full solar eclipse? Damien thinks to himself. I wonder how many damned fools will try their luck with that...not this guy, that much I know.
Taking note of the lively crowd, Damien proceeds to wander around the club, making idle chit-chat with the clientel, all while trying to pick up on anything intersting.
[dice=Perception + Alertness]5d10
He notices a figure in the 'special guest members only' section, wearing a hoodie and hanging back, as well she might... It's Betty the Gargoyle, clinging to bad lighting for a very good reason.
Alyson was glad that her effect on animals was...different. She had grown up with animals, and being able to maintain a bond with her cat companion was cherishable indeed.
Most kindred seemed to spook animals...and it made sense. First of all, her kind was the ultimate Apex predator...secondly, they were dead, yet not. Thirdly, their very existence was an abomination in the eyes of God, the creator, and of course the presence of a kindred would be disturbing to the creatures he placed on earth. To Alyson, the fact that animals did not shy away from her then served to feed her hope that she had not entirely lost a chance to redeem her soul.Sam was on the phone...for a moment, she considered hiding, listening in and surprising him...but it seemed that the call was just about to end, anyway - so she might as well make her presence known.
Silently stepping inside the kitchen, she audibly places 2 mugs on the table and pours coffee into both of them, waiting until she has her boyfriends attention:"A doctor? On the weekend? Is something the matter?" - she knew that HE know that she wasn't the type to eavesdrop, and would simply have overheared it...besides, after recent events, he would certainly keep her updated about his schedule, anyway so chances were she'd have learned about the reason sooner rather than later- she was bringing it up herself out of politeness - and, of course, curiosity.
He turns, and, of course denies her nothing, but definitely looks shaken, "My mother's not well...." He takes a deep breath, "Been awhile since I talked to her you know? And.. well, she's in the hospital. Apparently she's dying."
|
Oh what a night
Marcus smiles at the computer finally finding his way into what he wanted and sees the Nosferatu stealing his stolen prize from him on his own property. Cheeky Devils. They had watched that night closer then he had realized to know he had stolen that fellow and were relying on the fact that he would not report or sell what wrongs he had done. Still, there were ways to turn this to advantage. He had the evidence saved, what to do with it? Certainly it would not do to contact the primogen directly. Marcus will try and remember any other Nosferatu of the city of which he has recently met.
In the meantime he feeds his ghouls the four in the university police he now has, and will feed the fifth and last, the commander of the force itself so he can keep it all in place and in check. Then he will feed on his herd and make sure he is full and afterwards it will be time to follow up with his other mystery event. Who pushed his dominated self off a roof and who is behind that business. He only had one name his sire had given him and it was a front. Time to follow up and learn more about this fellow as well by using the computer.
"Indeed, your strength will be displayed to them and they will want to be just like you. Only the special few will be. The rest will simply need to long to be like you.
That is how you will grow in your power. To what end we shall utilize our newfound "cult" shall remain shrouded in mystery".
Arthur heads to the kitchen to find a suitable cup to bleed himself out and provide the Ghoul more sustenance.
He notices a figure in the 'special guest members only' section, wearing a hoodie and hanging back, as well she might... It's Betty the Gargoyle, clinging to bad lighting for a very good reason.
Taking note of his gargoyle visitor, Damien strolls over. "Good evening Betty, what brings you in this evening? Anything in particular I can get you?"
"Sunflower, a nosferatu lady, not..powerful but with growing influence, and perhaps she wishes to change that. I am surprised she is trying this given how Her primogen feels about new bloods. We must be cautious, this could be a ruse within a ruse, but the Nosferatu's whole powerblock is based on a degree of reliablity. They dare not risk too much falsehood less they undercut themselves. A house will be no trouble, but if what you say is right, we may find ourselves paying off for a time. Meaning, I owe you for your part in this. I am not blind my boy... you have mixed loyalty and your own ambitions well. I am curious to your own plans as much as you intend to share them."
"Just my thought; she will not be easily satisfied," Paolo said, smoothly passing over how Father told him Sunflower was a Nosferatu, not a Ventrue. It was a reasonable supposition and he wouldn't have been so crude as to ask. How much to tell Father? Surely nothing he already knew.
"I have not turned my gaze too high, Father. There are still opportunities to be had in the rebuilding. I hope to make myself more useful to other kindred, but obviously will have competition there. I met some of it online during the late unpleasantness."
Paolo had spent much time training himself how not to think of using Father, knowing it would be seen through and might harm him when he needed the help. Now that it could be his...that required more thought. And it was late.
He turns, and, of course denies her nothing, but definitely looks shaken, "My mother's not well...." He takes a deep breath, "Been awhile since I talked to her you know? And.. well, she's in the hospital. Apparently she's dying."
Alysons pupils widen in shock. At first, she is silent. Her...old self, the one she had been before, had a family. Brothers. A mother. Father. She had left that life behind and had severed all ties to them. She had Vivienne now, and the luxury of being a single childe...
Mostly, her new life was all that mattered...but at certain times, such as birthdays or holidays, Alyson still stalked her biological family on social media...it usually made her feel like crying...but that was good in it's own way.Seeing Samuel's sad face, waiting for her reaction, she closed her hand into a fist with determination:"Give me half an hour to pack, then we can be on our way!"
Not waiting for a reaction, Alyson moves to the wardrobe and starts fetching articles of clothing:"What happened?"
Vivienne had told her that the concept of fully blood-bonding a human made them into a ghoul...stronger and longer-lived. But it robbed them of free will in regards to their donor...the reason she had never done that to Sam. But if it could save his mother...