I will move to wake up my lady so she sees me leaving with Xing
"apparently I have no choice in the matter. To bad your master doesn't trust you with any information on why I am needed. "
Michele
"It matters not to me what he wants with you else I would of asked. Lets move along now before I decide to take your lady friend with us as well."
She waits at the door looking a bit impatient.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The cloaked man draws from his pocket a letter with a seal, of the Order of the Teutonic Knights, he hands it to you, "Lord Baldemar bade me come and seek you here to preset to you this missive, Lord Andrew. Begging your pardon for startling you. Shall I await your response or return to my Chapter Master now?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
Etio gestures for you to sit, "I can see no flaw with your approach. This particular client is not savvy and it is clear your knowledge of matters far exceeds his own. Some may use that knowledge to make a deal sweeter for themselves, you treated the man with dignity and offered him a fair deal. I believe that to be the better approach but then I work for your father instead of living in his Manse so perhaps I am wrong in that approach".
_____________________
You walk through the streets on this dark night and pull your cowl closer around your neck as the wind begins to whip. Soon enough though you find the location you were seeking, a gallery which is displaying works of art from a Spanish painter, or so your acquaintance claimed.
As you step in from the brisk walk you are greeted by the sound of a cork being pulled from a wine bottle, it seems this gathering is already in full swing. Your acquaintance, a fellow Florentine, moved to the city a few years before you did, he is in the business of procuring mercenary contracts for Noblemen who wish to engage in war and business is good. His father is a Spaniard who once borrowed money from your father, no doubt the gamble your father took paid dividends as here you both are, living in one of the most wealthy and influential cities in the world.
Your friend, Procopio turns and sees you, "Bassanio, finally you make it, who says that bankers do not work hard eh?" Come met my friends..."
He introduces you to numerous people whose names slip away because of the sheer amount of people in this cramped space (over 20!). One name does stand out though, a Spanish girl named Aitana catches your eye as you catch hers...
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
The woman chuckles as you deliver your response a bit mechanically, "You may relax friend... Yes that is it, introductions, we are still strangers yes? I am Simon, and you are?"
I will look to my lady and try to convey with facial expressions that everything is ok.
I will head out the door
"Lead the way."
Vitaliano smiled and bowed having forgotten his manners in the course of the transaction. "Ah, forgive my manners. Yes, I am Vitaliano" he offered as he opened the jar of blood for Simon. "If you would like to sample it, I would not be opposed. I do my best to only deliver that which isn't diseased in any way. Those are put in brown jars to be delivered like I do 'all' my blood out of town."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
Once again your knife strikes a bit off center still, perhaps luck is with you as for a third time, the knife draws blood from the monk.
He turns and leaps from the boat
aiming for the next Gondola over, he mistimes his jump with the churning of the water and ends up in the lagoon!
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Andrew takes the letter checking the seal.....
"Hold my good man twas tha shout of tha attendant, an my history o war tha did dictate my response....twas not yer fault."
Andrew opens the missive.....
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Victor seems thoughtful, "An interesting idea Lorenzo but it seems there are things that must be accounted for, the length of time a person is dead cause their body to decay no? Even our kind for instance, our innards I would assume shrivel up as our bodies no longer need certain functions".
Helena shudders, "Take no offense my friends but this conversation is most unpleasant. Come Victor, let us take our leave of these two Noble Kindred, Kindred such an odd word, I mush preferred Cainite buy I suppose all things must change..."
They walk away to another group of "Kindred".
As you watch him from the corner of your eye another Vampire approaches you and your Sire, Careful now Childe, stare at a Madman too long and you might just gain his attention". The speaker is an attractive perhaps the blood raises the level of attraction for all Clans but yours and the Nosferatu something to study perhaps female.
Lord Benne addresses her, "To whom o we have the pleasure of addressing this evening?"
"I am the Lady Meridie de Chancie, formerly of the Courts of Love, I now reside in the Swiss Confederacy".
Before either of you can speak, Rafael de Corazon stands, "I bid you all adieu. I have important business this night my fellow dwellers in Darkness". That being said, he departs.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa looks to you and then back to Lord Jurgen expectantly.
Lord Jurgen looks thoughtful, "Now I am convinced that you are the right choice for the position, even your mortal lover is possessed of good sense. A fine idea Alessandro, is that your name? I will support Alyssa publicly, tomorrow night, as I garner more Ventrue support for your election. If I am not mistaken, there is one more Cainite in this city whose support may indeed ensure your selection. Insofar as shipping goes, I will have to give that some thought though I do like the way you think".
He stands, "Humor me in this, speak with all three Brujah candidates this night, all are here. Form your own opinion. Evem if you do not wish to back her, still I will support you, after all, if not you, then Hardestadt will rise to this pre-eminent position, that would not bode well for me at all".
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
The monk frowns in confusion at Sir Martin's words. "Why were you following Signore Giovanni? I know that Lord Moray suspects him of having some aught to do with the attack upon himself, but Signore Giovanni told us that they contract out their grave digging to friars. Did you question them? Surely fellow clergy would welcome help if they are being troubled by undead?"
Alessandro, yes... but, what's in a name?
I am relieved that I have not offended you, Lord Jurgen. Should I go after Christol, would she appreciate a reason to extricate herself from Lady Selena?
Xing will take Michele an indirect way to where her sire would like to meet him as to not try to give up location easily even if he is a local of the city.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"Very true Victor." Lorenzo says, conceeding Victor's points about condition of the body.
"Perhaps another time, Lady Helena." Lorenzo says as the pair of French vampires depart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Meridie." he says before turning the conversation to the statues at which the madman stares. [b]"Do either of you know the subject of those angelic figures?"
dc 6.
-1 penalty
Michael will try to pick up an oar and smack the evil monk with it
Bassanio greets Procopio in the over the top way that dear friends would after many years. During the introductions his attention is captured by an enchanting Spanish girl by the name of Aitana.
Once the polite introductions are completed and he has procured himself a glass of wine he manoeuvres through the throng of guests to converse with the captivating Aitana. Bassanio is well dressed in one of his better evening suits with her sword by side and cuts a striking figure. He approaches the young lady with one arm behind his back and a glass of wine in the other and introduces himself. "Buonasera signorina. I am Bassanio. Had I known such a lovely lady was at Procopio's party I would have turned my appointment away with great haste to be here sooner. Now I fear I am so late that very little time remains and curfews will play spoilsport. I must confess that I have been a terrible guest for on hearing your name I have forgotten all my other introductions which good Procopio made such great efforts with."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
"Nothing to forgive my friend, nothing to forgive. Thank you for this gift..."
He he/she pauses as he/she takes a hold of the jar, "This feels a bit cold, perhaps you could just sit down and hold the jar? That way your body eat warms it up yes? I prefer a warm drink to a cold drink, if you take my meaning".
Simon clears away some of the gathered materials revealing a beaten up chair, he/she gestures towards it.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Xing Shi & Michele Querini
Xing xig xags across the city in a pattern that resembles no rhyme or reason until you enter an area of the city which you would rather not be in at all.
As you both walk towards a back alley a group of men down a side alley call to you, "YOU! Woman come here!"
"Where are you two going?
"I recognize him, that is a Querini, he would bend to the whims of the Pope!"
Vitaliano finds the request odd of course, but he could easily understand. He would rather have a warm steak then a cold one. He took the jar and went towards the chair. He chanced a glance at the chair and shuddered visibly. He stopped and took his coat off first and laid it upon the chair and sat down. He placed the jar between his legs and tried to relax without touching too much of the chair.
"So...you prefer your blood warm?" he asked as if he was talking of something normal like someone's evening ale. "If I were to make a house call during the evening and to do a bit of blood letting...would you be interested in my perhaps making another house call and delivering the freshly drawn? I could at least keep it a fair bit warmer that way for you, though that would be a bit of a risk...on my part" he said ever the business man and looking to gain influence.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The seal is unbroken, you unfurl the scroll, On the Third Month and Eleventh Day In the Year of Our Lord Thirteen Hundred and Nine. Lord Andrew. I hope you receive this missive relatively quickly. The entire day I have waited for contact from you. The nature of these dealings we are involved in has me concerned as to your well being as contact still has not been initiated by you. While I understand that you have Diplomatic duties, as a member of the Teutonic Knighthood, oaths and obligations are serious business to me. Please contact me or pay me a visit to update me as to your current plans. I do not believe that we can dally long in this matter and if I cannot rely on promptness from you, how can I rely on you at my back in a battle with the forces of darkness? Yours in the Light of the Lord, Sir Baldemar de Frisia, Chapter Master, Venice.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
"Lord Andrew suggested it. At first I balked at the idea. As the day wore on I decided to act on the idea, after all, Sir Breyard was sent to follow up on the other issues we discussed. He has yet to return. The comment about the restless spirit in the Giovanni manse that Lord Andrew made concerned me. That is the real reason why I followed him. My suspicion is heightened by the sheer volume of items he brings with him, it is as if he does not intend to return".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Lord Jurgen smiles, "Careful with the tasks you volunteer for Alessandro, you may find yourself unable to extricate from Dark Selena. She drinks humans for the fun of it only our kind give her ancient veins sustenance any longer. Christol will be fine and Selena needs something to take the edge off for the rest of the evening. I shall await her return here. For ow, why don't the two of you mingle amongst the rest of our cousins down in the audience chamber".
Alyssa stands, "I shall attend Court tomorrow Lord Jurgen, I will inform my Sire of your support. Come Alessandro, let us speak with the Lady Meridie and Criatas the Elder".
Alyssa stands and walks out of the room. Once the two of you are in the hall and out of earshot she turns to you and smiles, "Well done my Love. Well done".
Her smile vanishes and the cold stone faced expression she has been wearing most of the night returns. The woman you assisted before is sleeping on the couch in the common area of the second floor. Another Cainite feels her pulse and sighs, "This one will be spent for too many nights to come, a pity".
The Vampire nods to you both as he walks down the hallway of doors in search of who knows what but you have a suspicion... You do not recognize him and Alyssa does not acknowledge him back as she continues down the stairs.
As you head down the stairs you see a familiar face, it is Talisman and he stares at the throne.
Alessandro reaches for Alyssa's hand, squeezing it to indicate urgency. His eyes, look to hers somewhat alarmed. He tries to lead her away.
Xing is going to ignore the men.
"Keep moving, we don't have time for this." she says to Michele.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Lady Meridie shrugs, "I fear I do not my dear".
Lord Benne responds, "Yes, I do my Childe. Those statues are renderings of the Archangel Michael the Patriarch, the former ruler of Constantinople. His Childe Paul Bathalos, Muse of Sculpture, was commissioned by both of Michael's lovers, Antonius the Gaul and the Dracon to create the perfect rendering of Michael as an Angel upon his Embrace. Not wishing to offend either Methuselah, he essentially crafted the same statue but in different poses so that both could claim to have given Michael the greater gift. The statues were placed in the Hagia Sophia after the destruction of Antonius the Gaul. After the Bitter Crusade destroyed the Dream, Narses asked the Price of Constantinople, Gareth for the statues and received them in return for concessions from Venice”.
Another Vampire approaches your group, “Best not to speak of those things here Lord Benne, bad memories bring ill omens”.
Your Sire turns to the newcomer from the shadows, “My apologies Fadris. Meet Lorenzo Cappelli my Childe. Lorenzo, this is Fadris, Grand Childe of Narses”.
Lady Meridie curtsies to Fadris who bows in response.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Michael Santo
You swing the oar with as much force as you can muster between the stinging punches and the rocking Gondola, you are able to connect with only water as you bring the oar down.
As you look around seeking for the monk to resurface, you feel the Gondola jarred from below!
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
The beautiful young woman smiles and her eyes twinkle as she responds, "You have picked the right set of ears to tell, your secret. Tell me, is my Italian well? I have not had a chance to speak it much".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
Bassanio sips his wine, his undivided attention upon her. His eyes sparkle with mischief. "You speak it so finely, were I to close my eyes I would not know you a were a Spaniard, though my eyes tell me otherwise for you beautiful olive skin, kissed by the sun does betray you."
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
Baldemar nods at Sir Martin's explanation. "No, you are quite right, Martin. Signore Giovanni has someaught to do with what Lord Moray and yourself encountered. We are yet two of God's instruments on Earth. Let us go forth and discover the Venetian gentleman's intentions."
So saying, he girds himself in his armour, tabard and weapons. He takes care to don a large, concealing great cloak. "Sir Martin, take this great cloak. The Doge's men are no doubt still patrolling the streets and would gleefully harass two armed monks should they come upon us." Handing the cloak to his fellow knight, the hausmeister heads for the doors to pursue the Giovanni.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"Let us away mind you if wé stop at yon church afore meeting Sir Baldemar de Frisia"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Finn Garrety
Suddenly he lunches through with a spike of psychic force. The images flow by so fast you are unable to catch all that is going on, Vykos, perhaps because he is the wielder of the power processes these memories quicker than you are able to. Suddenly you find yourself in a large Monastery. You feel the weight of its grandeur, perhaps it is a feeling you had while you lived there. The smell of smoke is prevalent and you feel a sense of panic welling up within you, you seek to pull away from the scene but Vykos slams through your defenses and roots you to the spot.
Before you, is wise and beloved Gesu, the head of the Obertus Order. Gesu by this time has transformed and is not a mere Cainite but a huge amorphous mass taking up the entire chapel. He has evolved. His enormous body allows him to go weeks without drinking blood as it stores reserves and some claim generates vitae all on its own. While you cannot hear what he has to say he speaks to two figures which stand before him, outsiders to the Order. One is a many eyed Vampire with them all over his body, standing with him is a Muslim Vampire.
The discussion ends and Gesu lowers himself from the rest of his body willingly submitting to death at the hands of the many eyed Vampire with the Muslim Vampire standing by watching in awe. The other monks are waved off by Gesu as they try to intercede. As Gesu expires and crumbles to dust, you see the other monks charge into the room enraged seeking to avenge their fallen leader. They perish at the hands of the intruders. You see the flesh of the walls that were parts of Gesu disintegrate as he resigned himself to death.
In fear for your own life you flee the scene. You find other members of the Order who are attempting to save some of the wisdom enshrined by Gesu and the other members of the Order. You aid the in carrying scrolls from the Monastery.
For a moment the world rewinds and Vykos focuses on the two intruders. “Sadir and Sebastian. The Salubri has the blood of my Grandsire coursing through his veins. I will have to rectify that…”
Vykos flashes forward but none of the other scenes seem to interest him much, not even the attack on the shrine you inhabited for another 80 years as it is attacked by the Tremere and their Gargoyle minions.
Vykos then begins to create memories, he speaks, “This process will assist you with your task my friend. Your name is now Bagrat Kamsarakan. You are the last of the Noble lineage from which Narses was spawned. He thought your line extinct long ago but your line of the family fled the Kingdom of Armenia and managed to eke out an existence in Damascus. Even when the Muslims came your family managed to survive. Your life was a simple one, an advisor to a Mamluk Governor in Damascus when the Mongolian Horde invaded the territory for the third time. It was only through dumb luck that I found the man making a pilgrimage to Armenia as he was ready to die and wished to see his homeland one last time, he had been gravely injured in the Battle for Damascus”.
Finally Vykos pulls out of your mind and you feel spent. Sitting in the room are three figures, one is Dragan, the two others seem none too pleased to be there…
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
Simon smiles the radiance of that smile warms your heart, the illusion is so powerful that even though you know this is a hideous monster your eyes suspend the power of your rational mind!
"As much as such an offer is most pleasing to me, I shall not be here more than a few short weeks".
Simon looks up, "We have visitors..."
As you follow his gaze, the curtain parts and your contact enters with a man who strikes a normal appearance though he looks a bit disheveled.
Niccolo turns to Simon, "Who are you and what are you doing here with my Retainer!" he screeches.
Simon cocks his head, "Your Grandsire that is who".
Niccolo freezes for a moment, "My apologies, I..."
"No need, who is this you bring with you?"
The man speaks for himself, "I am Antione le Fanu, who are you?"
Simon bows, "I have heard of you le Fanu. My understanding is that you have a significant rivalry with one of my brethren, so you can understand my surprise at seeing you here in the warren of my Grand Childe".
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Halfway down the stairs Alyssa pauses, "Whatever is the matter my Love?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Bassanio
Aitana blushes slightly, "You flatter me. Tell me Bassanio, what is it you here for?"
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia
You and Sir Martin stalk out into the night with purpose on your side. The night is quite dark with the clouds obscuring the stars and you must watch your footing on the cobblestone streets.
The Keep is somewhat near the docks and you make good time getting to he berth where the Giovanni ship sits. To the dismay of Sir Martin, it has already launched! The ship is perhaps 30' into the harbor.
Vitaliano would stiffen a bit at seeing his employer before looking a bit with intensity at Antione. This was beginning to get a bit deeper into the rabbit hole then he liked. He was now surrounded by what he assumed was three vampires...one elder even. He shifted a bit uncomfortably.
He looked at Niccolo "Forgive me Niccolo, it seems I was early but I have had the luxury of entertaining your Grandsire. A most charming and understanding man..." he said calmly. "I brought this evening batch I suppose in good timing, it seems we are to be having a gathering. Should I warm up a bottle for each of you?" he asked, his position all the while in these standings only going lower.
He turns to Antione le Fanu and bows his upper body politely, all the while preventing the jar from falling. "And I am Vitaliano da Riva, a humble merchant to you and your kind but a doctor by day" he said with a smile.
Indulge me, please. Alessandro does, with her permission... return up the stair.
Back, near the recovering female, he leans into Alyssa... ironically, into her neck and whispers, as if expecting the subject of his speech to materialize behind him.
Does the name Sebastien mean anything to you? Perhaps, Talisman? Forgive my physical forwardness.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
The messenger readily agrees to he pit stop, "Tis one of my favorites Lord. I feel quite at peace when I enter there, Sir".
You cross the way to get to the church and seek out Father Cardinale. Y pause for a moment and take a deep breath not sure if in your new, form, you can even cross the threshold of such a holy place.
As you open the door and enter, you feel the same peace you felt when you were.. well before you were what yo are now.
Walking in with the messenger you see a Priest you have not seen before lighting candles in the devotional area. You see no one else, including Father Cardinale in sight.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
Antoine smiles broadly, "Yes, you are the one!"
He walks over to you and places his hands on your head.
As he touches your head you feel as if you are catapulted through all of your memories at the same moment.
He releases your head and you tagger back and sit down barely clutching the precious blood you brought for Niccolo.
Grinning at you, Antione speaks, "You are right, he is a lunatic!"
Simon speaks up, "What is going on here?"
Niccolo responds, "Grand Sire, I have made a deal which will greatly ease the plight of our Can here in the city. I have traded my Retainer for access to Malkavian feeding grounds!"
Simon simply sighs.
Antoine continues to stare at you, "Tell me Vitaliano da Riva, you fear us but do you wish to stop fearing us and become one of us? Not a humble merchant, if that can truly be said of what you do, any longer but a Lord of the Long Night?!"
Vitaliano began to breath heavily, that was an awfully invasive and heavy moment for him. He looked up at Antione with a look of shock and anger. He sat the blood down on the ground nearby and stood up "I...I am not insane, no no...the world is insane, how could you even think it not with what you see walking the streets as if such things should be allowed, let alone tolerated in the light and night of day." he started in on his rant, his chest heaving a bit more as he talked.
He looked around when he finished with that line and caught of moment of sanity. He swallowed a little hard and adjusted his shirt. "I would not say I am insane no...but what is this speaking of trading, what do you mean become one of you...what exactly does this entail? I will admit, if my books had said right that I would prefer my sire to be a woman..." he started in not sure of himself and what was being offered to him
This could be a great leap forwards, power that I couldn't gain any other way...maybe even influence if I worked hard at it...yes...this could be good but if I can, I really should try and sweeten the deal first yes....yes I think I should at least try.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Vitaliano da Riva
le Fanu shrieks, "I am not mad either! I keep telling everyone that but they don't believe me!" he cackles maniacally.
"A woman eh? Hmmm, sorry no women here... I guess you will have to just accept me as your maker. I mean unless you don't want to. I mean live forever, vanquish any who stand before you, get back at all those, those, those dirty women. Yes, get them all back..."
Simon and Niccolo say nothing and just watch the exchange.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
"I had failed to get yer name my good man.... I as well feel peace o tha Lord here."
Andrew begins to seek out Father Cardinale....
Andrew paused for a moment and took a deep breath not sure if a place meant for mortals serve his needs now, crossing the threshold of a holy place offered peace.
Bassanio drains his glass. "I am a bankers by profession signorina, but I am here to live. Too many banker spend their time counting coins and with their ledgers. They do not know what it is to live life and miss out on the beauties of the world."
He looks deeply into her eyes. "I do not count myself one amongst them. I seek to live life to its fullest, explore all it has to offer, to see all its beauties, travel its length and breath." He takes her hand in his own and kisses it softly. "Do you agree or would you have me with my books and coins being a proper banker?
Vitaliano listened to le Fanu and nodded, those were all true statements. The ability to live forever, the ability to take back vengeance on those who dared show their face...these were all good reasons to do this. "Hmm...tell me about your position...if you were to be my maker, I'd like to know more about you? How would I continue my work, I mean if I burst into flames in the middle of the day trying to take care of a patient would not be the best...hmm, I do have a room without windows I could change that to my patient room for now." he said trying to work it all out and began to pace in the room in front of the vampires. He turned and paused and looked at le Fanu expectantly as if nothing else he had said after the question had even happened. His eyes fixated on him and he watched with abated breath.
Will continue to follow at a brisk pace. agreed. Lets pick up the pace.
Ma-Ri, then...
I have come into information that relates to your kind's activities dating back millennia and a possible plot into the future.
Venice by Night – Tuesday March 11, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Committing Lord Benne's short narative about the statues and the principals involved to his memory, Lorenzo drops the subject for the time being.
"A pleasure to meet you, Fadris. I was unaware of any unpleasant memories such discusion may stir, my apologies."
