Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Serpent's Lair -
You head back to the Haven your Sire arranged, he is nowhere to be found. It seems, you have much to speak with him about, tomorrow night.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Your Grand Sire glares at you while you take your seat at the Lasombra Table as the rest of the Cainites begin to exit.
A female, the Assamite Fledgling had been seated where you were moments before, she approaches Narses who had been speaking with Mistress Fanchon. As quickly as the snap of a finger, Narses and the Assamite female are gone into teh shadows.
"Where have you been my dear?" your Grand Sire asks.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
The Streets of Venice –
Baldemar turns to you, "Let's head back to my Keep to make preparations. We can contact Sergei on the 'morrow with the news. We have pushed our luck enough this night".
Geoffroi nods
“As the Lord wills. Lead on, friend Baldemar “
ah the Gondola, one day I shall replace you
Onfroi agrees to the terms as acceptable and will ask Durga Syn to meet with Radek to solidify their terms so that Onfroi can be done with this task.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court - Xing
Xing sighs at the sight around her and looks to her Grand-Sire.
"We have to speak. Not here though."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Franz inclines his head to Veronica: "Most pleased to make your aquaintance, then. Not an empty phrase, either, it is good to know that I am not alone in my inexperience."
Listening to Mistress Fanchon and Radek, Franz turns his attention to Mistress Fanchon: "A private conversation does indeed sound fascinating. As interesting of a figure as Talisman is - this whole world is new to me, and a great many things amaze me. Such as both your bloodlines origin and disciplines - both of which seem rather unique, or so I was told.", Franz offers a smile, "I learned that such uniqueness may serve to provide a distinctive point of view outside the norm. A chance to converse about such an interesting persona as Talisman with someone that is likely to hold an opinion worth hearing would be most welcome."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Where Else? On a Gondola -
That said she let's you off at the far side of the city and makes her way to her own Haven for the night, or so you suspect.
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice -
Your Grand Sire escorts you to the shadows where after a brief bout of dizziness from the shadow walk, you find yourself upon a roof overlooking the Elysium.
"Speak Fledgling. What have I missed that I should know?"
[dice=Perception + Emplathy Check]2d10+2d10
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
Prince Narses Court -
Mistress Fanchon gives a slight smile at your statement, "Tomorrow. Meet myself and my Childe at an Inn, the Shaggy Serpent.
It is a run down place in the foreign quarter of Venice. There we will find privacy and perhaps some common ground".
Radek shrugs, "I am off for the night. As always Fanchon, good to see you. Fledglings..."
He begins to levitate off of his chair and out the front door.
---
Gustav motions for Franz to return to the Ventrue table and the Clan of Kings returns to their rented manse to discuss the events of the night and of course sleep for the coming night.
Onfroi heads back to the Nosferatu warren where his sire stays and pulls himself in for the day to once more rest.
[dice=Perception + Emplathy Check]2d10+2d10
Yes
"A meeting would be most useful ibelieve."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice - Xing
"Our friend no longer controls the mortal that resides in my abode and have lost contact with him and do not know how to even if I wanted."
"The mortal is still there out conscious last I saw but i'm sure he would be awake by now or close to it. I secured him so he could not escape."
Onfroi heads back to the Nosferatu warren where his sire stays and pulls himself in for the day to once more rest.
Tremere Haven - Veronica Acqua
After the Ventrue leave, Mistress Fanchon extends her hand to you and you both exit together. As is customary, she summons up the fog to once more "fly" both of you back to the temporary Chantry as she refers to it.
"My dear, lets us spend the rest of this night completing your training..."
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice -
"I see. Any idea where our "friend" may have stashed Kratos? Any idea what our friend wanted to do with the original documents we secured from the Ghoul?
I sense he would have wanted them destroyed. Perhaps both the documents and Kratos are hidden in the same location?
Unless you still retain the documents..."
He pauses and continues before you can answer, "There is opportunity here and now Fledgling. Most of the Lasombra here have been destroyed, fled the city, or are in Torpor after the events of last night with El Cid. As our "friend" will need time to re-establish contact, we may be able to cement a power base here within the Prince's Court. As you seem to be less than interested in Politics, you may have no wish to be involved but one with your skills could be utilized in other ways".
To the hotel then
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice - Xing
"I still have the scrolls" patting what is obviously some kind of pouch under her garments.
"I have no idea where Kratos or the others are. My only connection was that mortal he lost control of. Do you have a way to pull information from it's mind perhaps?"
Xing then remembers what the other did to the one she turned wondering if she could see information on a kindred that controlled the mortals mind...
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice -
"Excellent, something has gone correctly".
Alejandro grimaces, "I cannot read the Mortals' mind. Perhaps my Sire could but I'd prefer he did not. There is one in the city who could but I wonder whether we can trust her.
I shall think on it. For now, hand me the scrolls I shall keep them safe, you keep the Mortal safe and alive. I'd prefer to deal with the Toreador than the Necromancers to gain the answers we seek".
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
In The Way of Kings Inn -
Luca starts to reply, when he thinks he sees a shadow in the corner of his eye. He turns quickly, his eyes catching the nothing at the edge of his vision.
After a pause, he re-engages with Francois.
"Agreed." he says, his voice a bit huskier from the slight panic rising in his...heart?
His soul?
The primal essence that let him move when he should have long gone cold. Perhaps that's what it was...
Venice by Night – Friday March 28, 1309
A Rooftop in Venice - Xing
Xing hesitatantly hands Alejandro the scrolls.
"Before we depart would you happen to have a vessel i can feed on this evening. With the chaos in town I have not had much luck with the hunt and am a bit parched."
The sun sets in the west as is always does. But what is not constant, what is unsettled in the city "Most Serene" is the talk of seizures of property and citizens by other city states. Talk of war not on foreign fronts but at the very doorstep of Venice.
Doge Gradenigo has set out his men in force this day (and night) seeking to tamp down the chaos in the streets the last two days. His foes, the Querini and Tiepolo have faded into the shadows of the canals but will they remain there with sentiment running so strongly against the Doge. The Grand Council itself will not meet again until Monday and if ever there was time for diplomacy but within and without this Republic, this is the time....
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
The sunlight is warm upon Maria's face, the glass of wine in her hand goes down quite smoothly, she's never had any quite like it in her entire life before this day. In fact, it may have cost more than all the money she earned in her entire life here in the city. The fruit and meats being served leave Maria so full she may never be hungry again and if what is going to happen does happen, she may literally never be hungry, at least for food, ever again.
Criatas was correct, the sights are so... crisp. The taste of the drink and the food so... divine, as if she were consuming nectar and ambrosia.
The crowds pass by and seem just as angry and distraught as they have for the past few days. It all seems so outside of her now. As if it just does not matter anymore. And it doesn't, does it? Soon, she'll not be one of them at all.
As the sun sets Maria hears soft footsteps behind her, "Good evening my dear. How was your day?" The voice of Criatas asks her quietly.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Teuton Stronghold of Venice –
The sun has set, you and Sir Baldemar have slept the day away. The room you slept in was formerly occupied by what Baldemar now believs was a fiend of the night, Lord Jurgen von Verden. He has left instructions to deal with the creature or its servants should they return.
The dinner meal is the one that breaks the fast for you both. The Keep is down to a handful of servants, three squires and two Knights including Baldemar, the other a Sir Brayard.
Baldemar speaks, "Sir Martin was an ally of the Hospitallar Sir Edward Treont. I believe that he is an ally of this Claudio who is himself aligned with Father Cardinale.
Sir Martin was sent away by Lord Jurgen, he claimed on the orders of the Grandmaster. I fear my memories are hazy but I do believe that something terrible happened to my friend that night.
This was the same night that a ship burned in the harbor inexplicably, no gossip surrounding that incident made its way through the city. The ship was owned by an Alessandro Khadaji.
In addition to aiding our new allies, I would like to know more of what happened that night to my friend.
Contacting Sergei should be relatively straightforward, once that has neem accomplished would you accompany me to the Khadaji residence to inquire further about the disappearance of Sir Martin? Be forewarned that the Khadaji's are Saracens though they have been described to me as rather pleasant in their course of dealings".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Zuana returns and wakes you up as you presume night has fallen, "My Love, Signore Villon has requested that you rise and meet with him. Shall I tell him you need a few minutes to refresh?"
The memory of last night comes back to you. You waited for Francois to return to speak to him but he must have been in quite late as you did not see him before the dawn stole wakefulness from your eyes.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
Your eyes leap open as you feel energy coursing within the Inn. Mistress Fanchon is right, once you start to get the feel for the Blood Magic, it can be difficult to ignore.
You dress and walk into the hall to Mistress Fanchon's room where she is indeed conducting a Ritual. Before her is a shadowy figure speaking in a language you do not understand. The eyes of the figure dart up and stare at you.
"Veronica Acqua I presume? I am your Grandsire Filareus. I understand that you are assisting my Childe with gathering votes to obtain control of the Clan seat from a rogue challenger. Do you believe you are making progress in your directives?"
Mistress Fanchon is silent though she does turn in your direction.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S+*!hole the Slums of Venice -
You rise from underneath the bed, on top of the bed, the mortal moans a bit, [b]"Please, just please, let me go..."{/b]
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn -
You are aware that you are not alone. Stead in the chair next to your bed is your Clanmate Gregorius Dimities.
He grins widely as your eyes flutter open, "Good evening Vitaliano. A new night with new opportunities abound".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
You wake to find yourself in the bathtub being washed by a handful of maidens. Seated next to you is a figure you've not seen in some time, your mortal "wife" the eastern beauty whose name he still does not know.
She speaks! "My Loving man. Your family, it comes to me to ask what you do, where you be. They nearly throw me out of my our house. I no can find you but someone finds me".
The door to this beautiful bathroom opens and Khay'tall steps within, "I thought it prudent to search out your wife after the news of the day came across the lips of the Kine. It seems that you my friend are dead! The foes of the Doge call your death an act of civil war. My goodness, who knew you were so well loved by your people!"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
You barely slept the day before, who knew that your "kind" could have such problems. The pressure of what you have taken on and with whom you have taken it you suppose would have that impact on most sane people or Cainites.
You know that Adria is in the next room, probably still sleeping she is not as light a sleeper as you are.
The question is where to begin...
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca Formosa -
Luxury, luxury like you have rarely been privileged to be a part of. As a ghoul servant you were rarely privileged enough to have your own bed much less your own room. This is what you no doubt deserve after your long decades of serving. Of course to have been a Toreador would have been acceptable but it was clear that was not going to happen. Now you can look like whatever you want to look like with the powers of the Noferatu. Appearance is only skin deep after all.
So many threads to tie together so much opportunity laid out before you. A final meeting with the Tremere and you shall receive your reward with little risk.
What to pursue next?
A knock at your door, is this perhaps your next pathway to more power?
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
A knock on your door brings you back to consciousness, "Lorenzo. Brother. Its Dominic, are you awake?"
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Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
The room is dark, pitch black. You feel the sun rise but still there is no light. Perhaps the Prince leaves you here to think upon the discussion from the night before uninterrupted...
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Zuana returns and wakes you up as you presume night has fallen, "My Love, Signore Villon has requested that you rise and meet with him. Shall I tell him you need a few minutes to refresh?"
The memory of last night comes back to you. You waited for Francois to return to speak to him but he must have been in quite late as you did not see him before the dawn stole wakefulness from your eyes.
"But a moment, and I will be ready, my love. It is Venice herself that I fear for. And, for our beloved La Serenata. You have arranged as I asked to replace flowers with small crops? And Sirus Terzago ? He frequents here more?" He is sure of at least the first. His Zuana is attentive and intelligent and..well, he works to improve her talents. My blood has unlocked her passions. I had hoped to bring her over to my world one night. now? odds seem slim. "And what new news has arisen during the day?"
he does not hestiate as she helps him dress rapidly, yet he makes sure he is presentable enough even as she fills him in. When she answers and is done, he kisses her, "We'll take of that more soon I hope. My dearest, be on guard. I fear our fortunes are in danger in more ways than one. Be brave for me, but cautious and sly. We will weather what comes."
And he goes to see his Sire.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
As the day ends and the night draws near a girl suitable to your "tastes" is brought to your room to ensure that you have adequate blood for the evening Conclave.
Satiated and dressed by the servants you head down the stairs to find at the table in the main room overlooking the sea are your Sire and Gustav.
"Good evening my Childe. I believe I was remiss in my duty of informing you of how we deal with those who serve. So many moving pieces to plan for but it is no excuse for me to shirk my responsibility to you.
I fear that the customs here, much as other customs, vary by Fiefdom. An issue I believe should be rectified when the full Council convenes early next week.
My understanding is that Narses allows "ghouls" so long as they do not encroach upon his power structure within the city. Did you have a specific servant in mind to bestow this honor upon already?"
luxury hotel
Onfroi gets up putting on his chain shirt and putting on his bow and then goes to the door and vanishes stepping far to the side then to open it.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Teuton Stronghold of Venice –
...” would you accompany me to the Khadaji residence to inquire further about the disappearance of Sir Martin? Be forewarned that the Khadaji's are Saracens though they have been described to me as rather pleasant in their course of dealings".[/b]
“I would be happy to. I have no problem with Saracens, I spent years in the Outremer, and met many honorable ones despite our enmity “
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S++$hole the Slums of Venice - Xing Shi
diff 5
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
Veronica pauses before responding... Is this the time to be diplomactic or blunt?...she decides to be straightfoward...
"No...the vote will go down between the clan lines. The older more traditional clans will votes for us and the newer clans will vote for the rogue." She hesitates for a moment,"I do not yet see a way to break that."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Why do I need to sleep anyway...
Such thoughts were running through the tired mind of Luca as he rose, the sun having set a time ago. He took a seat in an old chair, its wood grain long faded from use, one leg a touch newer than the others as it was a replacement.
Reporting to Petrankov was as good a place to start as any. There were still a few more hours before midnight passed, too early to meet up with the mess of a man.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
Lorenzo's eyes open as he is roused from his death-like slumber. "I am now." he quips as he rises to answer the door.
"Good evening, Dominic. Good to see you again, my brother. Please come in."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano opened one eye and took a look to see that he was not alone. He sighed and his hands came up to his face in aggravation. He sat up slowly "Perhaps one year you lot will learn some civility and not wait for a man to wake from his slumber beside him. It's not as if this is my death bed and my final hours." he said rubbing his temples.
He stood up out of bed and began to fuss with his hair and his appearance "Tell me then, what are these opportunities that await us? And what can I offer in them that you cannot do yourself?" he asked as he pulled his hair back into a ponytail and began dressing himself proper.
"I need to at least check in on my shop and make sure it's not been vandalized." he added as an afterthought.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
Michele tries to stifle his surprise as best he can.
“My dear perhaps you should stay here so they do not trouble you. What did you tell them?
After she responds Michele turns his attention to his “friend”.
“So the rumors I heard recently are true then. I need to discuss this with Sadir to see how to best handle.”
Michele will start getting out of the bath and get dressed.
"...my day, sir?" Maria blinks a few times, her mind finally ceasing its wandering. "It was... rather wonderful."
"Everything seems so far away from up here."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"Sirus has left the city, he seeks refuge in Padua until this ... situation has passed. Yes, the crops are planted, some cost to that but if you believe it is worth it my love so be it.
The Doge has sent more men into the streets, the fighting has been cut down, half the Great Court has walked out stating the Doge is destroying the city. I hope that this, new venture of yours, will bear fruit and insulate us against what may happen if the city revolts and we have war".
She seems calm and so does her voice but the fear in her eyes is clear to you, the man that knows her so well.
You walk the halls to your Sire's room thoughtful and when the door opens you see he and Violetta seated at the table in his room, "My goodness Ranerius, you are thinking quite loudly. Worry not, the Kine world is the Kine world and our world is our world", states Violetta as you enter the room.
Your Sire gestures to the open seat.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca Formosa -
The door swings open and Prince Alexander stands in the doorway, "You have already mastered the tricks of your Clan. Bravo Fledgling.
Have you a few moments for me?"