Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca Formosa -
"Of course. I wonder what other Elders may perhaps meet such a terrible fate should they stand in the way of progress towards. Ah Peace. I sense the Salubri are... stalling this process".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
The guards stiffen, "Who are you and for what reason do you seek admittance? The streets are full of dangerous persons".
One guard replies in poor Italian.
The other guard scans the street to ensure there are no more besides the two of you.
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Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
von Saschen grins, "An excellent question my Childe.
Most of the work will be done outside of the city-state of Venice. We have won, it is now time to visit with our brethren to smooth over any objections they may have to our Bloodline wresting the reigns of power within this new organization.
If those we have overcome through politics do not side with us and we are fractured, so will this Council fracture. While the others do not care to admit it, as Clan Ventrue goes, so go the rest of our cousins in Blood.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, it is what we were born to do, what we were Embraced to do. The other Clans have their interests, be it art, death, nature. Rulership. Leadership. They are a means to an end for these Clans. We ARE the embodiment of such concepts. They see us as cruel and unusual at the best of times and some of us. But, if you spare the rod you spoil the child. Parents hurt as much as their children when punished, though punished they must be if the race is to thrive. Sometimes the punishment must be Final Death. Kill some branches to allow the entire tree to flourish.
We see the future and what needs be done keep our kind viable in that future. We are our Brothers and Sisters Keepers. It is our cross to bear so to speak.
Here. Now. You must cultivate the High Clans. Keep solid relations, cool unless they offer more with the Low Clans. The Brujah should be at arms length amongst the high Clans for to keep them any closer can injure you at the most inopportune time. The Tremere keep close, though low they have great promise, let them not have your blood though.
The Lasombra are the closest to us so ever keep an eye on Narses, as best you can. The Setites are useful but trust them not with your innermost secrets.
All others deal with as you see best. This is a test of how you perform more so then ensuring you do everything correctly. You will fail. You will succeed. Your successes should far outweigh your failures".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"If I was here that Giovanni fellow may well have killed me Brother. No place is safe..."
There is a knock at your door before your Brother can finish, "My Childe, are you awake?"
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Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Criatas sighs, "Yes my dear. My blood will feel warm for a time. Then that too will grow cold.
You will require feedings perhaps daily depending on your activity level on a night to night basis my dear.
You are now a member of Clan Brujah. We are a clan of warrior-scholars noted for our fierce devotion to radical philosophies. We are practitioners of a Greek philosophy of total mental and physical discipline, entelechy, and I shall train you in combat and the classics with equal discipline. Our rage holds us back from the greatest of achievements, we must learn to temper it, our Neonates allow their rage to go unchecked which is why we lose ground to the hated Ventrue what almost feels nightly. Leeland, who you shall meet this evening embodies the spirit of our Clan, misguided as he is, that spirit works against us. I will lead our Clan to a new age with the assistance of this Council, even if I have to drag the Ventrue kicking and screaming with me.
First, your questions, I assume you have some. Then I shall teach you some of the basics of our kind. Then we shall have to attend Court. I have a dress picked for you already".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"If I was here that Giovanni fellow may well have killed me Brother. No place is safe..."
There is a knock at your door before your Brother can finish, "My Childe, are you awake?"
Lorenzo holds up a finger to pause the conversation with his brother, giving him look to let him know that the conversation will be completed at another time.
"Yes, my Sire. Please come in."
Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
At exactly 30 minutes, you think anyway. Vykos ceases, leaving you shuddering in pain uncontrollably, though silently.
He once again dons the form you first saw him in. The room is silent. Dragan stares at you, you see perhaps some respect in his eyes.
The rest of the room, zombielike though they are sense something as well and have stopped moving to bear witness to your pain.
Vykos cracks his neck and cocks his head, "Never have I met one as worthy as you of this blood since myself and my Sire and his dear departed brother.
I shall gift you with life everlasting Einar Arnesen for you have earned it. Are you ready to walk amongst the Gods?"
He turns to look at Dragan still staring at you. Vykos cuffs his servant in the face smashing him backwards, "On your stomach cur! This one is your better even as a Mortal".
He turns back to you once more awaiting your answer.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Your Sire nods at the suggestions, "Violetta, arrange a meeting with Lord Benne this night. I wish to see if he is in agreement with such an idea before we propose it.
My Childe, the other suggestion, make it in open Court tonight when Narses asks about other business. It is crucial that you make an impression upon him else he may force you from this city at the same time that I shall be forced to leave. By tomorrow I have no doubt I will be gone, Violetta may be behind for a few days longer, it remains to be seen. You must be my eyes and ears with respect to this Council".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
"As amusing as your first idea is, it is a poor one. The second, well, what good serpent does not like chaos? The third may get you killed by Narses. You should certainly use your family for leverage but that is not teh best way to do so..."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
"I have no name... Durdonaaaa. Feels strange to emanate such a sssound. Narses wantsss you sssafe. Sssafe you ssshall be".
Your hand touches the wall, even you can feel the cold of it. You feel something brush the back of your hand.
"Ssso cold, you are like Narses. Not living. Not breathing. Like usss but no like usss".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
The guards stiffen, "Who are you and for what reason do you seek admittance? The streets are full of dangerous persons".
“I come with my associate Sir Baldemar on an issue we wish to discuss with the Khadaji household. It involves a companion of that boon knight. He has reason to believe your master has information he seeks.”
Geoffroi says it in his fluent Italian, then repeats it in Classical Arabic for anyone listening within the walls
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Petrankov shrugs, "Tell Beshter. Talisman. Whatever his name is, that I am quite happy to meet with him when he wishes me to, though I would suggest to do so within the next day or two based on what I will state next.
Tell Francois to set up the meeting with Sergei three nights hence. Tell him that he will be able to "produce" me for Sergei. This encounter will come to an end a long story, his long chase. Tell no others but Adria.
Anyone else knowing these things could get us all slain. You have done well Fledgling. Your Sire would be not pleased at you getting into this, but you have found the best way to get yourself out of it".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S++$ hole the Slums of Venice -
You manage to easily enough find food and water though you are low on funds and should probably rob someone for more at some point. You re-tie him and head out once more.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn to your Humble Office -
The Muse sighs, "ONly Michael ever understood me. That bastard ripped him from me. Convinced me to rip him from me...
Perhaps..."
He stares into the distance as you offer the bottle not speaking, "I must go. Yes, I must go. Good to chat with you. We must discuss this once you've had time to think things through. Be careful out there".
He takes his leave, leaving the bottle in your hand. As he exits, the door opens but you see no one. As the door closes a man in a robe and hood appears.
He nods to you, "Back in business? I thought you'd might not be once I had heard the news, Doctor".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
Lord Benne enters, "Ah Dominic. I trust you are well? Your Brother and I have things to discuss, would you excuse us?"
Dominic sighs and leaves the room turning his head both ways before creeping down the hall silently.
Benne regards him as he leaves, he then turns to you, "Perhaps I should alter some of his memories to ease his transition into our world?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
A conflicted look crosses Lorenzo's face before he ultimately says, "Yes, I think that would be for the best. His nerves have gotten the better of him. That being said, I am not all that sure that I blame him for that."
"What is it you would like to discuss, my Sire? Something relating to Ambrogino I suspect?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
The guard that speaks furrows his eyebrows, "Wait here".
He heads back through the gate sand into the house. Time and a few groups of people pass the gates in the meantime. The other guard seems nervous indeed here on his own, he stares hard at all groups. A challenge and perhaps an unwise one ion these volatile times. Another guard comes to the gate, this one a Saracen he says nothing just stands near the gate as if back up and likely he is.
Finally the first guard returns with another Saracen, this one well dressed in fine silk clothing and a long beard, "Ahlan wa sahlan. Glad is my master for your visit Sir Baldemar, you and your friend are welcomed here within these walls".
He is quite friendly and leads you to the side of the house into a small patio garden with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean, "I shall return with refreshments". He heads into the house through a beautiful glass door.
Before he is able to return the door opens and a much younger Saracen exits. A large grin upon his face, "Sir Baldemar, I have waited some time for you to visit me. I feared that you might never come".
Baldemar appears confused, "I have never met you before Sirrah".
Now the young man seems confused, "It is I Alessandro Khadaji, the man you claimed to be here to visit, why else then would you be here?"
Venice, a room with a view
Onfroi considers what he says and motions for him to sit saying The first thing I must do Sir is find a road to be on that is not the Road of Humanity. I am one who has different tastes. Secondly, peace is fleeting and perhaps costly. Mutually assured protections, solid information, and reward for services rendered as well as future support as an ongoing strength of promise would go a long way toward attending such peace.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
She stands completely still. "You are keeping me safe? Thank you.
She shakes in fear, but manages to try to keep the creature talking. If it's talking it it's not eating me. "If you have no name may I ask what you are? Do you not live or breathe either?"
She desperately wants to see the creature, but is afraid of what she would see. "May I see you? Have a light of some kind?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel -
She will start by scanning the city...
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Gates of the Khadaji Household –
Baldemar appears confused, "I have never met you before Sirrah".
Now the young man seems confused, "It is I Alessandro Khadaji, the man you claimed to be here to visit, why else then would you be here?"
Geoffroi bows to the stranger and greets him in Arabic
“Ahlin bikum, wa kul ahlikum. May fortune smile upon your household. I am Sir Geoffroi, companion to Sir Baldemar. He asked me to accompany him to your noble household in search of information about a companion “
Sir Geoffroi looks askance at Baldemar, and speaks in Italian
“Good sirrah, you asked me to accompany you to this noble man’s door to search for information on your missing companion. “
He looks back at Alessandro, and speaks in Arabic again-
“A thousand pardons, noble one. Sir Baldemar has had a difficult time these past few days. Perhaps if we go inside we can clear up his confusion?”
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A S++$ hole the Slums of Venice - Xing Shi
Satisfied with her handiwork she heads out to Elisium to find her Grandsire. On the way she will keep an eye out for possible easy mark to steal from.
Maria folds her hands in her lap as Criatas explains what she now is--and an uncomfortable twisting sensation settles in her gut.
...this is the path you have laid before me, God?
...so be it.
"...Lord Criatas, I have only two questions, for now." The newly-sired Brujah rises to her feet, looking a bit unsteady. "What is this Court you speak of? And who are the Ventrue?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Alla Vigna Inn to your Humble Office - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano pauses as the door opens and closes without a person to open them. Had this been a few weeks ago, Vitaliano would have been shocked and confused by the sudden appearance of a robbed man. But with his own clan's capability to do that exact thing, he pursed his lips in aggravation.
He walked behind the counter and put the bottle in a cabinet for the time being. "Depends on the work...and to whom do I owe the pleasure of speaking with this evening?" he asked curious.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Your Sire nods at the suggestions, "Violetta, arrange a meeting with Lord Benne this night. I wish to see if he is in agreement with such an idea before we propose it.
My Childe, the other suggestion, make it in open Court tonight when Narses asks about other business. It is crucial that you make an impression upon him else he may force you from this city at the same time that I shall be forced to leave. By tomorrow I have no doubt I will be gone, Violetta may be behind for a few days longer, it remains to be seen. You must be my eyes and ears with respect to this Council".
"I admit a great respect for Lord Benne, perhaps it is , to a lesser degree, reciprocated. I don't know if mentioning me would help or not."
At the mention of his sire's banishment, and his own possible exile, he frowns, "Yes, it would appear my so called charm failed to sway votes. I must hope it can sway a prince. I have no doubt Violetta's own gifts can enable her to continue to shine" A knowing nod to his sister in blood "I should take lessons."A sigh "And let me confess, I shall miss you both should I manage to remain here. I could always count on either of you for valued insights and advise. Pity we were not able to put you, Sire, at the seat. I should like to see what the three of us might have done for art in Venice and beyond."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Luca nods.
"And I am eager to be done with this as well," Luca admits, his wandering eyes betraying his concern. Life was much simpler when he was not caught up in complex political machinations.
And when he was alive.
Luca agrees to follow the instructions to the letter, and then makes his way to check on his companion, Adria. If she was awake, he would fill her in on the new details.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"Nor do I, it is... unusual to be so closely connected with family in such a manner as you two have been since your change in circumstances. I shall speak with him post Conclave and ease his mind.
Indeed. Ambrogino is seeking what all of our kind eventually crave, power.
He is willing to betray his own family for it.
I, and my Sire, suspect that the Giovanni are not as loyal as the Father believes they are. Ambrogino has hinted at such before and has once again done so upon his visit to us last night.
He seeks concessions from us, significant concessions that I am not sure I or my Sire are willing to give at this time. I am considering bringing to my Sire directly but to do so would leave you here alone".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
the Khadaji Household –
Alessandro looks at Baldemar curiously, "Do you not remember me?"
Sir Baldemar shakes his head, "Sirrah, I have never seen before in my life".
He states confidently, then a look of doubt creeps across his face, "Have I?"
Alessandro sighs, "I generally take visitors here on the veranda Sir Geoffroi. This visit will be no different.
Tell me, Sir Baldemar, have you had any interaction with Lord Jurgen von Verdun?"
Baldemar's features darken, "Yes, I am aware of that knave. I believe he is responsible for the death or disappearance of one of my allies".
Alessandro frowns, "A knave he may be but he is not responsible for what happened to your ally. That cross is one that a family Giovanni must bear".
Sir Baldemar frowns, "How do you know this?"
Alessandro shifts in his seat, "I was there. Well in the aftermath any way I was there".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca Formosa -
Prince Alexander shrugs, "A reward when no services were rendered? An odd request.
I can assist you on finding your ah... way. I myself have traveled many Roads on the pathways to power. Some a dead end, some that lead to significant dividends, of course others that are frowned upon show even grater promise for those that would be willing to walk such a dark path".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
The being? hisses at the word light. "No, no light. Sssuch thingsss cannot be. There isss only greater presssence or absssence of the dark, nothing more.
I exist on thisss.. in thisss... place because of the Prince of Darknesss. Hisss power keepsss you safe elssse you would be in this place for an eternity".
It pauses, "Ssssomone comes".
You feel the creatures' presence vanish or at least significantly diminish as a candle suddenly flares. From the shadows steps Lord Valdemar, "I trust your sleep was restful my dear?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
Veronica begins to walk the night using her Auspex to see what she can see. The colors are sooo very vivid, almost disorienting.
The rage and sorrow of the mortals in the city are palpable. To see people in such a manner is enlightening. Such an ability would have made her the ultimate paramour, perhaps it still can.
After an hour of wandering, feeling more comfortable and confident than she ever has before in her life? ... existence? Vernoica sees something she has not seen before, a strange pale aura.
Her eyes narrow, the target of her sight wears a cloak and sneaks at the edges of the crowd along the Grand Canal.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
While Xing walks down the cobblestoned streets of Venice, she does not see any easy marks she does see a familiar face who also sees her!
Gino, the friend of the cousin of Michele approaches! "Izumi, it's me Gino! How are you?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Criatas responds, "This Court is new so new we are still in the process of creating it. It is the very thing I have traveled here for. To take my place as the head of our Clan. One of the few with the years as well as the temperament to do so. This Council will be assembled of all of the Clans, our "cousins" in Blood.
The Ventrue, once our greatest allies are now our most bitter foes. They destroyed the greatest of our works and have since worked to divide and conquer our Clan, using our nature's against us. I will see that a stop is put to it".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Your Humble Office -
"I was once known to you as P. I am willing to share my real name with you now that you have joined us in the night. The work of course I refer to is the easy access to blood you have provided to myself and my Clanmates for several years now Doctor".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Violetta responds, "We will do great things my Brother. I promise you that. I am sure that the appearance of this ancient in the body of another is what caused us to fail, or perhaps forced us to compromise that it not gain control of our Clan.
I shall take my leave now and arrange this meeting". She curtsies and does just that.
Francois turns back to you after she leaves, "We need to mention you. Knowing your usefulness is what will perhaps allow us to keep you here.
Your task before the Council comes to session once more is to seek our Clanmate known as the Artist, having her wish you here is the second piece of the portrait that we must paint for Narses. My understanding is that with the banishment of the Giovanni, there are a few more Cainites that Narses would allow to stay, it is one of these vacancies that we must petition to allow you to remain".
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
You head up the stairs and find that Adria is still getting ready, she is half dressed and she smiles as you enter, "I thought I was becoming a bit too unkempt for my own good Luca. My apologies for my delay in getting ready".
She listens to what you have to say and nods in agreement, "We are left with few other choices it seems. I suppose once this entire affair is over the next question will be whether we remain within the city or move on?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Criatas responds, "This Court is new so new we are still in the process of creating it. It is the very thing I have traveled here for. To take my place as the head of our Clan. One of the few with the years as well as the temperament to do so. This Council will be assembled of all of the Clans, our "cousins" in Blood.
The Ventrue, once our greatest allies are now our most bitter foes. They destroyed the greatest of our works and have since worked to divide and conquer our Clan, using our nature's against us. I will see that a stop is put to it".
** spoiler omitted **
Maria nods at Criatas. "Thank you, milord."
As she begins to move around a bit, she feels... strong. Quick. She catches a glimpse of herself in a mirror and looks.
She can't help but stare at herself. Pale-skinned, deep blue eyes & brown hair, but... her skin is impeccably clear. There's a sharpness to her features that wasn't there before--along with what feels like a primal hunger.
"When are we to leave, milord?" Maria looks back at Criatas, her eyes clear.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
the Khadaji Household –
Alessandro sighs, [b]"I generally take visitors here on the veranda Sir Geoffroi. This visit will be no different.
Geoffroi nods
“Of course, Noble Sir. I meat no offense by the suggestion”
Geoffroi remains respectfully silent at first, then soeaks
“Pardon my ignorance, but Sir Baldemar has been confused by some force. You seem to know somewhat of the circumstances. Do you understand what it is? And do you know these whispers of demonic creatures that seek the blood of men?”
Venice by Night – Saturday, March 29, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"Thank you." Lorenzo says in response to his Sire's offer to ease Dominic's mind. "Unusual or not, Dominic has always been there for me - at my highest points and my lowest. The thought of leaving him behind is almost beyond my comprehension."
Against his better judgment, he continues to ask questions. "What sort of concessions does he seek? If he is so readily willing to betray his blood, both mortal and otherwise, is there really any way for us to trust him? I can not imagine he would relent to being bound to your Sire - or anyone else for that matter."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Your Humble Office - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano laughed softly at the statement. "I see, I had assumed you were Kindred and the cloak made me assume...well, it's not important. Hmm, as far as business is concerned, consider my keeping this going as a hobby more than a job anymore. It would be odd to suddenly close up shop but still skulk about the city. I intend to keep up my deal with your clan, though money may turn into favors from time to time. Nothing gandiouse I assure you." he said simply.
"Most of my clients were...discreet and stumbling in in the night in the first place. If I change the hours for my more normal clientele to something that allows me to rest better, then I can cater to them as well when other Doctors are unavailable or would charge them more. At least...that is the plan for me. Perhaps, I will get another doctor to take over during the day that doesn't disturb me." he said thinking out loud a bit.
"I would be quite curious of your true name P. I had planned to make myself more properly known to your Clan and to even ask that those that join or visit please be introduced to me to better keep ourselves hidden in the veil of night." he offered.
a dark night with a dark purpose
Onfroi says I spoke of the peace you seek and the rewards for following it and assisting such peace. As to dark paths I am a survivor and soldier. That is all. If the paths you mention aid on those then I will listen. What I do know is that I must leave humanity behind if I am to succeed in the long nights ahead.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Safe Haven or a Prison? -
Durdona says "Thank you." as the presence diminishes.
Then she turns turns toward Lord Valdemar. "I did thank you."
She studies the older gentleman for a moment."I had a visitor. Someone to keep me safe. Can you tell me about them? And what can I expect today?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Violetta responds, "We will do great things my Brother. I promise you that. I am sure that the appearance of this ancient in the body of another is what caused us to fail, or perhaps forced us to compromise that it not gain control of our Clan.
I shall take my leave now and arrange this meeting". She curtsies and does just that.
"My thanks and yes, 'Talisman' made things interesting, and not to our benefit I fear." He watches her go, then waits. If Francois can no longer hear her, then she might truly be gone so when he speaks
Francois turns back to you after she leaves, "We need to mention you. Knowing your usefulness is what will perhaps allow us to keep you here.Your task before the Council comes to session once more is to seek our Clanmate known as the Artist, having her wish you here is the second piece of the portrait that we must paint for Narses. My understanding is that with the banishment of the Giovanni, there are a few more Cainites that Narses would allow to stay, it is one of these vacancies that we must petition to allow you to remain".
"I Have to wonder if I am useful to my sister in blood, though I am sure she will do well for herself she may not be as interested in keeping me here as you and thus raising Helene's ire. For now, I suspect she has Helen's favor but would she spend that collateral upon me? I do not know." He shrugs "I hope I have not , at least, offended Violetta. I am sure I have offended Helene." Wry, then "The artist, she is a hard one to know, truly dedicated to her craft, where I am a patron and dabbler in music and song. How do you think I could win her protection or at least support?"
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
"I thank you for the detailed explanation. Of course, it's in your own best interest that I am prepared for my role, but your patience in teaching me is appreciated."
Franz reaches for the table and sips of the wine. Not that he wanted to drink it...he had learned what happened then...but he could still appreciate the taste, the smell...leaving it in the mouth for a bit, then spitting it back out.
"Leadership and Serfdom are in the very nature of man. The vast majority of them are made to serf. Most of them accept their role in society. Those who do not, without fail, cause disaster. Of those who are destined to be leaders, they will gravitate towards such roles, regardless of what they want or what their birthright is. It is only fitting, then, that such would be true for this society as well. If we are the embodiment of leadership, it seems only natural that we should take up the responsibility to lead our brethren. I always desired power. Not because of petty reasons or childish dreams, but because it was calling out to me. It is in my nature - seeing my ambitions come to fruition in such a way - I am indebted to you for that alone. I shall make sure to both heed your advice, and make sure I can present to you a political landscape and tactical position I will be proud of the next time we meet after your departure."
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
“ Ah it seems that an idea has occurred to me. As always thank you for the conversations as it sparks my creativity. I should get dressed so we can go to the conclave this night. “
Michele will then rush around a bit to get ready to leave.
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Ca'Sagredo Hotel - Tremere Chantry -
Veronica will stealthily follow the mysterious cloaked figure...
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Palazzo Abadessa -
Luca gives her a soft grin, as much as one as he could manage.
"Our fates are not tied together. You may go as you wish. Me...I will most likely move to someplace smaller, quieter, where there will be people I can depend on. There is also my family who knows nothing of what has changed in me, I should make sure they're taken care of before I wander too far."
"What will you do?"
Venice by Night - Friday March 28, 1309
Greetings Inn -
Trembling, Einar pulls himself to his feet. Face drawn and haggard, hair plastered with sweat, beard covered in spittle, and his clothes and armor seemingly hanging more loosely on him then they had a half hour before. The only strength that remained to him was in his eyes, locked on Vykos.
Despite the apparent strength of his gaze, his mind was almost completely numb, in contrast to - and in no small part a result of - the wracking pain that still echoed through his body, from the tips of his fingers to the center of his heart.
To walk... amongst the gods...?
”Is that what you are, Vykos?” he croaks, voice hoarse. ”A god?” His head bobbling as if his neck can barely support it, he turns his eyes about the filthy room and Vykos's motley entourage. The living shells of men and women, listless and vacant-eyed; the hideous Szlachta, monstrous yet somehow pitiable; and finally the treacherous Dragan, who led him here expecting to watch him die a coward and a fool. He smirked to see the wretch cowering on the floor like a beaten dog at the heel of its master.
Why not?
”You’re right.” His gaze returns to Vykos. ”I have earned it.”
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"Soon my dear.
First, you must nourish yourself. This means supping on the blood of the living. You must master your Beast, that which resides in the pit of your stomach, that which we must all wrestle with. Your task is simple, take enough to assuage your hunger but no so much as to slay the vessel. Do you understand"?
Venice by Night – Saturday March 29, 1309
the Khadaji Household –
Alessandro opens and then closes his mouth in surprise.
"I do. Indeed I do.
The night Sir Martin was... lost to you, was the same night that many good men who worked for me were slain by villains of the Giovanni family. Beings who trek with the supernatural.
I believe I have an idea as to what may have happened to Sir Baldemar. Tell me, what do you know of these "demonic" forces?"