Geoffroi ponders aloud
“I know they are bankers and morticians. Do you feel they are involved with these fiends?”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"If you truly love your Beloved you will let her live her own life and let it fade away as God intended.
If you simply cannot bear to witness that, have another Embrace her. I would recommend Rafael. He would do it for a price, but what price is not worth paying for true love?"
As you have seen tonight, the bond between Sire and Childer can be... tense even in the best of circumstances. Mix that with the passion of true love and it the relationship destined for heartache.
I will do what I can but I would ask the Artisan to look after her as well for she shall be here while I may not for some time.
Nothing else do you desire as I take my leave Childe?"[/b]
A grim look, saddened, "You give me much to ponder, where my wife is concerned. I had not considered Rafeal, perhaps it is something to consider if only to mend bridges. I thank you." Then he ponders "You ask what else I desire. Very well, tell me, what do you think I SHOULD ask you for? What am I missing?"
Maria gets up from the bed and walks over to the closet where her red gown is being kept.
She gathers it in her arms and brings it back to the bed before taking off her wimple, letting her long brown hair fall out. She then starts walking behind the nearby changing screen to get out of the rest of her habit. "Some assistance with the gown's corset would be appreciated, certainly."
"Miss Acqua?"
Veronica smiles at her modesty...
"So we're you really a nun? Or is that outfit just used to making hunting easier?"
"Admittedly, I never became a nun." Maria says behind the changing screen. She changes out of her black habit and hangs it over the top of the screen. "I was only a lay sister."
"Of course, that distinction tends to be lost on angry, bitter young men with swords..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
"He spoke of teaching me rituals once I had some background in the occult. Obviously he wants me to owe him something of some sort as he did not mention any payment. He also spoke of the failures of our line but did not delve into it as to tease me I suppose. He must be more dangerous then I can imagine just based on his tongue.
Talisman was guarded by to strangely twin like humans or some type of humans. He said that he will not leave, that this is where he shall rise once more. He mentioned that he died twice and has memories of many other deaths. If this will be the place where it must all come to an end, so be it.
He called you his long time friend then paused for a great while seemingly conflicted as to how to continue.
Then he said that Katriana was his. He gave you two nights to return her to him. If he does not receive her by then, then he will consider you his enemy. He told me to tell you to search your memories to remember just how well his own enemies fare. Then je offered me his blood- which I declined and left.
"Admittedly, I never became a nun." Maria says behind the changing screen. She changes out of her black habit and hangs it over the top of the screen. "I was only a lay sister."
"Of course, that distinction tends to be lost on angry, bitter young men with swords..."
"That is why I chooses a profession that allowed me to defend myself and...be independent.
"Well, I wasn't always a lay sister." Maria slides a long, white gown down behind the changing screen and starts to change into it.
"...I turned to the Church because someone tried to kill me while I was working."
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
Einar squats down between the two and gives a sniff. Seems like somebody with a taste for blood's been through here recently. He grabs the bottle as he stands back up and takes a long pull, nodding his satisfaction as it burns down his throat.
"This seems a versatile spirit - good for drinking, polishing your armor, or poisoning your enemies. Care to try?" He holds the bottle out to Morosini, an encouraging grin on his face.
"Well, I wasn't always a lay sister." Maria slides a long, white gown down behind the changing screen and starts to change into it.
"...I turned to the Church because someone tried to kill me while I was working."
"Well that is a occupation hazard...though I had some powerful clients...that always helps. Who tried to kill you?"
Maria comes around from behind the screen, changed into the white underdress.
"Someone who apparently couldn't reconcile his own desires with his faith in God, and chose to exercise his frustration in the most destructive way possible." Maria walks over to the dress. "Suffice to say, I stabbed him and fled."
"Could you help me into this, please?" She motions to the dress. "The corset's a bit of a struggle to deal with."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Sequestered in Darkness -
Durdona nods in understanding and finds herself standing alone in the night air of Venice. She straightens her shoulders, and looks around for a likely person to ask about the location of the Greetings Inn.
Padua
Bernardo holds up a finger as if to stop Einar from drinking and then just figures he will learn to mix it with blood. we need to get rid of these bodies with the evidence. Do you happen to have a couple of large sacks?
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
Despite his imbibing, the Viking does not throw up!
Maria comes around from behind the screen, changed into the white underdress.
"Someone who apparently couldn't reconcile his own desires with his faith in God, and chose to exercise his frustration in the most destructive way possible." Maria walks over to the dress. "Suffice to say, I stabbed him and fled."
"Could you help me into this, please?" She motions to the dress. "The corset's a bit of a struggle to deal with."
Veronica starts to help Maria into her corset and dress...
"Well if you want to destroy this man...if he still lives...I will gladly help. Men like that need to be made a example of."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
The Mausoleum -
"The rest of what Doctor? This is what we are! We are death that mocks life. Why should we conform to the boundaries of the living.
You know you want me and I know I want you. It is both natural and unnatural simultaneously. Explore with me".
She remains paused looking deep into your eyes awaiting approval to continue.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji-
As you approach House Khadaji you find that the gated entrance is guarded by two well armed men. Neither is Italian, you'd say from England if you had to guess.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji-
You wake up in the evening knowing that tonight Alyssa plans to leave and inform her Sire and Mithras what has transpired. Of her failure to secure Mithras what is his rightful position atop the leadership of Clan Ventrue.
She fears what punishment her failures may bring.
Is it that fear or the fact that you will merely miss her that brought you to seek agreement with the Knights the prior night? Can you convince her to stay and play the part of "Sorceress". Can she even fix Baldemar's memories? Do you truly want her to?
Certainly you feel an obligation to the man after you saw how he suffered at the hands of Can Giovanni. You also wonder why Jurgen made the decision to erase his memory when it seemed that the Lord would choose Baldemar for the Clan.
At that moment, Alyssa stirs beside you, "My Love, you are awake before me? Are you, anxious about my trip?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew turns to his companions, "Meet me by tha' bar. I'll be a bit".
The slender man appears off put, "We've not seen ye' in weeks Lord o' Moray and yet ya' put us off after askin' err assistance?"
"Indulge me mah quirks as'n yeh have fer tha' las' few weeks Aodhan".
Aodhan grimaces, "Tarry not long then eh?" He and the other armed man head down the stairs.
Andrew then steps into your room and takes a look around settling by the window to look out and turns back towards you, "So, yer the Prince's youngest Childe eh? Coming ta' this political game late in its progression. That happenstance err planned by yerself?"
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
"I am not sure Sir Geoffroi. I get a feeling of uneasiness looking at this place. Perhaps it is their role as morticians that reminds me of how close to death recent events may bring us.
Whilst we do God's work the purity of those works seems tainted by the subject matter with which we are confronted by. While certainly I have believed in the Devil in his many forms I did not think to face them so directly".
The wagon rattles past and a bit past 1 pm, you arrive at the...
Way of Kings Inn
The Inn by day is quite busy. Plenty of foreigners going in and out to eat and no doubt play local politics. The mood though is one of apprehension. With the City now ex-communicated should these diplomats leave or stay?
At least those are the conversation snippets you hear as you enter.
A small group discusses the fighting at Ferrara as if they just left and as the only Italians present, they may well have.
Baldemar shakes his head, "Venice plays wars at sea not on land, she may well regret this error in defying the Pope. Of course, the Pope is no friend to you and yours in the present day and he certainly seems much more political than any Pope ought to be. His concerns should be for the Kingdom of the Heavens not the Kingdoms of men, at least not Kingdoms where God fearing Catholics are its rulers".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji- Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano's eyes narrow a bit at the site of well armed guards. He scrunches his nose a bit at the nuisance. He shakes his head and decides to try and climb over the gate a bit down from the men instead of breaking his hidden presence and speaking to them openly.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"An interesting question my Childe. My thoughts at your ah.. age, were of origins of our kind. But then I am a philosopher and writer embraced in a time where politics were static.
Alexander, the same Ventrue that appeared in this city seeking the Ventrue Council seat, was the Prince of Paris. The War of the Princes had yet to begin.
The politics of the Long Night were long established. Rome's power had waned by Constantinople and its Dream had not yet perished in the fires of the Fourth Crusade. Certainly there was always conflict among the Cainites but most of that conflict was local in nature. The Tremere were still a mere Bloodline.
My Sire is an ancient, I have not seen her since before the War of the Princes. She never imparted enough to me or at least I could never get enough of her. She was once fabled to be the world's most beautiful woman and I believe it to be true, I still have seen nothing more beautiful than her in my Centuries of existence..."
His eyes become glassy for a moment, "What were we talking about my Childe?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
"Yes, be wary of him my Childe. He is one who gives our Clan a bad name. Michael invited him to Byzantium to literally be the snake in his Eden for a reason.
Ah he still has the Twins. My understanding is that he believes he can Embrace more than one Mortal at once and he still is holding onto them to attempt to do just that.
Katriana is... dangerous. As is her Hunter Brother. I have been contemplating giving her back to him and asking them to flee the city. I have also been contemplating simply killing her. I have also contemplated finding the most wretched of the Nosferatu and forcing it to Embrace her.
For the first time in my existence I am at a loss. My greatest success has been bringing our Clan into this Camarilla. Then disaster. Sebastian has reappeared from thin air. My Sire has escaped when I was sent her to use my contacts in the Camarilla to apprehend him. Then K'haytal re-emerges. It was his Final Death that placed me in the lofty position that I have found myself in the Fire Court. His re-appearance, an unmitigated disaster..."
He sighs, "Perhaps we are cursed. If only Lady Amisa had been simply destroyed instead of passing her Blood, so full of failure, to us her Bloodline".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
After walking away from Elysium you find a young Italian man to ask. He grins widely at you, "Signora', that place has been closed for almost a month now. I sense they are out of business.
I believe the daughter is marrying a Scion of one of the Noble families of Venice so perhaps he no longer needs the ducats?
I can show you to this place if you like, it was never a place that I drank as I much preferred the Ubriaco Marinaio which is still open. Perhaps I can buy you a drink there..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
The power of the blood allows you to scale the fence with ease.
There are four ways of ingress to the House proper. The first the front doors which are also guarded by two armed men. The second a patio door which has no armed guards. The back door which has a single armed guard. Finally, a balcony on the second floor which overlooks the Sea.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji - Vitaliano da Riva
After scaling the gate proves to be no difficult feat, Vitaliano's confidence only grows in the difference between drinking the blood of a human versus drinking the blood of a Vampire. He walks around the House, stalking his target before he sees the second story balcony unattended. This made for the best possible engress that would not be guarded from the inside as well.
He practically jumped at the chance to scale up to the balcony carefully and unseen.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
You scale the balcony with little trouble using the design of the house and the few vines growing to do so quickly and efficiently.
The balcony is sizable and provides a terrific view of the Sea. Its dark waves crash into the city and roll back out, much the same as they have since the time that Narses claimed the city several centuries ago.
The balcony has a table and four comfortable chairs. Double glass doors which are closed lead within. Thick curtains are drawn obscuring you view of whoever may be inside.
Maria sucks in a breath of air as Veronica tightens the corset around her.
"He can't hurt me anymore. I think the humiliation of being stabbed by a..." She pauses, trying to find the right words. "...lady of the night, that he failed to kill, was punishment enough."
...and the fifth commandment is 'thou shalt not kill'.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano moved up to the doors and took a deep breath to calm himself, though the action was unnecessary. He carefully attempted to open the door without causing noise.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Savio bows slightly and addresses his guest.
"That is correct, please let me formally introduce myself, I am Savio Ingannatore of House Lasombra, childe of Prince Narses. Thank you for accepting my invitation. I have been away on political assignment in Ferrara for some time, so ,yes, I come to the game late. An involuntary game. "
"Please excuse my ignorance, as you have recognized me, but I not you. Might I have the honor of your name?"
"Please accept my apology for behavior in the Hall. I have no enemies that I know of, but being the Prince's childe has put a target on my back before. The suddenness of the situation got the better of my manners. "
Savio pauses and looks his guest over.
"I have a task that I am compelled to complete, and I do not have the resources to know where to start. I would like to propose an exchange of services Quid Pro Quo. It is matter that requires utmost discretion. "
Savio pauses to collect his thoughts.
I don't even know this Cainite, but the way he handled confrontation makes him seem genuine....
"I understand if you want no part of this, since you know naught of me. Say the word and I will part ways with you graciously. However, the way you handled yourself in the hall leads me to believe you are genuine, which I find a rarity theses days, and an ally worth having."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
The Mausoleum -
Lorenzo struggles with urges he thought dead with the passing of his wife before averting his gaze from Lydia once again.
"You may feed more if you like, but my refusal to do anything further has nothing to do with you...or any desires I have." he says essentially admitting that Lydia's beliefs are true.
"Simply my reasons for choosing this path of undeath are why I can not do as you wish."
Maria sucks in a breath of air as Veronica tightens the corset around her.
"He can't hurt me anymore. I think the humiliation of being stabbed by a..." She pauses, trying to find the right words. "...lady of the night, that he failed to kill, was punishment enough."
...and the fifth commandment is 'thou shalt not kill'.
"I am not thinking about you but all of those poor ladies of the night he might victimize. Just give me his name...I will take care of it. You need not get involved."
At that moment, Alyssa stirs beside you, "My Love, you are awake before me? Are you, anxious about my trip?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji-
Alessandro lets out a sigh, or rather he would have. He remembered what it would have felt like and was comforted. "My Love, would you do for me one last favor, before you go? I need a Sorceress. I need... you."
Sir Baldemar suffers from memory loss, and I imagine it is not of the natural sort. It was a strategic move, no doubt. What did Lord Jurgen have to gain?
The man is a survivor, but I believe he needs an ally at this juncture. The reason for which his memory was taken and the memories themselves could prove useful. Perhaps, it may be used at leverage against Mithras' rivals. I don't know.
He then turns to look okay her, adoringly. And, truth be told... I am concerned how Mithras will react to the news, and will miss you dearly until your return.
Perhaps, this favor will keep you with me one more night. Please. Tenderly, he kisses her brow.
Maria winces a bit as the corset is finally tied up.
"...his name was Vincento Rosselini." She smoothes down the sides of her dress. "A man of grey eyes and dark hair. I remember he was quite fond of his beard--greying though it was."
"He was connected to the Church in some way--he never told me how. He never went anywhere without his golden crucifix on his person."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
"An interesting question my Childe. My thoughts at your ah.. age, were of origins of our kind. But then I am a philosopher and writer embraced in a time where politics were static.
Alexander, the same Ventrue that appeared in this city seeking the Ventrue Council seat, was the Prince of Paris. The War of the Princes had yet to begin.
The politics of the Long Night were long established. Rome's power had waned by Constantinople and its Dream had not yet perished in the fires of the Fourth Crusade. Certainly there was always conflict among the Cainites but most of that conflict was local in nature. The Tremere were still a mere Bloodline.
My Sire is an ancient, I have not seen her since before the War of the Princes. She never imparted enough to me or at least I could never get enough of her. She was once fabled to be the world's most beautiful woman and I believe it to be true, I still have seen nothing more beautiful than her in my Centuries of existence..."
His eyes become glassy for a moment, "What were we talking about my Childe?"
Ranerius realizes that his sire may...has Helen enforced her will upon him in some way? "You were giving me advice on where to keep my eye and guard raised. I thank you for the lesson. I have no more questions, Sire."
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
”Sacks? No.” Einar takes another swig from the bottle. ”If you’re going to sort out these two, I’d best continue my search. We can meet back at the campus square an hour before dawn to prepare our report for the Prince.”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto - Michele Querini
"What did Lady Amisa do?"
"Is there a way to give Katrina back to Talisman and send the brother after Talisman? If Talisman destroy the brother and the other hunters that is not a bad thing and he has gotten her back. From what I can see and heard from you there is hardly any way they can kill Talisman. "
Padua
Bernard takes a closer look to ensure no marks are left and says one cannot leave behind evidence but these two will wake with nothing but a story. I continue the search with you.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
”Very well.” Einar thinks a moment, then hunches back down and flips the cloaks off the two inebriates before giving each a long sniff, trying to pick out any distinctive scents beyond the alcohol reek. Once done he replaces the cloaks and stands.
”Let’s get back to it.”
Maria winces a bit as the corset is finally tied up.
"...his name was Vincento Rosselini." She smoothes down the sides of her dress. "A man of grey eyes and dark hair. I remember he was quite fond of his beard--greying though it was."
"He was connected to the Church in some way--he never told me how. He never went anywhere without his golden crucifix on his person."
I will take care of it." She pauses looking Maria up and down,"You are very beautiful."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
As you check the door to see if it is locked you find out that it indeed is locked and hear a voice within!
Sir Baldemar suffers from memory loss, and I imagine it is not of the natural sort. It was a strategic move, no doubt. What did Lord Jurgen have to gain?
The man is a survivor, but I believe he needs an ally at this juncture. The reason for which his memory was taken and the memories themselves could prove useful. Perhaps, it may be used at leverage against Mithras' rivals. I don't know.
And, truth be told... I am concerned how Mithras will react to the news, and will miss you dearly until your return.
Perhaps, this favor will keep you with me one more night. Please."
You can read the rest of the exchanges for Alessandro Khadaji unless they hear you or you interrupt.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alyssa sighs, "My Love, if Lord Jurgen erased his memory it may be to spare the man or it may be to preserve the Silence of the Blood. You know that all Ventrue are Embraced willingly only. I do not believe it would be wise to tamper with the man's mind".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"I am Andrew, Lord of Moray. My friend call me Andrew the Hardy on account o' my livin' through some grievous battle injuries.
No apologies necessary Savio, tensions err high an yer a new face easy fer me ta recognize whereas ya may no have known me from a sea o faces las' night.
Exchange eh? I am fer tha', my best work has been in tha' service fer others. Tha' Lord works in mysterious ways, tell me, what is it ye seek an how can I help ye?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
The Mausoleum -
She remains still in the way that the dead and only the dead can do, even as one of the dead yourself the stillness is a bit unnerving, "And what are those reasons my Lord?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Francois smiles as if remembering something wonderful, "I am sorry my Childe, when I think of her, the face that launched a thousand ships it is difficult to think of much else.
Be wary of the Setites for they have a way of wooing our kind with beauty and experiences.
Be wary of the Lasombra for those who dwell in the shadows of the night itself are too close to darkness for my taste.
Be wary finally of the Malkavians, let their madness not infect you rational mind.
Go now, do what must be done. I take my leave this night. Violetta will remain behind as she is to be elected Justicar tomorrow night so for the time being you will have her as your Ally".
He stand, picks up his own travel bags and departs for Paris.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
San Cassiano Residenza d'Epoca Ca' Favretto -
"She failed. Her Sire, Count Jocalo bid her to infiltrate Clan Nosferatu utilizing the Mark of Set upon her Childe, my Sire, Fahdi. He failed and she failed. She was given the punishment and he the chance to redeem the line. He then failed as well...
I fear giving Katriana back to him will only encourage him to speed up his resolve to Embrace her. She must not become a Cainite again.
Still, your idea has some merit, what if we find a way to send Sergei after them. While he cannot slay Talisman, he can certainly slay his sister. I shall have to ponder how that can be done without placing ourselves in direct involvement and without letting the Prince know that we have had contact with the Hunters..."
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
Einar allows his nose to lead him as best it can to track the scent of the blood of these two and the alcohol they were imbibing.
He loses the scent in the middle of the cobblestoned streets of Padua. So many Mortals walking about even this late at night with so many scents of alcohol at once confound the senses. The Mortals seem to instinctively give these two dangerous men, especially the Viking, a wide berth.
As Einar scans the area spinning in a circle and sniffing at the air, two figures step into the streets and approach. One male and tall his face old and wizened but his demeanor gives off an air of authority. The other is shorter and female, dressed as a female Saracen would.
The man frowns, "I do not appreciate being followed but I do appreciate the skill which you two demonstrate in so doing. Instead of wasting time, let us speak".
After he speaks you can feel the power of his will ever so slightly intensify. The Mortals on the street, as if in response, begin to leave and those who intended to come this way choose a different route leaving the four of you alone.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
The Streets of Venice -
Geoffroi tarrys in the common room a bit. He leans over to Baldemar
“Let us take a cup of grappa to wash the dust from our mouths. i would like to sample the news in this room before we head on”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alessandro, give me a Perception+Alertness check DC 6 - 3 successes required.
Alessandro smiles, considering her arguments. Or, Sir Baldemar had witnessed something damning... honestly, that term had lost its teeth... Something that's speaks I'll of Jurgen, his Sire like perhaps a connection to the Giovanni.
Aside from conspiracy theories, does a veteran not deserve the choice of how he faces the trials of his own life? Is that not dignity? I would not wish the fate he faces if we do not help him.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
The Mausoleum -
Calmly, Lorenzo responds, "To bring my beloved Constancia back from across the veil and back to the lands of the living. She is the reason I have chosen this path, to gain access to the unholy powers possessed by our kind - Clan Cappadocian in particular."