Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You walk the streets of Venice finding the Mortals much less volatile then the past several night but there are still some dark looks in your direction. No fires (thank God) and no naked steel drawn. Some arguing but no shouting.
The streets are calm but all is not as well as you are used to seeing from your fellow residents. All this for a city-state to the North that might as well be a world away.
Dock workers mill about grumbling instead of unloading as shipping is still at a halt, after all, if other cities will simply seize Venetian goods, why should they be sent anywhere?
Finally you arrive at the Elysium which is rumored to be the Artiste's studio, the building has no sign to indicate its intended purpose. It is located along the warehouses near the waters of the Sea. The second floor has a shoddy balcony that overlooks the Sea itself, several torches light the night but are contained enough that you do not feel nervous near them, especially ensconced so firmly upon the walls of the building.
Outside several Mortals loiter and banter back and forth though their subject matter is art and not politics, a reprieve from the tensions of the city.
One of the men looks in your direction, "Can I help you Signore'?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alyssa answers, "Il Corvo? Sounds Spanish to me. Perhaps an agent of the Toreador Rafael? Or perhaps a Lasombra?
Simon is still missing? Hmmm, I wonder if this Petradon decided to murder a rival, that would be an unusual move for the Nosferatu though, they generally are marked by solidarity among their kind.
A fey? An actual fey? We have heard rumors of them in the Isles but they generally stay out of Cainite affairs. How can you know for sure this being is a fey?
A Saracen Amin? Haji? Alessandro, are these names familiar to you?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
The Mausoleum -
Lorenzo holds up a hand and waves dismissively at the gondola driver. "No, no, my good man. I am fine, just too many long nights with not enough sleep. I will be fine. Thank you for your concern though."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
You walk the streets of Venice finding the Mortals much less volatile then the past several night but there are still some dark looks in your direction. No fires (thank God) and no naked steel drawn. Some arguing but no shouting.
The streets are calm but all is not as well as you are used to seeing from your fellow residents. All this for a city-state to the North that might as well be a world away.
Dock workers mill about grumbling instead of unloading as shipping is still at a halt, after all, if other cities will simply seize Venetian goods, why should they be sent anywhere?
Finally you arrive at the Elysium which is rumored to be the Artiste's studio, the building has no sign to indicate its intended purpose. It is located along the warehouses near the waters of the Sea. The second floor has a shoddy balcony that overlooks the Sea itself, several torches light the night but are contained enough that you do not feel nervous near them, especially ensconced so firmly upon the walls of the building.
Outside several Mortals loiter and banter back and forth though their subject matter is art and not politics, a reprieve from the tensions of the city.
One of the men looks in your direction, "Can I help you Signore'?"
My beautiful city it is under such pressures he sighs, then hearing of the talk of art, he smiles a bit [I]And yet, beauty is appreciated even in hard times. When asked the question, he says "God's peace be upon you, friend. My name is Ranerius Bernerius, and I seek to pay my respects to a certain lady here. Lovely as a rose, is she."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
The rook... How are these individuals connected to Simon? What have they done? I seem to be missing pieces of this puzzle.
Haji is an honorific, not a name per se. Perhaps a monicker or nickname.
Amin... is a very common name. I'd be surprised if you came across any group of Moslems and one of them was not named Amin. It means devout.
Alessandro is intrigued.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji - Vitaliano Da Riva & Alessandro Khadaji
Vitaliano looked a bit intrigued that they would continue to pander and speak with him once the conversation turned away from him. He smiled and nodded to their advice and curiosities.
"They are not connected to Simon, at least the men that concern and revolve around your own situation. Fate wove me into their meeting that evening while I was searching for this man named Haji."
He shrugged a bit at finding out that Amin was a common name "There are not many of their faith or lands in our current. I merely took care of a man named Amin and recognized the names as sharing a common heritage, hence my only lead to find this one handed Haji." he said as confused as they were.
He addressed Alyssa's questioning of the fey. "I still of course cannot be so sure, I assume there are those who could invade my mind with the images they desire to confuse and or trick me themselves. However, I found this fey while attempting to find Simon. They revealed their true form to me once he had lead me into his Glade. It was truly a beautiful sanctuary inside a horrid and hard cityscape." he offered as answer. He then proceeded to best describe the fey's true form to her.
"I'm afraid I'm not overtly knowledgeable of the Fey, despite being knowledgeable enough to enter business with a clan of Nosferatu while I was a cattle myself still. But, the Nosferatu despite their appearances are men and women of their word from what I've witnessed, I rather welcome their company at times...after all, I can always close my eyes if the sight repulses me too much." he offered starting to ramble off.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alessandro looks nearly confused as he tries to follow the flowering conversation.
I will try to be more specific. This One-Handed Haji... How What has he done? Why do you hunt him?
Padua
Bernardo understands he is being dismissed yet he has a task so he presses once more.
be a good guest in another's home Signore. If you find yourself unable to attend your host at least then give his messanger your names that he may bring them forward on your behalf and tell me where you intend to be and I shall attempt then to being you back your hosts words in return.
Then Bernardo pricks his own finger with his claw which hurts like mad and lets a drip of his blood fall on the man's shoe and saying as he holds his hands yet hidden.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Greetings Inn -
"That's too bad. I was hoping to see inside. Thank you for showing me here. You wanted to go somewhere else I believe? Shall we?" She makes note of location.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
The young man beams with a smile and leads you by the arm to Ubriaco Marinaio where he proceeds to buy you a bottle of wine and attempts to romance you.
Only a few weeks ago you may have even been smitten by this pretty young man, now just looking at him makes you hungry and not for the tortellini he is ordering.
He drones on and all you can think about is your next move.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
The Gondalier looks at Lydia and winks, "Understood Signore' I will bring you to a place that has wonderful food and drink!"
After a twenty minute ride to the greater canals the man stops off at a stairwell near an Inn you've been to before, Greeting Inn. The place is boarded up now, oddly enough or perhaps not too oddly.
The Gondalier points to another nearby place, Ubriaco Marinaio.
Lydia saunters in that direction with you in tow. Looking back the man is staring at Lydia with desire. She though pulls you through the door and begsin to scan the room. This place is full of, life.
Mortals eating, drinking and laughing. Seeming not to be worried about the political unrest of the past few days.
The place also houses the living embodiment of death, the Assamite Fledgling, Durdona Checheg, is seated with a young man at the bar...
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man smiles at you and bats his eyes, "Yes, the Rose is indeed here tonight. Have you business with her?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alyssa looks thoughtful as she waits for Vitaliano to respond to Alessandro's latest question.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
As Bernardo drops his arm he suddenly feels pressure in his back. The woman who was in front of him is now behind him! The pressure is right where an object would enter his heart through his back.
The tall old man frowns, "Tell me Gangrel, do you still wish my name or has the information provided been enough for you to convince your Prince that some juice is not worth the squeeze? My paramour is never pleased when someone defies my plain speaking. I would advise against incurring her wrath. Or mine".
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Lorenzo leans and whispers to Lydia, "It would seem that we are not the only ones of our kind here this evening." with a subtle gesture toward the Assamite.
Lorenzo looks and feels horribly out of place as he takes in the jovial mass of humanity. "Definitely more of my brother's tastes."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Lydia whispers back, "Is she new? I do not remember seeing her at the Conclave?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man smiles at you and bats his eyes, "Yes, the Rose is indeed here tonight. Have you business with her?"
"If we mean the same Artisian, then I have business that I believe will be of interest to her." He nods
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"She has been here for a while. Childe of El Cid, if I remember correctly, since taken under the wing of Narses." Lorenzo responds.
Maria finally finds her voice after waiting in the cold dark of Venice.
"So, how did you meet Doctor Criatas?"
Maria finally finds her voice after waiting in the cold dark of Venice.
"So, how did you meet Doctor Criatas?"
Veronica shrugged her shoulders,"Not much of a story really...My Mistress wanted his vote so she sent me to talk to him. So I did..." She pauses," My Mistress does not have great people skills which is why she turned me."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
She smiles and giggles at the man for a while. I need to wait for the streets to get a little emptier before I try to move on her mission. Might as well use him for a little while. "You would have been such a nice man to know before." she says quietly, and gives him a shy smile.
When an hour or two goes by, she'll do her best to extricate herself from the young man, and head back to the Greetings Inn. She'll look for a side or back entrance.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
Einar blinks and the woman is behind Morosini.
Padua
You are obviously elders who want to keep your business to yourself Bernardo says. I will be departing now having done my duty. I hope you find your stay in Padua fruitful and that you will consider your host and the traditions of our kind and why they are in place.
Bernardo bows and will attempt to leave. As Bernardo passes Einar he will say I hope you know what you are doing. Come find me after sunset at the Dancing Gypsy.. Bernardo will attempt to leave a drop of blood on Einar as he leaves and go about his business leaving the way he came away from the three and back towards the princes tavern.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Private Villa - the Lido -
"No questions, Sire. I will need to learn to be comfortable doing this without relying on you holding my hand. I would rather try and see if I can find any answers I might need myself. Besides, I have Gustav with me tonight, if a question of a pressing matter comes up.. "
Franz waits until Lanzo dismisses him, then prepares to leave for Elysium with Gustav.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man smiles at you again then leads you inside. The building is a bit run down but the mural on the wall as you first walk in is impressive. It literally looks like a sunny field, the paints glint in the torchlight at just the right angles...
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Durdona, as you are looking for an exit from the tavern, you spot another Cainite here, Lorenzo Cappelli. He is arm in arm with a beautiful but dangerous looking woman. They are whispering and looking in your direction...
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Coming down the hall, interrupting your conversation is Dark Selina, "Ladies. How nice to see you both.
A pity your Sire was chosen Sister and not me but I suppose I should have expected that to be the case. He is older and more powerful than myself.
Still, I cannot help but feel cheated from a place that should have been mine. I will stay until tomorrow night to see whether Criatas shall bestow upon me any honors or titles. If not, I shall return to my own schemes.
What of your Mistress Veronica, does she believe that she will best this usurper this night?"
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
The Gangrel departs leaving you alone with the two Elders.
The woman returns to the Ventrue's side in the blink of an eye.
He approaches you whispering, "Who sent you Viking?"
---
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Gondola -
Soon enough you are headed towards Elysium with Gustav.
As you near Elysium he finally speaks, "While you are here, I shall set up a temporary haven within the city of Padua. I cannot remain there long as my Sire wishes me back in Berlin soon but even she will not demand me back yet.
Once you are settled in then I shall take my leave".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
"She seems confident that she will win the vote."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Gondola -
"I appreciate that, Gustav. I understand my circumstances are...unusual. Most fledglings, it seems, are watched closer and longer by their sires. The Accounting plays a role in that, certainly, but nonetheless, I feel honored by the trust placed in me. Having you near to help me get settled will be invaluable, I am certain.", he slightly bows his head to Gustav in a gesture of Respect.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
The man smiles at you again then leads you inside. The building is a bit run down but the mural on the wall as you first walk in is impressive. It literally looks like a sunny field, the paints glint in the torchlight at just the right angles...
"Magnificent ...would I had more time to admire," He admits before tearing his eyes away ... and if he saw the artist's mark, so much the better. And resumes following.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji - Vitaliano Da Riva & Alessandro Khadaji
Vitaliano looks at the two of them for a moment and pauses.
He then begins to rub his temples "Apologies, I thought I said. Some of these things get muddled in my thoughts. Haji...he is my prey but I don't know why. Simon, my friend, is missing. He felt unsafe and went to ground but even the visions of my blood cannot lead me to him. The Fey, he knows where Simon is and protects the information...to prove my sincerity, the Fey wishes for me to find this Haji and play a prank on him. I imagine it's not going to be pleasant for either myself or Haji and that I'll likely be attacked for tricking him but I must find Simon." he said trying to tell his quest in as plain and detailed as possible.
He looked to the others "He is one of my few allies from before I was even brought into the night and he is a valuable member of the Nosferatu." he said with conviction.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji - Vitaliano Da Riva & Alessandro Khadaji
Alessandro mulls the information over.
A genuine smile crossed his face. I do not know him well, Simon. But, from what I've seen and heard a decent fellow. I wish him well and will help you find him.
We will help each other.
Does the name 'Volkov" mean anything to you? There is a woman by that name... I hope to find her whereabouts.
Discretion is a must.
Feeling he may have overstepped, Alessandro looks to Alyssa.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Durdona, as you are looking for an exit from the tavern, you spot another Cainite here, Lorenzo Cappelli. He is arm in arm with a beautiful but dangerous looking woman. They are whispering and looking in your direction...
Durdona gives the other Cainite a look. She nods to him and decides to approach. She gives them both a curtsy, "Good Evening. I'm so disappointed this Inn is closed. Were you also trying to visit here? I'm afraid it looks as if it's been closed for months."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
"Good evening, Durdona. Nice to see you again." Lorenzo says in greeting. "We were on our way to the Greeting Inn, but were somewhat disappointed to see it boarded up. Am I to understand that Ubriaco Marinaio is closing now too?"
Looking around at the bustle of clientele, he says, "Seems rather open to me."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Dark Selina responds, "A talkative one eh?
Most Tremere seem to blubber on and on. Then most Tremere I have met are males, perhaps it is overinflated ego that makes them believe anyone wishes to hear them drone on.
I will be heading to Elysium now, do you both wish to accompany me or have you other things to do before you make your appearances?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium -
The Gondola arrives at Elysium and it appears that you and Gustav are the first to arrive.
Gustav disembarks and sends the Gondalier off to find another fare. He heads off of the docks and lingers near the front entrance.
The Ventrue Ancilla turns towards you, "The sheer amount of the power of the Blood brought to bear for these meetings is truly astounding. The Mortals smuggled in and their wills crushed for food sources. The wills of these boatmen altered for our ease of transport. Tis a shame that this Narses refused to become Ventrue..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
You move down the hall finding other works of art along the way but the entrance being the best of them all.
The hall contains several doors on the left of the building almost all closed. The one open contains a privy, which is not exactly pleasant smelling.
The last door you reach with the guide is ajar. He pushes it just far enough to stick his head in, "Rose, are you free?"
You hear the Artisan's voice respond, "That depends Pietro, what do you wish me to be free to do?"
He responds, "There is someone here to see you. a handsome young man". He turns back at you and winks.
The Artisan responds, "No, I have work to do tonight Pietro. Tell this man you want to impress to come back in a few days time".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Alyssa nods, "Your respect for your relationship with an Ally, a respect so profound that you would place yourself in bodily harm speaks volumes to me of your character Vitaliano.
This is the essence of what it means to be Ventrue. Doing what is right, at least what we believe is right, even if it is not popular or safe.
We shall indeed aid you in this.
Have you any idea why this fey would want the Haji?
Tell me were you a Ghoul prior to your Embrace?"
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Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Ubriaco Marinaio -
Lydia smiles at Durdona, "I think she meant Greetings Doctor. What is so interesting about a boarded up Tavern and Inn?"
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The City of Padua -
Einar notes Morosini’s blood but doesn't let his attention linger on it. Perhaps he has smell even keener than mine? Him being able to track me may not be a bad thing if my dealings with these two take a turn for the worse…
"Who sent you Viking?”
”Mi-Kail.” I think the less I say to these two the better!
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
The Prince of Padua's Known Elysium -
You appear before Prince Guilelmo tghe Mortals within still entranced in their rhythmic dances, "Twice in one evening and this time sans a Viking. More times in one night than I normally see you in a week Signore' Morosini. I trust you did not eat this Viking? I frown upon such behavior even for one who is not properly introduced without the formality of a Blood Hunt being called".
His flanking Cainites sing a dirge that gets the Mortals within to dance a bit more slowly, sorrowful looks upon their faces.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
The Ventrue nods, "That would be the correct name of what we are here for but not who sent you. Regardless, that is sufficient.
Shabah my dear, grab our things. I will escort this Vking to the outskirts of town at out agreed rendezvous point. From there he shall accompany us to the transport that I trust awaits us".
He walks with you down the streets briskly as she disappears completely from your sight.
The Mortals that come near, or even try to, seem to find anotehr direction to turn in allowing you both to leave Padua unimpeded. He is careful to walk where the crowds of Mortals will be lesser not greater as if he does not wish to cause a scene.
Once on the outskirts of town he stops and speaks, "I am Belisarius of Clan Ventrue. Childe of Antonius the Gaul. Childe of Ventrue. Childe of Enoch. Childe of Caine.
What is your name Viking and who is your Sire?"
Moments later the female, Shabah, appears from literally nowhere holding a few packs draped across her shoulder.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
A set of Scottish delegates discuss the fact that their ally Andrew, Lord of Moray, requested a meeting with them tonight here in the Way of Kings. You see Baldemar's eyebrows raise in surprise with that statement.
Geoffroi turns to Baldemar and whispers
“You know this man?”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Hotel Danieli -
Veronica says,"I will accompany you...I think we could have interesting things to talk about."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
You move down the hall finding other works of art along the way but the entrance being the best of them all.
The hall contains several doors on the left of the building almost all closed. The one open contains a privy, which is not exactly pleasant smelling.
The last door you reach with the guide is ajar. He pushes it just far enough to stick his head in, "Rose, are you free?"
You hear the Artisan's voice respond, "That depends Pietro, what do you wish me to be free to do?"
He responds, "There is someone here to see you. a handsome young man". He turns back at you and winks.
The Artisan responds, "No, I have work to do tonight Pietro. Tell this man you want to impress to come back in a few days time".
He dares to speak up, "I pray to God you reconsider, when a great project meant to amaze all Venice and not only to become history but guide history herself, there is no one else I would wish to lend vision to the stone, to guide us through a challenge unlike our kind has never seen but sorely need to match. Pardon this intrusion, but I implore you, but a moment of your time to consider if you truly wish to have some lesser hands on this opportunity?"
"I'll meet up with the both of you once Dr. Criatas has gotten ready."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
Michele will pause for a moment and without taking his eyes off of the brute's face he will reach into the folds of his clothing slowly. Michele pulls pulls out a handful of coins in a stack and plunks them down on the counter. "Perhaps then we should do this is in a different manner. Does that suit you better?"