Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Their talk, for now, apparently finished, Franz awaits the start of the meeting. He did not actually need to breath, but he was used to it nonetheless, and enjoyed the olfactory sensations it provided.
The slightly salty, cool breeze from the sea was...refreshing, in a way.
Standing silently near Gustav, and near the entrance, Franz watched as the others arrived - starting with the 2 Malkavians.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
After you both make excuses to have your allies and retainers stay at the Way of Kings, you begin the travel to Xing's hideaway.
Andrew leads you to the run down section of the city he referred to, it takes a Gondola and painfully slow walking to get there due to Andrew's bad leg which the Embrace did not correct.
He is affable and speaks of a man in this neighborhood who he knows and has assisted in partnering with to create a pipeweed farm.
Soon enough the building he speaks of looms before you both. The alleyways and the streets themselves are full of locals active at night. You assume many to be criminals or would be criminals. Having left your retainers behind only the swords both of you prominently display and your apparent lack of care at being in such a place keeps the wolves at bay.
Andrew enters the building paying no heed to these figures and takes to the stairs heading up to the fifth floor and finally arriving at a door. He knock on it, hard, "Xing, it do be Andrew and one o' yer kin come ta' pay a visit".
He turns back to you and whispers, "We canno' break in, she's wicked traps at tha' door an window that could way lay even us".
A female vice responds, "What is kin Lord Andrew?"
”My name is Savio Ingannatore of house Lasombra. I would like to speak with you if I may. Perhaps indoors away from prying ears?”
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
"Enter Knights. More grave news this day".
Sergei does not even turn towards you he stares at a wooden stake in his hand flipping it over and over again.
"You are sure Francois?"
The man nods , "I am sure Sergei".
“What grave news? This has been a dark night prior, but we have completed our task”
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Franz watches as yet another Gondola arrives through the mist on the lagoon, this one bearing the Brujah Dark Selina and the Tremere Fledgling Veronica.
Then the Gondola's begin to arrive in a flurry. More Cainites gather by the front door awaiting Elysium to open once more. Arriving last is Criatas and his new Childe Maria. Though there seem to be a few stragglers still missing.
The doors do indeed open soon enough and the Seneschal greets everyone with a nod, "Welcome, the final night of votes for the Inner Circle begins".
---
---
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
The place seems boarded up and abandoned. Lydia shrugs, "Are you sure this is the correct place dear? Seems abandoned to me. Certainly not a place for the god Doctor to get a bite".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"Someone else present within the city?
No. The Giovanni have fled and left their lair to their parent clan with whom you have already seem to have met. If the Prince is involved perhaps one of the Nosferatu will become involved though likely indirectly by monitoring the location.
I would check tonight if any present at Elysium will choose to stay now that this "Camarilla": is about to be fully formed. Perhaps you can find patronage from one of the other Clans. Regardless, I will support this effort even if others do not my dear. You have my blessing.
If there is nothing else, run along to the Conclave and report back to me any good gossip you hear". She smiles and turns to re-focus on her work.
Venice by Night - Saturday, March 29, 1309
Outside the City of Padua -
The Elder frowns, "Very well. I shall not punish your impudence as at its heart lies loyalty. A trait rare among our kind especially in the face of the Final Death.
Lead on and we shall follow".
Most of those who will be attending Elysium have arrived and entered. Do you want to continue to wait outside or enter as well?
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
House Khadaji -
Galeel agrees to check as he knows of no Amin personally. He shrugs at the idea of the dogs and nods.
Any spot would be a long shot, you can certainly attempt to locate the Nosferatu. You have an idea of a few spots where they may be located.
You head to local hangouts where you believe you could possibly find a contact. Your trip takes some time as the Mortals are a bit riled up, no fires and street fights as there were a few nights ago but you take the position that an angry mob and a lone Moslem are not a good mix in this volatile political climate.
You wait for some time but see and hear nothing.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
Despite his efforts to resist he smiles and replies, "A few nights ago. Christian must be protected so he went down into the hole. I don;t know much but I know he was in some sort of trouble so the People are protecting him until he feels better".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
After several long moments the door opens. The exotic looking Asian woman Xing opens the door.
"Enter".
After both you and Andrew have done so, she closes the door and resets one of the traps. The room is a mess, dirty, disorganized, some of the furniture is broken perhaps from a struggle?
"Honored member of my Clan, you are a Childe of the Prince yes? Thus related to me? Kin?"
Lord Andrew nods in agreement at the statement.
"A'h've been a bit worried about ye meself' Xing".
She does not respond to him but looks to you waiting for you to speak.
Venice by Day - Sunday March 30, 1309
Way of Kings Inn -
Sergei replies, "Francois has confirmed, the arch-enemy is here. I have waited over century for this day. I cannot let it slip through my grasp..."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
1309, Elysium
Onfroi steps off a Gondola from just around the corner with yet another new face until he enters Elysium where he allows himself to appear as he is and finds his way to the Nosferatu table once more.
Maria's walk is even, and perhaps a bit less nervous than before.
She follows Criatas to the Brujah table and takes a seat.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
the Studio of the Artiste -
"Someone else present within the city?
No. The Giovanni have fled and left their lair to their parent clan with whom you have already seem to have met. If the Prince is involved perhaps one of the Nosferatu will become involved though likely indirectly by monitoring the location.
I would check tonight if any present at Elysium will choose to stay now that this "Camarilla": is about to be fully formed. Perhaps you can find patronage from one of the other Clans. Regardless, I will support this effort even if others do not my dear. You have my blessing.
"This news delights me and gives me great hope in what we can accomplish... your skills are .. let us say I look forward to gazing at the result of it."
If there is nothing else, run along to the Conclave and report back to me any good gossip you hear".[/b] She smiles and turns to re-focus on her work.
"Good advice should not be ignored, I will head that way."
He will head to the Conclave hoping to find the Doctor, or if he is lucky, Onfroi yet. I have the artiste's blessing. That is gold.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
Lorenzo concentrates on the seemingly abandoned building, listening for anyone or anything beyond the door.
"It would seem that the building is not as abandoned as it would appear. I hear the movement of furniture and feet coming from within."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium -
Franz notes the interesting combination as the Brujah Dark Selina and the Tremere Fledgling arrive together.
Now just what exactly is their association...
As more and more arrive, he stands by, watching, replying politely to greetings and showing respect to those above his station.
After most of the stragglers arrived and the majority of Cainites transferred inside, he nods to his companion:"Let us head inside as well."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
"Ah thank you my friend as this is a great start. So where is this hole? "
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Taking to the areas beneath bridges and in certain spots in the canals you begin to search and speak to "yourself" looking for the Nosferatu.
After perhaps an hour, you finally discover one in the form of a disembodied voice, "You look like a crazy person taking to yourself pal. All that mumbling out requests to meet with us you must need one of us very badly.
You're one of the Ventrue right? Your Sire lost though, what are you still doing in Venice?"
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
Lydia nods, "Good ears my dear. Let's go in through the back way shall we? Too many prying Mortal eyes out front to do so. If this is boarded, it may be that the resident Cainite does not want snooping Mortals entering". She begins to go and look for a back entrance.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
"Wherever one is made, you're too banal to find it on your own, uh, friend".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
It takes enough time for everyone to settle that the stragglers such as Onfroi and Ranerius enter before the arrival of Narses.
The only Cainites not in attendance that were expected are the Setite Michele, Vykos, one of the Salubri, one of the Malkavians and Doctor Cappelli.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Prince Narses speaks, "This is the final night of the Conclave. ONce the votes are cast for Clans Malkavian, Tremere, and Nosferatu, only members of the Inner Circle and their Childer shall be invited back tomorrow night for our first official organized meeting.
If you are not a resident of this city or a member of the Inner Circle, you have by the end of the night to petition with my Seneschal Lord Valdemar to be granted leave to remain. If you fail to do so then I will conclude that you have no intention of staying and that you will return to your own Domains no later than Wednesday. I trust this is clear?"
The Prince scans the room and no one responds.
"As I see no reason to waste much time in making our final decisions, I invited Durga Syn to Elysium early tonight. She will once more ascend the stairs of Elysium to take the final votes of those assembled. Vote for all of the remaining Clans at the same time to speed up the process.
That will allow more time for the Seneschal to receive and for myself to consider any petitions for residency.
Any other matters outside of the final vote should wait until all votes are cast".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
The Prince turns towards Durga Syn who stands from the Malkavian table and heads up the stairs.
Lord Bajazet of the Assamites follows soon after. Once he retuns the Prince looks to Criatas. The Elder turns to his Childe, Maria.
"My dear, if you would attend me? I wish you to see Democracy in action". He stands taking your hand in his Maria.
"It would be my pleasure, Doctor." Maria gets up from the table to follow Criatas.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Franz Albert stands calmly, waiting for Clan Ventrues turn to vote.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Alessandro finds a place to settle, a bench, low wall or large outcropping. Whatever presents itself.
Looking for an imaginary friend, he was found... and now he's lost. I've lived my entire life in Venice, let's leave it at that.
I've come for help, or perhaps to offer it. Allies come in many forms, at the most unexpected times and in the strangest of places.
But, to cross that bridge of logic, to defy all that the world wishes to make of us... that takes Faith.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
Lorenzo follows, more than content to let Lydia handle finding a way in.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Outside Elysium - Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano sighed. Seeing the gondolas in full working load as they ferreted people back and forth. He was displeased to say the least with his own timing. But, these were things that happened. His schedule was filled heavily with things to do, but this was something that required his attendance to ensure things went smoothly for his future.
Once the gondolas had dropped their patronages off on the other side and finally made it back Vitaliano stepped out of the shadows and demanded on of the drivers to ferret him across as well.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
Durdona gives Lydia a slightly raised eyebrow. "There's someone inside. Can't you hear the footfalls and movement?" She knocks on the door.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
"Can you take me there or if not can you bring to one that can?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Prince Narses speaks, "This is the final night of the Conclave. ONce the votes are cast for Clans Malkavian, Tremere, and Nosferatu, only members of the Inner Circle and their Childer shall be invited back tomorrow night for our first official organized meeting.
If you are not a resident of this city or a member of the Inner Circle, you have by the end of the night to petition with my Seneschal Lord Valdemar to be granted leave to remain. If you fail to do so then I will conclude that you have no intention of staying and that you will return to your own Domains no later than Wednesday. I trust this is clear?"
The Prince scans the room and no one responds.
"As I see no reason to waste much time in making our final decisions, I invited Durga Syn to Elysium early tonight. She will once more ascend the stairs of Elysium to take the final votes of those assembled. Vote for all of the remaining Clans at the same time to speed up the process.
That will allow more time for the Seneschal to receive and for myself to consider any petitions for residency.
Any other matters outside of the final vote should wait until all votes are cast".
He notices those missing with some alarm, quiet alarm, best not to betray too much. The votes. Ah well, his Clan may have gone to the opposite of what he wished, but he does not clear him of his own votes If voting I will be allowed to do. Helene may have changed the rules. But I think I will. Thus I can perhaps help shape this towards unity as I dreamed. And my dreams are not as dead as I. Not yet.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
After several long moments the door opens. The exotic looking Asian woman Xing opens the door.
"Enter".
After both you and Andrew have done so, she closes the door and resets one of the traps. The room is a mess, dirty, disorganized, some of the furniture is broken perhaps from a struggle?
"Honored member of my Clan, you are a Childe of the Prince yes? Thus related to me? Kin?"
Lord Andrew nods in agreement at the statement.
"A'h've been a bit worried about ye meself' Xing".
She does not respond to him but looks to you waiting for you to speak.
Savio bows slightly, but never takes his eyes off Xing.
” Greetings, I am Savio Ingannatore, childe of Prince Narses, of clan Lasombra. I have sought you out at the Prince’s request to speak with you. “Savio gestures towards Lord Andrew.
“Lord Andrew has been kind enough to assist me in this, more out of concern for your well-being, than any coercion from me.”
Savio stands erect and regards the room, and Xing.
” But before we speak, are you in distress?”
Savio motions to the room with one hand and rests his other on his rapier.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
As he enters he gestures for you to sit across from the wizened Cainite. She grins, "Good evening Doctor".
He smiles back, "Durga Syn. Is this your last night to be present?"
"I believe so. Shall we get to it?"{/b]
He nods, [b]"Certainly. I bring my Childe here to see our interaction as she will soon need to meet in such cloistered rooms with her peers no doubt.
While I do not believe that these Clans should have representation, save Nosferatu. Having a say on their representative is not an opportunity that I will allow to slip through my fingers.
Clan Malkavian - I choose Antione le Fanu.
Clan Tremere - I choose Mistress Fanchon.
Clan Nosferatu - I choose Cristo Petradon".
Durga Syn nods, "Noted.
Tell me Sister have you an understanding of what your Sire and his peers seek to achieve?"
Criatas cocks his head at the question but does not intervene.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
As the Brujah head up, the Malkavian, Vitaliano, arrives. Antoine nods to his Childe. Lutz switches seats next to Vitaliano, "You know, I could use a man like you when I take my seat on the Inner Circle. What do you say? Any interest in defecting?"
He takes a seat at the Malkavian table, the room remains quiet and still as the Brujah are taking their sweet time with this vote.
---
Gustav leans into Franz who stands beside the Ventrue table, "Do you wish me to accompany you for your vote or do you wish to meet with the Ravnos alone".
---
Helene smiles at Ranerius, "Welcome my dear. Has your Sire left the city tonight? I know that de Corazon and his Childe have left".
---
At the Tremere table Mistress Fanchon turns to Radek, "When you lose, I shall declare you anathema. Were I you, I would flee now".
He shrugs, "When I win, I shall welcome you despite your threats".
---
At the Nosferatu table, Petradon appears smug, no doubt he does not conceive of a way he can lose with his main rival gone missing. The younger Nosferatu looks out of his element and uncomfortable.
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
Lydia pauses as Durdona knocks, no one answers.
"Come dear girl, let's make our entrance round the back".
She heads through alleyways and comes to a stop when a tall figure steps out of the shadows several feet in front of her, "Are you with Michael Santo?"
Doctor Cappelli recognizes the name, the Childe of the Tremere renegade who is a, very, longshot to become the head of his Clan.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
"Wherever the ffolk make it. Fewer places in a city such as this but enough that a few are to be found, if you know where to look... but I cannot take you. There is one who could but I suspect he will not take you, he has another that will do his bidding among your kind". He grimaces at his answers. Clearly he gives more than he wants to.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
"Nothing comes free in the world, including information. Of course, to tell you what you wish to know I will need more information on who you seek, many people go missing in the canals of Venice", replies the still disembodied voice.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
A Hovel in Venice -
Xing shifts her body taking an innocent posture, "No, why do you ask?
The Prince wishes you to speak with me?
I have been here for some time and this is the first he has expressed such an interest".
Andrew remains silent and takes a seat on her bed.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
Perhaps, I was too cryptic with my... phraseology. Simon owes me a conversation.
I hope that is clear enough.
Alessandro is civil, but direct.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose - Michele Querini
"Tell me who and where to find this person so I can leave you be tonight.'
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
"Signore Santo is not with us at the moment, if that is what you are asking, but our paths have crossed recently. Who might you be?" the doctor responds, seemingly becoming more and more comfortable with lies and half-truths nightly.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium -
Ranerius takes it all in as best he may. The Tremere are the newcomers to the Clans I am told. For them the very nature of their Clan is still in its infancy. No wonder they fight fiercely.
Petradon's smugness is not lost. And why should he not be confident? Yet then, one must never take victory for granted.
---
Helene smiles at Ranerius, "Welcome my dear. Has your Sire left the city tonight? I know that de Corazon and his Childe have left".
---
"Yes, Grand Lady. My sire stopped by only long enough to wish me well over a cup. I confess I shall miss him. "He does not know if folks will overhear and assume he is bonded. If they do, they do and that has its advantages. If they don't, they don't, and that allows him to be seen as free. He can work it either way .. or so he hopes.
Veronica is sitting at the Tremere table looking bored. Seemingly looking off into space as if not a thought in her pretty head.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius and Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano raises a brow as his competition scoots over to sit beside him and attempt to ply him. It was rather surprising to hear it so openly and brazenly. His lips thinned "You'd be a fool to accept me if my allegiance was so easily swayed." he said tiredly.
He paused before adding further "At this point in the night there can be very little left to catch in any of our webs...what will fall will fall, it's time to sit back and wait to reap the rewards of our efforts whatever they may be." he said musing a bit.
He was still annoyed that he had managed to work so few angles leading up to this point but even amongst the old and powerful, he felt he had a least peaked their interests and proved that perhaps not all Malkavians are jesters.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Streets of Venice -
The voice responds after a pregnant pause, "That will be difficult Signore' the rumors you have no doubt heard at Elysium are true. He is indeed missing and we know not where he is. We fear something has happened to him as we doubt he would simply flee this place considering what is at stake for our Clan".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 30, 1309
Blue Mongoose -
The man tries to resist once more and once more his mouth moves, "Seated in the back of the Mongoose is a short man flanked by two beautiful women. They watch us interact even now..."
Venice by Night - Sunday, March 30, 1309
In Front of Greetings Inn -
The man stiffens, "Doctor Cappelli, is that you? It is I, Moses. I am sorry, seeing in the dark as to recognize faces is not easy for me but your voice is quite distinctive".