Taking a cue from Moses's attempt at a protest, Lorenzo stands silent for a few moments before answering, "High born? I am unfamiliar with many of these terms that I have heard tonight, mostly Kindred and this system of boons you speak of. With that in mind, I can not in good conscience offer what is not mine to offer, as in the case of my sire-to-be, nor am I comfortable agreeing to something I do not understand. Perhaps if you were to explain what it is you would seek in exchange to one so uninitiated as myself, we would be able to reach an accord."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
Rafael leads you away from Jordan, Fiona and Xing to an area where several men sit though he takes a private table a few feet away from them.
"Before I make any introductions tell me what you know about the Scotsman you and your daughter have brought to this party".
In a hushed tone, Gunther conveys all he knows about the Scotsman, but also adds, "I honestly know fairly little about the man. We have just recently met. Why do you ask?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
Rafael replies smiling wickedly, "I find that gathering information on maniacs swinging swords at my parties to be a priority. Do you allow patrons at your Inn to brandish weapons without discerning who such people are? If so I must rethink the joining of our families. In exchange for this faux pas I would kindly ask that you speak with this Lord Andrew and discover his motivation for coming to this party specifically and why he is in the city generally. You are a barkeep, you are good at casually gathering information on people are you not?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
Rafael replies smiling wickedly, "I find that gathering information on maniacs swinging swords at my parties to be a priority. Do you allow patrons at your Inn to brandish weapons without discerning who such people are? If so I must rethink the joining of our families. In exchange for this faux pas I would kindly ask that you speak with this Lord Andrew and discover his motivation for coming to this party specifically and why he is in the city generally. You are a barkeep, you are good at casually gathering information on people are you not?"
Offering a mock smile in return, Gunther's expression turns somewhat cold and annoyed at the arrogance that practically oozes from this man.
Leaning dangerously close, Gunther responds, "Rafael, take a good look at my face. Do you think I took kindly to the one who left me with this permanent reminder? And although I will provide you with some information on the man, make no mistake, I am not your spy nor your personal lackey."
Standing upright once again, he adds "You don't have that kind of money." Gunther then offers a wink and yet another mock smile.
diff 6
This cant be good :P
Just what you'd expect father... Those aligned with the Doge don't mind so much, those holding a more competitive bent... do mind. Venice is on the verge of civil war, father.
There will be those who will take advantage. I know we're Egyptian father... But, I stand and fall with Venice.
The porters come and take his father's bags. They greet and usher his father away as if swept up by the wind.
Lady Alyssa, might I have a word... in private?
Xing nods to Fiona watching the man. This will probably not go to well and she didn't have the crazy Scotsman here with her to use as a buffer.
"Do you know who that man is?" she points to the man heading toward her daughter and Christopher.
"As long as the favor does not ask me to betray my would-be sire, as I am sure that would put me in 'harm's way', I believe we have an agreement, Ferdinand. Thank you."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
"You would do well to remember Master Thesing that I do indeed have that kind of money. Mine is the oldest and richest family in Venice. I do not send you on an errand as a lackey but as a trusted advisor who seeks to bind his future to mine. If I am mistaken in this belief do inform me. If I am not mistaken, then do as I have bid you do. Perhaps this man will yield benefit for our families or perhaps you will discover his motivations are not pure. Either way, we will know more than we do now if you play your part correctly".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
As you stagger backwards the man snarls at you, "Now drop the bag and all of your clothes or I will gut you from loin to lungs!"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"Of course Alessandro", she responds.
Your father glares at you, "Do not keep me waiting long, I do not wish my dinner to grow cold". He heads into the house with the porters barking orders, clearly upset with the new order on the streets of Venice.
Alyssa looks to the guards, "You may go inside as well. I will be well". Alyssa waits for them to be out of earshot, "What is it you wish to discuss?" Somehow the woman looks even more alluring covered up then she did clothed as a westerner, whether that is because you have already seen her or because your imagination becomes more active you cannot be sure.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Fiona looks at him, "No should I?"
At that moment Christopher steps forward away from the man approaching him, he and his guards begin to walk around the room with Jordan in tow. Forgetting about the two of you. The man grabs one of the guards and pulls him back from the procession.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
"Good Lorenzo Cappelli. I am glad we can be in agreement. I am Ferdinand DeVanchu of Clan Nosferatu. I humbly welcome you to my home. As my guest I afford you all of the rights that would be afforded to one of my kin. Come I shall show you and Moses to your quarters, some of your brethren have stayed there in the past, I hope you shall find it to your liking".
He begins to move down the hall slowly shuffling pulling his leg and arm behind him.
Moses pulls you back before you move forward, "Well done Lorenzo. Few in your position have confronted a Nosferatu and reacted so well. You will do well among the Kindred, assuming I can keep you alive until then". He moves down the hall slowly, making small talk with Ferdinand as you lag behind.
Lorenzo follows, making mental note of the features of the passage as he moves along. Speaking only if spoken to first.
Soaking damage. diff 6
michael hunces over compressing his midsection where the knife penetrated his flesh. a look of panic, and pain is spreads across his face as the fresh oxygenated liquids oozes out warming his stomach staining his hands and garments crimson red.
michael grimaces in pain as he slides the bag off his shoulder and tosses it to the side away from him
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
The man eyes your bag and makes a move for it when suddenly you both hear the stairs above creaking. The man looks back down at you, "Did you hear...."
Before he can finish the sound of his neck snapping fills the silence of the hall and the sight of his head twisted backwards fills your dimmed vision.
"Hans" chuckles, "Well that should take care of dinner anyway. Come let us go upstairs and see about getting you patched up my friend".
He holds your assailants lifeless body with one hand and assist you to your feet with the other. Once you are on your feet he begins to head up the stairs.
michaels eyes pop open in horror and intesne schock. At the sight of the mans head twisting back snapping like twigs with a disgusting popping sound. Taking a moment to realize what just went down michael sways from side to side grabbing his belongings. Trying to absorb the events that just transpired.
"Thank you, you have extended my life for that I am eternally greatful..." pausing a moment pondering to think if it would be distasteful to ask my savior if he could sense my pending danger would insult him or sound ungrateful but I have to know....
" I dont wish to sound like an ingrate, but were you able to sense my pending doom or was it purely coincidental. I mean you handled so fast with purpose and intensity you know what never mind I am just happy to be here. I do bring news if you will hear me out."
"He was eying me ever since we came in here and thought maybe you knew him since he was heading to your daughters man. No worries then."
She watches the guard and quickly glances around at her surroundings.
"I'm going to find you and I a drink I'll be right back."
Without waiting for a response she moves into the crowds of people here trying to make herself hidden within the masses and try to find a spot where she can watch over the room but also easily escape if need be.
Julius Caesar said the only commodity a general cannot regain is time. I will be uncharacteristically blunt.
Who is Kestral, what is he doing at Greetings and when you've gotten what you're here for, will you leave my home and family in peace or pieces?
For Alessandro, the situation is surreal. And, although the words came from his own mouth... he is himself, surprised. What comes next will be answers, domination or death.
Consider this offer. I will help you, freely if you leave my family, friends and home intact and unmolested.
The music from within helps Andrew clear his thoughts and reconsider the coming night....
He considers Donnach and the others for the night's investigation, then he thinks perhaps Xing would be a better choice, though how the holy men might react to a woman....though that information might be of benefit.
Andrew also wonders what the Knights Templar might discover.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
"You would do well to remember Master Thesing that I do indeed have that kind of money. Mine is the oldest and richest family in Venice. I do not send you on an errand as a lackey but as a trusted advisor who seeks to bind his future to mine. If I am mistaken in this belief do inform me. If I am not mistaken, then do as I have bid you do. Perhaps this man will yield benefit for our families or perhaps you will discover his motivations are not pure. Either way, we will know more than we do now if you play your part correctly".
Upon hearing his words, Gunther realizes that Rafael is indeed correct. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, calming himself; his demeanor shifts from that of being defensive to being humbled.
"Rafael, you are right." Placing a hand upon his shoulder, Gunther continues. "Forgive me. My outlook regarding those who come from money is somewhat jaded and opinionated. Most are pompous and exude a holier-than-thou attitude, and I am afraid I have placed you in that category. I do not know you well enough to make such assumptions... and you certainly have every right to know who is attending this blessed gathering between our two families, as do I."
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Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Moses and Ferdinand chat as you make your way to the undisclosed location.
"So Lorenzo Cappelli is to be one of the chosen Moses?"
"I do not know Ferdinand, Brexiano tells me so little. That is why I must come to you", he laughs.
"This must be the case else Brexiano would not assign you to protect him Moses. One does not cross Japheth. A monk he may be but those who serve him will do violence whether he approves or not".
"Do you think this idea of Narses will really work?"
Ferdinand turns back making some sort of gurgling sound, "Narses? Narses!? No Moses this is not his idea. This is an old idea, one that was tried when my sire's sire was a fledgling. Whether it will fail is obvious. We are the damned all we attempt to create will crumble to dust. It is just a matter of time".
Moses does not respond and the topic is switched to more mundane matters.
Finally after twenty full minutes of walking you arrive at a chamber barred by a large iron door rusted on its hinges.
Ferdinand motions for you and Moses to stand back. He opens the door despite its groaning protest. Then he motions for you both to follow him inside. Moses presses on the door on the way in and cannot get it to budge a fraction. He shakes his head an continues into the room.
You pass through elegant but much used drapery set up is layers and finally reach what seems to be the destination of choice a room which looks out of place beneath the city.
Two sets of beds sit on the floor with a two dressers both bare of any items. Candles surround the room some just lit many with the wicks burned down to the bottom of their candelabras.
"Welcome to the guest wing Lorenzo Cappelli. I have tried to make it appealing to those who would visit from above. Worry not, once I close the door my little friend cannot go back but then neither can you. If you wish to leave ask Moses where the secret door is located. The way back in is the way you entered and this is the only exit. I bid you a good night and day".
Ferdinand begins to slowly shift his bulk out of the room. In such close quarters he is truly foul smelling.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
He looks to you, "You may not realize it but you screamed quite loud when you were stabbed. I heard you and assumed one of the vagrants of this place assaulted you. I arrived so quickly because I am fast, there are those who are faster but count yourself fortunate if this fool was not so interested in robbing you I would have avenged you and not saved you".
He turns back to the body and paces his mouth on its neck. The sound of slurping can be heard wet and repulsive. With a chin full of blood he turns back to you and uses a sharp nail to open his wrist.
"Drink and heal your wounds".
"Why have you come to me this night? Have you news for me already?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
You find a side entrance and are able to blend in with the decorations there and watch the proceedings.
Christopher is bringing Jordan around the room to various groups of people.
You see Gunther speaking with the man that broke up the fight outside, the one that claimed to be throwing the party.
Fiona is looking around for you in vain probably waiting for that drink you promised her.
The man form the other night has gathered more of his cronies and it would seem is looking for you, but of course he cannot and likely will not find you before the evening is done with.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa squeals in delight.
"Masterful, simply Masterful. How could you have possibly discovered such information prior to our arrival Alessandro? How could you have known we were involved in that at all? It was the delay wasn't it? I told him that we should not delay but he is the cautious sort, certainly he did not want to arrive prior to the agreed upon time. Especially since his son died on his trip here so long ago."
Lorenzo's stomach churns from the stench that accompanies Ferdinand, but ultimately, he maintains his composure, having dealt with smells nearly as foul in his research.
"Thank you, Ferdinand. The only way back in is how I came in this evening, correct? I take it this secret passage is a one-way door?"
Stopping to wait for confirmation from the Nosferatu, Lorenzo asks one more question, "If I am not mistaken, Narces is the, I believe the title is Prince. Brexiano fills a role similar to a Seneshal of a noble house. Who is Japheth, and what role does he play in all of this?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
"Your assertion is correct about me Master Thesing, I act superior because I am superior. In time your grandchildren will take the same dignified airs, my wife and I will see to it. Your second assertion is also correct, this Scotsmans motives must be discovered. Now go, do as I ask you to do and all will be well between us".
Rafael turns back to the group of men you initially thought he was going to introduce you to when you first walked in this direction, he does not turn back to you.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Ferdinand gives you a grin, or what passes for a grin with his twisted features. "A great listener you are Lorenzo Cappelli. Yes Narses is the Prince of this city and he has been nearly since its inception. Brexiano is his Seneschal, that is in fact his exact title. Brexiano is old and wise and politically astute as one must be to survive for so long as the right hand to a Prince. Japheth is another matter altogether. I am of Clan Nosferatu we trade in secrets that is how we stay viable despite our... handicaps shall we say. For me to tell you anything Lorenzo Cappelli you wish to know you must tell me what I wish to know or pledge to me another boon. That is how this game works do you understand? Good. Now tell me, why do you think you have been chosen by Dr. Benne?"
Lorenzo smiles, "As eager for knowledge as I am, I must decline offering another boon so soon, though I see little harm in providing you my opinion as to why Dr. Benne has chosen me. I believe the good doctor sees me a logical and observant, not willing to surrender to the fate that has been dealt me. I believe he is somewhat intrigued by research. Well...if not the research itself, my willingness to undertake the risks involved."
Lorenzo pauses a moment, "Does that answer your question suitablly, Ferdinand? If so, I ask again, who is Japheth and what role does he play in all of this?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing
"Your assertion is correct about me Master Thesing, I act superior because I am superior. In time your grandchildren will take the same dignified airs, my wife and I will see to it. Your second assertion is also correct, this Scotsmans motives must be discovered. Now go, do as I ask you to do and all will be well between us".
Rafael turns back to the group of men you initially thought he was going to introduce you to when you first walked in this direction, he does not turn back to you.
Interestingly, Alessandro enjoys her laugh. Not so masterful, just composed as I'm in beyond my depth. Grace under pressure, perhaps.
I'm glad I amuse you. Now, what do you want? To kneel before... a new master. That's it. He fancies himself superior and summons you all to bow your heads. Brilliant.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Andrew and Gunther Thesing
"Thesing, what now tha party tis outside an those within suffer without our countanceses!"
"Well let them suffer, I say!"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Andrew and Gunther Thesing
"Thesing, what now tha party tis outside an those within suffer without our countanceses!"
"Well let them suffer, I say!"
"My friend, you sure do have a unique way of talkin', but ah like it. Any more of that pipeweed?", Gunther adds as he wraps his arm around Andrew's shoulder.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"It seems you wish to spoil all of the wonderful things I had planned for you. Alas, so early in our relationship to have to speak so bluntly brings me great lament. Worry not about Kestral, he is an organizer, a powerful one but no threat to you or your family. For that matter neither am I, in fact you are my betrothed so to speak. Our destinies have been tied together it is your fate to be with me. We can discuss the implications of what this means later, we have a few weeks after all. For now let us enjoy a nice dinner with your father".
Alessandro bows. One as exquisite as you, Alyssa... should not lament. I feel guilty for putting the slightest crease in your brow.
Come, my betrothed...
Xing Shi will continue to keep an eye out on the happenings.
"My friend, you sure do have a unique way of talkin', but ah like it. Any more of that pipeweed?", Gunther adds as he wraps his arm around Andrew's shoulder.Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Andrew and Gunther Thesing
"Thesing, what now tha party tis outside an those within suffer without our countanceses!"
"Well let them suffer, I say!"
Laughs mightily.....
"I hast a whole farms worth in my room."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
As the party progresses it is obvious that the retinue of guards around Christopher will not relent. If anything there are more and more hangers on roving around the room with them.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
The dinner prepared by the master chefs is simply fabulous. Alyssa marvels at the unique flavors that the meal presents.
Over the next two hours, your father says very little choosing instead to listen to Alyssa tell you about her homeland of England. As she finishes her description she asks, "Tomorrow can you take me to see the sights of the city Alessandro?"
Before you get a chance to answer the Earl and his guards arrive. He smiles at you, "That is a wonderful idea. I am sure Alessandro knows the city better than his father ever will".
He then turns to your father, "Master Khadaji, come let us discuss what I will need from you for the remainder of my stay".
Your father stands and excuses himself showing the Earl likely to his study.
"Apparently there is still a great deal that I must yet learn." Lorenzo says nodding in thanks to Ferdinand.
After Ferdinand has taken his leave, Lorenzo turns to Moses and asks, "Alright, now what?"
Alessandro smiles.
As a child, I did have the pleasure and luxury of growing up here as my father worked so hard to build our European interests. It would be my honor.
Will it be just the... six of us, then? What time would you wish to head out?
Is anything out of the ordinary going on at the party or people just hanging out in their little clicks and pretending to all like each other? Does it look like the guards are still trying to find me?
Michael watches fadhi as he goes to town on his attackers neck. Still holding onto his stomach that is leaking of bodily fluids, for a brief moment Michael pains is over taken by a feint sense of digust of the wet slurping sounds of dna being extracted in a vile manner. Trying to hold the contect within his stomach in michael doesnt wish to lose his lunch as well as his blood.
snapping back to reality Mich see fadhi looking back at him with his wrist a bloody mess gesturing to drink. Having become familiar with this custom michael walks fordward drinking feeling the rush like liquid ecstacy flowing through his veins empowering his senses, strengthening his muscles repairing his torn body.
" I came here with news more a request that Michael querini wish to meet with you tonight at Marcella's. It can be found on Via Imperoli right by the intersection of Via Benvenuto. I am still running around with brice and François the volkovs men hunting who are hunting deziens of the night. They dont trust me but they are teaching me their ways. We kid nap a monk and now they want to meet for another round to ight. ."
I will offer him the location for that too
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa giggles, "It will be just you and I so that we may get to know one another better".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
Is anything out of the ordinary going on at the party or people just hanging out in their little clicks and pretending to all like each other? Does it look like the guards are still trying to find me?
Yes, the party is as boring as you would have imagined it to be.
Yes, they still appear to be looking for you but "they" are not guards. The men appear to be young nobles or hangers on.
What do you do?