Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Somewhere Outside of the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
You get the scent of fire and smoke on the wind, cautiously you exit from the ground with no one around. You see smoke rising from between he buildings, it comes from the direction of Elysium...
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
"Aye, tha' jus' might do it.
A'fore we go, c'n ya' check on a room down on tha' second floor fer me? There're a few o' me former Mortal compatriots there. If'n ye see em' pay em no heed.When they leave tha' buildin' come get me an then we'll proceed ta' recover tha' butchered Cainite.
If'n they see me could be complications..." He continues to smoke his pipe, his focus half with you and clearly half contemplating the next series of moves.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
As the three of you exit Dr Cappelli's hidden dungeon lab you are greeted with a reassuring smile from Moses, "All was well by day.
Tell me Dr. Do you wish for me to head and investigate anything for you?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
The Inn/Tavern is empty as of yet, your wife should have it ready to open its doors once again within the hour.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
Your Sire nods as you exit.
As you exit the room and into the common area of the Mongoose, before you can get to the outside door an vanish, your eye catches a woman who smiles at you alluringly. She is exotic, from the east, perhaps the fabled India? Her eyes are a bright shade of jade and her hair is long and black. Her clothing is of Italian fashion, not a noblewomen but a woman with means.
She beckons you to come forward and pats the seat next to her. The seat in in the middle of the room. It is a round booth with several comfy pillows.
Venice by Night
Onfroi will sit for a moment but remembers to not touch nor feed of anyone here as he listened to the warning when he entered and says What can I do for you?
Venice by Night, April 3 1309
Bernardo will make his way toward Elysium and if there is a crowd moving that way he will move with it so he can get a better look.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Blurred Mongoose -
She slides close to you and whispers, "My employer wants you to know that while we are not particularly fond of your kind, he is burdened with your curse, this is a safe haven from those who would hunt both of our kinds.
However, it is vital that this place remain a secret, none of these fanatics can be led back to this place. Having common enemies does not make us allies".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Near the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
You head towards the area where Elysium appears to be smoking! Without a Gondola, you cannot of course, obtain line of sight on the building itself.
There is indeed a crowd gathered on the cobblestoned streets. There is of course, no way to reach the area near Elysium on foot, so the Mortals gawk at the smoke rising from a seeming island within an island.
You see none who wear the insignia's of the Church nor any who bear the insignia of the Doge.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
If'n they see me could be complications..."[/b] He continues to smoke his pipe, his focus half with you and clearly half contemplating the next series of moves.
Geoffroi nods.
"Certes, I shall. I will return when they depart"
Geoffroi proceeds to find these men and watch for them to depart
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Removing any insignia which may cause one to see you as a Knight of any order you head to the rooms Andrew indicated to ascertain if they are within. Indeed, you do hear two distinct voices within both speaking the English language with some odd dialect.
Unfortunately, you do not understand well enough to know what they are speaking of. Soon enough the voices near the exit and you step away from the door to not appear too suspicious. They are so heated in their discussion that they do not even glance in your direction, soon enough they head down to the common room.
You follow and observe. After several rounds of drinks over several minutes, they exit the Inn.
Thereafter, you return to Andrew who nods in appreciation, "Aye, tha' Scots're hard drinkers, those lads some o' tha' hardest.
Let's head ta tha Volkov's room hey?"
You both head to the Volkov's room but the door is solidly locked, the doors in this Inn are stout.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"Good to hear there were no difficulties." Lorenzo says.
"As to any investigations, nothing comes to mind...unless you can find Lydia's whereabouts...or those of my Sire."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Moses considers for a moment, "I could head to the Giov... excuse me, Cappadocian stronghold and investigate. I have a few contacts who are less, noticeable than I am who can also be sent if you believe that these Hunters could be a danger to me as well.
Not that my welfare should be your first concern of course but I would not wish to be captured and forced to disclose your whereabouts".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
The Inn/Tavern is empty as of yet, your wife should have it ready to open its doors once again within the hour.
Though he would prefer to rely on the safety of feeding from his herd, particularly when there are hunters abounding, he deicides to head out to feed. He will try to play it cautious, if he should find a drunkard, that is best... a little sip and all. But he is Toreador. A beautiful woman might make him try feeding under the pretense of seduction.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
La Serenata Notturna -
Smoothly as a shark darting through dark waters, Ranerius finds a washer woman who is fair (Though not as lovely as his wife) and does not know him. A bit of idle flirtation in the shadows, and soon he gives her a kiss and licks the evidence clean. She is dazed, unaware what happened. But she will dream fondly of him perhaps.
But where is that warehouse?
Venice by Night
Bernardo will try an abandoned building to get to a roof and have a better look from on high.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
"Given their religious fervor...and your heritage, I think it best you work through intermediaries where possible, my friend."
Turning his attention to Victor and Michele, Lorenzo says, "I believe we have business of our own to conduct tonight, shall we be off?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Near the Former Prince Narses Elysium -
You move through the crowds and towards the buildings which surround the Elysium like a ring. In the night sky this close and so full of stars you can see that the smoke is not so black as to have a fire burning still, more like smoldering ruins.
You approach now not far from the first that is nearest to the canal.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Moses bows respectfully, "I will do so. This will take an extra night but it will be done. I will return here before the sun raises to ensure you are all safely hidden below once more".
Moses takes his leave into the night, moving oh so silently for a man so large.
Victor remarks, "That man is the tallest Saracen I've ever seen.
Agreed. Let us be on about our business".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michele Querini
“Yes let us go.”
Michele will change his appearance prior to leaving.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Cautiously, three of the Scions of the Camarilla Clans head out into an uncertain night.
The night is still and the stars bright. No rain or clouds cover your walk through the streets.
Unlike the past night, Mortals are out in the streets. Not so many as would normally be out considering the events that have taken place shaking the Mortal world but more than the previous night.
If the Hunters know of your whereabouts, they must be hidden quite well as you see none who look overly curious in your direction as you head towards the docks.
In less than an hour, taking a few extra twists and turns to ensure you are not being followed, you arrive at Cappelli Storage. It seems that Khadaji has yet to have the sign out front switched over yet or perhaps he is just not ready to announce ownership of the company is now in the hands of a Saracen.
The front door is open as the hour is still not very late so early in the spring. A customer exits, a ship first mate from the look of his garb perhaps from Iberia. He nods to you all as he passes by.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Docks -
From a run down Tavern not far from the shipping company, you look out the window and see three men approach the warehouse. One is hooded, the other you do not recognize but the third is unmistakable, it is Victor of Clan Toreador. Finally, you can stop nursing the one drink you purchased to blend.
Despite your initial wish to wait [i[within[/i] the warehouse, it is still open for business and attracting too much attention is certainly not the goal of what is supposed to be a clandestine meeting!
While your peculiar Embrace still allows you to consume food and drink, the taste is not what it was as a Mortal. All of your senses are better, with the exception of taste, well, when it comes to food anyway, your ability to savor different blood types is akin to that of a sommelier. You suppose that if you knew more of the history of your kind you might discover a reason for this oddity but the thought is dropped once those you are here to meet have arrived.
Venice by Night, Midsummer night's dream
Onfroi whispers back so we are not allies nor enemies but we may be helpful to one another. I will guard your secret and I will come from time to time and see what we might learn and share with one another
Onfroi departs once more to hunt on the way to Elysium invisible and with a different face then when he arrives at the Mongoose.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Streets of Venice -
"Just so", she responds with a tight lipped smile.
You depart into the night, cloaked with yet another face and head towards Elysium.
The night is warmer and weather more clear than the past several nights. Mortals are out, not in unusual numbers but in larger numbers than the previous night.
As you approach from several miles away you can see smoke billowing from the general direction of Elysium. Not thick black smoke, but certainly not chimney smoke either.
Some Mortals look in the direction of the smoke but most move along indifferent to it. Their chatter focused on the politics of upheaval or their own mundane insignificant lives. Few pay you any heed and those that do, do not linger on you long.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
Lorenzo glances around, looking for those he and the others were supposed meet.
"As my family's name still adorns this facility, I suppose we could go in." Lorenzo says, "Of course under the guise of the two of you being prospective new customers. Khadaji may own the majority of the business, my family still maintains a silent interest...hopefully my brother is not here."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
Doctor Cappelli's Humble Home -
You enter the building and see customer at a makeshift counter. There are some small renovations underway to seal off this part of the building from the warehouse proper. You see beyond the small security office and the rest of the building looks the same though with crates and cages in different states of stacking and organization than the last time you were here. For a moment, Lorenzo's gaze moves to the spot on the floor where he saw the Ghoul that led him to his current path, then your eyes refocus on the task at hand.
Thankfully, Lorenzo's Brother is not present, nor is the man behind the counter one that Lorenzo recognizes. After a few minutes the customer leaves with a scowl and the man behind the counter motions to you.
He is not Venetian nor is he a Saracen, he appears to be a Greek with stark blue green eyes that practically light up when he turns his gaze towards you, but speaks fluently the Italian language, "Good evening Gentlemen, we are soon to close but I am always happy to meet with people while the doors are still open. How can I help you?"
Venice by Night
Bernardo leaves the roof and once out of sight will drop into the water and swim out of the area for a duration and then resurface up near the inn where he is to meet and arrive there early so that he might get some different clothing and dry out.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Good evening. I am Lorenzo Cappelli." Lorenzo says. "I do not recall meeting you before. Perhaps you've been hired by the Khadaji family. Never-th-less, my family is still involved, in fact my family's name is still on the sign out front. I have a pair of potential customers with me who would like to see the facilities to see if by chance this warehouse would suit their purposes."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Geoffroi brings up his sturdy leather riding boot and kicks the door in a manner he was all to familiar with from his days raiding Saracen strongholds in the Outremer
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
He nods in understanding, "I am Phillip sir. That is just fine for me, I was hired by the Khadaji family, a Jaleel sir.
Go ahead and do so. I can handle any sort of documentation tomorrow if you like. Do you have keys to lock up after you are done with the tour as I was considering leaving soon".
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew's head turns on a swivel as you kick down the door, "Alright lad, tha' direct approach. Not sure I'da done tha' same but we're so, let's see what we see".
Andrew follows behind and closes what remains of the door. Luckily, the door frame was the less sturdy part so the door is mainly intact and a cursory pass will not reveal the damage,
The main room of this two room connected suite is as you remember it. In the middle of the room is a table with a large blanket draped over it, pushed up against the wall is another table. Next to that table are two loaded crossbows and several quarrels, a case of bolts sits on the same table by the window along with two winches to draw the crossbows back quickly. The loaded bolts are wooden, not metal.
Andrew heads to the door on the left to inspect.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew heads to the door on the left to inspect.
** spoiler omitted **
Geoffroi murmurs to Andrew
“That covered table has moved since last I was in the room”
He approaches warily, sword in hand, and uses the blade to flick the cloth off
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew turns and draws his blade as well. As you flick the cloth off, underneath is a large chest. It is heavy and reinforced with iron and steel bands. Wrapped is cloth around to make the contents within light proof to boot!
The chest is padlocked with a very expensive and heavy duty lock. Without the key, it would take a warhammer to break it off.
Andrew whistles, "I bet that's what we were looking fer, tha' Volkov's already 'ave a chest fer us. Damned thing looks heavy, we'd have ta' both carry it out, if'n one o' us were ta' do so it'd raise too many questions..."
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"I am afraid I do not, Philip. My brother handled the day to day operations prior to selling controlling interest to the Khadaji family. Is there no longer a night watchman that can let us out and secure the door when we are done?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Phillip shrugs, "With tensions in the city the last several nights Signore' Cappelli, none wish to be out alone at a warehouse by themselves.
A powerful family may wish to target a rival families holdings here, ducats are not worth one's life, at least, not the amounts paid to night's watchmen and Jaleel has stated that until things settle, he will not force the nightwatchmen to work.
Perhaps you can send a runner to him to discuss further? I fear that I cannot simply leave you my key as I cannot confirm your identity... you understand yes?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Docks -
From a run down Tavern not far from the shipping company, you look out the window and see three men approach the warehouse. One is hooded, the other you do not recognize but the third is unmistakable, it is Victor of Clan Toreador. Finally, you can stop nursing the one drink you purchased to blend.
Despite your initial wish to wait [i[within[/i] the warehouse, it is still open for business and attracting too much attention is certainly not the goal of what is supposed to be a clandestine meeting!
While your peculiar Embrace still allows you to consume food and drink, the taste is not what it was as a Mortal. All of your senses are better, with the exception of taste, well, when it comes to food anyway, your ability to savor different blood types is akin to that of a sommelier. You suppose that if you knew more of the history of your kind you might discover a reason for this oddity but the thought is dropped once those you are here to meet have arrived.
I am not sure why Viktor shot such looks of hatred upon me earlier. I would hope he is over it, but our kind seem to have eternity to turnn small grudges into great wastes of time When those he was supposed to meet have arrived he moves towards them so he might be seen.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Understandable. We shall not be too long." Lorenzo says.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
You head out of the Tavern but they are already in the building before you exit into the street, hurrying across you follow them in passing by a Mortal along the way...
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
As you respond to Phillip, Ranerius enters the building.
"Can I help you Signore?" a man behind the counter asks you as you enter Ranerius.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
"Ah, you did decide to show up." Lorenzo says to Ranerius. "We chose to get started without you, as Philip here has had a long day and is ready to close up for the night."
"Can I help you Signore?" a man behind the counter asks you as you enter Ranerius.
"Ah, you did decide to show up." Lorenzo says to Ranerius. "We chose to get started without you, as Philip here has had a long day and is ready to close up for the night."
"I did, assuming I am still welcome," He says and a look to Philip, "Apologies to you, Signore, for any trouble to your business such a late arrival caused."
A glance about as he realizes he is still earlier than some.
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
Andrew whistles, "I bet that's what we were looking fer, tha' Volkov's already 'ave a chest fer us. Damned thing looks heavy, we'd have ta' both carry it out, if'n one o' us were ta' do so it'd raise too many questions..."
Geoffroi nods
“Let us take quick look to see if the key is in the room. Then I hazard we can attempt to make off with the chest. Should we see if it’s dweller is lucid? It wouldn’t help our cause if he screams while we carry the chest“
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
At the Warehouse -
Victor turns to Philip, "I am sure it will be fine to leave the keys with Dr. Cappelli, in fact, I heard Jaleel say so in a meeting earlier today..."
Dominate - Mesmerize
Philip grins, "Well, if Jaleel said it was ok then I am ok with that".
The Mortal hands the keys to Lorenzo, "I'll get them from Jaleel tomorrow afternoon at the Khadaji compound. Leave me notes if there is any contract I must scriven Doctor. Thank you".
With that, he heads out leaving the four of you alone, the Toreador nods satisfied with his work, "We wait upon the Salubri?"
Venice by Night - Wednesday - April 2, 1309
the Way of Kings Inn -
No keys can be found in any of the rooms. It is likely they are with Volkov, somewhere outside of Venice.
Andrew shrugs, "Ah'll bet he's staked in there Sir Geoffroi. Ah say, we put on some o' tha' clothes o' Volkov's men n' get outta o' here.
We're headin' ta' Khadaji storage anyhow, if'n we c'n find a wagon err a Gondola that'd be great..."