Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
"I do not see Nicolo present...
If the Bastard of Burgandy is with you, you are not welcome".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Is it so wrong to be... French? I suppose that's neither here nor there.
Onfroi, as far as I know is not with us. But, you do have him to thank in a sense for Nicolo's return.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo
Michele will drop the obsfucate.
”He is here.”
Michele will start to unwrap the area by his face so it can be properly known it is him.
Uwe stays in a moody silence on the trip and remains quiet as they reach their destination. There was much yet to learn and speaking to readily might lead to another long sleep that Uwe did not desire.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Geoffroi maintains a inoffensive posture, keeping his hands far from his cutlery. However he uses his newfound Canite senses to scan the surrounding area for any sign of ambuscade and danger. The ululations of past warriors echo dimly in his ears as his eyes dart about ever so slightly.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The Nosferatu's eyes narrow at the sight of the staked form of Nicolo, "Follow me".
He opens an entrance in the wall and you all follow him inside, Lorenzo is familiar with the location as he remembers walking to this very spot as a Mortal with Moses not so long ago and yet a lifetime ago.
The area is a bit cramped at the ceiling and Moses has to stoop a bit but it's a fairly large area as you step within, the Nosferatu stands by a tunnel seemingly ready to run. As the last of you enter, the Nosferatu triggers a mechanism near him and the way open shuts. As the door shuts a soft fungal bioluminescent light emanates from the tunnel behind the Nosferatu bathing the area in just enough green and purple light to see by.
The Nosferatu eyes Uwe once more, "You I do not know, but if Khadaji is claiming you are not Onfroi, I shall accept him at his word.
As you have brought Nicolo back to us we are grateful. However, he comes at the end of a stake and lies motionless. Before our Clans sets to war against your Coterie, pray tell me how Nicolo came to be in this state and how we have Onfroi to thank that Nicolo still unlives.
Your friendship with the betrayer stretches the bonds of fellowship that we have with some of you..."
Ugly Giulia speaks before any of you can, "Peace friend, you know that I have long been an ally to your Clan and a voice for your Clan to the former Prince to the extent that one of my station can be.
This Coterie bears no ill will towards Nicolo or any of you that I have seen or heard. If I sensed such a thing I would not have attended this meeting".
The Nosferatu's body language becomes slightly less tense after her statement...
"I am Uwe, I have just recently rejoined this vibrant city after some time away." Uwe will tell the Nosferatu in the hopes of easing the tensions about his presence.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The Nosferatu's eyes light up, "Ah, Uwe von Roth, a Childe of Seneschal Valdemar. I have indeed heard of you though I was not yet Embraced when last you stalked the canals of this fair city".
He eases up a bit more but his eyes burn as he looks at the still staked form of his Clansman Nicolo.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Following along, Lorenzo keeps a wary eye open for the tremendous snake that is Casutra.
"Onfroi is no longer with this coterie, as he chose not to associate with those that did not trust him...such as myself." Lorenzo says plainly.
"Nicolo took arms beside the betrayer, Dunstan Füller, but I suspect that was mainly because Onfroi was allied with us at that time. Füller's side lost a battle with us. As Giulia has said, we hold no ill will toward your clan, friend. Nicolo was badly wounded in the fight, and will surely be close to frenzy should the stake be removed, we bring him to you and your clan so that he may be revived under careful circumstances and by those he knows and trusts. For my part I do this as a service to one I considered a friend who has met the final death."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Onfroi spared him from final death, not once but twice with a level headedness I feared the Bastard as you call him, could not muster.
It was odd I thought, Onfroi seemed to have little animosity towards Nicolo. But, I do not fully understand the history.
Let it be known that Nicolo though misled in that particular altercation, fought well and made a good showing.
With much risk to my own existence, it was my blade that finally... stopped him. It was actually the only way to save him.
It was my suggestion that he be returned.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The Nosferatu's face is devoid of expression as both Lorenzo and Alessandro both regale him with the tale of Nicolo, from their points of view.
He speaks, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend is the philosophy of Nicolo. He was warned away from personally attacking the Bastard and told that justice would be sought once the political situation was settled after the death of the much loved Prince Narses.
We were hoping that his childer would be as fair as the Prince proved to be over the centuries regarding such a matter as delicate as this.
It is believed that Onfroi and his Sire, Cristo Petradon, conspired to have our Patriarch murdered by his own Childe, Cristiano Lintini. In turn, with Simon's death, none would be able to run opposed to Petradon and he would win a seat of authority with the nascent Camarilla. The plan has indeed worked.
My understanding that you, Signore' Khadaji had agreed to look further into this crime due to your interest in Simon but first were asked to assist with waterway rights to show that we could truly trust you. I can only assume that in light of recent events, that request has become moot.
This is the history of our disagreement with Onfroi and his treacherous Sire. We have been unable to gain a hold of Lintini to question him further regarding these matters as he is guarded by the fey. So we are unclear of his version of the story. As you all met with Valerio briefly a few nights ago at the Blue Mongoose, we were under the impression that he already stated his case with Narses Childer. Perhaps in all the excitement of what you have been doing these last few nights, you have forgotten.
If Onfroi is no longer part of your Coterie than we have no reason to have animosity towards you all, even if you were allied with him at one time.
The "mercy" he showed towards Nicolo is a red herring, he is guilty, there is no other explanation for the sudden disappearance of Simon other than what we have stated".
Lydia speaks, "Are you certain? If I recollect correctly, the Salubri were subject to an attack by a Tzimisce assailant. Why do I raise this? Why the answer is clear, your Patriarch and the Salubri had one very critical thing in common that most of our kind are lacking, a true religious zealotry for the Nailed God..."
Ranerius hears talk of Onfroi but keeps quiet for now, taking in all that is said and listening to the accusations fly.
Onfroi was a friend to me, or so I thought. It is best not to state that here though. I do not need his Clan's fury.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Geoffroi stirs uneasily at the mention of his clan and his faith. Although he his hardly the most pious of men, he is a product of his age, and a crusader to boot - a warrior pledged to fight for Christian dominion over Jerusalem and the Holy Land. His youthful fervor was whittled away with years of combat in those same lands. Now he embodies everything that he once would have considered evil - a demon in the flesh who cannot walk in the daylight and who drinks human blood for sustenance.
He thinks to himself
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
It stings. What you say is true and, I have been remiss in that I have not made the proper inquiries. No excuses.
My ultimate interest was to engage like minded individuals, across clans, in diplomacy... towards the betterment and greater good of Venice, my beloved city.
Discussions of peace are never moot , if I may be so bold.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
It stings. What you say is true and, I have been remiss in that I have not made the proper inquiries. No excuses.
My ultimate interest was to engage like minded individuals, across clans, in diplomacy... towards the betterment and greater good of Venice, my beloved city.
Discussions of peace are never moot , if I may be so bold.
The Nosferatu responds, "We do not fault you for this, we all are keenly aware that larger matters of much greater importance have taken precedent. We are also keenly aware of that fact that Ranerius Bernerius is also a Cainite of a like mind in this philosophy. In many respects, we are surprised at the willingness of the High Clans to Embrace individuals such as yourselves, it is a refreshing change and one that we Nosferatu welcome.
That said, you are here now, the only Cappadocian present in the city is here, I would be willing to discuss waterway negotiation rights presently on behalf of my Clan.
First of course, if you are going to release Nicolo, I will have my friend here take his body that he may be properly awakened..."
As he speaks from the tunnel behind him comes forth a massive snake...
Giulia grins, "Casutra". The snake's tongue flicks as she speaks.
Lydia shifts and her hand moves to the hilt of her sword ever so subtly.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Lorenzo finds himself steeling his resolve as the massive snake-protector of the Nosferatu enters the chamber. Taking note of Lydia's movement, Lorenzo silently bids her to be at ease with a simple hand gesture.
"A minor correction, my friend." Lorenzo says. "While I may be the only remaining Cappadocian that was present at Narses's Elysium, there is at least one other in the city, the city's current steward, Lord Bion."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The Nosferatu nods, "We disagree. He will not be taking an active roll in any way in the day to day affairs of the city. He seeks only to further his own study and will likely not ever exit his Haven. He will not take up residence in the Giovanni Mausoleum either. You will and you are the only Cainite that, for the time being will, no?
I do not speak out of turn either, Ferdinand met with him, he is interested only in stability and once that is accomplished, he will disappear from Cainite politics once more.
In fact, it is his very stretch of waterway that we wish to discuss, as it turns out, we seek that stretch of canal and catacomb returned to us as part of our Domain. The Giovanni had wrested it from our control some time ago and now we wish it back as they are no longer present in the city. Certainly we are willing to share the space with Bion, now that he has returned from Torpor, but we no longer wish to be completely restricted from it as we once were".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Lorenzo nods. "True, the only Cainites that will be residing in the Mausoleum will be myself and Lydia." he says, gesturing to his bodyguard."[/b]
"Where is this stretch of waterway you wish access to again? How much if any beyond that belongs to Lord Bion do you seek? I know Ferdinand...I knew Simon. I would wish to know who I am negotiating with."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
He hesitates and then responds, "You may address me as Danov.
Indeed both Ferdinand and Simon spoke of you and were impressed with you, when you were a Mortal. As a Cainite, we must by necessity be wary of you".
He describes the waterway in question, it is indeed the entire area where Bion has his lair and a slight bit more area perhaps as the Coterie has never fully explored it.
He continues, back onto the subject of Onfroi, "Tell me, why did you not trust the Bastard?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Lorenzo nods. "The elusive Alexander Danov, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The former doctor pauses briefly before explaining his rationale for his distrust of Onfroi. "It was something he said at the Camarilla votes after the disappearances of Brexiano, Simon, and Durga Syn. I was speaking of Simon with Onfroi at the Elysium and just the tone - it was a combination of disdain and a rather obvious attempt to deceive me about what he knew about Simon. Add to that the obvious gains of he and his Sire at Simon's disappearance and my own Sire's concerns about him...it really left me little reason to trust him. As I have said before, I considered Simon a friend, despite our differences of opinion on the Almighty."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
If Simon and Narses were friends and of similar mind... Perhaps their removal from the political board isn't a coincidence.
Tell me of the Masquerader and his mistress, the Methuselah from the East.
Alessando as is he were alive and his host for a glass of water.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
It stings. What you say is true and, I have been remiss in that I have not made the proper inquiries. No excuses.
My ultimate interest was to engage like minded individuals, across clans, in diplomacy... towards the betterment and greater good of Venice, my beloved city.
Discussions of peace are never moot , if I may be so bold.
The Nosferatu responds, "We do not fault you for this, we all are keenly aware that larger matters of much greater importance have taken precedent. We are also keenly aware of that fact that Ranerius Bernerius is also a Cainite of a like mind in this philosophy. In many respects, we are surprised at the willingness of the High Clans to Embrace individuals such as yourselves, it is a refreshing change and one that we Nosferatu welcome.
[B]"You flatter us," Ranerius answers finally, "And it's my hope that we might yet salvage a chance of such bridges to greater and more just harmony."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Danov listens to Lorenzo's answer and simply absorbs it without response.
He nods at Ranerius' statement but says no more, clearly of a mind to negotiate other matters at this time, he does though respond to Alessandro's comments.
"I see no coincidences between Narses death and Simon's death.
Narses was killed for his ambitions as we understand it having no direct knowledge of the matter other than the story that Valerio heard at the Blue Mongoose as told by the Gangrel Bernardo.
Vykos' involvement was no doubt prompted by the Founder of his bloodline, the last of the Trinity of Constantinople left, the Dracon.
Simon was slain for much more petty reasons, that of Petradon's ambitions.
While I grant that the Tzimisce attack on the Salubri was odd and still left unexplained, I don't accept that it was connected to the ancient battle that payed out between Belisarius and Narses and as it turns out Belisarius' consort".
He pauses as if ready to discuss water rights but instead responds to Alessandro's last statement, "That is a topic upon which you will need to enlighten me as I have not a shred of an idea of what you are saying".
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo
The Toreador stays silent as he looks beyond the speaker and sees if his auspex shows any Nosferatu attempting to hide but unaware he can see them.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The silence stretches on for what seems like forever until Danov speaks again, "Very well then, that shall be a mystery for another day.
You understand my request Doctor, I shall give you time to consider whether you wish to grant us those rights. In the meantime, I shall take back the body of Nicolo.
If there is nothing else then I shall be returning to the warrens, I only hope that Nicolo hasn't fallen too far into torpor as a result of this violence".
Uwe nods and will start to leave. Once they are out he will ask, "Where do we need to go next?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
"I believe meeting with Xing and Vitaliano was next on our to do list." Lorenzo plainly states.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
The Coterie exits the Haven of the now deceased Prince, Lydia motions for the boatman to head to the Lido directly, the most western portion of the beach.
Visibility is good tonight, there are no rainclouds and the breeze is comfortable.
As you near it, you realize there is no dock that far out, but two figures do indeed stand out there, looking down the beach in the other direction, waiting. They scan out to sea and spot you, one waives, you're fairly certain by the shape of the figure it is indeed Xing Shi.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
Narses Haven on Sant'Erasmo
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo
"Unless anyone objects I think we should find a dock to properly exit."
"Agreed." The Toreador says, sounding a bit glum.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
As you begin to sail around the northern end of the Lido, they track your movements and follow. Soon enough, the group is reunited with Xing and Vitaliano.
They both eye Uwe but do not ask about him, yet, "Where is Andrew?" Xing asks appearing a bit surprised he is not present.
Uwe looks over the two Kindred and looks for any details that might be useful later.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Lydia responds, "Lord Andrew opted to return to his homeland Xing, much has transpired since we last saw you both". She turns to Lorenzo to provide the juiciest bits.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
"Much indeed." Lorenzo says in agreement with Lydia's statement.
"I would leave eloquence to Ranerius if he wishes, but the important part is that the traitor working with the hunters is no more and his allies have been neutralized as well. I suspect in relatively short order a new Prince of the city shall be crowned, but as of now that is still undecided, making the nights still somewhat uneasy."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Uwe calmly clasps his hands in front of him and listens in as he continues to feel out the changes to the city.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
The long haired man appears apprehensive at taking Uwe's hand but the female takes your hand in a firm handshake.
"I am Xing Shi of Clan Lasombra", she states flatly.
The man nods appearing relieved that Xing took the handshake, "I am Vitaliano da Riva".
Xing continues, frowning, "So the intelligence that we collected related to the Hunters and Dunstan is now all wasted?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo
"I would not think intelligence is ever wasted. I am not sure if we had connected all teh dots as things moved in haste. What did you find out?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Vitaliano proceeds with the information discovered, "The Nosferatu are indeed adversarial to our friend Onfroi. They suspect him of slaying their Patriarch Simon.
So much so that one of their number has even agreed to assist Dunstan if he can get his hands on Onfroi in the helping.
The Hunters it seems have let the leash loose on Dunstan relatively quickly so that he could operate against us utilizing his own methods. The Nosferatu are staying away from them as best they can as it was confirmed that at least one could see through the powers of Obfuscation when one of their brood was almost captured by them a few nights ago.
The Nosferatu know that a trap has been set by the Giovanni Manse, the Prince's old Elysium, and the Way of Kings Inn".
Xing shrugs, "If Dunstan is destroyed and the Hunters dispersed, I can only believe that none of his is useful any longer".
Before any of you can respond a female figure flits down the beach towards you at unnatural speed, she curtsies as she arrives on the dock, "Greetings M'Lords and M'Ladies, my Master wishes you attend to him as you are on the Lido and he has claimed it as his own Domain". Her smile is both inviting and menacing...
None of you recognize her though she is clearly a Cainite.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
"Good evening." Lorenzo says. "And who is your master that has claimed a portion of Narses's former domain as his own?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
"Good evening." Lorenzo says. "And who is your master that has claimed a portion of Narses's former domain as his own?"
"Prince Alexander. Narses is no more".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Alexander of Paris... Clan Ventrue?
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
"Correction, Alexander of Venice of Clan Ventrue.
Who else should grasp the mantle of power in this place?" She smiles sweetly.
Vitaliano opens his mouth to speak and then closes it once more.
Xing remains silent.
Lydia sighs, "From one complication to another..."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
"Well, the one with whom Narses struck a deal with for Praxis in the first place for one. I suspect your lord will receive push back from no fewer than three of Narses's childer as well." Lorenzo coolly says.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
She continues smiling, "My Lord requires counselors...
come, let us be on our way, I don't wish to keep him waiting any longer, do any of you?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Uwe will follow along and waits to see who this Alexander is.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Alessandro gathers himself and steps forward.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Uwe, Michele, Ranerius, Geoffroi, Alessandro, and Lorenzo
"It's never simple, is it?" But he steps forward.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido
Michele shakes his head and steps forward with the rest.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
You are led down the beach by the enigmatic female Cainite, the silence stretches out until you arrive at a manse with beautiful views of the sea.
She enters the manse beckoning you all within and heads down the hall and around to a set of stairs up to the second floor. The architecture and interior style of the home is from perhaps half a century ago kept in impeccable shape. At the top of the stairs is a short hallway, one door to the right and two to the left with double doors ahead.
She opens them, remaining at the doorway, and seated seated at a large mahogany desk, is Alexander. Flanking him to his left is the Ventrue Franz Albert and another Cainite you met briefly, Tassilo Donadei, you have not seen him since the night some of you saved the rest of you from the Hunters.
Alexander smiles and says, "Where you said they would be". A disembodied voice responds, "Of course". Your recognize the voice of Onfroi! He does not show himself.
Alexander cocks his head, "So many of you I have only so briefly interacted with.
I am Alexander Childe of Ventrue originally of Athens, of late of Paris, and now the Prince of Venice. I believe most of you know Franz Albert Capsali, Childe of Lanzo von Saschen. Also with me is Tassilo Donadei, Childe of Erasmo Casimiro Alonso de Curcio of Clan Lasombra. I am quite sure you are all very familiar with Onfroi the Bastard of Burgandy.
Please announce yourselves formally so we can proceed with my purpose for bringing you all here".
He appears 16 years-old, as beautiful as a classic Greek god, with golden, curly hair. Beardless youth, his classically sculpted face is framed in dark ringlets, his lovely eyes outrageously long-lashed, are dark brown flecked with hints of amber.