Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alessandro understands he is the... least of this coterie.
He also understands that it does not diminish him as an individual. But, for formality's sake he is not first.
Politely, he waits.
His mind gently tugs at him, something about this place and Franz. If it were possible, he imagines remembering the boy-god.
Ventrue...
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Lorenzo looks upon the gather Cainites and then to his coterie before speaking.
"I understand that your clan places much value upon lineage. I am Lorenzo Cappelli, Childe of Doctor Robert Benne, or at least that is the name my Sire has relayed to me. Grandchilde of Japheth Cappadocius."
After introducing himself, Lorenzo says nothing more, studying the room.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Uwe looks at him and says, "I am Uwe von Roth, Childe of Lord Leopold Valdemar." Uwe chooses to leave the name without title as he feels out his new companions and the Kindred in the room.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
As the Childe of an Antediluvian, he is likely beyond the groups ability to defeat here and now, especially considering he's not alone.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Uwe watches Alexander and waits to see how the Kindred will react to his presence.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Ranerius gives an incline of head as the introductions are made, though he feels sorry that Onfroi has distanced himself and not just because the man was a valuable asset. he took on his embrace on behalf of Clan Toreador in part. ANd for a time was almost a friend.
"Signore Ranerius Bernerius of Venice, Childe of François Villon, who was Embraced by Helene herself," I speak up, "To those of you new to the city, welcome to Venice, the jewel of the Mediterranean."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Geoffroi had been following along warily with the group. He had stayed silent at the mention of his blood brother, unwilling to speak anything that might compromise him to these unfamiliar Canites.
He thinks to himself
He stays quiet through the entry into Alexander’s presence, although he is impressed in spite of himself. He holds himself aloof, conscious that he has already pledged his fealty to Narses’ childe Valdemar. He bows as he would to a superior nobleman and introduces himself
“My lord, I am Sieur Geoffroi de Clairvaux. In the custom of our kind, I suppose I am the childe of Lord Brian Stack, for all an hours’ acquaintance imparts of that bond. Who his sire was, I have no idea. I was a knight Templar , before Phillip the Foul broke our order, and I am now a member of the Salubri, a warrior tribe of noble lineage, or so they tell me.”
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Michele flatly states.
“I am Michele Querini , child of the Serpents. My sire is Sadir and my grandsire is Fahdi.”
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Slowly and cautiously, Alessandro announces himself to the best of his ability.
Alessandro Khadaji. Childe of Alyssa Fitz Gilbert. Childe of Vander Fitz Gilbert. Childe of Raoul Snake-Eyes. Childe of Medon. Childe of Ventru.... Prince Alexander.
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Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander addresses you each in turn, though the way he moves it is as if a statue come to life, he is the essence of stillness, gone is the pretense of life from him, any human motion or emotion no longer exists within this one, if it ever did, it is... unsettling, "Fahdi Mohammad? It has been many centuries since your serpent grandsire slithered into by Parisian Elysium and announced himself to me". He chuckles, "I recall his coterie mate Councilor Radek being a belligerent pest, so much so that I had to remove his arms from his torso and promised only to return them when he learned proper manners.
He never did, I believe his arms are still somewhere under Notre Dame, I will have to remember to ask him how he acquired new ones".
"Ah yes Alessandro, a pleasure to see you once more. Glad am I that you have survived the harrowing experience hunting the Hunters. There is something I have taken from you that I wish to return, but first to the others yes?"
He looks to Geoffroi, "Tis a shame what Phillip the Foul and no doubt my own rotten Childe have done to your Order Sir. With the help of the Camarilla, we shall vanquish those in Paris who have wronged so many, myself included".
"The Rose Clan front and center, I knew your Sire well when he was a young Cainite in my Court. It seems that his grasp exceeded his reach and yet he was able to place his Childe into the position of Justicar despite losing to Rafael de Corazon a seat at the Inner Circle.
With the exception of those who betrayed me though, one rose is the same as another no? Venice is no Florence or Milan is it? I wonder if perhaps it is time to replace the current Rose with a fresh one and allow the arts to flourish in the city as never before.
The shadows of the Lasombra blighted out the sun here for far too long it would appear".
Alexander smiles at Uwe, "Ah, a Childe of one of the Trio here to see me, what great fortune. I should wish to send you back to your Sire with a missive".
He clears his throat, "Join me. I rise once more, this City needs me, for now. Certainly since inception it has been a stronghold of your Clan, but it is time for a breath of fresh air. Once I have improved upon it, I shall of course return it to its rightful owners, after all Alexander of Venice just doesn't have quite the same ring to it as Alexander of Paris, does it?"
His eyes narrow at Lorenzo, "So, a direct descendant of Japheth himself eh? The right hand of old Cappadocius, one of the few ancients who still walks the Long Night among us. Your support would mean a great deal to me".
His eyes dilate for a moment as he scans each of you in turn, he grins wickedly, "I see that many of you here are indeed sinners... all but Uwe and my Lilly White friend Alessandro Khadaji.
Not to worry, you have nothing to fear from me, I embrace saint and sinner alike.
The question is, will you embrace me back?
All but you Uwe, it is only right that you support your Sire over a stranger such as myself, I would expect nothing less from a loyal Childe, something I was and am in short supply of".
The female still at the door pouts, he turns to her, "Oh not you my dear, you and your sisters are as loyal as can be. My older Childer could learn much from all of you".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Uwe nods in reply to Alexander and waits to see how the others reply.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Xing, and Lydia both introduce themselves, but Alexander seems less interested in them than he does the coterie itself.
Vitaliano trails off in the back of the room walking around and observing the shelves and the paperwork thereupon.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Looking around, Alessandro decides... final death will come one way or another.
My... Prince.
I can only assume you take the helm from a position of true strength and not because you await reinforcements.
You have need of none.
Perhaps, an unasked question.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander smiles, "I have all I need but I prefer to build a consensus than simply slay those who defy my will.
Not that I am above slaying those who defy me but in my lucid moments, I know that I am temperamental and must restrain myself from such violence else I rule over a city of corpses...
Does this mean that I can count on your support young Alessandro? We are of the same Blood so while I expect it, I know that I cannot assume it is so".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Your intent seems sounds. I suppose that is the Ventrue in me speaking.
But, perhaps I was unclear. An ancient female approaches, possibly with our kind's destruction in mind.
Is she an ally of yours?
He shoots the Lasombra present a sharp look.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander raises an eyebrow, "This is indeed, news to me.
Are you aware of the name or clan of this Ancient Female?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alessandro considers, The Methuselah Lantla and her childer Gottsdam, a masquerader... possessimg mortals, of not Cainites.
Others here know more. I only know what I've pieced together.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander cocks his head and his face is impassive, "The Keeper of the Ventrue comes here? I was under the impression she was dead or deep in torpor.
How have you come to know this?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alessandro tried to put a timeline together. As we considered the threat of the younger Cainites reveling against the Elders and the threat of the Hunters, we considered all possibilities and connections to current events but the least of which, the death of Narses.
I'm relatively certain we've all heard the words. I am the only one stupid enough to speak the name openly. Whether this... approach is related to Narses' end, I can not confirm.
Are the tales true, Prince Alexander? These ante-deluvians?
Perhaps a time to seek allies rather than create enemies. A prolonged war would devastate Venice.
I am young, inexperienced and my unsolicited advice may be trite but, there or is. Forgive me.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander chuckles, "Indeed, the Antediluvians do exist, my Sire was one. Ventrue himself.
At first, I suspected that these Hunters were an attempt by Narses to destroy me, after all, I would have threatened by me if I were him. But it appears that the Mortals themselves were behind it all along.
That is not the first time they have risen against us. Every time, their attempt are more dangerous. The Silence of Blood, much as it is to be despised as it curbs our true nature, reveals itself to be the most important rule of the Long Night no matter the culture, no matter the age, no matter the Clan that rules them.
As far as Narses end goes, I am informed that it was his rivals that slew him, Lantla was long asleep before Narses was born as a Mortal so I see no rationale as to why she, assuming wat you say is true and she has arisen, would deliver unto Narses the final death".
Onfroi's disembodied voice speaks, "My Prince, it was told to us by young Xing present here that Lantla was indeed in corporeal form once more. Documents in possession of Alejandro, Prince in Exile of Jerusalem may attest to such facts further though I have not seen them with my own eyes..."
Alexander frowns, "If such is the case then it is even more important that the city bands together to repulse her, or at least present a unified front when, if, she does arrive. She is older and more powerful than even I am".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Lorenzo nods at the mention of his Grandsire's station, but otherwise remains quiet while Alessandro speaks.
When the conversation turns to Lantla, he breaks his silence. "Venice is a beautiful city, but why are so many ancients interested in her? First you, Lord Alexander, now this Lantla, and before any of you, at least in Venice, Lord Bion - he who granted Narses praxis in the first place."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander chuckles, "If you believe that Lantla comes here to seize the city then you have mistaken her motivations. She has, to my knowledge, never been one to hold station except ever so briefly in Rome.
Why she would come here, I cannot say as her motivations are understood by few, but I would doubt it is to be the Prince of Venice, which did not exist prior to her disappearance. If anything I would suspect that she would go to Rome, after all, it is the Elders of Rome that placed her in torpor".
He pauses for a moment then continues, "I must admit, I do not care for Venice other than as a stepping stone to achieve the return of my city to me. Venice's proximity to the east and the west shall allow me to gather prestige and allies for me to enact my ultimate plans.
That does not mean that I do not appreciate the city for what it is, a unique and interesting place. My presence as Prince shall allow for short term stability and when I am done, the Lasombra who proves most worthy of the title shall claim it from me.
Lord Bion was only ever a placeholder for his own Sire which is why he freely handed the reigns to Narses upon his arrival. At least I believe that was the tale relayed to me some time ago.
After all, I have heard many tales of many Princes what is true I cannot say for it is all heresay as I was never present for such events..."
He shrugs, an odd movement for a creature who is usually still as a statue!
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"Lord Alexander, you had said my support would mean a great deal to you. Why is that? Purely for lineage? While I am a direct descendent of Japheth Cappadocius, I have never met him." Lorenzo asks.
With a slight grin, he admits to his curiosity. "I would love to hear that tale that was told to you about Lord Bion if you found yourself willing at some later time."
Geoffroi acknowledges Alexander’s brief words to him with a polite nod, but remains quiet. He listens in to the political discussion, trying to ascertain where the levers are, and what configuration is being decided. He had pledged fealty to Uwe’s sire, but the appearance of this … person had complicated things. He had no wish to die over a pledge given a scant few hours ago to a man he had just met. He decided to stay quiet and hope that his small part in this scenario would keep him beneath notice for the nonce
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Ranerius has been so caught up in the majesty of the speaking elder that he had to yank himself out of it as what the man proposed settles in
"You may not love Venice save as a stepping stone, but at least you show an interest in its betterment so thank you. To me, Venice is as dear as a lover, and I would adorn her well and lavishly. I have long preached harmony and unity for this budding sect Narses formed. And, recently, I have been told I am not of Venice at all, that we were never formerly released even with we stayed and triumphed where elders fled until we cleared the situation. I speak with arrogance beyond my years perhaps, but I disagree with that estimation. When Sires abandon their offspring, and the offspring serve the acting prince with success as we did, the elevation should be presumed. I would have your earnest thoughts on it?"
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander frowns, "I speak of politics and you seek a history lesson Lord Cappelli.. how very Cappadocian of you!" He smiles, perhaps the most unnatural forced smile you have ever laid eyes upon, was he attempting to jest?
He continues, "Bion is Childe to Byzar, a Childe of Cappadocious himself. The Byzar was the "ruler" of Byzantium from before even my own embrace until the rise of Lucius Septimius Severus as Roman Emperor. The city was razed by the Emperor because its leadership sided with Gaius Pescennius Niger. At this time, Byzar vanishes, and has not been heard from since.
A few decades prior to this event, Byzar sent Bion west to explore rumors of Necromantic practices among the mortals that dwelled near what we know of today as Venice. Perhaps these sorcerers were the progenitors of the Cainite Augustus Giovanni, perhaps not. In any case, Byzar was unable to locate these Mortals but petitioned his Sire to remain and create a settlement here. His petition was granted so long as Bion understood that all glory and discoveries and riches were to belong to Byzar solely.
The arrival of Boukephos and his Childe Narses provoked a crisis for Bion centuries later as he was more interested in research than in conflict. Thus, he agreed to allow Narses to rule over the city provided that should Narses ever abdicate, Bion could either reassert his dominion over the city or select a new predecessor for Narses. I remember the event quite well because as the time I was a temporary resident of Padua, which at the time was ruled by my paramour, Samal, the most beautiful Brujah to ever be Embraced save the whispers of a female Embraced by the original Brujah. But for our falling out, she might be alive today, I swear to this day, whenever I meet a descendant of the Lombards I will eviscerate them for causing her Final Death!
But I digress.
It is unclear whether Byzar is deceased or whether Byzar is not deceased, as Bion holds this realm as Steward for his Sire, he is loathe to let go the claim, I presume he could give a rats ass about the physical location itself, like most Cappadocian's their study is all they truly care about.
That brings me to you Lord Cappelli, of the few Cappadocians who show an interest outside of the dead, your Sire is one of them. I should like to have him, and thus you, his Childe, as my allies.
Japheth, while powerful, is a mouthpiece for his own Sire and appears to have no will outside of that of the ancient scholar.
In addition, Onfroi has informed me that your powers are interesting and quite frankly deadly on the field of battle, a scholar with the mind of a tactical warrior is a rare find indeed".
Alexander turns to Ranerius, "You are arguing that I change the rules of our kind that have stood the test of millennia based upon merit of actions alone. What you have accomplished, you have accomplished in your Sires name if he has not released you. To do otherwise would be to overturn the very fabric of our existence.
In death, who you were as a Mortal is the shadow of who you were in life. You must re-stake a claim to be considered to have dominion of your own in this or any other city.
Any who would state that they would agree to do otherwise is lying to you to manipulate you to their own ends. Such a change robs you of this in the future for your own Childer.
While I can certainly grant you domain as Prince, I cannot simply accept your Embrace within the city as sufficient cause in and of itself to grant you what you wish. The question of your Sire releasing or not releasing you is not for me to interfere with, I do not have the power to emancipate you young Ranerius.
That said, I do find what your coterie has accomplished worthy of this right! I grant you all domain within Venice! The exact terms of which to be determined once the rest of the denizens of the city have pledged their fealty to me. I grant this to you all even if you do not support me.
Of course, should we come to blows, I can, as is my right, strip you of this citizenship should you prove to become destabilizing instead of a stabilizing force within fair Venice".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"Thank you for humoring my curiosity with the story of Bion as you have heard and seen it, Lord Alexander." Lorenzo says with a polite bow. "With the story admitting to Lord Bion's claim as steward, I trust you would be willing to work with my Clanmate to strengthen your claim of praxis?"
"Tactical warrior may be a bit overstated, but it seems I learned my lessons in the necromantic arts well. Combine those effects with the knowledge of the body I gained as a mortal in Padua and I suppose it is an effective combination."[b] the former doctor says, downplaying his abilities in combat. [b]"The compliment is none-the-less appreciated, Onfroi." he adds in the direction of invisible Nosferatu.
As the tale wraps up and turns to Lord Benne, Lorenzo admits, "Lord Alexander, I am not so sure that my association gets you the support of Lord Benne and vice versa. My Sire saw fit to abandon my Lamia guardian" he says gesturing toward Lydia, "and I when the hunters stormed the Mausoleum. Have you by chance heard of the whereabouts of my wayward Sire, Lord Alexander?"
"I thank you for your candor and generous consideration of my view points even if you do not agree with them. One thing I can assure you, and I think we have proven, I despise the idea of chaos in Venice, and also wish it safe and stable." The Toreador bows "My thanks again, Elder."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Waiting for a chance to speak, Michele chimes in. "My sire had abandoned me to increase his chance of survival as the hunters were abound so I am not sure of his thoughts on the matter of support of you.
I do know the Elder K'haytall has given his support to Valdemar."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Alexander smiles at Alessandro, "Before your Coterie leaves, we must meet ever so briefly, do not vacate the Manse before we speak young one".
He turns to Lorenzo, "Of course, the support of Bion would be essential to my claim on the Princeship of Venice. I may also have news of his Sire for him, were he so inclined to meet with me.
Do not sell yourself short, while untrained, you may just be a natural on the field of battle".
Onfroi's voice responds, "You are welcome, Doctor".
Alexander continues, "I have had no news outside of this city at all, at least not news as it pertains to those who were forced to flee at the attacks conducted by the Mortals".
Alexander sighs at Ranerius, "Still, despite our shared viewpoints, your heart lies with another. Long have I learned to read the subtle hints and body posture of the Clan of the Rose, my greatest allies and yet my greatest enemies.
Tis a pity, still, so long as you do not raise a hand in anger at my eventual ascension, I shall not pluck your beauty from the vine".
He turns last to the serpent, "Who cares on whit what your sire wishes or does not wish? For that matter, the wishes of Fahdi Mohammad do not matter to me either. You are here, now. I know that the support of a snake is fleeting and your loyalties are only as strong as the strength I display. But strength I have, and in abundance.
K'haytall eh? I should suspect that his loyalties shall shift away from the Seneschal as is befitting on of your ilk once he comes to understand that I now oppose a younger inexperienced Leopold Valdemar.
I suppose that's it then yes?
Only my own Clanmate is on my side?
No matter, in time you shall come to see things my way.
You may go and inform those you know of what you have learned here this night, but await yet Alessandro, our meeting shall take but a moment".
He stands up and gestures for you to follow him out of the room Alessandro.
[ooc[Actions?[/ooc]
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Unsure what to expect but understanding he had no choice, Alessandro follows.
How may I be of service? Bowing his head slightly.
Alexander sighs at Ranerius, "Still, despite our shared viewpoints, your heart lies with another. Long have I learned to read the subtle hints and body posture of the Clan of the Rose, my greatest allies and yet my greatest enemies.
Tis a pity, still, so long as you do not raise a hand in anger at my eventual ascension, I shall not pluck your beauty from the vine".
At this, the Toreador's brow lifts in mild surprise, "This is news to me, great one but I am grateful for your forbearance."
He will leave when directed to , of course. He's not rude.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Remember...
"As I said, I had something to return to you.
Tell me your opinion, if you have one, which of the three Lasombra is most worthy of the position of Seneschal".
The female Cainite adresses the rest of you, "Your audience has ended, it is time to go".
She escorts you all back to the first floor foyer and she heads into another portion of the house.
Franz Albert follows you all out and stands on the stairs to address you all as you mill about by the front door, "I like most of you am only recently Embraced. It appears to me that selecting Alexander to be a solidifying force in the short term is the best choice versus supporting rivals within Clan Lasombra who may seek to slay one another to gain the throne of their Sire".
He shrugs, "Do your best to convince them it is in their own best interest to wait out Alexander, I do not think they will appreciate the alternative".
He stares at you Ranerius, hard.
"It is not an idle threat he provides, he appears willing to slay and replace all Cainites in the city to obtain his goals, I am not certain he can be stopped by any presently remaining, do you believe that this Bion is capable of stopping him if need be"?
The Toreador reads the silent invitation, and accepts...
Ranerius shares his thoughts with Franz, Ah, so that is what he meant by my heart. He thinks I am loyal to Bion . Ironic. I've said again and again my loyalty is to Venice and the Dream of a Sect where Cainites of ALL Generations and ages can strive for mutual respect and Harmony. I could scream it to the rooftops and elders would still not listen it seems. To answer your question, I do not know. I do know that if anyone can, Bion has a good chance. He is an elder of the Clan of Death and formidible. Bion is traditional and stubborn in many ways but at least he showed when the trouble was on and other elders cowered. For THAT He has my respect even if I disagree with him on key points. As for the Lasombra, they offer me what I feel is already mine, which is hardly alluring as they think. I no longer trust as easily as i used to, but one must trust SOMETIMES or one renders ones self inconsequential. My companions include members who are MUCH more cunning than I. I am not ashamed to admit that. I will consult them on this when I can and see what they advise. If you help us, even as an observer who keeps us informed, I will try to talk to them into helping ALL of us, including yourself, survive in whatever is to come.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"Excellent. In the few days he has stayed at my Haven here on the Lido it has become increasingly obvious that he is a megalomaniac. However, he is the Childe of an ancient and may well be too formidable to defeat for the several of us.
The Lasombra here, Tassilo who I believe you briefly met a few nights ago, is an agent of the Prince of Constantinople and an ally of Alexander's. He will stand with Alexander. So too will Onfroi.
Alexander also has four new Childer, albeit weak in powers their potent blood makes them dangerous, though their primary purpose is to assuage his hunger as human blood no longer sates him.
I certainly do not wish to plot against him but he is dangerous in a way that I wasn't certain was possible from anything but a wild animal that one believes is domesticated.
I shall send word of any updates to your Inn and park a messenger there for you to send the same to me.
Ware Alessandro, he is Ventrue and his primary loyalties will lie with our Clan as do mine, he has yet to see enough of Alexander to understand the danger he poses".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
[I]You say Alexander has four new childer? Did he embrace them in Venice?[I] The Toreador knows Venice and might know who was embraced before their taking, and there are other matters in play that matter for this as well.
The loss of Onfroi as an ally and even friend makes him sadder than he thought possible, however wretched Onfroi might seem to others. And now he is asked to war Alessandro. So much for harmony between Cainites even allies it seems.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Accepting the memories, Thank you.
As you know I am new to this... world. And, even as Narses was assaulted I was on a water borne vessel. I truly know little of fact. However I do consider myself a decent judge of character?
Magdalena I know the least of, but she seems less... diplomatic. And, it would seem diplomacy is the order of the day if your plan is to be enacted with minimal losses on any and all sides.
Alejandro seems the most self-serving and is related to the ancient Lantla's business in some manner. I am not saying he's a conspirator but, he and his one-time coterie may have information. Xing doesn't know much of the scrolls themselves, their contents.
Valdemar seems the most even keel, as it were. Patient enough to understand before acting and choosing a proper or agreeable path to those involved. One could say this makes him the most dangerous, but appealing to his logic helps. Also, that gains you Uwe, as well.
I would offer my own services as Senechal or Justicar but, I am aware of my lack of experience - pure years and power. I have tried to make inroads with the Nosferatu. I knew nothing of the Camarilla and yet, before that I tried to unite clans for peace.
Consider my social currency yours. But, although you may obviously do with it what you will... I would hope it is not so opposed to my own nature.
I will boldly ask one thing...
...assuming I survive the nights to come and am reunited with Alyssa my sire or any in my line. If I serve you well, please put in a good word... I do not know the punishment I face for returning to Venice.
That is as little as I know, Prince Alexander.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
If Geoffroi still breathed he would breathe a sigh of relief. It seems he is beneath notice of this being that stands before them in his alien glory, and that suits the Norman knight just fine. He gravitates to the edge of the coterie after making whatever polite political gestures need to be made and then keeps his senses keen for any dangers that lurk in the shadows. For there are always jackals near a lion’s den, after all….
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Lorenzo leaves with no resistance. Once outside, he turns to Lydia. "I think we need to return to Lord Bion and speak with him about this."
Noticing the Salubri was lost in his own thoughts, Lorenzo offers, "You are welcome to join us if you like."
Otherwise he waits for Ranerius to finish whatever he is doing with Franz.
Glancing over toward Uwe, he asks, "I assume you will be making your way back to Lord Valdemar? If not, you are certainly welcome to come with us. I suspect we have lost Alessandro for the night."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"I am curious about how Lord Bion will take news of Venice's new arrival. So if it is ok, I will travel with you for a bit longer. I do not believe that Alexander intended to keep Alessandro for long though. I believe he asked us to await Alessandro coming out, but perhaps my understanding of his comment was incorrect." Uwe says as he looks back the way they came to see if anyone is still watching them.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"I will accompany you to Lord Bion's as I am also curious on his reaction to the news."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
"You are more than welcome, Michele. I suppose we should wait a moment or two, as it appears I have misunderstood how long Lord Alexander intends to keep Alessandro." the former doctor says with an appreciative nod toward Uwe.
Ranerius awaits his answer but plans to go to Lord Bion as well.
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Franz responds, "Yes, that is not including the one that survived the Hunters, the rest appear to have been slain by the Mortals".
Ranerius feels ire build but contains it, "So, he embraces without a Prince's permission or wait until there was a prince to ask? Noted. Unless there is something else I should let you go before many grow suspicious. God speed to our mutual endeavors."
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
[b]"Can you acquire these scrolls? I would be very interested in reading them myself!
Your assessment of Alejandro and Valdemar I share, I know not of the female, I shall have to obtain the opinion of another as well to see if they concur with your own. Alejandro spent some time in Constantinople so he is known to those I know and while he has some personal power, he is not the diplomat that Valdemar appears to be. Bringing in young Uwe would indeed be a useful benefit, numbers matter in such political wrangling.
Even where some strongly oppose you, if the many support you their cries amplify your supporters and drown out dissenters.
I cannot have a non-Lasombra as a Seneschal young one. Our position of Justicar is filled by Mithras, one who may well be more powerful even than myself, if such a thing is possible.
I am glad to have your support young Alessandro.
Provided that I am victorious in re-establishing an actual Court, I shall send a missive to your Sire to smooth any problems out.
Remember that [i]all[/i Cainites owe you and Onfroi a greater debt than can be repaid, had you both not stopped the Lamia from being delivered to the Pope, matters would be much, much worse for your kind...
go now, to your Coterie, keep me apprised of the positions of those that you encounter for I must know who supports me, and who does not".
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Venice by Night - Monday April 7, 1309
the Lido Alexander's Haven
Xing and Vitaliano and even Lydia are silent as the Coterie awaits Alessandro's exit from the Ventrue haven.