Matthew and Savanna opt to go to a movie in an attempt to re-connect with their humanity and, if just for a couple of hours, try and forget the unending horror of existence among the children of Caine - even if the underlying thought of feeding does cross your mind.
You stroll into the AMC River East 21, and look at the offerings for viewing at this time of night, seeing that "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is the only film that hasn't started for the evening yet.
The theater is only about a quarter full, so you have your choice of seats.
The badly scarred man continues to silently approach while another man steps out of what can only be described as all-concealing shadows. A man that Alexander called Talley the Hound, if tales are to be believed a former high ranking member of the Sabbat.
"Very well." the Hound says. "Good to formally meet you, Edwin."
Gesturing to the scarred man, he adds, "This is Olaf, also known as the One-Eyed King.
[b]"As I told you the other night," Talley says to Ollie, "there are many forces at work here. Chicago is a powder keg and soon a war will begin for who will rule her. Surely Kevin Jackson will do whatever he can to hold to power. Why else would he be so quick to take the Inner Circle's interest in bringing my Clan into the fold here? I know of the presence in Gary that would seek to return."
Glancing pointedly at the scarred man, he adds, "I seek the return of another."
Though if the latter is the case, then perhaps my understanding of the methods of the Sabbat, or former Sabbat, were greatly exaggerated as I would have suspected that Amaranth would have been the end result if an Elder were located and vulnerable.
In the former case I find the odds dubious as it is common knowledge that Lodin was killed by Lupines who are not known for their mercies when it comes to our kind".
Edwin remains silent on the presence in Gary that would seek to return though it is seems clear that the Lasombra Elder is indeed well informed.
He pauses and continues, "The Second Inquisition has made strange bedfellows. Is it Inner Circle pressure or pressure from Mortals that has brought the Lasombra into the Camarilla? A question I have wanted to ask since I first laid eyes on you at Jackson's Conclave but didn't have the opportunity, or perhaps the gumption, to ask.
I must confess to being ignorant of the history that formed the two Sects. As a member of Clan Tremere, there are truths held to be self evident that appear to not be as truthful as my time in this existence has progressed, such as Sabbat are the personification of evil".
"I can't remember the last time I had popcorn even when I was kine. Truth be told I wish I'd had it a few more times in my life. It doesn't seem likely I'll be partaking in it anytime soon."
Dr. Baker is completely sated, though were any of his kind truly ever? Still, he's able to keep his hunger pangs to a few fantasies he's easily able to suppress.
"Ah, here! The only movie to have not started yet. I believe this is a sequel, no? I find it so hard to keep up with the entertainments of the youth. I fear I'd be hopelessly lost, but I'm willing to watch it if you are. If nothing else, its great fun analyzing the various mental afflictions of the characters."
"Wicked may also be playing if you were in the mood for a musical." I wonder if Dorothy will be in this one-- or Toto!"
Ollie whistles at the word Lasombra and the talk of the Sabbat, "I see. Well obviously I don't see as quickly as Edwin but I admit, I'm curious as to hear your answers to his questions myself."
Talley smiles. "I do not know who or what this Shining Deer is, but if it is an elder Cainite, I assure you my blood would be stronger for have known of it."
The scarred man now known as Olaf speaks in a heavily Norwegian voice, "No...the Lupines are not merciful, but their fury is not enough to destroy a King."
Getting a closer look the scarred man, you see his one remaining eye is ice blue and a few shocks of pale blond hair remain on his head.
Turning his attention to Edwin's second question, Talley says, "A little of both, plus factors internal to the Sabbat itself."
"The Sabbat is not what it once was, and has not what it was intended to be for a great deal of time. Ironically, the new stance of the Camarilla's Inner Circle is closer to what the leaders of the Sabbat originally wanted than what the Sabbat has been in recent nights. Add to that the dangers the Second Inquisition brings...surely a Tremere understands that more than most, given what has become of Vienna."
I admit, I am a scholar and not a political power player and I have no Childe of my own so perhaps I am simply mistaken but I see no reason why if Lodin didn't wish it, he couldn't seize the Princeship right now.
Now if you are "producing" a Kindred named Lodin, that is certainly an interesting approach. I suppose then I could see the Lasombra as powerful as your reputation states that you are, ah.. Talley, or is it Lord Talley, quite frankly I'm not certain how to address you, being the power behind the throne of this "Lodin".
Either way, are you seeking Ollie and I suppose by extension, our Coterie's support in this endeavor?
Then that begs the question to what end, certainly we have numbers but no real influence politically. And if it's a fight you seek then certainly there are better choices than us. Most of my Coterie are scholars, well except Jack and I think Ollie".
He pauses, "Yes, I understand the power of the Second Inquisition more than most. Before its ugly head reared I was a resident of the Vienna Chantry. Only by dumb luck was I traveling at that moment else I would be ash on the wind".
He opens his mouth to say more fascinated by the tip of the iceberg revelations that Talley has hinted at, but holds giving Ollie a chance to speak for himself!
My doctor has forbidden me to eat these, but I so much enjoyed pop corn when I was younger that I want you to accept these, as a gift. Please. It will really put some joy in my heart if you accept.
"It's true. I never claimed to be a highly educated man before or after my death. Lodin i heard about... he was no friend to my Clan that I hear at least not back in the day. I don't like Jackson, but why would I want Lodin or a Lodin stand in in his place when all that means is a more efficient collar around my neck?" It's a testing statement, to see how the kindred they speak to reacts. He's not going to flat out declare his Anarch leanings but he wouldn't be surprised if they knew already or suspected.
Something about Olaf has Ollie on guard, not hostile, but wary.
The movie is enjoyable enough and easy enough to follow along with even if you hadn't seen the previous two movies in the series. Exiting the theater it does not seem that you've been followed by anyone or anything.
Savanna notices a young couple coming in for the next show and offers buy them popcorn.
"My doctor has forbidden me to eat these, but I so much enjoyed pop corn when I was younger that I want you to accept these, as a gift. Please. It will really put some joy in my heart if you accept."
"Thanks." the male of the couple says with a tinge of confusion in is voice. "Come on, babe. We need to get to our seats. Thanks for the popcorn!" the female says dragging the male along with her.
Talley grins while Olaf seems to scowl - it is hard to tell precisely, given the damage to his face. "Twenty to twenty-five years...yes, that sounds about right for a Cainite to be in torpor following a devastating, but not fatal battle."
"Kevin is a pretender...if any of the Childer would have taken the throne, it should have been Neally or Ballard." Olaf seemingly growls. "As to why a Gangrel would want Lodin back, well Lodin has certainly learned the value of the most beastial of the clans - especially in light of his encounter with the Lupines."
"As to why you and your little coterie," Talley begins, "You are a largely unknown quantity. That in itself is a rare advantage in our world. Unknown quantities, particularly those of younger vintage can make one's enemies either overly cautious or foolhardily aggressive. Both lead to mistakes, particularly when one such as Kevin Jackson is concerned."
And why would he align himself with a Clan that as a Camarilla Prince he would have been at least, if not more opposed to, than he was the Anarchs?
In addition, I still do not understand why the Prince cannot simply waltz back in and command his Childer to obey. Did he not Blood Bound his own brood?
Perhaps I protest too much but even if I am not one in a position to demand such answers, and perhaps I am not, no doubt someone else of much greater influence than I would want to know as much if not more".
After Talley gives the explanation as to utility of the Coterie, "Suddenly I feel as if were a little worm on a big hook.
We're bait to draw out the ire of Jackson eh? I find it hard to believe he would fear us..."
He pauses, "Truth be told, I would personally be much more comfortable, despite my seeming misgivings, to the return of Lodin versus Maxwell.
This Maxwell was Prince in a different age. Lodin, from what I understand of the history of the city, kept the peace outside of feuds with the Anarchs. For one such as myself, that is all I desire. To be left alone with a stable head of State, as it were, above me allowing me to conduct my affairs unimpeded.
Were we to say, support the return of Lodin, who else is aware of and interested in such a development?"
The movie was not quite to the good doctor's tastes, but it does amuse him. In away, heist films were not so different from what they themselves were planning. It was all about getting the right team together. And if nothing else, it was good to put his mind towards light entertainment for a few hours.
"Well, that was fun. And I had delightful company. We'll have to consider doing this again sometime; things such as this can help remind us of the simple pleasures of life." He watches her hand the popcorn away with a slight smile, his eyes following the happy young couple. Ah, youth.
Her voice, as she speaks, seems to take an imperfect Southern accent
Happy to see good manners ain't lost everywhere suggha, and that a real man knows how to treat a lady. Now be quick,Sir, don't tarry, we need to fixin" to get some rest afore the sun rises. Thank you for the night out.
Ollie tries to sort this Olaf guy out... It's not just a bad vibe, an obviously scarred kindred talking about Kings being able to hold their own against lupines sounds almost worshipful of said king...
Dr. Baker and Savanna decide to call it a night while Ollie and Edwin continue their meeting...
Olaf responds to the mention of Lodin's rule. "Many of those squabbles with the Anarchs were the doing of the Primogen, and many of those have left save for Critias, Khalid, and Annabelle. In fact the Primogen were very much against Lodin's embrace of Capone and Jackson, as they thought that Lodin was getting too close to the Anarchs by embracing those two."
"Who else is aware of, and longs for the "return of the king"?" Talley almost mockingly asks, "Annabelle for one. Horatio Ballard for another."
I must confess that the return of Lodin would appear to solve Chicago's leadership vacuum, let me discuss this with my Coterie".
He turns to Ollie for the last word.
"I'm with you, Jackson and Capone never struck me as Anarchs either from what I heard. Just a different chain of command," He looks to Edwin "Let's see what the others think. I'm not crazy about it, but I'm not ready to dismiss it out of hand." He looks to Olaf and Talley "Appreciate your... sales pitch."
Olaf laughs. "I never said that Capone and Jackson were Anarchs...the Primogen are the ones that believed the criminal element the two came from was closely associated with the Anarchs...but that is neither here nor there."
Talley nods.
"By all means, discuss this with your friends, but do not delay too long" the Lasombra adds threateningly.
At the threatening tone, Buttons takes a ready stance.
Ollie arches a brow pets his dog, then looks to Edwin "Ready to go when you are."
Talley laughs at Edwin's comment. "Apologies. My words were not meant to be a threat, regardless of my tone. Too many years among the Sabbat I suppose. We look forward to hearing your response soon."
Only when Edwin, Ollie and Buttons get out of hearing distance (presumed) does Ollie say to Edwin "That meeting could have gone better."
This is quite a shocking development".
As the train makes its next stop, Edwin motions for Ollie and Buttons to follow him. He calls Ladislav requesting a pick up.
"I wish to visit a new ally to discuss this development. I am shocked that they would drag out some ridiculous story about the survival of Lodin, but what better way for former Sabbat to control Chicago? If I am not mistaken, they have powers that can make anyone look like the former Prince..."
Ladislav arrives and almost immediately takes note of his master's concern.
"Is everything alright, sir?" the revenant asks as he begins to drive toward the University. Some thirty minutes later, you arrive outside of the University. It is rather late, but that shouldn't matter overly much given who you wish to speak with...provided the doors are unlocked this time of night.
First, we fled from Europe and settled here. a place that was supposed to be settled.
Now we come to find out that chaos is here as well.
Trouble yourself not my friend, I shall find a way..." He stares out the window in silence until they arrive at the University.
Once the pull over Edwin asks Ladislav to drive around a bit, "Go not too far as I am not sure how soon I may need you again my friend!"
Edwin motions for Ollie to follow him and he heads to now familiar building and hallway of the Elder.
As always, when Buttons gets out of the vehicle he sniffs about getting used to the smells briefly, and goes on guard mode. Ollie pats his dog and follows Edwin, "Survival huh? Guess any event you can walk away from." He chuckles but clearly still has reservations.
When you check the main entrance, you find the door locked. Moving around to the east side of the building, you find an unlocked door.
Opening the side door you make your way upstairs to the office you had visited a few nights ago. The door is cracked and faint light pours through that crack.
A baritone,Greek-accented voices calls out, "Good evening, please come in. What is it you seek tonight?"
It is unclear if Critias knows who is outside his door, but you suspect he knows exactly who is outside his door.
I apologize for disturbing you, but just this very might I cam across some information that throws much of what we discussed into chaos and I get the sense that it is something important for you to know, in light of our arrangement".
Ollie gives a respectful nod "Professor." He believes that's one thing some call the Elder and it seems respectful enough. Critias is a legend among Kindred, even a less than academically inclined guy like himself knows of him.
"Oh? And what might that be, young Edwin?" the ancient Brujah asks.
"More players on the board than you previously thought? That is always the case, my friend. It is just that normally so many of those players stay in the proverbial shadows...and in some cases literal shadows it would seem these nights."
I find it odd that the Lasombra suddenly have discovered Lodin 30 years after his Final Death at the hands of Lupines. Is the Sabbat not known for the ability to change their appearances? It would appear to me, and perhaps I am just becoming paranoid, that the Sabbat wishes to soft coup Chicago by installing "Lodin" as Prince.
And even if Lodin were Prince cold he not simply utilize his blood bond to command Prince Jackson to step down?
All that said, I presume that you would still wish to support Maxwell? Nicolai does, of course, that is before I knew what I no know about the "Return of the King" as the odd ally of the Lasombra call it" Edwin pauses and waits for a response from Criatias.
"Lodin you say?" Critias asks, surprise creeping into the elder's voice.
"Not terribly likely, but not impossible I suppose. The Ventrue are known for their mastery of the discipline of Fortitude as well as much as their mastery of Dominate."
Critias gets a somewhat quizzical look on his face as he addresses the next matter. "I suppose it is not surprising that a member of the Tremere, of all Clans, has an incomplete understanding of the Blood Oath, given how you and clanmates are partially bound to your clan. For the Blood Oath to remain, the thrall must continue to receive blood from their regnant, lest the bond fade over time, typically one year and a day from the completion of the bond."
"So, if by some miracle Lodin does still exist, his absence these last three decades would have severed any bonds that he held on his Childer, or anyone else for that matter."
"We once controlled Lodin, he was a figured-head for the city while the Primogen council truly ruled Chicago. A returning would need our help and be more...cooperative than he was before Lodin was installed as Prince."
"Going by that logic, let's say the Lasombra found a dying Lodin who survived because of his fortitude. Let's say instead of staking him, they blood bound him? AIn't it true it doesn't matter how old you are, even a novice can bind an elder after three drinks? Most times anyway? Disguise might not be needed."
Frankly the idea of being blood bonded creeps Ollie out. He avoids it religiously which is to say he'd rather NOT have his new religion being worshiping some other kindred.
Perhaps it is my survival instinct alone driving me, but I would prefer to back the candidate that the Elders approve of. I'd rather not be standing against Kindred alive before the time of Christ or Elder Wizards who have forgotten more rituals than I've read about. It will not be clear until tomorrow where Khalid stands...
Of course, that said, without Criatias or Nicolai at my side, I'd stand little chance if Talley drew steel upon me or dropped shadows around me".
Edwin pauses a grim look upon his face, "Are you saying you prefer Maxwell because he will be more controllable than Lodin or Jackson or because he is of your Blood? I suppose it's irrelevant either way, I would prefer to side with the side that is most likely to win, not lose".
"That is correct, Ollie. Strength of blood matters little as it pertains to the Blood Oath.
"Lodin, should he actually still exist, would be a wild card in this scenario. He was able to be controlled before and I suspect that he would be again for the opportunity to regain praxis over the city of Chicago. I will admit, I would see it as an added bonus were Maxwell to return, simply to have a Brujah - even if he is a nephew rather than a direct descendent of I - at the head of the table rather than a damned Ventrue."
So whether this is the real Lodin or another Kindred masquerading as Lodin, is irrelevant. Well, the relevance for my Coterie, including Ollie, is that the Lasombra strongly hinted though Talley pulled back the threat a bit, that were we to not get on board with the Return of the King, our existences may be forfeit.
This seems to have little distinction from the threats made by Prince Jackson.
Truth be told, I was somewhat taken by the idea of the return of Lodin as a force for stability considering what I had heard of the city from the Regent prior to Lodin's death.
But of these three contenders, Maxwell was the only one to not threaten to slay us if we chose not to support him. That in itself has some great value.
I thank you for your time Elder. Tomorrow we shall meet with Khalid. Assuming that he too approves of Maxwell's return, that is three of the Primogen or former Primogen backing his claim to praxis quite significant".
Edwin is about to leave but has another thought he feels compelled to share.
"What of the other Primogen? Annabelle, Tyler, and Inyanga? Or has the Gangrel Elder withdrawn from that position? If those three split their support, that would be a significant boost for Maxwell no?"
"Neither Tyler nor Inyanga have been seen since the formal departures of Clans Brujah and Gangrel from the Camarilla - even if there are still members of both of those Clans that hold powerful positions within our city." the ancient begins. "It does not make me sad that Tyler is gone, seeing as she had committed Amaranth on one of my Childer..."
"Damien, my Childe is the Sheriff. Rosa Hernandez is the de facto leader of the Gangrel in the city, and sits on the Primogen council these nights. Although I do confess, I do not know her leanings in any of this business, or even how much she knows."
Turning his attention the subject of the Toreador Primogen, he says, "She once was a staunch supporter of Lodin, but the two had a bit of a falling out just before the Prince's assumed demise. I have doubts she would welcome him back with open arms, but members of her Clan can be rather flighty."
"Rosa isn't as ...garou friendly as Inyanga was said to be, that much I can share with you all because it's not exactly a secret." The Gangrel in the room says.
Thank you for your time Elder, I shall of course inform you of what Khalid has to say tomorrow night if that is alright with you?"
"There is much to contemplate tonight Ollie, I say we head back and get some rest before tomorrow nights last meeting, do you think the others would wish to come with? Plus, we will need to see what it is they discovered in their own meetings".
"They'd probably come with us if we asked pretty sure." He agrees.
And he follows. He's not apathetic, but he seems to be taking his time processing.
Dr. Baker rises. His first order of business is to try and attend his therapy session with his special patient for this evening. During the midst of it, he attempts to subtly sub off his herd member, taking a small nibble.
If he recalls correctly, there's supposed to be some meeting held later tonight. He will wait until the rest of the group gets in contact. Until then it is business as usual for him and Winthrop.
Upon rising, Edwin will cast his rituals Deflection of Wooden Doom.
Edwin will text Statia that he has further business this evening but ask her availability for the next evening.
Thereafter, he will seek to bring everyone together for a meeting to get an update from Matt and Savanna and of course provide to them the events of the two previous meeting he had and of course to invite them to the final meeting tonight.
When awake, Savanna takes an hour to shower, comb her hair, and then opens her computer to work on her required project, finding a potential building for her contractor.
Maybe there are a few new buildings on the market now?
She puts all the information she has, and, crossing her fingers, send them to the AI, hoping for some revelation
Statia is disappointed by the delay, but says she understands. After casting your ritual you send out a text to you coterie-mates, even the more absent ones like Calliope, Alexander, and Jack in hopes of hearing if there is anything new to report.
You're about to punch in new search with some different parameters when you phone buzzes with a message from Edwin. He would like everyone to come to the Temple tonight.
On your way back to the Temple, your phone buzzes with a message from Edwin. He would like everyone to come to the Temple tonight.
Dr. Baker quite likes it when things go according to plan. He absently scratches Winthrop as he responds to Edwin.
I am on my way. See you soon.
Hailing an Uber, he sets off to the temple.