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[Drakilian]

Chapter 2: Venetian Nights

In August of 1198 the young Pope Innocence III called for a new Crusade to recapture the Holy Sepulcher. The Angevin Kings of England and Capetian Kings of France were once again at war with one another even as the others contended for the recently vacant German thrown.

By 1200 it became clear that it would be lesser Counts who would take up the cross, and they did. Even without the Great Kings of Europe the Crusade became inevitable, the Counts declaring that they would take Egypt by sea.

In 1201 the Counts: Thibald of Champagne, Louis of Blois, Baldwin of Flanders and his brothers Henry and Eustace sent six delegates to Venice to broker a deal to allow the crusaders to use the floating City as a jumping off point. The aged Doge of the city, Enrico Dandolo, accepted them willingly and made a deal, he would taxi the crusaders for a fair price, which was to be paid upon their arrival and would lend fifty armed galleys in exchange for half of the crusade’s prize. Little did he know that the delegates had lied, seriously inflating the number of crusaders that had taken up the cross. The pope, unaware of the deception sanctified the arrangement. These events would alter the course of the crusade irrevocably.

When the Doge learned the truth the Crusaders were already in the city. Seeing that the numbers present did not constitute more than a fraction of what were promised Dandolo was furious. He’d spent a great deal of money preparing for the battle that was to come, and was unwilling to forgive the Crusader’s debt.

Seeing the opportunity for what it was Dandolo demanded that the crusaders repay them, at a later date, in plunder, allowing the crusaders the delay that they so desperately needed for the price of a small favor...

It is in Venice that our Conspiracy finds itself. The Cainites who would use the Crusaders to further their own goals are in deliberations to determine the course of the war to come. The Lasombra crusader, Tommaso Brexiano demands that they attack Palestine head on, bolstering the Crusader states already there and striking a significant and symbolic blow to the Saracen who nest there. His most vociferous opponent is the German Lanzo von Sachsen, a vassal of High Lord Hardestadt.

The Masters of the Cainites who four years ago laid claim to Tihuta Pass in the wilds of Transylvania in the name of Count Radu have asked them to intercede on their behalf.

Anton Petrov Veranin, the Ashen Lord of Kronstadt, was already in Venice, readying himself for war when his sire, Basilio sent word that he would soon be joined by two other emissaries; his own brother, Kiril, Dark Prince of Sofia, and John the Deprived, Butcher of Temechburg, would be joining him as part of a Delegation to support Tommaso in his arguments. Basilio warns of this newcomer, saying he has a history of instability and violence, but that he might be a welcome ally against any danger that might befall them in their travels.

Heldric has also been sent to Venice, though unlike most of his compatriots' sires, Malachite is opposed to war and would have Heldric advocate the collapse of the crusade.

Kiril in particular has been instructed to act as Basilio's eyes and ears in Brexiano's camp - Basilio has become suspicious of his fellow clansman's motives and would have his childe assure that nothing untoward comes to pass during these negotiations. Saladin, having no interest in remaining during Sophia while Kiril is gone, follows the Dark Prince - who at the behest of Husayn, allows Saladin to sail in the same boat with them to Venice.

As for the fifth member of that conspiracy, he too is in Venice, though for reasons that are his own, as none of the others is aware of his presence.

[Drakilian]

Steeple - The Souleater

Steeple rubs at his temples gently as the whispers fade away. He's still getting used to the aftereffects of the Assimilation project - having dozens of voices in his head to contend with - weak as they are - is something that takes a while to get used to. Still, at least there's one REAL voice he can still talk to. Passing his eyes through the room, by Celestyn, Nadia and Maximus, his eyes settle to the sconce on his shoulder.

Yes, that's right, Prince Maurice.

"Aww, I love you too Steepleton. But back to Celestyn now, we have important work to do!"

Turning his attention back to the mage, he sees a look of concern plastered onto the stolid man's face.

"Are you well Steeple?"

After the Malkavian nods his affirmation, Celestyn hesitantly continues.

"Do you need a refresher on the details?"

Steepleton does not, in fact, require any - he can remember perfectly well the details of the Tremere's request.

After Radu had come to Steeple asking him to represent his interests in Venice, Steeple had (of course) accepted - having little other choice in the matter. Radu wants war between the Ventrue and the Assamites (and thus war between the crusaders and the saracens), as such military campaigns would free pressure on the transylvanian region and allow the Tzimisce to "clean house", so to speak. The Tremere were growing more dangerous with every passing day with a growing horde of gargoyles and more and more tzimisce ancients disappearing to the hungry fangs of the bloodmagi.

The Tremere, aware of the Tzimisce's desires, wish to avoid an attack on Egypt or Palestine (supported by Roland and Tommaso respectively), and would have Steeple approach Heldric to help avert a war.

In addition - though of far lesser importance, Celestyn added - Etrius wishes to establish a chantry within Venice to eventually serve as the new main fortress for the Clan. He believes that the Tzimisce will eventually rally against the Tremere and that they will be forced to flee Transylvania once the defenses established on Ceoris are weakened. Etrius requests that while Steeple is in Venice, he identifies and secures contacts for Etrius to use in future efforts. No reward has been identified but Steeple remains confident in his options - proof of Celestyn's generosity present in in the room himself, as Maximus stands tall and proud with Minimus nibbling gently at his ear.

[Drakilian]

Kiril - The Deceiver; Saladin - The Devoted

The streets were more crowded than Kiril was used to. It seemed that one could not take a step without jostling some other pedestrian. Sherazhina, one of his constant companions, walked with her arm in his. Their entourage, and that of Saladin, had made arrangements, renting out a series of rooms not too far from here. Saladin currently walked only a few steps behind, taking in the sights of this Italian city.

Saladin, for his part, was astounded by the way that so many people jostled back and forth in the crowd. How one could be ignored and noted all at once. Eyes saw but did not see. There was a lesson in that he was sure, one Husayn would have drilled into his head were he still able to. One that Kiril had, no doubt, taken to heart. Behind him walked Hashim, dressed in a thick traveller's cloak and combat leathers, an ever-present sword strapped to his waist, his rough, scarred face that was nonetheless comforting in its familiarity scanning the crowds for any sort of danger to his master - or, just as likely, scanning the crowds for attractive italian women. At least, that's his conclusion when he sees that Hashim has his eyes trained on a particularly attention-grabbing woman carrying a bouquet of some fascinating flowers - she was standing by a flower shop and would glance back at the group every now and then.

Kiril, when he left Sofia, left it in the hands of Eken, a favoured ghoul of Basilio's who Kiril's sire agreed to lend to him as governor during the time he would be gone.

Eken is reputedly the first mate of the Dark Queen, Basilio's flagship, carrying the most reputedly dangerous crew in the history of any seafaring venture.

As they moved through the streets Sherazhina took notice of the girl standing near the flower vendor. She looked to Kiril, and then back to a girl behind her. The girls giggled into their hands and looked away quickly when the revenant took notice, giggling even harder.

“You have a fan, Kiril.” – Sherazhina, amused.

She pointed to the girl

“Really?” – Kiril

The girl took a basket filled with flowers and made her way over to the small group.

“I am sorry to bother you, please ac… accept this gift.” – The girl, stammering

She held out the basket of flowers to Kiril with a blush deep enough to remind the Lasombra how hungry he was.

“It’s is a Venetian custom, giving flowers to those who just came over the bridge.” – Flower Girl, embarrassed.
She turned and ran into the crowded street, her nerve spent.

Saladin, fascinated by the display, went to look after her but couldn’t find her in the throng.

He plucked one of the flowers from the basket and examined it more closely. The flower itself was lovely, its white petals were lined in crimson which seemed to sooth some unknown part of the assassin's sensibility.

“She’s gone, vanished.” – Hashim

With a quick scan Kiril noticed the same - even despite his senses.

“That’s odd isn’t it?” – Kiril

Perhaps not so..., Husayn utters in a low voice - though he refuses further inquiries.

“For a mortal to be interested enough to bequeath you with a flower, or for her to disappear so completely even to our rarified senses?” – Saladin, with some degree of playful mockery

“That’s what I thought.” – Kiril

“Do you suppose she was as one of you?” – Elias

“Probably, and she was more skilled at staying hidden than I am.” Saladin

“So why did she bring you flowers?” – Sherazhina

“Maybe it was as she said, maybe it was a custom.” – Carinus

“Or maybe she’s planned something dark and treacherous and these flowers are but one step on the road to our eventual destruction.” – Barabus, speaking for the first time in quite a while.

The members of the small group laughed as they walked toward the fountain at which they were to meet with John and Anton.

[Drakilian]

Anton - the Fallen

Anton, for his part, sat at the fountain re-reading the letter sent to him by an old mortal friend, Gabriel of Blois, a French crusader with whom Anton had fought alongside decades prior - as a matter of fact, the man was the one who originally taught Anton the ways of the Lord. Despite Anton's best efforts Gabriel refused to stop sending him new missives. This one, after asking after his health, went on to explain that Gabriel had recently run into an old aquaintance of the two, the Knight Gauthier de Dampiere. The letter asked why it was that Gauthier spat whenever he spoke of their mutual acquaintance.

Once, Gauthier and Anton had been rivals within the order, each a knight who fervently believed in and sought to enact the will of the Lord. They had grown to respect one another for each other's faith and purpose, and while Anton never went on the crusades as Gauthier had, they nevertheless had developed a sort of kinship in combat when the two of them destroyed several monsters that had been harassing a local village - Anton would later learn they were minor demons, repelled by the powerful faith possessed by the two knights.

When Anton fell to Basilio's fangs so many nights ago, however, things changed. The next time Gauthier saw him, he knew instantly the monster that Anton had become. He felt the evil that lurked in Anton, the Beast that raged in his blood.

Gauthier declared that he would avenge his friend’s death by destroying the demon that had stolen his corpse. Anton has thus far managed to evade Gauthier, wanting neither to kill him nor to face the knight in battle - for though they were rivals, Gauthier had always been the better with a blade, and his faith was not merely the faith of casual believer - God spoke through Gauthier, in all his glory, just as he spoke through Anton in all his horror.

Complimenting Anton's own melancholy is Joseph - the relatively new childe stands besides Anton, the wounds from that night 3 years ago have scarred his body with the marks of Gabor's cruel mutilation but worse than any fleshcrafter's touch has been the scars left on the monk's psyche. He still wears his monk's habits, and though Anton demands he keeps it hidden Joseph has continued to refuse to carry a cross within the folds of his robes. An air of desperation and regret surrounds the young Lasombra, and his constant proximity has done nothing to ease Anton's guilt - nor, Anton suspects, Joseph's hatred. He cannot doubt that Joseph has yet to forgive him for his crime, and knows that it is not unlikely he never will.

Anton's ’ melancholy is interrupted by a sweet sounding voice. When he looks up he sees Anna Sgorina, the Byzantine Delegate. The two had struck up a friendship of sorts - Anton's queries regarding Michael and the Dream and Constantinople have served as enough of a bridge to the gap formed by their support of different patrons for the crusade effort, and since she needed some time away from the cacophony of the Blood Court she’d accompanied him to greet his friends.

“I believe that those are them, yes?” – Anna

Anton looked up to see Kiril and Saladin, with their translators and more in tow. Sherazhina, Kiril's ghoul, carried with her a peculiar set of flowers.

Joseph drags his eyes up from the floor to Sherazhina, and then the flowers. He makes a weak attempt at a smile.

“Those are pretty.” – Joseph.

“Thank you, they were a gift, some girl said that it was a Venetian tradition.” - Sherazhina answers back, giving a radiant smile back to the poor man.

A strange look comes across Anna's face then,

“Its not a tradition is it?” – Saladin

After knocking them from Sherazhina’s hands Carinus bent down to pick up three or four.

“There is no way these are native to Venice, the area’s too dry for this sort of flower.” – Anna

“This is bloodroot. An extremely poisonous perennial plant that flowers in the springtime. it exists in several varieties, I do not believe I have seen this one before. I apologize, I was not paying attention to the gift the woman offered.” – Carinus

Hashim stomps on the flowers.

“I think we should get off the street before some mortal ends up dead from bloodroot poisoning.” – Hashim

Anton shrugs and escorts them all to Narses Chambers.

[Drakilian]

Heldric - the Hidden

John - the Butcher

The Chambers afforded the Delegations were beyond exquisite. Hand carved murals spanned the ceilings walls and floors, each inlayed with gold, bronze, mother of pearl, sapphire and a myriad of other precious stones.

To Anton's eye it was all blasphemous trash that should be put to fire. Narses wasn’t just the Prince of Venice, no, the Lasombra was also an Arch-Heretic. The archbishop of Nod, as he called himself, was the black patriarch of the Cainite Heresy. A cult of the damned that believed that Christ was the second coming of Caine and that Cainites were blessed to drink of the very force of life. According to them it is the purpose of all Cainites to bring the world closer to god by making them vampires, or by killing them to pave way for their Messiah, the Third Caine.

The art in the room was all in some way tainted by the Archbishop’s twisted beliefs and it filled Anton with rage to look upon them. Yet another reason for his distaste. Venice held little for him, it seemed.

Kiril helped Sherazhina through the next corridor, crowded as they were as if they were not but cattle being led to the slaughter.

Heldric immediately takes note of the newcomers as they enter the room. Octavius hums contentedly, "it would appear reinforcement has arrived for Tommaso. My condolences, things do not appear to be going your way."

Sicilan disagrees, "This council of ancient, bickering fools? Nothing will come of this, Octavius. They will spend days arguing with one another over what the mortals will do, because days are nothing to them. Then the mortals will leave, and the assembly will squawk and haw with indignation, like the plumped up birds that they are, and they'll be left as impotent spectators to the crusade."

Sicilan is a little bitter about the amount of time he's spent in this room. Heldric does have to admit, it has been far too long already.

He looks across the room at the rest of the congregation, his eyes passing over Lucita and Anatole - a welcome sight, the both of them. While he's kept his identity hidden from them so far, he remembers the help they gave at Tihuta Pass and recalls them leaving on good terms, and is pleased to see them again - though Lucita appears to be a close ally of Tommaso's, and thus the two will unfortunately likely be unable to find any sort of common ground. Anatole hangs around Lucita, clearly not a part of the proceedings, only here for the woman's company.

His eyes also pass over John - the butcher of Temechburg, a new arrival to the scene. He remembers Steeple mentioning that he had been offered Temechburg before he rejected his sire and left to serve Radu. He wonders what sort of relationship Edward Mordred and Vladivostok must have that the city could be given to this man.

A short recess is called and the members of the court disperse, although Heldric sees that Lucita and Anatole have noticed his old aquaintances and head towards them to make their greetings.

---

Steeple watches Heldric as he examines the others. The Malkavian had asked a favour of Mercurius, and with some amusement the mage had accepted. Pinpointing Heldric's presence (with great difficulty) through his magics, Mercurius had teleported Steeple directly behind the Nosferatu, where he remains completely undetected. Maximus will follow Steeple through the city, rooftop to rooftop, posing as, well, a gargoyle, unable to conceal his inhuman appearance through obfuscate (yet). Nadia has been sent to Steeple's chambers.

[Not Aman]

Anton's past calm demeanor has faded. The blasphemy by this silly rabble is an ofront to everything. Christ, the lord's own son, a caninite?!? How can kindred be such fools? Michael at least has the right goal, if a mistaken means. This is a perversion of everything true.

Anger isn't natural to him. Gabor's influences still creep in, while his soul knows this anger will do him no good, but it doesn't help reign in the taint. And that Assasimite retainer Kiril has aquired. He is surrounded by danger.

At least the childe of the Archbishop of Spain is here. What was her name? Lucita, probably. Anton can't recall the malkavian's name. Something ridiculous, no doubt.

"It is good to see you, brother." Anton says to Kiril. "The crusades need all the support we can give it."

[Forge]

Heldric sighs again, he is remembering why he preferred a cave to living too closely with others. He wouldn't admit it outloud (or too often in his own thoughts just in case) but Scilian was right. They were getting nowhere and even if the ancients decided one way or another, they were liable to be late to actually be in controle. This must be at least a part of why Malachite wished for the crusade not to happen, join a war late and you are liable to take all of the damage with none of the rewards, a war here would also put the dream in danger and that was not permissible.

"Time to greet old friends, though common ground will be hard to find. I also do not know enough about this 'John' who received tremechburg, we should find out where he stands... Why was I sent for a diplomatic mission anyway, my sire knows my disposition well enough..."

With one more sigh Heldric resigns himself to yet more 'diplomacy' and moves forward to meet Anatole and Lucita half way.

"Greetings! It has been some time since we last met." He begins with a slight bow to each and a vain attempt at a smile, at least these two were more trained in diplomacy and dealing with Nosferatu so might not recoil at the smile...

[BerkaZerka]

Steeple continues to shadow Heldric, going so far as to mime his words and bow to the others, before grinning broadly and stepping out from behind the Nosferatu.

"Hello! A pleasure to meet you all again in such interesting assortment of kindred!"

As he meets and greets, Steeple will give everyone important (including his old friends) a good peeping of the aura and a look through his Mirror of Second Sight.

[cdrive1]

John walks, silent at first until he is with a few feet of Heldric, "Ah, welcome to Tremechburg. A city under my control through our benefactors." He says, a grin on his face which meant to be disarming.

"So what brings you all into my borders?" He says with a quirked brow.

[Forge]

Heldric pauses, this is why he hates social situations. He was going to talk to aquintences but now has Steeple to one side and the newcomer to the other... Heldric is beginning to get uncomfortable again, not to mention his path's distatste for politics.

If either of you are good at reading people, it would be appreciated with this one. he thinks to his two spirit companions while he tries out a new ability for the first time pulse of undeath to try assess John.

As he does he speaks up "Steeple, my friend, it is good to see you again. And The new Prince John I believe? We are here for a meeting, you may have noticed it going on around you?" He gives a bow he thinks appropriate to another Prince.

[BerkaZerka]

Steeple nods to Heldric and greets John with a tilted head.

"Tremechburg, hmm... never had much use for it," Steeple says dismissively, "But I was not aware it was now a part of Italy? Pretty good trick of old V-Stock though I must say! Haha!"

[Not Aman]

Anton looks to Heldric and Steeple.

"Ah, I was wondering if you would be here, Heldric. Am I too assume you side with Anna then?" Anton asks, somewhat disapointed. The more pushing for peace the harder it will be to push for the Good Lord's work.

"And Steeple? What are you doing here?"

[cdrive1]

"Yes, though I was never the best at those." John sighs, "Knowing what to say is one thing, sitting for a long while and trying to keep full track of matters can be tricky as some people around could be detractors or could scheme, were it not for the 5th law I'd be swamped in assassins."

He then looks to Steeple, "Yes, until most recently, though a while before I was made prince of it, I had no idea that this was a place. Then again I was initially Illiterate."

[Forge]

"Speaking in a plain manner here?" Heldric accidentaly says outloud in surprise to John before realising and attempting to cover for it by continuing "It can be refreshing to hear honesty in a room like this."

He nods to Anton "You are correct, I was sent to argue peace here for what little good it will do, this war is more likely to tear down what little we have than to progress anything."

He sighs audibly "I did not think I would miss our time fighting together so quickly but this room seems more dangerous."

[Not Aman]

Anton nods.
"I am not found of Venice either, Heldric." Anton says, clearly wanting to say more. But to openly discuss his distate for the heresy in their own halls would easily weaken his side.

"As for the war, I suspect my position regarding it is quite clear. The Church pf the Holy Sepulchre needs it's support. The remaining Crusaders there need to be reinforced, supported. We can not leave a place of such faith to rot. It's unfortunate Malakei does not understand that."

[BerkaZerka]

...as some people around could be detractors or could scheme, were it not for the 5th law I'd be swamped in assassins."

"Without a doubt," Steeple agrees, and then chuckles.

To Anton, he admits, "Oh, I represent the interests of hidden players in the matter, these "schemers", our new friend here (John) aforementioned."

"Though personally, I am inclined to side with Heldric in the matter, not that my personal wishes amount to anything in this case."

"But this war does seem wholly unavoidable to be quite blunt. Too many stand to gain from it to stop it now..."

[Not Aman]

Anton shakes his head.

"I wish I shared your pessimism, Steeple. An attack on the holy lands helps the Lord, not much else. The Ventrue warlords have bigger intrests then the barren land of Zion, and the crusaders are already small in numbers. It's not a time to assume anything."

[Daedalus]

Saladin smiles sadly at Antons words. "Is that what you believe dark one?"

[Not Aman]

"I fear that this crusade shal not follow proper order, yes." Anton says, gazing at the Assamite. He needs to talk to Kiril privatley about him. It's dangerous.

"That is why I am here, after all. If there was no difficulties, I would not waste my time fighting for us to actually crusade in the Holy Land."

[Drakilian]

Lucita starts at Heldric's sudden appearance - though Heldric is happy to see that it is from surprise and not disgust.

She then puts a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh at Steeple's antics behind the Nosferatu.

"Heldric, how long have you been here!"

Heldric notes with a bit of surprise that Anatole has vanished.

"Oh, it's wonderful to see you all again, though I wish it could be under better circumstances. Where's Lucien, and Sylvian?"

A moment of awkward silence ensues.

Lucien was reportedly destroyed by a pack of werewolves as vengeance for something or another while visiting Sandor's lands. It is said that the Koldun's wrath was such that the earth shook for hours, destroying Castle Arad in the process.

Of course, Kiril knows the truth - that Lucien has given himself over to Kupala, who has destroyed Sandor and installed the fleshcrafter in place as his impostor.

Sylvian, meanwhile, is said to have apprenticed himself to Zelios, enamoured with the Nosferatu's artistic abilities.

[Drakilian]

Steeple notes a veritable plethora of black-stained auras, similar to the stain in Maximus' aura after he devoured that craftsman.

As a matter of fact, literally everyone here except for John, Saladin and Lucita appear to have commited diablerie.

"Yeesh. You know you're in some dangerous company when the Assamite is the one with a clean rap sheet," Maurice says.

---

Heldric senses through his subtle power that John is a very strong cainite, possessed of an inhuman strength greater than even his own, though nowhere near the level of mastery attainted by Andreas.

[Daedalus]

"I thought as much." He let his eyes gaze right into Antons for a brief moment before speaking again. "You fight to fight even more?"

[Forge]

Heldric 'Smiles' back at lucita "I am not sure of the other but acquaintances keep apearing which is a welcome sight here. Regardless of the side they are taking in this debate."

He pauses then looks at Anton, whether he wanted to or not he was here to make a point at his sires behest "I believe that if my Sire thought this new crusade was to be successful or properly lead with the intent of furthering the right cause he would support it, Anton, but listening in this room it seems like neither of those conditions are being met."

[cdrive1]

"Yes, there is far, FAR too much to gain. The Blacksmiths would profit through making weapons and fixing them, The Bakers and Butchers can easily feed the troops and gain a sizeable fee per head, those who seek power could easily use the war as a smokescreen to follow their own agendas, not that I'm disagreeing with their timing of the strategy..." He says was he walks about, "Minstrels could find tales to tell from the end of said war, even if there is no one to tell said story to, and that isn't even getting into ourselves and what agendas that could benefit..."

John then turns to Anton, "You hold faith heavily, and I will not accuse, though certainly is of no use to me or to most of us. We all need something to keep the beast at bay." He mentions with a grim smile befitting both sentences.

[BerkaZerka]

'My, my,' Steeple thinks to Maurice, appalled at all the stained auras. 'Et tu, Heldrick my friend?' he frowns, seeing Heldric's stain.

They had not been chosen, as he was, to remain pure from such and act, as was proven by his sparkling clean aura. That meant he was approved, while the rest were not.

'Not sure about the dark one though,' his thoughts continued, regarding Anton, 'He, supposed to be evil, right? I mean that's his thing? Evil for the Lord or something, so I guess it's OK for him.'

To Heldric and Anton he speaks once more, "I would meet with you each privately, at your convenience of course, to discuss the thoughts of those I represent. Real closed-door back-room politicking I must say haha!"

[Forge]

Heldric nods to Steeple "That would be good as I have much to discuss with you as well my friend."

Heldric thinks to the spirits with him "Steeple is frowning at me, I am assuming he sees my current aura, I will need a way to disguise it soon, too many people are finding out it for safety."

[cdrive1]

John nods, "Of course, as is proper while the ones truly in charge decide things, by the way, I do have some wine, nothing completely off a peasant's pay but something fine." He says, extending an invitation.

[Not Aman]

"Oh, it's wonderful to see you all again, though I wish it could be under better circumstances. Where's Lucien, and Sylvian?"

A moment of awkward silence ensues.

Lucien was reportedly destroyed by a pack of werewolves as vengeance for something or another while visiting Sandor's lands. It is said that the Koldun's wrath was such that the earth shook for hours, destroying Castle Arad in the process.

Of course, Kiril knows the truth - that Lucien has given himself over to Kupala, who has destroyed Sandor and installed the fleshcrafter in place as his impostor.

Sylvian, meanwhile, is said to have apprenticed himself to Zelios, enamoured with the Nosferatu's artistic abilities.

"Lucien was devoured by wolves, if I am not mistaken." Anton replies, with all the gentlness of a bull. "I know not what exactly the Toreador is doing, aside from him being unrelated to the Crusades."

He pauses then looks at Anton, whether he wanted to or not he was here to make a point at his sires behest "I believe that if my Sire thought this new crusade was to be successful or properly lead with the intent of furthering the right cause he would support it, Anton, but listening in this room it seems like neither of those conditions are being met."

"Proper leadership will never occur if proper leaders do not show up." Anton replies. "This crusade would be perfect if the children of Caine were not to intervene. But as they will, we must make sure it is not corrupted."

"I thought as much." He let his eyes gaze right into Antons for a brief moment before speaking again. "You fight to fight even more?"

"I fight for the Lord. If the Saracens wish to give back the Holy Land and convert, I would be far happier. As it is, however, blood must be shed."

To Heldric and Anton he speaks once more, "I would meet with you each privately, at your convenience of course, to discuss the thoughts of those I represent. Real closed-door back-room politicking I must say haha!"

Anton nods. He's not really sure if he even wants the Malkavian's 'politicking' involved with Tomasso, but it probably can't hurt.

[Daedalus]

"Give back? They were never yours to begin with."

Saladin pauses to contemplate the right words.

"Does your religion not allow peace? All i have seen of your religion dictates that they must join you or die. Have you maybe not considered that there are more roads open to you than one that involves slaying the indigenous population?"

[Sethaniel]

Kiril is content to watch the rest of them speak.

[Not Aman]

"Give back? They were never yours to begin with."

Saladin pauses to contemplate the right words.

"Does your religion not allow peace? All i have seen of your religion dictates that they must join you or die. Have you maybe not considered that there are more roads open to you than one that involves slaying the indigenous population?"

"The Church would never be so cruel." He says, incredulous. "To let all those in the arabian lands to burn eternally?"

"The Holy Land is ours, as it is The Lord's, as is every other land and sea."

[Drakilian]

"That's terrible, my condolences to you as his comrades and for his sire." Lucita says with a heartfelt tone.

"Ennius died as well then? Such a shame, those two seemed so close."

"Please," Lucita continues, to the two bickering vampires, "we've been given an opportunity to greet old friends, we can save our arguments for the deliberations. Anton, I see you've made Joseph your childe! Stranger," she says, looking to Saladin, "I've yet to meet you! There are better things to speak of among friends than the petty feuds of mortals, like these."

Joseph inadvertently flinches at the mention of his... condition, while Saladin suddenly sets his mind racing for an answer to her question other than "Kiril devoured my sire and now i'm following him around to complete my training as an Assamite and because my master Al-Ashrad has a vested interest in keeping an agent near the prince of Sofia."

"And you, John is it? You've been made prince of temechburg, part of the Concord of Ashes along with these bumbling halfwits then? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Lucita finishes with a smile.

[Daedalus]

"The Church would never be so cruel." He says, incredulous. "To let all those in the arabian lands to burn eternally?"

"The Holy Land is ours, as it is The Lord's, as is every other land and sea."

"Stranger," she says, looking to Saladin, "I've yet to meet you! There are better things to speak of among friends than the petty feuds of mortals, like these."

Saladin suddenly sets his mind racing for an answer to her question other than "Kiril devoured my sire and now i'm following him around to complete my training as an Assamite and because my master Al-Ashrad has a vested interest in keeping an agent near the prince of Sofia."

"She is correct. We can continue this debate at a later time." Saladin replies with a smile.

i kinda get why Fariq stabbed him. I've only been talking to him a brief moment and *i* almost feel like stabbing him.

Saladin looks on with interest. "Greetings, i apologize for not introducing myself earlier." He says with a apologetic tone. "My name is Saladin Al Fatim. Explorer, Delver of tombs and searcher for lost knowledge, at your service."

While it wasn't a complete lie, it wasn't a complete truth either. Thats what he'd rather be doing anyways.

"And this here is my lifelong friend and my protector Hashim Nassar."

[cdrive1]

"And you, John is it? You've been made prince of temechburg, part of the Concord of Ashes along with these bumbling halfwits then? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Lucita finishes with a smile.

"Likewise Milady. Fools they may be, bumbling might not be the proper word as I've yet to see their true potential." John says nodding to Lucita.

[Forge]

Heldric cuts in after John "Actually John, she has some reasoning for her choice of terms. Our company didn't have the most auspicious start due to a few... Interferences from other parties. Due to some well timed assistance though all ended well."

He looks over at Steeple "if you all excuse me for a moment, Steeple has asked for a moment of my time."

He indicated to Steeple that now might be a good moment to talk privately

[Not Aman]

Heldric cuts in after John "Actually John, she has some reasoning for her choice of terms. Our company didn't have the most auspicious start due to a few... Interferences from other parties. Due to some well timed assistance though all ended well."

"Certainly not our finest moment. I still wish to repay that debt to the false saint." Anton says, nodding.

[BerkaZerka]

"Ah yes, that would make for a spicy evening!" Steeple replies to Anton, "I should like to be a party to that rotter's comeuppance one day haha!"

Steeple then shakes a fist in the air and hisses his arch-nemesis' name through clenched teeth - "SANCHEZ!!!"

[BerkaZerka]

He looks over at Steeple "if you all excuse me for a moment, Steeple has asked for a moment of my time."

He indicated to Steeple that now might be a good moment to talk privately

"Of course; if we could find a private room then? Bound to be many burning ears among this lot haha!"

---

http://www.bountyheadbebop.com/forum/index.php?topic=2029.msg119366#msg119366

[cdrive1]

John is silent, 'I'm doomed...' he thinks to himself.

[Daedalus]

"I'm sorry, i have only heard the name 'Concord of ashes' in name before, but im nut sure who they are or what they do, would anyone mind.. Whats the word for it again.. light? Enlighten me?" He says politely while looking at Lucita with his blue eyes.

[Not Aman]

Anton looks to Kiril.
"You have been silent, brother. Are you alright?" Anton asks, masking his worry. Perhaps Kiril is already gone, and the assamites have replaced him. It's certainly a danger.

"Your retinue keeps getting larger."

[Sethaniel]

"You remember Barabus.  Neither Steeple nor Lucien appreciated his talents. And this is Elias, my guard captain."

[Not Aman]

"Ah yes, I thought he looked familiar." Anton says, refering to Barbarus. Last time the man was a wolf. Weird.

"I suppose he escaped the attack on Lucien then? Does he know anything about what happened?"

[Drakilian]

Steeple takes Heldric off into an empty side room, that the two might have a private conversation.

[BerkaZerka]

"It is good to see you again Heldric," Steeple begins, "been a while, but not too much to those who stop counting years haha!"

">Can you do something to cover our conversation?<" Steeple asks in Blood Apocrypha.

[Forge]

Heldric replies as he looks around with heightened senses just incase there was a lurker around "It is excellent to see you again too, and yes, time does seem to matter less than it once did!"

"This will be a tricky conversation, anything either of you could do to ensure we are alone and not ease dropped on would be appreciated" he thinks hard to his two spirit companions.

He then cloaks himself and Steeple, burning a will point for his obfuscate to work well.

Giving everything a moment to work and assuming no warnings from the spirits he speaks again in a whisper, moving closer to Steeple so he can be heard without raising his voice

"We should be as protected as I can make us now, there are many sensitive issues to discuss, not least of which being the Tremere."

[BerkaZerka]

"The Tremere?" Steele asks, genuinely surprised to hear Heldric bring it up first, "What have you heard of them? What do they seek to get out of this war?"

[Forge]

"What they seek I do not know, it worries me however." Hr pauses unsure how to proceed but decides to just lay things out, if the madman was going to attack right away thus would be the best place for it to happen. "I have gained... A lot of knowledge, as well as some abilities from a Tremere who attempted to kill me recently. I wished to discus that with you amoungst other things."

He keeps his senses heightened to gauge the responce from Steeple

[BerkaZerka]

"Oh, yes, the black stains," Steeple waves dismissively with his hand, "you shouldn't have eaten a Tremere of all things, but I forgive you my friend; we all make mistakes and learn from them. It's when we make mistakes and learn nothing that we have to start assessing the state of our sanity."

"I wonder if you know that there are two factions of Tremere, no?"

"The vile vile evil disgusting rapist kind, headed by Tremere himself and his loyal, equally horrendous, Goratrix the something-intimidating-or-another - - - and the good kind, lead by Etrius the not-as-bad-as-you-might-think-for-a-Tremere."

"It's Goratrix and his ilk that are kidnapping Nosferatu and Teetzees to melt them into Gargoyle slaves - and worse - they are digging up Antediluvians for Tremere to diablerize. I imagine old Gortie is biding his time to suck Tremere dry the moment all the antis are gone haha!"

"Those loyal to Etrius on the other hand, are too small to stage a rebellion or break from the pack just yet, but maybe with the right help, they can be given that opportunity."

"You see, Lord Radu and his Teetzees want war between the crusaders and the Saracens, which will translate nicely into war between the Ventrue and the Assamites - as such military campaigns would free pressure on the Transylvanian region and allow them to maneuver unhindered against the Tremere."

"This would be good, in that Goratrix and his kind would suffer, and a fair number of Teetzees, but it will ultimately smash any hope of liberating the 'good ones' from the vile lot."

"As I officially represent Radu in this matter here at the talks, I come to you Heldric, as a friend first, and ask if you know of any contacts that would consider entering into negotiations with Etrius and his fellow refugees to establish a chantry within Venice. A place for them to flee from the tyranny and growing madness of Tremere and his thug Goratrix - as well as the extermination designs of the Transylvanian Teetzees."

"We need to give them a place to preserve the unsullied secrets of thaumaturgy and build up enough strength to help take down their evil counterparts!"

[Drakilian]

"Yes." Barabus rumbles.

Anton is quite surprised by the appearance of the brute - he wasn't nearly so large the last time he saw him. At least, he doesn't think he was. Anton feels as if the nearly seven foot muscle-bound monstrosity in a blacksmith's ransom's worth of plate armour and that small metal tree he called a sword would have made more of an impression. Something dark in his eyes too, though they currently seem to be pointed away from Anton and to the room that Heldric and Steeple disappeared into.

"He died horribly."

Not an ounce of remorse present in the giant's voice.

Joseph seems to regard Barabus with something akin to suspicion then, "How did you escape?"

Barabus just smiles then, in such a manner as to make Joseph visibly uncomfortable. He does not answer the question.

Carinus, then "It would seem that the Blood Court's short recess is coming to an end, we'll wait outside for you Kiril."

Sherazhina lets go of Kiril's arm and slips it into Carinus', while Elias and Barabus follow close behind.

It is well known that servants are not allowed within a Blood Court, only the undead may participate in the discussions. For this reason Saladin also sends Hashim out along with Kiril's retinue, though the bodyguard goes only with extreme reluctance.

Lucita gives her farewells as she goes to join a man whose description reveals him to be Tommaso Brexiano - a member of the Friends of Night and the leader of the Lasombra Delegation. He is a surprisingly slight man, whose cool demeanor and soft language belies both his passion and the dark power he held over the audience - the man is known as a skilled orator and a most cunning individual. Torches all across the room are snuffed out one by one by fellow members of the Lasombra delegation, who send out small butterflies from the darkness to slay the flames.

Soon, only a select few torches are left burning, so as to make only Tommaso visible in the dark room.

Four others - the conspiracy assumes they are his translators - stand near the man, waiting for him to speak...