Kiril attempts to summon dark steel arms, wrapping the shadows protectively around him.
Lucien takes the envelope and begins to open it up. He stops though and looks up at the ghoul. "Go back to whatever you were doing." He said with a tone of authority and waved him off. he then went back to opening the envelope, curious as to who'm might send him a letter.
Kiril conceals the tentacles for now. Where is the wagon's driver? Or occupant, for that matter?
It's too late at night for this to be a social call. Are the intruders inside, with his family? Kiril hurries home.
Lucien sighs. "You're not stupid enough to defy me.. i hope." Lucien said to the ghoul. "Oh who am i kidding. I'd love it. i think we have room for a desk." he looks at the ghoul. "or maybe not a desk. A table perhaps." he seizes him up. "Perhaps." He lets out a amused smirk at the (most likely terrifyed) ghoul.
"You expect a reply no doubt. Alright, lets see what we got here." he said to him, and began reading the letter.
Kiril stands still, not taking the envelope yet-- not trusting himself to reach for it without a dark tendril choking the life from the intruder in his house.
Why did Alec allow a stranger to enter their house, so late at night? Where were the servants, watching the door was their job?
The hidden shadows writhe, longing to tear the servant to pieces. he constricts them against himself, and takes the envelope.
"At. . . once? I'm to leave with you immediately?"
"Wait for me outside, I'll be there momentarily."
Once the stranger is safely outside, Kiril turns to his son.
"What were you thinking? Why did you let him in?"
"well thats interesting." He said out loud to noone in particular. "Ennius, if you got anything you wish to take with you i suggest you get it immedietly. We have business to attend too."
Then with a pleasing smile he said to the ghoul "it appears that you're a 'trusted' servant. And we don't have any room for more unfortunately."
"And i hope you planned for a way to take Joseph with us. Not leaving without him. oh, i should probarly get some stuff.... eh i can get that later when i've arrenged some kind of haven."
Steeple lies back contentedly into his comfortable, velvet couch/throne in his silken robes - only to to treated to extremely loud knocking. Angrily loud, one could say.
LucienLucien ofcourse follows the ghoul.
The schlatza nods and then moves out - clearly expecting Lucien to follow him.
Should Lucien follow the ghoul, he will find an enclosed wagon drawn by two horses, each black as night. Lucien deduces that Joseph could probably ride alongside the wagon fairly easily.
Clearly he is intended to rest in the wagon by day and continue travelling by night, never truly stopping to rest.
Kiril
Alec scoffs derisively.
"What, I cannot welcome visitors into my own household now?"
Heldric
Heldric quickly casts obsfucate over himself and his crocodile, no point in doing it to Andreas as he would just give it away again. "Andreas, check who is wishing our cave." He says to the other vampire as he moves into a position where he can see the entrance but stay in nice deep shadow.
Springing onto his feet, Steeple retrieves Prince Maurice, dropping him into a pocket.
"Looks like we have visitors!" he says into the pocket.
Then, looking around for Sebastian the Butler, Steeple says again - only much louder this time - "LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE VISITORS!"
Steeple nods at the door expectantly, while Sebastian goes to answer it.
"Watch out for angry bears," Steeple adds, as Sebastian is pulling open the door for whoever is on the other side...
"Are you an idiot?" Kiril speaks calmly, but allows the dark tentacles to spread, briefly entertaining the idea of throwing his favorite son through a wall.
"You know what I am, and yet you invited a stranger to enter our home, in the middle of the night? I would have hoped you had better judgement than that." Disappointment mixes with disdain in his voice.
"Now. I'm leaving, on business. I suppose I have no choice but to entrust you with the household. At least try not to Fark it up."
Unless Alec has something further to say, Kiril will depart.
Lucien of course follows the ghoul.
He smiles wickedly at the Wagon. "New test subjects await us Ennius. We need only go and find them."
"I will ride Joseph the first night of our voyage." He said to Ennius, gesturing that he boards the wagon.
Then he went to get Joseph.
Heldric calls out "Andreas, let her enter." He stays hidden though awaiting her entrance
"Enniel, would you get your tongue up from your arse, and help me with something." Lucien said, patting his horse.
"Here" he gestured to the surrounding area "Your armor is seen as authority. Thats a good thing. Around here."
then he gestured to the horizon. "Out there, however... its seen as a threat." he smiled cruelly. "So... will you change armor to something less threatening or will we get test subjects along the way?"
Kiril briefly considers waking his wife to inform of the sudden business trip, but dismisses the idea. Alec is more than capable of delivering the news. Besides, it would humiliate Alec, give the impression that Irina was being left in charge.
"oh well, its not like we had the means to transport people anyway. " Lucien said to Ennius. "Good, but a slight boring decision. Lets depart." He mounted his horse.
"Yes."
Where was Carinus? Probably hunting. Best to avoid that conversation with the driver.
Heldric moves closer silently to observe the letter,He assumes the girl is being truthful but best to check. If he. Sees his masters seal he steps back into a shadow and drops his cover so as not to startle her too much.
"Let us. See what this entails then." He says holding a clawed hand out for it.
"Yes, thank you. Do you know where I might find him?"
Hendricks nods to the girl, he likes her, not too pretty, careful and respectful.
"Thankyou, this is just what we have been waiting for." Then turning to his retainers (he thinks of the crop more like a person than a pet) "We are moving, progress is beginning!"
He let's the girl lead him leaving Andreas to carry everything needed.
His searching eyes rapidly find the 6'5'' floofy white haired Steeple.
"Steeple you lazy bastard, it's time to make yourself useful. Vladivostok's got orders for you, we're leaving now."
The rude, burly man pulls a fat envelope out of a coat pocket.
Unfazed by the man's brusqueness, Steeple replies excitedly, "Ooh, we're going on a trip? Excellent!"
Clapping his hands, he bellows for the Coachman - "IGOR! MY THINGS! FETCH MY THINGS! IIIIGGGOOOOORRRR!!!"
Impatiently tapping his foot, waiting for Igor, Steeple regards the envelope in the rude man's hand.
"I don't usually take bribes," he says nonchalantly, snatching the envelope with a flick of his wrist. Then, after a moment of manicaly fluttering the letter out with his only hand, he snaps the paper crisp and commences to read - mumbling the words incomprehensibly aloud as he does...
Heldric
Andreas brings what is needed, and the albino slithers smoothly out of the dank recesses of the cave into the moonlit countryside.
The land is hauntingly beautiful tonight, the moon is high and the air rings with the howls of distant wolves.
An enclosed wagon along with two pitch black horses waits for them outside. Heldric realizes very quickly that he would have to share the wagon with Andreas and the Albino (which would be unable to keep up with the horses).
"Hmm Andreas, please help Mr. Whitey inside for me, then ride on the roof so you can jump off an kill anything that threatens us. Obviously one in before dawn if the trip takes that long." He then climbs inside
Kiril
"He left about an hour ago, some little dark haired thing hanging onto his shoulder."
Jorgi gives Kiril the girl's address - and Kiril cannot help but let a small smile grace his face at the news. It's his old home. The girl lives in his old home.
Anton's eyes are closed. He sees darkness. Endless, deadening darkness that extends as far as can be seen. He can see nothing, feel nothing, hear nothing - not even the sound of his heart, which had stopped beating long ago. He feels cold - even now, when the intricacies of warmth and cold mean nothing to him. He's felt cold ever since he came back from the Abyss - it's nice, he thinks sometimes, that he is so cold. Warmth is comforting, and he has no right to such pleasures. Not anymore.
His eyes still closed, Anton feels darkness filling him, merging with him. He feels his soul turn a dark shade of black, tainted as what he imagines a demon's soul would look like.
Anton opens his eyes. They are black as the darkest night.
The adulterer lies in front of him, bruised and battered. She had screamed so loudly, confessed so surely, promised so much - but her penance was not done. Not yet. Only through great pain may one repent.
Then he hears the knocking. Someone upstairs? Who could be visiting him now, at this time of night?
Anton almost reacts, almost turning away from the sinner. After all, who dare disturb him while he spreads the good word?! But that doesn't matter, not right now. His mind must be focused, his emotions kept at bay. This his is work, and nothing must disturb it.
"You have been redeemed" Anton states, calmly, as he begins to form a shadowy blade, and, once summoned, exitingushes the evil in the woman.
Wait. This could be trouble. The Cullar are Basilio's servants, he may be irritated if Carinus kills one of them. Kiril decides he'd better go and find Carinus.
Anton"In Christ does she now lay, greeted by your kingdom, O' Lord." Anton states, dropping his daimond blade on the ground, letting it disperse into the world.
Darkness coalesces around Anton's outstretched hand - though to him, the shadows look like pure white light, and form into the purest diamond blade that could be imagined.
A quick move and the blade now glows a terrible red.
"In Christ does she now lay, greeted by your kingdom, O' Lord." Anton states, dropping his diamond blade on the ground, letting it disperse into the world.
And with that, he heads up the stairs to check on the knocking. He'll have to set up for the woman's burial soon.
Prince Maurice muffled voice pipes up - "Well old boy, it seems we're going on an adventure!"
"I know, right!? Steeple replies to Prince Maurice in his pocket.
Then, while pocketing the letter, Steeple mocks the large man, "Oh no, definitely not a bribe," he says, while immediately nodding the affirmative to his servants with a big 'thumbs up' and mouthing the words "BIG. ASS. BRIBE!"
Then, not to be hurried, Steeple ignores the man completely, until Igor has loaded the usual five or six trunks of random junk onto the carriage (Steeple's or any other carriage the man may have brought with him).
Once that is taken care of, Steeple walks to a lit candle on the windowsill and braces himself to pinch it out (setting up the Extinguish Ritual)...
Anton"You should not have disturbed me in my work, brother." Anton states, staring at the monk, unblinking.
Anton moves up the steps of his stone cellar, and opens the heavy wooden door sealing it. The place had been specially designed for confession.
Opening the door outside Anton is greeted by a man wearing the robes of a monk. A cowl would normally obscure his face but actually brightens it for Anton at the moment, showing a man of typical appearance, with dark hair and bright eyes. He appears to be in his thirties and a chain dangles around his neck, disappearing into his robes.
He bows at Anton's appearance.
"Brother Anton, I come bearing missives from Lord Basilio."
"You should not have disturbed me in my work, brother." Anton states, staring at the monk, unblinking.
"But it is no matter, if you are truly from my sire, then it must be important. Give me the missive. Now." Anton states, glaring.
Kiril
Carinus' home is further into the residential district of the city. Making his way there, Kiril is greeted by the delightful smell of freshly cooked pork. Well, something that smells like pork anyway...
Oh, lovely. Already dead. Maybe she wasn't a Cullar after all, just someone who worked for them?
At least Carinus is quick. Anton takes forever to get around to killing them.
Kiril knocks politely at Carinus's door.
"Unpleasant fellow isn't he?" Prince Maurice says.
"First he tries to bribe you, then you yells at you when you bring but the bare necessities."
Steeple pinches the candle and spits on the floor with overwhelming success.
Kiril
Perhaps not? Kiril hears Carinus' voice through the door - something like "i'll be back".
He opens the door slightly - then, once seeing that it's Kiril, opens it completely. A polite smile on his face, Carinus welcomes his master.
"Good evening Kiril. Would you like to come in? I just so happen to have refreshments."
AntonAnton quickly reads the note, and then places it in his cloak.
The monk reaches into his robes and pulls out a large envelope (See Lucian's envelope).
The monk then adds - "Your brother Kiril should also be receiving a message of this sort."
"Thank you, Carinus," Kiril replies, making no move as of yet to enter. "I'm afraid we've been summoned to leave Sofia. Basilio requires our attendance in Budapest- he's lent us to a new patron."
Heading out to the carriages, Steeple whispers to Igor where he is to meet, in case they get separated. "Just wait for me in a nice inn or something if needed," Steeple says, handing his coachman enough coins for lodging and livery for the horses and carriage.
Then stepping into the blacked-out carriage, he yells to the rude man, "Get off yer ass man! Let's go! What are you waiting for?!? Can't keep the Prince (meaning Maurice) waiting!"
Anton quickly reads the note, and then places it in his cloak.
He then nods.
"Follow. We need to arrange for the burial of the pure one first." Anton states, heading back into his home, and down the stairs to the confession booth.
Anton smiles ever so softly at the sight of the woman. She's in a better place now. He holds his beast at bay, for now, though, not daring to defile the body of a pure one.
"Take the woman, and leave her at the entrance of the church, brother. The one who joined her in sin will know what it means." Anton states.
"After that, return here. I must pack."
AntonAnton had quickly gathered the few belongings he has that mattered. His saber and lance, his armor, his shield, and his few books.
"Very well Brother Anton."
The monk lifts the woman - carefully, so as to avoid getting blood on his robes - and carries her out.
When he returns (a good half hour later), he asks Anton - "Shall we depart with your sibling brother?"
Anton had quickly gathered the few belongings he has that mattered. His saber and lance, his armor, his shield, and his few books.
"Yes. It would be best to arrive along with Kiril." Anton states, as he quickly heads to his horse, Fantoma and mounts her. Hopefully he'll be willing to leave the Veranins alone, for once.
Kiril nods. "Shall I wait outside, or may I come in?"
"I'd be delighted."
Sylvian Bastian Beaulieu, Divine Artist
Domain of Radu Bistri,
Prince of Bistritz
Sylvian sighs.
The painting is imperfect, as always. The green is never quite the right, lush shade that he needs it to be to capture the vibrant life of this beautiful land's forests.
He feels inflamed. This land seems to have that effect on him - it's so beautiful, so enticing, and makes him feel so possessive. He feels impotent when compared to it, when his works are shown beside it.
Aldric knocks at the door - opening it soon after. He sees Sylvian's new painting and sighs - though unlike Sylvian, not in disappointment. He rushes forward and closes his eyes, taking in even the scent of the drying paint on the canvas before opening his eyes and enjoying the painting. Sylvian can tell that his servant is using his intensely heightened senses, as he always does, to take in the painting.
"Perfect my lord. Dazzling."
Sylvian is not convinced. The happy fool's reaction to every single work he made was universally the same. He still failed to capture Transylvannia.
After a small while, Sylvian hears a rough voice call up - it's Odi.
"My lord, someone is here for you."
Sylvian suspects that Aldric had been sent up here with that purpose, but had been distracted of course.
"So, uh, Anton. . . If we're damned anyway, why does it matter whether or not we're doing the Lord's work?"
"Then we should enter the city, Brother Anton. I am already weak from the trip, I cannot afford to lose more blood still lest you end up without even a driver to bring you through the day.""I presume then thatwe wait for a reason, brother?" Anton asks, still glaring at the monk.
"I presume then thatwe wait for a reason, brother?" Anton asks, still glaring at the monk.
Anton
"You have yet to introduce yourself Brother Anton. You are to work with these people, after all."
"All right, I'll go and say hello." Kiril heads towards the pretty one."Greetings" Lucien said with a Slight bow.
"Good evening. I am Kiril Veranin, Lord of Vitosha. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Kiril observes the man, seeing what information he can gather. By now, it's as natural as breathing. . . used to be.
"Carinus, can you find me something to eat?" Kiril inquires before continuing his conversation."ah, i'm not the only one starving." He smiled weakly to him. "Oh, and as for your question.. only Ennius there im afraid." He gestured to the knight."
He could have looked like anything, and he chose that appearance. Interesting.
"Are you acquainted with anyone else here?"
Anton looks out, and sees his brother already conversing with a fellow woman? Man? Something in between? It is good. The kindred must look inhuman and disturbing. That is their purpose."Do not talk about me as if i wasnt present Thank you."
He heads to greet the two.
"Brother." He states to Kiril, coldly, as per usual. His voice rarely displays any warmth.
"I assume this is another one of the fold?"
"Right in the morning too. I do say, perhaps he should learn some humility? I give you permission to feed, Steeple. You haven't had much to eat on the road, after all..."
"greetings Mr... My name is Lucien." He said with a smile. "This is Ennius My servant." He gestured to the knight.
This is Anton." He gestures to the really ugly one that is not a nosferatu. "And this is Kiril." he gestures to the not so ugly one.
"A jolly good idea," Steeple replies to Prince Maurice - though the rude driver could be forgiven for thinking Steeple was talking to him.
Activating Elemental Strength, Steeple coils around the man like a python - yanking him into the carriage and sinking his fangs into the man's face to feed!
(Don't intend to kill him though)...
"Ah my apologies, my name is Heldric. My retainers are still in the carriage but I'm sure they will introduce themselves soon. AH, I would advise none of you or your ghouls touch myself or them, it might have... unfortunate consequences due to part of my clans curse."
Steeple then dumps the groaning man out of the cart - the others, who up until now would have only heard a mild scuffle - see and hear the body fall, as well as Steeple exiting the carriage, stepping onto the man as he does so, and coolly stating "You are the servant; I am the guest; Make sure you get that straight from now on."He then turns to look at the tall one armed man.
Steeple takes out a large table doily and dabs his mouth, as if it were a handkerchief. Stuffing it back in his pocket with his only hand, he then removes a fist-sized stone (Prince Maurice) from another pocket and dusts it off.
"Thank you, I was simply famished!" he says to the stone, "I know, right? That's what I said HA HA HA!"
Then turning to see the others assembled, he bows with a flourish and says, "Hello! Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth at your service!"
Steeple takes out a large table doily and dabs his mouth, as if it were a handkerchief. Stuffing it back in his pocket with his only hand, he then removes a fist-sized stone (Prince Maurice) from another pocket and dusts it off.
"Thank you, I was simply famished!" he says to the stone, "I know, right? That's what I said HA HA HA!"
Then turning to see the others assembled, he bows with a flourish and says, "Hello! Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth at your service!"
Steeple takes out a large table doily and dabs his mouth, as if it were a handkerchief. Stuffing it back in his pocket with his only hand, he then removes a fist-sized stone (Prince Maurice) from another pocket and dusts it off.Anton looks at the man.
"Thank you, I was simply famished!" he says to the stone, "I know, right? That's what I said HA HA HA!"
Then turning to see the others assembled, he bows with a flourish and says, "Hello! Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth at your service!"
"Kiril Petrov Veranin, Lord of Vitosha, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The polite reply is practically a reflex.
As always, he checks to see if there's anything useful he can deduce from their appearances, the one-armed man and the ugly one.
Anton looks at the man.
"Anton Petrov Veranin. You were just talking to the rock, correct?" Anton asks. Insanity is also a sign of damnation.
"Stop" Lucien orders his ghoul. He then jumps off and makes his way to one of the older servants.
"You there. where might a man find some... female company for the night?" he asks as he plays with some coins in his hands.
"Would you be able to discreetly take one of them?" Kiril asks Carinus.
"Which one?" Carinus asks, as he begins eyeing the crowd.
Anton looks away from the animals, but continues to ride onwards, hoping to keep his beast calm, until he can find proper feed.
"That's up to you, of course," Kiril replies. "You know I trust your judgement."
The press of warm, human bodies and his ravenous hunger has the beast raging within Anton - so much so that he needs to bring his strong will to bear lest he enter a frenzy right then and there.
As Anton moves through the various animals atop Fantoma, they begin to panick - pigs squeal in a sudden panic and fight their owners to get away, horses viciously buck at the servants holding their reins, cows bellow and struggle to escape their leashes.
Luckily for Anton, none of the animals here are predatory - or he would have been made rather quickly as they would have all flocked to him.
The market is temporarily thrown into disarray as Anton passes it.
Andreas nods silently and then gets out of the back of the wagon stepping out and stretching his legs, following from outside. They're forced to move at a slower pace now that they're out in the crowded market anyways.
Kiril puts one arm protectively around the girl and faces down his brother. "Keep back, brother," he says in Slavonic, "I can handle this."Anton looks at him.
"Shh. . . Yes, I'll help you," he says in Hungarian to the girl. "It's all right, you'll be safe with me." He looks her over, attempting to discern how much of her story might be true.
"I don't feel like a chase," Steeple says to Maurice, losing interest in the slave auction now that everyone ran off after the girl.
"Now where's that nice inn?" he says, looking around the square.
Anton quickly gets up, and checks on his horse, Fantoma, while glaring a bit at Enuis. His glare doesn't end, though he does look to the guards.
"I lost the girl." He states simply, while standing guardingly around his war horse.
"Is she going to pull trough?" Lucien asks Anton.
Anton looks at the vampire, and nods."Thats good. Now Anton, it seems these guards saw something they we're not supposed to." He said to Anton. Then he Turned to Ennius. "Kill them."
"She's a strong horse, she'll be fine." He states.
As Kiril moves, he hears a voice from his right - a place that the lord could have sworn was empty a mere moment before.
"Excuse me? May I help you?"
The nobleman (of course Kiril doesn't know he's a vampire, having not heard Aldric's statement) waits there with a large purse of coin between his hands - the implication clear. He wished to buy the girl who had so sparked his interest.
Kiril envelops the man's head in a Shroud of Night, then uses Arms of the Abyss, bringing the dark steel tentacles out of the nightshroud's darkness to restrain the man, after which he plans to feed upon him.
Obviously somthing odd is going on with all of this mess, there is also one vampire missing from the group along with the girl. Heldric moves as quietly as possible past the others in an attempt to find the missing two. If the alley is too full he will try to circle around a different way of climb low walls to gain vantage.
"And now you owe me and Ennius a meal." Lucien said to Anton as he he activated heightened senses (hearing) and tried to backtrack his way to find Kirin.
However first he said "Ennius, we're moving out."
Moving about the central market, Steeple sees that everything has been closed down - as is customary, of course, most markets close at nightfall. The only thing open is the slave market, and the only nobleman left to go chase after the girl.
Of course, the city's castle is easily visible for the central market.
"Oh bother!" Steeple grumbles, "I guess it's to the castle then."
Steeple directs his herd in the direction of the castle, hoping to be the first to introduce himself to the prince.
"Do put on good airs everyone," Steeple says to his company, "We want to make a good first impression after all!"
Lucien gets a little pissed off at being Ignored."Lucian, do not question my brother, or order him about." Anton states strongly.
"you did all this, for a mortal girl you know nothing about, started a fight with another cainite. Do you even realise what rules you have broken tonigh?" he asks angrily.
"Now, let me change your appearence to keep you safe from this monster he spoke about."
And as we're likely to be working togheter since i assume all our sires wish us to be here i strongly suggest you either kill the girl or ghoul Her. Mortals must not know of our existence."
Kiril spends will if necessary to refrain from attacking Lucien. "Can't you make him shut up?" he snaps towards Anton, before cautiously approaching the girl.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," he says in Hungarian. "I was trying to keep that man from taking you away."
If she seems okay, he'll continue. "I'm Kiril- what's your name?"
Lucien sighs heavily.Anton shakes his head.
"Im sorry. I got a little too worked up and i apologize for my outburst. I did not mean to offend."
"Anton, would you mind translatating what they are saying to me?"
Anton shakes his head.
"It is not my place, Lucien." Anton states.
Kiril gives her the best bow he can muster.
"Will you stay with me, for now? That monster, Roland, he may still be after you."
He turns to Lucien. "You are really hoping to resculpt someone's face, aren't you? Are all Tzimisce so eager to practice their craft?"
"Kiril Petrov Veranin, Lord of Vitosha. My sire is Basilio, Prince of Sofia. This is my brother, Anton. We are travelling with these other gentlemen to a meeting in the market square."
Meanwhile at the tavern, Steeple enjoys some light repast and good wine, having some sent out to his herd (who are watching the wagon and carriage outside).
Lucien nods. "Fair enough." he heads back and tells the rest the idea.
Kiril is pleased to hear that Carinus has returned. He immediately agrees to meet his servant at the rivers edge."Good. Then we should get moving " Lucien replied With a pleasant smile.
"Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth," Steeple replies to the man, feeling more at ease now.
"A pleasure to meet you."
"So you are a chronicler or an illuminator of sorts then?"
Steeple soon finds that he is joined by a different man - he is gaudy clothes, but there is no other sign of wealth on his person. His eyes are warm and filled with laughter.
"Evening, I couldn't help but notice another Kindred in the city. I can't say i've ever seen you here before."
The comments are not hostile or interrogatory, rather it seems like an attempt to strike up conversation.
"Greetings," Steeple says heartily, "Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth at your service! I've come from Prague to meet some new business associates. I'm in the salt trade, but like to season that with other endeavors now and then - if you'll pardon the pun haha!"
"Carinus!" Kiril is obviously delighted to see his friend. "Carinus, this is Sherazhina, she's going to be joining us."
Kiril then proceeds to feed on the man, boy and pig, trying not to kill any of them. Once he was sufficiently replenished, he would offer his blood to Carinus and Sherazhina.
"Huh... Must be a Malkavian," Steeple says, "Can't understand a word of what he just said..."
"Very well master Daniel. Should we retrieve your brothers now or at a later date?".
"We know not, unfortunately." Anton replies to the prince, taking a drink from his goblet. "We have not been told much about our purpose, as of yet."
The Prince quickly clarifies - "These illustrious guests of mine appear to be here for the same reason as you, I thought you would like to introduce yourself to them, and they to you."He then looks to Daniel.
"In that case, I'll begin to save everyone's time." Daniel approaches the table in a comfortable stride and stops at a chair without sitting.
"Just so that you're all aware, I am a gangrel; but I'm sure that won't hinder our relationship. I move with my ghouls but I can assure you that they won't slow any of you down."
Then, Daniel looks to Lucien and says, "I love what you've done with yourself. It works!" He flashes a grin that shows off his teeth to show he means it and then turns to the Prince. "May I sit, sir?"
The prince nods his aquiescence."Of course, Prince Rickard." Anton states, nodding. "The altercation shall, hopefully, be settled peacefully."
"Of course Daniel."
To the ashen knight he replies - "Yes, that would be Roland, he serves in my court I assure you. What business you have with him is your own, and I trust you will keep it contained and acceptable. I trust I will not have to remind you all of the fifth tradition.
However, I was referring to the encounter you had with "Havnor", yes?"
Daniel respectfully thanks the Prince and pulls up a chair next to Lucien.Lucien appeared to be.. pleased by Daniels question. "Yes." he chuckled slighrly in response. "I was pondering what beaty truly was one evening, and this is what i came up with. Not overly feminim, nor ocerly masculine. Just something in between."
"One way or another, I faced a Tzimisce in my past. He owed me a boon and let me consume a portion of his blood so that I may begin my learning. We're no longer in touch." He chuckles after he says this and then whispers to Lucien very quietly, "... I'm sorry for asking but you are a man, correct?"
Lucien appeared to be.. pleased by Daniels question. "Yes." he chuckled slighrly in response. "I was pondering what beaty truly was one evening, and this is what i came up with. Not overly feminim, nor ocerly masculine. Just something in between."
"Oh, but where are my manners, my name is Lucien Lupei."
Lucien shrugs. "I have no clue about who he is. I hust heard the servant whisperig something about him to the prince." He replied. Then he chuckled slightly again. "I've only been here for few hours and i already have a regret. Not purchasing a smave earlier. would have made hunting later on allt easier."
Kiril will walk with Anton and his entourage to the meeting place, noting that Heldric & Steeple pair up, as well as Lucien and Daniel.
Anton turns to his brother.
"You did well by the girl. If Roland harasses you, he deals with me, brother." Anton states. "I trust you will keep her pure, yes?"
"Of course," Kiril replies, deftly changing the subject. "It concerns me that he can conceal himself from us so easily."
"Steeple, I must confess that I was at a slight loss as how to act politely in front of the prince so it was excellent to have yourself there to emulate. Do you spend much time around the Royalty?"
"Oh yes," Steeple replies to Heldric, looking around to make sure no one else is eavesdropping.
Then whispering, he explains, "Being offensively rich draws a lot of attention from the nobles; always interested in what you are doing and more importantly, what you can do for them."
"Fortunately, I have a Noble Mentor to help me navigate through all the courtly etiquette and all that ballyhoo. Yes, Prince Maurice has been a godsend."
"Eww, gross." Steeple remarks with distain, thinking that the fat rude driver is now supposed to be working for him.
Taking the brass key, he motions to the rest - "Come chaps, we have a castle to plan haha!"
"I don't suppose any of you is an architect?"
Anton nods.
"We will have to work with haste. I suggest that everyone takes a source of nourishment for the trek. The prince has given us reign to feed, taking a bum from the town would certainly be proper." Anton states.
"I will see you all in the home." He says, as he reaches his carriage and brother Joseph and Fantoma.
"We will need to find a sinner, brother." Anton says to the monk.
Kiril tries to find somewhere with a little privacy. (If necessary, he'll use shroud of night as a wall.)
He informs Carinus and Sherazhina of their allotted task. "Have either of you heard of Tihuta Pass?"
Kiril also writes a letter to Alec, informing him that he will be away for at least seven months, perhaps more.
Kiril
Carinus replies - "I believe I may have heard of it, it is a strategically important pass to the east that leads into our Transylvania."
Sherazhina then replies - "Yes, in the pass are the ruins of an ancestral family keep. It was mostly made of wood and the tower burned down, only the foundations and cellar were left intact. I visited there once with my brother, Dragomir."
"Yes brother Anton. Where shall we search?" the monk asks.
"In houses of sin no doubt, brother. We passed many taverns on the way here", the monk says.
She shakes her head.
"No, the keep was intact then."
Heldric
The girl then adds, after looking over the group - "You might all be able to make it there in three weeks, if you all move as quickly as possible - but that's assuming no delays, and I think the architect might slow you down. Besides, the snow will still be blocking the mountain passes you need to go through for at least three weeks, if not more, so moving that fast or faster would be a waste."
"Well, we certainly can't rebuild our fortress with wood," Steeple says to whoever is listening, "It must be a monument of pure stone - a 'masterpiece' if you will!"
"And I'm sure with the resources the Count is providing and those of my own, we can make a truly fearsome citadel."
"Well, we certainly can't rebuild our fortress with wood," Steeple says to whoever is listening, "It must be a monument of pure stone - a 'masterpiece' if you will!"
"And I'm sure with the resources the Count is providing and those of my own, we can make a truly fearsome citadel."
"I love it when everything starts to come together."
As Daniel watches everyone formulate a plan, he decides to quickly go fetch his brothers from bar in which he was told that they'd be in. He'll hopefully move quickly enough to get them before everyone is gone.
Before he leaves, he passes Lucien and swiftly tells him, "I'm going to fetch my ghouls. I'll be back shortly."
Steeple
Sylvian comments on this.
"It will be a work of art as much as a bastion of defence. As beautiful as it shall be practical - it might include some wood but stone will feature more than anything."
Leaving the rest of the group, the Gangrel goes to The House of the Red Hedgehog - where his brothers and the servant who had been sent to bring him to Buda-Pest were out enjoying themselves on the Prince's hospitality.
Arriving at the bustling building, gangrel searches the crowd of well-dressed noblemen and rich merchants to find his shabbily dressed brothers and the wild-looking Mordecai. Vincent and Mordecai are both loudly laughing at something or another that Wilhelm has just said, smashing their tankards against their table when Wilhelm looks up to see Daniel. He says something quietly and the two both clamor down, looking expectantly at their master.
Heldric mearly nods, he had thought about ghouling them but they would mostly be dead within a month which would hinder more than help efforts, spawning an army of childer is also out of the question. "I might just have Andres surprise them with the strength of the Nosferatu too. I have things to learn from this gangrel though to aid in my future survival chances so I shall continue being nice."
"That may be effective, we must simply be careful not to arouse suspicion in the surrounding towns and villages."
"Find them, and report back to me. I bring with me the abyss, and while those who revel in sin deserve to experience it, it would be best to kidnap the men with little to no witnesses." Anton replies.
Anton
"Of course brother. Will you be coming with me?"
"You do that."
"Watch and learn," Steeple replies, "It's called history in the making."
"I would advise caution and treating the locals well," Steeple points out - "This very well could end up being a reward Domain for us, once we complete the fortress and prove ourselves worthy to our Sires.""The real question is why has this village not been claimed by a prince?" Anton asks, aloud. "It's a village in an isolated area, certainly a good location to set up. There may be something off in this place."
"Oooh!" Steeple starts - "You don't suppose it's wolves?"
"'Forget the nuns'," Steeple repeats to Prince Maurice in his pocket - "It's not like they stole my arm or anything..."
Heldric nods at the conversation "It is highly possible these are hunters or those of true faith here, we must proceed through and feed here but we must also be careful. Shall we spead our guards between our carriages as we enter? We can keep a low profile while we pass through, I could spend a night assessing the area for us if you wish?"
Kiril stays protectively near Sherazhina. "What about you?" he asks her. "Are you feeling all right?"
Anton nods, and whispers to Kiril.
"I assume your servant has everything under control, yes?"
"Are we staying here or not?" Kiril quietly replies. "Why did everyone else leave?""I do not know. Perhaps they fear these mortals." Anton replies quietly with a shrug. "As for what we must do, I feel it may be best to know what Brother Joseph has learnt. If Christ is powerful in this village, we will want to leave swiftly."
Should Anton turn and look at the entrance, he will see Brother Joseph waiting - clearly the monk does not want to interrupt what is happening right now.Seeing his monk-ghoul, Anton nods.
Once arriving, Joseph tells Anton of what he heard (See the encounter as given to Steeple).
"I would advise leaving this place as soon as possible brother Anton. From what I just saw you are not wanted here, and who can know what dangers will visit us as you sleep?"
Upon having his appearance successfully changed, Daniel tells Lucien, "We should go in at different times."
Then, he enters the tavern once again as unsuspiciously as possible... Hoping to whichever deity is out there that they take him for another token towns person.
"And what about our servants, who need to rest, brother?""This place is not the place for rest, brother. It is a Place for reckoning."
"That's probably the leader", Steeple whispers helpfully, motioning toward one of the horses drawing the noble's carriage.Anton nods.
Then with a sudden face-palm, he grins sheepishly and begins muttering several magic syllables, extinguishing the fires burning on some of the wagons and items of import.
"Almost forgot I could do that hehehe!"
"Steeple Carson Olof Trevesky the Fourth at your Service," Steeple bows with his usual flourish.
"What an absolutely magnificent beast!" he then marvels aloud, seeing the huge mastiff.
"Where can I acquire one, even half as spectacular as this?"
Lucien slowly shakes his head while mumbling "Malkavians."
He will spend the rest of the tour looking for interesting insights in castle building.
"Can you turn Barabus into a Mastiff too?" Steeple asks in awe, coming out of nowhere from behind the two Kindred to butt-in over their shoulders...
"Thank you again," Steeple replies to the Count.Lucien nods to Daniel, if they we're two it would go faster.
Then hearing Lucian mention buying a Mastiff, Steeple can't help but add - "I'd like to buy one too, if there are any non-extraordinary ones available."
Then to Lucian he whispers, "Let's up the wager - and see if a Mad Ghouled Mastiff is better than a Tsmitzi-made Mastiffed Ghoul haha!"
Lucien gives Steeple a quizical look "What... exactly is a W-TWBoSt?"
Then with a snap of his fingers he says "Daniel gets to fleshcraft ofcourse, that is his reward."
"Ah, it is time I retire; See you all in the new night," Steeple says, heading to his place of rest.
"Huh... no doggies from the Count for us I guess," Steeple laments to Prince Maurice.
After feeding Nadia again, Steeple use Domino of Life to give her a good tumble in the sheets as a reward for her choosing to spend eternity with him.
He sets Prince Maurice up on an unlit sconce to watch.
"OH MY! THE SCONCES! THE SCONCES!!!" becomes Steeple's cry of ecstasy.
;)
The monk nods.Anton shakes his head.
"I... I find an wondrous simplicity in the beasts that roam god's kingdom, brother Anton. They cannot sin, they have no souls to be damned - they are innocent in all of this. Creatures of god, beautiful and pure, not dominated by the temptation that the damned so often offer us.
They will never go to heaven, no, but neither will they go to hell."
Barrabus just kind of stands there in the corner awkwardly. His initial cries for the two to go get a room being ignored, he edges towards the door.
Lucien thinks it over for a moment. "Very well. We should have the time for it most likely. And its probarly good to have the childer of someone you think highly of owe you. And some Luny aswell..."
Then he looks at Sylvain."dont translate that last part for them."
"It's a little trick I learned a while ago," Steeple says, "basically you have to convince yourself that you are not really there - which then allows you to bypass what really is there, because you're not."Anton frowns in confusion to steeple's answer, but nods to the second half of steeple's point.
"Ah here we are," Steeple concludes, showing everyone the hidden chamber and the tablets, but not pointing out the gaping hole in the wall where he pulled them all out - I may have use for such a void, Steeple thinks to himself.
Steeple then takes the last two tablets out of the thirteen.
"We should all take two of these and keep them," Steeple directs, "Study what we have and the rubbings of all the stones. But no one of us should be entrusted with keeping them all."
"Are you all right with this?" Kiril quietly asks Sherazhina. "After all, these are your family treasures.
By the way, do you have any idea what they say?"
Daniel investigates the library for any more tablets.
"This is them all," Steeple replies, "but it won't hurt to keep looking around for more while we are here.""I see Daniel took up that task." Anton replies.
Kiril decides to ask Anatole if God has given him any insight into what these tablets might concern.
Barrabus looks more than ready to take on Ennius, extending his arms out with a ready grin and looking his presumed opponent in the eyes."See, that wasnt so hard was it." He said rethorically to the man.
So it is some surprise to the ghoul that Ennius simply begins speaking - dominating the other servant.
"Sit, like the dirty mongrel you are."
Barrabus finds himself forced to do exactly that, and he drops down to the ground, motionless.
Anatole shakes his head.
"My visions would never lead me astray. These tablets, the message they contain, they are vital to us understanding the final nights sir Anton."
Heldric gets all the information he can from the animal before relaying it to the others present.
"I can make us unseen for the approach so long as you can move with utmost stealth. This might allow us to get close enough for proper combat though somthing feels off and I feel we might face more than the wolves."
Andreas growls, and punches his own palm.
Mr. Whitey translates for the group - "Well what are we waiting for?"
"You really don't see the connection here Lucian old boy?" Steeple asks. "Tsk tsk.""what is there to understand?" he asked rhetoricly. "Did you not hear for yourself she is now part of the cathedral of flesh?"
"He is generous. Almost too generous, I would say. You've given up more than you realize, I think, my lord." Ennius says in reply to Lucien."Yes, i agree." Lucien replied thoughtfully. "Now there are only two questions that remain unanswered." he looked up to the sky, then he raised his hand up so it looked like he had a star in the palm of his hand.
"The honour is mine. Please, tell me, you've been rather silent whenever we've met in the past. Do I make you uncomfortable?" Vykos asks.
Vykos' mannerisms are tame and slow. He moves carefully, almost diplomatically, making no sudden movements
"Again? I hope Anton isn't distracted."
"did you remember something?" Lucien asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'll take you at your word and be cautious," Steeple says to Sherazhina (ignoring Prince Maurice for the moment).
"Did he have anything to do with the fall of you family from this place? Do know the significance of the two signet rings?"
Joseph waits a long time before answering.Anton looks at the monk, pitifully, but then harshly states,
"He doesn't deserve it brother. None of them did. All of them, they were innocent of all this, good and pure and kind, they were forced into the roles of monsters."
Anton looks at the monk, pitifully, but then harshly states,
"Retaining your mercy for this animal will blind you, monk. Our duty is not to have mercy, but to dispense justice for God."
"And an agent sent against us is an agent fighting against Christ, no matter what it's intentions were. Kill it." Anton then commands, forcefully.
"I see." he replied. "So what are your take on the others?"
Joseph turns his head now facing Anton. The templar sees the faint, wet glimmer of tears underneath Joseph's eyes. He also sees the fire of anger."His redemption shall be through it's death. Otherwise, this dog shall return to corruption, just as all sinners do."
"No. He needs not die, he can be redeemed."
"His redemption shall be through it's death. Otherwise, this dog shall return to corruption, just as all sinners do."
"Redeem it, monk. Purge the sin inside of it."
"The other kindred. I know how i feel about them, but how do you feel about them?" He elaborates.
"Is that how you wish to redeem the world? To burn it to the ground? Why should I not kill you then, as you sleep? Drag your body outside and let the sun claim you for the monster you are? Why not kill the innocent, knowing that they might sin in the future?"Anton chuckles slightly.
Brother Joseph grimaces, and he drops the bloody sword he carried with him to the ground.
"This beast was forced to be a monster, if you give him the chance brother, if you give him the smallest chance, he will return to the fold. You must give him the chance you deny even yourself."
Anton chuckles slightly.
"From the ashes will rise a kingdom worthy of God's return, brother. Where sin no longer exists, for man will truly fear the Lord's wrath. I serve my purpose, and when I fulfill it, I will not hide from the Sun's embrace. But until that day comes, I will continue following God's chosen path for me."
"And as all creatures of the Sun, brother, this dog will return to it's master, and lap the tainted blood. Once tainted, nothing is redeemable. That is the true understanding of Via Noctis, the truth of this world. Redeem this animal, as God intended you to."
Lucien chuckles slightly at Ennius words. "I see." He smiled at the knight, not a fake smile, but a true happy smile.
"You are surprisingly talkative today Ennius. Finally warming up to me are we?" He asked
"Hmmm..." Steeple replies thoughtfully, "You may have something there..."
"As God intended me to. The God you and I see must be different Gods, mine would never be so cruel. I will have no part in this.""Brother, God is not cruel. He has sent us to pave way for the eternal kingdom. To save his flock. There is nothing cruel about that."
But Anton sees that, unlike the past few times, Joseph seems unsure of his words.
"I simply must learn that one," Steeple muses. "Animalism, I do believe..."
"Life is sacred brother. This beast has the fire of life within him still. I would not extinguish that fire.""the only thing in this world that is sacred is the Soul, brother. Everything else will be used for sin and corruption. And once something has been corrupted, the only thing we can do it redeem it."
There is sadness is Joseph's voice. He still kneels by the wolf.
"Perhaps just a foolish decision. But if i know you, thats probarly not the case." he replied casually. "You know, sooner or later your past is going to catch up to us." He looked at him in a friendly way. "But for now im glad your glad." He patted him on the back.
"You said yourself, they have no souls."
Joseph holds his hand gently over the twisted wolf's chest, as it rises and falls with the creature's breathing.
Ennius accepts the pat - (fade-out?)
"You said yourself, they have no souls.""And as such, it is nothing but corruption, brother. Remove it from this earth." He then commands,
Joseph holds his hand gently over the twisted wolf's chest, as it rises and falls with the creature's breathing.
Ennius accepts the pat - (fade-out?)
"I expect you all to be distracted, the movers in our society are extremely interested in the course this crusade takes, I have no doubt that, given your competence, you will be representing rather important people when the time comes to guide the mortals." Vykos replies.
Kiril shrugs noncommittally. "I suppose we shall see."
"Given your competence?" That's . . . an odd thing to say, when he's just saved us from total ruin. Is he trying to be flattering, or insulting?
"Vykos is not to be trusted" she says, earnestly.
"This offer he makes you, it reeks of manipulation - you were not asked, you were given the choice between death and salvation, and he came so well prepared to be your salvation."
"I would protect you from him!" Kiril shouts. "And don't think I didn't notice how you avoided my question," he adds, more quietly.
Prince Maurice then falls silent, as if having read the malkavian's mind.
He then whispers a quick phrase.
"I'm sorry Steeple. He used to be a good man."
Anton nods.
"So we are no longer worried about our funds then? What did he ask in return?"
"And the wolf hunt went well, brother. It seems that there are far more to the vovoide's agression then meets the eye."
Kiril, who has been observing the tedious back-and-forth with growing impatience, finally interrupts.
"Could we stop wasting time on this? Anton asks Lucien what's going on, luci says he doesn't know, Anton says 'you can't possibly be this ignorant and willfully obtuse,' Lucien asserts that yes he can.
The important thing is determining what, if anything, needs to be done."
Steeple immediately uses his Wooden Tongues, to ask the room itself where the Key is or who took it.
"Ennius, dominate me. Force me to say if i stole it." Lucien ordered calmly while staring directly into his eyes."Not now." Anton states. "We will see who the culprit is in an hour, or we will find our gold hidden here."
"You really are an idiot," says Kiril. "Or doing an excellent job of pretending."Kiril, brother, you will be there to watch. If you feel strongly about this, you may either immobolize the dominator with our darkness, or we will have to dominate you in their stead."
First of all, we all know ghouls cannot dominate kindred- the suggestion proposed was for one ghoul to dominate the others, not us. Secondly, even if it could be done, why on earth would we believe your own servant was forcing you to do anything?
I still say we're wasting our time looking for the thief. I certainly won't allow any of you or your servants to do anything to my retainers."
Anton shrugs,
"Then we shall have Sylvian use his art on Kiril, after all the servants are dominated. Is that proper?"
Kiril looks at Daniel. "What the hell are you talking about 'punishment for failure?!'
Did you forget, we never told our sires about the translation tablet."
"Of course not, Carinus." Kiril seems genuinely dismayed by the notion. "I did not mean to imply that you did.
Only that, were you to acquiesce, they would insist upon Sherazhina also undergoing their test, and I would no longer be able to resist on principle.
To them, it would appear as though I were suspiciously protecting her specifically."
He leans closer, lowering his voice even further. "Do you perhaps have some reason for wishing to undergo their scrutiny?"
Steeple shrugs.
"Like I said - it doesn't really matter. We have what we need and this shouldn't drive us apart. We still win."
With that, Steeple thanks Nadia for cooperating with the others and heads outside to see how his village "(STEEPLETON!!! LUCIEN YOU BASTARD!)" is coming along.
'Hmm...' he thinks to himself idly as he wanders - 'I wonder if the Count would like to see the fight between Barabus and the war-beast?'
"You don't think he is too cultured for that do you?" Steeple asks Prince Maurice, taking the stone from his pocket and holding it up to the night sky.
"I mean, it could be fitting entertainment, but then I wouldn't want to offend his sensibilities."
"Oh, but what if our Sires are coming with him... Ooh, that could be bad... Maybe we should hold the fight before then. What do you think?"
Basilio greets both of his childer warmly. They all go into his wagon, a rather large and lavish affair with room for the four to sit. A satisfied smile plays across his lips as he speaks.
“I am so proud of you, my children. What you have done here proves to me that I made the right choice in bringing you under the shadow. To have agents within the Tzimisce courts is more than I could have ever hoped for."
Arnulf embraces his childe vigorously and informally.
"A good welcome indeed! I see you've done well in building your castle, I am happy to see it."
But enough of Vykos. You have both done well, and as promised, you will both be given just rewards. Anton, for your service I give you Kronstadt; the city holds a bastion of Teutonic knights, I thought you should appreciate the pool of soldiers to work with. Be careful that you don't draw lord Jurgen's attention, however. The blue blood might take offence if a bastion of his soldiers were turned into your servants.
Anton, what is wrong with you? Why do you have to ruin everything?"That sounds wise." Anton says, nodding.
Our sire pleasantly asked to see the festivities we prepared for him, and you get that sour milk look on your face and tell him you don't approve.
"Anton," Kiril says, bright and brittle, "Why don't you go and get those translations Lord Basilio asked for?"
Turning back to Basilio and Husayn, "I'll be happy to escort you, my lordships."