Walk through the lush rock garden

[Alicia Silvers]

Walking up to the rock garden, the words that it would be lush year round being its main allure, and with all the annoyances as of late she certainly needed a moment to just revel in the marvels of nature. Purple eyes carefully scanning the area, with their matching eye shadow and lips. A quick look back to her bike as gloved hands fixes her jacket in place, and opening it up to reveal the corset underneath. Long nails carefully setting her simple styled raven dark hair in order, stretching out her legs and taking a gander at her boots making sure the ride had not gotten something unsightly upon them. Making a final check as false life flushes through her veins, leaving her cheeks warm and rosy.

Stopping right by the entrance with a deep inhale, taking up one of her red pills to twirl between her fingers in her left hand as her free hand raises her Fum mod to her lips for a deep inhale, just taking in the atmosphere, the chance for a reprieve, to not just study or chase people whom seemingly refused to understand the severity of things happening around them. Letting her eyes fall down to her purse, who knows maybe she would get a chance to use the item she had been missing far to much as of late. Well there is no time like the present, lets see if I can find some nice spot in here.

[Alicia Silvers]

Bookkeeping

[Otto Schneider]

There hadn't been any rock gardens in New Jersey. Otto could not recall ever hearing about them while serving the Archbishop, but the Elder Kindred had shown a surprising fondness for them. The Ventrue dimly recalled a conversation where, after several comments about how Buddhists were sadly deluded and damned to hell (learning to only half-listen when the Archbishop started raving about the folly of mortal religions was a skill most parishioners learned to cultivate), he had expressed a begrudging admiration for how 'Zen Gardens' allowed for monks to simultaneously filter out the mundane world and to show gratitude for the beauty of god's natural world. It had been one of the only times the Elder had displayed anything other than contempt for mortal creations, so it had piqued Otto's curiosity.

He had since learned that these vaunted 'Zen Gardens' were actually a very specific type of rock garden, and that other varieties more commonly incorporated some form of plant life rather than just stones. That had actually intrigued him more since he had lately found himself strangely preoccupied with horticulture. He had decided to dress casually, against his typical instincts. Years of having it beaten into his head that proper Ventrue always dressed a certain way made it hard to shake the feeling that he would be struck by a ray of sunlight just because he wasn't wearing a suit and tie. But, somehow, he had managed to force himself across the threshold with only an old NYU shirt, a vintage leather jacket, slacks, and a pair of tennis shoes. It was a wardrobe rooted in nostalgia more than anything, though the only piece that Otto had actually owned when he was still alive was the college shirt. The rest were just facsimiles he'd acquired over the years whenever he would give in to the faint longings of memory.

The plan had been to just take a casual stroll through the garden and relax. It was rare that the Priest took time for himself, and it was likely that other Sanctified might sneer at him if they knew. It didn't matter to Otto, plus he had the at least passable excuse of 'trying to take inspiration from what the Archbishop mentioned', or something else. Forget excuses, at least for the moment. He forced himself to take a deep breath to refocus himself and make sure that his Vitae was imbuing him with counterfeit life. He was actually ready to enjoy himself as he started towards the entrance, until the nagging scrape of nails on a chalkboard that was the Beast flooded his mind. Deep breath. Again. Vitriol bubbled up in his mind for a moment before he managed to force it to pass. I'm no saint, but I have patience.

Anger subsided and gave way to mere irritation. He was just there to enjoy the garden, as soon as he identified the other Damned, he could move on with his evening. It had to be the one time I didn't put on the suit... Even the irritation was subdued by the time he spotted the increasingly familiar Daeva. Spending about half of a minute considering his options, the Ventrue decided to slowly approach the entrance. He made sure his steps were loud enough that it wouldn't be a surprise, trying to reduce the odds of provoking a fear response. "Ms. Elisa. Good evening. I didn't expect to meet anyone I know here."

[Alicia Silvers]

Suddenly feeling the roaring sensation within her, that all to familiar warning that another beast was present, that she was not alone still it did not lash out, it did not lash out as if by a new one. Clenching her hands ever so slightly as the red pill in her hand shatters, deeply inhaling and turning around just in time for the greeting of the surprisingly dressed priest.
"Good evening Sir, nor did I, or well maybe my cousin as you might recall she has a penchant for flowers." Eyes slowly walking over his attire with an approving look. "That is quite a nice outfit you´ve got there, the brown suits you rather nicely."

Taking a step to the side with a twirl of her mod between her fingers.
"Words reached me that this so called rock garden is supposed to have lush vegetation growing year round, would you care to accompany me for a stroll? Or are you here in other business perhaps, if that is the case so can we act as if we do not know one another should that be preferable for you." Turning around to get in the perfect position to be able to start walking inside without letting her eyes of him. "We do have a penchant for running into one another here and there and do seem to share some aspects, so a chance for a proper conversation free of our usual constraints might be in high time." Briefly glancing down to her purse. Ahh well some other night it seems. "Are you well versed with the flora that might be found here or flora in general?"

[Otto Schneider]

"Yes... I had actually hoped to meet with her at some point to discuss tending certain flowers." Otto merely pursed his lips at the comment about his clothing, unable to parse whether it was entirely genuine or not. "Thank you. I... don't usually deviate from formalwear." It wasn't a particularly scandalous revelation, but the Priest still seemed a touch apprehensive about it for some reason.

There was a momentary pause before he spoke up again in an unusually quiet tone. "I actually came to appreciate the garden, myself." It looked as though he might stand still and say nothing more until Alicia started walking, at which point he half-ran to catch up with her. "I'm a bit surprised by how often we end up bumping into each other. I'm not complaining, you're..." He kept pace with the Daeva while his eyes darted to the corners of their sockets, searching for the right word. "Even-tempered. I always feel that it's possible to have a civil conversation, even if we don't end up agreeing."

He briefly chuckled before continuing. "It may not sound like it, but I mean that as a genuine compliment. It feels like just about everyone I talk to goes into the conversation with the assumption 'this guy's an asshole' because of my... background. At least if you feel that way, you make more of an effort to hide it." Otto's face resolved into a wistful half-smile. He sounded tired. "I like flowers. I wouldn't really say I know much about actually caring for any kind of flora, except maybe roses. Yourself?"

[Alicia Silvers]

Quenching a sigh at the words.
"It is not my field, but I do have had some interest in getting more familiar with certain flora as of late since her words of wanting to make a garden together." With her actions so do I doubt it though, but of course she would disappoint yet a third person. Sigh cousin, sigh. "Would you mind indulging me as to what flowers? Maybe I can at least aid in the basics of making certain your soil will have the right PH value as not all are at their best in neutral." Showing no visible reaction as she takes an inhale from her mod. "That's a shame, the change of attire highlights your formalwear and makes the change hold a degree of power."

Keeping her composure at the revelation with a light shrug.
"Do you believe that you need to maintain a persona around me, or that there is a shame in having an interest? If you like something, or something interests you so am I the last person who would bat an eye in indulging in such matters." Ready to leave him there should he so choose, flicking a spinning part of her mod as she fishes up a purple pill from her purse with an inviting look as he chooses to run after her. "Is agreeing something that is needed to hold a conversation? I rather enjoy disagreeing with others when having a conversation, it enables me to see the world from a perspective I have yet to consider, to learn something new and walk out an experience richer." A shame so many could not handle it without shouting.

Tilting her head with a soft harmonious chuckle from her well honed voice.
"I saw no offense in your words, nor am I inclined to judge another over matters of what did you call it background?" Keeping her eyes looking forward as she follows the path with eyes glancing at the lush greenery around them. "In fact whilst it is unlikely it is parts that would agree with me so would it be far more interesting to hear about it than to create a visage of you as a person based on such limited data." Lightly shaking her head. "I can discuss the PH value, and limited symbology of roses, lotus and some flow charts I read recently but that would be about it."

[Otto Schneider]

"Well, the conversation originally started after a discussion of roses. They're quite resilient as far as garden flowers go, so I'm less worried about accidentally killing them. I wouldn't mind an extra layer of scientific scrutiny." Otto was surprised to find he was still smiling. More often than not, his facial expressions were carefully rehearsed affectations. But despite that, he couldn't help but smile at the casual conversation. Is that really all it takes to crack your mask?

The change in topic helped bring him back to a more neutral expression. "I appreciate the compliment, truly, but I don't think I can make a regular habit of dressing like this. My-" His eyes darted around as he reminded himself that they were in a public space. "My mentor repeatedly beat it into me that 'people of our standing' don't dress in anything but the best. And while I hardly make decisions for myself based only on what she would have wanted, members of my... extended family have certain expectations of each other." He shrugged. "I'm pretty sure some of them literally sleep in three-piece suits."

Her question about personas provoked a light chuckle. "Of course I have to maintain a persona. And it's nothing personal to you, there are just certain expectations on how someone in my position should act. Right or wrong, fair or unfair, it's just the way of things." The Priest flexed his right hand a few times as he gathered his thoughts. "I'd like if it were otherwise, but some of my brethren see me as too... unorthodox as it is. You know the saying, 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down?' Suffice to say, it's an accurate description of the bulk of the priesthood."

An agreeing nod on the statement about disagreements. "Contrary to what some might think, I don't think mindless agreement has any value." As they walked, Otto's eyes darted between the various types of flora. His gaze settled on the dormant bulb of a cactus flower before he spoke up again. "I think the aspect that many neglect is civility. It's entirely possible for two individuals who are completely at odds ideologically to still remain civil and have fruitful discussions." Though rare in reality, the archetypal tale of the Elder Crone and Archbishop debating philosophy over a game of chess was a frequent point of gossip amongst the priesthood. As much as the Sanctum and the Circle despised one another, they had their fair share of common enemies to unite them in hatred. And sometimes that was enough to foster an unexpected friendship amongst the Damned.

Otto found himself with a wan smile and he slowly shook his head in bemusement. "You're a more open-minded individual than most. I know that it probably sounds trite, but I would appreciate it if you'd consider attending the next sermon or Midnight Mass. Even if you're only half-listening to the service, I make it a point of allowing anyone to come and ask questions and pose challenges, I prefer it when there's an intellectual discussion. Actually, I think I'd like to hear a more scientific opinion for a change." As if remembering the original reason that he decided to visit the locale, Otto was transfixed by another flower in bloom. "Look there. An Orchid. Are you at all versed in flower language?" There was an almost-mischievous look on his face.

[Alicia Silvers]

"I assume you mean the words of the gathering we both attended not to long ago? It was an interesting one." And let to some fun, not that I can admit that. "Well roses would be at their best in 6.5 to 7, which is a bit higher than what you would have from a standard lawn, naturally certain roses might be better in others." Keeping silent on the facial expressions but offering a soft genuine looking smile in return, sensing the priest might need it.

Twirling her pill and mod with a look to a budding plant.
"Are flowers not the epitome of beauty, praised for it through centuries untold" shifting her eyes to a tree "are trees not majestic in bloom yet their leaves fall leaving them bare at times to make the sensation of the blossoming all the more impressive. People gather to see the sakura blossoms fall, to see certain flowers blossom." Shifting her eyes back to the priest. "I hear your words, grasp what you are saying and coming from. Yet if you are lost in one single pattern so does it become all there is, it loses its power for those who see you on the regularly, still I shall consider this a rare treat given unto me then." Letting out a soft laughter with her left hand raised to cover her lips. "My, and here I sleep with nary a thread upon me."

Taking a soft breath of her mod to force a moment of silence.
"You seem quite concerned that I will take offense from your words, is that a common thing for you? That people seek out reasons to be offended?" Giving a light shrug. "I know it all to well, it may not show but it is a part of my past as well and I stuck out, no matter how many times I were hammered down so did the nail force its way out once more. Until eventually it fell out." Stopping to look down upon a flower for a moment. "It is not much, but at least I can offer that I do not care about such matters, maybe it is because of my lack of needing to answer to traditions in the same manner, maybe its because I have none of the mine around me to answer to, maybe it´s because it is simply who I am at heart who knows. But little as words are worth from liars of our caliber so do I genuinely not care about such a façade so maintain or drop it in my presence as you see fit not an eye will be batted."

Following his eyes as she walks over to the cactus bulb with a soft caress upon it.
"I never thought that of you, of those in your profession maybe but your actions have always gone against that." You would have remarked on the obvious aspect of me otherwise. "Civility, an art lost to mankind, and one that the younger you are the more your mind get fed with words of people who claims to be experts that has no right to speak, hidden behind anonymity, or just by the fact of who can shout the loudest. So unwilling to have a flexible mind, to see the value of differencing opinions." A shame really.

"I have wandered more paths than most, changed more than most, if there is one lesson that has taught me so is it that if you keep your mind closed so will you never be capable to see the world through the eyes of another." Nor would I be able to keep my own interests. "Not at all, it sounds intriguing, if my schedule allows so would I be glad to but I fear that if your ilk are present so would my words likely have to be censored to not raise their ire." Turning her eyes to the flower with a shake of her head. "As said roses, lotus" thanks man of grey "and some from a flowchart, so orchid is not one I know."

[Otto Schneider]

A nod and a quirked eyebrow. "Alright... but I thought that tap water typically sat at 7? Please correct me if I'm wrong, that's one of the only things I remember from Chemistry class." Chemistry had never been a strong subject for him in school, notwithstanding the fact that it had been about fifty years since he had last studied it. "If I should be more selective with the water I use, so be it."

Otto gave a half-smile on the subject of beauty. "Well, I can think of some other possible contenders." Mainly things like the salvation of the soul, divine mercy, miracles of faith made manifest... "But they're abstract concepts. Amongst concrete, physical things, I don't think there's much competition. Plants have managed to sweep away virtually any competition when it comes to the natural world." A frustrated sigh and the smile was gone. "Which is really quite disappointing. Man is supposed to be-" He caught himself before he started on about theology. "Forgive me. I was about to go on a tangent. I've seen pictures of the cherry blossoms in bloom. I can only imagine what they would look like, in person..."

He kept listening to her but paused a moment to take in the rest of the garden. He assumed that it wouldn't cause offense, given the fact that it was ostensibly the reason they were both there. Otto was thankful that he had turned away when he did, as her comments about clothes and the lack thereof while torpid had caused him to blink rapidly as he searched for a response. "Well, I suppose I could afford to spend some time expanding my wardrobe. I think I've been avoiding it, since I've been preoccupied with settling in."

Her question about expecting offense from others drew a chuckle. "I don't think it's so much that I think others seek out reasons to be offended, just that many people have had very negative experiences with people like me. While it's a misconception to think that all clergy of any religion share the exact same stances and views, it's also understandable why most people think that way. I try to maintain a balance between my convictions and maintaining an environment of civility." Otto simply shrugged. "That's simply how it is. I can cry, scream, bite, yell and sob until I've exhausted myself emotionally and it won't change anything. The only way to show other people that you mean what you say is to keep on doing it until they believe you. And in the meantime, stopping to smell the flowers helps keep me centered."

Realizing that he might be dominating the conversation at this point, Otto decided to listen more and respond as necessary. It's a conversation, not a therapy session or confession. And as he continued to listen, something about the Daeva's words clicked with him. Perhaps it was a hasty decision, perhaps he would come to regret it, but something about Alicia's responses had at least partly convinced him that he could simply be 'Otto', at least for the night. "Alright. No pretenses." He said quietly. Very slightly, his posture softened.

He stooped down to get a better view of a barrel cactus a short distance away. "Yeah, people are assholes." He said, still crouching. "Nobody likes their comfortable way of life being challenged, and that means it's a lot easier to just live in your own little bubble and refuse to listen to anything that might not mesh with your existing points of view." He shook his head and stood up, continuing a few paces behind Alicia. "If you're so afraid," He paused as he realized he should clarify himself. "Not 'you' as in 'you, Elisa' but as in 'other person in general', are so afraid of people contradicting what you believe that you plug your fingers in your ears and just scream at them, that just proves that you have no faith. Believe me, a lot of the types that are obnoxiously vocal about what they believe are actually really fragile on the inside." Otto was well-aware that what he was saying could get him quite a bit of trouble if the wrong Kindred heard it. The fact that Alicia wasn't beholden to a Covenant made him reasonably confident that it wouldn't reach anyone else's ears.

Otto laughed. Not his usual polite chuckle, but a brief and booming noise. "Please, don't let the threat of hurt feelings stop you from showing up and giving them a piece of your mind. I want to make it abundantly clear to everyone that attends services that if they're so intellectually stunted and emotionally fragile that they can't handle a contrary opinion, then they should find a different congregation." He grinned. "So, please, come and share your views. I'll probably argue the contrary, it's my job, but I don't intend to let them live in a bubble."

"Orchids mean 'a love that transcends death.'" He said, looking away wistfully. After a few seconds the Priest grinned again. "I made that up. The thing is, while there might be some commonly agreed-upon meanings, a lot of it is arbitrary. It's not like there's a carefully regulated code or anything. Throw in something about 'love' and most people will believe you.

[Alicia Silvers]

"Whilst I do not know this city´s in detail so is it generally around 7-7.5 yes, but there is a difference in a soils PH value and the water you use. Both can play a part of course but they are distinctively different." Simply shrugging ever so slightly. "Hard to tell, as said not my field, I can certainly give it a look over but it is not within my current skillset to discuss in depth."

Offering a single nod.
"Exactly, and no matter of personal preference so do they hold the power or title in common tongue and word, still they change, so if that is a reality of the matter then why can you not do the same? Traditions might be strong, but those are my two cents, how much they break against your views or how wrong they feel is a different matter. We need not dig deeper into this though, I am merely speaking from my point of view neither more nor less." Twirling her pill with a light chuckle. "I appreciate you holding that back, as said your views are yours, if it feels wrong so does it feel wrong." Turning her head to look upon a tree. "I have not seen them myself either, but the gatherings was the point of my words." Nor does it really call to me to witness it.

Taking the opportunity of the pause to slow down her own movements, wanting to take in the natural splendor of the place, focusing for a moment and heightening her sense of scent to deeply inhale the mixed fragrances. "I shall look forward to witness that, and if nothing else so can our work sometimes certainly require it, even tradition must see the point of a break to blend in when for the improvement of such matters right?"

Giving a light smile to the chuckle as she takes another inhale of her mod and lets out a crispy fresh minty breath.
"No one is ever like the next, we are not carbon copies of others, no matter how much a certain trait has a tendency to become dominant amongst certain individuals, faiths or what have you so is no one quite like the last. To seek offense is just a sign of weakness in my eyes, same goes for judging everyone of a certain path, you never know what you might be missing." It was just dull. "Nothing worth its salt comes cheaply or without effort, taking ones time to build it up, to show the truth, to show what one goes for and the value one can offer is a task that is never-ending, and if stopping to smell a flower for a moment can help ease a weary mind, well isn´t that just human?" And that is something we need to maintain. "However based on what I have seen so are you certainly working hard and deserve recognition for that."

Giving a look at the motions and the words as she extends her hand with the mod toward him.
"My you make me feel increasingly special, would you care to try an inhale? Do not worry it is basically just flavored air, no nicotine, vapors or other bad parts." And no damn fire.

Moving besides him as she eyes the cactus along with him, showing no signs of being neither rushed nor minding the stop.
"And with that they grow stagnant, they become like these cactuses. Filled with thorns around them, fighting to keep predators which to them has become mere opinions and ideas that are not aligned with their current limited data collected minds, removing their chance for growth and isolates them. It is nearly tragic how pitiful it can be." Stopping up with a slight movement to the side, not wanting to let him walk behind her, not out of fear but rather out of the hardship of talking and politeness, besides the memories gave it to wrong of an image. "That is kinder words than I would use, I would call such a person weak, mentally and emotionally. Like they have been wrapped in bubble wrap, sheltered and protected from harshness of the world by either their parents or by themselves as they made their bubbles. With that having robbed themselves of becoming evolved or matured internally. Prone to lashing out, or having internalized how bad they feel to just lash out without trying to work on improving themselves, people can be so fragile by their own making its sickening." If she had any other reaction to the words so were they not ones she let show, it was a simple topic of their conversation neither more nor less. "Again I got that you did not mean me, I see no point in searching for ways to be offended, or words that could be twisted to justify me being angered by you. Context is enough for me to see if you do would target me."

Filling her voice with a light warmth.
"Whilst I do not generally mind so do I also need to be aware of my standing, to act to recklessly can place myself into dire trouble at the moment. So to some degree I can certainly do that, but not as freely as I would like." The downside of being unbound and having no family around, damn cousin you left me in one tarnation of a mess, if I ever do see you again you deserve a slap before a kiss. "So whilst I am open to do it in a limited fashion so would I be more open in a private chat."

Looking down upon the orchid, careful eyes scanning it in full at his words, trying to take it in as if never having seen an orchid before.
"Interesting so" turning to him with a clearly feigned look of a pout. "Are you indicating the gullibillity of man or the weakness the language of flower holds today or the simple paths to turn any meaning and situation to one befitting your own needs for the moment?"