Blood Deep

[Jennifer Hazelton]

There were a few occasions where the changes in one's life were momentous. The Danse changed what sort of events would qualify or truly matter to a Kindred. Kindred themselves, Jennifer considered, were quite varied on what acquisitions and goals were judged to be worthwhile pursuits. This occasion - however - was important.
Jennifer had asked that Alessandra and herself set up a time to talk about important matters and Jennifer had made a request. Perhaps an odd one. Some time ago, Alessandra had offered Jennifer tutelage in a Blood Gift that Alessandra was adept in. Jennifer's realization over the behavior or some of the Domain residents had led to deeper reflection and personal growth on Jennifer's part. A part of this growth was delving deep into the meaning of Kindred and who Jennifer was as a Kindred, apart from the role of Notary in the First Estate. That role and even how the Covenant was composed was changing in these nights.

Jennifer as she was, at her core, was someone that she was spending time with delving through her innate abilities and then determining areas that did not come naturally to her. There were quite a few times where Jennifer had to push through barriers to break through to learn different Blood Gifts or lesser known Devotions, for the benefit of the First Estate. In this realization, Jennifer discovered a wonderous new Blood Gift from devotion and fortitude. As Jennifer had requested to use one of Alessandra's properties for the meeting, Jennifer arrived at the area that she had been given directions to.
The Nosferatu walked into the area as it was described and looked around for the Alder Prince.

[Alessandra]

Jennifer wouldn’t have to look far, for she would be greeted by Gabriel, who would take her deeper into the warehouse.

The Savage rarely conducted any business in the front of the warehouse. Even Court, when held there, was deeper within, a bit more secure. And that’s where Ale would be found, and where the Ghoul would lead the Haunt this night.

Ale was casual in black leather pants with a black tank top and leather jacket. Her Beast snarled at the approach of Jenn. Even though it should know her by now, it still disliked the weakness and wanted to show it was the stronger one here. But there would be none of that.

A nod to Gabriel, which was his signal of being dismissed. He would be walking around, securing the area and would alert her if there were any issues.

“Jenn, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer followed the way to Alessandra's voice. As Gabriel was sent to see to his duties, Jennifer gave a slight nod to him fitting for a ghoul.

"Hello." Jennifer greeted, behaving much more casually in body language and speech than she would normally. Caution around areas that were not Elysium or a secured Haven was a drive that had served her well. As moved the conversation to a secured area, Jennifer expanded the way that she spoke to not be infuriating.
"I have taken the time to focus on myself. This has included who I am, blood deep. This has led me to embracing my blood." Jennifer smiles. It is an earnest smile.
I have been exploring a new Gift. It is one that you offered to teach me and I have appreciated the offer."

[Alessandra]

It was rare that Jenn saw Ale outside with her guns, but tonight, the Savage did have both guns in her holster. So, there was a good chance the Italian had been attending to business before coming to the warehouse.

“That’s a good thing to hear, not many take the time to do that. There is a lot one can learn about themselves from doing that.” She had done that years ago, while on her own, traveling.

“Congratulations. And which one is that, I have offered to teach you a few.” It was true. So why the warehouse? Did Jenn want to show Ale the Gift?

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I agree with you. I do think that the wise one should spend more time delving into ourselves. Into their own history and the knowledge of their Sires, if you pursue that further. It reveals a great deal.
I am quite different than my Sire. I thought that he was a disappointment at first. Privately, I have considered him a disaster. He devoted himself wholly to his Clan. He spent considerable time with grievances and rivalries.
Yet in time, I learned that I could spend time with the Clan and Covenant. I made mistakes,"
Considerable and public mistakes. "- and I learned that balance is important.
I do appreciate the offer. You know that I would be keen to learn these offered Gifts from you.

I was thinking about you showing me the deeper understanding of Resilience."

[Alessandra]

“We often don’t realize we can learn from the mistakes of not only our pasts, but our Sires as well. Those mistakes can be overcome and built upon, making us stronger, not weaker. But one has to face and admit the weakness, and most are not.” Which is why a great number of Kindred are destined to fail.

“You learned from the mistakes, embraced them, and made yourself stronger. Something that sets you apart from many Kindred.” And would continue to set her apart.

A sly smile, “Resilience? A fine choice I must say, it’s saved me many times. It can be a painful one to learn and understand though. Some would even say dangerous.” she would need to hold back, there would be a fine line to walk.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I find that many of those who I have spoken with in depth were often blind to these facts." Jennifer muses. "I am glad that we, you and I, share our opinion on this."
On Alessandra's statement, Jennifer worked to remember that they were alone. She gave a small nod to Alessandra. "I.. thank you. I know that I have a lot to learn in the nights to come. Yet I do not plan to stop in my pursuit of knowledge. This is a bit why I have embraced delegating tasks out to members of the Domain. Although I am having some concerns that some of the investigations could need more direct intervention.
Has Resilience saved you? I would love to know more." Jennifer expressed interest in Alessandra.

The Nosferatu made a nod at Alessandra. "Yes, I understand what you mean. I do think that it will help me grow."

[Alessandra]

“It’s what sets us apart from many of the Kindred. I’ve seen many Kindred come into this Domain and fall to the simple fact that they are unwilling to learn and grow. Feeling they know better then those above them and who have lived longer.” A quiet chuckle, “It can be quite the spectacle to watch unfold.” Because they will always crash and burn.

“I’m glad to hear that. I know I enjoy continuing to learn myself, it keeps the nights interesting and keeps me from growing stale, well, so to speak.” She just needed to decide what her next pursuit would be.

“Direct intervention is always available, depending on if it requires it from you or myself. It’s a bit more extreme and serious if I have to step in.” but she was sure Jenn knew that.

A single nod, “It has. At its core, Resilience is about being tough and about survival. It’s about being able to take a shit ton of damage, either from a hail of bullets or a full-on assault, getting up, shrugging off the pain and keep going. But you still have a limit, and you need to remember that. For myself? I’ve never been a Savage to back down from a fight, back in my younger days, that meant facing each threat head on. Even if backing down would have been the smarter and safer route. Resilience allowed me to take a lot more hits than I should have been able to quite a few times and be able to walk away. I’ve also taken more bullets than I should have. All foolish actions on my part. My point being, Resilience can let you walk away, not always mind you, it has limits. And I cannot stress that enough.” Jenn was smart, but she had seen intelligent Kindred get too cocky in the past.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I believe that there have been a few Kindred who needed to move on. A sense of being trapped or stagnant can be very dull with Kindred. We have so much time. I personally see that this time should be used to learn - and the other important aspect that you and I are creating." Jennifer replies to Alessandra.

"I know that you and I are in agreement on this.
Yes, I am of the opinion that there has been some muddling of the situation. I hope to learn more about this during the meeting with the Priscus. I will let you know my thoughts after the meeting, Alessandra."
"I do know that I have risked Final Death with damage before, with the Fudge factory. It was quite an eye opening experience.
What do you recommend, with your vast knowledge of the Gift?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"You have had much more experience than I with this Blood Gift." Jennifer states with appreciation. The Alder Prince had taken time to teach. Jennifer had a very deep respect for being taught the clandestine secrets. It was one of the reasons that Jennifer appreciated the tenets of the First Estate. A mentor to teach the valuable abilities and skills to those who would come after created a stable Covenant. It did create a group that did not lose knowledge to age and time.