(Rowan Ring) A phone call

[Martha Villiers]

In the cellar vault beneath the Avalon nightclub\ all is quiet.

This early in the morning the last of the revellers have found their way home or to the bed of lovers.

As usual here in the Underground a calmer atmosphere prevails in the low lit area which is heady with the brightening scent of freshly squeezed lemons.

Tiny Martha sits on a leather sofa in the Common area of the Court. Alone and lost in her work of preparing staff schedules and CV's for the Ember. She takes a moment to glance, attentive and alert, over to The Stairs to see if any Kindred newly arrived to the Domain have found their way into the Elysian Field.

[Dillon Connery]

Amidst the peace and quiesence of Elysium's safety, Martha's phone suddenly rings. Of course her Mekhet senses will probably easily detect it on vibrate no matter where it is. But if by chance the ringer is on, and the little Herald has her contact list set up for custom ringtones, she can immediately identify the tone by whatever song is set to Dillon Connery.

ST NOTE - Dillon is still physically in this thread, but due to potential dice-throwing and/or story considerations, it is being handled here first rather than the Comms board.

[Chrisie]

Her 'phone vibrates. Slightly surprised at the call at this time of the evening, she carefully picks up the 'phone, checks the number call identifier and answers; "Sir! Good evening! Is all well?" she chirps. Hoping for good news.

[Dillon Connery]

When Dillon's voice comes, it is quiet. He seems to be speaking as though he doesn't want to be heard by anyone else around. The sound of air can be heard moving across the mic; either he's in front of a fan, or creeping around outside. "So far, so good."

There is a pause while he gathers his thoughts and prepares what he is about to say. Dansing around the Masquerade. "I'm probably about to meet with Docter Valdemar, under less than optimal circumstances. None of our associates that met with him previously are present, so I've got to figure something out.

"Something that will convince him, at least for the moment, that we are his allies." Because, given the odds, Dillon certainly wouldn't mind the big German's assistance. Retired or not. Mortal or not. "Any ideas?"

[Martha Villiers]

Martha listened carefully and gave Dillon's words thought. But, her anxiety was obvious, "Valdemar? Will he be dangerous? Why are you meeting with him? Do you want some back-up, sir? Is he the sort to be careful and somehow tape or record meetings? Will he have witnesses and allies?" she asks, suddenly alarmed that Dillon might be wandering into something dangerous...or worse: some form of trap!

[Dillon Connery]

Dillon is silent for only a moment while he considers relevant information and how to impart that to Martha and preserve the Traditions at the same time.

"Actually, ma'am, we may be facing a common adversary, soon." Dillon's voice is still quiet, and just slightly preoccupied, as though he is concentrating very hard on some activity. Minding his surroundings, probably. "Even so, he may not be willing to accept that we are his allies on faith alone. Though he may have little choice. Anyway, do you know of any of his closer associates in his field or something of the like that I could cite, or could you find out quickly?

It's the only thing that Dillon can come up with off the top of his head, and doesn't know if Martha can even help. But she seemed pretty knowledgeable on the Doctor and his work with the Rowan Ring before.

Dillon does know that the situation is about to become very tense. Timing will be utterly critical. "We are too far removed from the city to receive any backup, I'm afraid."

[Chrisie]

There's a pause while she thinks. "Hmm well, if he is to be an ally, why not offer him my help with his academic work? I have access to some interesting texts and insight. Offer him my help. I do not wish to sound boastful, but perhaps he may find use for my Oxford education? Lure him by telling him I am working on a thesis relating to an intertextual and acrostic analysis of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili and the 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word' by the Trevisian Alchemists...or maybe you can convince him I am eager for him to supervise the completion of my Doctoral studies...or have access to some works and texts that may help with his own work? Some of my own recent studies match and follow his work and that of Dr anyway...this is not a complete fabrication of intention!" she giggles merrily. Hoping her ideas and suggestions sound sensible.

[Dillon Connery]

  This is how the cookie crumbles!

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2013-01-21 10:40:50		Dillon Connery rolls 5 to memorizing terms; Int + Wits (1s Subtract)		6, 5, 6, 4, 2		failure
2013-01-21 10:39:41		Dillon Connery rolls 6 to knowing obscure stuff; Int + Occult (1s Subtract)		1, 6, 10, 2, 9, 1		failure
2013-01-21 10:39:12		Dillon Connery rolls 3 to knowing stuff; Int + Academics (1s Subtract)		3, 8, 5		1 success

Curiously enough, it's the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili that triggers some recognition from the Gangrel, but given this particular Gangrel, it would. Poliphilo's Strife of Love in a Dream... an early printed romance which he's dead sure he's read at least once. But the Greek name flies right over his head without even brushing his hair. Worse, it takes the other one with it.

Dillon is pretty sure he can put something together in the gist of what Martha is suggesting. It shouldn't be too hard, even if that isn't exactly what he had in mind. One thing's for sure, he can always count on an idea from Martha Villiers. And in this case, ones that don't require him to lie... too much.

Not that Dillon cares about lying from a moral standpoint, he just isn't often very great at it.

"Okay," he says with a faint chuckle behind his words. He is smiling at her cute little giggle, even if she can't see it. "Sounds like a plan. Just run those book titles by me again."

[Martha Villiers]

Martha is nodding happily as she hears Dillon speak. Swiftly replying to his request, "Of course, sir! The Hypnerotomachia Poliphili and the 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word' by the Trevisian Alchemists. Will...will that be all, sir?" she asks with obvious concern.

[Dillon Connery]

"Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word', Trevisian Alchemists...." Dillon repeats quietly.

"Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word', Trevisian Alchemists....

"Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word', Trevisian Alchemists....

"Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word', Trevisian Alchemists....

"Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1661 edition of 'The Lost Word', Trevisian Alchemists....

"Okay," you can hear the smile in his voice, despite the seriousness of the situation. "Got it."

When his voice comes again to answer Martha's, it is laden with its own measure of concern. "I think that's all I need for now, ma'am. I thank you very much. I may need your help again, specifically your academic insight, if we end up on civil terms with Doctor Valdemar, but that will likely be another night. And it is also likely that I won't be back into town before morning. I'm afraid I won't be able to provide escort for you. Will you do me a favor and please stay where you are for the night? If you must leave, don't do so alone."

He doesn't mention the Avalon specifically, as that information runs counter to his efforts to keep her safe. They are on cell phones, after all.

  A little repetition never hurt anyone

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2013-01-22 14:14:14		Dillon Connery rolls 5 to memorizing terms for realz; Int + Wits (1s Subtract, Rote)		2, 6, 3, 7, 6, 10, 3, 5, 7, 8		2 successes

As Martha repeated the titles for him verbatim, Dillon forgoes the "Try again" penalty