An Informal Gathering

[Djinn]

"I see," Sinead smiled gently as she thought on his words. "Cthonic Goddesses exist in many places, but I find often enough that the younger a kindred is the more likely they are to show prefered reverence towards Lady Persephone, given her rather unique disposition. Those of the Second Descent, however, I find often do not show her any recognition at all..." she explained, her expression peaceful as she spoke.

"I find that often they recite that she does not qualify - in fact I have heard," her expression soured for a moment, "that they consider her a Ghoul more than a Goddess, and given the general belief regarding Ghouls amidst the Second Descent, I find myself often sad to consider that one whose existence is so clearly parallelled by ours as Kindred... is considered a blemish..."

Her expression became a thoughtful one as she pondered the situation, looking simultaneously curious and contemplative as she did. "This is a refreshing change."

[Chris Wooding]

'That would be nice, yes,' the Hierophant says in response to Sinead's offer to share knowledge about the marriage ceremonies. When she speaks of Persephone, he stays still though. It is a classic example of how a woman that suffers great tribulation - like, being abducted by a God of the Underworld - comes out as a stronger Goddess herself. She has always been Chris' favorite Goddess in Greek mythology.

But for some reason, he doesn't feel like sharing that fact is absolutely necessary.

No, he's just happy that Edwin is honest and respectful, whereas the Nosferatu keeps on smiling. As the matter seems to be resolved, and there are no further questions, it's time for something else.

'My appointment as Hierophant was quite democratic, and I greatly appreciate that you trust me with this position. However, I have always been fond of the other positions within the Circle. A few years back I was Vala of the Crone. I remember how it felt like my dedication was recognized, and I was proud of my role. That is why I wish to openly discuss other roles. Sinead, you have been High Priestess before. Your knowledge of celebrations and traditions is great, it would be an honor to have you beside me as Priestess of our Circle.'

Then he looks around the table, curious, 'Naturally, I've thought about this already. But I wonder if anyone likes to take on the responsibility of one of the other roles?' He looks at Edwin and Notaku, seeing how they fit certain roles. But they know themselves better than he does. Obviously.

[Edwin Bridges]

When Sinead spoke, Edwin listened. He had never heard his Sire mention Persephone as a Ghoul before but he wasn't naive enough to think that there weren't those out there who believed such shit.

He wasn't one. Goddesses, all of them, deserved respect. For him, Hel was at the top of that list.

As Chris spoke of positions, Edwin frowned. "I ain't gonna lie, 'cos it ain't in my nature, but I've never held any position beyond that of Acolyte within the Crone. Hel, the only reason I put myself forward for the position of Hierophant was simply my ego talking," he said with a shit-eating grin, back to his normal self. "I'm a thug, I'm an artist. I enjoy the company of friends." A shrug. "If there's a position for me, I'll do whatever I can to make it work. I won't bullshit anyone and will learn whatever I can to make this Covenant a success."

[Djinn]

"What you ask of me," Sinead began softly, looking to Chris with a smile, "is that to be an Apex? A ritual leader and Vala for this circle? Or do you wish me to be a meeting point between yourself and others of our Circle?" She had the knowledge to be a functional Low Priestess of the city. A councellor, and someone who could assist the others in the Circle with their tribulations, to guide them through the understanding of the scars to be present on their souls.

She was a Mother. A blasphemous youth who had no idea what he said once called her Kalikamata - and paid the price. She was no Goddess, and she had long since departed from being a Maiden or Scarlet Woman. It was her place to help the younger Acolytes grow, learn and deepen their understandings. It was her place to council - and at times meddle, if she must. She was not the Vala who remained hidden behind a tome at all times, buried in her books and her study... not that kind of study, anyway.

"... if so, it is a position I would take with great honour."

[Chris Wooding]

Chris must withhold a grin when Edwin continues to be honest. But he cannot blame him, Chris has wanted the position from the moment he thought he was ready for it. An ego can make you think that pretty soon.

'There's no need to rush towards something. But I know you as an artist, and there are great ways to use your creativity for the Circle. The position of Skald was the first I thought of. A storyteller can also be an artist, you can show stories in your own way. It's a position that requires honesty... you seem like an honest man.' The Hierophant smiles, he has admitted quite some things already. 'But maybe we can work towards becoming a Haruspex? I know of multiple rituals that can be combined with art, prophetic rituals among them. Combining art and Cruac can lead towards great things.' And Chris is, sadly, not a good artist.

'The Blood of the Crow flows through you?' He assumes Notaku speaks of the Childer of the Morrigan. There was once another Storm Crow in Sacramento. It's too bad that she left so soon after her arrival. 'Then you're almost destined to be Valkyrja,' he says lightly amused, but also respectful. He doesn't want to believe in any prejudices. 'We can train sometime, if you wish? That's an offer for anyone, I'm quite an adept sword fighter. We can spar. But there may be enough opportunities to prove yourself in a real fight, your Clan Priscus can always use an extra pair of hands.' Ahem. Claws.

Then the wonderfully eerie Sinead. 'When I was the Vala of this Circle I used to lead some rituals. You can aid me whenever that's necessary, or when something happens to me.' For all we know, the Mekhet tends to spend some time in torpor every now and then. 'While I have a great knowledge of our world and our traditions, you have experience. You can choose to give the position the name you want.' He looks around the table, again, that counts for everyone.

Carthians would love this Circle.

[Yumyumcrow]

The big Viking stirs slightly in his seat. The movements are small and precise: a nod filled with renewed respect for Notaku blood of the Crow, another for Sinead. Appraising eyes drift, and linger, over Edwin.

"All this is good," he murmurs at last, rising with his hands flat on the table.

With a nod to the Hierophant, the Grove King leaves the room.

Gunnar exits the scene

[Edwin Bridges]

Edwin thought of Chris' ideas and nodded in thought, in agreement. He grinned as his fingers once again trace patterns on the table, looking around as the rich voice of the Rex Nemorensis announced itself, stood and departed.

"Ok, deal," he finally said, looking back to his Hierophant, the excitement of having a role, a place, a duty, apparent.