(1505) Jojo, Viv, Chris, and Gerald

[Josephine Sterling]

"I have equated feeding to sex before, at least in one conversation that Vivian and I shared. However, it was in the context of a sexist paradigm. Control over another is a form of oppression, after all, and certainly when we feed we are participating in an act of oppression. One could use other words to describe feeding, of course, such as subjugation, or parasitism, or violence, certainly, but I would not say that the same is true for sex. Now, there are definitely those who would argue with me upon that point, but I would simply say that sex as violence, or sex as oppression, only exists within the mental constructs which we place over it and the ways in which some choose to enact it. It, in and of itself, is separate from all of those manifestations, and many others, even if it is the way in which we choose to manifest them. But, that said, many believe as you do, Gerald, and so it is often hard to separate sex from everything else," Josephine posited, turning a fanged smile upon her clan-mate.

[Chris Wooding]

Chris frowns when he hears Gerald's rather curious statement. It's not an expression he tries to hide. However, Vivian appears not to be offended, and maybe it should be seen as a compliment? But still, why would she be an expert? Because she's a Daeva?

If anything, one's experience should determine expertise. Then age, perhaps blood potency, should be a factor.

'Are we not ourselves? Is our desire any less a part of us? That point aside, not everyone entirely loses control over themselves.'

Feeding and sex. They may have similar themes and meanings, but it's a rare occasion when Chris combines the two.

'When I feed I step out of the shadows with my teeth in someone's neck before he or she will have a chance to notice. The exchange of bodily fluids - if you will - happens within mere seconds. Never is that the case with sex.' He chuckles, if they're going to compare the two, they can have it.

He turns to Josephine then, 'As for your point, Priscus, it is interesting to think about those mental constructs, considering that usually sex involves at least two people. One can hope to express oppression over another during a visit to the Asylum, until the other turns out to be Kindred and sucks him dry during an exhausted break.'

[Gerald Baker]

Oh goody... Gerald thinks, overhearing the Prince make his announcement. Among different company, he would have rolled his eyes. Let the absolutely charming campaign of misinformation begin. He'll have to mind his P's and Q's even more now, with her as Harpy.

After the momentary distraction, Gerald's attention returns to what is quickly approaching a debate. Just in time to offer a light laugh along with Chris. "There are those who would disagree with you on that. I imagine, though, that any who would are very, very lonely individuals." Ever since the Sea King had integrated himself with the modern world, his truly inescapable foe has become advertisement. One could be led to assume that being a 'minute man' is something of an epidemic - if the number of products claiming to fix that problem are any indication.

He looks at Josephine thoughtfully for a moment before responding again. "I can't argue with that, though my point of view is not centered so much on the nature of the exchange. The 'method of enactment' as you say. No, it is more on the experience itself. You get something from them both: feeding and sex. In sex, with a partner who is receptive, their own desire to let you get that 'something' from them can be as strong as the influence of the Kiss. In feeding, the urge to fulfill your need is rivaled in intensity by very few things. I would count sexual desire among them." He pauses, as if considering something in a new light. "Oddly enough, no matter how much you enjoy the experience - the control, the intimacy, what have you - the ultimate goal is what drives you. In one case it is blood, the other... climax. I hear Kine say that even bad sex is still pretty good; I would venture to say the same for for feeding." Which I suppose makes the experience only a small piece of the puzzle.

"Well, not to beat a dead horse, but a boring Requiem is no Requiem at all. It is one of the reasons I enjoy being Carthian, you see: the belief that one should be free to pursue what one enjoys." he says, mildly disappointed with how tame Vivian's response seemed to be.

[Josephine Sterling]

"Certainly a part of it," Josephine agreed, "though it is the end of the situation that truly grants meaning to it, I believe. It reminds me of the expression that it is the journey, rather than the destination that is important, but I believe that through reaching the destination one is able to fully reflect upon the journey, and from there apprehend the full significance of it. It is the same with language. It is the punctuation of the sentence that gives it meaning. We hear, or see, words in a linear progression, each additional word and space adding upon the one before it, but only when the progression ends, when the sentence is punctuated that we are able to understand it as a complete thought. A complete phenomenon. Thus, I would say, a chase, or a journey, is nothing without completion."

[Chris Wooding]

Chris can only agree with Vivian, and he laughs heartily when making that clear. 'It does sound a bit desperate, or lazy, to say that any sex is good. You don't want it to be a waste of time, there's so much else to do.'

Like any of the things he talked about earlier.

'And if you're not good at feeding, you'd have to be feeding all day. Which makes you not more than an animal, while Kindred are supposed to be far more than even humans.' They have, after all, evolved into something different.

For a moment Chris is haunted by memories of those times he had sex but there was no climax. But that was usually because he'd been going on for over an hour and exhaustion kicked in. Oh those silly mortal days. But an hour without a climax can still be a damn good way to spend your time. That story is not one to share with Josephine though.

'Very true, and every small journey is again part of a bigger plan. If the quality of sex increases over time, that in itself becomes a phenomenon, in the journey that is a relationship. But that is never truly completed... only ended.'

[Gerald Baker]

Gerald abstains from rising to the comments which border on incendiary. Do they imply that I have bad taste? Or that I lack severely in... in a certain category? The thought alone is enough to make his blood boil, so he instead focuses on Josephine's response. Distraction turns quickly to interest, which turns then into recognition. He nods along, slowly.

"You have a point. Journey, yes... but the end certainly makes the experience complete. I wish I had the wit to spin this, somehow, into something I could apply to sex or feeding." The Lord smiles and shakes his head. In truth, her statement is much more applicable to his experience in this city: his journey means nothing without some meaningful end. He may have to step up his game a notch more. "For now, I think I will simply be content with the gift of a new perspective."

Gerald glances off in the direction of the slowly dwindling crowds. "I think it is time I call it a night. Our little talk has been... enjoyable." He produces a smile to emphasize this statement. "Monsieur Reeve. Priscus. Ms. York." he offers each a nod before departing from their company - tasting ash on his tongue for the repulsive level of formality he'd just subjected himself to.

Gerald returns to the main thread.

[Josephine Sterling]

"Mr. Baker," Josephine returned to the Kindred's retreating back, a light smile upon her lips. When her eyes tracked over to Vivian and the Reeve however, she let a short bark of laughter out.

"Ha! Very well. I take your meaning, and so I, too, shall take my leave. Enjoy the completion of your evening," she imparted to the two before turning and making her way towards the Nox's exit.