Lord's Acknowledgement

**Alice Hart** · Oct 6th, 2017 02:59 PM

Alice set Lyssa to escort Mister Löwenstein to her office. The slight ghoul will ask for him by name in her golden voice, and lead him through what was the court proper and down the hallway of offices, one of these doors is opened.

Through this open door, the ghoul leads the Lord, light spilling from the entryway, just as the smoky sent of sage and other aromatic herbal incense teases the nose. With a keen eye one will note the piles of ash left under them, and the finger patterns among the piles.

There is a desk that draws the eye, a magnificent dark wood desk, it's legs were carved to display scattered leaves, weaving vines. Predators and prey of all sorts, and among it all were the signs and sigils of the gods Alice had sworn her unlife to.

Behind the desk is the Seneschal herself, amethyst sunglasses discarded on the corner of the desk near to the leaning cane that rested there. Her hair, white as death, straight bangs, and falling to her shoulders. She stands when he enters, and he can see her back pencil skirt paired with a matching pussy bow blouse, her skin much like her hair is devoid of color and pigment, making the black of her cloths all the more a striking contrast, and her eyes...

....her eyes are just vacant sockets, of a griping, visceral horror.

"Mister Löwenstein," she greets and her voice is a hollowed thing, echoing strangely. "Please take a seat," she gestures to the unoccupied chairs across her eldritch desk.

Once she hears him sit, she does as well, and asks, in that eerie hollow voice, "What brings you to Sacramento?"

Oct 6th, 2017 03:19 PM

Josef smiles, nods but does not make conversation with Lyssa. After introducing himself, he simply takes in the place, trying to figure out exactly what sort of city he had chosen. The city of angels was big in the states, and hence had seemed natural. When the door opened amd the different smells met him, he could not help but be astounded - he had expected something different. What difference exactly, he could not place, but certainly not this.

When she stood, Josef made sure to don his most charming smile, but a few seconds later, it became clear that it had been to hasty. When he took her in, he could not help but wonder, if the Prince had chosen her, at least partly, because of her disquieting demeanor. As the thought entered his mind, he struck it down - that was the sort of theories that could get you killed. They were dangerous, since he might inadvertently underestimate the Haunts power.

He was dressed in grey slacks, a matching grey coat with black collar, and underneath the hint of a crisp white shirt could be gleaned. When he spoke, he made sure to discard the overly friendly smile, and instead focused on simply making his point as clearly as he could. "Thank you, your grace, and thank you for seeing me on such short notice." He then sits, making sure to do so slowly, as to not disturb anything in the office. Something seemed ... off in the enclosed space. "It has been a long time coming, and when I finally decided to take that final step, I thought I might as well choose a city where I might benefit our Movement the most. I heard we were lacking in experienced members." That was almost the entire truth, and since it sounded plausible, at least that was what he thought, he leaned comfortably back in the chair. The subtle emphasis on his Covenant affiliation was all he would offer up, unless further questioned. The chair creaked, as he sat there. Waiting for the ghost in front of him to speak her mind.

**Alice Hart** · Oct 6th, 2017 03:32 PM

As Alice sits, she presses her fingers into the arms of her chair, not expecting the monster that approached her. The Wraith hisses and thrashes within the water and Alice gives it an internal growl and throws it back into it's cage.

A parody of a smile appears, "Seneschal Hart is fine, the only one you should be calling your grace, is Her Grace Alder Duchess Twist, the Prince's Archon. She is Invictus, and of Clan Daeva." Alice's hollow voice is quick to point out. "The Acknowledgement of a new Kindred is always more pressing then the simple night to night affairs," she explains before moving on.

"The Carthian Movement... " Alice repeats, and Josef can hear, and see if he should look the ghoul typing away, "Your given name Mister Löwenstein? And Clan?" she asks as the quick and decisive key strokes cease.

"How would your presence benefit the Movement? There is only one other Carthian within the Domain and she arrived last month." Alice tilts her head, it looks as if invisible strings have been loosened to allow for this movement.

Oct 6th, 2017 03:47 PM

"Josef Ricard von Löwenstein" He answered dutifully and bowed his head. "As you wish, Seneschal." It might have have been better to simply use a title, but his upbringing within the First Estate had left its marks, and although he did not care to admit it, Josef cared an awfull lot for respect. Especially for the proper sort of people. As he looked back up, he could not help but wonder why he did not feel anything, when he witnessed her. Was she really more ghost than Kindred, since she did not provoke the slightest hint of fear or ... anything, for that matter.

When Josef notices the ghoul typing, he smirks for a few moments - there was something flattering in being noted, written down and catalogued. It might have been unwise to do so, and hence he reeled in his pride. If the ghoul was any breed of attentive, she would have noticed.

"Well, for one, more boots on the ground is always an advantage, but, I am sure that there are areas in which we can contribute meaningfully. No system is perfect after all." Josef answered. This sort of non-answer was something Josef was trained in. If he had spilled the beans, and told her that he would systematically try to better his clan and to make sure that the Ventrue were the rulling kindred in every position that mattered - that would perhaps not sit well with her. So instead, he played the loyal opposition, that would point out flaws in the system, before the became too problematic.

He folds his hands in front of him, and casually mentions the most important part about him. "And I'm a member of the Ventrue, by the way." Almost as if it did not matter, even though he was practically salivating to meet the Priscus...

**Alice Hart** · Oct 6th, 2017 04:30 PM

The typing continues as Josef states his name, and Clan, and yes the smirk is noticed. Lyssa needed to be twice as attentive to catch all that her Blind mistress might miss.

"That could be said of everything." Alice replies to his non-answer. "I will let you know that Carthians have a rich history of not doing well within Sacramento." though knowing Lords this will just be a challenge.

"It seems your fate is in twos Mister Löwenstein. The only other Lord within the Domain is His Majesty, Prince Asa Clarke, of the Ordo Dracul." Alice informs the man before moving on.

A bone pale hand moves across her desk, fingers finding spines and stopping upon two slim binders.

The first is picked up, and held aloft until Josef picks it up. "These are the Laws of the Domain, they are of course easy to follow, if one has common sense. The Three Traditions will be kept in full, do not violate another's haven, if a Blood Hunt is called, you will be expected to participate." Alice starts to rattle out as the Lord hopefully puts his own eyes to the ink on the page, "None are allowed to inflict Final Death upon another, only the Prince can grant that privilege. Do not commit treason, but Do attend all officially announced Courts." Alice pauses, smirking remembering when there used to paused within that line. My, how times have changed. "This is where I'd say that If there is some sort of issue, please take it to your Clan Priscus, but as your Clan Priscus is His Majesty, please come to a Court Official to see if they can deal with whatever it is, before you think about approaching the Prince with it." Alice allows for some time for that string of words to settle, "The final page lists all current Clan Prisci, and the Court officials, please memorize it."

After speaking her hand's raised once more, silently asking for the binder, once it's in her hand again, Alice will replace it with another slim edition. She waits for this one to be taken before speaking.

"These are the laws specific to Elysium, Obviously no weapons are allowed. You are also not allowed to use your Disciplines. The exceptions is of course the Mask of Tranquility and Aspect of the Predator. Please be polite, and use common sense." she says again, the lack of it was always a problem.

Alice tried to think, as she holds her hand out for the second binder, once she gets it she asks,

"Any questions?"

Oct 8th, 2017 12:20 PM

Josef nods, and as he reads along, makes small guttural listening noices to make it clear that he was listening. "No, thanks to your generous explanation, I feel I am quite equipped in regards to the laws. Although, since I would like to discuss tenancy, I think it would be proper for me to, eventually meet with His Majesty. How should I go about seeking an audience? Is there something I can do for you, so as to secure your recommendation?"

He chose to refrain from commenting on the history of the Carthian Movement within the domain. His mind had already started prodding him with ideas and thoughts as to how he might solve this little issue, and what he might do to correct the tarnished reputation of his Covenant. Atleast for the time being, it was the engine that would drive the quest for purity in Kindred Society, and hence he needed to be as pristine as the project itself.

Josef complied with all the files that he was being handed, looked them over and the like, but he could not help but wonder, if the Seneschal would actually put him up to something. No matter. He would handle anything, and everything she put in front of him, that much was certain.

As he studied the notables of the community, Löwensteins thoughts drifted as to why exactly there were no Ventrue in the domain. Perhaps he would need to embrace a childer? Perhaps he would have to reach out to some like minded brethren? Was there perhaps some evil conspiracy at work, to keep the Lords of the Damned from flourishing? Time would only tell...

**Alice Hart** · Oct 8th, 2017 07:03 PM

Josef makes attentive noses as she speaks, and Alice wonders if his eyes followed along with the page, or if he was simply going to take her word for the Laws.

Normally kindred would ask this or that, about her words, both on the Laws and of their Clan and Covenant.

"You pen a letter, and ask for an audience." Alice answers, declining to give this Lord the Prince's number. Wondering if this Carthian Lordling will have the balls just just up and do that. "If you're lucky you might see him at Court, normally he isn't opposed to meeting new kindred, and as you are of his Clan, I know that the two of you should meet."

Alice straightens the binders she set down and moves a few pages atop them.

"Though if you would really like my personal recommendation, there is a pressing issue within the Domain." Alice beings and wonders if this Lord thought she'd ask anything of him. Was he one of those Lords that thought just because they were Venture they were better, or above all others, especially a blind haunt. "The Brood, have increased in number, in fact in the summer of 2016 they firebombed the Crone Farm while a rite was being preformed and observed by the majority of the kindred within the Domain. We have been routing the out, and we have planned an attack against this cell's leader. Her Grace will be summoning this kindred. Dirge. Who was once a valued member of the Domain before she forswore everything to this madness. We know not how many she will bring with her when the time comes."

Alice takes a moment, "But before you agree," for he had to agree now. "There is one thing I must ask of you." A formality to be sure, but Alice still had to hear his answer. "Josef von Löwenstein, Lord and Carthian, swear loyalty to Prince Asa Clarke, the Officers of his Court, and to abide by the Prince's Laws as set forth by his hand?"

Oct 9th, 2017 03:41 AM

A satisfied smile forms on the Lords lips - everything was suddenly within reach, and the fact that he had to inlist himself in some war, was not necessarily something he was opposed to. In fact, it would be an opportunity to rub shoulders with the right people, and in his hubris, Josef did not acknowledge the danger that he perhaps ought to. Madness was ever present within the Lords.

"I do" Josef solemly said, and paused for a moment, to make sure that there would be no doubt in the Seneschals mind, or the ghouls mind for that matter. When he spoke again, he did so in a lighter tone, relieved that he had been accepted into the community so easily - assuming for a moment that any and all formalities were taken care of. "So, I will contact her Grace and ask if I may be of service to her by aiding her with this Brood problem."

Of course he could have just contacted the Prince and asked for what he wanted, but it was proper to show hard work and virtuous behavior before asking for something from the cities officials. Some tiny part of his mind was already picking out furniture for his haven. Something underground, perhaps?

**Alice Hart** · Oct 9th, 2017 01:37 PM

Alice nods as the Lord swears.

"Then consider yourself Acknowledged in the Domain of Sacramento, you can now feed in the communal areas of the city," Alice hands Josef the page she'd placed on top of the binders, "This is the map, please acquaint yourself with it." Alice waits until she feels that the Lord has looked over the page to note the street names. "If you ever need a refresher, please return to the Nox, and you may look at this map again." Another moment, as Alice silently requests the page to be placed with her binders. "And, you may establish a basic Haven."

His tone changes, but Alice shakes her head. "No, you'll contact Madame Reeve Antinori. Her Grace is assisting us with this endeavor, but the Reeve is the one planning it. She will need to know of your involvement and skills so she can readjust her plans, f there is cause for it, and place you where you'll be of optimal use."

Oct 9th, 2017 02:18 PM

Josef studies the map, and hands it back when the Seneschal seems to request it. He cannot help but feel a bit akward, trying to gauge her wishes and intentions. He nods, and then remembers that it does not matter. "Thank you, Seneschal Hart." His dry voice remarks and he takes note of the details given to him.

"Yes. Of course. Reeve Antinori will hear from me shortly. I assume that I should use the public phone number listed at Nox. Hopefully I can be of service." The remark was totally devoid of any meaning, just like most political statements where nowadays. "Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?" He asks, readying himself for his dismissal.

Lord's Acknowledgement

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