(1806) Twist's Orbit

[Takeda Katsumi]

"Only those who do not intend to keep their word worry over the proof that it was ever given," the Reeve replied coolly, though she did not press press further. She had what she wanted. Davis didn't know it yet, but he had something of value, now, too. With this exchange of a boon, there was now a relationship established between, and with that relationship came stability.

"I accept your boon."

There was not much else to say after that, not when Fujita laid such a masterful killing stroke. Her test might still be yet to come, but so far, Takeda had nothing but respect for the strange kindred.

[Twist]

Twist listened to Takeda’s rebuke of the man, making a silent note of her words. She would have to stop by the Reeve’s office herself and speak on her own choice of name. She wondered if her lack of two names ever made it difficult for others.

His response was fast though, both in offering the apology and in the delivery. Perhaps he was nervous she wouldn’t accept? Nervous people sometimes sped up their speed when worried. And that would explain the intense look he was giving her, even though she had barely time to react let alone respond.

And then he was again speaking to her. About Elysium.

She tapped her lips, “I am unsure if the Prince has a current Master of Elysium. But please feel free to ask. If there indeed has been one announced, I would be most interested to learn such.”

To Rebecca, she nodded, fully understanding the need to receive acknowledgment. The feeling is mutual.

As the woman began to walk away she considered her. Or more so, considered her impression of her. Which seemed harder to pin down. When she turned to deliver her parting words to John Davis, she decided with a flash of a small smile that this Rebecca Simmons would be one to watch.

Takeda’s voice brought her back and she nodded at the Reeve’s words.

[Takeda Katsumi]

"Of course, Colonel," Takeda replied finally, willing to let the man escape...for the moment.

She waited until he had gone before she turned once more to the Duchess.

"No matter what sort of impression he did, or did not make, he did raise an interesting topic. There are many positions even within our august covenant that are unfilled."

Takeda did not say more. Better to let Twist comment upon the state of things. To offer the opinion first.

[Twist]

Twist stepped slightly back and to the side, opening a path from the John Davis to Alessandra, a silent approval for him to leave.

As with Rebecca, she watched him for a moment before turning back to the remaining member of the small group.

”Indeed he does,” she agrees softly, considering. ”The city has had individuals step up and claim or request positions before, but until recent nights, our numbers haven’t called for anything past what you saw the other evening. It does seem that that might no longer be the case though.”

She refrained from commenting on the fact that the Sacramento Invictus were young in terms of the covenant. She still recalled the blank faces when the matter her being of House Millar had been commented upon. She knew the solution to that was an Au Pair but what was the phrase about chickens and eggs?

She herself already was planning on brushing up on protocol after this evening.

”What do you think? Should we call another meeting to address the matter? Or perhaps use this as an opportunity to see if any will be truly active?”

[Takeda Katsumi]

"There was a belief held in my family that those who gamble are not fools, but are rather those who are asking the fortunes to lay challenges before them. In a similar vein, I do believe that were a meeting not to be called, it would only lay a challenge before the Invictus. Not, perhaps, before you, your Grace. You are exalted beyond our humble station, but the rest of the Covenant would be challenged. Is this something that you wish to see happen?" Takeda asked, hoping that the Duchess would not take her question as anything but that. Truly, she was curious what the Duchess thought. Was she displeased with the state of their covenant?

[Twist]

Twist chuckled, "I am not sure Fortune is the one I would choose to challenge, but I understand the meaning. And I am inclined to agree. We will wait on calling a meeting, instead giving everyone time to find their footing and perhaps even begin climbing stairs."

Accepting the flattery with a small smile, "I appreciate the sentiment but I will have my own challenges to overcome within the coming nights. Ultimately, yes. I think it will be good to see who steps how and when. There is much opportunity right now in Sacramento after all."

[Twist]

Court. The swell of beasts. The murmur of conversation. The shifting bodies.

It was enough to convince one that conversations were private. The false security of being in a crowd and feeling alone.

But it was just that, false.

Words overheard. Gestures spotted.

"I am sorry Reeve, but I am afraid I will have to cut our conversation short. Please accept my apology and offer to resume it another night. Twist murmurs to Takeda, bowing her head briefly.

And then, stepping away from the Reeve, Twist moves toward the only one in the room who could call her with merely a look.

Twist leaves to head toward Alessandra.