Priscus to Priscus

[Aaron van Valen]

For what few officials the Domain of Sacramento had, Aaron deemed it wise to meet with the right hand of the Prince. He has no immediate business with the Reeve, and probably even less with elite body guard Twist. Above all, Vivian seemed like the most approachable Kindred.

While not sure what to expect of her in a one on one meeting, her office seemed most the most appropriate spot to meet. Aaron was dressed in a mostly casual white shirt with nice bordeaux suede bomber jacket. He knocks on the Seneschal's office door and waits for the cue.

After she lets him in, he offers her a respectful bow, 'Seneschal York, good evening.'

The room has an interesting decoration. The skull patterns are not necessarily threatening, but it was not what he would expect from the Daeva. All together, it looks quite nice. The bobbles are odd, though. Somewhat out of place perhaps, for multiple reasons.

​But before he has a chance for any closer inspection, he focuses on the lady in front of him.

[Aaron van Valen]

After a small nod, Aaron takes a seat. He leans back and takes on a relaxed pose. 'I'm doing quite well, thank you. So far the Domain has been welcoming. Court offers a friendly atmosphere. I've seen it differently.' At some Domains he passed on his way here - there were the most obvious reasons for not hanging around longer than a few nights. 'So no issues yet, I still need to find the right spots where I would feel most comfortable, but so far I have nothing to complain about.'

When she mentions his family, a subtle smile appears, while a healthy level of pride becomes visible in his eyes.

'It is good to feel welcome. I can imagine it must be good for the diversity of the Domain, especially since all Clans possess such unique abilities. Do not hesitate if you require any assistance.' After all, Aaron believes, with the right mind Dominate can solve pretty much anything.

'That is correct. I set up a meeting with her quite soon after I discovered we were both new arrivals - and the only Lords. It would not have made sense to wait, merely for the ease of mind of the Kindred currently living here.' He had heard the rumors that were going around. 'We could get along immediately. If anything, family is good for having that shared perspective on the world coming right from our blood. You must know what I speak of, running the largest family in Sacramento, am I right?'

[Aaron van Valen]

Aaron listens attentively when Vivian tells him more about the Archon Twist. To hear that she owns a theatre is a relief. Too often Hounds become killing machines. 'Good. I look forward to getting to know her better. Are there any interesting plays coming up?'

'And of course, I do not wish to generalize too much. Perhaps a common family sense aside, everyone is still their individual self. Watching, as you say, can be just as entertaining and fulfilling even. Often I find my satisfaction in doing so with an academic eye.' If the Daeva was admitting to voyeurism, the Dragon was admitting to fanatically studying everything.

He tilts his head lightly and narrows his eyes as he thinks about the Seneschal's last question. He had said in Court that he traveled through several Domains, but he hopes that has not been interpreted negatively.

'Difficulty is perhaps too big a word. It is just that I did not find many Domains... good enough for me. Of course there is only so much you can learn about a Domain in a few nights, but some things are easily noticeable. For example, a strong Lancea Sanctum presence. Chicago was ruled by the First and Second Estate. And while I can live by the rules of the First, I find it hard to adjust my spiritual beliefs to that of the Second. For too long, it caused many annoyances. I merely searched till I found a place where these could likely be avoided.' There is no disdain in his voice when talking of the Sanctified, but a clear irritation.

[Aaron van Valen]

'No worries,' Aaron simply replies, asking about the play was more making conversation than actual interest. Not that he wouldn't be interested, but right now, there seems to be an endless amount of things he'd rather take care of. Thus he would not give the play the attention it deserves.

'Yes I am. We tend to keep things to ourselves, of course. But Academies around the globe all have different practices. Lina Moretti and I both believe we should offer some transparency and keep a public presence. So if you have any burning questions, do not hesitate to ask.' A subtle smile appears appears as Vivian goes on about several covenants. Dragons don't really force themselves on others indeed, and with good reason, but Aaron can't help but to tease the enticing Daeva, 'Just you wait, Madam Seneschal.'

Then, when Vivian declares she is not speaking for Alessandra, he is a bit confused. She probably means only on this instance, but still... Isn't that exactly the Seneschal's job description?

'I must admit, I find it interesting and a little unusual. Nothing negative, but it makes it harder for me to navigate. With all Domain officials being members of the First Estate, it hardly matters whether you make an official declaration or not.' Aaron is really not telling her how to do her job - he could, being a Lord and all - but he rather seeks help in understanding the power structures within the Domain. 'Though currently, I experience it mostly positively to exist freely in the Domain. I have one question on the exact limits of that freedom... there is no system of sub-infeudation in use in Sacramento, am I correct?

[Aaron van Valen]

A minor thing she says. Even living through the memory of his first chrysalis is no small thing, let alone the actual thing. So the Lord shakes his head for few full seconds, with his lips firmly sealed, in a disappointed manner. Though the friendly look in his eyes reveals that it is merely played.

'What you speak of are the Coils of the Dragon. These are actual changes to our physique. Definitely no minor thing. The transparency I speak of concerns a whole range of other things we can help with.' What those are Aaron doesn't say, for now.

'Ah, I had no idea.' For some reason he assumed Vivian already acted as Seneschal for the previous Prince. But this makes far more sense. His expression tells her little beside the fact that he is attentively listening. The actual names of the titles matter less to him than the fact that they are all filled by the Invictus.

He nods then, 'I see. It has to make sense, of course. Though now you've made me curious about those... crème de la crème places.'

'But I was asking because I study certain locations of interest. All sorts of energies flow through the Earth's surface that I seek to follow and understand. Naturally, these studies cause me to walk around a lot and to random places. So I always need to know where I can go and what I can do, and, nothing prematurely, but if I can be of extra service while I'm out and about anyway.'