Meeting of the Ordo Dracul (1810)

[Lawrence Taft]

This night does not feel like one to be fashionably late. So Taft moves with purpose through the streets and into the building that housed Moretti's office. The struggle he knows is coming - the one within what had once likely been his soul - is a bitterly fruitless distraction. The Spider will hide in fear or brandish its pedipalps menacingly. Then the Man will remind it of its place. And truly, as he enters the somewhat humble meeting place, the thing in his breast wills him to drive his fangs into the Succubus's flesh. But all of Taft's synapses are focused on what the woman in the room represents to him.

A doorway.

"Good evening. I must confess I'm at a loss at how to address you. Do you prefer the title 'Grand Wyrm'? Or may I simply call you Priscus Moretti?" ​The bald man with dark, serious eyes smiles coyly. "I have made a decision regarding your order. If you'll have me, I wish to learn what I can from you all."

[Aaron van Valen]

Ahhh sorry, somehow I missed the tag?! Cynthia Weiss still with us?
Let's get this going!!

Finally, the moment was there, a meeting of the Ordo Dracul that would not be also a house-meeting and conclude with a list of groceries and chores for each other as coterie mates.

A Covenant has formed.

'Good evening.' Aaron appeared in the doorway, dressed as usual in a more classic look with a shirt neatly buttoned up to his neck. 'Grand Wyrm, thanks for having us here in your office. Priscus Taft, how great to see you have joined us.'

He has his own things to discuss, but first he would find himself a place to sit and listen to the Daeva that was leading the local Chapter.

[Cynthia Weiss]

Oh sorry everyone! Somehow I completely missed this.

The door creaked open and something toxic started to leak into the air. It was hard to identify, although one got the feeling it was the aftermath of someone smashing a drug lab. The pale and black figure of Cynthia Weiss slipped into the room. It was fairly casual for her. Jeans, hoodie, old work boots.

"Guten Abend everyone. Evening Grand Wyrm." She greeted them with a nod to each of them. She seemed to freeze when she spotted Taft. "Priscus Taft? I wasn't expecting you here tonight." The Goth said with a tilt of her head, her face shadowed by her hood. Cynthia was not aware he was a member of the Ordo Dracul.

[Lawrence Taft]

"Priscus van Valen. You look well." The statement doesn't broker argument or dance around an otherwise pointless chain of conversation. Even in life, asking how someone 'is' was a dead end. The most common answers were lies designed to speed past obligatory pleasantries. Though occasionally the worst would happen and someone would actually be honest. Which would derail the conversation and turn into some kind of pity party. (And yes: this assumes no one is ever truly happy. Which Taft firmly believes).

Weiss' surprise is met with a little of the Shadow's own. A brow arches sharply and, for a moment, he is at a loss for words. Out of habit rather than necessity, Taft draws air through his nose and catches wind of something that would have choked mortal lungs. Naturally, after, he decides he doesn't need to do that again. Not tonight. "I could say the same. Though I confess to being pleasantly surprised." This much is true. He'd hoped to see more of her potential after their last meeting. Now, it seems, he's being given a chance.

Taking note of Moretti's preference on title, Taft nods once and listens quietly as she makes greetings and sets the stage. At her direction - because why not - he glances first to van Valen and then to Weiss. He adds another curt nod at her conclusion and tackles the task at hand.

"There is power here, tonight. In both blood and... political sway. It would appear this Covenant - your Covenant - hosts three of our Domain's Prisci already. My purpose here tonight is to increase this number to four." He allows himself a small smile. His interests, of course, extend beyond being in the 'club' with the classiest members. "In doing so, you would gain access to not only my own voice and experiences but also those of countless other lives throughout the ages. I learn through my gifts for learning's sake, you see, but perhaps in your company this can be given direction. You can inform me of the Ordo Dracul's goals and I will use my talents to accomplish them."

[Aaron van Valen]

There's a hint of amusement in Aaron's eyes, behind the solemn expression on his face. He likes how this meeting brings the two Prisci together - who have both been members in the Domain longer than Lina and he. It adds to the vibe of a secret society that he feels is often performed more heavily than necessary. Nonetheless, he likes it.

As if pieces of a grander plan for the Domain are falling together.

'We - of course - met a while ago,' he says to Lawrence first, but then turns to Cynthia as he is only retelling what had happened, 'and I was already greatly interested into learning more from you and the voices of the past.'

'That has not changed over time. The gathered respectable Prisci, as we are, should be able to ensure a safe place for our Academy in Sacramento. If this political sway should do anything, it is to increase our ability to do the Great Work. To become the Great Work.'

He almost wants to continue, but changes his mind before any air has left his mouth. It should be clear that the Shadow Priscus has his OK. Now the said aspiring Dragon only needed to accept the terms of change.

The Principia Draconis.

[Cynthia Weiss]

"Well in hindsight, I should not be surprised. There was that weirdness from the other night." That was still a blur to her. They would need to return to see what strangeness brought that cult there and what exactly was giving them such strange powers.

And once more was another mention of Tafts powers. Ill defined beyond memories and blood. More questions for later. Along with questions of tutors and so on.

For now though, Cynthia elected to take a step back and let the two senior dragons take stage while she lurked in the background. The sharp burning smell of chemicals the only hint of her presence.