The Dragon's Rest

[Blackbird]

The Deputy listened. It's what she was good at. There was more to politics than debate and relaying one's views after all. In this way, the Ordo Dracul was no different than other covenants. Thus, Blackbird restrained herself from uttering a single word as the Dragons spoke.

Lina recieved an expression not unlike the ones she had viewed previously. A contented smirk tainted ever slightly with the cold envy she had of the Grand Wyrm's... presence. Her Soul for lack of a better term. Further her statements regarding the first Principia of the Ordo Dracul appealed to the bird's sense of individuality and need for autonomy. Thus, no overt objection to her words could be seen on the Daeva's face. She simply relaxed as the Gramd Wyrm spoke.

If only her pride allowed the same amicability to Atticus' words.

It was the title that bothered her and it was plain to see. Slave. Once the word was spoken, Blackbird's practiced smile faded and she regarded the Gangrel supplicant with the cold, calculating stare that only a Kindred who has given perhaps too much to her Beast could manage. It was clear. Blackbird's humanity was weathered and her degeneration would not afford her the ability to mask her true thoughts at such a slight. Yet, some deep part knew that if Atticus had spoken out of turn regarding her place in the Dragons, Lina would have already reprimanded him. This meant she was, for the moment, a Slave. Even in the eyes of her ally, Lina. It was a hard pill to swallow and such thoughts were plain on the Daeva's visage.

She was a Slave. Fine.

It still hurt.

Nonetheless, the neonate was not so far gone to lose herself. Blackbird closed her eyes, pulling in a long, unnecessary breath before pushing it out of her lungs. Even in undeath the motion calmed some piece of herself and when she opened her eyes, greeting her new kin again with her pale gaze, she seemed more content and balanced, but at least a tint of her coldness never left her being.

Finally, words came from Dirt Nap's mouth. His words were simple. To the point. No doubt an indication of the viewpoint of the Kindred who spoke them. To him, Blackbird answered only with an expression of neutrality, with the Daeva straining against her instincts to lash out for the previous, imagined slight of Atticus.

"I understand and accept these principles," she offered, her voice controlled, "If I am to be a Slave until I attain understanding of these Coils, what do you ask of me?"

There was an element of bitterness at the end of the statement, with her eyes landing on Lina. Had she accepted a hand up in the Greater Court only to become a servant to Lina and her brethren? Blackbird felt... betrayed, at least partially, and that much was clear. Yet, their was acceptance in her voice, even as her face glinted with a silent rage.

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap nods appreciatively at Atticus Jame's plan laid out.

"Supplicant of Terror too." Dirt Nap says. "Mostly worked at it so far dealing with depriving the Beast. Controlling it, forcing down the frenzy, even when it feels like it's gonna starve." he says. "I'm not trying anything around people though. I'm working it with animals." he explains.

"I'm working out a change to Coil of the Blood now. Working with a 'Herd', only not people. Horses. Gonna train and break this Beast proper before I try anything to fit in with people better." he says, sounding determined and methodical. "Get it to where it's completely satisfied, and thriving on animal blood." he says.

"When I got it good and broke, then, I can work on people things. Bein' awake in the day. Blood circulating in the body normal like." he says, "That's a long way off for me."

[Blackbird]

At Lina's response, Blackbird's acidic look faded, replaced with a glint of shame for her hasty assumption regarding her new title.

"I apologize for my rash reaction," she said, "Certainly a hierarchy is crucial to any collection of our brethren. I am glad to hear the Ordo Dracul bases such things on merit."

As Lina spoke her next question, Blackbird took some time to think on what she was asking. Growth was an important topic to discuss, certainly. Likewise, the concept of reigning in the Beast, destroying the fear of fire, and altering the properties of her blood all seemed like great things. Yet, it was not what she wanted. Not right now. No. Blackbird wanted something subtler, but much more profound in meaning, at least to her. It was no secret to some that the bird was colder than she appeared, she felt things with less intensity than others and, if not for her charisma, it would show easily on her face. Hell, it still did time to time.

Thus, when Blackbird finally looked up to Lina, her eyes were had a pleading cast to them. "I want to feel," Blackbird replied, letting the statement sink. Cold as she was, Blackbird was nothing if not a tad theatrical. Perhaps that was to make up for aspects of humanity she had lost. "You know that warmth you used to feel when you meet a friend after a long time? The genuine half-smiles people couldn't help but give when you flattered them? And Goosebumps?" the neonate was rambling a bit, but seemed to be looking to the distance as if remembering fond memories, her face a faint glimmer somewhere between loss and fond rememberance, "It's funny how often it's the small things you miss..."

Looking back to Lina, "I think that is what I want to do," she said, her voice again resolute, "I want to feel again, Grand Wyrm. Do you think this Coil of Souls that you mentioned helping you could help me?"

Despite her best efforts, a tinge of desperation still tainted Blackbird's words. She did not want to go the way of many an Elder, slowly degrading socially over time until communication with Kindred and kine was almost painful. She wanted to be admired by the kine again, rather than treated with the caution they now often afforded her on instinct until her words pulled them in against their better judgement.

[Dirt Nap]

Good to wrap. May our next meeting be in our chapter house!

[Stray]

I'm also good to wrap! Looking forward to the next scene!