(1902) Private Talks

[Alessandra]

She spied Lina, offering her a nod of her head and smile. Though internally, her Beast was demanding the Daeva’s blood. It was weak, but her Beast still wanted it.

Then she notices Dirt Nap, who had the manners to keep his hat off in Court. Which was refreshing to see. Though his weak Beast still stirred immense anger in her own.

Still she turns back to Rebecca and follows, Cain right at her side. Moving in behind the Harpy, she closes the door.

The center of the room contained a desk that was a rich dark mahogany. It was large enough for her to work on multiple things, but not too large to overshadow her.

The butterflies were placed here and there, adding her own unique style to the room.

On the desk was the standard items on it, papers, small lamp, a computer. There was also a tall glass dome. Beside the glass dome was another one, this one held the same brightly colored butterflies, but had a darker, sinister twist to it. There was a skull in this one, with the butterflies placed artfully around it. Another skull with butterflies on it was placed on a shelf behind her.

There wasn’t really art on the walls. But there were shadow boxes placed around the room with various colors of pinned butterflies. Some blue, some green and some a mixture.

Maybe not something you would expect from the Savage, nor would many expect or know that she pinned them herself. Next to cleaning her guns, it relaxed her.

Playing softly from speakers placed around the room was Beethoven.

On one of the shelves sat two vases, no flowers in them, but they were filled with an ashy substance.

Two chairs sat in front of the desk, new chairs actually. They looked quite comfortable, but the selling point for Ale? They were skulls. There was also a seating area was set in one of the corners. Which had two chairs and a couch around a coffee table. There were lamps on that offered a soft and comfortable glow, nothing too bright.

“That’s fine, I'm always willing to make time for you. Did you want to sit?” she gestures to the various sitting areas. “What can I do for you?” though she thinks she knows what was on the good doctors mind.

[Alessandra]

The Savage sits behind the desk, Cain coming to rest beside her.

“Miss Wood has done a lot for the Domain and those that reside in it.” A nod of her head. “But where you see her as somewhat of a close friend, I see her as being a problem. I did levy that punishment, and it was lenient because it was her first offense and she has always been there when needed. It sounded like it was a very stressful night, and I took that into consideration.” Maybe she had been too lenient.

“You should know this, throwing your support behind someone has consequences. Some good, some not. It’s up to you to decide if someone is worth the risk or not. It’s your reputation, not mine. But I will not back your support of her.” Perhaps she needed to explain.

“I don’t owe you an explanation as to why, but I want to give you one. I value you and our friendship, and as such, I’ll be honest with you. Tell me, where you are Priscus of your Clan, would you ever approach another Lord and ask them not to attend a Clan meeting?” she asks, folding her hands on her desk. “See, I ask this, because Miss Wood thought it appropriate to seek to exclude me from a Gangrel meeting. How many red flags does that raise for you? Because to me, it’s a lot. I’ve had to tell her to leave my office on more than one occasion, she has seen fit to second guess my decisions, attempt to take credit for Cain, thrown the offer of Keeper back in my face, making it sound as if I owed her something. So I’m curious, is that worthy of support?”

[Alessandra]

She simply nodded. “Unfortunately, I have been learning a lot about my Cousin lately.” It was spoken with little to no emotion. “Thank you for your words.” Though right now, they were that, words. If it came down to it, would the Ventrue back them up?

“The excuse she gave me was that it would make the others more comfortable to discuss things. According to her, I judge every thought or word someone says.” She then shakes her head and laughs. “When I got the ability to read thoughts, I don’t know.” An attempt at a joke. “She thinks no one is free to have an open discussion with me. And supposedly me asking her why was proving whatever lame point she was attempting to make. Now, I like to think I’ve gone out of my way to make others feel comfortable around me, but I could be wrong. It’s happened before. But I will not have someone sit in front of me and tell me how I’m feeling or that I’m judging when I am not.” Not happening.

“I can’t be certain, but there have things that have been happening that are leading me to believe something is going on. Rather it just be the two in question, or the Crone as a whole, I don’t know yet. But Miss Wood will be watched and I do not trust her.” That was for certain.

“I hope this clears up why your support of her was met with harsh words. But I also know you didn’t have the full story, and I take some responsibility for not bringing you up to speed. I had no idea the two of you were so close.”

[Alessandra]

A shrug, “I try, but, I’ve learned I can’t please everyone nor will everyone like me.” Just how it was. Laughing, “I will gladly teach you! Once I learn how I do it.” A wink.

She looks confused for a moment, “A deputy Harpy? Did we acquire a new Domain position that I didn’t know about?” she asks, “Do you feel you need someone to help with your duties as Harpy?” she hadn’t noticed Rebecca struggling. “But it is interesting that the Crone is taking an interest in positions, and that they’re being obvious about it. Mr Krieg isn’t in good standing with me right now either, so they’re batting zero.” Interesting.

“Her and I haven’t always had such a difficult relationship. I like to believe we were close once. I don’t want to believe there is some plan going on, but I’m not taking chances.” Not that she felt threatened by Mable or Krieg. “Nor am I going to let them play their game without consequences. With getting publicly called out, I expect her to change her behavior, to attempt to save face. Will it work?” a shrug, “I don’t know. Some will buy it, but I’m more of an action type of girl.” Words were pretty and could smooth over some situations. But not all and most of the time words were shit. “If that’s something you want to do, I won’t stop you. Though I ask that you are careful, Mr Krieg isn’t above going against direct orders from me. So be wary.”

[Alessandra]

She was glad Rebecca didn’t need an assistant, “People have come to trust you and what you say. And Mr Boyle hasn’t struck me as someone who would thrive in such a role. But then again, I don’t know him all that well. But if his recommendation comes from Mr Krieg, that’s enough to tell me he won’t be in such a position.” Plain and simple.

The Savage looks thoughtful, “It’s rather concerning. And come to think about it, both seem to have changed about the same time. Attitudes, actions, all shifted. I’ve already put forth a punishment to Mr Krieg to attempt to keep a close eye on him, and I’m expecting him to screw it up.” She wasn’t using his titles. Fuck him. “But seems I might need to tighten the noose.”

A nod as she thinks over the words, “Kindred don’t tend to throw together a coup by talking about it. I don’t see her revealing any plans they have. Nothing against you, but it’s not something you discuss with a Domain Official. I know most of her true feelings, she feels I don’t appreciate her and what’s she done for the Domain and that I don’t reward her for it. This started with her asking for a Regency and me saying no. Oh, then there is her saying I don’t put the Clan first and foremost.” An eyeroll. “She is misguided, but I don’t know if anyone can help that. If you think you can, go for it. Just remember what happened with Mr Davis, some are not worth saving.” It was true. “Tell me, what happens if you are unable to salvage whatever is left of her reputation?” she asks.

“Her standing within the Domain is going to take more than some nice words from you. But maybe you enjoy a challenge. Just remember, I will continue to be vocal of my opinion on her when asked. Despite what you may feel about her. I don’t seek to change your thoughts on her, only educate you on the situation and let you make educated decisions. But everything has a consequence, every action and every word.” Then a smile, “But you’re a smart woman, and you strike me as the type to make careful and controlled movements and statements.”

But there was a Court going on. "Perhaps we should setup a time to meet after Court, going into more detail if it's needed. Maybe more about how you think you can help Miss Wood."