Barrens and Bureaucracy

[Ellis Meadows]

"I will thank you, Mr. Kind, to not put words in my mouth." Ellis' tone is cold.

It was proving apparent that Seth was, at best, dangerously naïve in the matters of politics. And naïveté was an awful, awful color on anyone, let alone those who had to be aware of their own unique issues with control. Ellis had more words, he could always find more words, but why waste them on someone who was unwilling or to listen to them?

Ellis prepares the walls in his mind. I did my best. He couldn't be helped. If only his sire had better prepared him. Others. He was good about putting up walls around things that would have upset him back when he was alive.

[Twist]

Twist sighed, her shoulders slumping oh so slightly in her seat.

*Almeno questo non è mio.*

Derek's hesitant voice breaks through her inner thoughts though and blinking she turns to look at him, a look of almost confusion on her face for a moment. And then it is gone with a laugh, a sound of amusement as understanding comes.

Inhaling and regaining her composure, she addresses Derek, a smile still lingering, her tone pleasant and amused. "If there is one, it is not one that I am afraid of."

Turning back to their host she decided to ignore most of what he said. For her own sanity. "This issue that you have recognized is an issue that even a neonate would know- those who do not rule or control or have power," she waved a hand, dismissing the importance of the specific word he chose to use, "Are not always happy with those that do. I have not heard of the means with which they are being settled though. All you have said is that you think there are likely back room conversations. No actual proof of" she paused and spread her hands, "anything."

Rolling her shoulders back she continued, "As far as Court... speak to the Keeper. We have held themed courts. We have held art galleries. We have done much here in Sacramento." Her tone at once dismissive and scornful at his implied suggestion or belief that Court did not already offer such distractions.

Dark eyes fixing on him, her tone cool, "I do not. What I wish is for you to not waste my time. Or the domain's." She paused, considering, and added, "Or for that matter yours."

"If you do not want to play the politician ... stop doing so. Or get better at it."

Idly she wondered if it was not to late to actually find something enjoyable to do for the night.

[Seth Kind]

"Thievery is as simple as you define it, Cousin. Much of it I do for money- that is simple. But much of it is for pleasure, and in such cases I prefer those things more complex. Artwork and Artifacts are my joy to steal, as is the preparation necessary." Money was so bland. Money was unchanging- the means to survive in the system humans had designed. But more exquisite things had also been made; artwork, artifacts, personal mementos, memory made flesh. Things eternal, more so than the Kindred could ever be. "Still... There is truth to what you say. Perhaps I do seek a path."

And the Daeva. The Diva. Oh yes, pluck that old gem; Seth would have to find a better nickname. Company Man would do for now. Easily Offended Company Man.

"If you do not want people to place words, why do you utter so many, especially with company you believe doesn't play well with others? Your words run by like a swarm of flies more than a sonnet, buzzing loudly rather than singing softly- is it a wonder some might seek to swat them back your way?" Mockery. A play on his joy of speaking. Company Man kept it hidden in the words and tone, when he chastised- criticizing, but using rules to give the reason to do so. Seth was not so nuanced- nor his intent to harm, his tone light but not grating.

"I jest. I am sure Invictus will find great use for you- and I am glad you have a path you enjoy. I almost envy your confidence."
The Hound seemed rather dismissive, which was to be expected. Why wouldn't she, after realizing how little Seth had to offer? Perhaps she thought this would be a chance for something more? She acted as if neonates being unhappy was nothing more than a trifle. Maybe it was. Or, maybe Seth could use that.

Regardless, they'd held themed events it seemed. Seth would have to take notes. Speak to their Keeper

"I apologize this publicly disclosed meeting in the barrens by a low-status vampire has not found you informed nor exceedingly entertained, nor pleasured by my company, Hound Twist. Regardless, my services remain- as does my person. If there's nothing else to discuss, I'd say that ends this little meetup. I'm sure you all have my contact information, or the means to find it, should I be requested. Hopefully next time we can meet in a more aesthetic place."

Seth stood and stretched, going to the oranges and pricking one of them ever so slightly. He rather enjoyed the scent.

[Ellis Meadows]

"Well," Ellis says. "I will bow to your evident experience with jokes and jests, Mr. Kind. I am confident that they will prove steadfast allies throughout the remainder of your Requiem."

His gaze turns to track Derek and he nods to him. "Deputy Mitnick. Good Luck with your cousin."

"Your Grace." Ellis looks to Twist , smiling and bowing his head respectfully. "If you are finished here, would you do me the honor of letting me walk you to your vehicle?" He had no illusions that he could 'escort' the Archon anywhere, but there was always time to be a gentleman.

[Derek Menzies]

From Twist's reaction, Derek is on the edge of internally sighing a breath of relief. He would rather she were amused than further offended by the whole evening discussion. It seems things were coming to a close without serious incident.

Seth seems to pick an easier target with his mockery of Ellis, but the gentleman appears to brush it off.

He nods to Ellis and dips his head deeper towards Twist. "Mr. Meadows. Your Grace. I hope the rest of your evening finds you well," he shares politely but does not seem to move to follow. He intends to linger a bit longer for a word with his cousin, it seems.

He waits until that private moment, eyes flickering to the fellow Mekhet as if gauging whether his continued presence would be welcome.

[Derek Menzies]

Feeling as though his cousin is no longer in the mood to talk, Derek excuses himself and exits out into the night.

[Seth Kind]

It had been an eventful meeting. Seth had learned quite a bit about how poorly accustomed to simplicity and open discourse the kindred of the city had become.

Hopefully, as a Carthian, Seth might be able to change that.

Watching them all leave, the thief closed his door and hummed, throwing a knife at the corkboard and chuckling, wondering what he'd do next.

Fun Scene! Sorry took so long to close!