Inspiration Bleeds at the Edges

[Seth Kind]

Seth was... Surprised, at the letter. Pleasantly surprised.

He'd been out of the loop regarding the more official going-ons at Elysium- from what snippets he could gather, things had been quite entertaining. On top of that, there was his task given by his chummy revolutionaries to consider. He'd need allies for that, preferably. And having a friend was almost never a bad thing in his line of work.

So here he was, with what artistic supplies were normal for his pieces. Paintbrushes, paint, knives, sketchbooks, canvas... The Crones, what would they want this for? Or was this only Thomas' request? Was he wanting a gift for someone? The Crones dabbled in the more... lt was pagan natures, yes? something regarding that, perhaps.

Or perhaps what "artwork" could be made wasn't the standard fare at all. Oh, that wouldn't surprise Seth at all- faced with eternity, standard anything might be stale. He was quite giddy, at the web of possibilities.

A simple knock- wherever a knock would be made, more a courtesy than anything. His attire was simple, and a spare set lay in his bag.

Equipment: Artistic Supplies, a sharp carving knife stained red, throwing knives, thieve's tools, a change of clothes.
Thomas Boyle

[Seth Kind]

Interesting decor. It would have made for an excellent scene for a movie, perhaps. Seth could pick out maybe a handful of names on the Altar- the common ones- though even without that knowledge the purpose of such a space was clear enough. The writing above the Altar sounded familiar, but the thief couldn't place it.

Seth made his way into the meeting room, interested immediately in the potential wealth of knowledge. Perhaps the Crones might allow him to study here? But that wasn't the point of today, no.

He was. Or, whatever task he had. Both. The thief shook the hand, smiling.

"I was unsure what medium I would be working with, though I believe I've already told you my experience in paintings?" Seth gently slung the supplies, switching the hand that held them.

"I am rather curious. I hope you won't mind me wanting to rush right into the task at hand? I'm sure we'll make plenty of time for idle discussion throughout." Idle chit-chat and formalities weren't his forte. Whether it was thievery or art. Theatrics and eccentricities, sure. But he strove to be direct.

[Seth Kind]

The shadow slinked into a seat and listened on. The graffiti- yes, that did take a few marks from the "Crone-ic" conditions that might be stereotyped to a place of worship. Though hopefully this plan he had wouldn't merely involve buckets of white paint- Seth's talents were much more refined than that.

"I can see some wonderful imagery to replace the... Vulgarities... Of a few shortminded Kine. Yes, it would be enjoyable." The note of pride. He was Ventrue, yes? It didn't seem that uncommon... Though Seth might never blatantly say that, at least not without an audience to laugh- or sneer.

"I can lend you both hands, gladly- in return I'd ask for two things in the future. Your assistance, and your secrecy. To what, I'm not quite sure myself- a joke I'm planning. But it will be SUCH fun." There was a note of hope, that it might be this easy. Help with some paint, in exchange have some help taking down a big shot. Crones weren't big fans of Invictus, were they? Not the Carthians either, Seth imagined. But, the Carthians weren't in power right now. Weren't tossing their weight.

"But if you're not in the mood to play those kinds of games, Simple money would work fine. The paint supplies will be... Well, I don't know the scope of that. Paint supplies, plus ten percent. That seems simple enough. Twenty percent, if you're expecting me to use Vitae." It was a fair enough deal- if not an incredibly generous one- in the thief's mind.

[Seth Kind]

However. Yes, always a however- it's not like the thief expected otherwise.

Ah. The appreciation and admiration of one's work by authorities and peers. That was... Not the route Seth had expected him to take.

"Mr. Boyle." It was Mr. Boyle, for now. Especially after trying to play on his pride. The tone said as much. "I have made no attempt to hide what I am. But that openness does not bleed into my work itself. If I am called to do something, it is normally because those hiring me do so out of a desire for subtlety." He would never deny that he was a thief, and a knife- or the nature and dedication he took towards it.

"Though I would enjoy seeing lips purse at the curtains folding back and revealing me as the creator- yes, the Fangless Fool." He might actually kill for a snapshot of that moment. Were it at all possible. "Ah- and that brings up the second point. Norvegi- I doubt a painting, even a materpiece- would bridge that gap. Especially given my current behaviors, or lack thereof. I haven't exactly played the part of a kindred hoping to win the graces of his Prince."

Yes, this game was fun to play at times- but Mr. Boyle playing on pride, status... Well, despite some of the truths to his words, it felt like a pitch a Kindred might give to the recently undeceased. It felt very Ventrue. And the prospect of not being compensated for his work (status alone wasn't really the best compensation for someone that might actively betray it for the right price) was rather irritating. Still, he had a point.

"Of course. I'll gladly say what I wish. I announced my attempt to join the Carthians? They wished a task done, as an initiation. I do not find that task difficult- indeed, I might even be able to perform it myself. But I thought having someone else would be fun." That was all this was. Fun. "... And if I told you anything else without assurance on your part, the line between stage-hand and unwilling participant might become somewhat blurred. It will be a smidge dangerous, certainly. And some individuals might frown upon the act, should my role be discovered. It IS the Carthians, after all. I can also tell you that my performance will not be directed towards the Crones- if that brings you comfort."

Even if Seth could resist the Aura reading, he made no attempt to do so- and indeed, the flurry of pale colorations sprang forth. The most dominant was a Vermillion hue, though little blotches of brown (likely from his unflattering attempts at persuasion) specked the vision. Following that were tendrils of intertwining velvet and light blue, wrapping around the body like ribbons. But nothing to show distrust. Nothing the thief said was a lie, as the fangless had nothing he needed to lie about. Yet.

"I can tell you more should you accept, and I hope the information I have given is enough for you to decide. If not, we can discuss other means of payment. And I Will be paid for this work. Be it in your gold or your service in a different matter in the future." On that, the thief would not budge. Hopefully Mr. Boyle would prefer assistance with a certain task, over debt.

[Seth Kind]

The subtle switch from open to cautious wasn't undeserved. And he had a point about the lack of intel and, indeed, numbers in this court- though, from what his recent friends in the Carthians had said, that didn't count for the entire kindred populace."You've a fair point, Mr. Boyle. I... understand where you are coming from. Though I'm unsure what this 'puzzle' will be when complete. And whether or not I want to play a part in it sometimes. Yes, my services as a killer are rather droll against an army of hitmen." A sigh. Was he really going to do this for free? No. Buut...

The promise made it official. And the Shadow was more than confident he could repay the Ventrue in kind, should it be broken."Alright then. Just remember that line I talked about- I'd rather you remained on the friendly side of it anyways. Thomas." Back to that, for now. "A vampire of the Invictus will be coming here. The Carthians want me to dispose of him, and save a ghoul he has... Abused his authority over. The member is not popular to this area- not well known to our court, from what I've seen. Killing him will send ripples, but we wouldn't be obvious suspects- especially if done right. And that's why I need you, Thomas-" A warm smile... A rather unnerving one, perhaps. I don't know much about Kindred weaknesses I can exploit. I have ideas, and I want your help to see if they are feasible. I also think it'd be fun with someone else for once." His cousin would be spineless to such intrigue, Adam was nowhere in sight, he doubted the sheriff would want to partake (oh but that would be SUCH fun as well. Was it worth tempting?)...

"I also think that some individuals might like to shake some branches around here. Invictus' plants have taken root in the Court's day to day, in our politics. It is... Troubling. I don't think I'm wrong in saying some might agree." The flowery language tossed in wasn't made in an effort to convince Thomas- it was a genuine belief the thief held."Either way- should you join, your role will be quite secondary. You will not be confronting him or his, if you would rather not. Regardless, now you know. One of the few individuals that do." And thus, the thief would KNOW if something went... Amiss. Seth smiled and dug through his bag, humming. "So. What did you want me to paint."