Nosferatu discussions (Attn Alice)

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer had carefully attended the communication where and when the Seneschal and priscus had recommended that they meet to discuss matters. The Nosferatu was careful to search out a place nearby where they can meet privately.

At the appointed time and place Alice had shared, Jennifer gave respectful greetings while under the line rules of no kindred words or bowing that she would have done in Elysium.

Jennifer met Alice where the priscus had recommended,
"Good evening, Madame," Jennifer greeted respectfully. She gave Alice's associate a respectful nod as well. She respected Alice's assistant, affording more respect than some Kindred did to ghouls.
Jennifer focused on Alice.

"Someone has asked a favor of the family-- and I negotiated a favor extended to you.

If it pleases you, I rented a place where we can speak freely. It is an office nearby, if you would not mind following me to my office where we can speak. I can answer your concerns, and we can discuss matters."




Earlier in the week (and a bit of why Jennifer had taken more time than she would like to set up the meeting)

Jennifer had arranged to rent a small space and decorate it to obscure any kine observation.

[Alice Hart]

Alice arrives with Lyssa at her elbow, and her cane leading the way. Though she really didn't need either. Not when the Blood gave as it took. The sounds of the night are a chorus around her, allowing her to travel the world as one who's fate was always to have been her eyes fall to ash as her blood aged.

"And a good evening to you Cousin." Alice says, feeling strange without the formality of the Notary's title upon her lips. "As you said in your letter," the Doll nods, head jerking. "I am curious as to who this person is, and what exactly their favour is."

Another nod, although she had wish to take this meeting to bring the Notary to the Necropolis, there was always later however. For Kindred, there was always a 'later'. "You have taken the time and effort to arrange a place and far be it for me to not appreciate your efforts." Drawing closer, "Lead on, Cousin."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer led the way to her new office space.
The office was on a quiet street, but in a commercial area with other offices. It couldn't be avoided. So Jennifer hung heavy curtains over the front window to hide the light from inside, purchased an aftermarket sound muffler that attached the the doors. The space itself was simple and furnished for the meeting with Alice.
A comfortable seating area, a few end tables- one with a local map- and space for Alice's associate to attend.

Jennifer unlocked the door to admit them and flipped the thumb lock to ensure no one could enter after them, but that every one inside could easily depart if need be.

"A bit small," She admitted as she moved to an arm chair. " - Please make yourselves comfortable, cousin. "
She gestures for Lyssa to take a seat as she wishes.

"It did happen a bit ago, I should have met with you a bit earlier. A few balls in the air." She stated regretfully. "Dirt Nap approached me, respectfully, to state that he has an academic interest in exploration. His Blood seems to lend itself to speaking with the small creatures that may populate the underground, and he asked permission to enter our area. He was respectful, and aggrieved that he had trespassed a bit. He offered boon for offense, and I negotiated that the Boon shall be yours as you are Keeper of the Necropolis. He is looking for a specific type of area. This discovery would elevate him in his Covenant.

I felt out exactly how this exploration would boost his standing among his peers in his Covenant. He assured me that the sharing of information gleaned would remain secret. I mentioned that during my last say, some did venture into the Nosferatu territory. With an escort," She asserted firmly. "I impressed on him the vastness, and danger, of our territory. A bit to assure he would not grow impatient and try. I get the idea that he wishes to be respectful and would not violate our agreement. He will hold for permission.

He has heard that this area may exist there." She finishes.

Most curious business, of course. She herself had a mighty interest in exploring the area herself, hopefully alongside Alice. Perhaps if she impressed her cousin, she could assist in restoration. It was a bit of a legacy for the Family, now. She felt out her cousin cautiously.

"Personally, I would wish to become more intimate with our area, with you by my side."

[Alice Hart]

Alice makes herself comfortable, while her ghoul stood off the side. Attentive but removed.

"That I understand, please feel no regret over how long in coming this meeting has been, time can and does move differently for us, no?" What was a few weeks or months to the Kindred?

"Dirt Nap." Alice repeats her more artificial tone, a contrast to her Cousin's slithering hiss, "I am relieved to hear his name, I was...afraid it would be your Covenant mate, Mister Heinrich. I haven't truly spoken with the Daeva one on one, but what I have heard of him, has not left a favourable impression.

"If Dirt Nap is accompanied at all times, then yes, I will allow his presence. I must admit his Covenant has me curious."

She pauses, tilts her head, and Lyssa steps forward to off a single key on a black cord. "The Necropolis is less then what is once was. I know I have said it before, but it....is less. The Catacombs have largely collapsed, the Dark Temple, revived only to be smothered. The Garbage Pit, flooded, and the Bleak Annals with it.

"I have maintained the Haven Above, it serves as a disguise and the entrance to the Necropolis. I will bring you and show you, but this is a key to the door to the Necropolis proper. I also managed to save the Caldarium. There will be tealights lit within." she warns, "Gilroy, who was Priscus and Bishop when I first arrived within Sacramento for that very first time, bid me, as Keeper make it so. And it is a practice that I have kept up, night after night. For all the nights that I am able to do so."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

A relieved smile spread on Jennifer's lips. "Thank you for understanding."
"I have been meaning to get to know Mr. Heinrich better. Or at all." Jennifer noted.

"I find Dirt Nap to be agreeable. He publicly praises honestly, something that endeared itself to me."

The production of the key took Jennifer's attention. She accepted the key solemnly, feeling the weight of it in her hand. The Nosferatu looked down on it for a moment as she secured it carefully to ensure its' safe keeping.

"Thank you." She replied solemnly. She considered Alice's information for a moment, considering them carefully.
"I would be glad to shoulder some responsibility for the Necropolis. I don't know which area holds priority for you. I imagine that your position will press for more of your time."

[Alice Hart]

"To me, he seems a fixture, but not a feature. If the analogy works." The Daeva was there, but he wasn't there.

Her strings pulled nod, "Yes, he seems, earnest, and honest. Which, is of course, a surprising delight." Once Alice had been like that, and it had only taken a scant two years to beat it out of her. Honesty flayed, Trust speared through as Friend placed her upon the alter of the Law.

"Take upon any area you would like. I will not force it upon you, not while we are but two, and there is miles to go before it returns to what it once was. It is going to be your home too." she says, all artifice and mockery, meaning it.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"The analogy works to me." She could understand the Doll's meaning, as concerned as it made her. A fellow Kindred of Quality being viewed so was food for thought. She would call on Mr. Heinrich soon. The Notary would like to learn what the other Kindred of Quality hoped to accomplish.

"I would be glad to do so. I am unsure which area I would take up. I am sure some area will call to me during our visit. If you would not mind us visiting together, sometime."
It took Jennifer a moment to process the mockery, reminding herself of her cousin's curse. She had found the residents of Sacramento so very understanding of her own Curse, which could be off putting.

"I do hope that we gain more Family as the nights go on. " She expressed sincerely. "Family means so much when the nights are cold and long."

One benefit was that she could try to get to know her Family member, Alice, better. There were no competing cousins at the time.
"I did notice a welcome change," She smiles. "- Priscus."

[Alice Hart]

Alice nods, jerking and strings pulled as her analogy is understood.

"I would not mind at all. I would be glad to take you on a tour. It was once one of my duties as Keeper." she says, remembering the Necropolis. Gilroy's binders, and the plans she followed even after he left. "May create a Sepulchre for yourself to Haven during the day if you contribute first to the Necropolis as a whole." It was the law Gilroy put down all those many nights ago, and it was the law she would still abide, "I assume you have no need of the Dark Temple," a mocking teasing lift of her lips, awkward and wrong. "Perhaps the Bleak Annals, Lady Notary?"

Another jerking, strings pulled nod.

"As do I, I remember when are Family held the greater numbers within the Domain, and when it was only myself. I know which I preferred."

A hollow sound, it might have been a laugh.

"I am Her Majesty's Senechal, Cousin." a tilted head, strings taut and loose. "I give the Priscuship to you."