The Sponsor and the Paige

[Lenora]

The light tension in Lenora's body relaxed.

The Lord did not like not possessing the knowledge she required to proceed. However, the reality was their meeting was likely to be amicable, as far as Kindred interactions could be anyway. There would be a price for all of this eventually, but Edward needed to groom Lenora first it seemed. Then? Prestation for services rendered.

When Edward stated his intent to provide materials for study, Lenora provided a slight smile.

"I am most grateful," she offered. Then the Ventrue spared a thought to his question regarding questions in regards to titles.

"Without review of the material, I cannot summon any to mind. I do not wish to burden you with questions if you feel they can be answered with careful study," she answers, "Rest assured, should I possess any when I have done so, I will contact you immediately so as to avoid... unnecessary failures."

However, as the man was intent on discussing Blood Oaths, a look of clear interest hit the woman's face.

For the first time in a long time, a faint sense of eagerness found it's way into Lenora's expression. Blood Oaths. One of the traditions of the First Estate she knew little about.

"You retain my undivided attention, Mr. Heinrich," she says, "If you wish to proceed, I am ready to listen."

[Edward Heinrich]

As Lenora gave her assurances, Edward nodded, "Then there is nothing more to say on the matter."

The edges of Edward's lips curled with mirth in response to Lenora's evident curiosity. "There are three types of Blood Oaths: Oaths of Avoidance, which all relate to not taking some action; Oaths of Performance, which all relate to taking some action; and Mutual Oaths, which I have only seen used for oaths of fealty. My Sire compared Blood Oaths to Devotions. Your full status as a member of the First Estate begins with signing a Mutual Oath."

A thought struck Edward. "I fear I cannot directly sate curiosity beyond that, but there is a specialist in the Domain. If you would like, I will arrange a meeting with Madam Notary Hazelton." It would cost him something, but Edward didn't particularly mind. Beginning relationships by asking for a favour worked for him in life, why not in unlife? Plus, every Notary he had known was a Lord, perhaps Lenora would take up the mantle.

[Vampire ST]

I appreciate that you made the attempt to be very high level, but the detail regarding the types of oaths is still too high for your Occult score. It would be more appropriate to state:

"There are lots of different Oaths, and your full status as a member of the First Estate begins with signing one."

[Lenora]

Lenora listens intently, though Edward's inability to tell her more is... unfortunate. Nonetheless, the First Estate is known for its rigid hierarchy, it only makes sense for oaths to fall under the responsibility of a specialist. Thus, no judgement is leveled on the Daeva himself.

"I understand," she offers, "I am already familiar with Lady Notary Hazelton. She and I have had some pleasant discussions in the past and I would willingly seek her out again. If you feel you do not have the time available to make the arrangements yourself, I am willing to reach out to her personally."

A pause.

"Naturally, I would not expect her introduction to oaths for nothing," she said, "As the Kine say, one hand washes the other. Prestation is the lifeblood of our society. On this, I believe the Lady Notary and I agree."

[Edward Heinrich]

"Indeed! it would seem you are acquainted with more of the Invictus than I am." Edward laughed lightly. And given our small number, to have you introduce me would be quite the embarrassment. Edward didn't think she meant to undermine him; however, Lenora was likely just being helpful.

"Naturally." Edward smiled, with a hint of sadness, "yet it is my responsibility as your Sponsor to ensure you are prepared, and it was one part of my own education that was lacking. I will assume the cost." If any. As a specialist in the Kine world, he knew that the first taste was often free. Jennifer could well take this as a chance to acquire new clients.

Knowing so little about Blood Oaths had never bothered him that much, yet with Twist's mention at the theatre and Lenora's interest, maybe there was more to it than he had initially given credit for.

Edward reached into a coat pocket and produced a small book, "Le Language des Fleurs," an English translation. He handed it to Lenora, "if you have not yet memorized the Victorian Floral Code during your tenure as Steward, I would have you do so now. This is yours to keep."

"During each meeting of the Invictus, there will be a gift exchange. The gifts are to be primarily symbolic, but it is hardly as though there is something wrong with practicality. As an example, upon his entrance into the Covenant, I gave a copy of this book with pressed Volkamenia and American Starwort contained within the cover to Mister Jacque. During your entrance, you may not be expected to offer gifts, but it would leave a favourable impression if you did."

[Lenora]

At Edward's laugh, Lenora's cordial nature does not waver, though her smile widens lightly at the joke.

"I understand," she offered, "I will defer to your wisdom, Mr. Heinrich. If you feel a session with the Lady Notary is needed, I will certainly attend and grant her my attention for the lesson."

Taking the book, Lenora examines the cover momentarily as Edward explains its purpose.

"I know of some, though I doubt the Baroness covered it in its entirety," she offered. Servants rarely need to know all the intricacies.

Returning her attention to Edward, she nods lightly at his suggestion that she provide gifts to grant herself a favorable impression.

"As you say," she said, "I will ensure appropriate gifts are procured."

She wanted to do well. Therefore, Edward's suggestion was locked away in her memory.

[Edward Heinrich]

"Very good. As a final note, if you would be so kind as to wear our Clans' mutual colour for the next Formal, that will send the correct message. I will, of course, be doing the same."

"Barring final comments, I believe that concludes our business for the night." Edward begins to stand.

[Lenora]

"I understand," she offers, "I will refrain from purples and violets then?"

It seemed Edward was intent on making them appear coordinated. Appearing solely in gold would be a challenge, but Lenora would rise to it. As Edward rises, Lenora does the same.

"As you say, Mr. Heinrich." Lenora said.

She did not, however, make for the door, her gaze remaining on the Daeva. He held the floor here and it was him alone that held the right to dismiss the meeting formally. Thus, Lenora would remain and await the the word.

[Edward Heinrich]

"Correct." Edward had vague plans for a gold suit jacket and a black dress shirt. He made a mental note to go shopping that week as the outfit was peculiar.

"A good night to you, Ms. Black." Edward gave a short bow and made for the door, heading through the now gathering crowd and into the night.

[Lenora]

The request seemed... odd to Lenora, but she would do as she had been instructed. Why the Domain as a whole needed the visual representation of their ties as Sponsor and Page, Lenora did not know. However, she was not a sitting member of the First Estate and, perhaps, there was some minutiae in the act that Edward understood in a way that she did not.

Plans had been made and education had been given. Lenora's new task of study - and shopping - were noted in her memory as she began to collect the material Edward had left behind. Unhurried, her exit would not come to pass until a fair amount of time had passed from Edward's departure.

Finally, as the hum of Kine above continued to rise, edging ever closer to it's usual cacophony, Lenora departed.

Good to close. Thanks!