First Night After The Lost Nights

[Vampire ST]

Guilt.

It was almost a foreign feeling, it had been so long since Asa felt it. It wasn't overpowering, or enough to make him apologize -- but that's what the flicker of emotion was that he felt while he wiped his wrist and ran his fingers through his hair.

Olivette lay on the couch, too weak from Blood loss to be of any use. Apparently the same thing had attacked her, whatever it was. Pale, useless hands fluttered at lips, and tried to wipe away the stains. It wasn't nearly enough to repair the ravages she had suffered from whatever afflicted them, but it would take the edge off of the Vinculum. He couldn't risk giving her more.

After her, Nicodemous, and Cozette, he was almost as weak as he had been when he Rose, and had only kept them (barely) functional.

Asa massaged the bridge of his nose, and put on the sunglasses that hid the tight skin around his eyes and put on his jacket. Making his way out of the office, he entered the common area of the club, staying in the corners and shadows, to help minimize his pallor and haggard look.

He shouldn't be out. Not as weak as he was -- Ishani would throw a fit if she knew -- but he needed information, to understand what had happened.

To see who all had been affected, and who was not... and if they were not... were they the perpetrators?


Hector smiled in a amused sort of fashion, looking whole healthy and alive, still entertained by the Howling Moon comedy club coming up with the alternate mocks to werewolves or invites to said monsters. He'd decided to make a much more direct approach as he hadn't met any real locals prior to his sickness, not that he'd been making it easy for them until only recently but still. So he figured an older trick would work by picking the most posh Invictus tagged place and go knocking, whether the door in a manner of speaking or heads quite literal was remain to be seen. He also wanted to feed again and remove the vile vitae he'd consumed earlier, for while nourishing it's source was less than desirable on any level, thankfully he wasn't an ignorant to think it would make him less of who he was. Coming around a corner he spotted his prize, the Club Avalon, such a nice ring to it and the stench of Invictus that he'd have noticed a long way off had he not been so amused.

He stood across the street attempting to get a feel for not only the area but the club and it's clientele, this was prime rack territory and not a single beast to play with, that was odd in a very Hitchcock sort of way. Looking around he was just considering what it'd be like to be the only Kindred in the city when he was interrupted by a despairing rough male voice asking, "Can you spare me a few bucks?" Looking to the source of his interruption Hector was witness one of the many fabled California homeless, long dirty hair with a faded slightly worn beach tank top and filthy cargo shorts hand out as though seeking the fabled holy grail. The homeless man was about to say something when something in Hectors gaze looking him up and down as though on display thought the wiser while Hector replied, "You have two arms, legs, a head that houses a brain enough to formulate a sentence and are not at all close to falling over from either exhaustion or starvation. You had best use what you have, for the next time I hear you utter such a phrase while in a similar condition I will change your condition to one less than you had." Without another glance Hector makes his way across the street to Avalon and enters wondering what he'll find, the mortal looking after him in terror forgotten till next time.


Asa could feel the predator approaching, and didn't recognize it. Without ever learning the Mask, trying to only observe him was pointless. Flush with blood from a few bubbly bachelorette party-goers, he stood by the bar and waited to see if this was someone he just didn't know, or a stranger.


Erika found a cane to use..no point in advertising that she could enhance her hearing to help get around. She had gotten a text message, but couldn't really read it just yet, so she took a chance and assumed it was from Asa. Thankfully, since she didn't have a car, taxi services were on her list of speed dials. You never know when you'll need that extra few seconds.

She stepped out of the cab, and straightened out the scarf she had used to tightly veil her eyes, making certain that the scarring couldn't be seen. Then she made her way inside.


Hector finally felt the strong reaction of his beast to another one rather than something else, the feel was always different, more for that later though he thought. Smiling as though having just won the lottery he walks over to the identified Kindred while looking to ensure there weren't any lurkers.

"Evening." The first word is filled with a certain warmth as though he's actually happy to be meeting with another of his kind. "I'm Hector." He extends his hand in a polite manner while his tone remains rather respectful if warm.


Arnold arrives at the Avalon, walking inside. He ignores any disgusted and uneasy looks he gets from the kine as he scans the place for the Prince.

He actually looks pretty hearty and hale for what had just happened to the Kindred of the city.


Twist found a parking spot and after snagging it took a second inside her vehicle to adjust her hair. Finally satisfied she stepped into the warm evening air and locking the car behind her, made her way to the door of Avalon. Black heeled boots mostly hidden by black silk slacks, a cream and black kimono/corset mix, an upswept French twist with black pearls strung throughout to match those hanging from her ears and and she easily passed dress code. ((Outfit image: http://www.fairygothmother.co.uk/new...m-kimono1l.jpg ))

Inside she was able to pinpoint the strange niggling feeling at the back of her mind- the place was nearly empty. Oh, there were a few hits that had her beast urging for her to return to the car. But only a few. This was Avalon...she should be having hits coming in waves. Careful to keep her face blank she slowly moved to the bar. She thought she sensed a beast as strong as Asa's, the other's were also powerful and she would rather not risk it. From the bar she would be able to watch the majority of the club and would hopefully be able to spot the Prince. If she couldn't within a few minutes...then she would seek out the other beasts she felt.


Asa nodded politely to the stranger, and noticed an oddity entering Avalon behind him. Either Erika had taken up sikhism, or something was wrong. It seemed the Lost Nights had affected them all differently.

"Good evening," Asa replied to the newcomer. "Welcome to my city."

Might as well get that out of the way. Hopefully Erika heard that.

Seeing Arnold entered, he raised his hand to get the large man's attention. Between that, the stranger, and Erika, he missed the diminutive Daeva.


Erika does, in fact, hear it, and makes her way to the Prince. She inclines her head politely, "Good evening, Prince Clarke."

If the situation was worse than she thought, considering the lack of beasts she'd felt, dominance would have to be maintained.


Arnold hurries over to Asa, and likewise inclines his head to him.

"It is good to see you well, Majesty."

He then immediately begins eying Hector up and down. He doesn't recognize him.


If anything as the others approached, he took note of each as his smile widened. "Well isn't that just wonderful, get nothing and then get the creme of the crop." He takes a less familiar pose although nothing to offer onlookers any great clue as to what was transpiring and again looking about to ensure none but other identified kindred were within easy earshot. "Would you prefer someplace else for formalities?"


Regina has become distressed. Her goal of starting a new chapter might just run into a serious lack of membership. Forget members in the invictus, there might not be enough vampires at all. Looking around, she decided to head back to Asylum, maybe she could sneak into the boss' room, find some way of contacting him or her. On the way however, she spotted a line of people trying to get into a club with a proper sounding name, Avalon. High class, and the clientelle backed that up.
double checking with her ghoul that her swords were indeed obfuscated
Spoiler:2009-06-08 23:44:04 Regina Pia rolls 5 to Wits+Larceny+Obfuscate (10 Again) 9, 6, 3, 5, 8 2 successes

She headed inside, and was startled by the beasts she encountered. One, two, three, and one more powerful than the next. A knight does not run, and so Regina did not flee, despite everything telling her to. She headed to the gathering, keeping her distance, lest they assume she was some sort of assassin (paranoia was not a fun trait in Regina's opinion, but was too common not to take appropriate precautions), and gave a deferential nod of her head.


Regina nods her head. "I hope so; I am looking for members of the Estate. I noticed this place had the Estate markings on it, and hoped to meet members here."

[West]

Fingering the drink she had ordered but yet to taste, Twist scanned the crowd again and still not spotting Asa. She kept telling herself that she ought to just get up and head toward where she could feel other kindred gathering but her beast was still rattling for more blood- but to get it elsewhere...and she couldn't bring herself to it.

Deciding that it wasn't wise to keep a Prince waiting just because she felt like shit she pulled out her cell phone and began to type out a text. It was a cheap way of getting out of searching but she wasn't in the mood to care.


Asa listened and nodded, then pulled out his phone, and read it.

"Excuse me," he said, stepping away.

Returning, he spoke to the newcomers. "Yes, we should talk privately. Please follow me," he said, leading them to his office in the back, and motioning for Arnold and Erika to follow.

"You're both new arrivals?" he asked.


Twist felt her phone buzz in her hand and flipped it open to see that the Prince had sent a reply. Reading and then rereading it she grinned viciously. She knew she would get it some day! Letting the phone snap shut she gave one last quick glance about the club before setting her untouched drink on the bar behind her and dropping enough cash to cover it twice over. Couple that she just got the hound position with the fact that she could leave and her night was steadily looking better.

Now she just needed another feeding session and she would be peachy. But first things first...Veritas.

Slowly she made her way from the bar, to the exit and back to her vehicle. Now, where to find Veritas?


Arnold follows them back to the office.

He keeps his eyes on the two new arrivals.


Hector at first seems a little surprised at the openness of titles and such but that disappears quicker than most would have caught. As the Prince moves away he takes a moment to look over each with an appreciative look despite appearances and holds a friendly face let alone infectious smile.

As he's indicated to head to somewhere more private with everyone he falls in step with the others not bothering to jockey for any sort of spot, simply going with the flow to see who goes where with what looks.

To the Prince's question, "That would be correct, about a week now," so casual, "I'd have come sooner but only seemed to run into oddities and rogues not apart of the city structure, which proved a little troublesome." He wondered at the odd state of the current situation and hoped this wasn't some inept run city with immature power hungry childer without guidance, it would make things so tedious.


Unsure of everyone's relationship, honesty proves the best policy.
"Yes. I just arrived recently," Regina said.


Erika follows behind everyone, making sure that either herself or Arnold stays between the Prince and the newcomers at all times. When they arrive and announce themselves as newcomers, she frowns just slightly, "What are your names?"


After they made their way to the office, Asa sat in the desk chair and motioned for someone to close the door, waiting to hear the answers to Erika's question.


Arnold moves to shut the door, standing in front of it.


"I am Dame Lady Knight Regina Pia, esteemed member of the Daeva clan." She says this with only a hint of pride.


Hector's voice smoothly picks up perfectly where Regina's prideful one stops. His smile at this Clan mates pronouncement could only be described as pleased. "Hector Hastipolis. Acolyte and Daeva." He made sure to keep on most reactions to his added announcements. While wondering just how painful this would be on his mind, he so wanted to go out and set up things already, but he reminded himself to be nice in order to make things run smoothly.


"Very well." Erika doesn't seem to have any visible reaction, as she stands in front of Asa's desk. "What brings you to our city?"


It doesn't take much to put two and two together. The non-vampire talking for the vampire. The vampire being able to enter the back rooms without comment. This was obviously an Invictus test if ever she saw one. "I have been sent by the Most Noble Order of the Thorned Wreath to establish a chapter of Knights in this city." That it was this city by Fate's choosing was of little consequence. She had been sent.


Looking over at his associate kindred in being new Hector nodded once while thinking, Nice and bold, trouble for certain, then turned back to the Prince while responding to the others query. "Simply looking for a new city to reside in which is not being raped, plundered and murdered by bloody handed fools." He could've just read a passage from a technical manual for the matter of factness to his statement leaving no doubt he was being forthright.


"Very well then, consider yourselves acknowledged in the City of Sacramento. The Law in this city is upheld as follows: One, the Masquerade must be kept; two, Childer will not be sired without permission, either by the Prince or on his orders; three, the destruction of another Kindred's property will be met with grave consequences; four, causing the death of another Kindred is forbidden, unless by the hands of the Sheriff or the Hound; five, no Kindred shall charge boons to new members of the city, to the people they need to speak with to get acknowledged within the city limits; six, Court is mandatory. Failure to make a court will cause the individual to lose all rights within the city, and they must present themselves to the Prince."

Erika pauses for a moment, letting them take it all in.

"Oh yes, and seven, feeding, siring, ghouling, or otherwise interfering in the lives of law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical teams, or hospital staff. This law will be carried out swiftly, dramatically, and publicly. You will be marked with Shame for ten years hence."


Asa watched, and would have been amused if not for the turmoil of the Lost Nights. Apparently Erika had slipped back easily into the role of Seneschal.

"I hope you find your stay in the city pleasant," he said. "I am Alder Lord Prince Asa Clarke," Asa said, adding his titles for the Knight. "Seneschal Brady has just acknowledged you, and that is Reeve Culler," he made the introductions, motioning first to Erika and then to Arnold.


Regina drops gracefully to a knee and bows her head. "Then I would offer you the services of this Knight. Do you wish for me to declare the Oath of the Thorned Wreath here, or at some later time, most powerful Prince of Sacramento?"


If not interested Hector at least showed respect to the knight and the Prince in the highly unusual circumstance to which he was only partially aware of fully. He held his tongue after such a pronouncement till the ritual obligations were done, his smile slid away to a more stone like countenance, hard to read.


Now full with blood and his wounds healed, Dr. Ith Lazarus felt it was time to leave the safety of his haven and go see how other kindred of the city fared against whatever it was that left him so damaged and in a short-lived torpor. None of the Doctor's invictus contacts were answering his calls, and he wondered if whatever had happened might not have affected the entire Invictus, or perhaps the city's entire Kindred population. If so, he might be of the few Kindred, perhaps the only, left in the city. With little choice as to where else to go, Lazarus was aware of the Avalon Club and its tendency to be a Kindred gathering point; if there was anyone left they would be there.

Dressed in his typical wrinkled lab coat and other clothing, Lazarus entered the club and looked around from behind his mask; his long hair was a mess, as always, part of which was draped down across the white expressionless visage. It did not take long at all for him to locate other kindred in the room, as he could sense their beasts., but he'd arrived just as they were heading behind closed doors. Lazarus noted someone he thought might be Alder Lord Asa Clarke. Although he had never met the other Invictus face-to-face, Lazarus had heard enough through his Invictus contacts about the man to spot him in a crowd.

Lazarus thought to himself. Perhaps the trip here wasn't entirely for naught.

((some edits by ST for continuity purposes))

Not wanting to interrupt the proceedings, Dr. Lazarus simply took a seat and waited.


"No, but thank you," Asa replied. "We'll save that sort of business for our next gathering." He paused, and looked at the gathering.

"Mr. Hastipolis, thank you for coming by, you're free to see the sights. Reeve Culler, would you start patrolling the streets for more new faces? I'm sure Ms. Pia would be happy to assist you." he asked one, after dismissing the other.

He waited to see if there was anything from either of them before he spoke to his Seneschal.

[West]

Reeve? Sherriff. This was fantastic. But what had become of Ishani Natesh, he wondered?

It really did not matter to him in the slightest, however.

He bows reverently to Asa, and says in his smooth voice "Right away, Majesty. Let's be off, Dame Lady Knight Pia." He opens the door, holding it open for her, and then following her out of the office.


Regina rises, and gives a bow to the Prince. "As you wish, Alder Prince." She takes two steps backwards, and then turns and walks out. "Thank you, Reeve Culler." She says as she passes him. So pleasant these americans were turning out to be. She would have to write a letter ot Fillipe. Exiting the back room, she runs smack into the new beast. "I do beleive that we have our first mark." She indicates the young man with the two metal studs on his face. Not studs, a bar, in front of his lower jaw. "what on earth could that be for?" She wonders, as she assesses the threat.


Hector didn't even bother to look after the others as the left but rather studied the two left before him and considered his next move, as much as he'd like to get right to work on building he thought that perhaps he should see to his new home first.

In a respectful and still charming voice, "Thank you Prince Asa I would be happy to explore some more sights. However," He made sure to take them both in with his look friendly and apologetic as it was, "is there another Acolyte that I may be directed to and may I be of any assistance with the problems of my new home?" The dice cast, it was time to see how the Prince would fare, Hector hoped for good as he hated the alternative.


Asa considered dismissing the man, but realized that he could be put to work, even if unknowingly.

"The only Crone I know of are somewhere in the sewers," Asa answered.

Paresh was dead, Valencia had been catatonic since then, which left... Jayant and Sunshine.


Well that makes some things easier. Hopefully the Sanctified had similar numbers or more wisdom than the last ones. Still needed to come up with a proper gift to send them, but that could come later. "Very well." Without another word or look he casually walks out the office and closing the door, only to run into the little spectacle in the common area.

He stops and waits behind the Knight and Reeve, almost right out of the office, as they bore down the other intriguing Kindred to which he resisted the urge to play as a musical instrument. Now this could be interesting and helpful or just a annoyance. He simply watched the scene making no move to indicate he was there at all.


Arnold doesn't answer. He turns his body, and raps a gnarled knuckle against the door they'd just exited before opening it a crack so that his voice can be heard inside. "Another one new to town out here, Majesty. Shall I send him in?"


Erika lets out the slightest sigh, and nods her head in Arnold's direction. "Please, send them in. Wait just inside the door, please, while they're with us."

Erika continues standing as straight as ever, to the front and left of the Prince, on the other side of the desk.


Arnold ushers Mel into the office, closing it behind the two of them and standing in front of it as he had before. He leaves Hector and Regina outside the office while he escorts Mel inside.


Looking to the Invictus knight a friendly smile flashes across Hector's face as he then proceeds to leave the club. AS he leaves his thoughts lead to a single question: Where to start?


Obf 2

Sabri held the Invictus sealed letter in her young yet gnarled hands as she walked the streets around Avalon, informed by her Sire that this 'place' was supposed to be a gathering point for members of the First Estate. She never knew how true this was but she had came anyway, against her better judgement, the fear of her Sire still fresh in her mind.

Approaching the club, the Devil was struck by many Beasts at once; some more potent others less, and she had to place her hand on the wall to brace her body from being torn in two directions of flee and fight. Steadying herself, Sabri wiped her face beneath her dark veil and ensured her pinstripe suit was non-crinkled, before moving to the door, waiting to see who stands out most.


Regina keeps a watchful eye on the crowd, looking for anyone who might be kindred.


Dr. Lazarus, growing tired of sitting and doing nothing, stands and looks toward Regina who appears to be surveying the room.

"Excuse me, I am Mister Lord Warden Ith Lazarus of the First Estate. I have traveled from my home in Amber Hill Asylum to find an audience with the Prince." His voice is raspy, as if not used very often, but holds the firm authority of someone used to being in charge.


Looking at Arnold, he spoke. "I'm calling Court Monday, at Ballo Della Notte. I don't want to be disturbed until then. After that, the Invictus will meet."


Arnold bows "Yes, Majesty." He straightens, inclining his head respectfully to Erika. "Madame Seneschal."

He turns, opens the door. "Come along, Mel."

He escorts the funny little kindred outside the office, and finds himself creepy face to creepy face with Dr. Lazarus.

He smiles "Mister Lord Warden Lazarus. How good to see you alive. The Prince is not seeing anyone else tonight. He will be calling Court on Saturday evening, after which you will be interested to know, a meeting of the First Estate will be called."

While he addresses Dr. Lazarus he scans the club, seeking other Kindred who may have come here to be acknowledged.


Heathcliff, after a change of clothes and a shower, arrives at Avalon in his best, reasonably-priced suit, even more anxious than usual after everything he'd done tonight. He looks around for any of the few Kindred he knows from the meeting, or Hector, who he'd lost track of that night at the Lily. He doesn't see O-Yama anywhere, but there's creepy Arnold, and he's surprised to find this to be a relief.

He walks up to him and says in his permanently congested voice, "Hello, Arnold. I'm Heathcliff, we met recently?"


Dr. Lazarus looks to Arnold, turning his attention away from Regina. At first the news that the Prince was not seeing anyone else this evening was a bit discouraging, however Lazarus understood that some kindred were more busy than others -- especially those of the First Estate. Lazarus nods in understanding to Arnold. "I see. The information is very appreciated."

Lazarus nods respectfully to Arnold and then takes notice of Mel, giving him a disapproving glance.
The Prince will see this individual and not me? I wonder what his importance is...

Suddenly there was another beast present. Lazarus moved his masked face slightly to look upon the new arrival. Heathcliff. Lazarus remembers him from the Nosferatu meeting not too long ago...


Arnold looks down at Heathcliff, his smile remaining on his thin gray lips "Ah, Heathcliff. I do remember you. I was just explaining to the good Doctor here that the Prince has decreed that he will not entertain any more acknowledgments tonight. He will be holding Court on Saturday night at which time you can be recognized."

"In the meantime, Heathcliff, how have you been? I must admit, I am surprised to see that you still live."


Arnold's response confirmed what Heathcliff had suspected, that the illness he had suffered had happened to others. Either that, or Arnold had tried to kill him, but he doubted that. "Yes, I was very sick," Heathcliff says, before turning to acknowledge the Doctor, whom he had missed in his skittishness. "Hello again, Doctor Lazarus. It is good to see you both again," and he meant it.

"Well, I will meet the Prince at Court then." He leans into speak privately with his clan. "I saw O-Yama tonight, but I was still too weak from the sickness to do anything but eat. That was hours ago, though, and I don't see him here. Have either of you heard from him tonight?"


The doctor simply offers a nod to Heathcliff's greeting. Lazarus did not know too much about the new Priscus, O-Yama. The last time he had saw him was at the Nosferatu clan meeting and had not even heard so much of a word from him. However, it was interesting to hear that Heathcliff also experienced similar side effects from the night before.

Leaning in to the private conversation, Lazarus speaks softer but still with the authoritative demeanor of a physician. "I have not heard from Priscus O-Yama. Did he seem to have been subject to the previous night's affliction as well?"


Regina watches all of this silently. She notes who is invictus, and who is not.


Arnold clears his throat, speaking up to be heard over the quiet conversation.

"Yes. A sickness. The Kindred of Sacramento had been affected by a mysterious illness of the blood that has thinned our ranks somewhat."

"I have since then fully recovered, as has the Prince and those near to him. I am relieved to hear that Priscus O-Yama is also still among us."


Obviously secrecy and quietness about the situation was no longer applicable. Lazarus puts his right hand into his wrinkled lab coat's pocket and turns to address all those who were listening. "Does anyone present know anything about the sickness, or even if it's a sickness at all? Is it of magical origins, chemical, biological? How was it transmitted? Air, water, radiation?" His hand emerges from the pocket with a small notebook and pen. "The more information the better for me to research the cause of this."


Arnold is not comfortable talking about this in such an informal way and in front of those who are new to the city - Kindred who seem harmless enough, but he doesn't trust a one of them.

He clears his throat "Yes, well. I do recall some things about the last few nights, perhaps we can meet in private some time soon so that we can share our mutual experiences, yes?"


If the expressionless mask over Lazarus' face was able to give a look of contempt it would be doing so at this moment. Instead, the doctor only gave a cold glare to Mel.

He continued to speak with the demeanor that only a detached professional could have. "Yes, perhaps we could meet in private sometime soon; Reeve Arnold, Heathcliff, and myself." He looks at each one as he says their names, then back to Mel. Hopefully his loud questions followed by this would get the point across about the importance of not eavesdropping.

[Vampire ST]

So the disease was a mystery; Heathcliff was lucky to have survived, it seemed. He turned to the Doctor.

"I'm afraid I never got close enough to tell whether he was sick or not. You two are the first I've spoken to tonight. I had planned on going back to him after... I ate, but there were complications. Everyone at the meeting said he could handle himself. I assumed that to be the case," he says defensively.

"I am willing to help you in your inquiries, Doctor." Every night since his Embrace he had struggled to understand what had happened to him, and how he could go back to what he was. Maybe this mysterious disease held a clue, some bit of occult knowledge that would become useful later.


Regina continues to watch, and has written something down on a small piece of paper.
Spoiler:
###-####
If you ever need a Linewoman

Sabri takes up a small corner of the room and tries to catch the eye of the lady who writes something down on a scrap of paper, the only female Beast she can feel in this section of the club.


Regina finishes her second copy of the note, and interrupts the conversation.
"Pardon me gentlemen, but I have some notes to deliver." She hands a copy of the note to both invictus members, then goes over to the mortal whose been looking at her funny.
"Can I help you?" She asks, consternation evident in tone.


Arnold takes Regina's number with a nod, placing it in his pocket. Then to the remaining Kindred he says "Excuse me, as well. I've duties to perform."

Arnold leaves the Avalon.


Dr. Lazarus reaches in with his left hand into his pocket and pulls two white business cards from it. Written on the cards is simply, "Dr. Ith Lazarus PHD. Amber Hill Psychiatric Hospital. ###-####" He hands one to Heathcliff and one to Regina. "This is my office number, it is a direct line to my desk phone." After a moment of consideration he adds, "I do take impromptu appointments, however. If you are willing to help my research into what afflicted us the past evening, then I'm willing to allow you access assist -- and access to my herd if you require it."

Without another word, Lazarus turns and begins to walk toward the exit.


Circe, tastefully dressed in a dark grey skirtsuit and blood-red blouse and heels, enters the Avaalon. Her gaze scans the area, skipping over kine and finally stopping on two Kindred: a youngish-looking male with unruly, black hair, and a female with an out-of-date hairstyle but a distinctly regal bearing. Though comparatively weak of blood, the woman looked the most likely here to know anything of import.

Circe approaches Regina, saying "Greetings. My name is Circe." Looking back and forth between Regina and Mel, she says "I was told this was a good place to come to find those with whom I might have something in common."


As the Avalon sounded rather upscale, Mariel had changed to a beautiful bronze cocktail dress that showed off her perfect, pale skin and set off her red hair nicely.



She wore delicate bronze strappy sandals with four-inch heels to give her a little more height.

She entered the bar and looked around, knowing that she carried herself like a princess.

Mariel spotted Circe right away, talking with some Kindred. She looked around to see if ANYONE else was available, not wanting to have anything to do with her.

I'm going to get that bitch....I don't care if it takes years.

She walked to the bar and ordered a glass of Chardonney, to better show off her beautiful hands and carefully manicured nails, while she surveyed the crowd.


Suprised by this woman's abruptness and rudeness, Regina turned to Circe. "If you are referring to Princely meetings, madam, you are out of luck. There won't be any more appointments tonight, although I have heard there is a meeting this Monday."


Circe pauses for a moment, then replies. "I had not heard of a 'princely meeting', as you put it, only that several of our kind were gathering in this place. And you are...?"


"I am Dame Lady Knight Regina Pia, at your service miss?"


Mariel is enjoying seeing Circe look a little discomforted, watching her conversation with a clearly older vampire lady.

Serves her bloody right, she thinks, smiling.


Heathcliff, left to his own devices, views the number of beautiful women here at the club, and does his best to compose himself. It might not be a bad idea to make more friends tonight. He hoped he didn't smell like farm animal. He had used a lot of mouthwash.

A redhead catches his eye from across the bar, staring daggers at another pretty woman. As he approaches, he feels her Beast, and has to resist the urge to flee...

Spoiler:2009-06-12 23:15:04 Heathcliff rolls 10 to scared (10 Again) 6, 4, 8, 5, 9, 4, 10, 8, 3, 5, 6 4 successes


...but he remembers this is a No Fighting Zone, and he's ok, for now. He tries to engage her in friendly conversation. "Hello. My name is Heathcliff. How are you tonight?"

Meeting Regina's eye, Circe says "Well met, Dame Lady Knight. I am Circe, Mother of Monsters, High Priestess and Faithful Servant of the Crone. Would you be so kind as to tell me where and at what time this meeting is to occur?"


"Regretably Miss Circe, et cetra, I am unable to do so, as I am unsure of the exact timing as well. If i find out, would you like me to inform you?" Civility and politeness, with a nice serving of ice.


Mariel looks at the new vampire. He seems to actually have an "L" on his forehead. Well, not literally.

Great. I'm talking to the vampire equivalent of the kid who eats paste in kindergarten.

Mariel sighs, and holds out a limp hand. I'm Mariel.

She adds, If there are only the five of us left in the city, that is SO sad.


"At the moment, I am difficult to contact, Dame Lady Knight," Circe replies, also icily. "Perhaps you might be able to direct me to one who might have that information? The domain's Herald, or perhaps the Seneschal? Also, I must respectfully ask that you address me appropriately. 'Miss' will not do. Either 'High Priestess' or 'Hierophant,' alone or along with my name, is acceptable."


Classy, Heathcliff thinks as he takes her hand and bows his head slightly. He could tell this was going to be an uphill struggle, but Heathcliff had Determination. And, hell, after everything he'd already been through tonight, why not go for shock and awe?

"You're obviously more beautiful than that woman over there," he says, indicating the woman she had been staring at. "So you shouldn't look at her so hatefully, it makes you seem petty," he says matter-of-factly.


"Please forgive me, Hierophant Circe, I was unsure of how you wish to be addressed amongst..others." She glances sidelong at the kine nearby. "As for the Seneschal, Dr. Brady did not grace me with her contact information. It is however, to be held at the Sterling Hotel. If have any further questions, you can reach me at this number." She holds out a slip of paper with just a phone number, and the word Knight. "If you will excuse me Hierophant, there are others who must be notified of the meeting as well. Until then Hierophant." She gives a respectful nod of her head, before turning back to Sabina.


Circe takes the offered slip of paper. "Until then, Dame Lady Knight. Thank you for your contact information." She nods her head as well, though just a touch less than did Regina.


Sabri smiles beneath her veil as Regina addresses her once more, standing and bowing before speaking.

"Dame Lady Knight Regina Pia, I am Miss Sabri Nidra, new to this city and only recently inducted to the First Estate." Holding out her sealed letter of induction from her Sire. "This here is my letter of induction written by Baron Commisioner Mahdri Sandeep of San Diego, Sire." She bows once more.


Miss? How modern. Time to fix that. "Madam Nidra, thank you for making your presence known. I'm sure your sire will be quite pleased with your work here." She takes Madam Nidra to a darker corner, still keeping herself by the door. "and what does your sire desire you to accomplish here?"


Allowing herself to be guided, Sabri keeps her voice low.

"He wishes me to expand his business in this city as a hotellier. I have recently opened the Dhaka not far from here. A small and modest building for those wishing privacy and the like."


"I see. Well, I wish you luck in your dealings. as you are fellow Invictus, but new, you may not know of the knights, so I shall explain. As a Knight, it is my sworn duty to protect each and every Invictus, to perform their orders as they see fit, till my dying day. The best of Invictus use us as we were designed, to protect them and their belongings from attacks and threats, to be used as a show of force as needed."


"That is something I can appreciate, Dame Lady Knight. I myself was once a victim. Not anymore." Her eyes take on a hard look at the thought of once again being a target of an abusing other.


"Keep us in mind. We are the Line." "I never heard what clan you were. I myself am a Daeva."


Benton Black found himself parking his bike up across the street from a place called Avalon. It wasn't the first place he had visited since waking up from his torment and feeding. First he had gone to All Hallow's Church. He had hoped that the city's Kindred might turn to God in their time of strife, but he was sadly disappointed to find it empty save dust and bodies. Disheartened he headed here, to the rack and to one of the trendy clubs vampires liked to haunt and act like sexy socialites and pretend not to be monsters or whatever they did here.

As he walked in he still looked fairly ragged from the ordeal but he could feel the presence of other Beasts and feel his own snarling in challenge.

Seems I'm not the only one spared the Lord's scourging, he thought to himself as he looked around at several unfamiliar faces.


Her sharp senses having detected the veiled woman claiming affiliation with the First Estate, she turned her interest elsewhere. She noticed a nondescript, rather anxious male approach the too-willful child, Mariel, and supposed him to be hiding his Beast in the same manner she did. "He doesn't seem to have much to offer," she thought to herself, "...but then again, unimpressive raw materials can sometimes be forged into something vastly stronger, and no forge burns hotter than that of adversity." She decided to keep an eye on him.


Sabri lowers her eyes and her veil, briefly revealing the Rakshasa below; purple-blotched skin like a bruise, puffy eye, overly large fangs of a Devil.

"I am Nosferatu of the Rakshasa blood; hence the veil," she smiles, quickly covering her appearance.

"I am not ashamed of my kin but until I have mastered out more discreetful disciplines, the veil is required for everyday practices."

[Bo Albion]

Mariel suddenly feels a little unsure. Hadn't she seen Heathcliff talking with the group Circe was chatting in?

He has to be kin, though, she reasons. This sort of human would never have the confidence to approach me...right? Right??!


She takes a moment to mime sipping at her drink. EWWW! The hand that had touched Heathcliff's in greeting smelled vaguely of...barnyard.

Thanks for the tip, she said dryly, forcing herself to turn away from Circe.

So, she continued conversationally, do you work at a riding stable?

[Heathcliff Staley]

Heathcliff fought to keep down the initial surge of panic. I showered! How can she tell! But seventeen years of marriage and working for the government had taught him how to bullshit at the drop of a hat.

"No, you must have noticed my new cologne," he chuckles,"It's called Cheval. It's terrible, and seems to resist soap."

From ice cold to conversational. Heathcliff was making progress. He risked a smile. "I work for Sacramento's Housing Authority. We are very busy, so many sad cases in this city. Are you from here, Mariel?"

[Bo Albion]

Mariel's eyes widen imperceptably, and then she resumes her former expression.

That's not cologne. She glances at Heathcliff's fingernails. Men. They never really scrub under their nails.

No, I came here looking for some kin of mine, she said simply, unsure whether she was dealing with a human or not. Mother hasn't been able to reach them, and was worried.

Mariel has made a career out of telling the truth, but still being as deceptive as hell.

[Regina Pia]

"I wish you well in that endeavor Madam Sabri. Pardon me, but I must now retire for the night." Regina gives a polite nod of her head, from a superior to a junior, and then leaves the building, she has to prepare for the Prince's meeting.

[Sabri Nidra]

Obf 2

Sabri bows respectfully to Regina as she departs, and the Rakshasa feels it prudent to do the same, not entirely comfortable in this venue. She leaves, pleased that she has found a fellow Invictus member, possibly one with whom to have business dealings with later.

[Heathcliff Staley]

Heathcliff nods knowingly. "Yes, I understand," he says, and decides it is time to reveal that his, in fact, Kindred. He was pleased with how well his Discipline worked. "My sire is abroad at the moment. Spain, I think. He is one of the Sanctified. Do you belong to a covenant, Mariel?"