(1101) Eternal Court XI

[Victoria Stamford]

Victoria studied the man as he gave his story. She considered things for a moment before finally speaking up.

"Why Sacramento? I imagine that there were countless options to choose from. What brought you here, and why do you feel the Prince should grant you residency? Additionally, this city has both a Lancea et Sanctum and Circle of the Crone presence do you feel this will be a problem for you?"

[Ciara Maskelyne]

*Ciara can only nod at the man's explanation. She might not agree with the conclusions he drew from his experiences, but she did understand the need to break away from one's Sire and form his own identity.*

Given your history, I think it would be fair to say you are not leaving the Movement so much as finding your own place in the Invictus. And I think that, should the others approach you about your decision, you should explain it in those terms. Though, perhaps not with all of the details...

*She has to let out a soft laugh, realizing the irony hos their two situations.* My beginning were rather like yours, though I ran from the First Estate to join the Movement instead of the other way round.

*The soft smile fades as she thinks back to her own experiences with the Invictus, trying to decide if she should give the man a few words of warning.* I will warn you they are far more strict with their organization, but I think that will benefit you given your occupation in life. *The thin Ventrue sighs softly, having to accept yet another member of the Movement was leaving.* I will say I'm sorry to see you go, of all the new additions to the city, I had the highest hopes for you.

[Lesingnon]

Wilhelm simply regards Conner for a few long seconds. The man had not seemed to be particularly concerned at keeping anything that happened between them private in the past. And even tonight he had spoken to Thomas first, about this. A part of him wondered about the sudden shift in Conner's policy.

A larger part of him was confident in his ability to weather whatever surprise Conner might have in store for him here..

"This way, then." With those words Wilhelm pivoted on the ball of his foot, and leads Conner into one of the meeting rooms at the periphery of Court.

[Thomas Connor]

Thomas' face is a mixture of emotions as Ciara speaks, while he is glad that the female kindred accepts is reasoning, he still feels the pangs of regret at the last words she spoke. He knew he'd made the right choice but the emotional involvement that sparked his thought process and eventual decision had certain side effects. It had been so long since he'd cared about anything that he'd forgotten that sometimes there were side effects. The Bloodhunt and the Bypass had caused him to give a damn about the Domain and the Kindred within it as an entity, he'd never thought that might lead to even minor emotion attachments to some of those individuals. Yet he felt saddened by the final death of Michael Hall, almost as if the man had been one of his own soldiers. Now here is the office of the Harpy the Mekhet felt, well for the lack of a better term, bad, about causing her disappointment.

"I really feel terrible about this, I know I've made the right decision but ... but" pauses for a second as if searching for the right phrase "that talk we had about men's fashion and old movie stars. That was the first real, honest to god laugh I've had in a long time." He looks at Ciara with the hint of a sad smile. "Just for the record, I've wanted to say something since that night. I think that you would make a great Audrey Hepburn if we ever decide to dress like the stars."

[Ciara Maskelyne]

*Ciara stands, moving from behind the desk and coming around the other side. She sets down on the edge, directly in front of Thomas now. She silent for a moment as she picks over her words, finally speaking in the same soft, even tone as before.* Mr O'Connor, I can no longer offer you advice as your Covenant head, but perhaps I can offer you a little advice as a... concerned acquaintance.

Don't show any remorse at any of the decisions you make. How you feel in private is one thing, but our kind seek out weakness and indecisiveness in other, the Invictus doubly so. If anyone asks about your decision, explain it to them calmly; but do not say you regret it. To do otherwise is to expose a weakness to others.

*The same ever so bittersweet smile crosses her lips as his, Ciara looking down for a moment at the compliment.* I'm glad you enjoyed it; perhaps there may yet be more opportunities in the future. If your Au Pair allows you to consort with riff raff as scandalous as the Carthian Prefect... *Now her usual smile does return, the Ventrue obviously indulging in a little self-depreciating humor.*

[Thomas Connor]

Thomas' face goes serious as Ciara offered the advice. He knew she was right and knew that had it been anyone else he wouldn't have mentioned a quarter of what of he'd said. Well anyone other than those with the right to know, such as The Prince or The Archon Twist. He took the advice, it was good advice but that was not the only reason he listened. Finally he smiles at her comment about the chance that they might be able to develop some type of almost friendship with the woman. The Mekhet knew that he'd be watched closely and understood that he would more than likely not be allowed to associate with the members of his former covenant. Still a sliver of hope was better than nothing at all, after all he was Irish and if there was one thing the Irish knew even better than Whiskey, it was long odds.

"I would like that." There is a honest smile on his face as he makes the comment. "We'll just tell them that we're planning the St. Patrick's Day Parade."

[Lesingnon]

Wilhelm regarded, studied, Conner for several more seconds as the man's words hung in the air. Digesting, pondering them, letting them turn over in his mind as he considered every subtle inflection and nuance. "This is true. And I hope you will forgive my curiosity; but, given how...vehement, you were in the past I do find myself wondering what brought about this sudden change in perspective?"