Necropolis: First Meetings

[Jennifer Hazelton]

There is a house within a neighborhood of forgotten houses, with overgrown lawns. An abandoned feeling holds over the neighborhood. One such house serves as the aboveground entrance to the Necropolis. The paint is peeled, the shingles are falling off, but inside is a slightly different story. The house is worn, but occasionally cleaned and taken care of. The Priscus had increased security over the years to discourage unwanted visitors.
Below the house hides the entrance to the Necropolis.
The bathhouse, the heart of this communal haven, is a bit due to the Nosferatu that had departed the Domain. The time required to keep the Caldarium in its desired condition would need a member of the Clan to devote some part of their nights to the act. A few minutes before, Liam had lit the candles that help create the dream – like quality.

The electric lights in the bathhouse are set for a certain mood: soft and dreamlike. There is a deep pool, its own pool lights calm and steady. There is a new addition to the bathhouse. A painting was encased in a special glass made to protect paintings from heat, humidity and damage. This painting was predominantly displayed. The painting was created by a Nosferatu, Cynthia Weiss, and had been given as a gift to the Nosferatu Clan. The subject was this very Caldarium, created some time ago.

Jennifer sits relaxing in the sitting area that she has made at the bottom of the staircase. The ghoul now waits at one of the stools in the adjacent sitting room. Liam wears a fine tailored suit in grey with a white dress shirt. The tailored suit is reinforced in areas and tailored to account for the weapons he is required to carry in his role. The man appears average in every way. When Helen walks by, he would give a deep bow of the head. He does not meet any Kindred's eyes; he is respectful and not presumptuous. Jennifer has not entered the bathhouse as yet, awaiting the arrival of her cousins.

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia arrived, bearing what was likely the same dress and heeled boots she had worn at April's Court, her rosary tucked away in the dress' pocket. The attire is clean and simple. Once more, the modesty of Aletheia's nature is on display, her face free of cosmetics and hair pulled into a tight bun.

Entering the vicinity, the thin Haunt beholds the Seneschal with her dead, still gaze, before performing a curtsy, her head dipped in a bow in respect.

"Good evening, Priscus," she offers, as she rights herself, a cordial smile forming on her lips.

It is only after Aletheia is satisfied with her recognition of Hazelton that she spares a glance and a nod of acknowledgement to Jennifer's pet ghoul Liam. The action is brief, before she returns her attention to her superior.

"I trust the evening treats you well?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"Good evening, Ms. Thistle. The evening does treat me well, thank you for inquiring."Jennifer responded to courtesies graciously, a polite smile and nod paid to an acknowledged of Sacramento.
"I trust that you have had some time to settle into the Domain?" Jennifer inquired.

Jennifer spoke carefully and a bit more slowly than usual, to allow her Curse of a voice that sounds like a snake slithering into every word. It could take a moment to adjust to. Jennifer has taken the same few moments of silence to adjust to Aletheia's own Curse.

"I imagine that you have some questions, and we have a private place to discuss these matters."

[Aletheia Thistle]

There was a momentary pause as the dead-eyed Haunt absorbed the sibilant voice of her Clan's Priscus, the cordial smile did not falter.

This was the yoke of the Nosferatu, showcasing their Damnation in the eyes of the Lord more fervently than most.

"Indeed I have," she responded, "My accomodations are suitable enough for my needs. A place for the daysleep, prayer, and silent reflections on our Purpose."

Aletheia nods as the Priscus speaks, here eyes looking to the room that surrounds them, taking in its beauty.

"It gladdens my heart to see our kin have such a private sanctuary," she said, "I have heard tale of Domains that lack such things. I ache for them and the loneliness they must feel."

Turning her attention back to Jennifer, Aletheia gently indicates the empty seat.

"May I sit?"

[Helen Kingsley]

Helen enters the Necropolis from back where she has her quarters, followeing the sound of voices. And the knowledge that there's going to be a meeting in the caldarium. Duh. She hasn't put much effort into her wardrobe, after all, its a private thing and judging from the letter and the occasion, she judges it to be semi-formal at best. She's wearing jeans and a slightly faded blue 'Seattle Seahawks' t-shirt. No socks, no shoes.

"Hope I'm not too late, sorry for the wait."

It's a curious feeling, being the weakest in the room. It's been some time. She looks over the latest arrival.

"Sssssssoooooo.... You're Mrs Thistle, then. That's the way you want to be addressed in general or do you want me to call you anything different ?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I am pleased that you have established yourself, Ms. Thistle. One of the habits that I suggest is that within this Necropolis, we may refer to one another more informally. If you wish to partake in this habit, you may call me Jennifer."
"Helen." Jennifer greets when Helen chooses to arrive.
"Reeve Helen Kingsley, Ms. Aletheia Thistle." Jennifer made a polite introduction. She held to the Domain titles, as she had noticed some members getting in trouble for not adhering to simple formalities in Court of late.
Jennifer glances to Helen at her question to Ms. Thistle. The gaze weighed on Helen for a moment. Jennifer recalled a meeting that had happened in the Necropolis very recently.
Jennifer notes the polite nature of the new Nosferatu.

"It is refreshing to see respects being remembered. Let us move into the Caldarium."
The electric lights in the bathhouse are set for a certain mood: soft and dreamlike. There is a deep pool, its own pool lights calm and steady. There is a new addition to the bathhouse. A painting was encased in a special glass made to protect paintings from heat, humidity and damage. This painting was predominantly displayed. The painting was created by a Nosferatu, Cynthia Weiss, and had been given as a gift to the Nosferatu Clan. The subject was this very Caldarium, created some time ago.
Jennifer took a seat facing the painting of the ruined Caldarium, a gift for the Nosferatu.

The Caldarium is in some need of attention, as old candles have accumulated.


"Please, sit." Jennifer invites. "You may be interested to know that there are Sepulchers within this Necropolis. When a member of the Clan takes responsibility for maintaining a part of the Necropolis, they may claim a Sepulcher for themselves."

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia beholds the Reeve with a hint of surprise, dead eyes resting briefly on bare feet before she eventually turns her still gaze to Helen's face.

"Forgive me," she says with an apologetic smile, "I am unaccustomed to your state of dress... As for how to refer to me, I was most often referred to as Sister Aletheia or Sister Thistle in New York City. However, I shall ascribe to the Alder Prince's decision to excise titles of covenant. I am widowed... so I suppose Mrs. Thistle or Ms. Thistle will do just fine. Likewise, in accordance to Jennifer's wishes, you may simply call me Aletheia here when we are among family."

A nod is granted to the Priscus of the Haunts.

"As you wish, Jennifer, my apologies," she said, "I shall endeavor to do so going forward."

As the conversation moves to the Caldarium, the willowy Haunt allows her gaze to wander to their environs for only a few moments, taking in the beauty of the room with silent admiration before returning to look upon her fellows.

Seating herself when directed, Aletheia sits straight, her hands gently folded upon her lap as she gives Jennifer her full attention. A gentle smile hits her lips, a disconcerting phenomena when one considers the dead, cursed gaze above.

"It is well within my hope that I have made my intention to aid Clan Nosferatu in addition to my duties to the Lancea et Sanctum quite clear," she said, "I am more than willing to take on the task of maintaining a part of the Necropolis as part of my nightly tasks in exchange for a Sepulcher in which to lay my head in daysleep... the security of a Necropolis is much preferred."

[Helen Kingsley]

Well, would you look at that. Well, she's been at the point herself not too long ago after all.

"Mrs Thistle it it outside, then. Sister as in penguin or sister as in fun things like Deacon or Lay priest ?"

Shze nods. "Pitching in is always appreciated." She sits down, arms folded behind her head, leaning against the wall. "And the sepulchers... well, you'll feel right at home in no time."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer inclined her head slightly towards Aletheia as Aletheia's expression changed. The stated reason was understandable. It was a very normal response.
"No need to apologize, Aletheia. Yes, you have stated your desire to help.

You may notice that the Caldariam has fallen into some disrepair. There are other areas if you have a different desire."
Jennifer looks between Helen and Aletheia.

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia looked confused, but maintained a cordial smile as well as she could.

"Penguin? I'm sorry, I do not follow," she said, looking between Jennifer and Helen in search of context, "I... serve as an Inquisitor, if that is your question. Specifically, my duty implores me to seek out heresy within the ranks of the faithful and... correct such offenses by any means necessary within the allowance of the local Domain."

Looking to Jennifer before again turning her gaze back to the Caldarium, Aletheia thinks on her answer.

"With respect, Jennifer, I do not wholly believe you would bring us here to this specific place within the Necropolis if you did not have a vested interest for it to be restored," she said, "I am... willing to work towards that goal, but I am of modest means and my time among the Kine was not spent in finery. I am not confident I could awaken the grandeur these tarnished walls suggest this room once possessed."

Simple, honest truth. Aletheia was not unwilling, she simply questioned if she was able.