Conversation in Lotus

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The two-story salon had an artistic styled sign across the entrance with the name Lotus.
The location of the building, nestled on a walkway near other artistic venues, suggests Blushing would be advised. The lighting within the salon allowed one to see the space, yet was dim.
Upon arriving, Liam steps forward to greet you. Liam waits to accept coats and accessories by the coat check to the left. Liam leads guests as they arrive down a hall.

You leave behind the hallway that leads to the small ballroom and the closed door of Jennifer’s private study. The door across the hall, where the First Estate have met at a boardroom table, is open this evening. The second door, that Otto knows leads to the medium room where paintings were on display in a prior visit, stands closed. Two large glass globes with small openings at the top were just before the hall. Within these globes, lotus flowers floated in clear water.
Jennifer invited her guest to a private area of the Salon.

There was a long well-appointed and expensive table in the room. Set in shelves in the wall were tastefully decorated with rose blooms on black and deep green silk brocade table runners. The roses were First red, Helio and Jade rose blossoms. The seating had eight chairs arranged along the length of the table, and no chairs sat at the head and foot of the table. There were four seats on the left and four on the right.
Vivaldi was piped in on the overhead. The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV 269 "Spring’ played softly.
Jennifer wore a semi formal outfit of a shorter dress of fine make, with a copper and green floral design. The pieces were tailored to her 5’7” frame, in a brighter color scheme. Jennifer was wearing her Nosferatu ring and the ring that symbolized something important to her, the chocolate diamond and white diamond ring.

[Otto Schneider]

The Seneschal's letter had indicated that this wasn't an event that with an overly strict dress code. However, the Reeve seldom dressed casually when he was meeting other Kindred in an official capacity. 'Business casual' usually just meant slacks and polo shirts; it simply wasn't in the Ventrue's nature to go out in such attire. Otto was dressed in one of his tailored suits, though he had chosen a rarer outfit with white jacket and pants and a black tie. Surely there won't be an opportunity to stain it tonight.

Nevertheless, he had opted to make use of a chauffeur. Mr. Edwards, a Ghoul he had borrowed from one of his congregants, had cheerfully driven him to the Lotus and opened the passenger door of the Lincoln Navigator that Otto had rented for the night. Perhaps it was indulgent of him to spend to freely to rent such a vehicle for a single night that he'd be spending mostly indoors, but the thought hadn't bothered him. Besides, if he never indulged in a bit of spending, what was the point in hoarding so much wealth?

Once he left the vehicle, he greeted Liam with a smile and a nod, surrendering his jacket so that he remained in his undershirt and tie. Though he didn't always approve Blushing outside dealing with kine, Otto had allowed his vitae to add some color to his dead flesh. He made his way towards the more private room of the Lotus from memory, gazing fondly at the roses that greeted him. The faint snarl of the Beast was quickly beaten down as he noticed Jennifer and took a few unhurried steps in her direction.

"As usual, the hostess knows how to impress." He said before bowing his head politely. They weren't at Court, true, but it felt like good manners to show deference anyway considering the Seneschal owned the venue. "Thank you kindly for inviting me, Seneschal Hazelton." Otto glanced briefly at the seats. "Are you expecting more guests?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Liam had been observing at his post for Otto's arrival. He notes the change with some interest as Mr. Edwards presence is noted. The Seneschal's ghoul, Liam, is too professional to remark upon the change or allege the past work that the Reeve and Ghoul have completed together. He offers to check any items for the Reeve and leads the Reeve to his Regnant in quiet and brisk business like demeanor.

"Good evening, Reeve Schneider." Jennifer greets by rising as Otto enters the room. The Nosferatu Curse asserts itself, the words sounding as though a snake is slithering through dying grass.

Dark brown eyes move to signal Liam, who goes to get the present at the pre - arranged signal.

"You and I are the only Kindred present tonight.

Please, have a seat."
Jennifer indicates the well appointed chairs for Otto to choose from. It was important information for Otto to know the guest list to situate himself accordingly. The Second Estate did not exercise the same politics as the First estate, Jennifer reflects. Jennifer did believe in being though and polite.

"Allow me to formerly congratulate you on your new position. How have you found being Reeve?" Jennifer inquired as she claimed her seat at the right, furthest from the door and closest to the head of the table.
"I must say, I am a bit surprised." Jennifer let that hang in the air for a moment.

"I am surprised as I have received correspondence from Priscus Silvers about her thoughts on investigation."

[Otto Schneider]

This sibilant manner of the Seneschal's speech may have perturbed Otto on some level, but he had at least grown accustomed enough that he could maintain his polite expression. A slightly unsettling manner of speech was far more tolerable than some other expressions of the Nosferatu Curse.

The Reeve took the offered seat and folded his hands, mentally bracing for whatever subject Jennifer might bring up. So far, she had dealt with him fairly. He might have even gone so far as to say that he liked her. But the Requiem was an existence of struggle and politicking and he would have been remiss to not have been at least a little on guard.

"Thank you," He said. "I have found it to be busy work, but quite rewarding." It had certainly forced him to take some of his focus away from his gardening, but that had always been a luxury. The position would only be truly burdensome if it interfered with his Covenant work. The mention of Alicia nearly shattered his composure and it took some measure of will to remain stone-faced.

"I see." The Ventrue replied simply. "I take it she relayed the results of our efforts in her own words." He looked expectantly at Jennifer. He could guess at several ways the conversation could go, but he would not blunder about without seeing how the Seneschal wanted to take things first.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer observed the Ventrue for a moment as she pondered his words.

"Busy work." She feels out as she observed him.

"Rewarding." The dark eyes are thoughtful. The sibilant voice continued.

"Eh." Jennifer made a slight finger wave with her right hand.
"She attempted to relay something. Yet I have found that she can get tangled up in language. I found what she did relay to be of some interest.
How have you found it?"

"There is much to be done in a Domain. I am sure that you observed the mistakes of your predecessor." Now those eyes seem to be expectant as she watches for Otto's reaction.

[Otto Schneider]

So this is how we're doing things? It seemed that the Nosferatu was playing coy. Well, Otto may simply have been getting overly paranoid... but it was rare that paranoia was unwarranted amongst Kindred.

The Priest drummed his fingers on the table for a few seconds before nodding to himself. There was little point beating around the bush, at least at this point. "I believe I am aware of what you are getting at, Seneschal Hazelton. And even if I am not, it bears mentioning. My predecessor became unresponsive, I failed to make a timely report after a major investigation and you heard from a non-Domain official before me. This reflects poorly on me." There was a casualness with which he droned on about his apparent failure that might have even been unnerving to some.

He sighed, though his facial features barely shifted. "I will not make excuses for it. I should have done better. However," the Priest leaned forward with his hands folded. "Be that as it may, I think the rescue effort was a success." The Reeve briefly tapped his finger along to Vivaldi as he awaited a response from Jennifer.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer's shoulders relaxed slightly. She remained poised and in a lady like posture. Jennifer has determined that the Reeve has picked up at what she was driving at.

Jennifer observed the Ventrue for a moment. She weighed different options and decided to proceed with the direct approach.

"I was surprised by the Priscus' letter. There were some interesting facts about the investigation.

My main concern is that I want you to succeed.

The best way is to remain in the Alder Prince's good graces.

She likes to be promptly informed about all investigations. Following her commands are imperative."
Jennifer paused as she looked across the table at Otto.

"Is there anything that you need?
Do you believe follow up will be required?"

[Otto Schneider]

Otto kept his expression reserved for the time being. She wanted him to succeed? It seemed almost laughable at first blush; Kindred didn't want other Kindred to succeed, generally. Surely there were exceptions, but the Ventrue didn't see himself fitting those. They weren't coterie-mates, not lovers, nor even really friends. He respected the Seneschal and even thought she was pleasant to be around, but he doubted that she would want him to succeed out of the goodness of her dead heart. That left another distinct possibility.

Pawn. If not for herself, then for the Prince. Yes, that was much easier to accept. A Reeve that was compliant was a boon to the rest of the Domain's leadership, so long as they held his leash. It didn't bother or offend him to arrive at this conclusion. It was only natural, after all, especially for a Kindred of the First Estate. It was your own mistake for involving yourself in temporal politics.

Still, everything she said was reasonable. "I understand, Seneschal Hazelton." He said before lowering his head. "My lack of formal report was not intended as insubordination or sloth, but it was still failure on my part. Hence, I have made no attempt to hide it. I will rectify this by penning a formal report by the end of the month, I assure you. Please offer my apologies to the Prince in the interim and, if you feel it appropriate, I will show my contrition in person."

Bowing and scraping out of the way, he moved forward with the conversation. "As for what to do going forward, I plan to debrief my cousin, Mr. Jake. If you feel it appropriate to be present as well, I encourage you to do so. Either way, he spent a concerningly long time in close proximity to mortal hunters." The Priest sighed a little and fiddled with his cuff. "It is a minor miracle he didn't give in to wassail before we got to him." His expression grew more serious as he looked across at Jennifer.

"We will need to take measure to ensure the safety of the Domain. Warnings in Elysium, perhaps. Kindred need to be aware that there are hunters who have some awareness of Kindred, even if their knowledge is incomplete. We came perilously close to a breach of the Masquerade."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

It was not her place to make personal observations in this area. As appropriate measures were stated that Jennifer agreed with, she did not return to the topic. There was no point in trodding over the same ground.
Jennifer was thoughtful for a moment.

"I believe that you can handle the debrief without my presence." The serpent voice states. "I do agree: that is concerning. Did you get an idea that he may have learned anything about their organization or personnel?"
Jennifer looks at Otto's expression.

Although Jennifer reflects that under such duress, it may be unlikely.

"One of our most dire threats."
Jennifer agreed gravely.

"Do you have strong thoughts on what you observed on their procedure? The Daeva Priscus certainly thought that they lack scientific understanding.
Although," Jennifer eyes Otto.
"- do you believe that you earned their trust?

Could they have been playing a game?

I recall a former coterie mate who shared that a former ally was once under the impression that he was making headway in an investigation into Hunters. He found himself invited into their company and soon found himself surrounded and under a net.
He was quite embarrassed that they had manipulated him."

Not that you would be taken in. Others, though."
Jennifer could think of one or two who had been in the presence who might lack the wits.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto shook his head with a measure of disappointment. "I don't believe Mr. Jake learned much of value, but that is merely an assumption at this point." He said. "I still need to debrief him, so there is still a chance that he has information worth considering. But given his near-starved state, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't retain any real information."

The Priest looked pensive before continuing. "I fear that these are not merely a handful of lucky, ignorant hunters who stumbled onto an isolated Kindred." He shook his head. "Their methods were too meticulous, too practiced. They knew that fire would draw an instinctive reaction, they were careful to starve Mr. Jake over an extended period of time, they seemed guarded over potential uses of the subtle Disciplines... they may not know us as 'Kindred', but they've certainly grown wise to some of the peculiarities of our kind." Otto gave a rueful smile. "At least they don't seem to be aware of the sun, otherwise they would have just thrown their captive into the day's light." It wasn't much, but they needed any little advantage they could get over these mortals.

The Reeve tapped a finger on the table in thought as he pondered his next reply. "They probably lean more towards the mystic than the scientific... most likely. As for whether they trust me..." He tented his fingers and grimaced. "It's hard to say. They are absolutely paranoid and, in a manner of speaking, zealots." Pot calling the kettle black, no? "They started with the conclusion, that Mr. Jake was a supernatural predator, and resisted all potential evidence that would steer them away from that line of thinking. So, while I don't believe I've done much that would cause them suspicion, we can't assume that they are rational actors."

Otto sighed and spread his hands apart again. "I suppose for the time being, I'll just have to play along. But I would like an excuse to disengage as soon as possible. I exposed myself to them out of necessity, to preserve the Masquerade. That objective has been served." He chuckled darkly. "I don't see them capturing me, but the same could be said for just about anyone who becomes an unexpected captive. You never imagine it happening until it does."