Conversation in Lotus

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I would be interested in hearing what you can gather from your Clan mate." Jennifer's Cursed voice coils in the meager shadows between the two Kindred.

"It is good that your Clan Mate managed his Beast. I doubt Her Grace would have been pleased to hear of such loss of control." Jennifer observes calmly.
"I wonder why the sun was avoided. I believe that is common in the mythos known to Kine. Perhaps further investigation would reveal the methods to their madness.

Zealots are dangerous to our kind.
I will be interested to see ow you counter this Hunter group."

"I believe that you were with the newcomer, calls himself Kylar. What were your impressions? Were the Kindred in attendance attentive to your authority?"

I am curious about your thoughts about te Daeva Priscus." Jennifer looks at the Reeve expectantly.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto nodded. "I will be certain to convey my findings to both the Prince and your, Seneschal Hazelton. It may unfortunately have to come after I pen my report for the month, seeing as I have mistimed matters." The Priest drummed his fingers as he pondered her comment about the sun. "I couldn't begin to fathom why, no... as you said, it seems like the most obvious place to start if your suspect a Kindred. Even the most outlandish depictions of our kind tend to have that as a common thread." Vitae for thought.

Kylar? The name did not immediately ring a bell, though understanding dawned on the Reeve as he put together the context clues. Azoth. "He is competent." He said flatly. "I am concerned about his reliability... at least with regards to politics and social venues. But our rescue attempt would not have been successful without him. He was quite the Shadow."

Was that a twitch on the Ventrue's face at the mention of Alicia? Hard to say. "A bit difficult to communicate with at times..." His tone was distant, strangely noncommittal. "But I have found her to be reliable. Twice now she has been of vital aid in investigating threats to the Domain. Whatever her eccentricities, I believe she is a boon for the Domain."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I would appreciate the consideration, Reeve Schneider. Perhaps the investigation will carry out why they chose to abstain from the sunlight.
Competent? I am glad to hear that attribute ascribed to him. I have not seen much evidence of that. I was hopeful that many hands would make light work."

At his conclusion of describing Alicia, Jennifer nods slightly to show that she is actively listening.


"I believe that we have covered everything that we need to share." The Nosferatu stated.

At these words, the Ghoul, Liam, appears in the doorway He carries a potted plant.
"I attended a DOCO event," Jennifer states. "- and I believe this may be suitable for your foray into experimentation with plants. There is a gift to celebrate your appointment."

Liam places the plant upon the table. The plant pot was tied with an expensive purple ribbon. A small box tied with the expensive purple ribbon was placed on the table: a fine and expensive ink pen.

"I remain interested in further discussion about interest in the occult."

[Otto Schneider]

Otto could not help but give a half-smile at the question of Azoth's competency, though all he responded with was a shrug. The man certainly knows how to rustle feathers. If only he could showcase his talents better to make up for it. But he doubted anything he said would sway the Seneschal at that point. Besides, he didn't feel the inclination to defend the other man that vigorously in this private setting.

He nodded as Jennifer brought their discussion of formal duties to a close, hoping that his relief didn't show too visibly. One performance evaluation survived isn't a triumph. The Reeve reminded himself before drawing his attention more fully to the Seneschal. 'DOCO' meant little to him, he faintly recalled it as some event venue in the area, but the Ventrue couldn't help but smile appreciatively at the gift in Liam's hands.

His Sire might have cautioned him about letting his feelings show, but none of that mattered to Otto in the moment. "What a lovely gift." He had almost missed the fountain pen to go with it. He knew that he shouldn't let himself be too swayed by the gift-giving, but it was hard not to feel a measure of satisfaction. "This is quite thoughtful of you, Seneschal Hazelton. Thank you." His tone had a measure more sincerity than he was used to hearing from himself. Let's just not make it a habit.

"I would be happy to." He said with a nod before looking at the plant pot appreciatively. "I don't know that I'll want to risk losing this one so soon by using it in my own experiments, though. As it turns out, Vitae is dreadfully fatal to most plant life." Otto had lost several rose bushes already. The worst part was, as far as he could surmise, this was simply an unavoidable hazard of growing a Mandrake. Omelets and eggs, after all.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Brown eyes had observed Otto closely at his response. Jennifer was pleased by the Ventrue's response that in Jennifr's opinion, was appropriately weighted and professional. She had grown some concern that a few Kindred had lapsed into the habit of sharing overly fond opinions of one another in the Cacophony. It was evident that the Reeve had not stumbled into such a mistake. Jennifer nods slightly in approval for a more reserved demeanor.

"You are welcome, Reeve Schneider. The two of us are different in our Faith, yet among my Covenant, it is a show of respect to mark occasions with Gifts."
Although the Nosferatu was careful not to suggest any failure or slight on her part. Otto was of a different Covenant, and therefore the Gift was not necessary and would not have been a slight to ignore it. Jennifer simply liked showing the respect to those whom she felt were deserving.

"I would expect such outcomes." Jennifer states as he shares the outcomes. "Vitae is not suited for the Living. It will change all but the most stalwart of living creatures, and those resilient enough not to crumple beneath the weight will remain forever changed by the Kindred Curse."

A delicate lady - like hand gently touched her own neck for a moment before being moved back to her side. Her own Sire's Nosferatu Curse had been a sight terrible to behold.

"The plant will no doubt thrive under your care."

[Otto Schneider]

The Ventrue Priscus nodded appreciatively at the gift again. "My Sire was one of the First Estate." The Reeve spoke without strong sentiment. His 'heritage' wasn't really something Otto bothered hiding, anyway. "I am familiar with the importance placed on gifts... though I admit, I am rusty with regards to all the proper protocols." There was a ghost of a real smile at that. "I will endeavor to find a reciprocate the gesture properly."

He hazarded a closer look at the plant, gingerly lifting it to eye-level and examining the soil already in the pot. "It seems quite healthy." Otto sounded almost cheerful in his appraisal. "I think this one will make for a... companion at my desk rather than something to be experimented on." It took a few moments, but the Ventrue managed to take wrest control over his expression after that and resume his usual polite smile.

"How has your own research into Ghoul families been progressing, if I may ask?" He tone was casual, though it was plain that he was asking out of genuine interest rather than just being polite. "I would imagine much of it has been theoretical research rather than practical application?" Not that it was impossible for the Seneschal to have had some success, but considering she still seemed to rely primarily on Liam, he assumed that nothing had 'born fruit' yet.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I have been researching by speaking with those who have personal experience with ghoul Blood lines." Jennifer spoke, becoming a bit more animated as she leaned in slightly. "The First Estate has had the privilege of stability when pursuing research. A protege eager to learn knowledge from their mentor can be a worthwhile research partner," Jennifer states. Although here Jennifer speaks carefully. Some things were common facts, such as the First Estate mentoring the childer who wish to rise in the ranks. The basics of ghoul families were common fact. Yet some of the knowledge that Jennifer was pursuing was held by Cyclical Houses, powerful institutions for maintaining power and control within the First Estate. Some bits of a House might be known to those in a Kindred community or Domain. Yet there were likely many things that were unknown. Jennifer eyed Otto with interest for a moment as she continued.
"- and I have been writing to my mentor's protege, Lord Garreth Slate. The Kindred who taught me the mystical knowledge of Notaries is knowledgeable in other Occult topics. The Baroness Notary herself is enjoying Sweet Torpor."

Jennifer continues to watch Otto to see if he displays any knowledge of understanding.

"The execution of the knowledge itself would take time to bear fruit. As well as considerable resources. Yet all we have is time, do we not?" Jennifer mused.
"I must travel soon to reunite with my Mentor." Jennifer looks thoughtful.

"Perhaps we should make a date in mid July to discuss our occult interest?" Jennifer proposes.
"If so, do suggest a time and place for such a meeting in a letter. I will let you set up such a meeting." As Jennifer was curious what the Reeve had developed now that he had some time, and Status.

"Yet the night has grown long." Jennifer states, letting her tone show regret.
"May you be well until we speak again."

Liam steps into sight, able to escort an honored guest to his vehicle.

OOC

Thank you for the scene!

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The two kindred part ways.