Chapter 2: Absolute Power

[Sinfulwolf]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Anabelle shrugged at the final comment, but did not stop the smirk from playing at her lips.

"Has to be somewhere for them to gather. No?"

 

[dmronny]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

The miniature fire demons jump around and play as though teasing Jocelyn from the fire place. Jourdain seems to relax once he's sure no one is behind him and listens to the others speak before innocently asking. "Something happened outside? I must have missed it while I was busy running into Jocelyn here. Quite literally I might add."

His eyes narrow a bit as he looks toward Jocelyn and adds. "You really should watch where you're going. Just because you're expected to be running around like a crazy woman doesn't mean you should. Some wouldn't be so kind as to forget falling into the mud like we did."

He doesn't wait for an answer to his question before Smirking at Eliza. "Are you sure you aren't trying to stroke my ego dear sister? To already be an Amicus at my tender age would be a tremendous honor. Though you might be correct in assuming D'Ombro is a member, he is an elder of some power. I can try to arrange a meeting once he has returned from his raiding. Though you'll need something to offer him besides your company as pleasant as that might be. Of course it's quite likely that he was in charge of the attack on yourself as I've already said. Much like the rest of us northeners he can be somewhat barbaric as you've pointed out."

Spoiler

Don't forget Jocelyn should recognize D'Ombro by name as the evil pirate he is. Also a minor point but the Prince is fine it's the seneschal who's missing.

 

[Shrike7]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Distracted a bit with watching the imps play about in the fire and taunting her, Jocelyn misses some of the conversation, her attention returning when Jourdain starts poking jibes in her direction.

"I think a lady can be forgiven when running for her life." She retorted, standing up a little straighter. But the man had already moved on, talking to the other's about...

"D'Ombro?" She asked suddenly, interrupting the conversation. "Older guy, runs aship? He's... Why do you want to meet him?"

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Vezina's eyes widened at the implications.

"Mortal wizards have accomplished this? And by the blood of my clan?" Vezina closed towards Pallas, placing a hand down on the small desk next to the journal. "If these Tremere are here within London, it may be that they are repeating the process with other Cainites... such as Valerius. You are right. We must bring this information to the elders immediately. Do you see anything else of note in his journal? Some mention of how they were able to achieve what they did?"

 

[dmronny]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Jocelyn feels a slight kick to her foot under the table as Jourdain turns to look at her with a wink. "Feel free to knock me into the mud whenever you feel threatened, milady. Just try to avoid doing it when you're being chased by imaginary creatures. If it wasn't for the fact that you ran into a full block away from here when you did it, I might wonder if you had something to do with whatever occurred outside."

He then leans back again and answers her question about D'Ombro. "I suppose you could say he captains a ship. You could also say he's a murderer, slaver, pirate, smuggler, and probably worse. As to why either Eliza or myself would want to know him, we'll just say his nickname of "the shadow" is rather fitting for an elder in the clan of night.

Spoiler

In case you didn't catch on, Jocelyn is actually back in the same inn where she ran into the two kindred who chased her.

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Pallas's eyes clearly show the same look of disdain for these Tremere as she flips through a few more pages. She stops to read something before continuing on before closing the book and saying darkly.

"I can't seem to find an actual description of this ritual they used, or even where they might be found. However a more thorough study might be in order, if you would allow me the time to read the journal more thoroughly?

Within a single night in Prince Mithras domain and you have already proven yourself a worthy scion. I assure you that all credit for the finding of this information shall be yours. I only ask that you continue to view me as an ally if need be. It might not be long and you might even gain title at court if your investigations bear further fruit."

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"Yes, of course. Study the book. It does us no good if left unread," Vezina said, as she stepped away and paced across the room, caught within her own thoughts.

"These Tremere have committed a grave offense against my clan, and against Cainites as a whole. The gift of the Embrace is meant to be just that... a gift, given and bestowed. These mages have usurped it. They must be made to pay."

Of course, Vezina was pleased that this discovery would further her credentials with the London court, but the knowledge that mortals could do this to a Tzimisce and use the power of the blood was anathema to her beliefs and that of her master. Humans were meant to be ruled. This was a revolt against the right of rule. Vezina had known her place, had sacrificed, had bled for her master and had been duly rewarded. These will workers must be wiped from the earth.

Vezina's eyes darted to Pallas, and she gave the Ventrue a nod.

"I thank you for your aid, and your offer of alliance is accepted. My further investigations may well depend on your ability to translate this journal. Can you tell me if there are any entries that stand out, mentioning something about a box, or referencing Pandora, the sword of Nul, or possibly Tiamat?"

 

[Shrike7]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Spoiler

I had a feeling, but there were so many around, couldn't really know for sure.

"I have never imagined a creature, thank you very much." Jocelyn sputtered, giving Jourdain a cross look.

When talk returned to D'Ombro, she nodded. "I didn't want to be the first to say it, just in case. I almost got passage here from the mainland with him, glad I was able to find another ship, personally." She explained carefully.

 

[dmronny]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"I have seen no such mention of things in my short reading of the journal but I will keep an eye out for any such passages. This symbol here may be something you wish to remember in your immediate searches, it seems to occur quite often in the writing."

Sister Pallas says as she indicates a page showing a symbol that Vezina recognizes as the astrological symbol for Mars incised with a square.

"If you wish to continue your searches while I translate feel free. It shouldn't be able to contact one another if anything should come to light. I attend court quite regularly as all scions should.

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Jourdain merely looks at the others and nods his head as he says. "Of course, who would imagine such a thing. I am sorry if I raised your ire in saying such things."

When she mentions almost taking passage on his ship he adds. "I highly doubt if you would have enjoyed that trip. From what I've heard of my esteemed elder he is just as likely to sell kindred as slaves as he is to sell a mere mortal. He can be rather barbaric even this far north."

Spoiler

I figured it might be confusing that's why I mentioned it.

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"Very well, I will look for you at the court on the morrow then. In the meanwhile, I shall return to my vigil," Vezina said before allowing herself out. She committed the symbol to memory, and would be keeping an eye out for it.

Upon leaving Westminster, Vezina would head back to the Gilded Merchant, intent on keeping a watch upon the quarters that had been protected by the mystic ward. She wanted to find this individual sorcerer and hopefully allow him to lead her back to the rest of his cabal - assuming he wasn't working on his own. But if these Tremere were behind the disappearance of the seneschal and the poisoning of the warmaster, it stood to reason that there would be more than one of them.

 

[Ranger Princess]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Eliza rolled her eyes at first at Jourdain's teasing remark. "I find it is often most pleasing to others to assume the best don't you think? Or at least to claim to." She retorted with an impish smirk before she went silent through the rest of the conversation, considering her options.

"Of course he is dangerous, but I think that is all the more reason to try to ensure he doesn't have his machinations set upon me. Dangerous people can be useful allies I find. Regardless, I like to meet fellow clan mates. Perhaps if it troubles your heart so to see me go alone, you can come yourself brother."

 

[Sinfulwolf]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"Dangerous allies are indeed useful, but dangerous enemies are quite the opposite," Anabelle mused quietly, and for a moment she was back in the deserts around Acre, sweaty and blood spattered. Raising her gaze to Eliza she tilted her head slightly.

"If his machinations are indeed set upon you, perhaps we should have him removed from this game you play."

 

[dmronny]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Vezina's trip back to the inn passes with little fanfare. She easily notices a few of the city watchmen poking around across the street from the inn. They poke around a suit of armor and clothes lying in the snow, a thin layer of dust blows into the snow from the clothing.

She quickly takes her mount to the stable and leaves the lesser beast to enter the inn intent on her vigil. Entering the inn she immediately notices that the two kindred she had seen the previous evening are gone only to be replaced with Jourdain, Eliza, Anabelle, and Jocelyn seated in a corner.

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"Flattery can be useful if your good at it, at least with some people." Jourdain smiles. "I only wish to make sure your aware of the possible dangers, Eliza. I assure you I'm more than confident in your abilities or should I say I'm confident in my dear sire's ability to train you. I will use my contacts to arrange such a meeting as soon as possible."

Jourdain looks back towards the door after saying this before looking back down and adding. "It seems everyone is interested in the inn this night. Perhaps you might be able to gain more allies if I make myself scarce for a bit. Though I do have one last thing to add before I mingle elsewhere, Anabelle. D'Ombro might be despicable and even possibly an enemy but it isn't wise to mention removing an elder, much less one of my own. I like you too much to have to kill you."

 

[Ranger Princess]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Eliza smiles, pleased that her connections had so speedily arranged a meeting. She glanced around the room and rocked on her chair a bit impatiently however when Jourdain moved to leave.

"Thank you Jourdain... did you not want to speak to me in private?" Eliza's relationship with Adria was a lot of things, complicated by many factors but her borderline obsession was clear enough. Once the wintry haired Lasombra learned there was more specific instructions from her sire, she wanted to know what they were!

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Vezina did not yet know what to make of the old suit of armor, but the dust on it suggested it had not been worn, or at the very least had not been cared for. What did it mean? She tucked the occurrence away in the back of her mind for later use and crossed the threshold of the inn that had become the centerpiece of a dark plot in her infant nights in the city.

She recognized Jourdain and the others instantly, and wondered for a moment if she should bother to approach them. She was still on less than tender terms with Jourdain, and that would likely extend to his blood kin next to him. However, the others were in much the same position she was - being new to London - and in this respect they were trustworthy for no other reason perhaps than their lack of local power.

Added to this was the potential need for security should the Tremere owner of that journal have agents in the area. Vezina had little desire to disappear in the same manner as the Ventrue elder. The need for protection won out, and Vezina moved to the Cainites' table.

"Good evening, dear friends, is this seat taken?" she asked no one in particular, keeping her eyes to her own satchel, which she unslung as her hand reached for the chair. "What an odd coincidence to meet you all again under one roof. I had no idea there was such a bond to your party."

Her words held little conviction. She certainly had not forgotten them riding off to leave her to walk in the mud of the woods, and did not think that they had any love for one another. Even Jourdain's blood sibling. Perhaps her especially so, given what Vezina knew about siblings firsthand. Nevertheless she wore a smile and expected them to invite her to sit, if for no other reason than feral curiosity.

 

[Sinfulwolf]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Anabelle waved her hand towards the chair. "It may be England, but yer free to sit. Far as I know anyway," she said with a slight frown at the last part, her eyes moving to see Jourdain moving away.

She did not like the last few words he said to her. It reminded her too much of the politics of kings and lords who had no right to sit their arses in finely crafted chairs and tell others what to do. Spoiled brats who had power that they did not deserve. She shook her head, once again wondering why she came to London.

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Vezina seated herself, just as Jourdain was standing up to leave. She said nothing to him, and felt that it was just as well. When he'd left, she smiled thinly and addressed Annabelle.

"And what brings you all here tonight? I can't imagine this is the best place to hunt, though it suffices in a pinch. Perhaps some other intrigue gathers you?"

 

[dmronny]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

Jourdain stands to leave before Vezina makes her way over, though he does respond to Eliza before leaving. "It's more important that you make allies with who you can and when you can. Allies of your own will make everything easier including our sire's bidding. I won't go far so that we can discuss such things afterward."

He nods to the others as well and makes his way across from the table where they are seated and speaks with one of the servants before heading up the stairs toward the rooms.

 

[Shrike7]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"I don't think so." Jocelyn replied Vezina, her eyes following Jourdain until he was past the fireplace and safe from the imps there. "Jourdain and I were running from... Something angry at me, I think it was an angel, and he led me here. The other two were already here, so we did like you and joined them. All our talking was mostly between the people who weren't here at the same time, mostly about pirates. Then you showed up. We haven't been here that long, I think. Hard to know without my circles, but it hasn't felt like that long." She explained carefully, looking at the other two, just in case she had forgotten something.

 

[Sinfulwolf]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"I was just looking for something to do, bumped into Eliza, wandered with her a bit," Anabelle said with a shrug, and rubbed her chin.

"Anyone else see the armour outside?"

 

[BlueSlime]

Re: Chapter 2: Absolute Power

"Yes, I noticed the armor on the way in," Vezina said, shortly after nodding slightly to Jocelyn for her Malkavian explanation that their meeting here together was all apparently happenstance, unless some Christian angel was having a fun little game of coterie maker. "Covered in dust, if my eyes were not mistaken. Certainly an oddity, but these nights, oddities are becoming commonplace."

She looked from Annabelle, to Eliza, to Jocelyn, and then back to the Gangrel. "Does the name Pandora mean anything to the three of you?"