Louie looks down the list quickly as they walk the hall, mumbling beneath his breath as he reads, and ticking over each item in his head. He growls with deep appreciation as he hands the list back, and grins at the Professor. "Seems like a fairly tight summation to me, mate! Down to the T..." The vampire seems quieter than usual, pensive. Something about this meeting with the Regentia has him on edge, far more than he'd been the first time through here. Maybe he's worried that the night's surprises aren't over. Or maybe, after so long out of the spotlight, the drag of this long series of social manuevrring has tired the social butterfly out of him out...
He straightens himself up as they approach the server room doors, fixing his collar and finding his charm once more. "Alright then," he says, sidling up next to Gurstag. "Big smiles! Let's go make ourselves invaluable!"
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Yes, I've already tried rebooting it. Stop being childish." The woman seems occupied in a phone conversation that appears to be paired with a fruitless attempt at troubleshooting a laptop displaying a conspicuous error message. "Forget it, I'll expect you to have this resolved by the evening." The conversation is cut short as Eleanor takes a seat, looking across her desk to her newfound guests. "I've been told you had an interesting evening, including a rodent problem. I trust they didn't spread any infection."
""Interesting"," Louie replies, non-commitally but not (entirely) disrespectfully. "Yeh, sure....les' go with that..."
Walking up to the desk once more, rather than grab a seat this time Louie remains standing, three fingers nervously rattling against the side as he quietly responds to the Regentia. "Did learn bunches, though," Louie stresses, slightly tersely. "Learned the "Rodents" knew everything about where we were going an' what we were doin' tonight, an' now have us on their personal shit list. They've suggested they've got the Sheriff on speed dial, an' seem eager to give a ring about our business..."
"Learned we're working with bloodbags to create the technology yer' proposing. Moreover, they'd like us to sell out our own to do business. Now, everyone knows I'm no square, ma'am, but I'll tell ya' even my arsehole puckered up at that bit of info..."
Louie, calm as a deathbed vigil, doesn't complain so much as protest with a bitter, defeated determination. "Gotta tell ya, my Regentia...it's not that I don't appreciate you bringing me out of retirement. It's that I didn't think you'd be looking to retire me again so soon!"
Eyes rising to look directly up directly upon the Regentia, the leathery vampire finally asks with the utmost caution. "An' who is Liana, then?"
Gurstag nods his head deferentially to the Regentia, as he walks to the desk and slides his report across to her.
Louie appeared to be heading into the breach for the team, so he feels no reason to also stretch out his neck right now.
Even if he also felt left out to dust.
His eyes track to the laptop.
".."
Probably full of magick as well as whatever this is.
"I could have a shot if you want", he whispers to the Regentia, motioning to the laptop and trying to dodge the crossfire.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Yes, they tend to be irritatingly in the know of everything. However, I must advise that you don't flatter yourselves much. Everyone is on their 'shit list' in some form of another. Let them sing to the Sheriff all they please, he does not like those prone to tattling." With that, she seems inclined to move on past the subject as if it were grade-school squabbling. "I care more about what they don't say than what they will."
Eleanor seems far more intrigued on the subject of the mortals. "Yes, that is typically how their dealings go. You both survived, it appears, so it seems you can navigate the web sufficiently enough. Take solace in that, because it was but a taste of what you can expect in an average Elysium. So yes, they want dirt on House Carna, I expected as much."
The laptop is closed and handed over to Gurstag as if it were already written off. Maybe it had been. "I have a backup, but it would be appreciated if you not wreak havoc on the hardware."
Then her attention returns to Louie, with likely the last reply desirable. "I'm not familiar with the name. Perhaps you can tell me."
Then her attention returns to Louie, with likely the last reply desirable. "I'm not familiar with the name. Perhaps you can tell me."
He hesitates for but a moment. Grins to himself. And then, per usual, Louie barrels ahead: "Li-ann-a. Quiet? Watchful? The "woman" who was overseeing Jonathan an' the bloodbags part o' the deal? Tried her level-best to run things from the sidelines and remain the unseen hand, but me an' her had some words. Her aura was...extremes. An' seemed ageless..."
"...This ent' really the first you're hearing about her, my Regentia?..." Louie looks utterly perplexed, concerned. "She sure knew you." Thinking twice, he considers the full situation, and what it means. Without blinking, he also adds, "Was my demand on the deal, she reveal herself, so ya'know..."
Gurstag turns the laptop over in his hands before he slides it into his satchel.
He already regretted the offer; he only meant to have a poke at it, not have it wrinkling his work. Oh well
"They seemed rather presumptuous for morsels too. That they felt bold enough to deal with us -and- the Wiccans.
And our accosters seemed rather adamant we were risking final death approaching the Technos.
So I'm curious what Liana was too."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Interesting that she would claim such a thing, I hardly traffic with their ilk, I know of their kind through... other circles, you could say. Tell me whatever you know of her, it could be of use in future transactions... though going forward, I trust you both would agree we should make them a less clandestine affair. We may have to go public with our findings if we're to get proper support, or at very least, avoid open hostilities. The Nosferatu are either going to sit on this information for future exploitation, or move fast. I am not fond of either possibility. They already know far too much." While Gurstag tinkers with the laptop, the Regentia has already moved to another avenue, browsing what appears to be a tablet containing an indecipherable mess of code and diagrams. "We may have to make our case at Elysium, loathe as I am to admit it. They won't move against us if we have the support of the entire Primogen Council."
Her attention then goes to Gurstag. "Yes, their kind are known for having considerable hubris. It has brought them low before, it will do so again, but that is no concern of ours. We'll get what we need, and just as soon leave them to their designs. However, I do not want the Wiccans becoming involved... assuming they aren't already. Let me be clear: if you catch any wind of their presence, make yourselves scarce. They are not to be trusted. I would just as soon drop our files into the sewers."
"Well, how should we go about honouring our deal then, Regentia?
We must ensure any information we give them about the Wiccans only feeds their animosity, and not their curiosity, if we are to stop them working together.
We could feed them misinformation, but they seem to be seeking their own info through other means."
He straightens.
"More importance on sounding out what they know already I suppose", pausing, "and might help us get ahead of any Nosferatu surprises before council. They clearly seem to think they know these Technos."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"I'm of a mind that the information would be less harmful in the hands of fellow learned than it would the Nosferatu, as the former have no interest in our power structure or influence on the city, while the latter can and will do anything in their power to see us brought low. Better the devil you know, and all that, not that we truly know either of them. Misinformation would be unwise. They would see right through it. Transparency seems the best option. We give them what they ask for, and they do as they will."
"So then what's the plan moving forward tomorrow night, my Regentia?" Louie asks sweetly, folding his arms and leaning forward in anticipation. For the moment, he was keeping his deeper thoughts on matters to himself...wanted to see what the Regentia expected of them before attempting to press her for more information and resources...
Louie rubs his chin in quiet reflection. "Right...Liana..."
"She sat in the back for the most part, trying to keep on the down-low and let the meat do the majority o' the talking. She was...guess you'd say, hard to keep track of? Kept fucking with our heads somehow, so we didn't know where she was one minute to the next. Talked like she thought she was pretty top o' the food chain. Seemed to be holding her nose working with Tremere...couldn't help but slip in jabs about what fuck-ups we all are, even while trying to work with us. "Science is superior to magic", "how the mighty have fallen", all that bullshit."
"Her aura though... something I ain't ever seen before! Like a black an' white octopus radiating off of her. Whatever she is, might be, she ain't one of us, and she sure ain't one of them!"
Louie looks curiously at the Regentia, trying to read her expression. "What do you think?" He asks cautiously, nails rattling the top of her desk. "She ring any bells to you?"
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"The plan, as proposed, is simple. You are to both attend Elysium tomorrow night. Do dress accordingly. Unfortunately, I can not prepare for every eventuality that may result. Be polite, play your cards close to your chest, and don't give away anything that would jeopardize us or what we have planned."
As to the elaboration on the woman, Eleanor is silent for a time. "She sounds as if she spouts the same rhetoric that all their ilk do. I would not be concerned with that, though this talk of her abilities is... troubling. Tread lightly if you see her. If she were to go on the offensive, flee. This aura you speak of... it sounds potentially infernal, one who traffics in the bartering of souls. Mortal and otherwise."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
As far as Gurstag can tell, nothing that was being done was an attempt on his soul. At very least, there's no magic he knows of that would do it through a computer... at least, he hopes not. If there is, it's miles above Tremere knowledge.
"Yes, that would be wise. You may both retire for the evening, unless you have any other business. I will try to meet you there. Do be on your best behavior, we have not been represented at Elysium in quite some time. Ah yes, you probably haven't attended yet." Eleanor slides a pamphlet across the desk. "The city park just outside the campus, at the first light of the moon."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Contrary to what might have been expected of the typical Elysium, upon arrival, you find the park almost welcoming. It appears to be a local marketplace of sorts, assorted booths and stands peddling everything from local fruits and vegetables to craftspeople selling necklaces and trinkets of their own creation to even the occasional food truck. Definitely not the cold and foreboding interior that most Princes choose for their social gathering, though by all accounts, this is by choice, as the Bostonian Prince is reportedly more of a socialite than most... and keeps close ties to humanity, despite all wisdom suggesting otherwise.
If either of you are planning on conducting feeding at the park, there's no shortage of options, unless you went along the way.
That next night, "Loony" Louie walks into the park with his usual cocky swagger, dressed like a Rockstar for Elysium, sunglasses low over his eyes as the stars faintly twinkle above almost lost in the lights of the City. He greets every third stranger he meets with a tip of the hat, and is quick to compliment those who wander by on their hair styles, fashion choices, taste in romantic partners...
He particularly stops and lingers by the crafts tables, taking a long while to peruse each piece, and making it a point to stop and introduce himself to the creators whenever possible. More than once, he makes someone blush at their "exquisite" choice or turquoise here, or an "Anarchy"-symbol there.
In all of the hustle and bustle, he comes upon a young man, unshaven but clearly ambitious. From near the center of the square, the naive young fellow is strumming rough chords from his guitar. The musician eventually begins belting out the lyrics to a familiar song to the people who stroll by...
Louie, coming upon the performance midway, stops to watch it through to completion. As the last note rings out and falls silent, he claps, whistles, and steps forward to shake the man's hand. "Fantastic, luv', fantastic! Ye' know, I met Bill Wyman, back in the day...an Keef' (chuckles)? Well, me and Keef had more an' a few talks, I don't need to tell you!" Louie laughs, pondering on times long gone (and, just maybe, those that had never been)
"Listen, lad," Louie says, draping his arm conspiratorially over the guitarist's shoulder and pulling him off to the side. "Keef taught me one thing about showmanship, I never forgot...ya' wanna know what it is?" Leaning towards the man's right ear, Louie quietly whispers, "Everyone wants to Rock these days; but they fergot' about the Roll...", And with that, the leathery vampire forces out his fangs, and shoves them into the musician's neck, holding him close as though to make sure others weren't "eavesdropping* on the pair...
Gurstag, meanwhile, is far from feeling cocky.
There is little time to plunge into his wardrobe, before adorning a brown leather vest with blue trim and brown shoes atop a simple white shirt and black pants.
He hesitates a bit before cinching a tie through his collar, as what would normally be described as 'uncomfortably tight'.
As he pulls on black dining jacket, he muses that the other clans might have other sensibilities and tease the stuffiness, but if he's going to stick his neck out tonight, he may as well feel comfortable doing so.
..
And he remembers to slip on a brown trilby.
Before Louie has any ideas.
He graces his satchel. Probably better to travel light tonight.
Quickly pulling out his notebook, he slides it inside the breast pocket of his vest.
Then he works on strapping his derringer similarly close inside his vest.
Better to be over-prepared than caught flat-footed, and Gurstag is not too proud to reach for a little help against other kindred should the need arise.
Gurstag locks his door, before moving through the empty office.
His students must be out for the night.
Which is a shame. He could use a top-up before facing the other kindred.
Growling, Gurstag stalks through the campus, heading somewhat towards the park.
There is not much time for proper hunting.
The students are being loud and obnoxious at their local hangouts.
But there's not much point turning up to Elysium already sloshed.
The designated drivers on the other hand..
Gurstag raps on a cab window at the front of a queue near a local pub.
"Excuse me, could you please tell me whether you might drop me off near the park?"
"The park? That's not 5 minutes from here. I ain't wasting my spot doing a walkin job like that."
"Oh?"
Gurstag locks eyes with the driver through the window.
"Perhaps you could point me in the right direction then", he intones, as he drowns the man's protests with a push of will.
It would be far easier to take advantage of this man out of his car, down an alley, and away from his dashed cameras.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
As oddly pastoral as the market is, eventually you have to wonder just where the actual Elysium will be. Then as the sounds of acoustic street performing fades, you find a young woman who looks like she came out of a renaissance festival, what with the flowers in her hair and attire consisting of a roughspun green dress. She offers a pleasant smile, and beckons down at her table containing various occultist fare and a disheveled tarot deck. "Greetings, gentlemen, please, take a card, if you would." She reaches down and spreads the cards out in a seemingly random display. Two in particular slightly stand out from the assortment, one close to each of you.
Louie grips the musician as the meat stumbles forward clumsily. "Whoa-ho-ho there! S-t-e-a-d-y does it, young fella..." As if escorting a drunk, Louie props the man up from his right side, gently walking him over to sit down upon a nearby bench. They slump down together in a rough heap. Suddenly, the man begins to lurch to the left and threatens to slide to the floor, and Louie has to pushes the meat back up into the bench. "Heh! Well, that's sumfin ye won't have to learn from Keef then, innit?" Louie chuckles, more for the benefit of those walking nearby then the young guitarist currently sitting with a strange, loopy grin on his face.
It's sitting there that Gurstag finds Loony Louie and the young performer, who shoots him a quick wave. "Heya, Prof!" He greets his fellow with a wide, sincere smile. "There you are! Fashionably late I see. Ohh, loving the hat, mate!" The leathery vampire pulls himself up, and tucks a few dollar bills into the still catatonic musician's front jacket pocket. "Hey, you keep reaching fer' those stars, kid! Ye'll get there someday." Popping his collar and dropping his sunglasses, he siddles up next to Gurstag and takes a deep breath to steady himself. "Right. Ready ta' do this, then?"
He grins mischievously at the young Tarot dealer, fingers stroking his chin in intense contemplation. "Well now, aren't you a sight for old eyes!" he flirts, pulling down his sunglasses to get a closer look at the girl. "Ye' look like Stevie Nicks, back when we first met!"
Fingers reaching at the table and inching towards the nearer card, Louie asks over his shoulder, "Whad'ye say, Professor....wanna take a peek at our futures...?"
Louie notices something, and his hand momentarily stops. He chuckles a bit, and then leans in closer towards the Tarot Dealer. Loony Louie whispers, just loud enough for her and Gurstag to make out, "Ya' know, I'm a bit of a Mystic myself!..." And he flips over the offered card.
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Oh, you say that to all the ladies, I bet. Alas, I don't have an iota of her dignity, but I bet you have some stories to tell! Though my, but I digress."
The woman is all smiles as the card reveals itself in due time.
"You are a generous man, very compassionate, and giving to those who you deem worthy... aspire to be selective about who you break bread with, as it can be very perilous in these dark nights."
A glimmer of two fangs is made apparent. "Be not too generous with your findings, star child. Few if any will return your generosity in kind. Quite the opposite, more like, and your knowledge is becoming quite the hot commodity."
"Hrrrrmph. Well...flattered, I ken' assure you..." Louie remarks rather dumbly to the Tarot Reader, eyes shining and a surprised laugh escaping in spite of himself. Slightly thrown off his guard by the card reading, the leathery vampire turns back to Gurstag, beaming ear to ear. "Well I like her! Best advice I've heard in a few nights, too." Louie nods his head over towards the other offered card. "Howzabout you, Professor? Care to acquire some insight and retrospection from our new friend...?" He turns back to the Mystic, letting the unspoken question of her name linger hopefully.
Gurstag pats the man's shoulder jovially as he all but pushes him back into his car.
"Sorry we don't have more time to talk, but we both must be really going."
As much as he have preferred to drain the man, he really didn't have time to explain to the taxi rank that this driver needed medical attention for purely coincidental reasons.
"Thanks for the directions.
But if I were you, maybe take an early night, hey?
You're looking a touch groggy."
Gurstag strides off quickly as the cab woozily pulls out of the rank and obligingly heads out.
Gurstag contemplates the spread of cards as Louie makes his pick.
"Well, I was more interested in what kind of art the deck had, but now I'm curious where this is all heading.", as he flips over the offered card.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Ah, your friend seems to have been a bit delayed by his... dining. Where this all heads depends on you, I tend to find."
"You are incomplete, something is keeping you away from what will truly bring your nights to fulfillment. Perhaps your efforts will support one another towards your endeavors. True companionship is such a rare thing, yes?"
With the cards withdrawn, she smiles back to Louie's unasked query. "You may address me as Fractal, that's what most call me. Primogen of the Moon, at your service. The Council will be meeting at the central Pavilion within the turn of the dial. Until such a time, try not to cause a scene... I hear you two made quite a stir last night." The woman snickers in amusement, before shuffling her deck in an idle manner. "Though such is the way of the Pyramid, as they say. Your Regentia is no stranger to stirring up the proverbial nest. It's a wonder the Prince hasn't had the campus put to the torch."
Gurstag blinks. This was last night.. I had hoped we'd get ahead..
He reconsiders. This is our first appearance here after all, she may be trying to unnerve us.
Still, maybe it was their mutual friends?
Wouldn't put it past a Malk to be tied up with devils instead though.
"I imagine that all of that will be covered at the Council.
But we are honoured, Fractal.
Unless you enjoy welcoming newcomers, perhaps?"
His eyes look past her in between pauses.
Looking to see if Felix and Julie are perhaps waiting for their 'dance'.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Oh, welcoming newcomers is not my task, I leave that to the Harpy. You'll see him before long, I'm sure. But I have no qualms with your House or Clan, we do have much to learn from one another... with what scraps we manage to find, at least. Perhaps you'll make a better impression with the Rose than you have with the Rat. I imagine that should be easy, enemies of one tend to find fast friends with the other."
“Hmmmm…more curious at the immediate moment ‘bout the impression we’re making on present company!” Loony Louie says with a flirtatious wink. “Not your job, an’ yet, ye still came to greet the two of us personally! Not sure whether to be delighted er’ terrified, but Madame Primogen, you are the height of class, an’ we’re humbled by making your acquaintance!” And the vampire tips his hat to the Mystic.
He comes up rubbing his chin, pondering. “...as to rumors, I was telling the Regentia just the other night, put this face back out there,” Here Louie circles the moneymaker with his right index finger. “…yer’ obviously gonna get people talking. But, ye’ know what they say…lie’ll fly halfway round world fore’ the truffs even got its knickers on! Hope you won’t assume the worst o’ me and my friend here based on hearsay. From Rats, er’ otherwise!”
“Course, then I’m curious.” Louie, clicking his tongue in indecision, shoots Fractal a cryptic look. “Ye’ said something about scraps…yer’ tarot reading was downright chilling. And yer presence…I got a talent for “reading” people meself, and when you offered a card, I could’ve swore ye’ were… “gently kissed by the Twilight?” Can’t quite put my finger on it…”
Louie leans conspiratorially across the table. “Look, maybe ye’ could help us out; throw us a freebie. Ye’ seem to have a sight beyond sight, as it were. Sounds like we’re starting off bit behind with the Rats at this little gathering, but what do your cards have to say about our future with the Rose? Eh?” He grins, eyebrows wagging coaxingly. “As you said, you’ll find I’m very generous with friends. Could you do us a solid, luv?”
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Sheer happenstance, really, I happen to meet everyone who ventures along this road, one way or another. I see tales of your charisma are not unfounded, minstrel."
Fractal offers a coy smile in return, while setting an assortment of cards out in a face down display. "Well, scraps are to be expected, what with so many parties scrambling to get to the dinner table all at once. I know not of this 'twilight' gift, unless you refer to the glimpse of the other side that we've all beheld in some form or another." She doesn't seem to be doing a reading, so much as sifting through random selections with no real objective. "Oh, you weren't aware, were you? The Prince is a Toreador, sweetlings, and naturally, she loathes the underlings of the depths. And since I hear they have it out for you... well, it's one way to start things off on the right foot, no?"
"I...suppose yer' right!" Louie says, pleasantly dumbstruck at his seeming good fortune. Chuckling good naturedly, Louie finds Gurstag behind him and gives him a quick, questioning glance: Think we're all done here, then? Turning back to Fractal, Louie shoots the Malkavian a genuine smile and a bittersweet tip of his hat. "M'lady...again, it has been our honor! But we mustn't keep ye'...sure you've much to attend to during this Elysium! Do keep it in yer heart ta' keep in touch...an' the next time you're looking to the future, do keep a loving eye out for ol' Loony Louie Lehran!"
Rolling his eyes a bit a this, Gurstag nods.
"Although perhaps, if I might be so bold before we depart, that is a lovely spread you have there.
I don't suppose you'd indulge me in a reading of yourself, Fractal?
Just, as we're getting to know each other."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"Of course, we'll meet again, if the fates will it. Be wary of the tides."
The woman gives a small wave to Louie, then directs her gaze back to Gurstag. "Oh, I'm afraid you'll have to trust your own judgment, my dear scholar. I don't believe in reading for myself, it's an ill omen to peer into one's own veil. Do mind your step, I think you have business of your own to tend to."
Not a moment later, a gentleman in an open button-down worn over a faded concert shirt approaches and tattered slacks approaches.
"You're the Warlocks, I take it? Splendid, you are being summoned to court, if you would be so kind as to make your marks here and here." He produces a clipboard to each of you in turn.
"Do either of you have any other business before Her Eminence? You have Status, I trust? Mark that as well."
He looks like he came from a punk concert, but carries himself as if he were a maitre d'.
Louie accepts the proffered clipboard after a moment's hesitation, wide-eyed and (suddenly) unusually tight lipped. "Well! Our reputation proceeds us with all of Elysium, I see!" The pen lingers for a few seconds before the vampire writes his usual "LLL" down on the NAME lines. At talk of status, he clicks his tongue, and replies, "Yeah, well of course, of course..." Upon the provided space, he writes in a looping cursive hand, "EAGER AND WILLING".
Turning back to the Maitre'd with the clipboard, he hesitates before returning it, clearly searching his memory. Louie finally shoots a tentative, questioning finger at the man. "...that Melvin's show? Back in April? They were in the middle of "Night Goat", you stumbled out of the pit after bashing those two blokes and spilled your beer all down me front?"
"I'm sorry to be presumptuous, but it's our first time here. I'm Professor Gurstag and who do we have the pleasure of addressing?"
He glances back at the paper.
"I've learned to be somewhat too cautious of clipboards asking for my mark", he murmurs under his breath.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
edited June 2022
"...no status, then." The man replies dryly. "You probably have me confused, I try to avoid the pit. Good way to get yourself in trouble... or stomped on. I'd love to know what club you think you saw me at, the acoustics were probably wretched."
Then to Gurstag, he extends a hand for the clipboard. "Dimitri, Known and Respected within the Camarilla, Harpy at her majesty's behest. I gather you'll want Acknowledgement as well. For the moment, consider yourselves both Recognized for the evening. It's a good thing you met me before the Sheriff. If you have anything else to request, I advise giving me advance notice. It might improve your chances of having it heard."
"Uh-huh," Loony Louie remarks, looking somewhat disappointed. "Maybe it were someone that jest looked like you then...my bad get the mixup, mate!..."
"Couple er' questions to bother you wiff, iffen' you don't mind!" Louie says apologetically to the Harpy. "Y'see, new to the area...new to Camarilla politics in general, an' certainly never been invited to an' Elysium before!"
"This lack o' status thing...is it gonna bite us tonight? An' how bad?"
"Acknowledgement...does that mean we get a full public showing? Can start gettin'some proper respect in circles; stop getting treated like "Mad Magicians"?"
"So, what's up wit' the Sheriff? Some real bruiser, er' whut?"
"Furr as requests go..." Louie taps his knee anxiously, as though trying to talk himself into or out of something. Finally, he tells the Harpy, point blank, "...I want back in. Back on air. No more blackball...no more murder allegation hanging. Out of the shadows an' back in the limelight! That sumfin, errr...the committee might be willin' ter' look into?"
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"You're new to the city, so no, it's expected, so long as you have the foresight to make yourselves known, which you have. You'll be treated as a member of the Camarilla within the city, and made known to the rest of the Camarilla. However, 'respect' is earned, not given. And the Sheriff is tasked with bringing unacknowledged Cainites before Her Eminence for her judgment, which is seldom the forgiving sort. Sometimes the Scourge just disposes of them outright, but that's generally frowned upon."
As to the request, Dimitri taps the clipboard in thought. "Murder allegations? You may want to elaborate, though it's not my place to say. The more you can expound on this for the Council to be informed on the particulars will certainly be for the better. It's far from the worst I've heard, so there's that."
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He straightens himself up as they approach the server room doors, fixing his collar and finding his charm once more. "Alright then," he says, sidling up next to Gurstag. "Big smiles! Let's go make ourselves invaluable!"
Walking up to the desk once more, rather than grab a seat this time Louie remains standing, three fingers nervously rattling against the side as he quietly responds to the Regentia. "Did learn bunches, though," Louie stresses, slightly tersely. "Learned the "Rodents" knew everything about where we were going an' what we were doin' tonight, an' now have us on their personal shit list. They've suggested they've got the Sheriff on speed dial, an' seem eager to give a ring about our business..."
"Learned we're working with bloodbags to create the technology yer' proposing. Moreover, they'd like us to sell out our own to do business. Now, everyone knows I'm no square, ma'am, but I'll tell ya' even my arsehole puckered up at that bit of info..."
Louie, calm as a deathbed vigil, doesn't complain so much as protest with a bitter, defeated determination. "Gotta tell ya, my Regentia...it's not that I don't appreciate you bringing me out of retirement. It's that I didn't think you'd be looking to retire me again so soon!"
Eyes rising to look directly up directly upon the Regentia, the leathery vampire finally asks with the utmost caution. "An' who is Liana, then?"
Louie appeared to be heading into the breach for the team, so he feels no reason to also stretch out his neck right now.
Even if he also felt left out to dust.
His eyes track to the laptop.
".."
Probably full of magick as well as whatever this is.
"I could have a shot if you want", he whispers to the Regentia, motioning to the laptop and trying to dodge the crossfire.
Eleanor seems far more intrigued on the subject of the mortals. "Yes, that is typically how their dealings go. You both survived, it appears, so it seems you can navigate the web sufficiently enough. Take solace in that, because it was but a taste of what you can expect in an average Elysium. So yes, they want dirt on House Carna, I expected as much."
The laptop is closed and handed over to Gurstag as if it were already written off. Maybe it had been. "I have a backup, but it would be appreciated if you not wreak havoc on the hardware."
Then her attention returns to Louie, with likely the last reply desirable. "I'm not familiar with the name. Perhaps you can tell me."
He hesitates for but a moment. Grins to himself. And then, per usual, Louie barrels ahead: "Li-ann-a. Quiet? Watchful? The "woman" who was overseeing Jonathan an' the bloodbags part o' the deal? Tried her level-best to run things from the sidelines and remain the unseen hand, but me an' her had some words. Her aura was...extremes. An' seemed ageless..."
"...This ent' really the first you're hearing about her, my Regentia?..." Louie looks utterly perplexed, concerned. "She sure knew you." Thinking twice, he considers the full situation, and what it means. Without blinking, he also adds, "Was my demand on the deal, she reveal herself, so ya'know..."
He already regretted the offer; he only meant to have a poke at it, not have it wrinkling his work.
Oh well
"They seemed rather presumptuous for morsels too. That they felt bold enough to deal with us -and- the Wiccans.
And our accosters seemed rather adamant we were risking final death approaching the Technos.
So I'm curious what Liana was too."
Her attention then goes to Gurstag. "Yes, their kind are known for having considerable hubris. It has brought them low before, it will do so again, but that is no concern of ours. We'll get what we need, and just as soon leave them to their designs. However, I do not want the Wiccans becoming involved... assuming they aren't already. Let me be clear: if you catch any wind of their presence, make yourselves scarce. They are not to be trusted. I would just as soon drop our files into the sewers."
"Well, how should we go about honouring our deal then, Regentia?
We must ensure any information we give them about the Wiccans only feeds their animosity, and not their curiosity, if we are to stop them working together.
We could feed them misinformation, but they seem to be seeking their own info through other means."
He straightens.
"More importance on sounding out what they know already I suppose", pausing, "and might help us get ahead of any Nosferatu surprises before council. They clearly seem to think they know these Technos."
"She sat in the back for the most part, trying to keep on the down-low and let the meat do the majority o' the talking. She was...guess you'd say, hard to keep track of? Kept fucking with our heads somehow, so we didn't know where she was one minute to the next. Talked like she thought she was pretty top o' the food chain. Seemed to be holding her nose working with Tremere...couldn't help but slip in jabs about what fuck-ups we all are, even while trying to work with us. "Science is superior to magic", "how the mighty have fallen", all that bullshit."
"Her aura though... something I ain't ever seen before! Like a black an' white octopus radiating off of her. Whatever she is, might be, she ain't one of us, and she sure ain't one of them!"
Louie looks curiously at the Regentia, trying to read her expression. "What do you think?" He asks cautiously, nails rattling the top of her desk. "She ring any bells to you?"
As to the elaboration on the woman, Eleanor is silent for a time. "She sounds as if she spouts the same rhetoric that all their ilk do. I would not be concerned with that, though this talk of her abilities is... troubling. Tread lightly if you see her. If she were to go on the offensive, flee. This aura you speak of... it sounds potentially infernal, one who traffics in the bartering of souls. Mortal and otherwise."
"Our accosters certainly seemed to imply the same."
Geth roll 7d10t7 for int and occult in attempting to recall how to protect his soul from being claimed
"Tomorrow night?
If it pleases you, we should excuse ourselves..", he checks his watch, "ah, rather immediately."
He starts at poking Louie to the door, but hesitates at the edge of his personal space.
"Even if we lodge here tonight, I don't suppose we'll be quite fresh enough."
"Yes, that would be wise. You may both retire for the evening, unless you have any other business. I will try to meet you there. Do be on your best behavior, we have not been represented at Elysium in quite some time. Ah yes, you probably haven't attended yet." Eleanor slides a pamphlet across the desk. "The city park just outside the campus, at the first light of the moon."
Not much time to prepare.
"Very well, madame. We look forward to your company tomorrow night, if you can"
He nods at Louie.
"See you tomorrow. ..I won't require another hat for this meetup, I think."
He particularly stops and lingers by the crafts tables, taking a long while to peruse each piece, and making it a point to stop and introduce himself to the creators whenever possible. More than once, he makes someone blush at their "exquisite" choice or turquoise here, or an "Anarchy"-symbol there.
In all of the hustle and bustle, he comes upon a young man, unshaven but clearly ambitious. From near the center of the square, the naive young fellow is strumming rough chords from his guitar. The musician eventually begins belting out the lyrics to a familiar song to the people who stroll by...
Louie, coming upon the performance midway, stops to watch it through to completion. As the last note rings out and falls silent, he claps, whistles, and steps forward to shake the man's hand. "Fantastic, luv', fantastic! Ye' know, I met Bill Wyman, back in the day...an Keef' (chuckles)? Well, me and Keef had more an' a few talks, I don't need to tell you!" Louie laughs, pondering on times long gone (and, just maybe, those that had never been)
"Listen, lad," Louie says, draping his arm conspiratorially over the guitarist's shoulder and pulling him off to the side. "Keef taught me one thing about showmanship, I never forgot...ya' wanna know what it is?" Leaning towards the man's right ear, Louie quietly whispers, "Everyone wants to Rock these days; but they fergot' about the Roll...", And with that, the leathery vampire forces out his fangs, and shoves them into the musician's neck, holding him close as though to make sure others weren't "eavesdropping* on the pair...
There is little time to plunge into his wardrobe, before adorning a brown leather vest with blue trim and brown shoes atop a simple white shirt and black pants.
He hesitates a bit before cinching a tie through his collar, as what would normally be described as 'uncomfortably tight'.
As he pulls on black dining jacket, he muses that the other clans might have other sensibilities and tease the stuffiness, but if he's going to stick his neck out tonight, he may as well feel comfortable doing so.
..
And he remembers to slip on a brown trilby.
Before Louie has any ideas.
He graces his satchel.
Probably better to travel light tonight.
Quickly pulling out his notebook, he slides it inside the breast pocket of his vest.
Then he works on strapping his derringer similarly close inside his vest.
Better to be over-prepared than caught flat-footed, and Gurstag is not too proud to reach for a little help against other kindred should the need arise.
Gurstag locks his door, before moving through the empty office.
His students must be out for the night.
Which is a shame. He could use a top-up before facing the other kindred.
Growling, Gurstag stalks through the campus, heading somewhat towards the park.
There is not much time for proper hunting.
The students are being loud and obnoxious at their local hangouts.
But there's not much point turning up to Elysium already sloshed.
The designated drivers on the other hand..
Gurstag raps on a cab window at the front of a queue near a local pub.
"Excuse me, could you please tell me whether you might drop me off near the park?"
"The park? That's not 5 minutes from here. I ain't wasting my spot doing a walkin job like that."
"Oh?"
Gurstag locks eyes with the driver through the window.
"Perhaps you could point me in the right direction then", he intones, as he drowns the man's protests with a push of will.
It would be far easier to take advantage of this man out of his car, down an alley, and away from his dashed cameras.
It's sitting there that Gurstag finds Loony Louie and the young performer, who shoots him a quick wave. "Heya, Prof!" He greets his fellow with a wide, sincere smile. "There you are! Fashionably late I see. Ohh, loving the hat, mate!" The leathery vampire pulls himself up, and tucks a few dollar bills into the still catatonic musician's front jacket pocket. "Hey, you keep reaching fer' those stars, kid! Ye'll get there someday." Popping his collar and dropping his sunglasses, he siddles up next to Gurstag and takes a deep breath to steady himself. "Right. Ready ta' do this, then?"
He grins mischievously at the young Tarot dealer, fingers stroking his chin in intense contemplation. "Well now, aren't you a sight for old eyes!" he flirts, pulling down his sunglasses to get a closer look at the girl. "Ye' look like Stevie Nicks, back when we first met!"
Fingers reaching at the table and inching towards the nearer card, Louie asks over his shoulder, "Whad'ye say, Professor....wanna take a peek at our futures...?"
The woman is all smiles as the card reveals itself in due time.
"You are a generous man, very compassionate, and giving to those who you deem worthy... aspire to be selective about who you break bread with, as it can be very perilous in these dark nights."
A glimmer of two fangs is made apparent. "Be not too generous with your findings, star child. Few if any will return your generosity in kind. Quite the opposite, more like, and your knowledge is becoming quite the hot commodity."
"Sorry we don't have more time to talk, but we both must be really going."
As much as he have preferred to drain the man, he really didn't have time to explain to the taxi rank that this driver needed medical attention for purely coincidental reasons.
"Thanks for the directions.
But if I were you, maybe take an early night, hey?
You're looking a touch groggy."
Gurstag strides off quickly as the cab woozily pulls out of the rank and obligingly heads out.
Gurstag contemplates the spread of cards as Louie makes his pick.
"Well, I was more interested in what kind of art the deck had, but now I'm curious where this is all heading.", as he flips over the offered card.
"You are incomplete, something is keeping you away from what will truly bring your nights to fulfillment. Perhaps your efforts will support one another towards your endeavors. True companionship is such a rare thing, yes?"
With the cards withdrawn, she smiles back to Louie's unasked query. "You may address me as Fractal, that's what most call me. Primogen of the Moon, at your service. The Council will be meeting at the central Pavilion within the turn of the dial. Until such a time, try not to cause a scene... I hear you two made quite a stir last night." The woman snickers in amusement, before shuffling her deck in an idle manner. "Though such is the way of the Pyramid, as they say. Your Regentia is no stranger to stirring up the proverbial nest. It's a wonder the Prince hasn't had the campus put to the torch."
This was last night.. I had hoped we'd get ahead..
He reconsiders.
This is our first appearance here after all, she may be trying to unnerve us.
Still, maybe it was their mutual friends?
Wouldn't put it past a Malk to be tied up with devils instead though.
"I imagine that all of that will be covered at the Council.
But we are honoured, Fractal.
Unless you enjoy welcoming newcomers, perhaps?"
His eyes look past her in between pauses.
Looking to see if Felix and Julie are perhaps waiting for their 'dance'.
Geth roll 3d10k7 for trying to spy loudmouths.
He comes up rubbing his chin, pondering. “...as to rumors, I was telling the Regentia just the other night, put this face back out there,” Here Louie circles the moneymaker with his right index finger. “…yer’ obviously gonna get people talking. But, ye’ know what they say…lie’ll fly halfway round world fore’ the truffs even got its knickers on! Hope you won’t assume the worst o’ me and my friend here based on hearsay. From Rats, er’ otherwise!”
“Course, then I’m curious.” Louie, clicking his tongue in indecision, shoots Fractal a cryptic look. “Ye’ said something about scraps…yer’ tarot reading was downright chilling. And yer presence…I got a talent for “reading” people meself, and when you offered a card, I could’ve swore ye’ were… “gently kissed by the Twilight?” Can’t quite put my finger on it…”
Louie leans conspiratorially across the table. “Look, maybe ye’ could help us out; throw us a freebie. Ye’ seem to have a sight beyond sight, as it were. Sounds like we’re starting off bit behind with the Rats at this little gathering, but what do your cards have to say about our future with the Rose? Eh?” He grins, eyebrows wagging coaxingly. “As you said, you’ll find I’m very generous with friends. Could you do us a solid, luv?”
Fractal offers a coy smile in return, while setting an assortment of cards out in a face down display. "Well, scraps are to be expected, what with so many parties scrambling to get to the dinner table all at once. I know not of this 'twilight' gift, unless you refer to the glimpse of the other side that we've all beheld in some form or another." She doesn't seem to be doing a reading, so much as sifting through random selections with no real objective. "Oh, you weren't aware, were you? The Prince is a Toreador, sweetlings, and naturally, she loathes the underlings of the depths. And since I hear they have it out for you... well, it's one way to start things off on the right foot, no?"
"Although perhaps, if I might be so bold before we depart, that is a lovely spread you have there.
I don't suppose you'd indulge me in a reading of yourself, Fractal?
Just, as we're getting to know each other."
The woman gives a small wave to Louie, then directs her gaze back to Gurstag. "Oh, I'm afraid you'll have to trust your own judgment, my dear scholar. I don't believe in reading for myself, it's an ill omen to peer into one's own veil. Do mind your step, I think you have business of your own to tend to."
Not a moment later, a gentleman in an open button-down worn over a faded concert shirt approaches and tattered slacks approaches.
"You're the Warlocks, I take it? Splendid, you are being summoned to court, if you would be so kind as to make your marks here and here." He produces a clipboard to each of you in turn.
"Do either of you have any other business before Her Eminence? You have Status, I trust? Mark that as well."
He looks like he came from a punk concert, but carries himself as if he were a maitre d'.
Turning back to the Maitre'd with the clipboard, he hesitates before returning it, clearly searching his memory. Louie finally shoots a tentative, questioning finger at the man. "...that Melvin's show? Back in April? They were in the middle of "Night Goat", you stumbled out of the pit after bashing those two blokes and spilled your beer all down me front?"
"I'm sorry to be presumptuous, but it's our first time here. I'm Professor Gurstag and who do we have the pleasure of addressing?"
He glances back at the paper.
"I've learned to be somewhat too cautious of clipboards asking for my mark", he murmurs under his breath.
Then to Gurstag, he extends a hand for the clipboard. "Dimitri, Known and Respected within the Camarilla, Harpy at her majesty's behest. I gather you'll want Acknowledgement as well. For the moment, consider yourselves both Recognized for the evening. It's a good thing you met me before the Sheriff. If you have anything else to request, I advise giving me advance notice. It might improve your chances of having it heard."
"Couple er' questions to bother you wiff, iffen' you don't mind!" Louie says apologetically to the Harpy. "Y'see, new to the area...new to Camarilla politics in general, an' certainly never been invited to an' Elysium before!"
"This lack o' status thing...is it gonna bite us tonight? An' how bad?"
"Acknowledgement...does that mean we get a full public showing? Can start gettin'some proper respect in circles; stop getting treated like "Mad Magicians"?"
"So, what's up wit' the Sheriff? Some real bruiser, er' whut?"
"Furr as requests go..." Louie taps his knee anxiously, as though trying to talk himself into or out of something. Finally, he tells the Harpy, point blank, "...I want back in. Back on air. No more blackball...no more murder allegation hanging. Out of the shadows an' back in the limelight! That sumfin, errr...the committee might be willin' ter' look into?"
As to the request, Dimitri taps the clipboard in thought. "Murder allegations? You may want to elaborate, though it's not my place to say. The more you can expound on this for the Council to be informed on the particulars will certainly be for the better. It's far from the worst I've heard, so there's that."