Court at the Sterling Hotel

Hector seems rather happy that someone else is taking the active initiative. Yet a particular glint enters his eye's as he answers, "I'm not looking to for it by all means it's yours, provided we all speak in private as we all seem to come from different paths. Let me simply add I'm not willing to suffer a cult of tyranny or popularity." He raises his hand in a polite gesture to forestall any arguements as his charming smile comes out hitting hard, "Not saying that anyone present is of that mind or soul but I'm still fresh from a war and it's where I stand."

Circe nods and says "I agree, Hector... after we inform the Seneschal of my position and after I speak with one other person, I believe we should go elsewhere to discuss matters of covenant and faith. Which coincides with Jayant's question," she adds, acknowledging him with a nod.

"As it happens, I have obtained some land north of the city. There is no temple yet, but structures will come with time and as necessary, and I prefer services be performed under the open sky in any case. I believe we should retire there to discuss things further."

"As to tyranny or personality cults, let me assure you, while I demand respect and give in kind, you will find that my concern is not personal gain or power, but rather that the Covenant be strong due to the strength of its members, and the strength of their faith. All else is of lesser importance."

((ST Note: The Circle meeting will occur in the "Circle and Solstice" thread on the new forums))

After adjourning this part of the meeting, Circe gives each of the Circle directions to her place and makes sure all have arrangements for transportation. She makes to talk with Erika, but notices her busy in discussion with the Sanctified priest. Instead she approaches someone she'd noticed earlier. Though she knew Sabri claimed membership in the Invictus, she suspected they may still have some things in common. She finds her in discussion with Dr. Lazarus.

"Excuse me, Sabri, Doctor... I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but I must leave soon, and I wanted to speak with you for a few moments, Sabri, if I might."

"I'll be sure to keep your area of expertice in mind Madam Nidra." At the approach of Circe, the doctor regards her for a moment then nods. "Very well then."

Dr. Lazarus moves away from Sabri and Circe most likely leaving his strong odor of medicine behind, and moves through the kindred gathering until reaching Priscus O-Yama. Patiently waiting to be acknowledged by the other Nosferatu, once noticed Lazarus begins to speak, "Excuse me Priscus O-Yama, I am Dr. Ith Lazarus -- may I have your attention for a moment?"



Taylor could tell they were a bit uneased by his/her request for Myrmidon, but that did not deter him/her. Never one to give up, and always one to be a bit sarcastic, Taylor smiles and gently pushes some perfectly-straight hair out of his/her face. "Well, it would seem to be that a small unorganized group would be at the most need of a mediator." Taylor chuckles to himself/herself for a moment, "But if that's what you all want, that's fine with me too." He/she shrugs nonchalantly.

"Small groups are quicker to organise so the position right now is unnecessary. If we do grow in size or other matters that need a second to look after arise, then a Myrmidon will be appointed by the covenant." It was surprising and rather jarring how quickly Jack went from casual to formal. It actully frightened him a little, though he didn't show it.

"Anyway, I think it would be smart move if exchange contact information. It will help ensure that things go smoovely and that everyone knows what is happening between future meetings."

Throughout the Carthian impromptu meeting, Mel merely listened, eyes flickering around the room, though mostly around the table. It wasn't his place to help them choose their 'leader', after all.

He wasn't a Carthian.

Keepers tended to remain Unbound, if only because it made their work easier. Besides, eventually he'd forget who he swore allegiances to, because that space in his mind would someday be needed to store some other random memory that was important to whomever his patron was.

Two minds were better than one, after all.

But they'd let him join anyway, which would not be forgotten. Would be put on the shelf and recalled when he was being 'courted' by various would-be patrons.

The Blood is life.

The Blood is family.

The Blood is history.

The Blood is Memory.

The Blood, ultimately, is everything.

Perhaps one night, they'd all understand that.

Twist accepted the card from Argent with an understanding smile. "Thank you Argent- may you find more pleasant activities tonight."

Twist reached into her back pocket and pulled out her cell phone. Skimming through a few numbers she found what she wanted. "Here- call this man. He should be able to help both of you in your pursuit of Havens. He is intelligent enough to catch on to our specific needs, but also not ask more questions than necessary." Reading from the phone, she rattles off a phone number to the two women asking about Havens.

She turned her attention to Hector and dipped her head in farewell, a faintly confused look on her face. "I look forward to it and hope the evening goes well for you." *He never did answer my question.*

Another mildly confused look flashed across Twist's face at Mariel's question. "My phone number is ###-####. You can also find me at the Ballo Della Notte- although I would prefer you ask first for Kalos, he will take you to me. If he is unavailable you can ask directly for me as Myah Torsione." The confused look faded away to be replaced with a smile full of exactly what Mariel wanted to see. "I am always a fan of getting to know the family better- Hector was discussing family meeting. I think you should organize the first one Mariel- I have a feeling you would put together a truly wonderous get together."

"Vi ringraziamo, Priscus Twist." Regina wrote her own cell number on it, and turns over to Aimee. "Aimee Noel? I am Dame Lady Knight Regina Pia. You said you were in the Invictus?"
But didn't give me a title to work with; which means you are either a hateful spiteful elder with a title so long that it wasn't appropriate. Or you are so young you don't know about titles yet. Which is a most serious issue.

Ah, so her name is Aimee. Mariel smiles at Regina, Aimee and Twist. Thank you for the contact numbers, Twist. She begins to turn over party locations in her mind.

Hardly fair to charge someone new in town with taking care of all the details, she thinks to herself with some irritation. Mariel carefully keeps her face free of any annoyance, however.

Although....I do put on wonderful party, if I do say so myself. Mariel's face brightens almost imperceptably.

Are you free to go to the Ballo now? she asks Twist. That might be a good location. I'm a little at a disadvantage without an established haven of my own to use as a soiree location. Maybe the Ballo Della Notte would be a possible party place?

I was hoping for a little celebration tonight, to distance us from the unpleasantness, Mariel continued, gesturing toward where Heathcliff was sitting like a stone. But I certainly understand if you have other duties to perform.

Aimee, is it? I'm Mariel. Glad to meet you. Mariel hold out a beautifully manicured hand in greeting.

Hector nods in acknowledgment of Circe's remarks and even smiles, yet he still seems reserved rather than engaging, as though unconvinced. He does look over each each member present as Circe talks, almost it would seem he sees right through them if not for his responding to mannerisms. As the offer of a ride is brought up he takes the offered assistance, "I've yet to establish any true roots here yet let alone property." As Circe breaks up the meeting and walks away he nods to each person before taking his leave, noting that Circe is looking to speak with the Seneschal and how tied up she is Hector looks to his clan Priscus and noting those still about her.

Walking up to Twist in particular he waits for a moment to insert himself in the conversation adding, "Priscus Twist," his smile is encouraging as he uses her title, "A question and answer for you. Would it be advisable to relay Seneschal Brady's request of contact info, which I have none, through you as she seems beleaguered by a host of others or is she one to want meet everyone personally? Also, it would seem that I'll be working with a flexible schedule for the foresee able future with Covenant business tasking me the most."



Stephen laughs as Taylor makes his sarcastic comment specifically at the mention of unorganized, although his mirth would likely be shared by anyone present. He recovers quickly as Jack steps up flushed with his new authority which Stephen challenges with all but direct words while saying, "On the Contrary, I'd say a group of this size needs a Myrmidon if for no other reason than to show new arrivals and additions that we know what we're about. Further with such a small crew arguments over direction can be more destructive than those with larger numbers and thus in more need of one." While he speaks, authority could be ascribed to him the more perceptive would likely realize a practiced and disciplined tone running through him. He hands out business cards that state he is a dealer of firearms, explosives and the technological needs of any private citizen or company*, there's no address listed only a number.

Forn Clakes wrote:Good evening to you...Circe, if I remember, correct?"

"Yes, that is correct," Circe says, smiling and nodding. "I understand that you are affiliated with the Invictus, and while that affiliation no doubt serves you well in many areas, I suspect your spiritual needs may not be one of those. If that is indeed the case, I would like you to consider the Circle of the Crone. While we are a Covenant, we are also a faith organization, and one which draws upon aspects of many mortal faiths, including Hinduism, to assist Kindred in finding a spiritual path relevant to their Requiems. I'd be glad to discuss these matters with you at a time convenient to you.... or perhaps you'd be interested in attending some of our services?"

Circe shakes her head. "Ah, I too am only still settling in, so I haven't any steady contact information at the moment. I will be around, however, so I am sure we will see each other around. If you would like to talk some time, let me know, or pass word through any of those in the Circle. Meanwhile, I thank you for your time, and I wish you a good evening."

Circe notices Erika is still busy, and waits patiently for an opportunity to speak with her again before taking her leave.

Eric sweeps briskly through the hotel lobby, toward the room where the vampires played. A part of him, the dark, mean part, screams at him to turn around.

'They'll kill me! They don't show mercy, I'll surprise them and they'll kill me!' it bellowed. The tone and power of the voice is the same no matter if he is hungry, endangered, or if he just wanted to murder someone.

He responds as he always had. He laughs and picks up his pace. He pauses a minute facing a mirror, checking that his jacket is in place, his tie is straight, his hair wasn't messed by the wind, making sure everything is in place.

'First impressions,' he tells his Beast in a mocking voice, 'are the most important. And if I'm as late as I think I am, it'll be one hell of an impression.'

He steps up to the door, resting his cool hand on the cooler handle, and though he'd never admit it, if he could still sweat, he would be now. It has been a long time since he was that rash boy who walked heedless into a room full of killers. But he couldn't put this off any longer.

He opens the door and steps through, choking back the urge to bolt, and waits for what comes next.

Aimée smiles and produces a small notepad and a pen out of her little blue silkpouch, so that she could write down the number twist gave her. With a nod she put everything back and turned to Regina, a fellow Invictus. "Most Honorable Dame Lady Knight Pia, it's a pleasure to meat you. I'm Madam Aimée Noel." She reached out to give Regina her hand. Frankly, if there's one thing she didn't like about the Invictus, it's the pointless name-calling, but démodé or not, traditions are traditions.

As Mariel talked to her Aimée looked Regina in the eyes, as if to tell her that she'll be right back at her and turned to Mariel. "Yes, it is. Hello Mariel, nice to meet you."

Jack takes a look at the card with a smile on his face. He always needed more ammo. "Mate we number at four, five if Mel here decides to join us. As I said, smaller groups don't require a second unless its absolutly nessessary. He said as he slipped the card into his pocket. [color-red] "But I guess we can decide on that now if everyone is so dead set on it."[/color]
He took out a pen and a few slips of paper and started scribbling his number on each of them. Once that was done, he handed a slip to each of them.

Olivette reappears in the door, catching the Seneschal, Reeve, and Hound's eyes each in turn, discreetly tapping her watch before leaving again.

Hearing the announcement that court is over, Taylor quickly scribbles his/her name on a piece of paper along with his/her cell number. "It's rare that I don't answer my phone, so give me a ring if you need anything." Taylor hands each of them a slip of the paper, including Mel, before turning to leave Court.

Mariel is surprised that everyone is being kicked out. Oh well, things had been winding down anyway. She excuses herself from Twist, Aimee and Regina, runs to Heathcliff and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek. Take care, darlin'. If I'm allowed, I'll stay in touch.

She returns to see if Twist is likewise going to leave. She'd like to talk more about the Ballo.


She also looks around for Benton Black. It would be good to have a conversation with him. Maybe he can put in a good word to the nuns so I don't have to go back, she thinks. I better get him to do it quick before he actually gets to know me. Mariel grins.

O-Yama looks at Dr. Lazarus and nods, but then hears Seneschal Brady's anouncement. He hands him a card with his cell phone number printed on it.

"Contact me later tonight, text or call me, and we can establish a time and place to meet."

O-Yama then waits for the Kindred to depart so he may talk to Erica after court.

Black smiles at the Seneschal, "Well, thank you for your honesty, Seneschal. I shall remember it fondly the rest of my nights."

While he tries to stay outwardly polite, internally he is trying desperately to leash his wrath. Ok, so I've been a covenant head for all of 10 minutes. And, yes, it's a covenant of 2. But some fucking respect is due. Why the Lord spared that one when so many others were consumed... God, grant me strength.

Trying to take his mind off Brady, he finds Mariel in the crowd and decides to share his news.

"Well, unfortunately it seems the Prince, or his secretary at least, is not inclined to let us just have Heathcliff. So it looks like it's just you and me cleaning up the mess left to us."

Dr. Lazarus takes the card and nods to O-Yama. "Very well then. You will hear from me shortly, Priscus O-Yama." The doctor turns and leaves the hotel.

Regina looks at Aimee's hand, a look of pity escapes her face. No, not yet miss Noel. When you are a proper Lady, then I will kiss your hand, until then, I must decline.
"How unfortunate that our time must be cut short. I hope that I will see you at the Invictus meeting Madam Noel, until then, my duties as a knight require me to inform you that I am available should you need any martial actions." She gives Madam Noel her phone number, and heads out.

When she gets out into the lobby, her ghoul greets her and escorts her to the bathroom, where she swiftly reemerges with her obfuscated swords and more comfortable clothes. She exits with the rest of the kindred.

Eric makes his way through the throng of vampires toward the woman that beckoned him. He sighs under his breath at how involved everyone else is that they don't notice a newcomer. 'So much for a first impression,' he muses to himself.

When he reaches the redheaded woman, he pauses a cautious distance away.

"I'm Eric Roberts," he says, crooking a smile and extending a hand to shake. Her eyes are covered, obviously, but she saw him at the door so she should be able to see this. "I figured it's about time I introduce myself."

Father Benton had just said: "So it looks like it's just you and me cleaning up the mess left to us."

Mariel takes this information quite literally. Ewwww. There had been a LOT of dead bodies.

She whispers unhappily to the priest, her lips barely moving, I know, I could hear her from here. What a bitch!

That pretty much trashes my party plans for tonight, too, damn it all to hell and back.

Mariel figures that the best thing to do now is....procrastinate. So, Father, I was hoping we could have a brain-storming session tonight to work on plans for the church. My hotel is very nice, would you like to join me? I can drive, if you like.

Dear God, please let him say yes.

Eric withdraws his hand, slipping it casually into his pocket as he slips into a relaxed pose. He spares a glance at the groups breaking up around him and heading for the door.

"Well, that was direct. Daeva, no Covenant, and I was late because I learned about the meet late," he says, sweeping his eyes to where her's hide behind the scarf. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"It was a pleasure," Eric says softly - his tone betraying a hint of annoyance - as Erika leaves. She is probably out of earshot but one can never be sure with the Kindred.

He makes his way through the quickly dispersing crowd, slowly enough to not set off any alarms, but he wants to move quickly to make sure and catch Twist before she leaves.

"Twist, is it?" Eric asks when he reaches the indicated woman. "The lovely Seneschal told me to find you."

He extends his hand once again but doesn't expect a different result.

"I agree, if this is how we are going to be treated in this city we should try to get on the same page. If you drive, I'll follow behind."

Benton was anxious to get on the same page with Mariel. If this was how the city's kindred were going to treat the Sanctified, they needed to get their act together.

Arnold is just standing there in the room, eyes flicking to and fro from the kindred funneling out and then flitting back to lie on Heathcliff.

He seems to be waiting for him.

Strange, Regina didn't seem to be the handshake-type of person. Very well.
As Erika announced the end of the Court Aimée bid farewell to the other Daevas. "It was a pleasure to meet you all. I hope we can stay in touch, but until then I wish you a good night." She then turned to Regina and indicated a bow. "Of course, thank you Most Honorable Dame Lady Knight Pia."
With than she made her way outside.

Arnold just nods. He and Heathcliff leave the Sterling.

With everyone else around the Seneschal having finished, Circe approaches the Seneschal again.

"Seneschal Dr. Brady, I will be heading the Circle of the Crone. Here is my current contact information. I do thank you for your time, and I look forward to our talk." She hands over the contact information, including the address to the land she has purchased for use by the Circle.

As Hector awaits a response from Twist he hears Erika's announcement and shrugs. Noting the suddenly flurry of activity as kindred conduct business and are out the door like it's going out of fashion he waits till all is settled. Noting the newcomer he smiles and takes the proffered hand to Twist, "Hey there, things a little crazy at the moment I'm sure you'll forgive the Priscus a moment of your time. Another Daeva I expect, any covenant ties? I'm Hector, yet another of the growing Daeva horde." While charming and serious the last is said with a particular inflection of dark humor that's almost serious, his smile is rather infectious all throughout.