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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Sept 14, 2021 8:36:49 GMT -5
Marlowe was quiet on the ride back to Elise's home, until they approached the gates. He sighed and addressed Elise and Remington both.
"I know zhat seemed a bit suspicious back zhere. Wizh zhe brribe, zhe secrrrecy, all of zhis running arount! Frrom zhis point forrward, I promise you I vill be no trrouble. But I vill shpeak plainly... you seem to want to ask me somezhink...though I cannot tell you zhe whole truth, I vill not lie to you dirrectly. I simply ask zhat some qvestions remain unanswerred forr now, as my past vill surely follow me."
He crossed his legs as they drove under the bridge.
"You vill find zhat some of zhe quvestions vill answer zhemselves at zhe summit. And...Zhat may be more entertaining wizhout zhe shpoilers!" he chuckled.
They entered the foyer and Remington checked the answering machine on the small corded phone in the hall. There were several messages on the rarely used device:
~BEEP~"...don't know how a phonograph recorder works! No... Is it recording? Yes? Confounded machine... Dreyfus? Did you get a receipt on this infernal-
~BEEP~...heard the beep that time! Is it ready for the cylinder? Where does it even go? Dreyfus, will you just put that down and help me with this or I will throttle you! It doesn't need a cylinder now? Well how will it record my v-
~BEEP~...so talk now? Right now?
...My dearest Elise, It is I, Louie De Montcalm, speaking from the Springs of Colorado Land! I hope my voice finds you well. I am reaching out to tell you I am on my way by wingèd aeroplane, then by carriage, to the city of angels for the Western Conference Summit! I do fear the climate will restrict me to indoor activity only... as the air is so dry from what I have heard! I will likely stay with you if you will have me, though our host has invited me to his tower to rest and enjoy the spoils of the western empire. Although I have to admit I am curious about what Aiden has built among the grand spires of the city, I believe I will eventually find it quite tiring. I feel that Aiden Forest only wishes to spoil me in hopes of securing an old business deal that still seems rather lofty even for this day and age. Well. I don't care about all of that. What he does not know is I am only interested in participating in the Grand Masquerade Ball... save what official mandatory events I am forced to endure, I suppose. Anyway I ha--------- Very well, thirty seconds. Please call upon my gentleman companion when you get this. His number is... Dreyfus! What is the number here? Dreyfus? I am going to split your skull when I find you, you trite-born, corny faced-
~BEEP~not forget to check the caller identification, as I'm told you can find the number you seek. Dreyfus will have this machine on when we arrive. Toodles, my dear!"
Marlowe slowly nodded as he took off his trench coat. "Zounds like anozher houseguest may come knockink at zhe chamber door... at least zhe conversation vill be interesting..."
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Sept 14, 2021 22:12:08 GMT -5
Silence or talking, Elise wasn't bothered by either. She settled into her seat and the silence as they drove back to her estate. She'd take in the view as they drove. This city was nothing compared to Paris in her mind but it was beautiful in it's own right she supposed. Marlowe's voice drew her attention and she'd give it all as he spoke.
"Indeed, it didn't seem just a bit suspicious. It seemed very suspicious. I have questions, yes, but my main concern is being adequately prepared for whatever situation I may be finding myself in soon."
She'd smile a bit at him. She would walk next to him as they headed back into the house.
"Why all the secrecy? And if you can't answer it, I'll respect your wishes. i won't press you for answers. It does seem there is quite the story be told. A mysterious Nosferatu Prince that is being chased down by another Prince's goons, hands an envelope to one of those goons. It all seems a bit.....juicy."
As Remington checked the answering machine Elise would pause hearing Louie's voice. She would chuckle, a genuine sound that might indicate a sense of delight. Oh Louie, she thought, you never did really adapt to modern amenities. By the third beep Elise let out a small laugh and shook her head.
"Un instant s'il vous plaît."
Her voice was more flowery when she spoke in French. As Marlowe removed his trench coat, Elise's fingers flew over the keys of the phone as she dialed the number that populated on the caller iD. She left a voicemail in return, hoping he would receive it without issue.
"Hello Drefyus, this is Elise Beaufort. I received Louie's message and am returning the call. Please let him know he is more than welcome to stay with me while he is in town. Remington will ensure everything is prepared and the accommodations are up to the Prince's standards. I look forward to spending time with him while he is in town. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you need anything else prior to arrival."
Elise would turn her attention back to Marlowe.
"It certainly sounds like it. Have you had the pleasure of meeting the Ventrue Prince?"
Though she was fairly confident the answer to that was no she did not want to assume anything. She'd motion towards the sitting room following Marlowe in. The heavy curtains had been drawn over all the windows while they were out. Whether or not they were still awake this would have been done. Elise's house ran like a well oiled machine and she was grateful for the staff.
"Would you like some more tea while we chat?"
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Sept 19, 2021 21:01:55 GMT -5
The lid to the trunk would shut, though just barely. Carefully Ariel would press down until it sealed shut and she was able to latch it properly. She'd smile, taking a step back to observe her handiwork. Three suitcases and one trunk. Mostly clothing, toiletries, a couple of her favorite pillows, a favorite throw, at least 5 books, a plushie plague doctor Clara had sent her, handbags, and shoes. Other knickknacks that she enjoyed looking at were sprinkled in here tucked safely within the folds of fabric but all in all, she seemed pretty proud of herself.
She'd glance at the time, not needing to look far as a clock adorned nearly every wall or sat upon the dresser. Nearly two hours had passed as she predicted. Did she need to bring a clock? She'd worry her bottom lip with her teeth, looking at the bags that sat upon the bed and not recalling if she had packed one or not. Certainly there would be a clock wherever she stayed, but it wouldn't be her clock. What if it wasn't set properly. She'd have to learn a whole new clock. With a bit of a grumble she'd take the ornate older alarm clock that didn't require electricity off of her dresser, unclicking the trunk once more and watching it pop open as if on a spring. She'd find a place between layers of clothing to stuff it protectively and work to once more latch it up. That would do it.
She'd turn, weaving her way out of the room and down the hall, careful not to let her eyes linger too long on stuff inside the house least she be tempted to take it all with her. Carefully she'd creak open the door, peeking her head out to see if Rory was indeed still there as he said he'd be. He was of course, pacing back and forth as he spoke on the phone, unlit cigarette dancing between his lips as he spoke around it. There was another car in her driveway and perhaps the sweet coppery scent of blood that lingered in the air. Nothing seemed amiss though and she'd take a step out onto her porch, closing the door behind her. She'd wait there until he finished with his business as not to intrude. Ariel had sensed a long time ago he didn't like to include her in such things.
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Post by Myrine Leventis on Sept 19, 2021 21:54:44 GMT -5
Myrine had leafed through all ten pages of this contract Scarlet had left upon her bed, going through every word and legal turn of phrase to make sure she wasn't agreeing to anything else but this singular job. Thankfully it did not. Not that Aiden could really sue her, but she wouldn't want anything around stating she had given her word for something she had not. Whatever happened to a good old fashioned verbal agreement anyway. She'd tap her pen thoughtfully against the last page of the paper, looking at the signature line for a good hard moment before scribbling her full name upon it. Now then, she just needed to find this Ivan, figure out if he was in town, keep him from causing a stir. She would need to interview Aiden. Have Arthur do a little reconnaissance. How hard could it be to find a Lasombra within the ranks of the camarilla. And from what she understood, one that likes to make a public spectacle of himself. She sat down upon the bed, slipping her shoulder harness off and laying the guns upon the night stand. Thirty minutes to sunrise. She wouldn't need to see outside to know that dawn was approaching, her internal clock never wrong. She'd lean against the bedframe, stretching her feet out in front of her and crossing her ankles before curiously reaching over to touch the remote on her nightstand. She'd flick the floor to ceiling high definition television on. It mimicked a window and played only one thing, the live video feed from the camera taped upon the other side. Slowly the hue of the sky changed until the bright sun crested the downtown skyline. Myrine would watch almost dispassionately before finally clicking it off and setting the remote down. Thanks to motion pictures it wasn't the only time she had seen a sun rise and set, but Aiden's use of cameras gave one the ability to watch it live as if you were on the opposite side of a real window. It was a nice touch. Even she would have to admit.
Myrine would ride the elevator down the next night, haven awoke at exactly the time the sun had fully descended upon the horizon. She'd freshen up and make her way with paperwork in hand to Aiden's office. She was early and Scarlet had yet to arrive, which was normal for a vampire with her internal clock. She would sit and wait, making herself comfortable in the overstuffed chairs until either the secretary or the boss arrived. An hour tops should suffice.
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Post by Rory Connoly on Sept 22, 2021 19:56:36 GMT -5
Catching sight of Ariel out of the corner of his eye, he snapped his phone shut immediately. She'd feel a touch of a breeze and a tickle on her cheek as Rory moved faster than sight to be next to her, brush a kiss to her cheek, pick up her trunk and return to the armored truck. Opening the rear door, two coffins presented themselves. Each was made out of titanium and coated in pure silver. Inside the finest silk was adorned. Hers was red as a rose, his a deep royal purple. Completely bulletproof and fireproof, the silver was to dissuade any garou who might think them targets. He mused to himself that he'd have to add gold inlays for the potential mokole. There were internal securing mechanisms and six pouches of blood should prolonged security be necessary. Additional tracking devices and emergency transponders were built in. Even if the truck went over a cliff and into the sea, someone could find them and fish them out. He hadn't quite worked out volcanos or interstellar launches yet, but he had teams working on it. Moving inside, he placed her trunk on secure shelving, strapping it in. Clapping his hands together as if dusting them off, he'd roll his fedora off his head, down his arm and into his hand, bowing to her. It was time to take that walk, hunt, then travel.
*~*~*
2 nights later he stepped out of the truck and onto the lawn of a small house on Fell street, just across from the Conservatory of Flowers and just down the street from the Gendell Gallery. Stepping from silent invisibility, an Assamite presented himself before his Prince. Before he could speak, Rory slapped him clean across the face with a disgusted hiss.
"Y'were made. Wha'do ah pay ye fer anyway. I swear, if'n ye weren't Zara's fav'rit, I'd rip ye apart and feed ye tae m'old acquaintence Olga fer spite."
He'd pinch his nose, shaking his head, then motion with his hand for the report.
"The house is secure. Three block perimeter in each direction. The hospital clean room one block down is secure. There have been no incursions into this area and no violence necessary. We are code Green."
"We be code yellow, idjit. Ye...were...made. S'fine. Ah'm tae be expected anyways...may as well know we're 'ere. Get along, Shevat...ah'm crabby fer ridin' is ahl. Oh..did ye get scope the International Art Museum o'Americay?"
"Yes my Lord. It is secure and ready for you and Lady Ariel to visit. But half an hour's notice and we will ensure security for your visit."
"As ye wish. Find me Bertie an'Fruitloop. Suren they'll be around. And if ye make the Russian, lemme know that as well. Hopefully he nae be strokin' his tentacles in a dark alley somewhere."
Shevat would bow and vanish soundlessly. The driver of the truck would walk around, offering Rory a thin blue cylinder with a black tip. With a curious brow, the Irishman looked at it, then his servant.
"An oddity I saw while fueling up. It's called a vape - a, uh, fireless cigarette."
Looking at the small device with a "G-slim" annotation, he slowly put it to his lips, taking a pensive inhalation. His eyes went wide as a kid in a candy story, slowly exhaling. It didn't have the effect of the hand rolled cigarettes of his youth, but the flavor was something he hadn't had in centuries. He'd tried chewing tobacco once and found it a disgusting habit. But this...this was amazing altogether. Patting the man on his shoulder, he nodded.
"Buy th'Company. Make ye'self CEO. Keep me stocked....an'remind me tae get me Associates tae increase th'addictive level b'20%. Well done, lad, well done."
He'd move back into the truck, rapping gently on Ariel's coffin, then standing and waiting for her to arise, drawing in a deep breath from his vape. This was going to be a fine trip indeed.
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Sept 23, 2021 10:46:15 GMT -5
Forest Tower, 4:23 A.M.
Wheels had arrived in the limo. He parked in front of the building rolled his tongue over his fangs and looked in the mirror as his reflection. The sun would be up soon enough, but this was his last task for the evening, fortunately. He adjusted his ill-fitting hat over his dreads and it had tipped to the side. Despite Aiden's insistence, he had refused to adorn a suit, but this was normal. He wore street clothing that had not been washed in some time.
Virgil held the door for Aiden, Scarlet, and Louis De Montcalm. Aiden opened the car door for himself, but Virgil helped Scarlet get seated. Louis waited on the passenger side as Virgil wordlessly walked over and opened the door for him. He stood quietly as Louis bowed inside, wearing a freshly powdered wig. That would be all over the leather interior in no time. Louis entered the limo back seat. Virgil went to the front passenger side.
"Malone!" he whispered angrily. "This is not a cab! Where the fuck is your uniform?"
"Who cares? I didn't see a point in wearin' a suit behind de tinted windows. I don't be leavin' from behind de wheel anywhay! No point at all."
Checking to make sure the privacy window was up, Virgil shoved the wrinkled two-piece suit, (still in its dry cleaning plastic) into the floorboard. "It's called having a little class. You have the money to dress better. You know we can all smell that Bob Marley shirt you haven't washed since 1980."
"Whatever. Dis shirt is priceless. Best concert ever, mon."
Virgil grimaced seeing no point in arguing. "Sure. Well, you are cleaning up the white powdery mess in the back seat. I'm not messing up my clothes."
"White powder? You mean - ?"
Virgil smirked wickedly. "....uh... yeah! Yeah. That's it....it happened earlier this afternoon. One of the clientele got a little handsy with one of the retainers... Cassandra, I think her name was. She was delivering secret correspondence for Elise, I think, but wrapping up for the night. So this douchebag from legal spilt his sniffer-vial all over the backseat after I decked him. You totally missed it," he lied.
They both laughed it off quietly.
Wheels smiled as he put the limo in drive. They were headed to Rabbits Revenge, which was about five blocks away. This was just for appearances. They could have simply used the tunnels under the buildings, but Aiden liked his entrances to be public. ~~~
Scarlet had been quietly talking into her phone since she had sat in the back seat across from Louis. She hated facing the back of the car, but the ride was short, so she just managed it. She ignored the others as they chatted.
Aiden sat next to Louis and looked out of the window at the starry night sky. "Louie, you ever think about how our kind would thrive in outer space?"
Louis De Montcalm had been reapplying black lipstick, despite his flawless makeup. The backseat had covered in a fine film of dust. "NEVER."
"Why not? You'd think we'd survive fairly well as long as we had a way to avoid Ultraviolet light.... hell... we probably could colonize planets without breathable air."
Louis sighed. "But, my dear Aiden... have you considered our living food would not likely fare very well?"
"Hm. That's a solid point. Eh, it was just a thought I had."
"I prefer keeping my feet upon the earth when possible." Louis frowned.
"Sure. I guess that makes sense." Aiden seemed dissatisfied with that answer.
~~~
Rabbit's Revenge - 4:48 A.M.
The bouncer took one look at Scarlet and moved aside as they entered. Wheels had already driven off to park and clean the limo, so he could then bugger off for the rest of the day in his lair. Virgil had inherited the job of head of security after Myrine had been promoted, so he followed the trio closely as the double doors swung open.
Aiden looked around and motioned to the bouncers. They secured the exits, and drew heavy, floor to ceiling draperies over the narrow windows.
"Closing a bit early tonight! All non-essentials get the fuck out! (Unless you want to be food)." He spoke over the music, and a good number of people began to shuffle towards the exit.
He was of course, not addressing any kindred or staff.
He looked around the nearly empty club and saw Claudia dressed in a miniskirt. Aiden remembered the last time he had seen her like this, he did a double take, but decided not to comment. She sat down to join Banji (The ministry representative) in a private booth. They clinked their glasses together as they drank blood from champagne flutes. They eventually saw Aiden and Louis and waved. Fiona Mcintyre, the Lasombra Prince, sat with a book about frontier psychiatry and an almost-full flute glass of blood. She had checked in moments before and did not want to be bothered with Aiden yet. He knew better.
Louis was fascinated with all the new sights and sounds. The music continued playing as he walked around the nearly empty room. He spied a robed man slumped in a corner booth, so he sat down across from him.
"Oh, my. Such a pity. Someone got too tipsy! Whatever shall we do?"
Aiden walked over to the table and smirked as he lifted the man's head up. The man's expression was one of bliss.
"He can sleep it off, I suppose. Scarlet. Looks like you let one of our guests slip past you!"
Scarlet approached and glanced at the man. "Fuck. You have to be kidding me. Is that Briggs? The Tremere Prince? He didn't even RSVP!"
"Well he's here, sort of. Virgil. Get him cleaned up and presentable, and find out what in his system."
Virgil lifted the Tremere Prince out of the seat and walked towards the back. "You got it."
Louis giggled, and then strolled over to the bar.
Aiden sat back down at his private table. While the few kindred that had assembled here mingled, he and Scarlet would go over some more details for the opening ceremony to be held in the following week.
"So... roughly half of the Princes have checked in and are in L.A., eh? I was sort of hoping we'd get a full turnout. I mean, the Camarilla hasn't done this since 1922, after all, so...."
"Right. I can give you a quick rundown on the missing... I heard that Rory is on route with his plus one, the Nosferatu is hanging back with Elise, but you knew that, The Brujah Prince... Bert, I believe... is supposed to get here within the next three days or so, depending on what route he takes. That leaves Charlie, Josef, the Tzimisce Prince, and Luna, the Hecate Representative, all of which we have heard nothing from. Everyone else I can think of is accounted for."
"Almost everyone. Okay. Keep up the good work Scarlet. I'm going to have a few drinks with Louie and retire after sundown." "Are you seriously risking the tunnels again?" she inquired.
"Hey. Hey. Hey. Why shouldn't I? I paid a fortune for them."
Scarlet pushed her glasses to the bridge of her nose. "Just make sure Virgil scouts ahead before you head back to the tower. Be careful."
"The broken grates to the sewer were wielded shut. There's nothing to worry about." He grinned.
"Well whatever was down there could just break them again, so again. Be careful, Aiden." she mumbled ominously as she shook her head.
Her job never ended.
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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Sept 23, 2021 16:43:09 GMT -5
"Vunderbarrr! Blood Leaf Tea... heavy on zhe blood, yes?" Marlow slowly unwrapped his lower face bandages, seemingly more comfortable around Elise. He sat on an ottoman, and crossed his legs to finish. "I'd love some."
He cautiously looked around. "I can rrelax. Finally. On to zhe qvestions... alwayz wiz zhe qvestions. I vill tell you vhat I know."
He nodded to Elise, when asked about meeting the Ventrue Prince.
"Yez. I have met Louis many times, zhough he vould not admit it. Despite ourr chance encounterrs, he is a bit of a historrical celebrrity, truzhfully. Louie has been parrt of every Califorrnia Prrince's court since long before I can rrememberr. You vouldn't zhink it, but I understand he is qvite zhe fighterr, ever since zhe RRevolutionary Var of zhe United States." he paused. "Anyvay. He comes acrross as flippant and prrrissy to zhrow off everrybody. Frriend or foe. Aiden loves Louie like a brozher. Aiden is one of zhe few individuals who knows vhat Louie is rreally capable of. He has genuine rrespeckt for him. Forr zhe old guarrd for zhat matterr, rregardless of zheir sins."
Marlowe's teacup cracked and the lights became very dim as he quickly placed it back on its saucer. His shadow became larger and intensified, as his aura seemed to leak from under his bandages. "I am so drreadfully sorry about zhat. I have some old habits in zhe occult I have not brroken yet."
The room eventually returned back to normal.
"Ahem. I only know zhis by vord of mouzh. I have obserrved nozhink perrsonally. I also may know a zhing or two about zhe dark veb... neverrmind."
He took a refill in a fresh teacup, courtesy of Remington.
"So, vhat part do I play in all of zhis? I vill tell you, zhough you likely do not vant to know." he shifted his sitting position.
"Perhaps it is zhat ozher clans vish to infiltrate Canada? Zhat is Garou territory zhese days. Lots of Vendigo... No, zhe truzh of zhe matter is zhat Alaska is zhe last Kindred foothold to RRRussia. Generrally, zhe United States is vell defended against zhe vorld powers zhat be, but veak against zhe supernaturral creatures of zhe farr East. If zhe council can get my permission to set a vampiric embassy of sorts in my turf, zhey feel ve have a chance to get zhe right amount of intel against zhe Communist vampirre vave zhat is forming over zhe horizon. Zhey are playing by zhe rrules loosely, and vill try anyzhink to set up shop in my backyarrd!"
Marlowe had set the teacup down. He threw his hands up.
"Honestly, I am surprised zhey haven't trried harrder to kill me!"
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Sept 26, 2021 17:39:50 GMT -5
Elise took her teacup from Remington being sure to thank him. "Heavy on the blood, of course." Elise grinned as she took a sip. "I can't stand weak tea."
She nodded a bit as he unwrapped the lower bandages and then looked around. She could understand his wanting to be cautious. Elise relaxed a bit herself as Marlowe started to discuss Louie, sipping her tea here and there. An accurate description if she ever heard one. Louie had quite the history. Her eyebrow arched mid-sip as the lights dimmed and Marlowe's shadow became larger.
"No need to apologize." Finishing her sip, she leaned forward, setting her teacup on the table. "The occult? Did you participate willingly?" It came out rather casually with no judgement. They were still getting to know each other and Elise liked to know as much as possible about her guests. Part of it was plain curiosity. Elise always enjoyed getting to know others. Part of it was because as a hostess you could cater more exclusively to your guests the more you knew. And part of it, was a safety precaution. She felt a need to reassure him after he stopped mid-sentence and said nevermind.
"Whatever is said in these walls stays here; unless there is a safety reason to share information, of course."
Elise would keep whatever information he shared to herself and any of her staff who were around would not say anything either. She doubted most others were still up besides Remington at this point. Only once in the last 100 years or so did she have to take care of someone for sharing information that should not have been shared. Unfortunately, it did not end well for that being. Despite Elise's little drift, she was fully attentive as Marlowe started to explain the situation. She chuckled at his commentary about being surprised they haven't tried harder to kill him.
"Yes, I would have to agree. It seems like they are desperate to get a foothold there. And how do you feel about having an embassy of sorts set up in Alaska?" She reached for her saucer and teacup, taking a sip before continuing. "If I had to make an educated guess, I would say you're not thrilled with the idea.."
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Oct 1, 2021 22:19:50 GMT -5
8:30 A.M. - In the tunnel connecting Rabbit's Revenge to Forest Tower.
Aiden yawned. The sun was up, and he was feeling exhausted. The other guests had taken such a long time to clear out, he was growing concerned as daybreak approached. The phrase "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here" didn't really apply to Kindred socially, especially when they were VIP guests.
They all started shuffling down the stairs towards the basement. Virgil had already shouldered the Tremere Prince Briggs and was leading the group down a tunnel that had collapsed shortly after the Prohibition. The tunnels (which had been renovated recently) were clean, but dimly lit. The vampires, eight in total, were followed by several humans, which included a couple that had been taken as willing hosts and some of the club staff.
A bit of dust fell from the ceiling. Everyone froze. The tunnel rumbled with vibrations as something ...large travelled below them. Virgil realized it would take about fifteen minutes to get to the other end on foot.
Chance, the club manager, fell to one knee suddenly, listening towards the ground. "I know you heard that, Virgil."
The Head of Security kept moving. "Yeah. The sewer runs just under this tunnel. Huge pipeline was sealed off from this entry point, but you can still hear the rush of the water at different times."
"No. Not that. It was like something was trying to come up though the flooring."
Virgil frowned. He had known Chance since the mid nineties, and in that time, he knew he wasn't the type to exaggerate. "Probably nothing. Just keep m-"
A very large, black tendril latched around Briggs throat as he was dragged towards a grate in the floor. Virgil tried to keep up with it, shouting in surprise. Before he could draw his weapon, the tentacle had forced the body through the grate, with a sickening bone crunching thud. Shortly after, all sorts of inhuman sounds could be heard.
Scarlet stared at Aiden in horror, as she knew a few of his darker secrets. "You wouldn't!"
Aiden seemed just as shocked as Briggs was clearly being ripped apart below them. "It. .. ... it isn't me! Let's get the hell out of here!" Claudia, Banji, Fiona, Louis, Chance, and a bouncer simply known as "the Swede" all began running towards the exit to Forest Tower. Virgil remained behind with the other doorman, Sargei, who had been grasped by a tendril coming from the same grate, but was able to overpower it.
"That's it. I'm calling the exterminators tomorrow. Get me a Winchester." Chance handed the Prince a sawed off shotgun. Aiden peered behind him, and wondered with wide eyes why he hadn't known about the basement armory. As he shook it off, Prince Aiden gritted his fangs and started heading back down towards the tunnel, cocking the shotgun. He glanced at Scarlet. "You know what? Fuck it. I'm going to handle this myself!"
Scarlet smirked as she shouted back to him. "If you see any eyes, just shoot!" She feigned being proud of his sudden bravery.
She'd hoped he survived, actually, as there was a lot of paperwork involved if he didn't.
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Oct 3, 2021 16:03:31 GMT -5
The vehicle had stopped for some time. The vibrations of a moving vehicle had ceased, she could tell that much from within her cushioned travelling coffin though she had no idea what time it was outside or how long they had truly been travelling. It had felt like hours, perhaps it was time to give the ghouls a break.
She'd lick her finger and carefully flip the page of the book she was reading. In Search of the Castaways was a book she had with her on that fateful night back in 1868. She hadn't yet read it and had intended to do so when they first arrived in San Francisco. A new book to keep her occupied until she could fill her life with all the social frivolities of a young woman at her prime to be married off to a rich and influential bachelor. Oh how her life... unlife... changed that night.
A rap upon the coffin lid would gain her attention. She'd slide in her bookmark and carefully put the old book away under her pillow for safe keeping before unlatching the lid and peeking out, immediately spotting Rory before opening the lid fully.
She'd smile, looking around brightly before wrinkling her brow in confusion. She'd sit up on her knees, leaning out and looking around. Were they in... San Francisco? The air smelled of salt water and... tobacco? It was strange, she'd watch what appeared to be smoke, but wasn't, curl through the air with a faint lingering scent of cigarettes.
"Are we in San Francisco? A little short of Los Angeles isn't it? That is where this conference is supposed to be?"
She'd pause, watching the vapor curl up and away and dissipate into the air.
"What... what is that thing?"
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Post by Louis-Joseph de Montcalm on Oct 3, 2021 21:26:21 GMT -5
Louis Montcalm was the first to arrive in the tower basement. He had used celerity.
"What a frightfully exiting evening! Sudden death by tentacle!"
Dreyfus seemingly appeared from a nearby doorway, replying as if on cue. "Still not as eventful as my evening, my lord." He was covered from head to toe in blood.
"Oh my, Dreyfus. You have been in the berries and cream again. Naughty boy." Louis shook his head in mocking disapproval.
Dreyfus looked away with genuine concern. "I do NOT want to know what any of that means. Anyway, you're going to have to vouch for me. The Brujah you left here to babysit decided I looked like a snack. I think the lout misunderstood Aiden when he said to 'take care of' me."
"Pah. We will have it all sorted over brandy blood. You haven't a worry." Montcalm gripped his inner vest and puffed out his chest.
"I'll hold you to that. Oh, just one thing before you head inside. Avoid the left hall. It got messy."
"I would imagine so. Even with your skill, that would seem tedious."
Dreyfus nodded, as he had spoken to the God of Death once before. He had been lucky this time, because the Kindred had overestimated his speed. He had scattered pieces of the Brujah mercenary over the entire eastern hall leading to the tower.
Louis held his nose with a handkerchief, nearly gagging as soon as he saw the body.
Dreyfus held a cellphone to his ear.
"Perhaps a wet vac this time? I'll call up housecleaning immediately, sir."
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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Oct 4, 2021 16:11:02 GMT -5
Marlowe Rodrick carefully grasped the teacup and sipped the thick tea once more, realizing he may have slipped up. "Ah. Zhe simple zhinks." He tapped his chin in thought. Elise had picked up on one of his quirks. He would just tell her the truth.
"I dabbled a little in zhe dark art of Obtenebration, a knowledge zhat I picked up in Europe long ago. Vhile on holiday, I came acrross some literaturre in one of zhose old cazhedrrals in RRome. I don't even rrememberr zhe name of it... Anyvay, as you know, it is in my naturre to explorre and qvestion everryzhink. I also hef a nasty habit of rremembering, in vivid detail, a lot of zhe zhings zhat I rread. So, in due course, I may hef masterred several forrbidden abilities! Zhere of courrse, vas a prrice for zhis."
He motioned at his scarred face and bandaged eyes. "I've alvays been a prretty boy, you see."
He reflected a moment, and decided to change the subject. "Alaska is my home. Zhere is no qvestion a foothold will be held by zhe council, and it vill not matter vhat I zhink. It is more about vhich clans may hef a presence zhere vizhout a problem from my clan. Vho vill zhe Nosferratu drrive off and who zhinks it vill just be easier to take zhe terrirtorry by forrce?"
Marlowe crossed his legs. "It is an awkvard position to be in. To be an object of fear, hate, disgust, and pity all at zhe same time, vithout even being known. Zhey arre not meeting about vhzher I vill let zhem in my turrf... zhey are arrguing about vhat to build zhere!! Zhe optimist vould say zhey want an embassy. Zhe pessimist vould call it a future silo/satellite base. Eizher vay it goes... my clan's interrests vill likely take a backseat to Kindred politics, simply of because of vhere we are located."
He gently placed the empty teacup down, and crossed his arms.
The grandfather clock ticking became increasingly audible.
The clock struck six.
"It grows late, and I hef rrambled long enough."
Marlowe peered out the window, looking towards the guest house. He fumbled in his trench coat pocket to make sure he still had some ancestral soil. It was a silly practice, but he slept over the dirt out of habit. He told anyone who asked about it how it brought him good fortune, although he took it seriously enough to call it an honored tradition.
"Zhe sun rrrises soon.""
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Oct 12, 2021 18:31:26 GMT -5
Elise lifted her teacup to her lips and took a sip of tea. She was finding Marlowe's company rather pleasant. She listened as he shared about dabbling in Obtenebration. She watched as he motioned to his face and bandaged eyes.
"I see," she nodded. "It's a terrible price to pay."
It was probably not something he often shared. She did appreciate him sharing with her. Gently, she set the cup back on the saucer. She leaned forward, setting the cup and saucer on the coffee table. She sat back up in the chair and folded her hands in her lap. She nodded as he continued on about Alaska. It was hard for her to imagine being somewhere so remote. It did make sense to her though, that he would call Alaska home and feel comfortable there.
"I can see why the area would be coveted by many. As unfortunate as it is, I do believe you are right about your clan's interests taking a backseat to Kindred politics."
He wasn't wrong and she wouldn't try to convince him otherwise. She also didn't want to dismiss his obvious concerns. The ticking of the clock filled the otherwise silent room but it wasn't an uncomfortable moment for her. She nodded as he mentioned it grew late. Her eyes followed him as he peered out the window. She stood in one graceful, fluid movement.
"Yes, I suppose we should get some rest. It's been an eventful night, no?" She smiled. "Remington will get you all settled in. We can chat more after we've rested."
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Post by Rory Connoly on Oct 16, 2021 10:19:21 GMT -5
He would turn as he heard her light steps exit the truck, her auburn hair drifting slightly in the night breeze with a shimmer of moonlight making it appear as if it were some sort of miracle frosted lava flowing around her face. The vape nearly fell from his lips as he struggled not to outright gawk at her. Blinking, the electronic device snapped back perpendicular to his mouth as his playful, wry smile tightened his jaw so that it didn't strike the ground. The world could burn and he wouldn't care, but were a single hair to fall from her head he'd be the one striking the match. Moving to her side in a blink, gently taking her hand and escorting her down the truck ramp he chuckled.
"Aye Love....we be in San Fran...Promised ye a vacation, did I nae? We've a day, 'haps two fore'n we need tae be in ye City O'Angels lass, an'ah figured we coul'pit stop fer a night tae see some art, g'dancin', eat some local cuisine fer ol'times sake. Tis' where ah stopped m'rovin' an'where'ah met ye. S'been a moment since w'came ba'ere. As fer this lil'beauty...."
He pulled the vape from his mouth, cleaning the tip on the corner of his shirt and offering it to her with a flourished twirl.
"One O'th'lads found it on th'trip over. It's a fireless cigarette! Can ye imagine? 300 years ah've longed fer a puff and th'normies 'ave finally simulated it! Longer ah'live, th'more'n I be suprised at the magics they come up with! Buyin' me the Company! Ye shoul'thin'bout runnin' it yeself! Leastwise ye coul'model fer marketin'! Cannae thin'o a more beautiful face tae spread a'cross th'world!"
He would wink at her gently, as there was no pressure in the least. He wasn't teasing her, but he certainly was not trying to make her uncomfortable. He knew she was a private person, and yet she was his greatest treasure. Sharing her with the world would only give him joy so long as it was her joy to be had.
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Post by jsmith506 on Oct 17, 2021 23:12:02 GMT -5
At a rest stop just outside San Francisco just before dusk. A pair of young male college students were returning to the city after a few days of partying out of the town, they stopped for a bathroom break and a joint. They were standing there passing a joint back and forth admiring the three immaculately polished Harleys parked all by themselves at the rest stop.
"Dude, what are these sweet ass rides doing all the way out here by themselves?" The blonde one with freckles and a tye dye hoodie said as he passed the joint to the brown haired kid in a trucker hat and flannel shirt. "I don't know man, but something doesn't feel right. These bikes are giving me the creeps." He shuddered and coughed, passing the joint back to the blonde kid.
"C'mon Jeff, don't be such a pussy. These bikers probably caught an uber to the brothel a couple miles back." "Tim, I Don't like this, let's just go..."
And then, at that moment, dusk turned to night. A pair of taloned hands snatched around both boy's ankles. The boys shrieked and tried to pull away, falling to the ground flailing helplessly, the joint was tossed aside and fizzled out on some damp leaves. A very large menacing figure with deep blood red glowing eyes rose up from the ground before them, it bent down and grabbed them both by the throat lifting them both up into the air and strangling them in the process. They kicked and failed helplessly against the horrifying dark figure.
"Sorry boys, you picked the wrong spot to take a piss. That reefer smells good though, so we'll make this quick."
Megan and Duncan both emerged from the ground and simultaneously sank their fangs into either boys legs. Both of their eyes were wide in terror, growing more and more bloodshot as the life was strangled out of them. Bert pulled the cocky blonde one in closer and sank his fangs into his shoulder, they drank until they had their fill and then with a flick of both wrists, both boys necks snapped like brittle tree branches. He dropped them like sacks of potatoes and reached for his phone, he played back Rory's message and nodded, then smiled when he saw a note from Ariel. "Put them back in their car, no seat belts." He bent down, and picked up the roach. His eyes were squinting and he grinned with a chuckle. He threw the roach in between them. There was a bridge a head of them over a creek that was about three stories up above some trees and the creek bed, they pushed the car up to the bridge quickly and turned it on, they cranked the stereo and Bert hastily picked the car up, tossing it down over the shoulder into the trees and down into the creek bed making it look like they were high and blasting music and missed the bridge, there was crashing and the snapping of trees, then a crash followed by a puff of flame and smoke.
Bert dusted off his hands and the trio headed back to their bikes to finish the trip into town, the Dusk Riders had arrived.
When they reached the rest stop, Bert dialed up Rory. "Hey, we're about an hour out of San Fran, been a long time. Got the kids with me, where would you like to meet up?"
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