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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:18 pm
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There would always be a battle. A battle of wills. A battle of wits. I’m be day, Armistice was sure, Mithras would slip. There would be something that would incriminate him and that would tighten the noose around his neck. Drive the stake into his heart that much deeper. And the Justicar planned to be his judge, jury and executioner once he had found it. That one linch pin that would bring the Methuselah’s house of cards come tumbling down.
Armistice wrinkled his nose at the insinuation that he had been “dreaming” about Mithras. No, while the other Ventrue was top of his list he wasn’t the only one. There were others he preoccupied his time with as well. “How high you place yourself, Mithras. To believe you are my only quarry. That only you occupy my thoughts. Does is chafe you to know that you aren’t the only one on my mind? I hope so.” He cooly took another sip of his drink.
The Justicar knew exactly what he was doing. Of course he did. He had had centuries upon centuries to perfect his craft. And not even Mithras could be immune. Being a Ventrue gave him all the advantages in unlife. Wealth, charm, smarts an air of superiority that one could cut with a knife. But why should he not feel that way? He was the best of the best after all and bringing in the Methuselah would just be the jewel upon his crown.
When that hand clasped his shoulder he barely shifted from the force. Armistice was no hulking beast of a man but he was no fragile little whisp either. He was solid. He had to be. And his gaze simply fell to the hand them back to the other’s face with an almost ‘are you serious?’ look on his pale features. The f he hadn’t removed it Armistice would have. Firmly. Once it was gone he simply dusted off his shoulder with a gloved hand. As if dirt and grime had been left behind.
“You know me too well, friend. I would accept nothing but the best.” The laugh that came next was cold as a slender and perfectly arched eyebrow raised. “Come now you wound me, that’s not very hospitable of you. Do you not see? Everyone welcomes me wherever I go, for however long I choose to stay. They fall over themselves just to please me.” He left out the part about that all being fear based. But Mithras would know. There was no need to say it. Wherever Armistice went the locals shuttered themselves away or they fall to kiss his feet in hopes of placating him in the vein hope he might not stake them to a roof top and leave them there till sunrise.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:10 pm
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As Ashrad became increasingly aware of how much he stood out amongst the glitz and glamour of this little shindig, no matter how deep within the shadows he situated himself, the more irritated he became. It made no sense to him to meet here, among so many, unless Ambrogino somehow thought that nobody would suspect an exchange of information to happen in such a public place. It would be too risky. Who would possibly do something so bold and stupid? The more he thought about it, however, the more genius the idea seemed...save for one tiny little problem.
The lord of vampires himself, Grendel, had just arrived. His power was immense, a tangible thing that hung so thickly through the air that Ashrad felt as if he could reach out and touch it. His hooded gaze watched the Deity and his favoured Disciple Ravnos, face as stoic and unreadable as he could possibly make it. He had just decided that this had been a mistake and was just about to push himself back from his seat to do a round through the crowd and leave quietly without raising too much suspicion when nearby movement caught his eye.
His upper lip curled back to bare a glint of white teeth as he turned, his glowing eye levelling on the one who seemed to be sneaking up on him from the shadows. He did not know him, and his hand tightened on the hilt of his dagger as they approached him with calm purpose. The Methuselah's good eye flicked over the stranger, taking in his apparel, his hair, and the scars that adorned his cheeks. He did not seem like someone who had come for the party, so what is it that he wanted?
Ashrad wouldn't have to wait long for the answer, it seemed, as the vampire slipped into the seat across from him. "Speak more words." He hissed, not catching on to Benny's tone or the way he spoke as if they had always known each other. "And explain to me what it is that you want..." Ashrad paused then, eyelids narrowing as he leaned forward slightly and took in a slow, deliberate breath through his nose.
"Giovanni. Your blood all smells the same. It reeks of betrayal." Though this one, he could admit to himself, had a sweeter scent than most. Enticing even. He could feel his mouth begin to water, and he leaned back, eying the other more carefully now as pieces began to shift into place.
"He is not coming." He repeated in deadpan, his tone cold. Until that moment, his hand had continued to grip the hilt of his dagger, but now his hand appeared, pale fingertips barely visible for the glove that adorned it. He pressed that hand against the tabletop and made as though to rise. "So there is no reason for me to stay, then."
Suddenly, his gaze shot to the door of the mansion as a woman entered, the sound of her laughter cascading from the walls. The Bone Priestess Constancia. When was the last time Ashrad had crossed paths with her? He was surprised to even see her. He had thought that the Giovanni had burned her in her tomb long ago.
"Or perhaps it is you who should be leaving, Giovanni. I see now why Ambrogino would not risk coming here himself." A cruel smile seemed to play along his lips at the words. "Instead he sends a loyal puppy to play fetch. How very like him."
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:41 pm
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Ishtar had always been a bit showy. Shamhat had known that about her when she'd thought they were both mortals. But if anything, Ishtar had become even inclined to showmanship as the years had crept by. It both amused Shamhat and kept her on her toes. For she never knew when Ishtar would dip her or spin her. Whether the music called for it or not, the Disciple rose to the challenge. The Daeva moved with an effortless grace, unmatched by any Shamhat had ever known. Perhaps she was making a point of it. Perhaps she simply did it by instinct alone. What seemed artifice might in fact simply be nature.
"I would love a drink," she said finally, enjoying the moment. She stared up into Ishtar's eyes, losing herself in those twin pools. It was as if they were bottomless, as boundless as eternity itself, if it could be given a form. But perhaps that was just her imagination. Love did fascinating things to one, after all. Shamhat had never felt more alive than she did now, with Ishtar sweeping her around the dance floor. Once she'd been young and in love with this very same woman. Now she was old... and mad with love for her. Immune to the slight show of dramatics that flared within the mansion.
"Ah," said Vano. "A Toreador mansion is a grand thing indeed... though I very much doubt that it humbles your grandfather's temple." Very little could make a deity's temple pale in comparison. But he was right. It was elegant. He was less interested in the place itself and more interested in the denizens therein. Most interested, in fact, in this one. "Something tells me that they would not like my typical garb either." For Vano often found himself knee deep in one thing or another. His work was not the most buttoned up, as it were. Did he detect a faint pinking of Llewellyn's ears? The Antediluvian smiled with some faint amusement.
It was entirely possible that the Toreadors would be so brazen as to toss out a deity's own grandchild over a bit of good, clean dirt. That made sense to Vano, even if he thought it was probably a little dramatic. But the artists could be a little dramatic at times. "Imagine if it were a Ventrue party instead." Although... if it had been a Ventrue party, there was every chance that he would not have merited an invitation. The Toreadors were nothing if not thorough. Ventrue were undoubtedly more discerning. "Your drink looks interested," he added absently, and accepted his own when it was offered to him.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:59 pm
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The hush that followed Constancia's grand entrance allowed Claudius Giovanni the opportunity to walk right into it. Stepping into the dim light of the mansion, the Antediluvian took stock of the scene as it unfolded. Vincenzo Giovanni adorned his arm like always, looking far more innocent than any Giovanni should. It was not that he intended to be fashionably late, but rather that certain matters had tied up his time and attention in a way that was unavoidable. As was, it would seem, the unpleasantness of the night. He made no outward sign that he'd noticed that Cappadocians in the crowd, but inwardly he was far from pleased by Constancia's presence.
She stank of trouble. Just as Ambrogino did... to name another. Though he was certainly not alone in that. For some reason, Claudius's gaze settled on his son Ignatius for a long moment before he tore it away. What was he up to? And with his so-called husband, no less. He let his attention slip back to the moment, however. "Vincenzo, do you prefer to dance or linger in the main hall?" he asked, pointedly ignoring the presence of certain... undesirables. Now was neither the time nor the place for anything more.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:21 pm
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Caius could feel the power radiating outside the ballroom, and it made him feel alive -- powerful, strong. It practically echoed through that connection, and he knew he would need call upon the god -- and soon at that. To thank him for taking time to attend, of honoring them with his presence. It would be rude of him not to, after all... if it wasn't for Grendel, he wouldn't be in the position he was.
But he also didn't wish to crowd the god. He was here with Ravnos, and meant to enjoy himself too. And why shouldn't he? All work and no play wasn't good for anyone, even a divine being, surely... No, Caius would send his regards later on in the evening, if he appeared to have a moment free. He wouldn't disturb the god yet, nor flock to him upon his first arrival. Let the man settle.... let him enjoy the music, the dancing, or time with his favored
"Oh, very good then-- it sounds as if we'll have the time of our unlives tonight." To be in Asana's arms was all he really wanted, but like always, there would be business to tend to, to focus on, to watch for. There would be vampires of all Clans and rank to speak to, even if it was just a nod and air kiss to the cheek. Though he wanted to continuing the dance well through the night, the power of of those arriving was palpable, even from within the ballroom. Perhaps it was time to take a break, fetch a drink, and see who else had come pay the party a visit.
"My hopes for the New Year are to grow the clan exponentially, in both numbers and power." Let others think little of the artists and degenerates of the world, let them turn their nose up at their embrace of mortals, or their inspiration of the artists spirit. Let them play both comedy and tragedy, and encourage every feeling in between... It only made them stronger, more connected to a world the Kindred lost. He would see the Toreadors shine, come hell or high water. Yes, he had plans to better organize the Clan and to influence both mortal and Kindred alike. But all these things would take time... Thankfully, that was something vampires generally had in droves.
After a moment, he did turn his dual-hued gaze up to the dark, handsome vampire he danced with. "Of course, to spend time luxuriating with you on my arm and in my bed," he added with a saucy smile. He didn't want Asana to feel left out of his hopes and dreams, of course. Goodness knew, the older vampire had been a figure in his unlife for longer than he could remember. They were ancient friends, whose bond had only grown with time. That was something that would never change, no matter his plans.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 9:12 pm
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Ignatius happily took his drink when the bartender set it down, enjoying the taste of the alcohol upon his tongue. It was stronger than it looked, but he thoroughly enjoyed the flavor. While he could drink plenty of alcohol straight, he usually preferred something with a little twist. Besides, who wanted to throw down money on something that tasted nasty or you had to choke down? Not Iggy, even if he could.
The grimace on Aurey's face was familiar, and Ignatius almost flinched in response--as if it had been his own doing. In a way, it was. If he hadn't gotten into trouble in the first place, they wouldn't necessarily be here at all. Gods, he was certain there was at least a vampire or two here who could point them in the right direction....but they were just a fledgling and a Neonate. The chances they'd part with such high end information freely, or without asking questions, was still slim even if they found someone.
What a ******** nightmare.
"Possible whoever we need is already here," he added, trying to grasp onto some sort of hope. "I saw some folks in the Ballroom, and I'm sure there are some across the way." Maybe the dark lights and deep bass were a draw for the Baali; maybe one of them was on the way; maybe.... maybe they were in for a long night and nothing but disappointment. But what else could they do? They were trying to handle this whole thing discreetly and that was the problem.
Reaching into his pocket, Iggy was just about to pull out a cigarette to offer Aurey when something--or someone--dreadful entered the room. The giggle was absolutely nerve wracking, and it sent the hair standing on the back of his neck. Purple eyes went wide as he looked up from his drink, staring at the pale, bony woman who entered. He didn't know who she was, but he recoiled immediately, his Beast suddenly very on edge. He was trying to bear her name from his lessons, to place her, but he couldn't -- and before he'd latched onto a name, he found Aurelian grabbing hold of his arm and pulling him further down.
"Who's that?" He asked quietly, glad to have more distance between himself and the stranger. A Cappedocian, surely....but who? "And sure, yeah, let's... Let's go." He quickly slammed down the last of his drink, before following Aurey to whichever dancefloor her preferred. So long as they kept a wide berth from that one. Of course, he was just on his with with Aurey when two other figures came waltzing into the mansion.
Claudius and Vinny.
His father's gaze bore into him from across the room, and he stared back, freezing for half a moment as he processed this change of plans. s**t. Just what they needed. He wasn't sure whether to wave or pretend he didn't see him. Instead, he gave a nod of acknowledgment, before hurrying all the faster into another room. ******** wanting to further upset Aureliano, he quickly asked, "Any idea who that was?" A Cappedocian, sure, he'd gotten that memo loud and clear.... but as for the particular, he didn't remember that one in his history lessons.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 9:59 pm
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Her peals of laughter only lasted for so long before she paused to listen to their delightful echo, a wide grin parting her lips as she let her arms fall and she began to walk further into the mansion. Ample hips swayed to the beat of music that was all in her head when suddenly she felt tiny pinpricks crawling up along her spine, the whispers a sudden cacophony of deafening sound, urging her to turn and let her gaze fall upon the pair that had entered the party behind her.
"Claaauuudius Giovannniiii." Her voice came in its eerily pitched cadence, a multitude of whispered voices overlaying her own. "How delightful."
"delightful"
"delightful"
Her hands came up to clap together, a sharp sound punctuated by the rattling of bones as she lurched toward him, the wide grin not leaving her face. "It has been so very long, dear Claudius."
"Claudius..."
"Claaauddiussss"
"CLAUDIUS."
"And who is this striking man upon your arm, hmmmmm? And OH. Is our darling Ambrogino here as well? You know I did so love him, like the mother he never had. But his father, your father." She tutted her tongue a few times at this, and waggled a finger in front of his face.
"He was a bad man. A naughty man. I did warn them. I warned everyone. And nobody listened to me! Nobody ever. just. listened....." The end of her words became hushed, a whisper carried away through the din of the room, and she went perfectly still in front of him, as her grin slowly faded to a frown.
yayoi in case someone is keeping an eye on her
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:25 pm
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Vinny was eager to attend the illustrious party, a social butterfly who enjoyed connecting with others both inside and outside the Clan. While he would always put the Giovanni first, he wasn't so insular as to not enjoy rubbing elbows with others -- and this sort of party would be filled to the brim with faces, young and old, alike. And what better place to hawk his wares? Always be closing, so the business model said, and he was the sort of vampire who loved to make a deal.
Hell, he'd taken a crack pot idea and made it a surprisingly lucrative business. Either he was a genius or an idiot, it didn't matter to Vinny. And tonight, while he promised Claudius he'd be on his best behavior, that didn't mean he wouldn't take note to make a few connections and maybe, someday, make a future sale. Business aside, the dark haired Giovanni was happy to represent the clan, and adorn Claudius' arm. Why shouldn't he want to show off his handsome husband? His boldness had won him a date with the Ante ages prior, and it was something he was grateful for daily.
He might not have been a powerful vampire, he might have had little rank or sway, but he had Claudius, and through him, his children. What more could a vampire ask for?
Stepping into the mansion with his husband, he immediately felt the pulse of power within the walls--power that was not from Claudius but others. Vampires far more powerful than he, including that familiar power of the all mighty Grendel. Was their god here this night? He wanted to look around, wanted to catch sight of the red-head, wanted to flash him a thrilled smile or thumbs up... but there was something unpleasant in the air. Something uncomfortable. Something foul. Something that was entirely Cappadocian in nature.
Before Vinny had a chance to respond to Claudius question, a woman approached. A woman who stunk of death and caused the pit of his stomach to drop. He was naturally repulsed, body tensing, as he took in Constancia's presence...though his smile never wavered. He did step back slightly as she approached, the echoes entirely unnerving. He gripped tight to Claudius arm, just in case he might be tempted to forget that this was meant to be a peaceful establishment. Unnerved as he was by the woman, he would hold his tongue. She wasn't really talking to him, after all... she was talking to Claudius, and he knew better than to interrupt.
What a... peach.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:39 pm
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Even as they spoke together, Vano felt power, heady like the smell of ozone and too much wine, creep through the mansion. It seemed that some of the elder kindred were... socializing. He ignored them for the time being, focusing his attention on Llewellyn, who was much more interesting that inter-Clan squabbling. If that was indeed what was happening in the other room. "It is," he agreed. "Your grandfather does a fine job of keeping the place up." But it was true that there were other remarkable places in Faetasia. This being among them.
"Ah... once. In my youth. Before all of... well, this," he said, gesturing generally to the mansion. "But Clan Ventrue was even more ostentatious then. All columns and pillars. Beautiful, imposing... and far more like a temple than this Toreador mansion or any current Ventrue dwelling." It had been a different world, then, and Vano had been relatively young. Younger, anyway, if not actually youthful. It had been such a very long time since his actual childhood. To remember it he would need to go into a trance and he did not wish to do that right now.
He knew of Absinthe, of course. Or the Green Fairy, as some called it. He reached out, plucking the glass from Llewellyn when it was offered and taking a sip. Vano could more than handle his liquor. "How kind of you to offer." And it was, surprisingly kind. Very innocent, in its own way. As though Llewellyn belonged to another crowd entirely. Perhaps he did. He replaced the glass, setting it back down before the young vampire with a smile. "I've had drinks far stronger than this one, but if you're referring to the flavor... yes, Absinthe is definitely an acquired taste."
Ahh. Asana did wonder whether Caius would want to be at the center of whatever little tête-à-tête was taking shape out in the great hall. He listened to his Disciple, however, as Caius listed out his hopes and dreams for the Clan. He was not bothered that he came as an afterthought. He would have been greatly surprised if he had been the main priority of those wishes. After all, Caius had an entire Clan to run. And with him, besides.
"Let us pray that your wishes do come true," Asana said. Though, really, the Disciple surely did not need any prayers or luck when it came to that. He could forge it of his own making, if he so chose. There was certainly much room for growth among their clan. "And I will not say no to luxuriating with you, whether on your arm or in your bed." He leaned down to kiss his sire, feeling that that remark deserved this sort of answer.
But to his ears the drama appeared to be unfolding, and he greatly doubted whether Caius would enjoy missing it. "Shall we adjourn to the entrance hall, my darling?" he inquired, wondering whether his Disciple would prefer that vantage point. He thought it very likely, by this point. Enthralled though he was by the other, he knew very well that this was not his top priority. Not when drama was afoot.
"Constancia," Claudius said mildly, even pleasantly. "What a pleasure to see you again. It has been a long time, hasn't it?" Of course, the last time they had seen each other had been even less pleasant than the current circumstances. His father was not the only one who had a history with the Cappadocian clan. He himself had a long and storied past with them, though that had mostly been during his relative youth. Many, many years ago. One never did forget Constancia, though.
She was rather inimitable. "This man is my husband, Vincenzo." Even as Vinny held back and placed a steadying hand upon Claudius's arm, Claudius placed his own hand upon Vinny's hand, as if to assure him that he would not allow this... woman to harm him. It was probably fortunate that it was he and not someone else that she chose to confront, as Claudius had long lessons in patience and even in diplomacy.
As far as he was concerned, this would be nothing but a... nice... little chat. Yes. "Unfortunately Ambrogino is not here." Nor did Claudius get the impression that he intended to be there, whatsoever. But that was not this Cappadocian's business, whatever she might think. "You did warn them about my father," he agreed mildly, for she had. As for the rest of her remarks, well. He'd found that listening was a rare trait... and in those days his father had been charming enough to talk a saint into perdition. He still was. It was just that the cat was, as it were, out of the bag now. But these were not topics for her.
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