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(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/BLOODLINES.jpg)
The year is 1999. Hamilton may seem like your average blue collar town with half a million people that dwell within its parameters, but when the sun sets things stir in the darkness. Vampires are as real as you or I, but they do their best to remain unnoticed forever trying to preserve their way of life while mingling with the humans.
Enter a world of Darkness, Blood, Death, and Intrigue as the Kindred of this city bend the wills of Humans and fellow Vampire alike. Do you have what it takes to survive or will the darkness or dawns light consume you whole?
Our tale takes place on an spring evening in the steel town. The winters snow has finally melted and with it April showers bring color and warmth. The long winter nights are ending but that wont stop the kindred in the city from doing what they must to maintain order and keep the Masquerade alive and well.
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April 11th sunday- 12:11 am Downtown
She sat huddled in the doorway corner shivering her finger tips feeling vaguely numb as the cold April rain came down. In front of her was a small sign that read in permanent marker trying to get enough money to go back home.
She had to be someones runaway kid. Tired hungry and worn down. Likely one of those young high schoolers that hitch hiked across country to get away from domestic violence or cause they had such a 'rough life' . The time spent on the street had made her lean and her gray eyes flicked from person to person as they passed by. At least they still held hope. She had taken a break to meet up with the local soup wagon an hour earlier for at least one hot meal before she returned to her spot. It was late and that meant trying to rely on the kindness of club goers and drunks but there was a chance that someone would toss her some spare change. She had heard that pan handling was a great way to make money but here on the streets of Hamilton she found it was proving to be much tougher. Perhaps that was just the sort of city it was. Everyone needed every spare quarter they had...
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April 11th sunday- 12:11 am Downtown
"So where is home anyway?"
He was a little too clean to be somebody who normally stopped to talk to panhandlers. His kind usually ignored them, even stepped over them. Perhaps it was the guitar case sling over his shoulder that nudged him out of the yuppy category and back into something slightly more human.
He was well dressed but not in a way that would make people notice and judge but his hair crossed the line. It was a little too 80's to be stylish. In his eyes she could see just the faintest hint of 'been there'. Despite the clothes and finely manicured fingers, beneath his appearance was some sign of understanding.
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April 11th sunday- 12:12 am Downtown
"BC sir." The girl replied as she readjusted the woolen cap over her long red locks. The ripped jeans she wore were well worn and the black nirvana t shirt over the red and black heavy lumber jack jacket kept her warmer than some. "You don't have a buck or two to spare do ya?" she asked.
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April 11th sunday- 12:12 am Downtown
"I might be persuaded," he said. "I'd be more willing to buy you something to eat though. Assuming you're hungry." He looked down the street. "Fran's is open. Feel like joining me for a late dinner?"
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April 12th sunday- 12:13 am Downtown
There was a second were several emotions passed over the girls face. She had been lured away from her doorways before with the promise of money or food. Sometimes even large sums of money to do house work only to be put into situations where she had to put out to get out.
However her stomach was still feeling empty. The watered down tomato soup had done little to fill her up. Two homeless men had offered her goods for her spam sandwich and she had traded it for a deck of smokes. She had really wanted since it had been two days since she had finished her last pack.
"Just over to Fran's?" She looked across the road at the dinner that was open 24/7 that was attached to the old hotel. "I can but I'll be frank I don't put out for food Mister. So if you are thinking a warm meal will get you a BJ or something I'm afraid you got the wrong gal."
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April 12th sunday- 12:13 am Downtown
"If you think I look like somebody that needs to buy my sex from homeless street kinds, I'm certainly going to have to work on my image," he said. "I mean seriously. Do I look like Chester the Molester? You're what, seventeen? Eighteen? How in Hell did you get so jaded so quickly?"
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April 12th sunday- 12:13 am Downtown
The girl shrugged not meeting his eyes. "Look don't worry about it...." She replied softly not answering any of his questions. The truth was she was younger than both the ages he had given. She was certainly legal to have sex since the age of majority was now 14. " People got different tastes and it doesn't matter about the other stuff. Obviously I've pissed you off so I guess you will be on your way. You have a good one sir." She picked up the mostly empty Tim Tortons cup and poured the meager five bucks in change into her hand before it disappeared into her pocket.
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April 12th sunday- 12:14 am Downtown
The man chuckled. "If you think I'm that easy to offend, you've got another think coming. Or, as Judas Priest puts it, another thing coming. But hey, if you want to sit on cold concrete that's your choice. I'm going to head over to that crosswalk and if you just happen to be there when the light changes, I don't see any reason why I can't still buy you something to eat. We can discuss my motivation between discussing menu choices."
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April 12th sunday- 12:14 -12:22am Downtown
The girl shrugged and stood slipping her beat up sign into a backpack that was worn and beaten up but had many band patches sewn over it. "Lead the way Sir." She replied as slung the bag over he shoulder. She knew she had moved quickly and hoped that the man hadn't noticed how quick her packing and willingness to join him had been. At least the sound outside the strip club that was only 2 doors down had covered the sound of her stomach rumbling at the thought of a real warm meal.
The man held out a fifty dollar bill. "Here you're paying."
The girl looked at it. Her eyes had widened for a moment. "You want the change back after the meal right?"
He shrugged. "I'm not sure there's going to be any. Two meals, a tip... I suppose you can keep it if you really want it. If there is any."
The girl nodded "Im sure there will be something left."
They crossed the road and settled into a booth that over looked the parking lot. The night was cold and miserable out of that the girl had to admit.
The waitress came over not apparently caring that she had a grungy kid and a fairly well off man sitting together. Catherine had seen her share of Hamilton's night life and this wasn't anything out of the ordinary. "What can I get you guys to start off with for drinks?" she asked as she set down the menu.
"A bottomless coffee." the girl with grey eyes replied and quickly added "Please. And I know what I want. A plate of large fries and gravy if you have it."
The man looked over the menu quickly "I'll have the 8oz steak with steamed veggies and potato."
"You want that mashed, baked, or hash browns?" the waitress asked.
"Mashed. Easier to chew." he replied.
"Alright I'll get that coffee over here and your food will be here in a moment." True to her word Catherine did come back with a basket full of sugar and cream and milk and a large mug which she filled with fresh black coffee.
The man watched as the young teen put in 4 packs of sugar and 3 cream into the coffee before she drank it but the expression on her face with her eyes closed as she sipped the steaming beverage was entertaining. It was clear the kid was thankful for a hot drink. "So what brings you to Hamilton?"
"I guess that would have been a truck. Don't worry I'm not staying here for too long. I was all the way out in Newfoundland but I'm thinking of just trying to raise the money to fly back or bus it. Hitch hiking is too dangerous these days. I'm not doing it anymore just crazy shit happens when you are on the road in other peoples cars." she replied calmly.
"Yes its never good to be in a situation when you have no control. These days you have to know whats going on all the time. Other wise you are up the creek."
"Yeah I know." she replied.
"Which brings me to my motivation." he said smiling. "Let me start by saying I'm not a cop."
"Well duh." she retorted.
"What makes you think I'm not one." he asked sounding mildly offended.
"Well you don't walk like one, Sit like one, or talk like one. Plus if you were undercover you wouldn't carry a guitar case. If you gotta run after someone thats kinda heavy and bulky, plus theres your hair and well your clothes are too nice. Cops round here don't have the budget for that. They either dress up as north enders you know the rough looking types or as hookers. They don't dress up like you, no offense." She said as she drained her cup of coffee and looked hopefully across the restaurant trying to get Catherine's attention but the woman was busy sitting a party of 12 down. She noted several of the new customers were dressed in drag.
This has been a MAXX & LadyJ co post production
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April 12th Sunday- 12:23 - 12:43am Downtown
"Okay, busted, I'm not a cop," he said. "Are you that good at picking out other types? Pimps? Junkies? People who will shank you and steal you last three cigarettes?"
"Yeah. You gotta know how to avoid them. Trial and error but I've learned."
"Good. I could use a person with that kind of ability. I need eyes on the street and I'm willing to pay for them."
"Sounds good. So what do you want exactly?"
The man paused while his steak arrived. He sniffed it critically, then cut off a small piece. He chewed it for a few seconds, frowning. "I'm suddenly not hungry any more," he said. "Do you want this? It would be a shame to send it back and waste it."
"Waste not want not, right? If it ain't cooked right you should send it back and they'll make you a new one."
"No, it's cooked perfectly. I' m just not hungry any more. Will you excuse me for a minute? I need to use the bathroom." The man rose and slipped away from the table. He returned a few minutes later to discover that his steak had disappeared and the girl was alternating between her fries and his mashed potatoes. "Sorry about that. Now where was I?"
"What you need me to do exactly," the girl answered.
"I need you to keep your eyes and ears open," he said. "I want you to keep an eye out for decent buskers, I mean ones that gather crowds. I want you to keep an eye on the crowds too and look for faces that keep showing up. I want you to keep an eye out for the crazies too. Anything weird or out of the ordinary. Goths. Punkers. I think you can tell the real thing from the wannabees. Can you manage that?"
"Yup."
"Good. Now if I give you a camera, do you think you can avoid having it punked or pawning it?"
"Yeah."
"Excellent. Now that you know what I want, what do you want?"
"Money."
"Just money? Not food or a safe place to crash when it's freezing?"
"There are shelters for that. I just didn't get in soon enough."
"Which still leaves it open as a possibility. Just cash?"
"Money will let me buy anything I need."
"How much?"
"I don't know. Make me an offer and I'll let you know if I'm insulted."
"How does a hundred a week sound?"
"I guess that's okay."
The man nodded. "Good. Do you need any more specifics or can you run with what I've given you?"
"So you want me to take pictures of buskers and crazy people and goths."
"No, I want you to take pictures of buskers that draw crowds, faces that keep showing up in the crowds and people that just seem to strike you as being odd. Night time as well as daytime for everything."
"Alright. What counts as a crowd? People just tend to stop for a few and move on for the most part."
The man nodded. "With the average busker, yes. With the above average busker, they linger and have to tear themselves away. Those are the ones I'm looking for."
"Do we even have those kinds of people in this city?"
"Sometimes. A few years ago I was one of them."
"Alright. I'll keep my eyes open." She wolfed down a few more fires.
He tried to keep the hungry look for showing too much in his eyes. Under the dirt she was actually quite cute. "You do that. And maybe once in a while you might want to drop around by the Unyon and say hello."
"Okay," she said hesitantly. "Say hello to who?"
He slid a business card across the table. "Angel Angel" he said. The card read
'DOUBLE ANGEL STUDIOS'
Angelo 'Angel Angel' Angelino
The girl took it and slipped it into a pocket. "So you just want people that play instruments and sing. you don't want juggler or comedians or dancers."
"I want them all," Angel Angel said. "Anyone who can attract and hold a crowd."
"Well, I know a couple of kids that are really good at graffiti but I don't think you're looking for the artist types. That isn't entertainment, right?"
"I have two walls that back onto parking lots and two that are on the street. I'm graffiti waiting to happen. Besides, I can alway use cover art. If you're interested, I could show you the place and you could talk to your friends and maybe get a price for me, to do a mural on the walls."
"I could talk to JJ about that. He's one of the kids I hang out with sometimes, when he's not in school."
"Which brings me back to one of my original questions. What brought you to Hamilton? Don't worry, I'm not going to judge. I've done my fair share of stupid things. I just want to know where you're coming from before I worry about maybe giving you the money to go back."
The girl shrugged. "I just wanted to get out of my town, that's all."
"Small town?"
"A little smaller than this. I don't believe in giving out sob stories. Went to the far end of the country. Left last summer. Haven't been back."
"Anybody you want to call and let them know you're alive?"
"I drop off postcards from time to time."
"Good to see you keep in touch. Any questions for me?"
"No. Seems simple enough."
"Have you got a name?"
"You can call me Dee."
Angel Angel chuckled. "What are you, one of the MIBs undercover?"
"No. Dee is short for Deirdre."
Angel Angel offered her his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dee. Mind if I ask where you're planning on sleeping tonight?"
"I ain't sleeping."
"Bottomless coffee with that much sugar will do that to you. I'm surprised you haven't vibrated through the floor yet."
"Sugar is good for you. So is cream. They're part of the four basic food groups." She used the last of her fries to sweep up the last of the gravy.
"And sugar fits in where?"
"Beside pizza and chocolate."
Angel Angel laughed. "Remind me to introduce you to the concept of the one basic food group some time," he said. "What exactly is the area you will be covering? If I find other eyes, I don't want to be paying twice for the same information."
This has been a maxx & ladyjallyn copost
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April 12th Sunday- 12:23 - 12:55am Downtown
"Depends on the day sometimes Im down town sometimes I go as far as Eastgate to panhandle. Depends on the day and if I think theres money to be made there." She replied as she began to pick at the steamed veggies and added more sugar and cream to her newly refilled cup of coffee.
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April 12th Sunday - 12:55 am Downtown
"So you aren't always downtown." Angel Angel frowned again and made a mental note to stop frowning.
"I am most of the time. About twice a week I go down to Eastgate so people forget my face up here."
"Would anyone notice if you were missing for more than a few days?"
Dee shrugged. "Maybe. A couple of people. Friends of mine would."
Don't count on it."Do you think you could get them to call me if you go missing?"
"Probably not. Never trust anyone who looks like they're over 35 or wears a suit."
"I'm not over thirty and I'm not wearing a suit," Angel Angel pointed out. "So you're telling me they'd just let you vanish? Nice friends."
"I've only been here for a month and a bit. I'm the new kid on the block."
"Don't they look out for the rookie?"
"Nope."
Angel Angel shook his head. "Hell of a place to live," he said. "What do you do when you need a shower or-" he made quotations with his fingers "-feminine hygiene products?"
"Shelters. Mall bathrooms. Use some of the money I make panhandling to buy, you know, stuff."
"Does any of that 'stuff' include drugs?"
"I have to save my money, so not really. Sometimes a small baggie of weed. They'll let me sleep on couch sometimes if I split it with someone."
"Do a good job for me and that couch won't have a price attached," Angel Angel said. "No strings. No weed. No exchange of body fluids, with or without condoms. Do a good job and I'll take care of you. Do a shitty job and the cash dries up and blows away and you get to sit there and watch me pay somebody else."
"I get it. You don't need to threaten. Then again, I don't know how long I'm staying here. I might move on to Toronto."
"Not if you're smart. Toronto is a whole other world. The streets here are paradise compared to Toronto."
"I heard you make more money there. But yeah, I've heard about the hooking and shit."
"It's even more dangerous than you think. I've got a few friends in low places and they don't go there except to visit and then they're gone by sun-up. Not a place you want to stay in."
"Yeah, I've heard that. Kinda why I'm staying here. I guess there is always Burlington. Maybe Oakville."
"Oh you mean the places they bust panhandlers for being a public eyesore? Not a public nuisance, a public eyesore. They bust you for being offensive to look at. There aren't supposed to be poor people there. They make the rich ones uncomfortable."
Dee groaned.
This has been a Ladyjallyn/Maxx co-post
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April 12th Sunday - 8pm Downtown- Union Recording studio
"Yeah this is the place." Dee replied to her friend.
JJ shrugged I really should be at home studying for exams but what the hell right. You think this guy will really pay me to graffti his store?"
"Yeah he seems legit kinda odd but I dunno I think hes sorta a talent scout and lover of all art stuff." Dee replied as she flicked her cigarette butt onto the street.
"Hes not gonna care that I don't have a proper portfolio is he?"
"You would have to talk to him about that." Dee replied. "But hey if he offeres you a couple hundred to paint whats the fuss right?"
"Yeah true to that." JJ replied as he ran a hand though his dark dyed hair and strightened his Manson T shirt.
Dee led the boy into the shop and was greeted by a receptionist. "I want to see Angel if hes around. Tell him its Dee." the girl replied.
However due to not having an appointment she and her friend were asked to sit down as the woman reached for a phone. Dee watched as JJ picked at the black fingernail polish on his fingers. "Stop doing that it makes you look like you are nervous." she whispered.
"Well I kinda am." JJ admitted as he continued scraping off the paint leaving obsidian flakes on the floor between his dock martins.
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April 12th Sunday - 8pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Angel Angel had been up for almost an hour when his receptionist called to tell him that Dee had arrived with a friend. He smiled. Maybe she was going to be a better choice than he had originally thought. "Have them meet me in room three," he said. "And order a pizza. No olives, no anchovies. Anything else goes. If they want to be picky or vegan, they can go hungry and I'll eat the whole damned thing myself."
"Ever heard of nutrition?" the receptionist asked.
"Is that a country near Norway?"
"Very funny. Room three. Right away sir."
Room three was just past the broom closet and the electrical room and was the closest thing the building had to a conference room. By giving it the number three it implied that there were more like it. There weren't.
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April 12th Sunday - 8:15pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee and JJ were lead down a hall way into a room marked as Studio 3. She met Angel and the look on her face was hopeful if not a tough eager. An hour of her time would be all that it took to make the appointment.
She had given it some though over the night the caffeine keeping her wide awake. What he was offering was less than 20 bucks a day but, if she only provided him with one person a week well that was a hundred bucks a person. She wasn't stupid she knew better than to let all her leads dry. There were a couple friends of hers that she had seen do band work and even one that came downtown to busk on the weekend afternoons and he was quite good with a guitar on those days he was kind enough to split the proceeds they made if she kept him company and sang along from time to time to some of the songs.
"Mr. Angel this is JJ. JJ this is Mr. Angel." She said in way of introduction as she looked at the two men and then let her attention drift back to the recording gear.
"Hey." JJ replied offering the man his hand and giving it a rather weak and lazy shake.
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April 12th Sunday - 8:15pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
"If we're using the Mr, it's Mr Angelino," he said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Otherwise it's Angel Angel or just Angel if you think the double is too over the top." He winked at Dee. "Okay JJ, you've got my attention. Impress me."
JJ pulled out a small stack of Polaroids. Angel looked through them. "Good use of colour. Very tribal although the colours aren't right for tribal work." He handed the stack back and took the sketch book that JJ held out. He flipped through it. "How much of this is from art projects and how much is you just doing what you do?" Angel asked. "Is all your stuff like those Polaroids or do you stretch yourself with some other styles?"
"Most of it's drawing stuff but I'm just learning to paint with stuff other than aerosol. What are you looking for? Dee said you were looking for a mural for your shop. If you're worried that I can't do people, I can. I just don't have any of that stuff here."
"What you've brought me on short notice tells me you have talent, JJ. I just want to know if you have what I want. Double Angel is the recording studio. Unyon is the club. Half the people call it Union, the rest call it Onion. There's an easel over there with some Sharpies. If you think you can paint something that will reflect that schizophrenic attitude, show me what you've got. If I like it, I'll turn you loose on a wall. If I don't like the wall, I can always paint over it but if I have to do that, you've blown your shot with me."
"A'ight."
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April 12th Sunday - 8:59pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
The pizza had arrived and Dee had dove into it and JJ as well. The two munched while Dee sat on a chair and watched JJ hard a work. It was only in sharpie but already he had sketched out a rather interesting array of musician playing instruments with wild splashes designs that poured forth to fill the air and envelop the silhouetted crowd.
JJ capped a Sharpie "Thats about all I can show you for now cause I gotta be up on the mountain for ten and right now buses are running about every 45 mins I don't get home my parents would ground me." he said sounding disappointed.
He grabbed another slice of pizza and munched on it. "You can get in touch with me through Dee if you decide you like what you see." He said as he slid his art book and pictures back into his knapsack.
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April 12th Sunday - 8:59 - 9:30 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Angel slid a twenty dollar bill across the table. "Cab fare. Keep going."
JJ looked at the bill and picked up the Sharpie again. By the time half an hour had passed, he had finished the rough outline.
"Not bad," Angel said.
"Is it good enough to get me paid?"
"Keep the change from the cab ride. I'm not going to make my decision yet. I've got more people to interview. It will give you a chance to work more on your ideas. You'll hear one way or the other before the end of the week."
Dee watched as JJ departed. She grabbed another slice of pizza. "So? I did good?"
Angel nodded. "He's got potential. If I can't use him on the building, he'd do some damned fine cover art."
"He'll be thrilled. Money on the side. It's a hobby after all."
"Graffiti is the art form of the twentieth century. Art in it's purest form." He stood up. "Want a quick tour, while you're here?"
"Sure."
"How much do you charge an hour for your studio time?"
"Depends on the artist. If you think you're good and you suck but you have a pocket full of cash, I'll be happy to take it away from you. If your good and broke, I'm flexible. Average is about two hundred a day. You can get six decent songs recorded and in the can in that time if you're good." Angel unlocked the door at the bottom of the stairs. "Welcome to my domain. Enter freely and of your own will."
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April 12th Sunday - 9:30 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee checked out the studio it was her first time being in one. "Kinda nifty." she remarked.
She looked over the amps and sheet music stands. "I'm sure some people really enjoy their time in here. I do have a friend thats looking at getting some recording time in with his friends they're just saving up their cash. They do good stuff if you like loud and angry. I might be able have them come down maybe next week. They are always practicing and what not they're pretty serious." Dee replied.
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April 12th Sunday - 9:30 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
"It depends if they have any real heart behind their loud and angry. Loud and angry is starting to make it big in some quarters." Angel looked at the small studio. It was his baby, his raison d'etre. He took Dee by the shoulders and steered her to one of the microphones. "Look up at the window there. That is where I'd be sitting, giving you instructions. Not so heavy on the drums. Slower on the lyrics. Looks like the place where God sits, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it does," Dee said with a laugh.
"Now come with me and we'll take a look at the view from the throne." He led Dee up a flight of stairs. "If you're down there, you need to wear headphones because the room is sound proof. You wouldn't be able to hear me. We do that so there won't be any extraneous noise in the recordings. Imagine having to filter out every word I'm saying before the recording is clean enough to consider letting somebody listen to it."
"That's kind of cool. Probably a lot of work too. Makes sense though."
"It's just as hard up here as it is down there. The musician only have to play the music. I have to make it perfect." He sniffed. "Girl, you need a shower."
"What are you talking about?" Dee said defensively. "If anything, it's my clothes. They need washing. I didn't get around to it. I was too busy trying to hook up with JJ."
"Next stop on the tour, the laundry room." Angel smiled, almost showing fangs. He extended his will to surround her. "You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
"Uh, no," Dee said, her will no match for his vampiric domination. "It would be nice to wash some stuff up, actually."
"Good. We'll get right on that."
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April 12th Sunday - 9:41 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio- basement
Dee followed him down to the basement. She normally wasn't one for randomly wandering off but the offer to wash her clothes for free was too good to pass up she told herself. Plus this was a work place and it wasn't likely that he would do anything bad to her here.
The room had a simple washer and dryer. With care she set her bag down on the dryer and carefully pulled out a couple of band tee's a hoody and pair of equally worn jeans but these ones were black but had less holes and several pairs of heavy woolen work socks. She was quick to stuff the white and pink cotton flowered panties under her t shirts.
She turned on the washing machine and watched as it filled with water. "Ummm where do you keep the soap Angel?" she asked as she wrinkled her nose at the smell of her dirty clothes. She even stripped of her plaid shirt and band tee shirt to add to the pile leaving her wearing her jeans and a tank top.
"Its over there" he said pointing to a cub board underneath a sink. "You sure you don't want to have a shower that way you can wash everything?"
"I would but then I'd be stuck wearing a towel for however long and yeah my towels dirty too. Don't worry bout it you're nice enough to do this. I promise next week when I come over I'll make sure I have a shower that day kay?"
"Wash your towels too." he said.
"Yeah Yeah I was just gonna pull em out sheesh." she said as she pulled out two rather small and thin towels.
'Ok you need a real towel." he said.
"I'm working on it. Man you're demanding." She replied rolling her eyes. She was quick to throw her stuff all in the washing machine and added a scoop of soap.
She leaned against the washer after closing the lid not sure what to say. "You think I can run upstairs and kill the last two slices of that pizza?" she asked hopefully "or did you want them for later."
She was pale and only had the faintest dusting of freckles across her shoulders. She was obviously under weight but that might have been due to the missed chances for food and not due to her actually starving herself. She was still developing without all the baggy clothes he could see she slender hips were still not cute yet at the full curvaciousness that marked her as a woman and either she still growing bust wise, given another couple of years she would be quite the looker. At first glance he had guessed her to be possibly 17 or 18 but now he thought perhaps she was younger than that.
"How old are you?" he asked.
"!8." She replied. "errr well 17 actually I still have 4 months to go...' She said not looking at him.
"You want to try that again." he asked.
"17 and a half." she said crossing her arms.
"15 I'd believe. Not sixteen."
"Pshh well you suck then cause I'm definitely not 15!" she said sounding haughty.
"Yes well I suppose I do. " he replied. "Unfortunately there wont be a whole lot of sucking going on tonight. If you had been a little older I might have considered it."
"Ah no offense but yeah you're old."
"Yeah you don't go old guys, live with it... I think I will bear up bravely. Besides you aren't my type. And let me tell you, You have no idea with how fussy I am. I'm so fussy gay men tell me I'm uptight."
Dee shrugged and looked at her feet. "I wasn't caring anyhow. Its not like I was interested or anything. I don't care what you think. Its better if you don't like me like that anyhow." She muttered as she slid down the washer and sat on the floor. "You care if I smoke in here?"
"Yes I do."
"Fine."
"Bad habit it will stunt your growth."
Dee sighed. "Whatever I'm done growing. So what type do you like? Boys?"
"Girls that dont still smell like pee."
"Dude legal age is 14. I don't smell like pee!" she exclaimed.
"If you say so."
"I have a birth certificate that proves it."
"And in two hours I could pull one out that says I live in Buttzwanna and that I'm a prince." Angel retorted.
Dee sighed and rested her head on her knees not saying anything.
"You would be more useful to me if you were older." he explained his tone softening.
"I'm not 15." She muttered. "Whatever your good. I find you people that might be useful and I get 100 a week. I suppose thats a fuck of a lot cheaper than hiring a talent scout. Must save you loads. You do that often with what did you call it. Oh kids that smell like pee?"
"Even kids that smell like pee have their uses. For one thing no body notices them."
"I find it insulting." she muttered.
"To be referred to as smelling like pee or as useful?"
She snorted "OBVIOUSLY the first. I still can't believe you think I'm 15. You are bad at guessing ages sheesh. And people do notice me. I choose to blend in thats all. Its just... " She was silent for a moment as if wrestling for the right words " Its easier when you don't stand out."
"True but you aren't old enough to vote or legally drink."
"Its just a number anyhow and with the right clothes and make up I can get into a bar I'll have you know." she replied.
"The only people concerned about that are those that can't do it. Stay and watch your stuff. I'll go get the pizza."
This has been another co post by Lady J and MAXX
-
April 12th Sunday - 9:45 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Angel returned a few minutes later with the pizza box. One of the slices was gone. "Sorry. Got nibbly." Truthfully the slice was now residing in a garbage can but there was no reason to tell Dee that. He'd spent a considerable amount of the time he was gone trying to decide if he was going to ghoul the girl or simply let her dangle on a purely financial thread. He decided to wait for two reasons; he wanted to see what sort of spy she would make and he wanted to allow her to mature before he froze her age.
"No probs. It's your money. I need that camera by the way, if you want me to take pictures."
"One camera coming up," Angel said. "You any good with one or do I give you a point a shooter?"
"I used to take photography in high school, before I dropped out."
Angel nodded. "Real camera it is then. You get two rolls of film as well. If you need more, call me. If I think you're wasting it, I'll tell you."
"Understood. Now do you want pictures of the freaks too or just the talented people?"
"Only if you can take them without getting caught," Angel said. "Some of them might not appreciate you taking their picture. You know the deal. I could explain why but I'd have to kill you."
"Yeah, like I'm a threat."
"It's a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. It's safer for you to form your own conclusions and likely far more interesting and dramatic than the truth."
-
April 18th Saturday - 9 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee entered the Office and had a seat. She had been diligently working all week between panhandling and picture taking she had had a long week. Luckily she had manage to grab a bath earlier that day. She had picked up a bottle of shampoo at the dollar store along with some soap and wash cloths. The red headed teen washed up in the malls bathroom as soon as the mall had opened. It had given her ample time to wash up throughly without being kicked out by security.
Now she sat in his waiting room office two rolls of film in their safe snug plastic tubes but she wasn't going to hand over anything until she saw crisp green twenties in her hands amounting to the sum of 100 dollars.
The secretary led her down the hallway back towards room 3 and she promptly had a seat after being told that Angel would see her shortly.
-
April 18th Saturday - 9:05 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
"What have you got for me Dee?" Angel asked as he slipped into the room. "Make it quick. I'm running a little behind and I've got a band in the studio."
"Uh, I need my pay?"
"Okay," Angel said, reaching for his wallet. He pulled five twenties out and laid them in her waiting hand. "Well?" he said.
She in turn handed him two rolls of film. "Joe's band is willing to meet with you tomorrow night after band practice."
"Tell them to bring a demo tape. I'll give it a listen. If I like what I hear, I'll find an empty spot in the schedule and put them in the studio. If they're any good, we'll go from there."
"Okay."
"Are you good? Need more film?" Dee nodded. Angel sighed. "I'll have it for you tomorrow. Can you last a day without it? It will give me a chance to go over the pictures with you anyway."
"Yeah. Kinda tired today anyway. I'll call it a night once midnight rolls around."
"Need a couch to crash on for a few?"
"If it's 'okay," Dee said weakly. "I can curl up in your laundry room for a bit. It'll give me the energy I need to go back out there."
"Cement floor," Angel said. "Bad for sleeping. Leather couch, good for sleeping. Room four. My office. Don't touch anything."
"Alright."
"Don't mind me. Too much caffeine. Gotta go."
-
April 19th Sunday - 3am Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
The door to the office opened and Dee woke up. She felt incredibly groggy and warm. Her mouth was dry and she was trying to brush the cobwebs from her mind. "Sorry I'm on my way out." she told Angel sleepily as she grabbed her jacket and backpack.
"Thanks for the crash space Angel. Hows the weather out again. It raining or are we good?" she asked as she slid her boots back on and began to lace them.
-
April 19th Sunday - 3am Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
"Pouring," Angel said. "I'm surprised the thunder hasn't woken you."
"No, I didn't hear anything."
Angel was about to reply when a tremendous clap of thunder shook the building. "Didn't hear anything, eh? You must have been right out of it. Do you really want to head out into this rain? Even the bar crowds have gone home. There won't be anybody out on the streets except desperate hookers."
"I don't want to impose. I'll be good. Besides, I might find weird people. Gotta earn that paycheck, right boss?"
Angel sat down at his desk. "Dee, listen. You're no good to me if you're too sick to do anything. Just wait until the rain settles or until morning if it doesn't. I can work here without you bothering me and lock up after you leave. I'm a night owl and I usually don't see bed until four or five. I think I can stretch it an hour and let you out at six."
"I'm not sick. I'm just tired. I'm always like this first thing int he morning."
"You need more iron in your diet."
"I get iron."
"Just not enough. If you want to go out and wander around in the rain until you find a dry spot, feel free. Just remember that there is a dry spot here for you right now."
"I'll remember. Besides, the bars have let out. Now I get to see the weird people. All the night owls. You get the best pictures at night anyway."
"Suit yourself. come on, I'll let you out."
-
April 19th Sunday - 8pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee had spent the night on the prowl but had taken several good photos. One incident included a not so good encounter with a person that had caught her out on the rooftop of jackson square mall. She had been spying on a john and a hooker going at it in the shadows.
She had awoken to find herself curled up in a corner with a security guard poking her and telling her to move on. She had checked her stuff to find none of it missing but felt like shit. She hadn't been mugged the camera was still with her and none of her cash or id or clothing was missing. She just felt like shit but being rolled and left unconcious on the concrete for a few hours could have had something to do with that.
The day let on cold and wet with occasional showers.
She had spent that time buying a new thermal shirt at the local salvation army and a new pair of jeans. She wore a nin shirt over top the thermal shirt and had topped off the outfit with her worn black and red plaid shirt. It helped ward away the chill of the day which was good she just couldn't seem to stay warm.
Pan handling had been rough and after a morning of panhandling she had made a meager 12 dollars but she had met up with Joe during the day and picked up the demo tape but had been told that he and his band would not be making the evening appointment cause they had been hired to play a gig at a party.
By the time it was closing on seeing Angel, Dee was feeling run down she had bought a couple of packs of mr noodles early that afternoon to eat dry but had thrown the one up. She felt mildly congested and weak but after some waffling has spent 8 bucks to pick up some cold medication. She had slugged back a couple shots of Nyquil and wasn't feeling much in the way of pain when she arrived at the Double Angel sound studio looking pale and mildly stoned.
She only hoped Angel wouldn't lecture her or say I told you so about having not stayed in his office for the night.
-
April 19th Sunday- 1am Cat & Fiddle pub/eatery
"Fuck me. Its freezing out tonight. I can't wait till we get back up into the double digits. So what you thing of the game Nat?" Gary asked as he took off his top hat. He paused and readjusted the fancy lace trimmed dress shirt he wore.
Nat sighed as she sipped her pop leaving a crimson stain on the end of the straw. The blond was also dressed in a long Gothic style cape a heavy black velvet trimmed with dark royal purple satin. She wore a tight leather bodice over her linen shirt and a pair of black leather pants as well as a pair of high topped riding boots. "Personally I think James is cheating. I don't like the new guy at all. I think when there are dice checks hes got a set of loaded dice. On top of that the guy sucks at LARPing. He just likes to play those crazed sycophant types that like to screw with the group. Ya know the ones that don't gel and purposely try to start shit or run off on their own and expect everyone to pay attention to them. I hate those types."
"I get what you are saying makes you wonder about gamers sometimes. You kinda want to know how they act outside of gaming." Gary replied and paused as the waitress set down a late of fries in front of him. "id rather not though he just seems kinda the type to maybe have a body in his basement."
Natalie laughed hard enough that she almost sprayed her pop and watched as Gary squirted ketchup and malt vinegar all over his fries. She couldnt help but make a face. "That is so gross watching you put all that junk on those fries."
"Its good you should try one."
"Nope I don't eat... Food." She replied in a mock Transylvanian voice.
"Ah always in character."
"Sorry its the clothes." She replied sweetly as she took another sip of her ginger ale. She noted that several of the barflies were staring at her and her friend. "The just don't get it."
"Yeah they don't but its their loss." Gary replied.
"Normal is boring its why I like you and most of the other group."
"I gotta admit you larp well. So speaking of that you think maybe later after this we can carry out a private session off record I mean Tessa and Victor need to rp out some stuff after all hes quite smitten with her and she has that whole dark aura I got the feeling that you were going to call a time out from the group to have her feed on him. I'm sure they would have a lot to talk about before and after that."
Nat smiled "Maybe. We will see how fast you can down those fries. I'm still thawing out so dont rush on my account."
-
April 19th Sunday - 8:15 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
On her way to Angelo's office.Dee passed a twenty-something with artfully torn jeans, a grey crop top and far too much make-up and far too much gel in her spiky hair. She carried an electric guitar case and wore a look like the proverbial cat that ate the canary. She gave Dee a once over and, deciding she didn't look too much like serious competition, asked if she could bum a smoke. "You another one of Angel's?"
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April 19th Sunday - 8:16 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee shrugged "Nah, not really. I don't really play anything music wise well enough and can't carry a tune in a bucket." She said offering the girl a small shy smile. "I'm more of a talent scout for Mr. Angel." The red headed teen informed her. "I'm outta smokes too sorry. You waiting to see him or something?"
-
April 19th Sunday - 8:18 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
"Just been," the punker replied. She leaned forward. "He's going to produce an album for me," she whispered.
"That's cool. Congrats."
"It is beyond cool. It fucking rocks."
Dee nodded. "I'd love to chat but Mr Angel's nights are booked full of artists. I squeeze in where ever there's a space."
"Yeah well, just a warning for you. He's mine. Got it? Mine. He belongs to me."
"Uh, sure. I'm really not interested and we've made it clear to each other that I still smell like pee. Toodles." She waved and stepped past the punker.
Satisfied that her message had been delivered, the punker departed, leaving Dee alone in the corridor. The door to Angel's office was open slightly. Dee knocked on the frame.
"Did you forget something?"
"It's she who smells like pee, not Babe-olicious."
Angel opened the door. "Squish, not Babe-olicious, if you're referring to she who just left. Come on in. You feeling okay? You look like shit."
"I came down with a cold."
"I say nothing. What have you got for me?"
"I came by to go over the pictures I took. l I can say is Jackson Square is a hot spot for freaky entertainment. You have no idea how much weird stuff happens up there. I'll go back and stake Jackson later after we go over these. Maybe this time I won't fall asleep ont he roof."
Angel frowned. "You fell asleep?"
"Pretty much. Woke up somewhere other than I remember being. None of my stuff was gone. So I guess I was just feeling shitty and... yeah. You got couch space possibly when it gets later tonight?"
Angel nodded. "I'm sure that could be arranged."
-
April 19th Sunday - 8:20 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee sat down at Angel's desk and watched as he pulled out two folders of her developed film. She was curious to see if any of the evening shots turned out. She had been rather proud to have caught some rather freaky and odd looking people while out on the streets that week.
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April 19th Sunday - 8:20 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
The photos had been blown up to 8 x 12 so the detail was clearer. Angel took a Sharpie out of his desk and tapped the first picture. "Let's start here. Tell me what's going on and I'll make notes and ask question. Sound like a plan to you? Oh and tell your friend JJ that I'm going to pass on getting a wall done but somebody is interest in his work for an album cover."
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April 19th Sunday - 1:00 -1:29am - North end- Bite N' Brew Bar- Donna
A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cage made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I hear a thunder in the distance
See a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given
On that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness
Only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden
And grant me life eternally
Should have been dead
On a Sunday morning
Banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time....
She sat at the bar staring at the bricked wall as some half drunk fool sang away on the Karaoke machine and shook her head.
"You want the regular?" asked the bartender looking at the regular. "You're done work early."
Donna slid the blue and white bandana from her hair and nodded. "Yeah well, those pricks figured it be cheaper to pay us for 4 hours then have us stand around all night with a thumb up our asses. I'll take a Canadian Doll. Mind you its a job and it helps pay the bills."
"Well it means your nights more open now." The bartender replied as he slid over to the frige grabbing a cold bottle and a chilled mug.
"Yeah like the last thing I want to do is listen to this." She replied jerking her thumb over towards the stage. "Jack ass is butchering a very decent song. Some people eh? You're in a rut Ray you need to figure out a way to bring in the folks cause this ain't working. You can't tell me you enjoy having to listen to 8 hours of this twice a week." The dark haired woman replied as she paused to wipe her hands on her jeans and then poured her beer.
Ray looked to be in his mid forties he merely shrugged. "Music these days all sounds like shit to me Donna having people half in the bag doesn't hurt it all that much." he replied with a chuckle.
"Sometimes its good to keep up with the times or else you get left behind." Donna replied quietly as she picked up her beer and took a sip. "No one ever wants to have that happen but so many wake up one day and suddenly they go shit there goes the 70's they were just yesterday, or oh how I miss the 80's. We are coming to the end of yet another decade 90's are almost ready to be dead and buried and I don't want to be left behind. So you got any clue what we are supposed to call the year 2000 and beyond?"
"No clue Donna."
"Yeah me neither." She said as her dark eyes roamed over the bar and she noted the young boy that entered. He had recently started working at the power washing business. He claimed to be 19 but Donna wasn't entirely convinced. "Hey kid."
"Hey Ramirez." He replied joining her at the bar "Ill have a Coors."
"Ram�rez de Arroyo, Stinky." she corrected.
The kid nodded "Thats Stinky Moe to you Miss Ram�rez de Arroyo." he grinned and frowned as the bartender asked for idea. "Oh fuck come on. I left it at home."
"No ID no hootch, sorry." Ray replied placing the beer back into the fridge.
"Come on I was in two days ago and you IDed me and you saw it was legit." he protested.
"I saw it. Hard to tell these days if things are legit. I run an honest bussiness kid." Ray replied.
Donna snorted "Ill have a Coors Ray."
Ray sighed "Its your ass not mine if you get nailed."
"Theres no pigs in here." Donna said. "Its why I come here. They keep to themselves."
Ray nodded and turned to get the beer. Stinky Moe paused and fished out three twenty dollar bills from his wallet and slid them across the bar to the dusky skinned woman who grinned at him her dark eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well look who managed to scrape up sixty bucks..." The boy did his best to look nonchalant. "We did get paid on Friday. Its no biggie."
The two talked for sometime before the music and sing alongs got to be too much. Donna slipped out with Stinky Moe to get some fresh air mindful of the time last call would be arriving. He offered her a smoke which she took and fished out an old vintage zippo and light it with one hand. She puffed thoughtfully on the cigarette and slid the lighter back home into her jeans. It was a sudden and quick motion that was hard for the eye to track. She slid the bag of weed into the kids jacket pocket and sighed. "You should be getting home Moe your parents will worry."
"I live on my own and its no big deal. Besides you still have to give me my-"
"Right hand pocket check it." Donna replied as she slowly exhaled a lung full of smoke.
Moe skeptically looked at her but as he undid the dome snap and slid his fingers into the depths his eyes widened and he did a double take. "How the fuck did you do that?"
Donna let out a husky but mischievous laugh. "Mmmm... Magic. I cannot tell you how its done or Id have to kill you."
-
April 19th Sunday - 8:22-8:45 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Dee got to work explaining who the people were. From several busker's to bums. She paused and pointed to another picture "And well these guys were just odd and you said goths were something I could take pics of. Really crazy costumes. It was impossible to get any of em to really smile except that blond." Dee replied to Angel as she pointed out one of the group members who was grinning mischievously a hint of fang could be seen in one of the photos.
Angel looked at the photo, examining the light level. "See if you can get pictures of her during the day." he replied tapping the girls face.
"Sure." Dee replied. "This one here I took later in the evening too..." she replied as she flipped to the next one. It showed a two cops beating a vagrant on the roof top of Jackson Square. "Nothing like a bit of police brutality to spice up the night."
"Just don't let them see you. The boys in blue tend to get a little irate about having their hobbies exposed to the public." Angel flipped through a few more pictures. "Does this guy with the guitar always gather this kind of crowd?"
"What, the old guy? Yeah. It's like really mellow stuff that he plays. Sells his own CDs out of a case."
"Pity," Angel said. "If he's any good, I'll have to go through the trouble of tracking down the licensing on those CDs, if he's even got a contract or copyright on them. Was there anyone else who caught your attention in his crowd? Anyone who just stood there, mesmerized?"
"Nope during the day people just sorta drop by hover for a few usually a song drop something in his case and leave. Sometimes they buy his CDs. Then he usually packs up at 6pm at the latest and scooters on off into the sunset." Dee replied as she opted to slide her jacket back on.
I wonder if he knows? "Interesting. Well, early to bed, early to rise, I suppose. Don't worry about the crowd for him then. Pick me up one of his CDs though and I'll pay you back for it. I want to know what his music is like. Keep up the good work. There likely won't be a lot of standouts in the first few rolls but if the faces start showing up over and over again, then that is where the fun begins. It's like hunting without knowing what it is you're hunting."
"Good to know." Dee said as she flipped to the next photo it was grainy and dark with just enough light to make out one of the persons features. It was a man being serviced by a sex worker on top of Jackson square. Dee originally wasn't going to take the picture but the guy had been wearing a three piece suit and it was two am in the morning so she figured why not. She filled Angel in on the deal. What she didn't notice was the figure standing in the shadow behind one of the roof top planters. And why would she? He hadn't been there when the photo was taken.
Angel looked at the picture. "Is this the one you took just before you passed out?" he asked.
"I think there are a few others there. I sorta got into the spirit of being a photo voyeur. She flipped to show him a few more glossy pics some of them identified the face of both participants better but neither of them had anything else happening in them. I think thats the last one here I took. Where he pays her."
This has been a LadyJ/ MAXX co post production
-
April 19th Sunday - 8:46 pm Downtown- Double Angel Recording studio
Angel flipped through the photos. "Well, I think these ones are suitable for framing. All we need to do is find out who this guy is and whether this is a commonplace event." He tapped the figure who showed up in only the one picture. "Who is this guy? The pimp?"
"What guy?"
"The guy by the planter."
"Wow. I could have sworn there was nobody there. Then again, I'm sure buddy with the hooker didn't think there was anyone there and I was there."
"Classic case of not noticing him because you weren't looking. Just like the black guy in the Mystery Men trailer. Invisible, as long as no one is looking at him."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Keep your eyes open on that roof," Angel advised. "You never know what is going to sneak up behind you and bite you on the ass." Or on the neck. Looks like somebody stalks the roof late at night.
"Yeah, I'll do that," Dee said, sounding tired.
"Crash on the couch for a few hours," Angel said. "I don't have any appointments and I can have the receptionist ring the desk phone around ten to wake you up. Sound like a plan?"
"I was hoping to come back later. things kinda die down around threeish? Fourish? I could grab some shut-eye if the place is open that late. Then I could be back on the street for the morning rush."
"Do you need a place to stay? I mean I could park an old van in the back alley for you."
Dee blushed, looking embarrassed. "That's not really necessary. Sorry I'm being a mooch."
"Don't apologize. Listen, Dee, it might take me a few days but I might be able to hook you up with something. Sort of an overnight security gig, where you watch the place after the club closes."
"That could work."
"It might only be about four hours a night but it will get you out of the rain, sleet, hail or whatever."
"That works."
"Great. Have your people call my people and they can do lunch." Angel chuckled. "Don't get your hopes up but I'll see what I can do. I have a lot of pull with the guy that owns the building."
"You're a life saver. So we're cool with everything I took?" she looked at the photos covering the desk.
"So far so good. Keep up the good work and I'll see you in a few days."
-
April 18th Saturday - 10:00 pm Molten Vistas Studio Beach Road
Iggy lit a Graycliff and turned of the blow torch. Looking up at the metal construct critically, Iggy pulled a long drag of the cigar. A couple more days and the piece commissioned by the Windsor Casino would be finished.
"Good" Iggy thought, "I have spent too much time with this project already." Putting the torch down Iggy turned to the front of the studio, Steel following happily on his heels.
"So Steel lets get to work on those rough sketches for Donna, eh boy." Steel eagerly agreed and tail wagging jumped up unto couch as Iggy made his way to his drafting table. Anyone walking into the studio in the next couple of hours would have seen a large man dressed in torn denim and a welding apron, mop of dark black hair hanging down busily workingon some drawings. most would not realize even given the drafting table that this was the artist they were looking for. Still, Iggy didn't care much want people thought he should look like.
So it was that by midnight he had completed the concept sketches for the two party favours Donna had asked for. He embellished them a bit knowing that the work would probably end up having cost close to the figure Donna. Not much profit in art still less when working for friends.
"Hey Steel wanta go for a ride?"
"woof, woof" was Steel answer as the dog raced and jumped into the sidecar of the bike parked in the garage.
"Okay Steel, lets head to the Bite 'N Brew maybe we can catch Donna there. Then we can check out the beach strip."
The two - Man and dog roared away into the night for a cold beer fro the both of them.
-
April 19th Sunday -1:30 am Bite 'N Brew
The Harley pulled into the Bite 'N Brew parking lot. Steel and Iggy jumped out and nodded to Donna in the parking lot working a young punk.
The twp headed into the bar and took their normal table at the back, it gave Iggy a good view of both the bar and the entrance.
"Steel, you've stopped by, I see you have dragged the old man with you too. " smiled the red haired waitress whose name Iggy couldn't remember.
Steel wagged his tail as his head was scratched.
"A couple of Ricker's Reds." Iggy smiled at the waitress.
"Sure thing, Iggy," she smiled back and headed to the bar.
Iggy took a look around the place - same dump as ever, same crowd at least Steel adds some class to the joint. A few of the non-regulars regarded the large man and his dog with concern but seeing that the staff were non-plussed with the two they continued into their own business.
The waitress returned with the pints and placed one in front of both man and dog. Iggy picked up his glass and clicked it with Steel's - with that Steel sat up and started lapping at the beer in his mug. Iggy took a sip of his pint and returned his attention to the door. Donna should be done her business soon.
-
April 19th Sunday - 1:36am - North end- Bite N' Brew Bar- Donna
With business conducted and farewells said. Donna parted ways with Stinky Moe and watched as the kid sprinted down the road after the last bus of the night.
The dusky skinned Hispanic grinned at the feeling of having her wallet in her back pocked feeling that little bit fatter, and it was a good thing too. She had seen Iggy one of her Clan members nod and enter the bar not too long ago.
Entering the bar she cringed as someone sung 'I don't wanna touch you too much baby
'Cos making love to you might drive me crazy... I know you think that love is the way you make it, So I don't wanna be there when you decide to break it. No!'
Donna growled under her breath at the horrid cover. She sat down beside Iggy shaking her head trying to ignore the rest of 'Love Bites' she had hated the song when it had first made its appearance in the 80's and over the years had never warmed up to it. She looked down at Steel who was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier drinking his beer and felt a bit better. When all else sucked the effects of alcohol could ease the pain of Karaoke. Sadly there wasn't anyone in the bar that she really wanted to feed from. She made it a habit not to shit in her own backyard anyhow.
"Hey Iggy." She greeted him and nodded to Ray the bartender to grab her another Canadian. "Just hangin tonight, looking to get something, or do you have something to show me?" She asked as she popped off the cap and slid ray $2.50 for her drink.
-
April 19th Sunday - 1:36am - North end- Bite N' Brew Bar - Iggy
"Hey Donna, how's business?" chuckled Iggy. "I finished up those concept drawings for your surprise figured I would run them up to you for approval." Iggy pulled the document tube from the floor next to him and making room on the table he spread out the drawing for Donna to see.
"So here are the drawing you asked for, I hope you like the likeness for a certain Toreador. I'll be able to start in two days assuming I have your approval. These copies are for you sweetheart. Let me know if ya like them."
Donna and Iggy looked over the diagrams as Iggy pointed out the key details. The main statue was 9 feet tall with a base diameter of 7 feet. When closed it was totally sealed. That was a touch he was certain Donna would appreciate. The viewing chair to go with the statue was compact enough to ship within the statue itself. Iggy was certain he had met Donna's needs.
Looking over a Steel, Iggy realized that he had promised a ride out to the beach. "Say Donna what are you doing after here, I haven't eaten yet and Steel and I were thinking of heading out to the beach to see what was going on. What to join us?"
-
April 19th Sunday - 1:45am - North end- Bite N' Brew Bar - Donna
After looking over the schematics and asking several questions it was clear that Donna was ecstatic about the concept work that Iggy had come up with. "It's fucking brilliant, you sir are a doll. And I would be honored to grab a bite with you. I'm feeling a little peckish and these salted peanuts just don't cut it."
The Bruhja woman stood up sliding her bar seat in and drained her bottle. "I have to walk back and get my Jeep. Parked over on the side street there by your house. You know I should really just drop you off a case of beer every other month and park at your place. Its big enough to fit two cars, thats if its cool. Its just more of a convenience thing, but its no sweat off my brow if you are keeping it free for customer parking."
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April 19th Sunday - 1:45am - North end- Bite N' Brew Bar & Van Wagner Beach - Iggy
" Make it Warthog and yoou got yourself a deal. Customers, hell there is room on the street for them. I'll meet you by Hutch's." Iggy followed Donna out into the night. Steel jumped into the side car and the two were roaring away as Donna walked toward her Jeep.
Iggy got to the beach before Donna. A couple of cars were parked on the north side - both had a guy sitting in the drivers seat.
"I bet I know what they are looking for, eh Steel"
Roaring past Iggy parked on the far side of Hutch's. Grabbing Steel's glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, the two headed for the beach to toss a few. Looking around Iggy noted that there were a few more cars traveling through the parking lot looking for fun. A young couple were perched on the rock pier deep into conversation and each other. Maybe thought Iggy but I would have to get them back on solid ground first. Further down were a trio of dudes stoned on something, smoking weed - Hey maybe Donna would like to mix some extra flavour with dinner. Having picked the evenings target, Iggy headed back to the bike. Keeping the trio in sight he positioned himself so Donna would be able to spot him. Turning on his presence he started to focus on the trio while still playing catch with Steel. Donna would mind if he ordered for both of them.
-
April 19th Sunday - 1:55 am - Van Wagner Beach - Donna
It was something that she took a joy in. Fast cars. She had always had a leadfoot but with spring in the air it just made it that much more enjoyable. She opened up her jeep and speed down the road to van wagners beach ignoring the speed limit.
She eased her car into the parking lot beside Iggy's bike and watched with interest as he was chatting it up with three men.
"Good evening gentlemen" Donna replied offering them a crooked grin. "Looks like I'm not the only one out enjoying this evening." She pulled out a cigarette pack and sat down on one of the benches and pulled out a cigarette and lit it taking a few causal puffs. She noted that the trio smelled vaguely of pot and that only made Donna chuckle slightly.
Leave it to Iggy to not only find dinner but potential customers as well.
-
April 19th Sunday - 11:46 pm Downtown - Out and about
In Angel's opinion, the only colour for a sports car was british racing green and so that was the colour of his TR 6. It was a convertible and he normally ran it with the top down. It would offer him little protection from the sun and it wasn't wise to drive the car in wet weather, so the top always stayed down. His vanity went so far as to induce him to purchase personalized plates that read 2XANGEL. He had considered trying for DBL ANGEL when the eight digit plates eventually became available in early 2000 but decided the five hundred dollar price tag was a little high. There were limits, even for him and he didn't think they'd buy him trying to write it off as an advertising expense.
He slid down to Barton street, amusing himself with a little game of 'Spot the Hooker'. He didn't see many. It was either a busy night or a little cold for some of them. The ones he did see were too cracked out to even remotely qualify as being attractive but there were obviously men desperate enough to shell out, otherwise the sex trade in the area would have dried up long ago. He pulled into a convenience store lot, well aware that he had caught the attention of a young and attractive girl who was awkwardly displaying herself on the corner. He stayed in the car perhaps thirty seconds longer than a real store customer would and smiled and nodded when she looked his way.
Good evening officer. How are you tonight? Enjoying your turn as the bait? Want to know what it feels like to be one of the hunted?
-
April 19th Sunday - 11:49 pm Downtown - Out and about
She wasn't drop dead gorgeous but she had a pleasant smile and didn't have the appearance of the typical hookers. She still was of a normal weight and didn't have the tell tale signs of sunken cheeks or the eyes with dark circles. She looked to be in her mid thirties. She wore a short black denim skirt and a Budweiser hoody. Unlike the street workers that worked larger cities Hamilton workers were a bit harder to pick out. They didn't wear the traditional uniforms. But the red pumps and the fine knit fishnets were a strong suggestion that she was a working girl.
The street walker smiled and approached the car. "Evening." She greeting him. "How are you tonight?"
-
April 19th Sunday - 1:55 am to 3:50 am - Van Wagner Beach – Iggy
“Hey Donna, I like you to meet some McMaster boys out for a little fun tonight too. I’ve invited them to party with us. This here is Jay, Frankie and Butch.” Iggy nodded to the each of the three men in turn. Jay was decent looking, around 23 years old but certainly the oldest of the group. He was dressed in jeans, an Iron Maiden tee shirt and a well-worn leather jacket. Frankie was dressed in gray Dockers and a black golf shirt. His loafers, freckles and red hair easily pegged him as the group’s nerd. Butch was also dress in a tee and jeans. His clothes though were of a much better quality then the other two. He wore no jacket heedless of the chill and his tee shirt was tight enough to not leave much to the imagination. Butch definitely spent a lot of time at the gym – his biceps and chest literally strained the confines of his black tee.
“And guys this is Donna – who I was just talking about.” Looking up at the couple who was now necking, Iggy started walking toward the more private bushes just pass the parking lot. “Maybe we should get somewhere a bit more private.”
The five headed toward the grove of bushes. Once inside it was obvious to see that they weren’t the first to use the spot as a pot den. As Donna settled down to roll a couple of joints as Jay pulled out a large party cone and lit it. As Jay took a large hit the smoke wrapped around his head in a halo. The effect made Jay look a lot like Luke Iggy’s sire; Iggy smiled at the image. It was while partying with Luke that Iggy was converted.
“So your all studying engineering at McMaster” Iggy prompted
“No just Butch and I are in engineering, Frankie here is into computer architecture. But we all met at Mac.” Jay passed the joint to Frankie and continued. Frankie is from Sudbury originally, Butch is an Ancaster brat and me I from the North End.”
The five sat around smoking and exchanging small talk for about 50 minutes when Frankie spoke up that he had to take a leak. As Frankie headed toward the water to relief himself, Jay lay down and closed his eyes while Butch looked over at Donna hungrily. Donna turned to Iggy and smiled. Iggy recognized that smile – dinnertime. Donna reached over and started to play with Butch’s biceps.
Butch stood up saying “ Lets you and I go for a walk, Donna”
“Sure” was Donna’s only reply. As the two headed toward Donna’s Jeep, Iggy looked over at Jay. He still had his head back and his eyes closed. Looking around Iggy saw that Frankie was just standing at the water, not peeing but not heading back either, instead he seemed to be trying to appear like he was peeing.
“He won’t come back till I sit back up, so instead of looking at him why not lie down with me” said Jay. “Have you ever been with a guy before?”
Iggy smiled at the question – not the way you’re thinking he thought. “No, but I have often wondered what it would be like”
“Hey, Ig its a lot of fun and we’ll go slow, it being your first time and all. Just lay down here with me.” Iggy lied down and Jay turned his head, slowly stroking Iggy’s chest. Jay quickly became more active, raising Iggy’s shirt and leaning in to suck on the right nipple. Iggy allowed his body to respond – this boy is good, and started to reach up under Jay’s shirt. Sighing Jay laid back and Iggy was the one now leaning over Jay’s chest. Putting his head down onto the lad’s nipple Iggy bit deep. Iggy moaned as the youths hot blood pumped onto his tongue. This boy was sweet and except for pot Iggy tasted no taint to the blood. Iggy’s passion flared as the warmth flowed through his body. Still hungry but having fed as much as he dared Iggy pulled back, licking he sealed the wound. Donna would be pissed at him but she did have to know so Iggy scratched his nipple and placed the mouth of the still groggy Jay against the wound.
“Here boy, suck on this.”
To soon Iggy had to pull away. Leaving Jay where he lay Iggy walked toward Frankie.
“Hey Frankie, I think our friend Jay has passed out – want to help me get him to his car?”
“Sure, Iggy.” The two trotted back to Jay and began to maneuver him back to his car. “Where’s Butch?”
“Butch and Donna are having some fun by themselves.”
“That’s are Butch” smiled Frankie
The two men loaded Jay into the passenger side of a late model black Camero. Iggy leaned in and tucked one of his business cards in the inside pocket of Jay’s jacket. While, Iggy was busy with the card Frankie jumped into the driver’s side and started digging into Jay’s pockets.
“Looking for the keys, I’ll get him home”
“What about your car” Iggy asked.
“Don't have one – I came with Jay, Butch’s is that red Mustang over there” Frankie nodded to a red car about five spots down. “He can get himself home.”
As Frankie finally found the keys Iggy leaned into the open door and pushed Frankie's head down. Leaning further Iggy finished his dinner, this time tasting Frankie's blood. Not as sweet, fatty even - to much junk food thought Iggy. Licking the wound close, he sat the boy up. Taking the keys from his hand he placed them in the ignition. Iggy rolled up the windows and locked the car’s doors. The two would be fine like that until morning.
Appetite sated Iggy called for Steel who came running up the beach. Time to check on Donna and then to home to bed. Iggy lit a new Graycliff and headed toward Donna’s Jeep.
-
April 19th Sunday - 11:50 pm Downtown - Out and about on Barton Street
"Can't complain," Angel said. "Nobody listens. What about you?" he asked in return, giving her the eye in a 'you're not a piece of meat but I'm going to look anyway' kind of manner. "Having a good night?"
"A little chilly out tonight. You out on a convenience store trip or are you looking for some company?"
"Can I combine the two?" Angel asked, sitting on the hood of the car. He could hear the engine ticking faintly as it began to cool.
The woman chuckled. "I suppose you could." She gave a very friend smile.
Angel offered her an arm. "Well, then, I think we should go have a look around inside and see if there is anything that catches your eye. I've been known to suffer random fits of generosity from time to time. You might get lucky tonight."
"Lucky is good."
"Luck can only carry you so far though. After that, you need to have the chops to push things the rest of the way. Tell me, are you a smoker?" Angel asked as he pulled open the store door.
"Not usually. It's more of a social thing."
Angel chuckled. "You mean like after sex?"
"Yeah," the woman answered, stretching the word out.
"That's something I've never been able to figure out," Angel said, heading for the beverage cooler. "What is with the after sex cigarette? It's like some kind of holy sacrament. What makes that cigarette so important?"
"It's just caps off the evening. Relaxes you further. Gives you that five minutes to collect your thoughts and get your head together after you've had that mind blowing orgasm."
"What happens if you don't have that mind blowing orgasm? No cigarette? Are you a Jolt fan?"
"Coffee is good. It's warmer."
"They don't have coffee in the refrigerator. If you want coffee, that's a Timmy's run. Feel like going for a ride?"
"Timmy's coffee is alright. I really miss my old room mate. Now they could make a pot of coffee. It's a dying art, I tell you."
"You know what else is a dying art? Conversation. I swear, television is killing it." He grabbed two cans of the high caffeine cola and swung the door closed. "Chocolate fan?" he asked. "I'm going to grab a Crunchie. Mind if I ask what happened to your roommate?"
"She went to university."
"Smart girl. I take it you didn't have the funds to follow?"
"No. Trying to get them together though. It just takes time."
Either she's got a good line or she really isn't a cop. Bets are still off though. "Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do right. Have you thought about OSAP?" He laid his purchases on the counter and pulled a twenty out of his wallet. "You want anything? Oh, hey, get me a pack of those Rough Riders, will you?" Angel grinned. "Not just ridged for her pleasure but studded too." It was a difficult act to keep up. He wasn't sure why he'd turned on the 'hyper idiot' channel. Maybe he was trying to find out exactly how desperate the girl was to make a bust of turn a trick.
"Well, if you are offering, a pack of smokes might be nice. After all, you never know when you're going to get lucky, right?"
"Exactly. Tell the man you're brand. I don't think he's psychic."
"Benson & Hedges menthol."
Angel laughed and this time it wasn't forced. "Make it a pack of the bitch sticks," he said. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."
This has been a short Maxx/Ladyjallyn co-post
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April 19th Sunday - 1:55 am to 3:50 am - Van Wagner Beach – Donna
Donna and Butch strolled down the beach the crisp evening air and breeze from the lake was heavy with the scent of lake Ontario. Donna reached into her leather jacket and paused to full out another joint. They had spent a good portion of an hour smoking already but she still wasn't happy with where Butch was at, he still needed a bit more seasoning.
The two walked down the beach and chatted most of it small talk but along the way Butch came to learn Donna was a jack of all trades master of none. She had explained that she had gone to university for a couple years to study archeology but due to her mother getting sick and having to take care of her as she battled cancer had ended that. She explained that after her mother had passed that she had lost the desire to follow that path and was now into a more hands on style of work. The lies fell glibly from Donna's lips as she slipped an arm around the young mans waist savoring the heat from his firm well toned body.
She took only a few tokes from the joint as she continued on with her story and occasionally asking about Butch and his personal life. The truth was she knew the guy didn't really care. In the darkness with only the moon the illuminate his youthful face, she could tell from his droopy glazed eyes that he was well and truly baked.
She slipped her hand in his and smiled in the dark when Butch murmured that her hand was freezing. No doubt he was cold too, wearing what he wore, she had to admit he looked great, but he was obviously willing to toss common sense and comfort to the wind to look fine for any and all that saw him.
They made their way back to the parking lot and Donna unlocked her jeep and invited Butch in. Once inside she turned the engine over to pump warmth into the confined space. The contented groan that escaped Butch let her know all was well.
"Don't give up on me yet big boy. We still have one more dube to smoke." She chuckled mischievously as she turned on the radio to catch Rage against the machines 'No Shelter'
View the world from American eyes
Tha poor adore keep feeding for more
Tha thin line between entertainment and war
fix the need, develop the taste...
Donna grinned as Butch mock protested but stopped as she gently mocked him and slid the joint between his lips. "Just lay back and enjoy Butch this ones on me tonight. A lot of people say they have the shit or that their weed is the shit but I can honestly tell you that you will agree when you're done. This will be a memorable night for you if you remember it." she purred flashing him a white smile as the Jeep began to fill with a purple haze.
Her fingers reached out to rub the inside of his thigh and she watched the lazy smile on his face. Donna payed attention to his facial cues as well was the inner stirrings underneath her fingers beneath the denim that clung to his firm thigh.
Her fingers deftly caressed and gently urged Butch to respond. The young man didn't disappoint either. He let out a soft groan as he struggled to stay still and not drop the joint as Donna slowly worked her fingers over the metal teeth finding the top of the zipper and began to with deliberate unhurried pace.
"Uh you want in on some of this..." Butch asked trying to sound casual but his voice quivered.
Donna shook her head. "How about you take a nice long haul on that and hold it for me. Can you do that?"
The Mac student nodded and obeyed taking in a long hull. Donna crawled over closer and brushed her lips against his her lips locking over his as she gently bit down on his lip, and her fingers finished their work down below. She slid her fingers into the denim to discover that her boy was a bit of a rebel and chuckled as the student let out a moan slowly expelling the smoke. Donna caught her lips with his and inhaled deeply taking in the bitter sweet smoke and slowly withdrew then exhaled. Her dark eyes glittered as she felt the stirrings of hunger. She ate every night but this was something not to be rushed. If played right she could end up with not only a meal, but a meal that would come back for more than just her weed.
"You are trying to kill me." Butch slurred as he closed his eyes feeling her fingers wrap around him.
"No my sweet, I'd never want to do that. If I did that would be a terrible thing. Did you want me to? Did you want to just a little?"
"A little?" Butch asked.
"Si, le petite morte." Donna replied as she turned down the stereo a touch to the music was more in the background. "Its what they called an orgasm back in the day in gay Paris."
"Mmmm I didn't know that."
"You just finish that joint and let me do what must be done." She replied calmly as she stoked his cheek and trailed her nails along the side of his neck feeling the strong pulse thrumming against her finger tips.
"Your wish is my command." He chuckled as he leaned back and proceeded to do just that.
With some patience and maneuvering Donna slid the Passenger seat back as far as it would go and tilted the seat slightly and set to work teasing and gently caressing. Butch arched his hips and Donna took the opportunity to ease the snug jeans down past the students knees.
"Christ the girls at Mac don't do this." he breathed contently as he felt her lips bush the inside of his thigh her finger firmly wrapped around him.
Donna chuckled softly her soft Latino accent drifted up from down below. "You just haven't met the right ones thats all." And with that she bit down her fangs sliding with ease into his femoral artery.
She felt the hot sticky blood rush into her mouth warm and thick. It pumped into her mouth in time with the rapid staccato beat of his heart. Her fingers slid up and down with more urgency against him as she drank taking careful measure of the blood flow and the firm flesh that she stroked.
Her eyes fluttered as she felt the effects of the weed in the Students blood steam take effect. The warm glow and mild euphoria enveloped her much like being enfolded in a large comfy quilt that had just been pulled out of the dryer. She vaguely hear Butch give her warning that he was close to the edge. She drank deeper and stopped after she had taken her pint and raised her head from his lap to gaze up in time to see the look of passion on his face as he cried out his body going rigid after several frenzied pumps against her hand. Then all was silent and Butch melted into the soft warm leatherette seat.
Donna withdrew aware of the sticky mess that was running down the dash and glove box of the jeep. At lest it wasn't in her hair. She would rather clean up the jeep with a few wipes than have an episode of Something About Mary. "You gonna live tough guy?" She gently asked as she pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
"Barely." Butch murmured as he weakly reached out and wiped his hand across the fogged up passenger window. His fingers weakly slid across it to reveal the dark and empty parking lot area.
A few moments passed and he eventually did slid his jeans back up. "You were something else. I don't think I've ever had one that intense before."
Donna smirked and rolled down the window. Pot and cigarette smoke billowed out into the night air and any on looker would find the scene to be vaguely reminiscent of Donnie Brasco . "You're welcome."
"You got a number I can call you again sometime. Tonight's been pretty cool." he replied.
"Is that for when you want weed or to see me again Cheeko?" She asked.
"Both if thats good with you."
"Yeah its good for me. In the glove box I got a note pad and a pen go nuts." Donna calmly replied as she exhaled her cigarette smoke and listened to Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy 'drift out of the Jeeps speakers. She had to admit the weed was indeed fine tonight.
Butch leaned over and opened it only to come into contact with the mess. "Fuck. Shit man what the hell is... oh... Yeah sorry bout the mess." he replied as debated wiping his hand on his jeans.
"Wet naps are in there too honey knock yourself out." She replied giving him a lazy grin. It was his mess he might as well clean it. She wasn't born yesterday given the circumstances it would be poor form for him not to clean up now.
They spent several minutes chatting until Butch realized what time it was. Cursing softly he explained that he had a paper due and that as much as he wanted to hang the paper was due for Monday morning and he hadn't started it. Donna laughed and give him a grin. "Its all good. You get some rest." She replied as she watched him tuck her pager number into his back pocket.
"I'll call you sometime this week probably this weekend lets get together if you don't have any plans."
"Sounds like a plan. You take care Butch." She replied as she watched him hop out and head for his car. Donna killed the ignition switch aware that Iggy's bike was nearby still. Steel was sitting in the side car but Iggy wasn't to be seen.
She was about to get out to check for him when she saw the glowing heater of a cigar in the distance. He casually made his way over to the car and Donna opened the passenger door for him, the other boys weren't with him. But maybe that had parked elsewhere. "Come on in sit for a spell you got another 15 minutes of smoking that thing at least, just don't burn the leather and were good. So how was Dinner?"
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/DONNAWEEEEEEEEE-1-1.jpg)
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April 19th Sunday - 3:50 am to 4:50 am - Van Wagner Beach - Iggy's shop - Iggy
“Dinner was great, dessert was a bit on the rich side.” Iggy took a long drag on his cigar and hopped into the jeep next to Donna. “They’ll wake happy and content, except for feeling somewhat anmenic they’ll be fine. And did you enjoy Butch?”
“Muy Buena.” Donna’s slow drag on her cigarette, the licking of her lips afterwards said far more that her response did. “Butch was definitely fun, and I’ll probably see more of him.”
The two Brujah sat, basking in their afterglow and the enjoying the added buzz from their preys drugged laced blood. Donna finished and shortly lit another cigarette.
“You should cut down girl – those things will kill ya.” Both laughed at Iggy’s humour. “So Donna any news from the street? How are the Brujah interests? Anything I should be preparing for coming my way other then a bitchy note from Helen and her clan about my concert? Hopefully, I didn't cause you to much grief over the whole incident?”
Iggy’s questions went unanswered as the two watched a police cruiser slowing driving through the parking lot. It car stopped behind the Jeep and bike. The officer stepped out of his vechile gave a whislte and Steel was up and trotting to his side.
“Hey Steel where’s Iggy, eh?” said the officer.
Iggy opened the door and standing on the side rails shouted a greeting to the young officer.
“Hey, James You looking for me.”
“Yeah, somehow I knew I would find you here.”
“James, this is a friend of mine Donna, Donna this is officer James McKay, a very good friend of mine. He keeps an extra eye on my place for me.” Iggy smiled at Donna letting her know that James was no threat.
Donna nodded to James, who pleasantly greeted her.
“Good morning ma’am. Begging your pardon Iggy but I was driving past your place and all the lights are flashing on and off, a lot of loud banging is coming from inside too. Thought you might want to know. I could come back with you just to make sure your okay. “
“Thanks James I’ll be right with you.” Looking to Donna Iggy continued “ Well sweet cheeks, I best be checking this out. – you got time for a visit – just in case?”
“You got the right of that Iggy, I'll follow along.”
“Great Donna - I have an Arturo Fuente with your name on it when this is all done.”
Shortly the four headed out of the park. Iggy and Steel on his bike followed by Donna’s jeep and the patrol car took the rear. In a few short minutes the trio arrived in front of Iggy home and shop. True to officer’s McKay’s description the lights were going on and off in a psychotic pattern. From inside the sound of things banging against the walls was heard. The group formed up and with Iggy leading headed into the home on Beach Road. As soon as Iggy entered the lights went out and the banging stopped. James quickly took to the lead and wandered throughout the house,. as Donna and Iggy waited. Shortly James returned with a quirky grin on his face.
“I don’t know what that was all about, but I found no-one, and I checked your electrical panel and everything was fine. Don’t know what to tell you. But I’ll increase my checks for the next couple of nights just to be sure. Anything more happens let me know I get back stat.”
“I should be fine James- and thanks for the sharp eye. Drive safe.”
James headed back to his cruiser. Iggy guessing who had caused the light show whispered, “You better have a good reason for this!”
“What Iggy?” asked Donna
“Nothing just muttering to this OLD HOUSE.” Iggy intonation was the only sign that he was annoyed but spirits can do that to you. “So Donna let me get you that cigar and we can talk more about upcoming events regarding the Brujah and the other clans.”
-
April 19th Sunday - 4:50 am - 5:12am- 269 Beach Road - Iggy's shop - Donna
Donna accepted the cigar and sat down on the couch in Iggy's living room staying clear of Steel. The dog wasn't a huge fan of her and she had won a grudging truce with it over the years though bribes of dogie treats and the occasional beer.
"I cant stay long since sun ups at 6:30 this morning. I figure I will roll out of here in about an hour and that should give me enough time to get home before the sun comes up and I die for the day." She lit her cigar and took a few puffs inspecting the blend of cedar and earthy oaken undertones of the cigar. "Things have been pretty peaceful actually. Yes Helen was pissed about the concert on Jackson Square but fuck her. That bitch doesn't understand true art even if it bit her in the ass. But you know she can't puplically say anything about it in our circle or she will look bad and heaven for bit that a Toreador ever look back in public. I thought the Stomp show was quite good. You will have to teach me that sometime. Theres something primal about it that stirs the blood."
She sunk back against the sofa and sighed as she rested her feet on the coffee table. "I never knew you had a pet piggy Iggy. You never cease to amuse me, just be careful pigs are dangerous pets if you don't treat them right."
Donna filled him in on the goings on of the clan as well as what she had heard about the rest of the clans. The fact was for the most part the clans as a whole didn't have all that much to do with each other unless the Prince ordered it. Antigen Lewich was the glue that held them together and despite her thoughts on the average Tremere she had to admit that he did well enough.
"I'm surprised you haven't seen the prince he tends to make it a habit to bump into everyone once a month for a house call or whatever sometimes even a telephone call. If you haven't heard from him yet you're probably due. But you know what they say. No news is good news. The Sabbat have be quiet lately. But that in itself might be a bad thing. We haven't butted heads with them for over two years now, but word has it that theres been some territorial squabbles in oakville you couldn't pay me to live on the border there. We say theres a border they say theres no such thing and that the world is their playground to do with as they see fit. I've heard rumors that Sabbat were spotted in Burlington last month. They could have been testing the waters but I don't know Iggy they could have just been passing through. You know how it is. Dangerous times and danger days and what not. The keep to Mississauga and the greater Toronto area and spread out up north as far as Barrie but it can't be all fun for em with those damn fur balls and what not." Donna leaned forward to flick her ash into the ash tray.
"We're a bit lucky since Camarilla territory is from here to Niagara falls and a bit beyond. Then we go back to the disputes once you hit Ottawa with all the shit that goes on between the Quebec border. Word has it that they've been moving into Ottawa everyones fighting for the larger cities and best places for food these days. We just happen to be nestled in the middle which is a good spot to be as long as we don't head out into Flambourough the were wolves leave us alone. I did hear that Guelph lost their Prince though. Anarchs came in and they now claim to be an independent city that is neither Sabbat or Camarilla territory. Its a ballsy move and though they may mean well I can only hope that things don't go for a shit there. I met the former Prince once. Wagner was his name and he was a bit of a prick. Ventrue go figure I swear some of those guys asses are so tightly puckered that you could ram a chunk of coal up there and year later I'd have a diamond the size of my fist. Word has it he was over ran and the bastard was Diablarized. Not a nice way to go." She sighed shaking her head. "he ran a tight ship like Dimitri did. Ruled with an Iron glove and woe be to anyone that opposed him."
-
April 19th Sunday - 5:15 a.m. - Downtown Hamilton - - Jeromy
Jeromy had just finished a successful mediation between two small downtown family businesses that had a feud going on that dated back fifteen years. It seems that both families blamed the other for a series of incidents that had happened over the years that damaged both pieces of property, destroyed inventory and drove away customers. The feud culminated when the youngest boys of both families fell in love and eloped. Instead of heading straight to his home at the end of Palomino Drive he decided to swing by the waterfront and see if he could grab a bite. He found the food down there more to his liking then most other areas of the city. He walked three blocks west and flagged down a cab.
"Hey Mister Addler," the cabbie said as Jeromy slid into the back seat. "Where to, home?"
Jeromy smiled inside the hood of his sweatshirt. "Not just yet. Why don't you take me down to the waterfront? I'll find my way home from there."
The cab pulled away from the curb with a 'Yes Sir,' from the driver.
-
April 19th Sunday - 5:15 a.m. - Bayfront Park Hamilton -
The cabbie let his passenger out and left.
The morning was cold almost numbing but out in the well lit parking lot he noticed a couple cars. Where there were cars there were people.
Bayfront park was a well known gathering point and hunting grounds for a few of the vampires in the city, those that didn't have a herd could usually find either someone fit and trim jogging, biking, walking or roller blading along the board walk path that wrapped around the lake all the way into Princess Point. It was paved and well lit and during the early mornings at least once or two a night the police would drive down it to make sure that the health nuts weren't being robbed raped or worse.
And if that wasn't good enough for the vampires that wanted something a little less fit the park sported a small peninsula, which was well light around the edges where the path looped around it, but the hills slopped upwards to higher vantage points and open grass fields with less lights and the occasional tree and bush. One could find avid fishermen and the occasional young 20 to teen something smoking pot, or the occasional vagrant sleeping in a bush once the weather got better.
Just off of in the distance he could see someone sitting over by the dock, their back to him with a fishing pole. As well as a woman rounding the walk way on her way to the peninsula path with a cocker spaniel on a leash.
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April 20 th Early Monday - 12:05 am Downtown - Out and about at Timmy's
One of the good things about Tim Horton's was that they were almost never closed. Half of them were open twenty four hours a day and most of the rest had drive through which stayed open into the small hours of the morning. Giving up coffee had been one of the harder parts of becoming a vampire but he'd discovered that if he fed enough coffee to somebody before he fed, he'd catch the caffeine buzz. Of course his vessel would be wired for sound and would need the bathroom every fifteen minutes for the rest of the night but they always seemed to consider it a small price to pay when compared to what they got from Angel. He was the man with the keys to heaven and the fact that he was more into necking than he was into sex seemed to go over well, especially with those of his herd that had significant others or a same sex preference. Truthfully, the effort involved in getting his undead flesh to produce an erection wasn't worth it, especially since the rapture of the bite was better than the most intense orgasm.
Angel pulled in to the parking lot and looked over at his passenger. "I'm sure this might come across as a double edged question but how do you take it?"
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April 20 th Early Monday - 12:05 am Big Bear Convenience @ Barton & Sanford
The animal control van pulled up to the variety store and a woman dressed in faded jeans and a worn sweater rushed up to the van. She had bleach blond hair that had been cut into a a rather frizzy mullet. "Oh my god thank god you came." She slurred. "What took you so long my friend and I have been waiting for like an hour."
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April 20 th Early Monday - 12:06 am Big Bear Convenience @ Barton & Sanford
Stepping out of the van, Fia sighed. Grabbing a hair elastic from the stack she always kept wrapped around the brush in her purse, she deftly pulled back her silky indigo hair and tied it up. As she turned around, she got a better glimpse of the girl. She could smell the alcohol from inside the van, before she even opened the door. 'Hicks,'. she thought to herself. "What do we have here?" she asked.
"My girl friend and I found a turtle!" the blonde replied motioning for the rail thin woman with short black hair to step forward. She thrust the turtle outward toward Fia's face.
Fia started and glared at the turtle in her face. "Where was this little guy," she asked sarcastically, as the turtle was the size of a beachball.
The dark haired woman nodded, her eyes were dark and sunken she numbly agreed. "We tried to find it a good home but no one wanted it. Found it on the way to the store on the side walk."
"Thanks ladies, I'll take it from here," she said, reaching out her hand. As she reached it nipped her finger, drawing a bit of blood and leaving a nice sized chevron gouged into her finger. "Dammit!" she shouted, and put the turtle in a tank in the back of the van.
Growing weary of the drunken whores, Fia returned to the pair. "From now on, if you see any animal anywhere that it shouldn't be, call us first. Don't pick it up or try to corner it. As for the turtle, it is a Snapping turtle and can remove fingers, as you can see," she lectured holding up her injured digit. "I would also suggest that you wash your hands, clothes and anything else of yours that has touched that turtle. They carry salmonella and can poison you. Animals can be very dangerous, and you would do well to remember that. Have a good night." With that she got back into the van and pulled out of the parking lot. At the first red light, she pulled out her clipboard and labeled the report a prank and chuckled to herself. "I've never had a turtle before..."
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April 20th Monday - 3:11 a.m. - Bay Front Park - Dee
She sniffled in the cold morning. Dee was still sick. The rest last night had helped but after being out on the street all day pan handling and sitting on the cold sidewalk had brought the return of her fever and the Nyquil was just making her not care. The sky was still dark but in roughly a few hours the sun would be up and with luck the sun would stay out and it would get warmer.
She had decided to venture down to bayfront with her camera to see if she might catch some of the evening night life. Surely there might be johns and hookers drug deals and more going on down here. She wiped the back of her sleeve against her nose and sniffled again. She hated being congested. He head felt like it was in a fish bowl complete with goldfish which had decided to lazily swim about in her sinuses.
The red headed teen made her way though the parking lot several of the windows belonging to cars were fogged. Two were rocking but not shots seemed possible. She snapped a few license plates however just in case.
Walking around the bend she opted to check out the peninsula rather than the board walk. Leaving the light of the parking lot she wandered around the winding path and was disappointed to find it as empty as the board walk that was across the channel. "What a wash." she grumbled as she climbed up the slopping hills to find a place to sit and have a smoke.
As she made it up to the top of the hill using only the stars and faint light that came from the parking lot and paths below she settled down and lit a smoke.
Across the park she noted a vagrant lay sprawled out at an odd angle on the bench. "Lucky bastard got to tie one on. What I wouldn't give to have a shot of something hard. Likely make me feel better." she whispered to herself as she slowly exhaled and suppressed a shudder.
After having finished her smoke Dee cast it onto the damp grass and decided to leave. There was a Tim Hortons just up on Bay that had a tea with her name on it. Likely it would help warm her up. Not as well as a shot of JD but better than being out here.
She walked close to the bench that had the slumbering vagrant only to pause. Even in the poor light things didn't look right. The form showed up too clearly. She she got closer she snapped a picture the flash went off in the darkness to illuminate the scene and Dee froze stunned as her eyes fought to recover from the flash. The man was naked except for his boxer briefs, he had been gagged and was covered in blood. She felt her heart race and part of her wanted to run but part of her stayed. Surely something like this would be worth something to angel. Her mind tried to blot out what she had seen but she knew each time she took a picture she would be forced to look at what was laying out before her.
The flash went off again as she tried to steady her hands. The man had been tapped to the bench. That was what she noticed with the next picture.
Click. Flash. She noted the terror that filled his eyes and that he had several holes in his neck and chest.
Click. Flash. His boxers were stained with blood as well as his chest underneath the blood it looked like someone had carved something into his chest. Slash marks adorned every inch of his flesh.
Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash.Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash.
Click... The she heard the sound of the camera starting to rewind the film. It was too much to think of at the moment and despite getting the job done the young teen felt ill.
Not wanting to disturb the scene she backed away slowly and walked at a brisk pace down the hill side. It wasn't till she was almost at the parking lot that her legs gave out and she found herself weeping in between heaves as the contents of her dinner found their way onto the cold damp grass.
She gasped for breath her arms and legs trembling as she opened her eyes her breath coming out in billowy plumes and she shut them as the sight of the mess in from of her made her start all over.
Once she felt that she was empty she stood weakly and looked up at the stairs embedded in the face of the hill. It was going to be a long walk out of here. With haunted eyes and a hurried pace Dee headed for the stairs to get back onto the street and away from the park. The bloody message echoed in Dee's Head.
We exist...
The night is ours...
Your time has come...
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April 20th Monday - 3:50 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
The phone in Angel's office rang the call ID let him know it was the phone downstairs beside his studio in the Union.
"Angel its Frank you might want to come downstairs here. We got some kid causing a scene. Shes insisting we let you see her but the studios locked up for the night. Normally I'd send her on her way cause she looks a bit strung out all covered in puke and looking half dead but she says she knows you and has one of your cards. What you want me to do bounce her or keep her outside?"
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April 20th Monday - 3:50 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
The hooker had turned out to be a real hooker, rather than a cop and he'd been surprised to learn that her blood was clean. It meant she was early into the game. She said she was trying to get money to go back to school and since she enjoyed sex, it was a win-win situation, as long as the cops didn't hassle her. Angel was still trying to decide how far he was going to take his involvement with her. He'd gone looking for a cop but would a hooker do the trick? He wasn't sure.
The phone interrupted his train of thought. "Take her to the office and get her cleaned up, Frank," Angel said. "I'll be down in a few minutes."
Wondering exactly what was going on, Angel finished the e-mail he was working on, then headed down to the office of the nightclub. The Unyon was separated from the studio by two locked doors and only he had the keys to go between the two businesses. Anyone else would have had to walk around the building but he could slip between the two unnoticed. It was always good to have a secret passage that only you could use.
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April 19th Sunday - 5:16 to 5:45 a.m. - Bayfront Park Hamilton - Jeromy
Jeromy walked towards the dock and the fisherman. He looked like an easy mark, his concentration more on the line in the water than on his surroundings. But as Jeromy got closer he could smell the acrid fumes of the cheep cigar the guy had clamped between his teeth. Jeromy changed his line of travel and shadowed the woman and her dog. Hopefully the cocker spaniel wouldn't go ape shit when it noticed the smell of his two Rottweiler's. Jeromy waited till she entered a rather shaded section of the walk and then increased his pace. He caught up with her a dozen yards from the peninsula. Approaching from downwind, he circled around till he was facing her. He let her come up to where he was before he spoke. "Nice looking dog you have," he said in a quiet voice. The woman jumped a little, startled by his sudden appearance and his statement. She recovered quickly though and smiled. "Thank you. Do you like dogs?" She pulled slightly on the leash to keep the cocker spaniel from wandering to far away.
Jeromy chuckled a little. "I have two dogs of my own at home. A mated pair of Rottweiler's." The woman's smile got a little bigger. "I always wanted a large dog like that but my boyfriend won't let me have one so I have to be content with her," she waved towards the dog that was sniffing at Jeromy's feet. He kneeled down and gave the small dog a scritch behind the ears. The dog wagged its tail and gave a whimper of pleasure at his touch. "She's real friendly. I like that in a dog," he said. "Yeah. She is a real people person." The woman let out a small tinkling laugh as she said it. There was a bench about a hundred yards father along the path. The woman motioned to it. "Would you like to sit and talk for a few minutes? My boyfriend isn't expecting me home for at least another half hour."
The woman's smile and laugh went all the way through him. "I would love that," he answered. He offered her his arm and led her to the bench. He sat and stared out over the lake for a couple of minutes. "Why don't you let her off the leash for a few minutes. We can keep an eye on her from here." The woman hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "It would do her some good to get a run in." She unhooked cocker spaniel and gave her a small shove towards the lake's edge. "Go on and play Sam. Mommy will be right here." The dog paused for a split second and then took off after a squirrel.
The woman turned to speak and froze. A scream stuck in her throat. Jeromy's fangs glistened white in the lights. He pulled the woman to him and slowly undid her blouse. He bent down and licked her left breast, feeling the fear and panic that was welling up in her. Carefully he bit down, his fangs sinking in to her firm flesh. She let out a small gasp as his fangs entered her and then a moan of pure pleasure as he drank his pint and a half. Jeromy leaned her back against the bench, carefull that she would not fall. "That was better than sex," she mumbled. Jeromy redid her blouse, slipping one of his business cards into the bra as he did so. Whistling, he called back her spaniel and reattached the leash. He hated to leave, she had touched something in him that he thought was gone and lost forever, but he had to get home before the sun started to make its appearance.
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April 20th Monday Morning – 5:45 am -6:20 am - 269 Beach Road - Iggy's shop – Iggy
Donna and Iggy continued their conversation about the events within the community as the two enjoyed their cigars. Steel had curled himself up at Iggy’s feet, tired enough that he actually forgot to occasionally growl Donna’s way. To soon the cigars were finished and the conversation dwindled. With morning around the corner the two decided to call it a night.
As Iggy watched Donna pull away in her jeep, he realized just how much he respected her especially as his clan head. A true Brujah he thought as he silently thanked her for the heads up. I guess I should be ready for a visit from the Prince of Hamilton. I wonder if Antigen smokes cigars? What do you offer a vampire Prince as host Iggy mused – especially if like Iggy you don’t keep a herd in your basement or even a pint of blood handy for that matter. Maybe Emily Post would know thought the vampire as he closed up his shop and home for the day. With his luck Ms. Post would turn out to be a Toreador. House secured Iggy headed down to his bed.
“ C’mon Steel, time for bed” Iggy scratched the canine’s head as they headed into the basement.
“And you better have a good reason for the light show earlier” Iggy riled, apparently at no one.
“”
“You had a feeling! And for that you shout to the entire neighbourhood.”
“”
“A stirring in the Tempest, a large nihil maybe even a maelstorm forming in this section of the Shadowlands. Dhinga calm down – of the three of us you’re the quiet type remember.
“”
“You’re right it is important. I guess I have something to talk to the Prince about if he comes calling after all. But I’ll pass your warning on to Donna first, Dhinga. That way the Brujah will be ready and ready first as always.”
“”
“Yes, It is pride. Just like you had when you put the interests of your Brahman caste before that of the other varnas.”
“Not much to say on that, eh?”
“”
“Sure thing Dhinga, we can talk about it more later. Right now I need to get to bed. Steel Guard!”
Upon the command Steel normal disposition changed. The dog was immediately alert and started pacing the antechamber to Iggy’s lair. Iggy continued alone through the steel doorway and with a load crash brought down the inner steel bar locking himself in. One last look out the red glazed window at Steel and Iggy pulled the steel window slide down pitching him into complete darkness. Sitting on the dirt floor of his bedroom Iggy lit incense and a small votive light that sat on a nearby small altar. Pulling his legs into the classic lotus position – a position that would shock most people he turned to the altar and uttered “Om”.
If anyone had been listening closely they might have heard what seemed like an echo meditating along with the vampire. Centred and feeling the weight of the coming dawn – Iggy stripped, turned out the light, he curled up on the floor. For the next several hours, to the world, Iggy would seem dead.
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April 20th Monday - 10:30pm. - 269 Beach Rd
It was just the start of another night for Iggy, when he heard his phone go off. Was it a case of answer it or let the machine get it? The call display was no help since the number came up as private name and number.
It didn't take long for it to kick over to the answering machine. "Good evening Ignacio it was rather hoping to hear from you but it seems Ive gotten your machine its Antigen calling. I know its rather short notice but I was going to be in your area tonight and was hoping to pop down for a visit if you were available..."
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April 20th Monday - 3:59 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
When Angel made his way up to his office he found Dee siting in his office. She sat not in a chair but in the corner of his office wearing only a tank top and a pair of jeans with her legs tucked up to her chest her arms hugging then tightly to her body. Hey eyes were wide and full of terror as she trembled and a fine sheen of either sweat or water clung to her brow and skin. Her grey eyes seemed vacant of everything but fear the pupils large as she fought to calm her breathing though it came out in shaky bouts.
When he entered at first there was no response but after a moment she seemed to notice he was present. She held out a hand and replied shakily. "I need some more money for tonights work and a stiff drink if you can swing it."
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April 20th Monday 1030 – 11:45 PM – 269 Beach Road – Iggy
Iggy had been spending the early hours of the evening finishing off the sculpture he was working on for Windsor Casino. While he work he thought about what Dhinga had warned him about last night. The spirit was still out of sorts. This sharpened Iggy’s tension with every bang or crash the worried spirit caused as it moved about the house and shop. Donna's warnings of a visit from the Prince did little to ease Iggy’s growing sense of frustration. The only thing helping Iggy to remain calm was losing himself in his art. He worked as if driven - mad with the need to finish this current work – as if it would be his last.
And so it was that he was busy with the last flourishes when the phone rang. Turning off the polisher he was able to catch the message. Fuck! It was the prince – well no more hiding amid his metalworks. Iggy put his tool away and wiping his hands headed toward the phone.
Important things first though so it was Donna’s number he called.
Ring, ring, ring, ring, and Donna’s voice mail picked up.
“Hi Donna, Iggy here. I got some news last night about things heating up around here soon. Seems things are happening in the Shadowlands. I had warnings of a possible maelstrom hitting the area. Trust me I have a good source. Thought I would tell you first. Oh you were right. Seems the Prince is stopping by here tonight for a visit. I’ll mention the Maelstrom warning to him as well unless I hear different from you. Anyhow call when you call.”
With the easier of the two calls completed Iggy paused before making the second. He never cared for Tremeres at the best of times and now in Hamilton they were also mixed up with the court pomposity that the clans so seem to love. Iggy stared at the phone a second longer before he dialled the next number.
“Hello, This is Ignacio D’Ambrosio. I am returning a call from Antigen.”
Iggy was placed on hold and shortly he was reconnected with the Prince.
“Ignacio, thanks for returning my call. As I said in the message I would like to visit tonight if you will be available?”
“My Prince, it would be an honour to have you visit. I will be in my shop most of the night crating a finished piece for shipment. Your visit would be a refreshing break from the work.”
“Ignacio, that would be fine, expect me tonight. Sorry I can’t be more specific about the time but I have a busy night ahead – but I will be there!“
“My Prince, I will wait for your arrival.”
The connection went silent. Iggy lit a Gray Cliff and puffing away he considered the coming visit. It would be good in a way. Maybe the Prince could help him with his ongoing cargo issues. Getting a transport to pick up late night was proving to be difficult. Maybe the Prince had connections within the clans. Might as well toss the money back into the family. Even better Iggy concluded little chance of a Tremere or a Toreador also being a trucker. Steel will have to be put in the basement went the Prince is here – he won’t like that but better then him irritating Antigen. Dhinga is going to have to be calmed down though. That is a secret Iggy wanted to keep from the Prince.
Heading back into the house Iggy went upstairs to what should have been the front bedroom. Instead the room was devoid of furniture. A couple of prayer mats occupied the floor. In each corner stood a metal candle stand. Various statues representing Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and several other Hindu deities dominated the rest of the room. One statue seemed more predominant the rest. Standing apart was a statue in silver of a beautiful young maiden. Throughout her hair and robes veins of copper gave a slight glow to the silver it was embedded in – as if morning sunlight was pouring up and over the image of Usas, Lady of the Dawn. It was one work Iggy would never sell, one even Helen St. Clair might appreciate. Iggy lit the four candles and then reached up to light the censor hanging from the middle of the ceiling. Extinguishing his cigar in the ashcan outside Iggy sat on one of the prayer mats.
“Dhinga, let’s meditate for a bit. We both need to calm ourselves. “
Iggy looked over at the other mat as a spectral image of an aged Brahman priest formed. Together the two began to chant focusing and calming their minds. Even Steel who was seated just outside of the room seemed to benefit from the half-hour of quiet respite.
Finished the trio resumed their activities. The Prince would find Steel content to be in the basement. Iggy busy preparing his shipment. And if all things went well Dhinga would not be noticed at all.
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April 20th Monday - 4:00 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
"Why didn't you call me directly, rather than pounding on the club door?" Angel asked, starting the conversation with a mundane question in the hopes that it would calm Dee at least a little. He poured her a double shot of scotch, a cheaper brand since he was certain she wouldn't know the difference even if she wasn't in such a frazzled state. "In half an hour, no one would have been there."
It took almost an hour, a hundred dollars and another double shot of scotch to get the story out of her. Angel's expression slid from one of mild concern and vague interest to rapt attention and faint alarm. He picked up his phone, not caring if Dee heard or understood the conversation. He had more things to worry about.
"This is Angelo Angelino. I'm one of Mark's. I wouldn't be calling this number if it weren't a dire emergency. One of my informants stumbled across a body down at Bayfront Park not long ago and it seems as if it is a message aimed at not only us but the Kine as well. The body was torn up pretty badly from all accounts and bitten as well. I've got a roll of film that was taken at the scene, undeveloped of course but I thought you should be informed so that something could be done before the body is discovered. I'm not sure how much time has passed since it was put there or whether anyone else has seen it, because it rattled my informant so badly that it has taken me almost an hour to get the story out of her."
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April 20th Monday 1:45 AM – 269 Beach Road
The sound of a large motorbike rumbled as it was parked into the drive way. Antigen climbed off and took from the back of his Harley a case of beer. Although he didn't drink he was aware that both Donna and Iggy ate and drank and apparently enjoyed it.
It was simple fair Rickards Red but he liked to keep his people happy. Antigen climbed up the stairs of the old house and knocked on the door as he swapped hands pocketing his bike keys into the faded denim jeans. It was rare that he got to dress down. Too often he was stuck wearing suits but he had to admit that even after all his years of being embraced he still preferred casual over formal wear. But being who he was meant having to fit the part. It was nice that the Bruhjas didn't care what he wore.
Antigen offered Iggy a smile as he opened the door and anyone that was watching it would just look like Iggy had a buddy over for a few beers. "It's good to see you. I do apologize for the wait. May I come in?" he queried as he offered Iggy the 12 pack of beer.
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April 20th Monday - 4:00 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
"Why didn't you call me directly, rather than pounding on the club door?" Angel asked, starting the conversation with a mundane question in the hopes that it would calm Dee at least a little. He poured her a double shot of scotch, a cheaper brand since he was certain she wouldn't know the difference even if she wasn't in such a frazzled state. "In half an hour, no one would have been there."
It took almost an hour, a hundred dollars and another double shot of scotch to get the story out of her. Angel's expression slid from one of mild concern and vague interest to rapt attention and faint alarm. He picked up his phone, not caring if Dee heard or understood the conversation. He had more things to worry about.
"This is Angelo Angelino. I'm one of Mark's. I wouldn't be calling this number if it weren't a dire emergency. One of my informants stumbled across a body down at Bayfront Park not long ago and it seems as if it is a message aimed at not only us but the Kine as well. The body was torn up pretty badly from all accounts and bitten as well. I've got a roll of film that was taken at the scene, undeveloped of course but I thought you should be informed so that something could be done before the body is discovered. I'm not sure how much time has passed since it was put there or whether anyone else has seen it, because it rattled my informant so badly that it has taken me almost an hour to get the story out of her."
April 20th Monday - 4:10 a.m. - Lewich Residence
Antigen listened carefully his voice calm but he closes his eyes and rubbed his temples as he listened to Angel on speaker phone in his office. "This isn't good. I want to thank you for the call. It looks like I'm going to be a busy man trying to contact everyone. We will be having an official meeting at my residence soon. I'd love to say today but that wont happen. Not with the way some of us move about. Tuesday night be here for 9pm Angelo and please get those photographs developed any and all information is appreciated. I'd love to pump you for more information but it looks like I'll be getting on the phone with Marcus trying to arrange what we can to keep this quiet via the police and papers. This is a mandatory meeting so please make sure that you come. Up until this point I've only had to meet with the clan elders but this is serious enough that it will be faster to have everyone present rather than let information trickle down. Good Bye Angelo."
Antigen hung up the phone and began his busy evening by calling the head of the ventrue call. Next on his list would be the Nosferatu clan elder Spider. He needed to clean this up and it had to be done before the sun rose...
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April 20th Monday - 8:15 PM. - Inside the Lair of Jeromy
The sun hadn't even set that long certainly less than 15 minutes Jeromy had just risen for the night and was getting dressed when the cellphone that only a certain select few had went off. It was the phone he used for contacting and being reached by Kindred and at date only his clan leader Spider and the Prince of the city had that number.
He opened the flip cell and hit talk. A raspy whispered breath entered his phone "We have a problem Jeromy. Don't make any plans tomorrow night or if you have them cancel them. The shit has hit the fan as far as proverbs go. Be at the Princes home for 9pm tomorrow night."
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April 20th Monday - 8:09 PM. - Inside the Lair of Fia
Fia hadn't even rolled out of bed yet. Sunset had happened only 3 mintues ago but her phone rang beside her head. Not many people had her home number, work, and her clan leader and a few friends. Being unlisted had its perks. It mean no telemarketers and guarnteed it would be someone that wanted to talk to her.
She picked it up and said Hello. She was surprised to hear Sara Langtree's voice, her clan leader for the Gangrels answer her back.
"Hey Fia girl whats up? I won't keep you cause I know you have to work tonight but we have a meeting with the prince tomorrow night and attendance is mandatory. We are having a bit of a crisis it seems. Meet me there for nine sharp and dont be late. You remember where it is right. I did have to take you there to introduce you to him a few years ago. I know he normally comes by every couple of months to see you to check in and make sure things are good. But yeah... heres the directions to get there just in case..."
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April 20th Monday - 8:15- 9 PM. - Inside the Lair of Jeromy
Jeromy recognized Spiders voice the instant the head of the Nosferatu started to speak. He held his breath, if Spider was calling it could not be good news. Jeromy listened with baited breath to the message. "I will be there Spider." Damn. He had been hoping to go back to the park and see if you could meet up with that woman again. The best laid plans of man.... As soon as he hung up with Spider he placed a call to an unlisted number. After five rings a message machine picked up. "This is Mr. Addler. I have gotten a rather disturbing message and was wondering if you might be able to provide me with some more information. It seems that something big is about to go down within the city limits, but I have no more information then that. If you can provide me with anything more please call me back at the usually number. There will be a big bonus for you if are able to help." He hung up and smiled. Now all he could do was wait and see if his contact in the Crown Prosecutor's Office could provide anymore information as to what was going on.
Jeromy finished dressing and went upstairs. Tarish and Clara following him. He took their collars and leashes from a peg on the wall and slipped them on the two Rottweilers. "Lets go for a run. What do you say?" He opened the back door and headed into the small wooded area that backed up his house on Millcreek Court at a brisk jog. His dogs keeping pace almost effortlessly.
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April 20st Monday 1:45 AM to 2:30 AM – 269 Beach Road – Iggy
“Yes, yes please do come in, my Prince.” Taking the offered Rickards, Iggy stepped out of the way to let Antigen in. Iggy paused a while longer waiting for the Prince’s entourage to enter after him, only to be surprised that tonight the Prince travelled alone.
“Ingacio please, this is not a formal visit. Save the ‘my Prince’ for the court.”
“Certainly Antigen. Thank you for the beer. Do you mind if I indulge? Would you like one? Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No Ingacio, I am fine. But please enjoy yourself. “
The two kindred settled themselves around Iggy’s dining room. For the first little while the two exchanged pleasantries. Shortly, despite himself, Iggy was beginning to respect this Tremere. Maybe Donna’s sense of him is correct. Antigen’s easy style and skillful conversation soon had Iggy mentioning his warning about the Shadowlands. Antigen had agreed to look into Iggy’s transportation needs. Iggy thought the Prince seemed amused as Iggy started to talk about Helen and his art. Perhaps the Prince was enjoying hearing this story from the other perspective. Still Iggy could not shake the feeling that the Prince was waiting for something.
“That’s correct, you mention you were crating your latest piece. Hopefully I am not to late to view it?”
“Not at all Antigen – it is dismantled and crated but the boxes are still open. It taking up a good portion of my shop if you would like to see.”
“What a grand idea, please lead the way Ingacio.”
Inside the shop, the metal bas-relief panels for the renovated entrance of the casino seemed to impress Antigen. Iggy saw the appreciation of his work in the Prince’s eyes yet he could also see something much more serious as well. The cold dread that had nagged Iggy all night was suddenly back.
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April 20th Monday - 8:59 PM. - Inside the Lair of Miss Framboise
The phone rang at Papillion's dwelling. She had just finished her shower and was dressing for the night when it had rang.
However upon answering she couldn't help but be mildly surprised to Hear that it was Helen St Clair on the phone. Helen was her clan leader for the Toreador's but wasn't a fan or her since she wasn't a true artist. Dancing was a form of entertainment not at, and so it was an unusual thing to hear from the woman.
"Papillion darling, I will keep this short and to the point since my night is swamped. There is a mandatory meeting at the Princes Estate tomorrow night. It IS for 9pm so be there on time. Being fashionably late is not an option for this event. You do know how to get there don't you?"
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April 20st Monday 2:30 -2:45AM – 269 Beach Road – Iggy & the Prince
Antigen and Iggy chatted a bit more and the conversation left the house and shop and soon found itself outside in Iggy's drive way as things wound down.
The Prince offered Iggy a smile and a firm handshake as he asked if Iggy would be having the STOMP performers come to town in the future. It seemed that he had been busy that evening but if such a thing were to happen again perhaps they could arrange to have them come to Hamilton Place, because an evening performance would be interesting. After all he had heard so much about them but hadn't had the opportunity to see them for himself.
With a final nod Antigen slipped on his helmet and straddled his 1988 Harley-Davidson FXST 1340 Softail and slid the key into the ignition. "Once again thank you for your hospitality and on our next visit you will have to tell me how you know so much about Shadowlands and the goings on and such. You never struck me as a mystical man Ingacio, or may I call you Iggy if that is not making myself too familiar? It seems you are an enigma a man of many talents. I am as I am sure Donna is as well glad to have you with us."
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April 20st Monday 2:45 -3:45AM – 269 Beach Road – Iggy & the Prince
Iggy gave a knowing smile, “Thank you Anitgen. But I am no enigma – though I often think existence is one. But yes, please call for an invite the next time you are in the area. Just to make sure I am here.”
Iggy watched as Antigen pulled out of the driveway. Iggy went into to release Steel from his prison and the two headed for the backyard to toss a few. On the way through the kitchen Iggy grabbed another Red from the case.
“Yeah Steel, Antigen is an interesting character. Still he is definitely a Tremere. Let’s hope everyone remembers that.”
The next hour passed quietly – just a man and his dog tossing a ball.
-
April 20th Monday - 8:12 PM. - Inside the Lair of Fia
Hanging up the phone, Fia sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
Great. I was going to sleep in a bit. Good thing I don't have to work until 11.
She slid out of the bed and trudged over to the mirror.
Antigen Lewich. . . Have to admit, got a little girl crush on that one.
Choosing the raspberry low-cut sweater, and the charcoal slacks, she got dressed and put aside clothes for work in another bag. After this, Fia went to the bathroom to feed Ben, her new snapping turtle. He was currently in the tub with a couple inches of water, until Fia could find a tank big enough for him.
"Good morning, Ben," she sang, as she cut her finger and drizzled the blood over Ben's fresh salad. As she put the bowl down into the tub, Ben snapped at her hand.
"Ah, ah. That's not very nice, Ben." Giving him a disapproving look, she gathered her things and headed out the door. She pulled out her cell phone and called her buddy Mel. She picked up after one ring.
"Hey what's up? You hungry? Fia chuckled. Mel was a good guesser.
"Do I have to put out?" Mel choked and coughed as she tried to laugh. In the background, Fia could hear her brew a chute.
"I'll be over soon," she was answered by another cough then a click.
-
April 20th Monday - 9:00 PM. - Inside the Lair of Miss Framboise
Papillion lifted the old style telephone to her ear, her hair still in curlers in preparation for the evening ahead. A grimace came on to the Toreador's pretty features at the sound of Helen's voice.
Oh god not her... She thought to herself but she didn't let any of this into her voice. She put on a musical giggle.
"Oh Helen dear, you are too funny. Of course I know where it is! I'll clear my tres busy schedule immediately. And don't fret a moment, you know I wouldn't be so gouche as to arrive late to such a thing." Her tone was cheerful and light as though she enjoyed talking to the elder vampire.
I'd suggest better shoes for you though... She thought to herself as she leaned over her dressing table applying mascara to her already long dark lashes.
"Anyway, I wouldn't want to keep you. I know you're a very busy woman. Kiss kiss, darling." She allowed Helen her parting words which were as snide as the rest and then returned to phone eagerly to it's cradle.
"Ugh that woman" She groaned to herself picking up her date book and clearing off the following night and writing in the 9 oclock at the Prince's. She sighed to herself as she removed the curlers for her strawberry blond locks. Why didn't she have more notice? How was she ever to know what to wear to such a thing without more notice? No matter, it wouldn't ruin her evening. She'd figure it out while she was out.
After making a few calls to clear her Tuesday and getting dressed she stepped out into the night in four inch heels. She really didn't have any plans for that night but it was not hard for the Toreador to find some fun, or at the very least, mischief.
-
April 20th Monday - 8:20 PM. - Mel's house
As Fia pulled up to the house, she could hear the dog whining and barking from across the street.
"Manson! You douche bag! You're gonna go right through the window!" she chuckled as she pushed open the door to reveal a chubby, copper pit bull-boxer cross, wagging his tail so hard that his ass was in sync.
"Hey, puppers. Let me get in the door!" she shouted as Manson jumped and sniffed and licked everything she had on her. Manson, still wagging, ran into the living room and jumped onto he couch next to Mel.
"Hey, Mel. Sorry, but I need to eat and run. Stuff to do before work," she said, sitting next to the dog, who flopped onto her lap.
"It's alright, I'm almost done. This is the last one," Mel coughed as she blew out a cloud of delicious smoke and filled the bowl.
Fia looked at Manson, who was a little protective, and asked him if he wanted to go outside. His answer was a resounding yes. As Fia took him to the backyard, and hooked on his chain, she heard hacking from the front of the house, signaling that Mel was ready.
"Now, you be a good boy," Fia said to Manson and returned to Mel.
"Before I forget, which I will," Mel was saying, "Do you have the stuff?"
"Oh yeah," Fia mumbled, searching through her purse, pulling out a sandwich baggy full of green stuff. "Here you go. Now get comfortable."
Mel shifted on the couch and pulled a blanket up to her chest, as Fia sat down on the edge of the couch in front of Mel and pulled down the collar of her t-shirt. Softly turning Mel's head with one hand, she leaned closer and lowered her fangs. Mel let out a soft groan as Fia sank her teeth into her neck. Taking only what she needed, Fia sat up.
"I'll let the dog back in," she said, standing and turning so Mel couldn't see her wipe the blood from her lips. Fia went to the kitchen, washed her hands and rinsed out her mouth before letting Manson in.
He wagged as she unhooked his chain, and ran into the house. "I've got to go, Mel," she mumbled as the blood rushed to her head. "I'll see you tomorrow," Me replied from her spot on the couch.
Picking up her bag and giving the dog a pat on the head, she left and headed for the meeting.
-
April 20th Monday - 4:30 a.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
It took another two shots of scotch to settle Dee's nerves completely and by then she was completely hammered. Angel had to help her walk when he took her down to his apartment in the basement. Had she been a little older, he might have been tempted to indulge himself but he knew that his rarefied taste for attractive female vessels was more than just an affectation. The first thing he had noticed about his first meal was how sexy and attractive she had been and his psyche had keyed in on that single point. Now the blood of anything other than a sexually attractive woman made him retch. Fortunately there were thousands of attractive women willing to trade sex or blood for a shot at stardom. Some of them even had talent.
He quickly ensconced her on his couch, leaving her a note telling her that if she was up before he was, she could help herself to anything in the fridge. He set out a glass of water and two Tylenol, not sure if Dee was a hangover sufferer or not. There wasn't a whole lot of time before dawn. There wasn't any point in calling Donna, Helen or Mark to bring them up to speed; the Prince would be doing that and he really didn't have many details to add to what he'd already revealed. His name would likely come up at the meeting, so it wasn't necessary to bring up to the three clan leaders that the information had come from him. It was going to be small step upwards on the vampiric social ladder but it was a step up and after all, he had eternity to make it to the top. He just wasn't willing to wait that long.
He wasn't sure whether Dee was going to continue here duties for him. Perhaps she had burned herself out with this one single gem of information. Perhaps not. She had already given him more than he ever expected and he planned to run with that stroke of luck as far and as long as he could. Hopefully by that time, his burgeoning spy network would have brought him another tidbit. If it was from Dee, so much the better. Otherwise, he could always cut her loose and move on to another expendable agent. There were any number of people in Dee's position who would fill the same role for the same benefit. In the long run, they were cheap at twice the price.
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April 20th Monday - 8:15 p.m.- 8:40 p.m. - Double Angel Recording Studios
Dee was still sleeping on the couch when Angel rose from the dead. He adjusted the blanket around her, noticing that she had raided his cupboard, rather than his fridge and had helped herself to some Campbell's condensed chicken noodle soup, straight from the can without bothering to add water or heat it. He shuddered. Even in his eating days it wasn't what he would have considered a palatable meal.
His hunger was rising and he had things to do, so he couldn't take the time to hang around and keep an eye on her. As he walked out to his car, he used his cell phone to call Mark, to let him know that he was aware of the next evening's meeting already. He planned to call Iggy and Vincent as well. Walking in with vampires from the Toreador and Brujah clans as his companions would send a subtle message to the other, less sociable vampires, assuming, of course, that the two vampires were agreeable to arriving with him.
He started the little sports car and dialed again. Many of his herd had uses far beyond that of simple food source. One was a seamstress who got him discounts on his custom fitted wardrobe. Two others worked for him, one as a waitress and the other as a secretary. Occasionally he traded cash for blood and, rarely, even sex paid for his meal. Then there was Rachel.
Rachel didn't want his money, unless she was doing actual work for him. She didn't want sex, he had the wrong equipment. What she wanted from him was the rapture of the Kiss and access to his connections. Rachel was a photographer and had high hopes for her little business. She'd already done several album covers for Angel; it was how they met. She had a keen eye and a sharp sense of what her customers wanted, it was how she'd figured out that he'd wanted something other than sex from her. Most of his herd weren't even aware that he was a vampire. They just thought he had a necking fetish or some form of erectile dysfunction. Not Rachel. She had figured out the truth and she wanted in on the action but only when she decided that she was ready. Angel had neither confirmed nor denied but there was no doubt in his mind about what a wonderful Ventrue she would make.
It was half past eight when he pulled into the strip mall and parked in front of Rachel's shop. A bell rang as he entered and a young girl looked up. "Good evening Mr Angelino. More pictures?"
Angel nodded. "I called Rachel to let her know that I was coming. Is she in the back?"
"Prepping the equipment," the shop assistant said. "She said it was a rush order. That's unusual for you, Mr Angelino. Do you have a picture of bigfoot or something?" Kim, her name was. In a few years she'd be cute but never really stunning. Angel had written her off as a possibility within minutes of the first time he'd met her. She on the other hand had a hopeless crush on him, ever since she'd learned he was a musician.
"Something like that," Angel answered, smiling. "I'll take them back. There is something I need to talk to her about anyway."
Rachel looked up as he came through the door. She almost made a joke but the look on his face told her that this was not the time for witty repartee. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Pictures of a dead man," Angel said. "I need them as big as you can get, without killing the detail. Six copies."
Rachel nodded. As usual she wore no make-up and her hair was tied back in a loose bun, exposing her neck. He liked the fact that she always made sure he had open access to her throat when he called looking for blood. "It'll take a while. A couple of hours for that many copies. It'll be well past closing time. Do you want to wait or should I call when they're done?"
"I'll take the first set tonight and I'll send somebody to pick the rest up tomorrow morning. How does ten sound. That should give you time to finish if you have problems tonight. Sealed envelope, if you don't mind. I'd rather not have too many people seeing these."
"I can handle that. Put it all on your bill?"
Angel shook his head. "Cash transaction."
"And the other matter?" Rachel always called his feeding 'the other matter'. Angel assumed it was her personal code for it.
"We can take care of that now, if you like."
-
April 20th Monday - 9:15 p.m. - Out and About - Angel
With one set of the photos in hand, Angel pulled out of the parking lot. He was grinning, as always. He would miss the taste of Rachel when the time came to make her a Ventrue. There was nothing pressing at the studio or the club. Mondays were always slow, so he had to make his own excitement. Excitement was easiest found by pushing speed dial 13 or speed dial 69. Both were Brujah. He wasn't sure why he'd assigned Iggy 13 but he knew why he'd given Donna 69. He chuckled and called the safer of the two.
He was disappointed to reach an answering machine. "Iggy? It's Angel. What's shaking? Call me when you're done whoever you're doing."
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Tuesday April 21st - 3:45 AM – 269 Beach Road – Iggy
Steel and Iggy wandered back indoors. The two had played themselves out and we feeling much more at ease with the day. Steel, after gulping up some water headed for his favourite chair and was soon asleep. For Iggy the night though the night was far from over. Whiles outside Iggy’s senses were constantly assaulted by all the life around him? Iggy could sense his need to roam building within him. It would not be long before Iggy was stalking the dark but ever busy streets of the North End.
So it was by pure chance that Iggy noticed the flashing red light signalling another message waiting for him. Iggy tried to ignore it but even when he was alive it was a temptation he could seldom resist. Soon Iggy was listening to the message from one of the few Ventrue that he considered a friend. For a Venture, Angel was easier to take then most and he played a wonderful guitar. More then once Iggy had sought Angel out at his bar hoping Angel would pick up the instrument and play. But relaxation wasn’t what Iggy was looking for right now. Quick call and if lucky he would just get Angel’s answering machine. Checking the time Iggy figured he would improve his chances by calling the bar instead of the cellular number, at this hour it was unlikely that anyone would pick up. Iggy’s theory proved true and soon he was leaving a message.
“Hey Angel, what new in your piece of the city. Busy night here. Finally finished that door relief for Windsor. Oh and Antigen stopped by for a visit. I just heading out for a neighbourhood stroll. I can't put a time frame on my return except that it will be before sunrise. You know never know how long these walks may be. Anyhow we should get together. Will you be at the bar tomorrow night? I’ll take the night off and we can see what mischief we can get into.”
Something tweaked inside Iggy. Perhaps this was more than a social call. After all the night had been far from normal already and Angel’s message had his business tight ass tone to it.
“Hey Angel, in case it urgent I’ll bring my cell. Vibrate me and I’ll either pick up or call back in fifteen if I busy at the time.”
Iggy stopped to grab his leather jacket. A quick stop at the mirror told Iggy that between his jeans, tee, jacket and Engineer boots he had achieved that “you’re a dangerous fucker but I want that type of danger” look he favoured and headed out. Once out in the night air Iggy felt unrestrained. He was now free from weight of structure and society. Time to raise a little (or maybe a lot) hell. With that thought Iggy headed toward the tracks and the little parkette up the street. Reaching the park Iggy turned and headed toward the brush covered trail that followed the rail line. Let’s see what is lurking in the dark and whether it is meaner and tougher then me. Soon Iggy was swallowed by the darkness.
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Tuesday April 21st - 4:00 AM – The Unyon - Angel
It didn't surprise Angel that Iggy didn't call back for several hours. The Brujah was a busy man. He debated calling Iggy's cell phone but chose not to. The night was no longer young and they didn't have the time to get into any proper mischief. He dialed the house number.
"Hey Iggy. Sorry I missed you. Nothing urgent. If you want to drop by the club I'll buy you a drink or three and maybe introduce you to somebody. Nice to see you're getting things done in the shop. Give me a call if you need anybody to watch and heckle and yes, I can still outrun you, unless you cheat. Looks like you get to see Antigen more often than most this week. I'm assuming Donna didn't fumble the ball and you know about Tuesday night? I was thinking about the two of us maybe showing up together, along with one other person. You know, piss off the people who think they're in charge. Anyway, call me when you get up tomorrow." Angel hung up, grinning.
Then he dialed again. "Vincent? Angel. Can I interest you in maybe annoying Helen tomorrow night?"
"You're a little late with the call, unfortunately," Vincent replied, sounding displeased. "Since it's an emergency meeting and we're not allowed to bring ghouls, she's miffed but only privately so. Thus she wants an entourage. She's not impressed that we don't have all the Toreadors here, so it'll be me, her and Framboise, by the looks of it."
"Framboise? Isn't that french for raspberry? I don't think I know them."
"She's one of my proteges."
"I'm sure she's delightful," Angel said, not really paying attention. He had other things on his mind. "Do you think Helen would be interested in expanding her entourage by one or two? There are those of us in the city who might have been hers but for circumstance."
"What does Mark have to say about it? Aren't you supposed to show up with him and the others? And isn't this your first emergency meeting?"
"I haven't asked him and if it brings us a small favour owed, I think he'd see it as worthwhile. As far as the meeting goes, trust me when I say I know better than most what the topic is going to be." He looked at the manila envelope on his desk, secure in the fact that, for once he had an idea as to what was going to be going on.
"Care to share? If I promise it won't go any further? I like knowing what Helen knows. Right now she's keeping us in the dark."
"Let's just say there was an incident at Bayfront that will be the focus of the evening's discussion and I'm the man with the negatives."
"I'd heard rumours that there was something going to be written up in the paper but it got dropped in favour of something from Burlington. Did you hear about the body they found down there? Actually bodies."
"They could be related to what I discovered. As long as this goes no further, I can tell you that we've got somebody trying to break the Masquerade. Get ready for war, Vincent. Get ready for war."
-
Tuesday April 21st - 3:55 AM Donna
The last night had been Hell. Tonight hadn't been much better. She had just finished seeing Antigen and had gotten into her jeep.
She groaned as she realized she had forgotten to make a very important call. "Usted es estuodi Donna..." she muttered to herself as she dialed Iggy's number. It took three rings on his cell before he answered. "Iggy I know you are probably busy but I have to call to let you know we have an emergency meeting with the prince Tuesday night 9pm don't be late. Things are Muy malo... Very bad. Hes likely going to be giving us marching orders as to whats going down next. I don't want to freak you out but you might be getting your hands dirty. But we might be having to go head on with the sabbat."
Donna listened as Iggy was silent for a moment.
It was at that precise moment as Iggy let the news hit home that he felt 6 solid shots connect with his chest. He felt wetness well up against his chest his hands came away slick but the scent wasn't blood. Another 6 shots hit his back as he heard a loud whoop from the darkness. The hits stung like hell and from both sides of the track he heard howling laughter and the rustling of bushes.
"Iggy? Iggy what the fuck is going on over there?" Donna asked over the cell her voice sounding more concerned than pissed.
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Tuesday April 21st - 3:55 AM – 5:30 Beach Road Park area – Iggy
Iggy had just digested the news from Donna when the bullets hit his chest. Although his brain was rapidly trying to tell him that he wasn’t hurt, Iggy wasn’t thinking quite that well at the moment. All of Dhinga’a warnings, the Prince’s visit, this emergency meeting of the clans and now this. Iggy’s last shred of control snapped. Tossing the phone to the ground, switching in his celerity Iggy leapt to the left quickly descending on the gun wielding teen-ager giggling in the woods. The laughter died in the boy’s throat as he saw Iggy and realized the truth of all the vampire movies he had ever seen. The boy was dead, his throat ripped open before his paint gun hit the ground.
Iggy was operating on pure instinct now. His mind shouting to back off but his body was in control. Letting go of the first boy, Iggy now located the second by the screams from behind him. Just as quickly Iggy turned to face his second assailant. There he was. Another street kid running like the devil himself was in pursuit. He wasn’t far off in that thought as Iggy rapidly closed the distance. Iggy pounced and the wailing scream of terror was suddenly cut short. The night was suddenly quiet as Iggy drank his fill.
Coming out of his stupor Iggy finally realized what he had just done. “Fuck, Fuck Fuck” Iggy repeated like a mantra while he came to the realisation that he had just killed two stupid 15 year old boys who had just ruined his jacket with bright red paint. And because he had lost his control, because he had failed to focus his rage two lads were dead and the viel seemed all but ripped open. He would have to act fast.
Iggy dropped the second body and walked back and picked up his phone - all five pieces of it. Donna would have to wait. Picking up the two bodies Iggy headed deeper into the shadows away from the tracks. Iggy’s luck improved. In less than half an hour the sound of a train travelling fast down the tracks wafted Iggy’s way. Iggy hope this would work. Tensing and putting his potence into use Iggy tossed the two bodies in front of the oncoming train. His timing was off a bit but the train impacted with the bodies near where the boys had died, tearing the bodies into pieces. Iggy watched as the train screeched to a stop tossing two of its end cars off the track.
Iggy always believed that any mess was easiest hid by a bigger mess. He hoped it would prove true this time. Iggy headed through the woods away from the crash. Iggy backtracked home via Avondale, Gertrude and Northcote Streets. Jumping into his backyard Iggy made his way into his house from the rear. A quick shower and changing into sleep pants and slippers Iggy felt much better about the incident. Stepping on the porch he watched as the police and other services arrived. Watching the emergency personnel Iggy could tell that at least for now his ruse had worked. Two teen-agers killed while playing chicken with a train and the viel was hastily stitched whole again. With that Iggy headed back in. Sitting on the floor with Steel on one side and a lit Grey Cliff and another Red occupying the right, Iggy picked up the phone. Still uncertian as to how to tell her what had happened, Iggy dialled Donna’s number.
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Tuesday April 21st 5:30 269 Beach Road - Donna
She stood over him in the hallway the red misted rage had finally cleared. She had waited and stayed calm enough to drive over after hearing Iggy's confession, open the front door and then close it, before the fury over took her. She let out a growl as a string of curses in Spanish flew from her mouth. Most often Tonto and Idiota.
The first blow to his face would have been enough to kill a mortal. The sound of her fist connecting his his nose made a loud crunch and a spray of blood spattered her dusky visage which was a twisted mask of rage. The several others that followed were equally as violent. She had beat on him for a full minute riding him to the ground oblivious to the fact that Steel, Iggy's dog, had sunk his teeth into her leg.
Now that the frenzy had subsided she sat a top him and took a long deep breath even though there was no need for it. She calmly wiped the blood from her face.
She looked down at his bloodied face and stood up hissing and baring fangs at Steel who let go and retreated slowly. Backing up he never took his brown eyes off her as he licked his bloody muzzle. Slowly Donna Climbed to her feet. She took Iggy's hand and pulled him to his feet. "There you go no lecture. Fuck Iggy... You had me worried. I thought they had gotten you." She walked into the living room and sunk down onto the couch, she didn't apologize for the beating and acted as if it hadn't happened. Iggy would heal and maybe learn not to let loose his rage like he had. With everything that was going on in the city now there were two more deaths to add to the list of victims of the kindred, but this time it wasn't the Sabbat it was one of her own. "I need a fuckin beer. Now that things have calmed tell me everything that happened or at least as much as you remember."
-
Tuesday April 21st 5:40 269 Beach Road – Iggy
Iggy accepted very one of Donna’s blows silently. Indeed, he hardly felt them – his failure to stay in control, the utter lack of emotion was even more painful. Donna’s words however stung him deep. How would this effect their relationship? Would she never trust him again?
Also he knew that while he was slaying the teen-agers – no just kids Iggy corrected himself, that he had turned into nothing but a mad beast hungry for blood. What had happened to his humanity? Before the last of Donna’s blows fell home Iggy had decided that his rage would become a tool not a failing. Iggy refused to be another uncontrolled Brujah.
Iggy walked to the kitchen grabbed a couple of towels and a couple of beers. Returning he passed one of each to Donna. After wiping some of the blood from his face, Iggy called Steel to him. Steel held his ground for a moment. But forgoing his guard duties the dog was soon busy inspecting Iggy for injury. Slowly Iggy told Donna what he remembered. He finished his tale with his return home.
“Donna, I am responsible and I will pay the price for doing it – and it is a lesson I will learn from.” And with that Iggy’s tale was finished. He had told it with remorse but no apology passed his lips.
Iggy looked at Donna. He tried to read Donna’s face but her emotions did show. He took a sip of his beer - it tasted of his blood. The silence held for a moment. Iggy wanted to say more but there was nothing left. He was drowning and Donna’s icy stare was the anchor pulling him down.
-
Tuesday April 21st 5:40-5:50am 269 Beach Road – Donna
Donna listened. The Hispanic woman's features remained impassive. She thought long and hard and knew what it was like to be where Iggy was standing now. It just saddened her to see him have to struggle with this. But at least he sounded genuinely full of regret for his actions. It meant the beast hadn't taken over and there was some humanity still left in Iggy. But it was a slip and such a thing could take years or decades to recover from.
Their path, the path of the kindred was a long dark winding road. One had to stay on the path or they would be lost. She didn't want to have to be the one to put Iggy down if the day came, but she would if it ever came to that. She had promised to take care of him when he moved to the city and that meant till either her or his final death as far as she concerned.
Her clan was smaller than most of the other clans. Her, Scottie and Iggy were her crew. David had left 15 years ago to start a new life up in Geulph he had spent his time in Hamilton and had to move on or possibly have people wonder why he wasn't aging. As it was he had pushed the limit that much had been clear.
She had lost her other member twenty years ago. He had been her childe and despite having permission to bring over more, Donna didn't feel ready yet. The loss and grief of having had lost Jake had been too much to bear. It was the last time Hamilton had butted heads with the Sabbat. He had been embraced only a year prior to that his horizons were bright and the sky was the limit. She had watched him burn when a sabbat member had set him afire with a flame thrower. She had killed the fucker, but it didn't bring back Jake.
Iggy had never heard of the story. No one in the clan talked about it they knew better. Helen had made some retort and smarmy condolence a few weeks after the fighting had subsided at a meeting. It had actually been at Antigen's coronation. Helen had left that night with a busted nose and her designer ear rings had been torn from her uppity ears. Scottie and David had to hold her back from causing any further damage. It had been a night to remember that was for sure.
However Iggy was the newest member of her clan and the youngest to date. Scottie only had a decade on Iggy but sometimes a decade could teach you a lot of things.
It was going to be a painful and hard lesson for him.
She took a swig from the cold beer "You don't tell a soul about this comprender? Tonight was a massive fuck up. You fucked up Iggy, but you realize this. You might be sorry about it but be aware that this could get me in shit. Dimitri would have both of us thrown in a fucking box for a year for something like that. Trust me you don't ever want to have something like that happen. A dark cramped cold iron box with just your hunger and the shit that runs though your head to keep you company. But things are different the old Prince isn't around anymore. I haven't tried my luck with pissing off Antigen. Hes lax on a lot of things but something tells me his punishments would make Dimitri's seem like a stroll through gage park. It wouldn't be anything as dark and cruel as that but I could see him opening a wrist and telling you to drink. I doubt you would want to be a Tremere lap dog."
Her dark eyes met his "Don't let it happen again. You were right to call me Iggy. Despite tonights shit you managed to keep cool enough to keep me in the loop. You need to heal that mess up though for tomorrow night. As far as everyones concerned nothing happened. But we need to try to work on that temper of yours." She snorted and took a long swig of her beer. "I might not be the best to teach you but I've gotten a lot better of the years. You just have to learn to fight the beast inside lest it consume you Iggy. If that takes over you are nothing more than a rabid animal and we all know that they only thing that can be done for them is to put them down. Do you understand?"
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April 21st Tuesday, 6:30 to 8:12 p.m. - - Inside the lair of Jeromy - -
The dream started out like it always did. Jeromy was sitting on the dock at Coney Island, looking out at the dark sky and the darker ocean. He sensed someone behind him but didn't turn around. A feminine hand came to rest on his shoulder, a soft voice spoke into his ear, "A pint for you thoughts." Jeromy smiled at the usual greeting from his sire. "I don't think they are worth a teaspoon let alone a pint Lissel." "What do you think about when you stare out at the ocean like that Jeromy? What ever it is it cannot be good, you didn't even notice my approach." "I knew you were there when it mattered most Lissel. But you are correct. It is not good for me to dwell on the past so much. Don't get me wrong. I do not regret my decision to be embraced one bit. But I often wonder what my life would be like if things had turned out differently." He turn around to face her and smiled. "Lets get out of here. I'm starting to get maudlin."
He stood and came around the bench. Taking hold of her hand they strolled back to the parking lot area, looking like any other young couple on the boardwalk. After that the dream turned darker, more disturbing. Lissel and he were running down a dark alley way. Running from another Kindred. Running for their lives. They turned a corner and ran on only to come face to face with a brick wall at least 15 feet high. There pursuer turned the corner only moments after they did. They were trapped. Lissel pushed him behind her, standing between Jeromy and the other Kindred. "I told you what I would do to you the last time I caught you on my turf Lissel. Now it's time to pay the price for not listening." "This is supposed to be uncontrolled territory Frank. You know that as well as anyone," she spat back with venom in her voice.
Frank advanced on them. Uncontrolled fury on his face. "You bitch. I'm going to enjoy tearing you to pieces. Lissel took a quick look around the alley and spotted a fire escape two steps from where she and Jeromy were standing. "When I say so you go for the fire escape. I'll hold him off for as long as I can," she said softly. So softly that Jeromy almost didn't here her. She held up her hand before he could broach an argument. "Don't argue. I have had more experience fighting other Kindred than you. I will meet you back in the lair." Lissel let Frank get to within six feet of them and then yelled. Not at Frank but at Jeromy. "Run." Jeromy hesitated for just an instant then ran for the fire escape. He jumped, catching the ladder three rungs up from the bottom. Half expecting the ladder to descend from his weight, Jeromy hung there for a minute before starting to climb up.
He reached the roof amid the sounds of battle. After catching his breath for a moment (not that it was really necessary but old habits died hard), he looked back down into the alley. Lissel and Frank were fully into the battle now, each of them sporting multiple bleeding cuts. The battle raged for what seemed like an eternity but what could only have been an hour or two at most. Finally Frank caught Lissel a blow across the throat, a gurgled scream came from her suddenly bloody lips. Frank sneered. "I told you bitch. I was going to rip you to piece if I caught you down here again." Frank advanced on the helpless Lissel. But she wasn't looking at him, she was looking up at Jeromy on the roof. 'Go. Run. Get away and live,' she mouthed. Jeromy was tempted to go back down and try and help her but she was right. It would do no good for both of them to wind up dead. So he hid there, behind the lip of the bricks and watched as Lissel, his sire and friend, was literally torn to pieces.
Jeromy awoke screaming at the top of his lungs. Tarish and Clara were cowering in a corner, as far from him as possible, whimpering. He was drenched in sweat, the sheets sticking to his body. It took a minute for him to realize where he was. He took several deep breaths and tried to settle his nerves. He hated it when one of his nightmares decided to rear its ugly head. Slowly he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His head was pounding just as it always did after one of these episodes. Looking over at the two cowering dogs he spoke softly. "I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to freak you out." Tarish and Clara didn't respond, they just continued to cower in the corner. Jeromy smiled ruefully. "I guess I don't blame you. I would probably react the same way if I was in your place." Slowly he stood and moved to the heavy steel door.
He released the fire bolts and raised the security bar. Pulling the door open he stood back and watched as the two dogs bolted from the room. Jeromy sighed. Sometimes he wished he could escape life like that. He was tempted to go after Tarish and Clara, to try and get them to calm down but he knew from past experiences that it would take a couple of days for them to settle. So he turned from the door and made his way into the bathroom stripping out of his sweat soaked clothes as he did so. He turned on the hot water in the shower and let it run for a couple of minutes before he slid under the stream. He groaned as the hot water hit his tensed muscles. Slowly he relaxed but the images of the nightmare refused to leave him so easily. Finally he dragged himself out from under the water and grabbed a towel. He glanced at the clock as he dried off. "Shit." He was supposed to be at the Prince's house in just over an hour and he still had to eat.
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Tuesday April 21st , 8:20 p.m. - - Double Angel Studios - - Angelo
He stepped out of the shower and ran a towel vigorously through his hair. It would take time to dry and Angelo was grateful to have lived in the era of blowdryers. Otherwise he would have been at the mercy of time to dry his thick hair. It was fortunate that he'd been Embraced freshly shaved, although he occasionally ran a razor across his face just to remind himself what it felt like. Today wasn't going to be one of those days. He didn't have the time.
The photos had been delivered, as requested. He'd paid well for the service and Rachel knew what side her bread was buttered on. Her work might not catch the attention of a Toreador but loyal service to Angel had many benefits. He didn't pick up the envelope, not wanting to waterstain it before the meeting. He didn't want to be too optimistic about the response. Bad news was often poorly received and being known as the bearer of bad news frequently had negative effects. Perhaps the warning was in time but given Vincent's comment about the happenings in Burlington....
He checked his answering machine, not expecting to find a message from Iggy. The Brujah would have either called while Angel was still awake or would be calling soon. He listened with half an ear while dressing, making mental notes as to who to call back and who to ignore. The majority would be handleable by his secretary and only the rarest of calls would require his personal attention.
He emerged from his apartment dressed to impress but not so expensively that the Brujah or the Nosferatu would sneer. He'd learned his fashion limits under the careful eye of Iggy, who wasn't particularly interesting in holding back commentary to preserve a friendship. If he wasn't able to handle Iggy's barbs, Angel would not have remained his friend. The Brujah was like an anchor, keeping him from rising too far from his roots. Noblesse oblige had its place but so did the common touch and Angel had learned to walk the fine line that separated them.
Feeding wasn't a priority for Angel yet. He was still running on a nearly full tank, despite the fact that he could feel the hunger inside of him, gnawing gently. The pangs would get worse the longer he waited to feed. After a week, there would be a painful stabbing throb in his guts. Not long after that, he'd be willing to sink his fangs into anything that moved, be it man, woman, child or dog. He'd vomit the blood back up in most cases. A Ventrue in a feeding frenzy could slaughter hundreds if their blood of choice was rare enough. He'd learned to live with the mild pains. Even when he was gorged practically to overflowing he could still feel them; a constant reminder of what he'd become.
A few words with his secretary meant everything would run smoothly in his absence. The Unyon manager had nothing of importance to report. Angel smiled. It looked like it was going to be a good night. Then the radio caught his attention.
"Residents of Beach Road were woken from their beds early this morning by the sounds of a derailment on the Canadian Pacific line near Dofasco early this morning. According to reports only two or three cars actually left the tracks and although identities have not been released, there have been several fatalities."
Angel didn't listen to the rest of the news report. The rail line was practically next door to Iggy's place and he'd been out walking at that time. If he'd been caught in it or his haven had been breached.... Not wanting to think about all the things that might have gone wrong (since he'd already thought of several) Angel grabbed an office phone and dialed Iggy's cell. His mouth went dry when the recorded message told him that the caller was not available.
"Forward any calls for me to my cell phone," he ordered. "I've got to go check on a friend."
OOC: As a note April 21 was a Wednesday......
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Tuesday April 21st - 0628hrs 2020hrs 269 Beach Road- Iggy
Iggy knew Donna had let him off easy. He also knew how much Donna had risked for him. Iggy would not make her regret her trust in him. His commitment to Donna and to himself swirled in his thoughts as he slipped into death.
Iggy was always amazed at how time passed for him while he was dead, and yet with the fading daylight Iggy’s eyes would flutter open and again he would be alive. This night was no different. But this morning was to be rushed. Iggy had under an hour to get his ass in gear toward the Prince’s. Heading out of his lair Iggy tossed a look to Steel, “ back in a bit – sorry pup but breakie is late tonight.”
Iggy arrived at Hamilton’s Centre mall. heading to Sears for something off the rack fast. One attentive clerk and he could be at the Bite N’ Brew on time to connect with the rest of the Brujah’s. So Iggy beefed up his presence and adjusting his crotch – Iggy headed up to the Men’s department.
“Hello, Sir, Could I show you something in men’s ware?” A tall lanky dirty blonde twenty something appeared.
“Yeah, I’m in a hurry, need a leather jacket, jeans – look jut think opera meets Goth.”
“Right here Sir. We have a new line just in. Local fashion talent too - the Cargo Brothers. It’s all Black leather, chain and denim – It guaranteed to bring out the beast in you. Yummy and look there are the Cargo Brothers. “
In that moment Iggy looked up and froze. All of his strength drained out of him as he watched the two mutilated forms approach him. The first no more that 15 years, head lolled from side to side allowing the occasional spurt of blood to spray the area in front of him as the gaping hole in his neck was revealed. The lad’s limbs were ripped and torn and he moved in lunging steps as he approached. The other’s visage was if possible even more hideous. His boy's nose and lips were sheared away from the facial bones revealing jaw and cheekbones. Fluids seeped down the boy’s face as veins and sinuses continued to pump and drive the features. The ravaging of boy’s body did not stop there. The boy’s chest cavity was ripped open but a belt being worn across the chest attempted to keep the wound closed.
As the two approached, Iggy paled and in utter fear Iggy felt a warm liquid flow down his legs from his crotch. Thinking he had peed himself Iggy looked down. Iggy swooned as he looked at what should have been pale piss but was instead the dark thick stickiness of his own blood as it it dripped along the floor toward the two terrors.
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Iggy woke up. But no wrong again. This wasn’t his lair. Taking stock Iggy found himself chained waist to the wall, feet to the floor. The two boys still maimed had Iggy's two arms through the sleeves of a black leather jacket. No the jacket is backwards – A fucking leather straitjacket. Soon Iggy heard the zipper closed and the snaps secure. A back ward hood piece was attached and sealed to the back of Iggy’s head.
The excess arms of the jacket were pulled between Iggy's legs and wound tightly around his body. How long were these arms? How tight could this be tied? Iggy was squeezed, and squeezed and with each tightening of the jacket Iggy’s self, his ego was packaged and locked away in a small part of his body. Unable to do anything but rage Iggy's core self snapped and the vampire screamed at the darkness within his own body.
And then, there was pain. Nothing but pain and darkness as Iggy’s limbs were twisted, shaped. Then a bright red light appeared. Two holes of light where Iggy's eyes would have been as red bike reflectors were thrust onto the hood. Iggy’s vision returned. He stared at what he had become. His right arm was elongated and ended in five blades. No hand just tools. On his left were two arms hanging one above the other. The upper one was reptilian ending in a clawed hand that dripped at thick red slime from the claws. The lower arm seemed almost ordinary except for the way it pussed and oozed. Iggy’s legs were now built for leaping and running except that one was a quite shorter in length forcing Iggy’s new walk to be a mix of running with the left, hopping with the right. Iggy’s face was missing. A round roughly head shape mass of pulpy flesh with bike reflectors that glowed with an unholy fire for eyes.
Seeing this transformation Iggy’s ego raged. It flared. It frenzied. Iggy gave into the beast that he had been transformed into. With a howl, Iggy leapt at anyone nearby. But the shop clerk, other customer’s even the apparitions had vanished. Closest to Iggy but not yet seen was Steel. Three of the five blades of the one arm slide through the dog’s body. Steel whimpered and forgivingly licked Iggy’s deform hand as the life ebbed for his body. Two tears rolled down Steel's face and with that the big brute died.
Trapped within his own depravity, Iggy scanned for anything fresh to kill. Death, more death would be the only thing that could ease Iggy’s pain. More of Iggy’s humanity slipped away. Movement just to the north and the creature that was once Iggy turned to savage the new presence. As Iggy pounced a bright yellow light pieced his red eyes. The rage still warped Iggy’s mind but he seemed to recognize the ancient shriveled Indian man, Dhinga.
“Iggy, this is not you. I can teach you how to work with this beast of yours. I can teach you the path of mediation. I can teach you thethe Scourge of Alecto. Let it be my purpose Iggy.” With that statement Dhinga slapped Iggy’s face with all the power he could command. The red light in Iggy’s eyes started to soften, to turn to amber. Iggy began to claw his way back to ward humanity when the taxed vampire screamed once more in pain. The clawed hand on Iggy left punctured Iggy’s damaged but true arm. The false arm pumped the rage poison back into Iggy. Iggy’s eyes re-darkened.
Dhinga grabbed at the offending arm. “He is not yours nor will I let him ever be.” The guru’s arms swelled with additional strength, as the reptilian appendage was torn from Iggy’s racked body. Iggy’s eyes glowed yellow and he passed once again into darkness.
---- *** ----
Iggy was lying on this floor as the sun rose on Tuesday. The memory of the nightmare haunted Iggy, but more frightening was Dhinga’s presence in his bedchamber. As Iggy woke further, Dhinga’s image faded until Iggy wasn’t certain the old Indian had been there at all. Gathering himself Iggy left his room. Steel quickly relaxed and was eagerly licking his favourite human as if the big dog feared that he had almost lost Iggy.
Iggy made his way upstairs, putting out a heaping breakfast for Steel on the way. Iggy knowing his time was tight had decided not to go shopping for a new outfit. Instead he would do with something he all ready had. Iggy wasn't certain if he would ever go to the Centre Mall again.
Soon, Iggy was dressed in crisp black linen pants, a black satin shirt and his older New Bristol leather jacket worn in maybe too many areas but comfy as Hell. Just one thing left to complete the wardrobe. Pulling a bright yellow narrow bola tie from out of a drawer Iggy finished dressing.
“Thank you Dhinga. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. Dhinga I am the student and I am ready.”
Revving the bike into the street, Iggy set off for the Bite N’ Brew to join up with Donna and the rest of the Brujah.
Soon people would be commenting on how Iggy now always wore a bit of yellow on his person.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:15pm 8:45pm Athial's lair- and enroute to pick up another fellow Tremere
It was just several minutes after sunset when Athial's phone rang. It rang with a persistent tone as if demanding to be picked up. The cell phone was the one that she used to keep in touch with her clan leader Antigen Lewich, who also happened to be the crowned prince of the city.
Athial groggily made her way to the phone. Looking at the number on the top almost burned her eyes after just awakening. A smile crossed her face as she flipped it open. The sleepy voice spoke into it. "Evening Antigen."
"Good evening Athial. One would expect you to be sounding more alert and refreshed. You do remember that the emergency meeting is tonight?" The princes tone was calm and formal.
Athial shook off the sleepiness from her voice. Her voice quickly changed to alert and ready to go. "Yes I remember. Sorry your phone call kinda woke me up."she laughed a little." Just need to go get ready and I'll be right over. That is if its okay? There's a book in your library I wouldn't mind snooping at"
"The book will have to wait. I have a task for you. Get ready as quickly as you can. Please remember that this is a meeting so formal attire is required. I do like for us to look suitably professional." Antigen paused and added "I also need for you to swing by Camelot towers with a cab to pick up Babadora if you could be so kind. You've met her before and know that due to apparent age that I Prefer that she has an escort when out in public."
"Of course Anitgen. Not a problem." by this time Athial was standing naked in front of her closet rummaging around at the outfit she was gonna wear for the night. She decided on a gorgeous white pant with matching jacket. The cuffs and pockets had a slight ruffle on them adding feminine qualities to tailored jacket. Her hands flipping between the Crimsion or Royal blue camie to wear under the jacket. "Red or Blue Anitgen? I'll be good to go after we decide that"
"If you wish to be a match with my other student, I believe she said she would be wearing crimson." Antigen replied though he sounded distracted. "I will have to let you go Athial, I have another call coming in. Please make sure you and Babadora arrive here at the latest for 9pm, preferably earlier, it does look better to have you both assembled here and at my side before everyone starts showing up. As it is the first of the guests will likely be here by 8:30 and onwards. Good luck."
"Thanks. Will see you soon"
Athial hung up the phone and speed dialed Babadora while pulling out her Crimson top. She made her way with her clothing to the bathroom while she listened to the phone ring.
A soft gentle voice answered the phone almost timidly "Hello?"
"Evening Bab's it's Athial. Think you can be ready in about an hour? Antigen would like me to swing by and pick you up. He wants us their early. I'm just hopping in the shower now."
"Its Babadora, not Bab or Babs." The young girls tone was firm but still sounded like a child scolding her for touching a toy that wasn't hers. "I am ready almost. I had a bath last night like I was instructed. I just finished getting dressed. And am currently looking for my top hat..."
Athial rolled her eyes at the correction. She knew her name wasn't the easiest for people either but Babadora seemed sooo mundane. "Alright then if your pretty much ready change that to about 40 minutes. I can get ready fast and I know a cab company that is super speedy." She said reaching over turning on the shower.
"We are SUPPOSED to be there Before nine Athial. Its 8:20PM now. So either skip the shower or be here in 15minutes." Babadora replied and paused before adding. "If this is an issue did you need me to call the Prince and see if he can get me a cab?"
Athial didnt like the tone she was being spoken too "little runt" she thought to herself. "No need for threats Babadora. I'll be there" She refrained from growling it as she hung up the phone. Her speed dial was to the cab company next. They were sending a cab right over. A few minutes later she was running down the apartment stairs in her white suit and crimson top. Her long wet hair bouncing at her back with every step. "Camelot Towers please" she said hopping into the cab. She had about 5 minutes to get to Babadora the ride would take maybe 7. She wasn't too worried. Ether way there would make it to Anitgen's in time. She began to brush her hair and do her make up in a small lighted mirror she kept in her purse while the cab pulled up to Camelot Towers she was ready to go and was very well put together except for the drying hair.
Much to Athial's annoyance Babadora stood out front the Camelot towers. The girl looked to be no older than 14. She wore a rather elaborate dark red velvet dress that came down to her ankles and little black pattened leather shoes with silver buckles. Her raven's wing black bob was neatly brushed and framed her pale visage. Atop her head she wore a black top hat with a crimson band adding a slash of color.
She opened the cap door readjusting her teddy bear back pack in her front lap and paused to look at the watch on her wrist. "8:45... not too bad. Driver take us to Whitehern manor. With luck we will be there 10minutes early if this guy can drive/" she replied dryly.
Athial couldn't help grin as she saw the teddy bear back pack. She remembered having one of those as a child. Babadora's suit looked way more sophisticated for her age but the teddy back pack dumbed it down. The driver made his way to Whitehern like instructed and to their luck the guy wasn't a complete moron driver.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/babadora-1.jpg) (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
THIS HAS BEEN A CO POST PRODUCTION BY LADY J AND KRYS (AKA MINION)
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Tuesday April 21st -8:30pm En route to the derailment - Angelo Angelino
The road was blocked by barricades and caution tape on both sides of the tracks but Angel could get close enough to see that Iggy's house was undamaged. The house phone was answered by an answering machine. Angel didn't leave a message. He knew better than to try to break in. Steel knew him but didn't exactly know him well enough to allow him unrestricted access and he didn't want to have to explain to the police why he was jimmying a window while fending off a guard dog. He sighed. Sometimes the other clans got all the fun toys.
He turned the car around and headed back up the street. There was nothing he could do. Either Iggy was fine or Iggy was gone. It was the way with vampires. Either they were intact or they were dust. He hoped Iggy wasn't dust. He would miss the Brujah.
He checked the file with the photos from the park one more time and then headed off towards Antigen's specified meeting place. If he wasn't arriving with a Toreador on one side and a Brujah on the other, he was damned well arriving early.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:30 pm In a limo heading into Hamilton - Waylon Crosby
Trust Helen to have made arrangements for the clan to arrive in style. Waylon smiled. He enjoyed the touch of luxury it afforded. He didn't often get the chance to ride in such style. Normally he had to drive himself around in his almost- paid-for Miata. He only got to ride in limos when going to the most prestigious of art showings and he had yet to truly break into the public view, so those were few and far between. Thanks to Helen, they were becoming more common, however.
He normally wore a tux to such events but this time he was wearing far more utilitarian clothing. It was an emergency meeting, which called for function, rather than style. His long hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, clipped back with an expensive silver clip that had been a gift from Helen. He knew she would notice it and that she would be subtlety flattered. Beyond that he wore comfortably stylish Dockers and a shirt that brought out the blue in his eyes.
He hoped he wasn't under dressed. If Helen was wearing an evening gown when they picked her up, she's be mortified to see how casually he was dressed. At least I'm not wearing jeans and a t-shirt like I was when she dropped by 'unexpectedly' with the Prince. Helen's unexpected visit had been presaged by a warning call, so that he would be prepared to receive them. Unfortunately, his muse had also called and she took precedence over everything. Helen had been quietly furious but the Prince had been remarkably understanding.
I wonder if Papillion will be ready when I get to her place. Perhaps I should call ahead.
"Papillion? C'est Waylon. Je serai là dans dix minutes. Serez-vous prêts ?"
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Shadowphile/bartek9mg.jpg)
OOC: I assume French is her first language? If not, I'll correct it.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:30 pm The Lair of Miss Framboise - Papillion Framboise
When the Toreador answered the siren call of her phone, she was pleasantly surprised to hear her mother tongue on the other end. Papillion smiled in spite of herself curling a twisting lock of strawberry blond hair around her finger.
"Ah Waylon! Salut." She said, an image of the nearly petite red head playing in her minds eye. The typical cheer was in her voice but with this kindred she didn't need to fake it. Despite the fact he worshiped the ground Helen minced her terrible shoes across, he was quite precious.
"Mon chéri, je suis né prêt. Je serai à la porte. Kiss kiss." She crooned and returned the phone to it's cradle.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:30 pm In a limo heading into Hamilton - Waylon Crosby
Waylon chuckled. The term joie de vivre had been invented for Papillion. Even dead there was more life in her than in any half dozen mortals. Helen didn't seem to appreciate her but Waylon could spend hours just watching her dance. Perhaps in time Helen would come to realize that art wasn't just something you hung on a wall.
He shuffled over to make more room for her. He had half considered getting out to give Papillion a hand in himself but realized that they would pause and stand talking just to be polite. At this time such moments were not to be so freely spent. This was Helen's show and as always, timing was critical.
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April 21st, Tuesday 8:13 p.m. - - Millcreek Court, Jeromy's - - Jeromy
Jeromy dressed as if he was going to mediate a dispute. A dark gray three piece suit with a light gray tie and a slightly off white shirt. A pair of patten leather shoes and dark gray socks finished off the outfit. He slipped his watch onto is wrist and grabbed his car keys from the hook by the door. Going up stairs to the kitchen he made sure that the dogs had enough food and water to keep them for a few days. He knew from past experience that they would avoid him for two or three days after one of his nightmare episodes. He was tempted to go up to the master bedroom where they were hiding under the bed and check on them but a quick glance at his watch showed he didn't have the time. Jeromy went into the garage and pushed the button on the garage door opener. As the door opened he climbed into the metallic gray 1937 Packard Sedan. He almost decided on the 1928 Ford Model A but it was only a two seater and he didn't know who, if anyone, he would have to give a ride to when the meeting broke up. There were several other vehicles he could have chosen from, most of them more modern, but he decided that tonight he wanted to travel in style.
Jeromy decided to grab a quick snack on his way to the meeting and then have a good dinner afterwards. There was a Tim Horton's on the way to the Prince's house and there were always at least a couple of hookers hanging around there hoping to get lucky. Well tonight one of them would get her wish, just not in the way she was used to. Before the car had cleared the garage door he made sure that his Mask of 1000 Faces was in place. After another quick glance at his watch he pushed the button on the remote for the garage door and pulled into the street. Heading towards Tim Horton's and the Prince's he was careful not to attract unwanted attention from the police.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:40 pm In front of the Lair of Miss Framboise - Papillion Framboise
The dancer had, true to her word, waited at the door. As soon as the form of the limo pulled up she had to smile, if one thing could be said about Helen it was that she knew how to make the proper sort of entrance. Papillion stepped out her door slinking the thin material of the shawl needlessly up onto her exposed shoulders. Little black satin pumps adorned her feet matching the black cocktail dress she wore. When in doubt, dress in black. To see the toreador you'd think she'd stepped off a runway somewhere, her hair twisted up artistically and her make up done just so. Depending on what the others' were wearing she may have been considered over dressed but this was a vast misconception, this was practically casual for the dainty little kindred, the heels were only four inches. She clicked her way down the garden path and nodded to the driver as he held the door for her.
Papillion slid in to the limo like she'd done it a thousand times. She smiled warmly, a smile that made one feel as though they'd made her night and leaned over to double kiss the painter.
"Bonjour, Waylon mon chéri." She greeted as she settled herself in crossing her ankles delicately, allowing the shawl to slip from her shoulders and just rest dramatically in the crooks of her elbows.
"I presume we're picking up Vincent next?" Papillion inquired though it was really more of a statement.
"Muses treating you well?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2025 hrs - Bite N' Brew - Iggy
Iggy pulled into the parking lot of the Bite N' Brew. Some of the Brujah had already arrived. Iggy braked and sweeped gravel as he reversed fish-tailed next to the others of his clan.
"Hey all, Are we waiting for anyone or are we ready to motor?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2009hrs to 2030hrs - West 5th Access- Boys Scouts Store - Lobo
Lobo woke with the setting sun. Forming himself from the earth he started to dress. Just around that time a huge lynx leaped from the trees down on top of the half dressed vampire. Soon clothing forgotten the two were wrestling on the
bank of the escarpment.
After a good five minutes of horse play to some - savage vocious attacks to others, the man stood up and scratched the Lynx behind its ears. Kneeling and now scratching the sensitive spot under the animal's chin the Gangrel stared into
the cat's eyes.
"Isis enough play. You go and stay hidden. I'll meet you later at trophey rock. I have to go into the city tonight for a bit."
Isis didn't look happy but obeyed and was soon scampering up the slope. Lobo chuckled to himself - "yeah right - I'll be pounced on somewhere within 100 feet of the rock."
Lobo finished dressing. When done he had on tight fitting leather pants - brown. A mink fur vest covered his chest and a his Dragon mask complete the outfit. Lobo was pround ofthe mask - toreador made (in payment for some gaurd duty) it was moulded harden lether painted in the image of a dragon's head. It covered his scalp, forehead and cheeks but left his mouth totally free for any activity. It was an effect that Lobo liked and hoped more Gangrel's would adopt. Lets show our animals now - why wait for the change to happed. For Lobo it wasn't happening fast enough.
Lobo's thoughts were interrupted by a black Yukon pulling into the Scout's store driveway. That would be Gerry. Great guy, married with kids, ran a cub troop out of St. Mary's Church. Real outdoorsy macho type.
"Hey George Right on time."
"Lobo good to see you. Hear you needed a lift into the city?"
"Sure do and maybe some dinner too."
George smiled - knowing Lobo was about to feed of him always excited him. Later he would pass that joy on to his wife and a great week will be had by all.
Lobo hopped into the Yukon and five minutes later George was resting and Lobo, appetite sated was wiping his mouth with one of the wet-ups that George had around for the cubs.
Soon Lobo was dropped off at the upper level city hall parking lot. A handshake and a "drive safe" and Lobo was heading toward Whitehern. Several Vampires of all clans were arriving. Not seeing any of his clan Lobo headed on into the great hall.
Scouting ahead of himself Lobo found a spot near the Prince's seat and made himself comfortable. Seeing Helen Sr Clair, Lobo made as if to lick his own balls. He chuckled and began to mingle with those around him. Hopefully, mused Lobo, Antigen won't be too long winded tonight - this air is stale enough already.
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:26-8:40pm - Bite N' Brew -Brujha Clan
Iggy entered the parking lot for the Bite N' Brew bar on the corner of Gage and Beach Road. Donna and Scott, or Scottie as Donna affectionately called him were already there having a cigarette leaning against Donna's Black Jeep. He wore a leather jacket and over top his faded blue jeans he wore his heavy leather chaps. He wore a pair of black wrap around glassed to complete the look. He flicked his smoke to the ground. "Hey stranger been a while." Scott greeted. "Shame it has to be under these circumstances."
"It can't be helped." Donna replied. Tonight there was no sparkle or mischief in her dark eyes, only a deadly seriousness that was not normally characteristic of their clan leader. For some reason Donna seemed older this evening. She wore a pair of black leather pants and a urban camo baby doll tee. Over top it she wore a distressed leather jacket. On her feet were a pair of clean and polished wet well worn combat boots and a thick heavy black leather belt studded with leather studs encircled her small waist. The only thing that stood out as being different was that Donna had applied some eyeliner and mascara to her eyes, turning them into dark deadly serious twin pools that you could drown in.
Donna hadn't seen the need to dress up fancy. She and her boys would be there for the prince and that is what counted. Though she nodded in approval at the fact that Iggy had picked something that was functional even if he was wearing a yellow tie.
There was no sense puffing up and Preening especially since she was guessing that the Prince would be giving them marching orders tonight. There was no point in dressing up only to return home and slip into something functional. She had told her boys more about what was going on than was likely that the other clan leaders had told their wards. But she had left out a lot. The fact was this was going to be a full out war and she only hoped that her boys were ready for it. It would be likely that Antigen would be sending her to assist the neighboring Prince's people. Burlington was apparently under siege. Their border with Oakville had gotten worse and they had already had several murders reported in the news in the past few days despite being able to cover up several others.
Still Donna was uneasy. She had seen the last war with the Sabbat and many had fallen. Back then she had been new to the city. As it was it was a sad thing but she would soon have to this city. Her time was almost up but she had stayed behind longer than normal. It was something that Antigen had condoned since her first 10 yrs in the city she had lived underground for the most part, not having much to do with people. Playing the part of a vagrant that lived on the streets meant most people pretended you didn't exist. But still it meant in a year or two she would have to pick up and leave Iggy and Scott alone unless they packed up and came with her. But she would never ask either of them to do that. Scott had just returned to Hamilton it would likely be him that she left in charge of the Clan.
She took a long drag of her smoke and slow exhaled. She slid her keys from her pocket and looked up at her Boys. "It looks like everyones here. Lets head out shall we. Least we will be on time." she tried to smile but it didn't reach her dark eyes. "Least we will be there before those Pansy ass Toreadors arrive."
She got into her Jeep and slid the key into ignition and the engine roared to life. She turned on her Cd player and turned up the volume as Scottie and Iggy got back on their bikes.
As she pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road she turned the music up a touch more. The aggressive rhythm of her White Zombie Cd drifted out of the open top of her Jeep and trailed behind her into the cold April evening.
Live to die
For a heart jam
Fight to love a
Super bitch
Drive her roots
Straight to hell
Atomic ass 99
Another cosmic monster
Spits his teeth
In your eye
More dead than alive
Revenge is better than
Love
Revenge is better than
Love
Frankenstein
Was built for you
But he must be
Destroyed
Cut him down yeah
In his prime
And let the party
Begin
Not much of a face
tombstone laughing
More dead than alive
Revenge is better than
Love
Revenge is better than
Love
Revenge
Revenge
Revenge
Revenge
They sharpened their war
Pure fear as a weapon
Brilliance through
Centuries
Time rolls on and on and
The river of life
Drowning everyone but me
Turn my back
And disappear
Chill is in my gut
Turns me loose
Head splits like wood
Mind collide confession
Rambling remember when
Sweat meant something
More dead than alive
Revenge is better than
Love
Revenge is better than
Love
As she drove to Whitehern she saw Iggy and Scottie riding side by side providing her with a proper escort. She smiled to herself. Despite everything she was proud of her boys. They would do just fine. They like her were fighters and survivors. Though the next few weeks would likely be hard on them she felt that they would pull through a little tougher and wiser.
It wasn't too long before she made it to the area that the Prince resided. Donna respectively turned down her music and parked on a side street. She locked up her Jeep and put the top back on and soon she and her entourage made their way to Whitehern and were standing on the front stoop knocking on the heavy oaken doors.
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April 21st, Tuesday 8:13 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - - 999 Cannon St - - Emily Odell
Emily had awoken about the same time she wakes every night, usually due to the neighbors in her apartment building starting up the music for the night. She swore up and down that only students that enjoyed partying lived in the building, and if you didnt like one genre of music, all you had to do was cross the hall to get another genre.
This happened to work in Emilys favor. People kept to themselves and never asked questions. Probably due to the simple fact that they were either too wasted to form a complete sentence, or because they didnt want questions asked of them either. It also provided her with a guaranteed alarm clock every night, which Emily was thankful for.
Emily started out her night like every other. She crawled out of her bed, avoiding the three cats on the which insisted on sleeping with her, and stepping over the four rather large dogs on her way to the bathroom. The scale was pulled out instantly. "One-oh-two...three more pounds to go," she spoke to herself, a saddened tone to her usually sweet voice. "Stupid fucking scale," she finished, kicking it back between the toilet and sink. She started the shower and after undressing stepped in, letting the hot water flow over her, allowing it to relax her tensed muscles.
After her shower, she puled out a second scale to validate the first daily weigh-in. "Piece of shit was right," she mumbled, wrapping a towel around herself to go and change.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:41 pm Leaving the front of the Lair of Miss Framboise - Waylon Crosby
"Ah, Ma Petite, lovely as always," Waylon said, returning the double kiss as it was delivered. "Were my heart not already still, you would make it pause and were you not already so, my Muse would force me to my knees and beg you to let me make you immortal with my art. As you say, we are picking up Vincent next. As is her right as our leader, we are waiting for Helen to join us, rather than she waiting for us to join her. I realize you are not her greatest fan, nor she yours, but you really should try to get to know her better. She can be quite charming when she wants to be."
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Tuesday April 21st 8:46- 8:51pm - The Toreador's
The limo pulled up to the front of his house and Vincent climbed in and nestled himself against the soft leather interior seats. His fingers idly caressed the supple leather as he gave the two a warm smile. "Good evening to both of you." he gave Papillion and Waylon a nod.
He wore a simple yet elegant designer suit. Italian in design and made from silk. It didn't look too over the top. If anything it looked understated. Only those with a real eye for fashion and clothes would fully appreciate the designers knack for creating functional well designed clothes that didn't come off as being too snobby or over the top. But in its own way wearing one marked you as a snob and an elitist of sorts.
They drove to the Art Gallery where Helen stood out front in a surprisingly smart navy business suit with knee length skirt. To Papillion's amazement Helen had even picked an appropriate pair of four inch heels to compliment the outfit. Helen wasn't dressed to dazzle the world tonight but she did look like she was ready to take on the world. Of course the shoes, suit, jewelry and handbag were all designer, but these things were an absolute must for the woman.
Vincent slid over as far as he could to give Helen ample room. "Good evening children." She greeted them briskly. She looked at her watch and frowned. They would make it there on time, but it would be a case of it being just on time." She pulled out her compact and gave her golden locks a once over before seemingly satisfied with her coif. "So Waylon how has your latest painting been coming along?" She asked, hoping to keep the conversation going long enough to arrive at Whitehern without having any awkward silences. Truth be told she was not too happy about having to share a limo with Vincent and his childe. They were not true artists but were of her clan and therefore she had to take responsibility for them. It was still irksome however and she often wished that Vincent would see the light and embrace true art rather than his pony show studio that he had set up for singing and dancing.
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Tuesday April 21st -8:46- 8:51pm - The Toreador's
Waylon took Helen's hand and kissed her knuckles. "Helen, you really mustn't stress like that. The painting will come. As I was just saying to Papillion, my Muse is currently being kind and the paint is flowing. Of course my intention of doing an oil landscape of Webster's Falls has been displaced by a water colour of the same subject. Do you suppose I might impose upon you and borrow one of your ghouls and a camcorder? For obvious reasons, I can't get a good look at falls during the day and too many night scenes can get a little repetitive and obvious."
Helen smiled indulgently. "Of course, darling."
"I suppose you're still too busy to pose for me?" Waylon asked, sounding slightly petulant. It was an act, of course. He was an artist and according to unwritten law, he was required to be petulant when being put off from any desire. It had become almost an inside joke between them. Helen would ask how his latest painting was coming along and he would ask her to pose. He realized her obligations as gallery director and Toreador leader gave her little spare time but he wanted to see if he could do the woman justice.
"Sadly, I'm swamped. Perhaps one of these nights. You must learn to be patient. There is always later."
"Fortunately for us, this is true. I just want a promise that you'll pose for me before you decide it's time to move on and you leave me here all alone and without the benefit of your council."
"Of course. Then again, you could always move with me. I'm sure we could set up shop somewhere. From what Seth says, New York is wonderful."
"If Seth said it was a clear moonlit night, I'd take an umbrella and a flashlight," Waylon replied with a wicked chuckle. "My main problem with New York is that it is full of Americans. On a completely different note, shall I take you on my arm and Vincent can have Papillion on his? Or would you prefer that the children bring up the rear together?"
"The children bringing up the rear together is more suitable under the circumstances. It really is a shame that Antigen wouldn't let us bring our ghouls."
"You have me to attend you," Waylon said. "Why on earth would you want that pack of sycophants?"
"I just feel so bad having you do all that fetching and carrying. It's beneath you."
"But Helen, fetching and carrying is what the Brujah are for. My task is to direct them, so that you can concentrate on other things." He winked at Vincent. "After all, I have my eye on Vincent's job."
The limo slowed to a stop outside of Antigen's estate. The driver was quick to open the door and offered Papillion a hand out. Helen insisted on making people wait to see her and so was last to emerge. The four Toreador, moving almost as one, entered the building and quickly found their way to the meeting room.
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:50 Antigen's Meeting Room - Angel
Angel entered from a side door, a small stack of manila envelopes in his hand. He nodded to those already present and began laying the envelopes in front of each chair. There were name tags, indicating where each person was to sit. He wasn't sure whether separating the clans was a good thing or a bad thing but he was sure the Prince had a reason for doing so. If it was a good reason, so much the better.
Everyone was getting a copy of Dee's photos. Clan leaders were getting original copies while everyone else was getting colour photocopies. Let people think what they would of his placing the envelopes. The Ventrue were always close to the throne, either sitting on it or standing behind it. Whether he was being an errand boy or was moving closer to the top of the power pyramid was for them to speculate on. In either case, he would be, however briefly, the focus of everyone's attention.
He made a full circuit of the room, then took his place at the table. The night would prove to be an interesting one, of that there was no doubt.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:51pm - Whitehern -Downstairs - basement
The basement was a familiar place for Babadora. Though not this exact spot. As she walked down the stairs into the meeting room. Old oriental style rugs furnished the hardwood floor. A mahogany banquet sized table and matching chairs that could accommodate 35 persons sat in the center of the room. The cranberry colored table cloth protected the antique table from scratches and the sort.
As she got closer she saw that there were name tags on the table. Babadora circled the table until she found her place and sat down at the table. She noted that there was a vampire that was setting down manila envelopes at the spots that indicated where the clan leaders should be sitting. She noted that there were several names that she did not know. But then again she rarely got to spend time with other kindred. Her studies were what mattered. She noted the colors of the vampires aura, he was excited and pleased. Although she did not know why it would likely become clear at the meeting.
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Story Tellers note:
Here is a quick seating plan for the emergency meeting. So you know who will be sitting beside you and who you can most likely RP with anyone that is across form you or within a two seat range without having to raise your voice.
Note we do have two unnamed positions. One of which will be filled by Pyro's character when he gets around to making it.... We will Rp these spots as filled by Kindred so back story wise it can be made to appear that they were present at the meeting.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/emergseatplan.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 8:51pm - Whitehern -Downstairs - basement - The Bruhja's
Donna and her posse made their way down to the basement. They had made it with more than enough time to spare.
As they entered the meeting room she saw that name tags had been set out. "Find your seats and get comfortable boys."
She paused to look at the young girl dressed in crimson and sporting a top hat sitting down at the table. "Mmmm your're a new one." Donna replied as she took her seat.
"I'm Babadora." the young girl replied as she cocked her head slightly and watched Donna with interest.
"I'm Donna." the Hispanic woman replied as she noted that Helen had a seat at the end. She was still walking around the table trying to find her seat. "Thats Iggy and Scottie." she replied as she pointed to each one of her fellow clan members. "So let me guess you are a new Toreador..."
Babadora let out a delighted giggle and shook her head. "No, I am not."
"Maybe a kook?" Donna asked.
"Wrong again." Babadora replied. "I'm Master Lewich's apprentice."
"Ah... Another Tremere, I see. I assumed he had others. I just never see any of you."
"We keep to ourselves normally." The girl replied. "Thats Atheial over there. Shes Master Lewich's latest apprentice."
Donna gave the girl a wave and a nod before finally seeing where she sat. She had to admit she was pleased to see she was sitting beside the prince. It wasn't really important where she sat really. But Likely Helen would look as if she had partaken in some sour grapes, when she finally joined them. Easing herself down into the chair Donna leaned back and shrugged. This meeting she would stay calm cool and collected. If anyone was Frenzying it wouldn't be her. "Hey Angel, since when have you become the designated place setter?"
"Don't worry hes not upset about it. Infact he is quite pleased." Babadora informed her.
"And you know this....because?"
"I know things and see things." the prepubescent girl replied.
"I see." Spoken like a Tremere.... Donna thought to herself.
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:51pm - Whitehern -Downstairs - basement - Angel
"It's only because I'm involved in what's going on, Donna," Angel said. "The party favours come courtesy of me, you might say." He grinned. "Nice to see you, Iggy. I wasn't sure you were going to make it, given the mess down by your place. Check your messages once in a while, will you?"
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:52 pm - Whitehern -Downstairs - basement - Donna
Donna remained silent at that comment. Last night she had kept Iggy rather busy after she had received his phone call about his 'accident' still she hoped Iggy would have sense enough not to give away anything. Despite Angel being friendly he was still a Venture and that meant he looked out for his own interests first.
It was at that time that Donna spotted the midget and a 20 something blonde with her hair worn down it had a slight wave to it. She was wearing gothic club clothes, complete with cross and studded dog collar. She knew the midget was David Cressent head of the Kook squad or Malkavians as they preferred to be called. But the other one she didn't know. More than likely she was a new addition.
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:52pm - Whitehern - March of the Malkavians
"Now Nat, I know I don't need to tell you this but you did remember that these guys are serious about staying in character?" David only came to Natalie's hip but he still exercised a considerable amount of control over the girl.
She sighed. "I know. They're hardcore LARPers."
"Hardcore doesn't cover it. They make your usual group look like table top rpers, shuffling paper and stuffing their faces with potato chips... chips... chips... chips. DAMN!"
"I know. I can't send anyone else out of character notes. Only you."
"Game Master's perogative. If you want anything relayed, I'll send them a note. What props did you bring?"
"Uhm... Well, you said the setting was gothic new age and that I had to bring a vampire character."
David sighed. "No, I said it was modern gothic. Gothic is Victorian and New Age is late seventies, just past the hippy era and the beginning of the UFO fixation. Come on Nat, you gotta remember this.... this..... this.... this.... Damn! What props did you bring?"
"I brought a stake."
"Keep it hidden. Vampires are touchy about things like that, remember? It would be like playing a werewolf and carrying silver bullets."
"I know. But they work so good for protection."
"Fine. Just keep it hidden. What else did you bring?"
"I brought a can of hair spray and a lighter."
"Jesus Nat, are you planning on burning the place down? Do you how hard it was to get into this place to play?"
"I'm not necessarily going to use them," Nat protested. "I also brought duct tape, handcuff, sticky notes, a pen pencil, eraser, a pack of Twinkies, my set of d6 dice , my d10 and my d20, since you didn't tell you what they use."
Davis shook his head. "Hide the stake and the Twinkies.... Twinkies.... Twinkies.... Twinkies.... DAMN! The rest is fine. You'll get introduced to everyone as things go on. And they don't use dice. They use complex resolution. It's easy to pick up once you've seen it done once or twice. Basically, if you can talk them into accepting the result, then you win. Real time resolution. No out of character conversations. If you miss the fact that the Ventrue elder tried to undercut the Prince's authority because you were arguing with a Toreador over the relative merits of CGI, then so be it."
"Hmm. This is going to be different."
"You'll do fine. Look, you get to sit beside me. That way I can keep you in the loop." Mentally, David was grateful that Antigen had been thoughtful enough to put him close enough to Nat to keep her on a leash. The girl was incredibly useful but she just needed some direction and the occasional reminder that she had to stay in character. Hollywood lost a truly gifted actor when Nat was embraced by some Kook with a bad sense of humour.
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This has been a LadyJ/Maxx Co post creation
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Tuesday April 21st 8:53pm - Whitehern -Spider
Spider walked into the room and sat down at the end table. It was if he already knew where to sit. The Nosferatu Clan leader wore a pair of cargo pants and a silk dress shirt that was Steel Blue in coloring.
That was likely the nicest thing to look at about Spider. He hadn't deigned to waste precious blood to hide his features tonight. He flashed the room a smile that was all crooked yellow fangs. Unlike his fellow kindred Spiders teeth did not retract.
He settled down into his chair steeping his fingers as he watched the others, apparently unaware of the faint scent of sour milk and old spice that permeated the rooms air supply.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - The Toreador's
Helen entered the meeting room with her entourage and hid the frown as she saw that no one important yet had entered the room. Yes, sure Donna and Spider were there but really, they weren't that important. Oh and David... But she had missed him because he was so short she could barely see the top of his head over the table.
To make matters worse she saw that there were name tags on the table. She paused and regretted having to walk past Spider.
"Not so fast sweet cheeks. You get to sit over here." Spider replied his voice a grating whisper.
Helen didn't even try to hid the horror on her face. "You're joking."
Spider grinned wider. "No, I'm dead serious but don't worry miss priss. You don't have to sit in my lap. Sarah will protect you."
Taken aback Helen did her best to recover and nodded. "Why thank you Spider for saving me the time to hunt down where it is that I was supposed to sit. Since when did the Prince decide to mix things up rather than letting us sit together in our respective clans? And where is the Prince sitting?"
"Probably because there are some of us that tend to be too cliquey. Its good to mix things up and to get to know your fellow kindred. Don't you agree Helen. After all I do believe this is going to an interesting evening. As for where the Prince is sitting its directly across from you at the other end of the table."
Donna merely pointed to the empty spot beside herself and pulled out a pack of gum and popped it into her mouth and chewed to hid the smug smile that wanted to form on her lips.
Looking around the room she watched Waylon, Vincent, and Papillion take their respective seats. Helen decided to sit as well. At least she was sitting with the heads of the clan. She tried to tell herself that the seating was co incidental and that Donna wasn't receiving better attention than her. After all it made sense for mark to sit there beside the prince because he was Antigens right hand man but Donna... No it had to be sheer coincidence, if not it meant she needed to start inviting the Prince to more of her functions because she had inadvertently fallen out of favor.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Waylon
"My compliments to your tailor, Spider," Waylon said, wondering if the Nosferatu clan leader's choice to wear the same style and colour of shirt that he himself was wearing was some sort of message or merely a sign that the Sewer Rats knew everything that was going on in the city. "If the intent was to keep the clans from being cliquey, them it has already failed. David and Natalie are sitting side by side. Or perhaps this is a way for the Malkavian clan leader to win a few brownie points from Helen by offering to switch."
David looked at Waylon. "I have no problems with switching but I have a newbie with me who needs tending. We'd have to shuffle two spots and put Helen where Nat is."
"I'm sure the Prince has good reason for choosing the spots we sit in tonight," Helen said. "I see no reason to change." It was painful for her to say it but she managed to make it sound normal. Far be it from her to seperate the new Malkavian from her clan leader. There was no telling how unstable the girl was. And like most Malks they needed all the help they could get.
From where she sat at the table, Babadora giggled as she read the Toreadors aura it was clear that she not impressed with the seating arrangement,but was at least trying to be polite.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Whitehern -Spider
"And to yours as well Mr. Crosby." Spider replied in kind. "We truly are blessed in this day and age with a hoard of fashions to choose from."
-
Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Whitehern
Sarah Langtree the head of the Gangrel Clan was next to arrive. She entered wearing an Australian Outback riding jacket and hiking boots. She wasn't dressed to impress. She wore a pair of faded black jeans and a comfy blue knit sweater. She slid her jacket off and tucked it under her arm.
When Spider motioned her over and told her to sit beside him she did so without a word merely slipping her jacket onto the back of her chair. She saw Lobo sitting on the far end of the table and acknowledged him with a pleasant nod.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:50pm - Athial Contess
Athial had made her way hesitantly to the basement. Her eyes constantly shifted behind her towards the area Antigen kept the book she wanted to snoop at. She was slightly nervous this would be the first time she really had meet anyone outside of her clan. She looked around the room noticing a few faces none in which she recognized. She circled the table finding her seat pleased that it was close to her comfort zone or in better terms close to Antigen.
She pulled out her seat and nodded with a pleasant smile at the man beside her. She looked him up and down quickly taken in his odd choice of head wear. The mask was a bit over kill but each to their own. She leaned over looking at the tag on her otherside. "Nope dont recognize that name either" she thought to herself.
It wasnt long before Babadora was making introductions to a couple other new faces.She smiled back at them with a polite nod of her head. She was really hoping this wouldn't be too long the book seemed to call to her from upstairs.
It wasnt much longer until more faces began to arrive. Her eyes dancing along the faces."There's so many"she voice whispered mainly to herself.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Whitehern - Angel
The table was filling slowly. A few people were toying with the envelopes in front of them but as yet no one had opened one. Perhaps they thought it impolite. Angel didn't care. He knew the contents of the envelopes and looked around the table, trying to gauge reactions. The Gangrel wouldn't be shocked. They might even examine the photos and analyze the techniques used. The Toreador would likely be horrified. The Brujah would appreciate the violence involved. The Nosferatu would not react either. Their world was filled with ugliness. What in the photos could be uglier than their own mirror? The Malkavians would likely react poorly. They were unstable at the best of times. The Tremere had likely been warned and Mark already knew. It only left those who were not in the know to witness the butchery.
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April 21st, Tuesday 8:20 - 8:54 p.m. - - Tim Horton's - Whitehern Basement - - Jeromy
Jeromy had stopped briefly at the Tim Horton's and saw three or four women that he could immediately peg as hookers. All of them looked strung out and itching for a fix. There were two others that were trying to make a show of it but didn't quite pull it off. For one they were too damn pretty to be street workers. Two, they obviously had never taking anything heaver in the drug department than aspirin. And three, the two black SUV's that hovered near them with the twitchy guys in the front seats gave them away as undercover cops. If they weren't so obviously cops Jeromy might have considered those two. They were much prettier than the others in the parking lot but Jeromy could never bring himself to feed from a cop, no matter how hungry he was. He was about to give up and leave when there was a knock on his window. Rolling down the glass Jeromy was looking into the eyes of a teenage girl, perhaps 15 or 16 years of age. She was obviously no cop and it was just as obvious that she had not been on the streets for long.
"You looking for a good time? I'm clean and I'm cheap. Twenty bucks will get you an hour." Jeromy smiled at her eagerness and wondered what drove a nice girl like her onto the street to sell themselves.
"I don't have an hour. But why don't you get in and we can negotiate for the time I do have." He leaned over and opened the passenger side door. The girl climbed in and sank back into the leather seat. Jeromy started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, keeping an eye on the cops in the two SUV's as he did so. Neither vehicle made any move to follow. As the car swung into traffic the girl stiffened a bit. "Relax. I am just pulling around to a back alley for a little more privacy." The girl relaxed some but not all the way. It was not till he pulled into the shadows behind a closed and condemned gas station that she relaxed all the way.
She turned to Jeromy smiling and started to undo the buttons on her blouse. "So just how much time do you have lover?" The girl tried to put on a brave face but her hands were shaking ever so slightly. Jeromy took her hands in his and gently pulled him to her. "Enough to give you the ride of your life young one," he whispered as his mouth met hers. 25 minutes later and less than a pint fuller Jeromy dropped the girl off at a twenty-four hour diner a hundred dollars richer and his business card in her pocket. She had promised to give him a call first the next time she felt the need to sell herself. He was a safer bet then most of the men she would pick up on the mean streets of Hamilton and its surrounding environs.
He left her there reluctantly, wishing he had more time to spend with her. Perhaps another night they would have more time for each other. But tonight he had an engagement that he could not miss. So he turned the Packard towards Whitehern and the meeting with the rest of Hamilton's undead denizens.
Jeromy arrived just moments after Spider did but chose to hang back and let the Nosferatu leader enter first. As he entered the conference room he overheard the exchange between Helen and Spider and suppressed a smile. It was obvious that the Toreador had a distinct dislike for the Nosferatu leader but she was doing an admirable job of trying to hide it. He circled the table, letting his left hand fall and rest on Spiders shoulder for just a fraction of a second, and found his name tag. Jeromy was surprised to find that he was not far from the head of the table, only two others between himself and the Prince. He had never expected a Nosferatu to be placed in such high regard, at least that was the way he chose to look at it. He looked at the envelope in front of him speculatively but did not touch it.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:50pm - 5:54pm - Whitehern - Emily Odell
Emily had entered the large room attempting to straighten out and de-fur her oddly checkered cocktail dress. Her matching heels clicked on the floor, but from what she could see the crowd hadnt taken notice of her. She kept walking forward, licking the last bit of cats blood from the corner of her mouth and still trying to rid her dress of the the orange fur. Satisfied with the result, she looked up from the horrid ensemble only to catch a glimpse of her reflection in a large mirror.
Taking a few steps backward, she examined her reflection, first head on. Her ghost had convinced her she had looked fat in a cute black sequined number and convinced her to wear the checkers, thus causing her do eat an orange tabby with a collar and tag... apparently the creature was named "Pekoe". She sighed at herself unhappily and turned to the right placing a hand on her belly and the other on the arch of hr back. Eating the kitty seemed to have only made her feel morbidly obese. She wanted to cry, but had to attempt to suck in the bulge that only she could see as much as possible.
She left the mirror and began reading the placement cards. She passed by almost the complete left side of the table, convinced she would not be seated there, until near the front she spotted the one with her name. Right beside someone with the name of Angel, and another named Athial. Wonder ran through her thoughts as she pulled out her chair and took a seat. Why had she been placed there? What did the prince have in mind? And also, why the emergency meeting?
(http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/9676/emilymr3.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Whitehern -Angel
"I'm sorry, how rude of me," Angel said. "I should have offered to help you with your chair." He said nothing about the checkered dress. He'd been raised to say nothing if he couldn't say anything nice. "I don't believe we've met. My name is Angelo but everybody calls me Angel."
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - 8:55om - Whitehern -Angel and Emily
"Pleasure. I'm Emily," the blond woman replied quietly. She picked up the envelope placed in front of her, "We need to wait to open these?" she asked waving it around slightly. "I wonder what the meetings been called for."
"It's all in the envelope," Angel said. "Not a pretty sight either, I must say. I suspect we may be in for difficult times ahead but I'll likely get my fingers slapped if I give awy too much of the Prince's news."
"that only adds to the curiosity, you know. Not too much help," she grinned. "I think there will be many questions for this meeting though, just by looking at the seating plans. It could be a long night."
"Or a short one. If you will notice, the clans have been broken up. Now, I know Helen's bunch and if you were a Tremere, you would already have been here. I've met most of Donna's crew and you certainly aren't one of Spider's, unless you're very good with your masks, so I'm at a loss as to where to place you." Truthfully, Angel had her pegged as a Kook, rather than a Gangrel but he wasn't goin o say that. Many of the Malkavians were touchy about their heritage.
"Malkavian," emily replied simply, preffering to go by the clans rightful name rather than their nickname. "What clan are you from? I'm sorry, but I dont know enough about you to tell which you're from." She looked around the crowd. "It would be much easier if we were all sitting with out clans however. It would make it much easier. It looks as if Im the only one of my clan to be seperated"
Angel looked around the table, trying to pick out the other Malkavians. He knew David, if only by reputation, so the young woman beside him dressed for a night of clubbing at Sanctuary in Toronto had to be one of his, since Sarah definitely wasn't. "I doubt it was personal," Angel said. "Maybe the young woman can't be allowed out without a keeper."
"Oh I know it wasnt intended at all. Its just strange to be able to see them from across the room and me not sitting with them. Odd feeling I think," she shrugged, attempting to end the topic somewhat lightly. "I do hope we can start this meeting soon. My curiosity is killing me!" she added, chuckling at her last few words.
this has been a bloodlicking good co-post by Maxx and thatredhead
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April 21st, Tuesday 8:15 - 8:50 p.m. - - 13 Parkside Avenue - Whitehern Basement - - Xiaoqing
Xiaoqing had been up for at least 5 minutes when she received the call from Sarah reminding her about the mandatory meeting at the Prince's house. She hadn't forgotten but was thankful for the reminder non the less. Hanging up the phone, she slipped out of bed and into the shower. Ten minutes later she was wrapped in a towel going through her closet looking for something appropriate to wear. Unfortunately most of her clothes were not suitable for such an event but she finally settled on a light weight green knit sweater and a pair of jeans. Green sandals with three inch heals were slipped onto her feet. Xiaoqing slipped one cell phone into her jeans pocket and the other into her purse. Both were on vibrate just in case anyone did call, which was very unlikely. She made sure that her makeup was set, not overdone like she did for work, but just enough to give her some color and bring out the green of her eyes.
She had thought about putting her hair up but decided not to. Tonight she wasn't going to work and no one at the meeting was there to see her so she left it to flow down her back. Xiaoqing decided that she would forgo dinner before the meeting so as not to chance being late or missing it altogether. She checked herself in the mirror one more time and headed out to the '82 Dodge Colt that was parked in the driveway. The drivers side door screeched in protest as she opened it and once again when she closed it after sliding into the drivers seat. 'That is really starting to grate on my nerves,' she thought as the engine coughed twice and turned over. Xiaoqing simply preyed that the car would not die on her tonight like it tended to do every other night.
It was a relief when she pulled up to the Prince's estate and handed the keys over to the parking attendant. She was directed to the basement conference room and found that it was already filling up when she arrived. Sarah and Lobo were already there and seated, the only member of the clan that she didn't see was Fia. She found her seat easy enough, on the other side of the table as Lobo and three chairs down from him. As she walked around the table to her seat she gave both Lobo and Sarah a welcoming smile then retreated back into herself as was her usually want. The envelope piqued her intrest a little but not enough for her to look inside without permission.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern -Fia
After fixing her hair and make-up in the car, Fia hauled her way to the meeting in her raspberry low-cut sweater, and the charcoal slacks she chose earlier. She matched this with stiletto-heeled, black patent booted perfection. She had to park in a municipal parking lot, and therefore had to boot it to make it on time.
She finally made it to the Whitehern, and entered the room with the long table. Fia immediately saw Sarah, her clan leader, and made her way to her end of the table.
"Hey, Sarah. How's it been?" she asked as reached her side. "Fine. How's life?"
"As well as can be expected. I won't keep you," Fia replied as she spotted an attractive dark featured man up from where Sarah was sitting. A look of recognition dawned across Sarah's face, as she followed Fia's gaze.
"That's Angelo Angelino. A Ventrue. He runs the Unyon and a small recording studio. Go get 'im tiger." chuckled Sarah.
Fia grinned, "I'll see you later," and she casually strolled up to where there were two empty seats. Carefully catching his eye, Fia bent over slightly to read the placecards on the table.
"Can I help you?" Angel asked, watching her.
"I'm looking for my place. Oh, look. Here it is," she smiled and held up the card with her name facing him.
"Allow me," he said, rising to help her with her chair. "Perhaps it will partially make up for being so remiss in rising to help Emily. Have you two met?"
"No. I don't believe we have. Fia Cade. Delighted," Fia extended her hand to Emily, then Angel in turn. Angel shook it. "Angelo but everyone calls me Angel."
This has been a co-post by Maxx and Fia.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern - Emily
"No we havent met, but I've seen you around a lot. You work at the animal shelter. I had no idea you were one of us though. Small world," Emily grinned shaking Fias hand. she had relaxed a little more after seeing a recognizable face. "Angel and I were just talking about how curious everyone is about the meeting. but, I guess we must wait and see. After all, curiosity killed the cat. But...satisfaction brought it back, ad hopefully with kittens," she chuckled, lifting the envelope to the light.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern - Angel
"You won't be able to see anything that way," Angel said. "There are a dozen photos in there, give or take a few. Just wait and your curiosity will be satisfied although I'm not sure you'll be too keen on what you find in there."
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Tuesday April 21st 8:54pm - Whitehern -Waylon
He couldn't help but notice the petite woman. Asian vampires were rare and she was poetry in motion. His eyes followed her as she moved, greeting first Sarah then the fur bearing monstrosity at the other end of the table. Gangrel. How unusual. Such grace and poise. I wonder if she dances. He leaned across the empty seat.
"Excuse me. I have to ask. Do you dance? I realize this isn't exactly the best venue for idle conversation but I was admiring the way you move and I had to ask."
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Tuesday April 21st 2055hrs – Whitehern – Iggy
“Hey Angel . Sorry about missing your call but I was busy in my studio. The piece for the casino is completed though, so it was for a good cause. But I think the more interesting story is tonight’s meeting and your part in it, eh.” Iggy spun the envelope in front of him and grinned at Angel.
Iggy surveyed the room. He agreed with the general hub of how odd it was not to be sitting next to his clan mates. Still Donna was next to Antigen. Excellent placement for the Brujah leader, it should make a statement to the other clans. Continuing down the table Iggy had to pause and catch his facial expression as he saw Helen. Still, Iggy had to admit – admire even, how poised she appeared given where she was seated. Most of the others Iggy had no knowledge beyond their reputations. Still nothing wrong with a little casual observing until the main show begins. With that thought Iggy settled into his chair and continue to visually pan the room.
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Tuesday April 21st 2055hrs – Whitehern – Lobo
Lobo watched as the city’s kindred file into the conference room. He gave a nod to each of his fellow Gangrels as they entered. Sarah position next to Helen offended him, but given the Toreador clan’s tendency to views his clan as little more that curs to be whipped, his irritation did not surprised the Gangrel.
He was thankful actually. Lobo reminded himself that the reason he hated these get togethers so much was the fact that eventually some one would insult one clan or another. The Camarilla could be so much more if it weren’t for all the inter-clan fighting and prejudices. Still, Lobo knew that he could be as guilty of clan pride as anyone else could. Quiet vow to himself that this time he would not be the one frenzying because of some stupid quip from the peanut gallery. Focusing Lobo tried to relax his already tense body – he was after all in the city indoors, hoping to hang on to his sanity until after the meeting.
His concentration was so intense that he barely noticed a vampire, Angel he thought, slipped an envelope in front of him. Lobo was pulled right out of his reverie when a female vampire – Athial spoke next to him in a whisper.
In an equally soft whisper Lobo responded “And may we be enough.”
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern - Angel
"All work and no play makes Iggy a dull boy," Angel chided. "Swing by the club later. I'll buy you a tall cold one or maybe even a tall hot one. Have you met Emily or Fia? Emily is a Malkavian and I'm not sure about Fia but my guess would be Gangrel. Ladies this is Iggy, the most talented Brujah artist you will ever meet."
That is like saying he's the most talent for an artist that has Down's Syndrome, Helen thought as she eavesdropped on the conversation using her Auspex. Angel seemed to knew something more about what was going on than the others. Obviously he had some involvement in the night's meeting. He had a narrow window to make use of that extra knowledge and if he did, Helen wanted to have an ear on the conversation. It's a pity he keeps such low company. He could have been great...for a musician.
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Tuesday April 21 2058hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Iggy nodded at the two ladies opposite him acknowledging their introductions.
"Angel you flatter me, and a tall one later would be appreciated. Ladies a fair artist I am but we all pale under Helen's St Clair's artistic talent."
Pointing Helen out at the end of the table Iggy added "Lets us all hope that the muse strikes her soon and once again we may be honoured by her creative genius."
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Tuesday April 21st 8:58pm - Whitehern - Angel
"Don't let him fool you or change the subject," Angel said. "He's a genius when it comes to metalwork sculpture. Speaking of which, I have a client who wants to have a metal sculpture on an album cover. Can I give them your name or are you tied up for the next little while?"
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Tuesday April 21 2058hrs - Whitehern - Hellen
Helen managed to keep her face blank. After all she was supposed to be looking bored and as if she was waiting, and not listening in to other peoples conversations. However she could feel the anger gnawing at the innards. The man was crass, annoying and had as much talent as a piece of dog shit stuck to the bottom of one of her designer shoes.
She vowed silently if she had any way of keeping the man down she would. It would become a project she had the power to keep his 'art' out of her gallery. She could likely make sure that if he wanted any sort of coverage he would have to crawl over to Toronto and pray that the Sabbat didn't find them.
Helen closed her eyes and actually took a deep calming breath. Only to smell and taste the scent of sour milk and cheap cologne that undoubtedly came from spider. The Smell and taste with her sense heightened made her gag slightly.
Vincent leaned forward in his chair looking curious "Is something wrong Helen?"
"Nothing for you to worry your head over, dear heart." Helen replied deciding it was not worth the eavesdropping to hear what was being talked about at the far end of the table. The stench of the Nosferatu was too much and the conversation that the children were having wasn't her cup of tea anyhow.
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Tuesday April 21st 2059 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Iggy bowed his head acknowledging the praise.
"Thank you Iggy. I have a personal contract", Iggy's eyes wandered over to Donna for a moment, "that I am just starting but if it is a small piece I could fit it in. If its for a cover - size shouldn't be much of a issue - photoshop and all so why not send them by the shop. No harm in talking right. Oh and Angel be sure to come by with them - I think your input on the do and don'ts of album design would help the process.
You'll have to contact me at the shop number though. My dang cell is on the fritz again and who know's how long that will last.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:00 pm - Whitehern - Angel
"I think that sounds like a damned fine plan," Angel said. "I'll get in touch with them either tonight or tomorrow night and set things up. Is there any time better than any other for you or should I just call ahead to see if you're in?"
Angel's watch beeped the hour and the mundane noise caused a sudden pause in the conversation. The Prince had called the meeting for nine and there was no sign of him.
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Tuesday April 21st 2059 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Turning to Emily and Fia iggy continued, "And ladies if you would like to see my work please just give me a call. I always love company."
Iggy handed one of his cards to both Fia and Emily.
"I must warn though I have a big mush of a bull terrier Steel at home so warn me ahead if you would prefer he be in the house when you stop by."
Turning to the lady on his left and the gentlemen on his right Iggy continued to introduce himself by offering his business card.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:00 pm - Whitehern - Angel
Angel chuckled. "Just feed the dog beer. He'll love you forever. Iggy might get pissed if his dog gets fat but Steel will be your best friend."
Okay, what's going on? Mark and Antigen must be going over last minute details. What do they know that I don't?
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Tuesday April 21st 9:00 pm - Whitehern - Helen
Helen heard Angels watch beep and looked down at her own designer watch. It was indeed 9 oclock and the prince was not there. To make matters worse neither were Seth or Jallyn. The night before Seth had assured her though he was in new york and was tied up in other business he would try his best to come but if the worst happened that his Childe would come in his stead.
Helen had little love for Seth's child she was newly embraced and in the two years of her new life she had yet to touch a paint brush. It annoyed her that Seth had wasted his vitae on her. She was an embarrassment to the Clan. She merely danced and it wasn't even entertainment as far as Helen was concerned. The woman stripped to earn a living and that was just a step up from whoring as far as she was concerned. However she wasn't about to let the Kindred be a total waste. She had insisted that Seth take his childe under his wing and teach her how to be a diplomat. If the woman had no artistic talent perhaps she could learn how to use her looks and charm to make life easier for the rest of the clan.
To make matters even more grim there were still a few empty seats at the table. Helen was annoyed and a frown line creased her pale brow.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:00 pm - Whitehern - David
"You'll give yourself wrinkles, if you keep that up," David said to Helen. "Relax. Things will be starting soon enough."
He slid a piece of paper across the table to Natalie. On it was a quick drawing of the table, with names of the people he knew and where they fit in to the vampire power structure. Beneath it was a note that read:
HOW YOU HOLDING UP UNDER THE 'DRAMATIC TENSION'?
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Tuesday April 21st 9:01 pm - Whitehern - Nat
Natalie took a look at the note and looked around the table memorizing names. She had to fish through her purse to find her pen but she jotted down a note to her gamemaster. 'I'm doing fine. If anything I'm bored. I don't feel like we have even started yet.... :P'
She sighed and passed the paper back to David and tried to not look bored. Hopefully the game would start soon.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern - Fia
Fia gave a smile to Emily at the mention of the shelter. She was proud of her work, and often gets attached to the animals that find their way through there.
"It's actually quite fulfilling..." she replied, and was distracted by the entrance of Iggy...
"You are correct, I am a Gangrel, Angel," Fia chuckled as she accepted Iggy's card.
Angel's watch beep made Fia start a bit. Out of the corner of her eye she could see that it was 9. Where is Antigen? I need to get my hottie fill for the week.
Left to her own devices, Fia took this time to check out the rest of the table. The chair next to her was still empty. Jallyn the card said. A flash of red from across that table caught her eye.
"Hi, there! I'm Fia," she reached across the table towards the red-haired guy.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:59pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial's head perked up a little hearing the man beside her spoke. She glanced over at his name tag "Lobo... he has a silly name to go with the silly head gear.Then again I wonder if he's all mangled under that mask."she thought to herself tilting her head to the side a little.She took a deep breath as her lips parted slightly as if to say something to him before glancing at the clock. "no point starting a conversation now" she thought knowing Antigen would be arriving any second.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 8:57pm - Whitehern - Emily
Emily didnt have a chance to respond to Fia before she heard her name. Angel seemed to be introducing her to a man standing just behind her right shoulder. She turned in her seat and gave him a warm smile. "Hello" was all she said, for the truth was she didnt hear his name and didnt want to admit it. Luckily she took the card and read the name in it. "No need to worry about your dog Iggy. Animals love me," she grinned. "I'd love to see your work though. would I have already seen any or is it more of a hobby?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2100 hrs - Whitehern - lobo
Lobo smiled at the girl - Athial the name tag read and tried his best not to look feral.
"It seems our host Antigen is running late. Hopefully not long though. I really do hate being away from nature. My I introduce myself, I am Lobo, Runner of the Bruce Trail, clan Gangrel."
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Tuesday April 21st 2101 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
"You might have seen some of my work - the latest in the area was a piece for the landscape around the grand globe in Statford. Also Niagara's Casino has a work on display in their lobby. I have just finished some reliefs for the renovation of the Windsor casino. And my name has been mentioned for work on the new Opera House in Toronto. Most is private collections though. My other gig is music though. Perhaps you heard my STOMP! concert at Jackson Square last month. But come by the shop I always have a few pieces around or in progress.
And Steel would love a new friend."
Turning to Fia " Did I overhear that you work for an animal shelter? I know I am mixing business with pleasure but perhaps you could recommend a vet for Steel. Some one familiar with the intrigues of our odd night life."
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Tuesday April 21st 8:59pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"Waylon Crosby," the man said, reaching across to shake Fia's hand. "I'm one of Helen's." He appraised her, not the way a man usually appraised a woman but as one artist examining the work of another. He held her hand just a touch longer than necessary. "You have beautiful eyes," he said.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:01pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial smiled "Gangel you say" She looked him over one more time"That would explain the wardrobe."with a factual tone to her voice. "I'm Athial , Tereme. Your not the only person hoping this doesnt go long. However with Antigen appearing a bit behind schedule I could only assume it would conclude our meeting to run quite late."
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 8:59pm - Whitehern - Fia
Fia rummaged through her purse, "I have my personal vet's number," pulled out a card, "She knows what she's talking about," and handed it to Iggy. "My friend's dog had a run-in with a German Shepard," she frowned and tucked her deep blue-black hair behind her ear. "She saved him from the needle, and he knows it," she chuckled.
Waylon surprised her with the compliment. She knew she had some rare features, but that one came from a Toreador, so he probably wanted to paint her nude. You only make that mistake once...
"Thank you," Fia blushed, "I'm one of Sarah's myself." Fia leaned in closer to Waylon, "What do you think is taking the prince so long?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:01pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"Who knows? His hair? His nails? I've heard he was Embraced with a three day growth of stubble and he has to shave every evening when he wakes up." Waylon grinned. "That and the fact that Tremere like being fashionably late and making grand entrances even more than my clan does."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:03pm- Whitehern- Babadora
"The Prince is never late." Babadora replied pulling out her antique silver pocket watch to double check the time. "And I note the absence of the Ventrue leader as well." her voice yet soft seemed to carry over the quiet table as those that had watches did a double check.
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Tuesday April 21st 2104hrs- Whitehern- Iggy
Iggy thanked Fia for the information. He quieted listened to Waylon speak. Toreador, eh - deciding to discrete Iggy retreated to the background. Babadora's proclaimation startled the Brujah. But Babadora was right. The delay was begining to gnaw on Iggy senses. Given the urgency of the meeting - Iggy had already discounted the "dramatic entrance" theory jumpng around the table. Iggy gave a look to Donna. Maybe she was sharing the same bad feeling he was.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:04 pm - Whitehern- Angel
Balls. Time to do your job, Angel...
Angel stood up. "I'm sure you've all noticed that the Prince has not yet arrive to start this meeting. I'm sure he has his reason. In the meantime, I suggest we introduce ourselves. I know several of the Kindred at this table already and have met several more this evening. However, I'm sure not everyone knows everyone else, so I propose that we introduce ourselves so that we won't be strangers any longer." He bowed slightly to the assembled vampires. "My name is Angelo Angelino but I am better known as Angel or Angel Angel. I have had the honour of being Embraced into clan Ventrue."
As a stalling tactic it had its merits, he had to admit. It would take several minutes for everyone to speak.
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Tuesday April 21st 8:59pm - Whitehern - Emily
"Whats wrong with Steele that you require a vet?" Emily asked wondering if the animal was wounded. If this was the case then Emily would have to rethink her invitation to see Iggys art until the dog was healed. The last thing she needed was to be tempted to eat by the smell of fresh dogs blood. The extra calories was the last thing the woman thought she needed. "You know, I have four larger dogs if yours is looking for friends aswell. They're rather sweet creatures, and once Steele is better perhaps we could arrainge a little play date for them."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:05 pm - Whitehern- Nat
Nat looked excited as Angel made his annoucement. She sat up straighter paying attention and soon had pen and paper in hand. She jotted David a note:
OOOOOOOOOO ITS STARTING >.< : D
This might be okay after all. I get it now, the plot like starts off with this prince guy being late... Cool!
She folded the piece of paper and passed it to her clan leader.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:05 pm - Whitehern - David
David flipped the paper over and scribbled furiously for a few seconds. Then he passed the note back.
AND SEVERAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE INDICATING HOW OUT OF CHARACTER IT IS. PAY ATTENTION TO THE CONVERSATIONS. YOU'LL PICK THINGS UP. WHEN YOU GET CALLED ON TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF, TELL THEM YOUR NAME AND THAT YOU BELONG TO ME. THAT IS ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:05 pm - Whitehern - Nat
Nat nodded to David but since no one indicated anything she felt it best to make herself known first. The blonde stood up and surveyed the table. "Desdemona Ravensworth but you may all refer to me as Des, if you desire. I belong in his clan." She replied gesturing toward David before taking a rather practiced and elegant bow.
She sat back down and added to David's note "So how was that?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2105 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
"No Emily, Steel is is excellent shape. I just like to be prepared that's all. It the boy scout in me." grinned Iggy
"I agree too, Angel"
and to the table Iggy announced, " I am Ignacio D’Ambrosio, clan Brujah. That's Iggy to friends."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:03 pm - Whitehern - Papillion (Posted with permission by silver mist whos comp sucks)
Papillion had kept to herself since the Toreadors had arrived, which was rare the kindred did love to socialize, but she figured decorum was key here. However with the prince himself being late she reasoned she could loosen up. However glancing to her right she was met with Donna.
Northend much...?
She then glanced to her left and was met with a face she couldn't quite place and a name she wasn't sure if she knew. Oh well, she'd cure that.
"Jeromy," The blond smiled leaning her cheek on a well manicured hand trying not to make it obvious she glanced at the name card. "Did you by any chance go to the Prince's New Years Eve Fete? I feel as though we may have met before." Papillion inquired.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:05pm - Whitehern - Emily
Emily nodded towards Iggy, "Understandable. Its only natural to have a number for emergency's sake." She sighed with relief, happy that if she had decided to visit she wouldnt have to worry about getting hungry and attempting to eat another vampires pooch.
She stood up aftefr Iggy had introduced himself, deciding to be the next to do so. "Emily Odell. Malkavian," she smiled around the table. Some had returned her smile, while others seemed to have a face of stone. She took her seat once again and turned back to her group. "But yes, how large is Steele?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:06 pm - Whitehern - David
David inwardly groaned but he nodded. It was too late to fix the problem so he might as well run with it. He didn't bother standing to introduce himself because he was taller seated. He took a breath, trying to keep a handle on the temper he knew was inside. He loathed public speaking. Once he'd been good at it but since his Embrace he'd learned to hate what he had once loved. He had the gift of eloquence but the Malkavian blood had robbed him of his ability to speak normally.
"My name," he said carefully, "is David Crescent. I am the head of-" he felt it coming and fought with every fiber of his being to keep the urge at bay "-the Clan that descends from Malkav." He relaxed, having managed to speak without embarassing himself but he relaxed just a fraction of a second too soon. "Malkav." Twitch. "Malkav." Twitch. "Malkav." Twitch. "Malkav." Twitch. "Malkav." Twitch. "Malkav." Twitch. "FUCKING HELL!"
His small fists came down hard on the table. Those near him heard the wood crack.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:06 pm - Whitehern - Donna
"Someone might want to hold him down. Davie looks like hes about to go postal on someone." The Bruhja leader advised. Donna knew only too well what it was like to lose control. She looked at Helen and Sarah.
Helen pulled away slightly but Sarah gently put a hand on the small mans back. "Just fight it don't give into the anger. You are stronger than it." She told him her voice soothing and strong.
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Tuesday April 21st, 9:03 p.m. - - Whitehern Basement - - Jeromy
"I'm afraid I was not able to make that event. I was tied up with one of my mediation's that night," Jeromy responded. He took a quick glance at her name card and didn't recognize the name. But the face did seem kind of familiar. Jeromy, ever the gentleman, held out a hand. "Jeromy Addler. Please to make your acquaintance Papillion. Will you excuse me for just a moment?" Jeromy gave a quick look to Spider and then stood. "I am Jeromy Addler. Mediation specialist of the Nosferatu Clan." He sat back down and returned his attention to Papillion.
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Tuesday April 21st, 8:55 p.m. - 9:04 p.m. - - Whitehern Basement - - Xiaoqing
Xiaoqing smiled at the gentleman's question. "Yes I do dance but not in the way you are probably thinking. I am a stripper." The answer was probably not what the man expected but she was not ashamed of what she did for a living. "I am Xiaoqing." She extended her right hand to him, stretching across the empty seat between the two.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:07 pm - Whitehern - David
David's knuckles were white and his face was red as he gripped the edge of the table. He didn't have the time to spare Sarah an acknowledgment nor did he have the time to tell Donna what she could do with her suggestion of holding him down. If he went, there wasn't a person in the room who would be able to hold him down.
Please God, if I go, let it be Helen. She'd understand but Nat would be completely lost and wouldn't be able to understand why I hurt her....
He was fighting the red haze with every ounce of his will and if he was any judge he was starting to win.
She's right. I'm better than this. Stronger than this. I am iron. I am stone. I am David fucking Crescent and I will NOT lose my temper.
"Sorry about that," he said, his voice tight. The stars must have been aligned in his favour at that moment because the words came out perfectly and there was no trace of his twitch. It was just as well. If it had happened again, David fucking Cresent would have lost it on the spot.
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OOC: and thus we watched David spend a will power point not to frenzy....
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Tuesday April 21st 9:06 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"Really?" Waylon exclaimed "How wonderful. I've always found strippers seem to be very sensual, as if they never quite ever get off stage. Forgive me if I'm offending you by mispronouncing or misplacing it but is Xiaoqing Chinese? Since we're doing introductions, I might as well introduce myself to everyone at once. I'm Waylon Crosby and I had the joy of being found and embraced into the Toreador clan. I'm a Gemini and Spider and I are wearing matching shirts."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:07 pm - Whitehern - Donna & Scott
Donna chewed her gum looking less anxious as she saw the malkavian leader calm. She dark haired hispanic woman didn't stand but remained seated "I am the Bruhja clan leader Donna Ramírez de Arroyo," she announced "I won't be as flowery as twinkle toes was, about my clan" she added nodding in Waylon's direction "but will say that those that know us know us well and know what our rep is."
Scott stood after Donna. "Scott is the name and Bruhja is my clan as well. And for those of you that don't know what we are about we are the skull crushing ass kicking, get things done clan." He replied with a ferral grin from his chair.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/382_large_image.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/DONNAWEEEEEEEEE-1-1.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:07 pm - Whitehern - Athial
The young vampires attention was changed from what Lobo was trying to hide under the mask to the Venture that was now talking. She turned and gave everyone the curdesy they deserved when they introduced themselves. It was when the little man at the end of the table started to speak that she started to become slightly uneased by the idea of this whole meeting. She jumped slightly in her chair as his hands pounded the table. She felt the vibrations run into her own hands that were resting on it. She recoiled her hands to her lap regaining her composure.
"So letting everyone go first hopefully Antigen will show up before they get to me."
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:09 pm - Whitehern - Fia
Fia stood and nodded her head once, "My name is Fia Cade and I belong to clan Gangrel."
She looked to Sarah who winked at her. Fia's face went red and she sat back down.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:09 pm - Whitehern - Babadora
Babadora stood up the young 12-14yr old girl smoothed the winkles out of her crimson velvet dress and readjusted her top hat. Her stormy grey eyes survey the table and she stood calmly "I'm Babadora." She informed the table. "I hail from the clan of arcane knowledge, the clan Tremere." She explained in a tone loud enough for everyone to hear her. "Despite the jokes that have gone around about the prince being tardy. Let me assure you we are very much into being on time. Precision and timing are things that we do hold dear and see the importance for. If the prince is late there is good reason for it. So please try to be patient. If he has not yet arrived in the next ten minutes I will seek him out."
She cast a look over at the sea of faces and saw Athial sitting quietly trying to do her best to not be noticed. She smiled. "And that young woman over there." She pointed to Athial. "Is Athial. She is the youngest of the Tremere clan but is doing her best to catch up on the who's who and become a valuable member of our Kindred Community, but like a good wine, somethings they take some time. Would you like to add anything Athial? Don't be nervous we don't bite..." She giggled "Well we do but I am fairly certain that you are in no present danger at the momement..."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:10 pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial wasnt sure whether to be offended that Babdora introduced her or flattered that she did it in a none demeaning manor. Athial simply nodded "Please forgive me if our numbers here tonight seem somewhat over whelming to me. I moved here from an almost non existent Kindred Community."
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 2110 hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Like Athial, Lobo halted his conversation while people introduced themselves. Feeling the time right he stood.
"I am Lobo Dwami, Runner of the Bruce Trail, Clan Gangrel." He smiled in Sarah's direction and sat back down.
Turning to Athial he whispered, "The mask is just for effect, if you would like I can remove it for you." Without waiting for a response he did just that. A quick shake of his head and his long soft black hair cascaded across his shoulders. The tresses fell accenting his naturally beautiful if somewhat effeminate features
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Tuesday April 21st 2111 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
A grand smile appeared on Iggy's face. Emily may ot have realized that she had hit upon one of this kindred's favorite topic of conversation.
" Steel is a small large breed. Muscular and well mannered though. Angel is right when he talks of Steel's love of beer though. Sometimes I think it is a habit I should try to curb but he deserves to a little fun too. Afterall, he is not just a companion but a protector as well. Three dogs you say. Wow, if they are anything like the handful Steel is that must be a work. So what are their names and breeds, Emily?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2111 hrs - Whitehern - Emily
"Four actually," Emily smiled. "They're all just mutts from the animal shelter. There's Sherlock who's a Doberman Shepard mix. Marci is a Rottweiler pitbull mix. Rocko a bullmastiff and a black lab mix. And Ginger, she looks like a collie and German Shepherd mix, but I swear I can taste some retriever in her!"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:13 pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial blushed slightly as he whispered to her and removed the mask. She smiled looking at the flawless face from behind the mask. "Curiosity was that obvious,eh?" she whispered back to him. She turned her attention from the pretty face back up to the clock. She was starting to get a little worried."Antigen is always on time if not early. Wonder what could be keeping him?! If he's not down soon guess I'll go see if everything is okay." she thought biting her lower lip slightly.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:10 pm - Whitehern - Angel
"There isn't any need for that, Babadora," Angel said. "I doubt either Antigen or Mark will be much longer. I doubt either of them would be pleased if we started wandering off to look for them. We're starting late as it is and I doubt they'd be interested in waiting for one of us to return from searching for them."
Waylon chuckled and leaned over to whisper in Xiaoqing's ear. "He just doesn't want one of them to go looking for the Prince because it might suggest that he's not in charge in their absence."
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Tuesday April 21st 2112hrs - Whitehern -Iggy
Iggy was a bit surprised that Emily's dogs were also her herd. Iggy never much cared for the taste of animal blood but in the Brujah style - 'to each their own'.
"They sound like magnificent beasts. Your joy of them comes out in your vioce. I must say I prefer human over animal for my meals. Yet perhaps it is that very diet which keeps you looking so perfectly lovely. Have you ever considered modelling - I do full bronze castings also and for some reason your body inspires me. Maybe someday you'll grant me the pleasure of modelling."
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Tuesday April 21st 2112hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
"Yes Athial, your curiosity did show. As is the fact that you are fretting about something. My guess is that it would be our missing Prince, your clan leader. I must admit Antigen's tardiness has me concerned too. Still our Prince may have his reasons - such giving us time to form natural associations with each other. So I propose this - lets listen to that Angel's advise for now. If by the half hour we still have no word from Antigen or Mark I can accompany you to look for our Prince. If something is wrong you certainly don;t want to be alone with it do you? In the meantime though you mentioned you were from a place with few kindred. Tell me about your home - it sounds tranquil to me given some of the squabbles that can occur between ourselves. It will if nothing else help to pass the time."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:15 pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial smiled" No I suppose it wouldnt be logical to around alone if something is wrong. As for my home it was two tiny little towns in Manitoba. One way up north, the other more south but a bit more lively than the previous. Don't suppose you know of Brandon and Churchill do you? They are tiny most people haven't so I don't blame you if you haven't. As for tranquil,"she paused for a moment."I wouldnt say that would describe it best. Perhaps Sleepy, boring , misinformed and dull."
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:15 pm - Whitehern -
The Gangel leader stood to make herself known "Sarah Langtree from clan Gan-"
The door to the meeting room opened a little too abruptly and Sarah's introduction halted in mid sentence.
A man in a black 3 piece business suit strode down the stairs, his spine a little too straight as he walked. He took his place at the head of the table on the princes right but did not sit. "I want to thank you all for patiently waiting tonight and do apologize for the lack of the Prince, but he will be a few more minutes before he joins us. For those of you not familiar with me I am the Prince's Seneschal. My name is Mark Robertson and I will be starting this meeting and running council for the Prince until he joins us. Well it looks like everyone has been doing introductions. Has everyone finished yet?" He asked still not taking a seat.
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Tuesday April 21st 2116hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo's answer to Athial was stopped by Mark's entrance, Catching himself, Lobo answered the Seneschal's question.
"Almost Mark, A few still have to speak though. Sarah was just introducing herself."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:16 pm - Whitehern - Angel
Angel gave his clan leader a nod, annoyed that the hulking brute in the fur and feathers had answered a question that was his to answer. "Spider and Helen have yet to introduce themselves as well. Not wanting to put too fine a point on it but those not of the Primogen council can wait until after the meeting to finish the introductions, given the urgency of the matters at hand.."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:12 pm - 9:15 pm - Whitehern - Emily
"Thank you! Although, tonight I feel rather fat. I had my fill on a cat before I came to the meeting and feel just disgusting. I do swear that animals are a more organic bloodsource, and way less calories. Sorry, but people are just filled with all those chemicals and fat. Empty calories I for sure dont need!" Emily replied to Iggy's comment. "I am an aspiring model, but sadly I'm not perfect enough for an agency," she added, sadness evident in her expression. "Too short, and too fat..." she whispered.
Her attention was only slightly caught as Mark came into the room. She listened to his words of introction and simply nodded, while listening to the others speak, attempting to rid herslef of the melancholy that seemed to take her over.
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Tuesday April 21st 2117hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Iggy Listened with one ear to Mark. Noting that the name game would delay things a bit longer he responded to the suddenly sad Emily.
"I guess my metalwork keeps me trim. Still, I don't require an agency, it can be a private sitting. Myself I think you are perfect in size so don't fret over that."
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Tuesday April 21st 2118hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo settled into his chair and smiled. Now the evening was getting interesting,
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Tuesday April 21st 9:18 -9:22pm - Whitehern
The rest of the Clan leaders made their presence and titles known before sitting down. Some were more long winded than others however.
At the end Mark gave a nod his eyes scanned the table and noted Several empty spots. 'It seems that we have a few no shows." Mark replied looking unimpressed. "Helen two of them are from your clan. This was supposed to be an emergency meeting..."
Helen looked mildly uncomfortable in her chair at the far end of the table. "Seth and Jallyn were in NewYork visiting the Prince of New York and tending to some business. I was informed by Seth that due to diplomatic reasons he may not be able to sever ties and come here tonight but that he would be sending his Child here. She has not called and I have not heard from her this evening."
"I'll assume you will remind them both of the importance of this meeting once again and take the steps needed to assure it doesn't happen again." Mark replied darkly. He didn't care if Helen looked like he had just slapped her. People not showing up when their city could be in danger was not acceptable Clan leaders be sure you heavily reprimand your charges when next you see them and let it be known that the Prince will be having a meeting with all the late comers. As I said before this sort of thing is not tolerated."
He dismissed Helen and looked to the table. "My fellow Kindred please turn your attention to the envelopes in front of you. I want you to open them and take a good look at what you see in there. Be forewarned that the photos might be considered disturbing for some of you."
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/businessman-1-1.jpg)
STORYTELLERS NOTE: Below is the post in which Dee took the photos for Angel Please re read to take whatever detail you want to react to your pictures when you open the envelopes.
April 20th Monday - 3:11 a.m. - Bay Front Park - Dee
She sniffled in the cold morning. Dee was still sick. The rest last night had helped but after being out on the street all day pan handling and sitting on the cold sidewalk had brought the return of her fever and the Nyquil was just making her not care. The sky was still dark but in roughly a few hours the sun would be up and with luck the sun would stay out and it would get warmer.
She had decided to venture down to bayfront with her camera to see if she might catch some of the evening night life. Surely there might be johns and hookers drug deals and more going on down here. She wiped the back of her sleeve against her nose and sniffled again. She hated being congested. He head felt like it was in a fish bowl complete with goldfish which had decided to lazily swim about in her sinuses.
The red headed teen made her way though the parking lot several of the windows belonging to cars were fogged. Two were rocking but not shots seemed possible. She snapped a few license plates however just in case.
Walking around the bend she opted to check out the peninsula rather than the board walk. Leaving the light of the parking lot she wandered around the winding path and was disappointed to find it as empty as the board walk that was across the channel. "What a wash." she grumbled as she climbed up the slopping hills to find a place to sit and have a smoke.
As she made it up to the top of the hill using only the stars and faint light that came from the parking lot and paths below she settled down and lit a smoke.
Across the park she noted a vagrant lay sprawled out at an odd angle on the bench. "Lucky bastard got to tie one on. What I wouldn't give to have a shot of something hard. Likely make me feel better." she whispered to herself as she slowly exhaled and suppressed a shudder.
After having finished her smoke Dee cast it onto the damp grass and decided to leave. There was a Tim Hortons just up on Bay that had a tea with her name on it. Likely it would help warm her up. Not as well as a shot of JD but better than being out here.
She walked close to the bench that had the slumbering vagrant only to pause. Even in the poor light things didn't look right. The form showed up too clearly. She she got closer she snapped a picture the flash went off in the darkness to illuminate the scene and Dee froze stunned as her eyes fought to recover from the flash. The man was naked except for his boxer briefs, he had been gagged and was covered in blood. She felt her heart race and part of her wanted to run but part of her stayed. Surely something like this would be worth something to angel. Her mind tried to blot out what she had seen but she knew each time she took a picture she would be forced to look at what was laying out before her.
The flash went off again as she tried to steady her hands. The man had been tapped to the bench. That was what she noticed with the next picture.
Click. Flash. She noted the terror that filled his eyes and that he had several holes in his neck and chest.
Click. Flash. His boxers were stained with blood as well as his chest underneath the blood it looked like someone had carved something into his chest. Slash marks adorned every inch of his flesh.
Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash.Click. Flash. Click. Flash. Click. Flash.
Click... The she heard the sound of the camera starting to rewind the film. It was too much to think of at the moment and despite getting the job done the young teen felt ill.
Not wanting to disturb the scene she backed away slowly and walked at a brisk pace down the hill side. It wasn't till she was almost at the parking lot that her legs gave out and she found herself weeping in between heaves as the contents of her dinner found their way onto the cold damp grass.
She gasped for breath her arms and legs trembling as she opened her eyes her breath coming out in billowy plumes and she shut them as the sight of the mess in from of her made her start all over.
Once she felt that she was empty she stood weakly and looked up at the stairs embedded in the face of the hill. It was going to be a long walk out of here. With haunted eyes and a hurried pace Dee headed for the stairs to get back onto the street and away from the park. The bloody message echoed in Dee's Head.
We exist...
The night is ours...
Your time has come...
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Tuesday April 21st 9:18 -2128- Whitehern - Iggy
The envelope in front of Iggy suddenly seemed very ominous indeed. But like the rest of the kindred at the table he too opened his packaged. The pictures inside were horrific to say the least. Iggy's memories fell to other Sabbat attack he defended against. Most people don't know that Iggy was in Belgium when the latest Sabbat try for power started in 1994. It took a year and the combined efforts of several councils to repel the attack. Iggy saw a lot of his friends die and almost faced the final death himself. It was the main reason why he returned home to Hamilton. He would die before the he saw the Sabbat overrun this city.
Anger was creeping into Iggy's face the more he looked at the pictures. For his own sanity he stuffed the photographs back into their envelope. Iggy sat back and looking at Donna and then at Angel. It was obvious that Angel had seen the pictures already.
'Control, Iggy, control' Iggy thought to himself.
That nagging feeling of yesterday was back full force. Through gritted teeth Iggy blurted out " Do we know if they have a haven in the city or if it was a raid? I for one am ready to face them. Mark - I urge this body to retaliate immediately. Whatever my Prince needs of me for the safety of this City he has."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:18 -2128- Whitehern - Fia
Fia stared at the envelope for a few seconds, unsure of what the pictures held. She had seen a lot of bloodshed, mostly the aftermath of her embrace. She picked up the envelope and opened it. What she saw inside disturbed her.
Vile... All of it... Who could do this?
Her stomach started churning, the blood she had from Mel earlier wasn't sitting right.
This is the start of something big...
Iggy startled the crap out of her when he made his reaction known.
"W-wait, hold on." Fia stammered, "Are we even sure who did this? Are we sure this was even Sabbat?" She couldn't stop herself. She was scared. She looked at Sarah and the look she gave her meant, 'Shut up'. She looked down at the table as her face went red again. All she could see was the envelope.
Shit... I came here to get away from drama...
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Tuesday April 21st 9:28- Whitehern - Natalie
Nat eagerly tore into the envelope excited for the game to have started. She pulled out the colored photocopies and paused letting out a low whistle. "Shit these look so real."
She flipped though them looking at the artistic gorefest and had to admit she was impressed. She was thrilled to be in the gaming group. If they put this much stock into the plot line set up and just on props she was going to have the game session of her life.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/1211225085t3drD6k.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:18 -2128- Whitehern - Emily
"Des... SHUT UP!!! My god!" she called across the table to her apparent child, "You're crossing a fine line of COMPLETLY INSANE!"
She tore the envelope open, not taking heed to the warning given. She emptied the contents onto the table, the photos spreading out slighty. Scattering them more with her fingers, she gazed at them on shock. "Disgusting," she replied, finishing her sifting through the gory evidence. Opening the envelope, she filded it in half, placing it on her lap, opened part up. Maybe she wouldnt have to worry about too much calorie intake tonight afterall. Dinner seemed to act like a snake in her stomach, trying to escape and make its way back up her esophagus once agan. The only thing Emily could do, is gto keep swalloing and divert her eyes from the pictures. "The prince has me behind him aswell," she followed Iggys lead, giving him an encouraging nod.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:30pm- Whitehern - Helen
Helen flipped through the photos her features remained impassive as she inspected the dead man in the photo. "The wounds were made using a hunting knife. Who ever did this was very skilled and with the angle and precision of the cuts they left him alive for sometime before he bled out. Who ever did this enjoys their work and has made an art of being able to butcher man."
Here eyes did not leave the glossy photo prints. She had to admit despite everything that who ever did it was talented and though she would not admit it to her fellow peers, she couldn't help but admire their work.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/HELEN.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:30-9:32pm- Whitehern - Jallyn
From within the meeting room Helen's announcement seemed to make the room grow silent. There was an ominous tension in the air as no one spoke.
In the distance there was the muffled but distinctive sound of stiletto heels coming towards the Meeting room door.
The door opened slightly as there was a muffled thank you as one of the Prince's retainer exchanged words with the stranger for a moment. The the door opened and a stunning red head walked in dressed in a pin stripped charcoal designer suit underneath she sported powder blue silk shirt, and had topped the outfit off with a pair of 5 inch slate grey leather stilettos.
"You're late dear." Helen replied her tone had no heat to it, but something within the woman's brown eyes let everyone know at the table that the stranger was in shit.
"You sincerest apologies. Catching a flight from NewYork proved to be difficult but I got here as quickly as I could. I would have called but they lost my bag that had my cell phone in it." She looked around the room at the empty spots for a brief second her cerulean blue eyes noting the empty spots. "Seth could not make it I am afraid."
She gave mark a formal bow. "My apologies Seneschal. I understand that this meeting is of the utmost importance and I ask that you excuse my tardiness."
"You and Helen can take that up later. Right now were in the middle of a meeting. Sit down here." he indicated waving Jallyn to her assigned seat.
Jallyn obeyed and quickly made her way to her seat an unusual blush crept up over her face which was not common with most Kindred. She sat down.
"Now open your envelope and get on the same page as everyone else."Mark commanded.
The red headed Toreador did as she was bid and opened the contents of her envelope and looked quickly at the pictures within. Her lips pressed together in a thin line for a few moments before she softly and slowly breathed out and took a moment to look away from the photos. Her fingers inadvertently slid up to the silver crucifix around her neck as she said a silent prayer.
She turned her attention back to Mark and asked quietly turning the photos over so she didn't have to look at the grisly images and the dead mans vacant eyes. "When were these taken?"
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/2wpt84i.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:33- Whitehern - Athial
Athial listened to the Venture speak. She wasnt too pleased that he wanted to start the meeting without Antigen but if that was his wishes. Then again this Venture could be up to something. She ignored her more paranoid thoughts and turned her attention to the envelope. She had opened it up and was slightly shocked at first to know this was going on in her own back yard sort to speak. However the kindred who seemed to be most timid so far at the meeting didnt shy away from the pictured at all. Her eyes were focused intensely on the polariods. Everyone who spoke seemed far away and muffled in her mind as she concentrated. Her tiny hands twisting the photo's as if to try and gain a different perspective than the photo was giving. Her concentration was interrupted with footsteps in the hallway. She glanced up in hopes of her clan leader but was sadly disappointed. Her eyes focused back to the picture. She did however hear more clearly what Donna had said. Maybe because it was a topic she was interested in that her ears tuned to it. She definitely agreed how ever noticed one more detail. The blood had pooled in darker colors from one end of the cuts then the other leaving a tar like consistency by the look of it. Though careful the killer was not to hit anything important by their cuts he or she did give away which hand they used more frequent.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:33-9:35pm- Whitehern - Mark
"These were taken on Monday April 20th between three to four a.m. down at Bayfront park. We sent some one out to cover up everything so there hasn't been any news coverage. However there was a good possibility that this is Sabbat related. That was what this meeting was going to be about but that has changed."
Mark readjusted his position before speaking. His tone was frank "This have changed. The Prince is late because he is on the Phone with the Prince of Burlington gathering information. We can no longer suspect that this was the work of the Sabbat we have to prepare ourselves for the fact that we had Sabbat in our city on Monday. We don't know if they are still here or how long they have been here for. However Burlington is under attack. And has been dealing with more agressive clashes with the Sabbat. Its gone beyond just being a border clash into a full out war. "
He paused for only asecond before adding as he looked at the clan elders. "They have requested help as well. There have been heavy casualities on their side and they have lost 4 of their own. With their numbers weakened they are losing ground and its only a matter of time before they start with us. We probably have two weeks at best if we missed their scouting party. Are there any questions?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2136hrs- Whitehern - Lobo
"I for one thing think we should help and defend our brothers in Burlington. The only question I have is where My Prince needs my strength?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2137hrs- Whitehern - Iggy
" Yes Lobo, fight them we must, but should not our first priority be the protection of our own city. Do we have any sense of where these Sabbat scum are hiding?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:37 pm - Whitehern - Angel
"In all likelihood, we will be forced to do both," Angel said. "We need to search within our own borders for the Sabbat scouts but we also need to reinforce Burlington. It may be a harsh and selfish way to put it but if we can fight this battle in somebody else's backyard, so much the better. Mark, you know I'm behind both you and the Prince one hundred percent. Just say the word and I'm your man."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:37 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"The artists of the Toreador aren't known for their ability as warriors," Waylon said. "Normally, we stand on the sidelines, playing cheerleader and making soothing noises over the injured. With Helen's permission, I would like to put myself at the Prince's disposal to do what I can to dispel the illusion that we are without our martial merits. I have no skill with a gun but I'm more that able to hold my own when armed with nothing more than a paintbrush."
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Tuesday April 21st, 9:04 - 9:38 p.m. - - Whitehern Basement - - Jeromy
If Jeromy was disappointed that Papillion seemed to have lost interest in him he did not show it. 'Oh well,' he thought. It was not the first time another Kindred had turned away from him when they finally found out to which clan he belonged. He turned his attention to the others at the table and the introductions that were being made. Mildly amused at the female Malkavian's introduction. 'Des was it?' Jeromy really hadn't paid that much attention to her name. David's sudden outburst startled him a bit but once he saw that the man wasn't going to frenzy he relaxed again. Like the others in the room he was a little surprised when the doors to the conference room opened and the Seneschal entered without the prince. 'Now what is going on?' He didn't have to wait long to find out.
After the rest of the clan leaders introduced themselves, and a little more information was forthcoming on the reason behind the meeting, he opened his envelope with the rest. Pulling out the photostats that were nestled inside, Jeromy put them on top of the envelope and flipped through them. He could feel the specter of that nights nightmare trying to rear its ugly head. For once Jeromy was glad that he had been blessed with a calm heart and a cool head. As the rest of those gathered looked at the pictures he could feel the tension in the room build. "If there is one thing the Army always stresses is that is fullish to try and help an ally without being sure that your rear is covered." He took a quick look at Spider to make sure that his clan leader was not going to be upset with him speaking out on this issue. "Burlington is an ally and an important one but it would be fullish to go to their aid without knowing if the Sabbat still remain within our own borders first. A war waged on two fronts is usually a war that is lost. But if the Prince has need of my skills he needs but ask. I will do whatever I can to help, but I will not throw my life away needlessly or foolishly." He looked Mark full in the eye when he said this last.
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Tuesday April 21st, 9:07 - 9:39 p.m. - - Whitehern Basement - - Xiaoqing
Xiaoqing smiled at the obvious compliment. "Thank you for that remark and yes I am Chinese. I was born and raised in Peking." The two exchange mundane pleasantries for a couple of minutes while she listened to the others with only half an ear. Finally the doors opened and the Prince's Seneschal entered, alone. Suddenly the Toreador was forgotten and all her attention was focused on the real reason for her being here. Opening her envelope and removing the contains Xiaoqing stiffened. The scene was all to familiar to her. She had left similar ones all over Toronto. At the mention of the Sabbat she sat up just a little straighter in her chair. Xiaoqing was half expecting to be called on her past involvement with them at any moment. "I will fight as my Prince directs." Her statement was simple and was said with no emotion in her voice.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:38 pm - Whitehern - Angel
Of all the people at the table, Angel sat with his envelope untouched. He'd seen the pictures. They had seared themselves into his memory at least temporarily. He was mildly annoyed that his name hadn't been mentioned, although it was entirely possible that the Prince was going to mention the source of the gruesome pictures himself.
The arrival of Jallyn had had an astonishing effect on him. Never before had he met a vampire that made his fangs ache. She was such astonishing perfection that, if she had offered him her wrist, would have eagerly bitten.
Damn you to Hell, Seth. If I'd met her first, I would have ghouled her on the spot and she would have been mine forever....
It wasn't love at first site. It was pure unadulterated lust. It was a miracle that he was able to avoid staring or drooling. The again, the topic at hand was just a little more important than a fantasy about a woman who would never be a member of his herd.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:40 pm - Whitehern - Donna
Donna sat silently as she digested the news. The prince had assigned her the title of scourge of the city. He job when not taking care of her clan members, was to patrol the city looking for rogue vampires and bringing them forth to the prince for his judgment. It was done to protect the city. How could she have missed them?
Hamilton was a large city and Donna had divided the city up into sectors. Hamilton Mountain, Stoneycreek, Dundas, and hamilton below the mountain brow.
It was still a lot to patrol and there could have been the chance that the Sabbat had been in a different section of town other than the one area that she had patrolled that night. She could have very possibly stumbled across them the one evening but instead she had hung out with Iggy and gone down to the beach strip to get high.
She looked over at Scottie and Iggy before standing up. "If the Prince needs someone that can fight those bastards head on I volunteer to go to Burlington Mark." She had failed in her duties and that was not acceptable.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:40 pm - Whitehern - Scott
Scottie looked over at Donna his face wore a scowl of disapproval. "If Donna's going to Burlington I'm going too. You need strong fighters to stop them from coming into Hamilton any more than they are."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:40-9:41 pm - Whitehern - Mark
Mark shook his head. "It is not up for discussion Mr. McFarland. The Prince asked me to find certain candidates. Unfortunately we need more seasoned and older Kindred for the job, but your loyalty and enthusiasm are duly noted."
He stood up placing his hands on the table as he looked down the table. "I am calling a recess we will proceed with the meeting once again at 10pm sharp. Clan elders you are asked to join me upstairs in the Prince's Parlor while we discuss who will be going to defend Hamilton by helping our Kindred Neighbors in Burlington. The rest of you please stay here but feel free to talk amongst yourselves in a more relaxed fashion. I do believe you will likely feel the need to talk about the things that have been revealed tonight. Mr. Angelinio may have extra details to add to the photos since it was one of his contacts that participated in procuring the pictures that we viewed this evening.
And with that the clan leaders rose from the table almost as one and walked out silently in line. Gone was the bickering that everyone had seen earlier and instead it had been replaced with a surpising unity of purpose.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:42 pm - Whitehern - Fia
Fia blinked for a few seconds, then shook her head.
This is fucked up...
She turned to the redhead on her right, "I'm guessing you're Jallyn," she said as she gestured to the card, "You didn't really miss much but intros," Fia shrugged, "I'm Fia Cade. Clan Gangrel," she extended her hand.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:41 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"The cat is away, so the mice may play," the Toreador said. "Why do I get the feeling that some of you are heading for Burlington anyway, no matter what the Prince's decision is?"
"Probably because there are people in this room with a reputation for having no respect for authority and a willful disposition," Angel replied. He finally picked up the envelope and pulled out the pictures. Unlike the photocopies the others had, he had a set of original prints. "These were taken at Bayfront Park. Admittedly I haven't had a chance to study them carefully. Has anyone noticed anything unusual? Other than the fact that we have pictures of a mutilated corpse, of course."
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Tuesday April 21st 2142-2145 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Iggy watched Mark, Donna and of the rest of the clan leaders exit the room. Once they were out of sight Iggy looked over at Scott, the only other Brujah left and shook his head. Iggy was a Brujah, but in many ways he wasn't much more than a barroom brawler at best. And to face this attack with unknown fellow warriors concerned him.
Iggy took the time to stand a stretch his legs. It was easier in Europe with Luke and Steve. They had a system and fought well together. Yet, it was Luke that lead the charge in, often tossing back to Iggy targets for his 15 pound sledge hammer. Looking around at his fellow Kindred Iggy couldn't help but wonder if as a group we had the time to form into an allied fighting team.
And of all the times to have decided to make a renewed attempt at controlling his frenzies. Sometimes the beast has its purpose. Iggy would hold to his promise to himself and to Donna though. Maybe, just maybe sanity might serve him better in this fight. Iggy could not remember a time when he so wanted to talk with Dhinga.
Without realizing it, Iggy in his thoughts had wandered around the table to Scott. Leaning in so hopefully only Scott could hear, Iggy asked, "How long do you think it would take to finally learn the basics of how to use a flame thrower? It might be a good secondary weapon to my hammer."
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Tuesday April 21st 2143 hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo was annoyed that the open discussion ended so soon. He had a question of Sarah but as she had left the room with the others it would have to go unanswered. Angel was asking if more then dead bodies could be seen from the pictures and having noted how carefully Athial reviewed that images made Lobo surmise that maybe more could information could be gathered but to what use? Would it tell where the Sabbat animals were holed up. Lobo doubted that. Hamilton had three direct ways in from Toronto. Lobo stood and clearing this throat for the group's attention raised what he thought was a more apporiate line of investigation.
"If the arguement is correct that finding any Sabbat scum in our midst is our first priority. Then it seems to me given the photos are from Bayfront that we have three main possible locatiions. One might be the North end and the QEW Niagara, another is York Blvd and the High Level Bridge and lastly the Main Street King Street area around the Fortino's. I guess Aberdeen might be a fourth but it is deeper in and offers less hiding places. To those of you that have havens in those areas - have you noticed anything odd? Anything?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:41 pm - Whitehern - Papillion Framboise
Once the meeting had gotten underway Papillion had silenced. She hadn't meant to come off rude to Jeromy, she just didn't want the wrath of Helen coming down on her head later for chattering and 'reflecting poorly on the entire clan'. She attempted to throw him a few apologetic glances but hadn't been able to catch his eye.
Nosferatu hm? Wonder what he looks like under the mask... She'd only dwelled on the notion for about two seconds because everything left her mind when she opened the envelope. Surprisingly enough, to her even, the ballerina was not almost losing her lunch upon first glance. Though she did miss speaking up because she was near hypnotized by the gore. It was disgusting, it was horrific, and yet...She couldn't look away.
That is a really good camera angle... Her eyes couldn't come away from the page until the clan leaders began to stand and she blinked back to reality and looked around, as other people were still remaining seated she assumed it was just a recess and she hadn't missed the whole meeting...At least she hoped.
Papillion returned the photos to the envelope lest she fixate on them again and looked back to Jeromy with a smile the kind that was all sunshine and butterflies.
"Sorry about just stuffing up like that, Jeromy." She assured in earnest
"So...um..." The toreador started, her cheeks going red at the thought of what she was about to ask, she leaned in to the other kindred and lowered her voice in the hopes that no one else would hear.
"...What...happened?...In the meeting I mean...I sorta...Spaced." The girls said turning her eyes to the floor.
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/RandomBit/papillion.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:41 pm - Whitehern - Athial
Athial starred at the picture almost trance like for a bit longer before glancing up around the room.Everyone was so edger to fight, storm and pillage anything Sabbat. Still young the feud didn't make much sense to her. One by one the room seemed to rally as she just settled back into her chair. Antigen will determine where she belonged for her. Though she couldnt imagine what he would pick for her. Being a small town girl she never really had to fight and she was probably really rusty with a shotgun. She tossed the pictures on the table she had nothing to add.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 2142-2145 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Without realizing it, Iggy in his thoughts had wandered around the table to Scott. Leaning in so hopefully only Scott could hear, Iggy asked, "How long do you think it would take to finally learn the basics of how to use a flame thrower? It might be a good secondary weapon to my hammer."
Tuesday April 21st 9:45 pm - Whitehern - Scott
Scott looked up at Iggy and shook his head "Bro I'd be a dead man if I let you walk into a fight using a flame thrower. She who must be obeyed or she breaks a boot off up our asses would freak out. Besides it seems like a great idea until you accidentally set yourself on fire. Look I'll talk about it after the meetings done bro. Trust me if you want to go bad ass we can hook you up. Just theres clan shit that no one else needs to hear about if you get my drift. So you seem to be holding up. This your first scrap Iggy?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:42 pm - Whitehern - Nat
Nat watched as David ran off and the other players cleared out around her. She was virtually left all alone with no one sitting near her.
She watched in silence still analyzing the discussions. A recess had been called, but did that mean it was a real break like a smoke break for the players etc, or was it still in character role playing.
After listening to a few comments she came to the conclusion that the game was still in progress. With a sigh she pulled a note book out of her tote bag and a pen and began making notes about the players and current events of the evening.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:42 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
Jallyn's Cerulean blue eyes wandered over the table. She had met only Helen the clan leader of the Toreadors and that was it. Having spent the entirety of her undead life at the side of her maker meant having to travel just about everywhere. And yet he poured as much knowledge as he could into her. He had armed her with names and descriptions of some of the Kindred in the city. At least the ones he felt might be useful to know for various reasons.
She turned to study the Kindred that had come dressed in more professional attire. Studying the name tags she made note of whom she assumed might be in the Tremere and Ventrue Clan's her mind scrambling to remember who was who in this city. It made sense since the Seneschal was Venture and the Prince being a Tremere to inquire as to the respective younger clan members as to what all had happened up to this point.
She glanced over at Angel and Fia "Good evening. Angelo and Fia.... " she paused for a breath licking her lips. "Tthat would mean you would be Ventrue & Gangrel correct? Oh... My apologies, I didn't introduce myself Jallyn O'Reilly nice to make your acquaintances." she replied as she offered a manicured hand out for who ever wished to shake it.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:43 pm - Whitehern - Angel
"Delighted," Angel said, taking Jallyn's hand but kissing the knuckles rather than shaking it. "A distinct pleasure, let me assure you. You didn't miss much. Burlington has been hit by the Sabbat and if these pictures are any indication, they're hitting us as well."
Angel looked at the fur clad Gangrel. "Lobo, if those are the only routes into the city, the one that comes across highway 403 or across the High Level bridge seems most likely. There is a rollerblading path that leads from Princess Point all the way to Bayfront Park. It would be child's play to retreat back to a haven in that area after dumping a body. There is even a cemetery along that route, if they want to be particularly ghoulish in their choice of havens."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:44 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"Do we know what happened to the body?" Waylon asked. "I must admit to having a gruesome fascination for these pictures but the are only pictures after all. Not wanting to be morbid but I think we might be able to learn addttional information from a more direct examination."
"That is a question the Prince will have to answer," Angel said. "I can only assume he made a detailed inspection as soon as he was able. It was only an hour or so before dawn that I was able to make him aware of the problem and at that time I was dealing with the semi-hysterical kine who had stumbled across it. She is one of my informants and had the remarkable fortitude to take these pictures, despite the fact that she was looking at what was very likely her first corpse. She saw no one in the area, so without an expert opinion, there is no way of knowing how long the body lay undiscovered. From a distance it looked like a derelict sleeping on a park bench but she noticed the lack of movement that comes only with death and decided to take a closer look."
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Tuesday April 21st 2145 hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo made his way to the group surrounding Angel.
"The High Level Bridge does seems our best first option. And work our way up the 403. I doubt if they would be stupid enough to try to infiltrate through the North End it being Brujah territory and all. "
Lobo turned to the others in the group and reintroduced himself.
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Tuesday April 21st 2145 hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Iggy continued softly with Scott, "No, Its not my first tussle with the Sabbat. It just that we're so raw and unfamiliar with each other. Last time I fought it was with a tried group. I knew who to trust my back to. And I had hoped for a bit longer of a vacation from this damnable war!"
Iggy's voice raised on the word 'war' as the tension he was trying to control started to show.
More controlled and his tone softer again Iggy added "And Scott yes lets hook up for some quick how to sessions - ASAP."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:45 pm - Whitehern - Scott
"You got it bro. If we got time tonight or tomorrow night we will see what we can do. Just dont tell Donna or ever do it around her. " he replied keeping an ear on the conversation. "And as for the sabbat, Iggy my bro they ain't anything to sneeze at. A lot of em are like us but twisted. Kine are numerous so who cares of we kill em, there will always be more. Add to the fact they got the same clans we hail from and then some and it makes em a bitch to fight. They usually send in scouting parties to check out the competition and if they think you're weak or dont see many Kindred about then they strike. Its probably why Burlington got hit as hard as it did. More than half their kindred population don't exactly make themselves readily seen in public. But I guess thats the joy of housing a city mostly made up of Ventrue Nosferatu and bloody reclusive Toreadors. The first to buy it I'm guessing were their Caitfiff. The clanless ones. They aren't as strict about turning them away as we are here in Hammer Town. You never know if you got a Sabbat snake in the bunch posing as one of the lost and abandoned."
Scott took his shades off and rested them on top of his head before looking Iggy in the eye and clamping a hand on his shoulder. "Just be careful out there and try to keep a cool head. We don't know how many are out there. If you see a group you are better to get back up and just trail em rather than try and open up a can of whoop ass. It don't make you less of a man bro. And you might actually get through all this. What sort of gear you fight with? I got a few sawed off shot guns sitting back at my haven if you can handle one."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:44 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
Jallyn had listened she wasn't overtly familiar with Hamilton having been born and raised in Toronto her whole life, but that wasn't going to stop her from trying to help.
"Our best bet is likely splitting up into groups and taking a tracker or two. How many of you a show of hands have the ability to aura read or have heightened senses?" She asked everyone on the room.
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Tuesday April 21st 2146hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Mark's warning hit home. Iggy was a young spit and fire vampire in Europe. Now, he was settled, comfortable and suddenly BANG - this shit hits the fan. Fuck he could die in this war. Any of us could. At that moment something in Iggy's blood stirred. A more feral edge entered his eyes and a new meaner look took over his visage.
"Shit Mark, I don't intend this to be my last fight. I've never used a fire arm at all. I've always used my sledge. Removing the brains from a Sabbat seems to work as good as the old stake in the heart routine." As Iggy's thoughts turned to other battles the Brujah battle blood stirred more in him. Even for a Kindred Iggy's blood was now running cold. Real cold.
"In Europe it was a nice fit to the sword and rifle of my partners. We had always intended to share our fighting styles - but some shit never happens 'til its too late. But you have the right of it Scott - sledge and sawed off would be a deadly combo."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:44 pm - Whitehern - Emily
Emily had moved to Nat after their clan leader had left for their own meeting. "Pay attention to what everyones saying. Its very important information you could possibly use to your advantage," she whispered to her secret child. "This is very serious and the more you know about others, the better. Come join a group. Socialize."
She stood and moved back to Angels group, "I'm sorry...Jallyn was it? I've never seen you around here, and up until today had no clue you were even in existance. I'm sorry if I sound rude, but I think names are just as important as a talent. After all, what good is an ability if you cant call upon the person for it? My name is Emily by the way, and I can read auras." Trust be told, Emily had tried to be polite, but sadly poor fluffy seemed to only make her hungrier, rather than curb the hunger.
Her eyes scanned the room further, only to stop on Iggy. He seemed nervous and tensed. "Iggy?" she called, slowly taking a step closer to him. "You alright?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:44 pm - Whitehern - Fia
Fia raised her hand, "Heightened senses," she said, "I also have a car, but, I also have to go to work at 11. I'll keep an eye out. My job takes me all over the city."
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
Before Scott could respond Iggy spotted Emily approaching the two. "Emily, I'm fine. I'll be right there, just finishing some clan business with Scott here. Scott this is Emily, a future model of mine I hope once things are back to normal."
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Tuesday April 21st 2146hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
"Fia and Emily make two. With a third we could have two teams out tonight, with Fia hopefully being able to check the other areas."
Lobo turned to the vampire that had accompanied Emily.
"Desdemona isn't it. Do you have Aura Sense like Emily?
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Tuesday April 21st 9:45 pm - Whitehern - Nat
Natilie closed her spiral note book and stuffed it back into her tote bag and made her way over to the other players trailing behind her old Mohawk roommate.
She headed Emilys advice. After a moment of looking at the group she hesitantly asked. "So our mission should we accept is to kill these Sabbat guys. So whats the best way to take them out and will we being provided with the proper gear to face this enemy?"
Nat looked to the player character known as Lobo. "I am sorry Lobo, runner of the Bruce trail but I am afraid that I do not think I have that ability on my character sheet.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:46 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
"Its a pleasure to meet you Emily. Jallyn O'Reilly. Its a shame I get to meet all of you during such dire times." She offered the woman an apologetic smile and a warm wet solid handshake. "I do understand how you feel though, its only natural to be feeling overwhelmed and nervous. I too, read auras."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:45 pm - Whitehern -
The young girl still sat at the table her feet not even touching the floor. She had been silently listening to the others but had nothing much to add. She did however feel it necessary to speak.
"I too read auras, Miss Jallyn." Babadora replied calmly. "Your idea holds merit and I am sure the Prince and the others have likely or are likely deciding on a similar course of action.
Vincent, Papillions Sire joined the group. "I can as well but I am equally talented in the arts of Celerity as well as Presence. "Vincent Delvechico, but the way. My elder brother is Seth, Jallyn's sire." he explained to the group as he gave them a curt nod.
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Scott
Scott nodded and let his hand slide from Iggy's shoulder. "I'll be sure to hook you up then tonight. Just remember what I said. Its good you have had some experience fighting other than bar room brawling. Truth be told a lot of these newer pups from the other clans look a little green if you want my opinion. Its going to be a case of they're going to have to learn on the fly or die trying.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:46 pm - Whitehern - Emily
Emily nodded at Iggy, and gave a warm smile to Scott before turning back to the group at the sound of Nats voice. She gave Nat a warning glare, swiping to her side. "I have no clue what goes in in your head, but right now, you're Des, ok? None of this character sheet discussion and crap," she whispered. "Sorry, you know... Malk talk. What she means is, shes not sure of where she could be on the greatest use. Maybe after getting to know some of you, she'll find her niche," she corrected to the group. 'I swear she likes torturing me,' she thought as she moved to shake Jallyns hand.
"Always a pleasure to meet another reader," she grinned, shaking the womans hand. "Maybe what we should try to do is team up in a way where our own flaws can be covered my anothers...Like, you may not be the best athlete, but you can drive a tank."
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo beamed at the use of what his title. Almost immediately Lobo stood straighter and taller. A true peacock moment of preening.
"My sweet Des, Des is okay? What a pity, but we seem to have the needed third and more. I am sure though that your other abilities will serve the need well. As to taking out the Sabbat, I intend to use claws and teeth. But I am certain in this dire time that if you needed something it could probably be found for you."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:46 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"I also have the ability to read auras and once I get a good sniff of our friend Mr Corpse or the place he was deposited, I might be able to track back," Waylon said. "I can't use a gun and I'd prefer not to bruise any knuckles but give me a tire iron or two and I'll do my part when it comes to busting a few heads. The pointy end of a tire iron goes in the other guy, right?"
"If we do this tonight, with as many groups as we can, it will be a good start, assuming the Prince doesn't have other plans for us, which would render anything we decide here to be moot," Angel said. "My skills are better suited for scrapping it up in a board room than on a battlefield but I will do my best to do my part. I say we pair trackers with one solid go to guy, who will have the job of protecting them while their nose is to the ground."
"If I have a choice, I'll take the artistic welder, rather than the furbie," Waylon said.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:46 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
"Waylon... was it. Ah that must make you Mr. Crosby Helen's artistic genius that I have heard to much about. A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well. However before you start getting choosy. I think its best that we leave the name calling out of this. There is no need to sow the seeds of distention here ladies and gentleman. As it is Mr. Dwami could very well end up saving your skin and covering your back when things get hairy."
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
"Great, I'll catch up with you later then Scott."
Turning back toward Emily and the others "Hey Waylon, lets hope the Prince agrees with your preference, eh. I for one will stand fight with anyone here. Even you."
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Nat
Nat extended her hand to offer it to the other vampire "Des, is fine sir. But I do have a question with out wanting to sound insane. I've never had to fight before... besides sunlight what are the best ways to kill another vampire, that is what these Sabbat guys are right? Vampires like us?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo's preening ended with Waylon's words. The word 'Furbie' echoed in Lobo's mind. Fucking Toreador, egotistic self centred pricks the lot of them. What's next a comment about Gangrel's as dogs to be beaten. The blood raced in Lobo's veins, yet some part of his mind remember his vow. Lobo ignored Desdemona and instead of leaping across the table at Waylon, Lobo threw a punch at Antigen's wall. Once his need for blood passed Lobo stormed back to his seat without looking to see if he had done any damage. His mask was put back on by the time the Gangrel sat. Behind his mask Lobo continued to glower at Waylon.
(OCC - Scratch a blood point - frenzy save tonight)
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Tuesday April 21st 2147hrs - Whitehern - Vic
Vic quietly enters the room and approaches the table, his robe sticking to his back and a small trail of blood going down his right sandled foot. "Sorry i am tardy. I was apparently over zealous with my penance this evening, and I'm sure spider will reprimand me appropriately later." He opens his envelope while introducing himself, not looking up at what he expects are looks of disgust. "I am Vic McDonough from the nosferatu. I believe I am caught up on the situation from what I could hear from the doorway. I am more than ready to teach these sabbat the path to redemption wherever I am asked."
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Tuesday April 21st 2148hrs - Whitehern - Nat
Nats eyes nearly bugged out of her head as she watched the PC Lobo put his fist though the wall. David had told her that tonights gaming location was special and very hard to get into for playing and yet this man just demoed a wall and then earlier tonight David had cracked the table... But then again maybe it was a prop table that was supposed to split.
Looking a little overwhelmed she stepped back only to notice a new player had entered. She had to admit his makeup was way cool even the dripping blood was pretty rad.
"Uh... Hi. Nice to meet you Vic." she caught herself from introducing herself by name. David was right this was a tough style to get used to. She was so wanting a Time Out cause it was getting a bit intense for her. "I'm Desdemona, but you may call me Des. I come from the Malkav clan."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:47 pm - Whitehern - Papillion Framboise
Jeromy had been so kind to fill the Toreador in on what had passed in the meeting while she'd been fixated on the photos. Papillion had little experience with clan politics so she didn't quite understand but a dead body on Hamiltonian soil, was clear enough. Listening to the talk around the table Papillion felt very small indeed, she'd never really fought before...
"Jeromy, lets head over there." The kindred said nodding to the group in which the majority of the others were congregated, even though Lobo had stomped away in quite the huff.
Temper temper... She didn't need to look at his aura to tell that it would be a swirling mass of crimson.
The Toreador may not know the first thing about fighting but of cliques she knew plenty. You wanted to be in the big group and most certainly not left out. Being left out was definitely a negative.
She pushed her chair back daintily, leaving her shawl on the seat as she rose. On her way over to the larger group though she did pause on her way past Lobo. Wondering if there was anything she could say, but as she did not know what it was that made him so livid, her only clue she had was that Lobo was now trying to burn a hole in Waylon's skull with his eyes, she simply said.
"Mon cheri I assure you he's harmless. I mean look at him. You could fold him up and put him in your pocket." She whispered so the small vampire wouldn't hear. She smiled to Waylon giving a little wave of her fingers. She went to touch Lobo's shoulder with her free hand but the seething rage seemed almost tangible she just hovered it a few inches from him.
From there she continued over to the larger group, coming to stand next to Vincent.
"Bonjour." She said softly not wanting to interrupt any of the conversation going on.
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/RandomBit/papillion.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:48 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
Waylon's mouth fell slightly open. "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that sort of reaction," he said. "Lobo, I feel I must apologize, since I have obviously inadvertently offended you. My reference was to the fur you are wearing, rather than a suggestion that you were a small furry beast that mimics everything said around it. From what I have seen, you seem like a fairly wise, competent fellow. My choice was based on fashion, not function and a desire to be in the company of other artist types. We have far too much to do and enough enemies outside this room to make more inside by careless words and deliberate taunts."
"That being said," Angel interjected, "we seem well stocked with trackers and aura readers. How are we set for flat out fighters? I'm not going to assume the stereotypes are correct and that the Brujah and Gangrel will be carrying the majority of the pressure for that task. Waylon has already declared himself a Toreador ready for war in addition to being a tracker. Do we have any other double threats?"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:48 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
"I for one love the ensemble that Mr.Dwami is wearing. Its an Marcell Original is it not?" The redheaded Toreador inquired. "I am not the best of fighters. I during my years as a mortal took self defense and the two years I have spent down in America I have learned how to use a Berreta. I own and carry a Cheetah. I am by no means a marksmen but at the shooting range I do hold my own."
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Tuesday April 21st 2150hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Papillion's words sunk into the red haze that was Lobo's current state of mind. And as he stared he saw himself doing exactly as Papillion had suggested - folding Waylon up and disposing of him. While visualizing Waylon's voice carried over to Lobo with his apology. It was enough to help Lobo regain most of his sanity. Rejoining the group, he noticed that its size had again swelled. Lobo looked at the damage done to the wall.
"Actually, Angel, what I need to know now is if anyone knows a good plasterer? And yes Jallyn it is - I am pleased you noticed."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:51 pm - Whitehern - Vic
"I too am an adequate shot with a firearm and have been known to administer lessons bare handed when the occasion called for it" Vic said at least looking up, a little surprised at the lack of revoltion on his peers faces. "and as for tracking I'm sure the animals of this city might be entreated to aid us in locating these interlopers." and turning to look at Des "and its very nice to make your acquaintance as well" he shifts his weight as a slight look of pain crosses his face.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:49-9:52 pm - Whitehern -
Vincent and Scott both made their way back to the table to let the younger Kindred talk amongst themselves. It was great to plan but Babadora was correct. Likely the Prince already had a plan.
Strangely enough the elder vampires sat down and began to discuss things on their own. Babadora, Scott and Vincent had all been present and were survivors of the last tete a tete with the Sabbat.
It was indeed dark times and looking over at the group of new Kindred they all knew it was likely that at the end of the month there would be casualties.
"It will be likely that they will divide us up. Let us hope that the groups are evenly balanced. If not we will have to watch out over the younger ones." Vincent quietly replied.
"Crash course to the Sabbat. Yeah bro there wont be much time for hand holding. I'm not sure your clan has the chops to take to the water Vincent." Scott grumbled.
"We may seem like a bunch of Fluffy Poofters but I assure you we are not as useless as you would think. Art is our joy but we are rabid protectors of the things we love or deem beautiful. I for one love Hamilton and will defend it with my last drop of blood."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:50 pm - Whitehern - Jallyn
"How could I not. Marcell's work is cutting edge Haute Coture in NewYork right now. Made by our very own clan. I believe he was embraced about 5 years ago but hes really taken to it and his designs have just got a much more hotter and wild look to them. " She offered Lobo a smile. "As for the plaster guy. I assume the Prince will be looking to fix it. Accidents do happen. However if you do feel that bad at the end of the meeting perhaps take him aside and offer to pay the bill."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:51 pm - Whitehern - Angel
"It looks like we've got the makings of a proper party, then," Angel said. His words started coming faster. "Lobo, I think what you need is a painting to cover the hole before the Prince spots it rather than a plasterer. He can come in and fix the hole while the Prince is sleeping. Vic, sit down and take a load off. You look like you've pulled something. Assuming that all members of any particular clan have relatively equal skills, we should separate the groups so that there aren't to many of one clan in any one group. There are two questions to answer now. How many groups do we want to employ and is what we are planning going to go contrary to what the prince is planning? I think if we can present him with a well put together plan, he may be willing to let us put it into action anyway, in addition to what he has planned already."
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Shadowphile/spanish-guitarist-1.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:51 pm - Whitehern - Nat
"I can use a baseball bat if I had to fight." I used to be the star hitter for my bantam league. "But that was a while ago. Uh I also have in my purse.... Some other stuff that might be useful. Then again maybe not..." She paused noting the look of pain on Vic's pale and twisted visage. "Are you ok, you seem to be in pain and I couldn't help but notice the blood... Were you jumped on the way here or something?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2153hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
"Yes, he is very good. I was lucky enough to do some guard work for him. He is as interesting in person as his designs. As a figther I am a hands on type. Close range. But I have some skill in stealth to help me get close."
Turning to the newest Nosferatu present Lobo continued, "Vic is it. Nice to meet you finally, I think I have spotted you once or twice as I was out the West Fifth trails."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:51 pm - Whitehern - Waylon
"What have you got in your purse, Desdemona?" Waylon asked, not wanting to participate in the fashion discussion. "You said you had a few things that might prove useful. I've always seen women's purses to be magical places that hold far more than their outside appearance would suggest. What do you have in yours?"
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Tuesday April 21st 2153hrs - Whitehern - Emily
"I'm a marksman. I've got some stuff at my place that can help in that area," Emily piped up. "Vic? Do you need help? I'm Emily by the way," She looked to the slightly frightening vampire. She was shocked at his appearance, but said nothing about it, after all who was she to judge. Many viewed her as being an overweight shorty.
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Tuesday April 21st 2154hrs - Whitehern - Iggy
"So you swing a bat Des. Much the same style of fighting as myself. Only I swing a 15 pound sledge hammer. Just remember - brains on the floor kills most things including Sabbat."
Iggy smiled as he spoke as if he was remembering just how how a puddle of brains looked.
"Vic nice to meet you. I think more then your clan leader will want to speak with you, Antigen has asked for a meeting with all latecomers also. Just to give you a heads up on that. But I agree with Emily and Des - maybe you should have a seat for a bit."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:53 pm - Whitehern - Papillion Framboise
Papillion was once again, mostly quiet, just listening. She noted the new comer to the congregation...He was dripping...
Oh dear...The Prince's carpet Was all the strawberry blond kindred could think woefully. Her gaze moved from the carpet, to the wall, to the table. She couldn't help but remember back to grade school when the principal would tell you you reflected on the school by how you left a place after a field trip. But soon the toreador's attention moved to Nat and her bag as Waylon commented on how useful it's contents would be.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:55 pm - Whitehern - Vic
Vic immediately composes himself "nothing so dramatic as that my dear Desdemona merely part of my penance, i do apologies if it has made you uncomfortable, though I do appreciate your concern" He wipes the blood on his foot off with his robe" glancing at Lobo "Yes I do believe I have seen you on the escarpment, though I don't believe we introduced ourselves at that time. I sometimes get overly focused inwards, I certainly appreciate your vigilance though"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:55 pm - Whitehern - Vic
Vic turns to look at Iggy with what could be called a grin, though it is hard to tell through the scars, upon his face "I will of course be available for Antigens admonishment as well"
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Tuesday April 21st 2156hrs - Whitehern -Lobo
"Thank you for those kind words. It seems we will be busy for a while but next time I spot you I'll give a shout up. We should take the time to get to know each other better."
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Tuesday April 21st 2156hrs - Whitehern -Iggy
Vic's reply at first shocked Iggy. A moment's reflection to the previous night with Donna beating his face in though made him appreciate Vic a little more. Some-one like himself that had no problem taking the punishment if such was necessary.
"As we all must if we fail him, eh Vic."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:52 - 9:55pm - Whitehern - Nat & Waylon
"David told me not to take anything out of my purse because being vampires and all you might find it disturbing what I carry in there. But let me assure you I don't always carry this sort of thing in my tote. I just came prepared tonight in case there would be minor trouble. I knew I should have brought the bat!" She replied looking downcast.
"Would that be a baseball bat or a flying pet?" Waylon asked. "I'm sorry bad joke. What do you have in your tote that a vampire would be terrified of? A crucifix and some holy water?"
"I had to really go off of movie and book stuff since depending on what you watch and read sometimes aren't the same. The only things I've seen that seem to be consistent are fire and sunlight. Look I will empty my bag if you promise to deal with the wrath of the Game Mas- I mean David." Des/Nat replied her hazel grey eyes flicked around the room looking to see if David had returned yet, her face was a mask of extreme seriousness.
I didn't know David was gay. "Hes not here right now and I may be wrong but I am fairly sure I can outrun him."
"That better not of been a short joke or I'll kick you in the nads. David is a wonderful guy and you really shouldn't cut him up for entertainment." Des chided defensively.
"Well it seems I'm batting a thousand tonight. Whats in the bag?"
Des/Nat sighed heavily and walked back over to the table and dumped her bag onto the table. "Ok one more comment that sucks and you're being benched pretty boy." She replied as she began sifting through the mountain of stuff. "Ok I have three stakes. Ine can of hair spray... One lighter... One zippo... A pair of handcuffs... A roll of ducttape. A penknife... Don't mind the dice they are for my other gaming group.... A notebook to keep notes about tonights stuff... Pens... A donzen pencils... a rubber... a pencil sharpener... Make up... A bag of twinkies... A can of mountain dew... a joe louis... umm... Phone numbers. A sock with pennies... three tooth picks... A pack of gum. Six packets of salt two packets of pepper. Four dinner mints... My wallet.... a mini flash light... Klennex... Um a mini first aid case cause you never know when you might need a band aid, a pair of scissors... and uh... a little sewing kit and yeah my ebay bussiness cards... but ignore them. "
"So you swing a bat Des. Much the same style of fighting as myself. Only I swing a 15 pound sledge hammer. Just remember - brains on the floor kills most things including Sabbat."
"Cool I hope I get to hang with you and Emily that be cool. I'd feel a lot safer even if Emmy is a bitch sometimes." Nat replied offering Iggy a grin. "But I do love her honestly. We used to be Dorm mates back in Mohawk together."
Waylon looked at the pile with open astonishment. "I rest my case. I think McGuyver would be able to make an attomic bomb out of what you have there. Almost everything is useful. Sharpen those pencils and they would be as effective as a pine stake. I think you are well prepared. You have a flame thrower and - " he picked up a tube of dice, " - Caltrops,"
"Ok fair enough still... I need to know what rules you guys run by. Does staking kill the vampires and dust em or not?" Des asked looking thoughtful "Oh and should I zip by a church and pilfer some holy water? I have a friend that's Wiccan if she blessed it would that work? Cause I'm not catholic and its night and not Sunday so thats going to make getting Christian Holy water hard.."
This has been a Co post Production by Lady J & MAxx
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Tuesday April 21st 9:56- 9:57 pm - Whitehern
Vic immediately composes himself "nothing so dramatic as that my dear Desdemona merely part of my penance, i do apologies if it has made you uncomfortable, though I do appreciate your concern" He wipes the blood on his foot off with his robe" glancing at Lobo "Yes I do believe I have seen you on the escarpment, though I don't believe we introduced ourselves at that time. I sometimes get overly focused inwards, I certainly appreciate your vigilance though"
Des looked at the pile of stuff on the table and back up to Vic as she started putting it away. Penance... Oh shit ... Sorry about the church thing. I'm guessing you're religious? I didn't think Vampires could be religious. I thought God came down from the heavens and kinda gave them the middle finger and said Demon begone. Then there was light and all was not well for the vampires..."
Jallyn couldn't help but hear the comment and coughed politely. "I am still a practicing Catholic my dear. And it is never polite to talk about religion in situations like this, Des. I am sure at a later date Vic and yourself can do into depth about those belief's if he and you agree on that."
"Wow so you can do that wine and wafer stuff? I thought Vampires couldn't eat food." nat replied sounding intrigued.
"You had twinkies and Joe Louis in yours so why not? Not every Kindred can eat food. Many get very ill if they try. Although the wafers do upset my stomach a bit it is well worth it." She paused and stopped herself realizing she was just adding to the religious discussion. Jallyn looked at her watch "Perhaps it would be wise to clean up that stuff before your Clan leader returns. They will be back in less than three minutes. Should we all take our seats perhaps?"
Nat looked down at the mess then at her watch. "Aww shit you are so right." And with that she began to scramble to put the chaotic collection of weapons of mass vampiric destruction back into her black tote of doom along with her energy boosting snacks.
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Tuesday April 21st 2157hrs - Whitehern - Lobo
Lobo listened to Desdemona and was lost. What was this girl talking about. Movies, books, crucifixes and dusting - what was she talking about. Malkvians could drive anyone crazy with the way they talked.
As Jallyn spoke of the time Lobo saw that the recess was almost up. He was thankful that was the case. With a nod to his fellows Lobo made his way back to is chair.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:57 pm - Whitehern -Vic
Taking his seat "I would be willing to talk to you and more importantly listen whenever you wish, after this situation is dealt with Des"
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Tuesday April 21st 9:57 pm - Whitehern -Vic
"That would be cool." Des chimed as she slowly finished putting her stuff away making sure that nothing would get crushed and that everything was accessible for later use. "Its like my mom always says "Its good to learn new things everyday. It makes you a better person."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:58 - Whitehern - Fia
Fia rummaged through her purse and found her cellphone. Her phone had no bars. "Does anyone know where I could get some reception? Never mind," she said standing and walking to the front entrance.
While out front she dialed her work, a receptionist answered. "Hamilton SPCA. How may I direct your call?"
"Can I speak to Chuck, please?" Fia asked in her most polite voice.
"One moment, please," then the elevator music started.
Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near. Just like me, they long to be close to you...
Fia rolled her eyes and waited.
"Chuck Stern here." was the greeting.
"Hey Chuck, it's Fia," she pulled the phone from her mouth and made the most disgusting coughing phlegm sound, "Sorry about that, Chuck," she smirked without making it sound like she was smiling.
"Oh, God! You sound terrible and contagious! Don't come in tonight. You'll get us all sick!" he hollered into Fia's ear.
"I'm sorry, Chuck. I think it's the weather change," she whimpered, "I don't want to miss work, though."
"That's too bad. You're staying home tonight, Keep me posted on your recovery, alright? Now, go back to bed."
"Alright. I'll let you know how I'm feeling tomorrow. Good night, Chuck." Fia shook her head and chuckled silently.
"Good night, Fia. Take care of yourself." Click
Fia allowed herself to laugh out loud.
Fish... Barrel
She headed back inside and sat back at the table. "I called in sick so I'll be helping tonight."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:58 - Whitehern - Emily
Emily just shook her head as she watched Nat. "Davids gonna murder me... Leave me nailed to a disgusting cross to slowly broil in the sunrise..." her over exaggeration took her back to the mirror, which she looked in again, reminding herself to suck it in. After a moment, she left the mirror and took her seat, sitting back beside Angel. "well, this may be interesting."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:58 - Whitehern - Waylon
"Don't go by what you see in Buffy," Waylon said. "A stake through the heart will paralyze one of us until it is removed but it won't kill us and even there are brains on your bat it doesn't mean the vampire you just hit isn't going to take that bat out of your hands and put it so far up your butt that you'll be able to taste the wood. Fire, sunlight and decapitation will kill us but there isn't a whole lot else that will do much more than slow us down. Interestingly, if the blood we drop in laced with enough drugs, we can be affected by that but poisoning a vessel won't poison the vampire. It looks like it's just about time for the powers that be to come back, so I'm going to head back to my chair. You look well prepared, Des. I'm sure you'll do fine."
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern -
The doors to the meeting room opened and a woman in fine secretarial garb looked to the kindred in the room. For those that had ever been to a meeting with the Prince or had spent time with him to visit him at his haven, would know her as Chantal Du Charme, She was one of Antigen's loyal and long standing ghoul retainers.
"All please rise and pay your respects. The Prince of Hamilton and the Primogen council is arriving. " The plain looking brunet replied as she stood formally at the door holding it open.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Angel
Angel rose to his feet. He'd been pleased to see that he had become the central focus of activity in the room, with some people actually moving around the table to join the circle that surrounded him. It made him feel good to see that people were seeming to automatically trust him as a leader, especially since ninety percent of the vampires in the city had stronger blood than he had.
He watched as others scrambled back to their seats, wondering what the Prince had decided and whether all the work they had just done was going to prove to be pointless.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Shadowphile/spanish-guitarist-1.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Waylon
The Toreador didn't have to stand. He'd just reached his seat when the Prince's ghoul announced his arrival. He stood stock still, frozen like a statue, waiting for the council of clan elders to enter and take their seats. He couldn't help but look at the hole in the wall, however. It would likely be noted but not mentioned until afterward. He made a mental note to offer to pay for the damage since, even if indirectly, the hole was at least partially his fault.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Papillion Framboise
Noting the time the Toreador had made it back to her seat just a moment before Chantal announced the Prince's entrance. As she stood she suddenly felt slightly apprehensive as her seat was so close to Antigen's spot.
Decorum, decorum decorum. Don't space out again. She repeated in her head like a mantra.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Emily
Emily had stood instantly after Chantal finished her introduction. Her hands were neatly placed infront of her, her stomach sucked in as much as she was capable of giving her cheeks a rosy glow in the process aswell. she did her best to put on a warm smile even if it was a serious time.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room
The other Kindred began to stand. Nat looked around curiously thinking that it has a similar feel to like she was on an episode of Judge Judy but she couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe by the end of the night she would feel like she had this style of game down.
She was honestly trying her best to get used to it but so far it had been kind of boring. Well maybe not boring but definitely slow moving.
Vincent Rose from his chair and gave the Princes retainer a nod of thanks for the heads up.
Scott and Babadora stood up only a second after Vincent had the trio had just split up before hand to return to their chairs before the announcement of the princes arrival. Scott unconsciously straightened his jacket while Babadora stared at the doors, her storm cloud colored eyes sparkled intently as she waited for the Arrival of her Master.
Chantal moved to open the second of the heavy walnut double doors after having locked the first one in place.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Iggy
Chantal's movement to the second set of doors gave Iggy the time he neded to finish getting back to his seat. Her entrance had him at the Prince's throne.
Quickly returning his look to the doors he caught the doors last movement.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Fia
Fia stood and turned towards the door. She ran her fingers through her hair and ran a finger over her lips to smooth her lip gloss.
Finally! I thought I'd never get to see him.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:59 - Whitehern - Vic
Vic rises from his seat, his cilice tightening painfully around his thigh as he did. With a smile he awaits the arrival of the Prince.
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Tuesday April 21st 10- 10:11pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room
It was only a few seconds later that the seated group heard the footsteps of their respective clan leaders coming down the basement stairs.
The first to enter was Helen, followed by David, then Sarah, Spider was next to enter. Not far on his heals was Donna, and then Mark, and then finally the Prince entered.
Antigen was dressed in a finely tailored Slate grey suit with matching vest. The blond haired blue eyed Tremere made his way to the head of his table and sat down as everyone else remained standing.
"Please be seated." The prince began as he looked across the room and paused for only the briefest of seconds his azure blue eyes noting the hole that had been punched in his meeting room wall. The last twenty minutes up in the parlor had been difficult. All of the clan leaders were the first to sit. Their faces were expressionless and cold like were like carved marble, they gave nothing away. But that news would have to wait about what was discussed upstairs.
He spoke his voice Crisp and clear "Thank you for all joining me tonight, although this meeting is not a social call. I assume you have all had a chance in the past half hour to take a look at the photographs and that Mark has told you about the Sabbat threat."
There were nods from all around the table.
He cleared his throat and nodded to Chantal who gave the Prince a bow and closed to move the doors. Once the doors were closed and the sound of Chantal's footsteps vanished from ear range Antigen continued. "I was late and not present earlier because I was in conference with the Prince of Burlington. It appears that they are currently under siege by the Sabbat.
What we first thought might have been a daring stunt meant to ruffle our feathers, and by that I mean the body that was found in Bayfront Park by one of Mr. Angelino's servants is actually more than that. Apparently roughly a month ago there were a few mysterious deaths they thought nothing of it since Kine do have a way of dying and somethings in tragic ways, but two weeks ago they found a similar body that had been cut up. I had a chance to study the photographs but not the body since it had been disposed of but the knife work is no doubt the same as the one found on our John Doe, who apparently is a Oakville/Burlington resident. The body found in Burlington did not have any messages carved into it but did also have several puncture wounds from where they had been fed upon, the murders or murder obviously wanting to make a statement. However there was an increase in Graffiti out in their city and two messages had been spray painted on both the Mapleview and Burlington Mall walls out in the parking lot. One was the same as one on John Doe the other one was similar but the hand writing on both messages were very similar. At first Burlington didn't pay attention to it wondering if perhaps it was a prank by the Caitfiff or a possible Sabbat initiation to go into the their city and deface something but over the past week they have seen much in the way of Sabbat activity."
Antigen was silent for a moment as he collected his thoughts. "They didn't call to warn us because they thought they had everything under control. After all it was likely a small party of young Sabbat members out raising hell. But while on the hunt for them the came to learn that the small party they had been trying to hunt down was now undeniably a scouting party. They lost that party 4 days ago and havent been able to find them. Three days ago more Sabbat came into their city. They lost William Banks, one of their younger Toreador artists in an altercation. But they didn't call us because they didn't want to lose face and thought they still had everything under control. Suddenly over the past couple days they have come to realize they have a large number of Sabbat in their backyard and only now felt the need to tell me that things are bad. Last night they lost several kindred that were of strong blood. To make matters worse the Sabbat have been running around killing kine left right and center. If any of you read the paper I'm sure over the past few days you have noticed several articles about people in accidents or households that have been breached and the entire families slaughtered. That was in todays paper if you have not yet seen it by the way. The police are linking it to occultists. "
Antigen shook his head "We are now in danger. Burlington is a war zone right now and these pictures we have in front of us are proof that the Sabbat are in our city. There have been no attacks as of yet. But I did want to let you know that since Monday morning there have been 3 deaths here. Just this morning two teenage kids out late at night that had an accident in the north end out by the train tracks. And then we have Mr. Doe here in Bayfront park. I have reason to suspect from the police report and evidence gathered at the scene of the crime that the boys were fleeing something or someone and were likely killed and their bodies tossed in front of the train. More than likely what ever Sabbat we have in the city at this time was choosing to hide the fact that they were feeding. If two boys were involved. We know from experience that a fully grown kine can sustain one Kindred for and indefinite period of time if they are just wanting to survive. However Sabbat tend to feed until sated. It wouldn't make sense for one Kindred to have killed two boys. "
The Prince shrugged. "Likely they are keeping themselves relatively full. Or only killing every couple of days. But we haven't received any reports of traumatic deaths other than these past three. Mr. Doe was found with little less than a pint of blood left in his system. My guess is we have anywhere from three to possibly half a dozen Sabbat Members out there on the loose. We need to find them and fast. If we do not make a display of being out in public and show that are numbers are strong, they will be upon us and if Burlington is any indicator of that we have less than two weeks to do so, and that is being generous. The fact is Burlinton is losing the war. We are,and forgive my rudeness, in a world of shit, if they steam roll over Burlington. As it is they are buying us some time. In exchange for that time they have requested assistance since they have lost Five kindred this week. Donna, Helen, David, and Spider have agreed to go into Burlington to help our brethren and try to buy us more time. The rest of the clan leaders will stay behind to help fortify the city. You are expected at Burlington's Elysium for no later than midnight. This should give you ample time to go your haven's to make whatever arrangements are needed before you head out."
There were several people at the table starting to look more worried, Antigen was glad of it. Worried meant they were taking this seriously. "The Other Clan leaders have been assigned different ways to protect the city and will be doing so. As for you younger Kindred I have important need of you as well. We will be creating our our scouting parties and I feel I need not say this but I will. Whatever plans you had this week put on the burner. The masquerade is important and I want you all to do your best to not break it when it comes time to fight the Sabbat. However if there is no other option and a public confrontation does occur try your hardest not to harm the citizens of this city. The Kine will likely be caught in the cross fire. If you have jobs as a way of supporting yourselves or holiday pay that is due, I suggest you make the arrangements to use your sick days or take some holidays because as of officially tonight you are going to be booked solid for at least a week. In the end a job won't matter if you are dead or the city is in ruins."
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/PRINCE.jpg)
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Story tellers note:
Please be sure to go to this link and fill out your availability for posting and what days work best for you.
I cannot make the scouting parties until I have seen what every ones schedules are like.
TY in advance.
http://elmwood-rpg.com/index.php?topic=507.0
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Tuesday April 21st 10:11pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Angel
"We came to much the same conclusion ourselves, without all the details, my Prince," Angel said. "Although I'm sure you have your own ideas as to how you wish to proceed, we have been discussing options and plans ourselves. Did you have specific groups in mind or have you yet to make those decisions?"
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Tuesday April 21st 10:13pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Antigen 'Prince of Hamilton'
"Yes Mr. Angelino, the clan elders and I have already arranged the groups that we will be putting you into. Despite this being a serious matter it might be for the best anyhow. It will likely give you a chance to work and finally get to know all of the Kindred in the city. There will be rotating groups. Every few days you will have a different group of fellow Kindred to work with. I am not assigning a leader title to each group, but I expect everyone to work together without squabbles. If I hear that there is any serious infighting and this comes back to me I will be displeased."
His attention turned to Sarah "Sarah I'm dismissing you now to go out into Flamborough to make contact with the Black Fury's and see if they will assist us at all. Because we have a tentetive truce with them I think it is a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The dislike the Sabbat even more so than us, so let us hope that you return to us with positive results."
"As you wish, My Prince.' Sarah replied as she stood and offered him a bow. She soon donned her black out back jacket and with a final nod and long glance over at her fellow Gangrels she left the room without making a sound even managing to close the door behind herself with it making any loud noise.
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Tuesday April 21st 9:45-10:13pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Athial
Athial just sat and listened to the others calculate a plan that wouldn't matter. "What are they trying to do? Antigen will end up telling us to do anyways. Ya united we are! rwar! we are all so tough. And christ we have enough Aura readers or what" She thought to herself while watching the group. "oooooh Antigen is soooo not gonna like that hole in his wall. I wonder if thats one of those glaring Mask plus ones" She grinned slightly to herself not feeding into Lobo's rage more then it already was. When Chantal made an appearance Athial already made her way to her feet she knew it meant Anitgen was on his way. she stood proudly and if were she a dog her tail would of been wagging behind her awaiting her master to come. She sat when told to and watched him intently concentrating on the words he spoke.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 10:14 pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - ANGEL
Angel nodded. "We assumed that the decisions had already been made but it did give us a chance to get a little better acquainted. We won't fail you, my Prince. Many of us have very strong ties to this city and I doubt there is any of us who would willingly turn this city over to the Sabbat without a fight. We may not all be warriors but we all have parts that we can play in keeping the city safe and the Masquerade strong."
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Tuesday April 21st 10:14 pm - Whitehern - Fia
She listened intently to the Prince's words. After a very short time they started to fill her with a heavy dread.
Why does this have to happen now? Right when I was starting to build something... She thought back to her embrace. The terror was still fresh in her mind.
So much blood... So many... bodies. So many lives lost to 'us'. We, the heathen brood... Fia felt like she was going to be sick. She took a few deep breaths. At least I'm not alone in this one...
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Tuesday April 21st 10:12pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Papillion
Papillion watched the Prince from where she sat, which was only really, a seat from him. She her hands folded neatly on the table she felt rather like she was back in school again. Eyes on the teacher, pay attention. She couldn't help but notice the way his hair fell into his eyes, the intensity they held, how very very serious he was, the way he held himself. It was all so interesting, so...Oh dear she was doing it again.
No daydreaming about the prince... She chided herself internally.
Decorum, decorum, decorum, don't space out. The Toreador reminded herself once more for good measure.
Focusing on what he had to say she tried not to be shocked or worried, she tried to remain calm, analyze the situation as best she could. Making a list of what she had to do to prepare, the phone calls she'd have to make to clear her schedule, the appropriate shoes to wear. Entirely avoiding the thought that her city was being threatened. Her home, her way of life, her life itself if things got bad. When the thought did creep in it made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle with worry and fear. Suddenly, worry and fear ebbed away and anger began to seep into her mind, beginning to pour in and around her thoughts like honey, thick and hot. She had a show later this week she'd have to cancel, how dare they. Who did they think they were? Leaving bodies as warnings, invading boarders where they didn't belong, trying to take over. They had no right.
Her shoulders tensed, her jaw clenched, she hadn't noticed it until then but she'd been tightening her folded hands, little crescent indents showed on the back of her soft pale hands some of the little crevices filling with blood where she'd dug too deep. She watched as the little creases turned red, her blue eyes still smoldering. Papillion had never fought before, never had a reason to. She'd never truly been in danger before. But she knew now that she didn't like the heavy feeling of threat, of something breathing down her neck and she was ready to fight to be rid of it.
Her gaze turned back to Antigen, her eyes still burning but now there was sense of purpose behind them. She'd do whatever she could, and she didn't need to say a thing to portray that.
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/RandomBit/papillion.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 10:12pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Iggy
As the Prince Spoke Iggy listened intently, but when the talk turned to the train wreck Iggy suddenly felt the need to re-examine the pictures. The talk around the table droned on but Iggy wasn’t listening. Instead he look for the answer to his question in the photographs. Should he admit his involvement with the whole train affair. It would be a waste of energy to have people investigate the site and the area for Sabbat operatives. No answer came to him. But a realization did. Antigen may be the Prince but he was not the one who Iggy would listen to first. Prince or not, it was Donna that Iggy listened to. And Donna had said ‘Shut Up about it’ and so Iggy mentioned nothing.
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Tuesday April 21st 10:15pm-10:16pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Antigen 'Prince of Hamilton'
"I will be dividing you younger Kindred into three groups for the first few nights we will see how well things work out. Several of you have the ability to read aura's and some of you have the ability to track by scent.
Pay attention as I call out your Hunting party we will be leaving soon after you get acquainted. All of you have been provided with a cell phone by me in the past. Please be sure to add your party members to your cellar phones to keep in touch as well as adding at least one other person from each scouting party in case you need to call for back up. I do not expect you to take them head on by yourselves. But please let me know if you spot them and where you spot them. We must keep a constant stream of information flowing both ways here. If I have any updates about anything I will let you know. Each Unit will be composed of at least two trackers that can Aura read and the potential for you to have a scent tracker.
Team Alpha will consist of Waylon, Ignacio, Xiaoqing, Babadora, and Scott. Team Beta will be comprised of Fia, Angel, Emily, Na- pardon me, Desdemona, Atheial and Papillion.
And last but not least the final unit we have is Team Gamma and that would be Jallyn, Lobo, Jeromy, Vic, and Vincent.
Are there any questions from any of you?" Antigen asked as he looked down the table.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/PRINCE.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st 10:14 pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Angel
Angel was mildly annoyed to discover that he hadn't been paired with Jallyn. He consoled himself with the fact that his entire group was female. "I have one question," he said, asking what he thought would be the question on everyone's mind. "Who is in charge of each group?"
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Tuesday April 21st 10:16 pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Antigen
"I'm Sorry Angelo. You must of not head what I said earlier. I said I wasn't assigning a leader. Most of you have little experience with tactics and war, but if you feel you need a leader for each group discuss it between yourselves. You would be wise to have someone that knows a bit about fighting and that can keep a level head. I was rather hoping you would work as a team rather than having to argue over who is going to be the general of your group. I will leave it up to each group to decide on a leader if they want one." Antigen calmly answered Angel's question.
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Tuesday April 21st 10:16 pm - Whitehern - In the Princes Meeting Room - Angel
For once Angel was grateful for the inability to blush because had he been able, he would have been flaming crimson. He would have preferred for the Prince to assign leaders, since it eliminated the need to resolve that issue. Leadership was key in a war situation. Without leaders there was no direction. Without leaders there was chaos. Without leaders there would be only despair and defeat. Angel looked at those who had been named to his group. There would be at least one leader among the three groups, likely more unless he missed his guess. Most people were just natural followers. Those that weren't rose to the top not only because of their own ambition but because others propelled them there.
"Evidence suggests that we start looking near the High Level bridge," he said. "Who has been assigned to search that area?"
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:17 p.m. - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Jeromy
Jeromy had stayed quiet during the discussions of combat while the clan leaders were out. He had said his piece while Mark was present and it seemed that either his words were relayed to the Prince or he had been thinking along the same lines. He would have preferred to have been sent to Burlington to aid their allies in this war, but if his Prince determined that his talents were better used trying to hunt down the Sabbat scum within the boarders of Hamilton then that is what he would do. Jeromy would have to swing by his house to change and pick-up his armaments before he met up with his team. From what he had heard during the previous discussion not many in his group were real fighters. Lobo and himself for sure, he was not sure about Vic when it came to a fight but he would reserve judgement till after fighting side by side with the man. Jallyn and Vincent were the most likely ones who would need protection. But once again he would reserve his judgement about their fighting abilities till he saw what they could do.
He looked at the Prince when the floor was opened to questions. "If I may my Prince. Are you going to assign us areas to patrol or are we to work that out amongst ourselves?"
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:17 p.m. - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Xiaoqing
Xiaoqing knew more about the way the Sabbat operated then any other Kindred in the room. But she kept most of that information to herself. She really didn't feel like trying to explain how she had come by her knowledge. "I have had some dealings with the Sabbat when I lived in Toronto my Prince. If you would not mind, I would like to impart some of my knowledge to those present."
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:19 - 10:22p.m. - - Whitehern- In the Princes Meeting Room - Antigen
"I had put certain people within your groups that may be more familiar with certain area's than others.
Team Alpha will for tonight sweeps though the north end though to Dundas. Team Beta will be Keeping an eye open for suspicious activity up on the Hamilton mountain. And I will leave Gamma Team to do the town town core and to extend your search though to Stoney Creek area. Be sure to check out any locations that you think might be a excellent ground to call a haven. Hamilton has several cemeteries as well as many abandoned buildings that could make excellent places to hide while the sun is up.
I will contact you if I have any reports come in via the police of unusual activity as well. If you do not have your cell phones on you please be sure to go home and get them as well you may wish to go home and gear up. I am hoping that you avoid using gun's if possible in public. We are not Yankee's and we do not have the right to bare arms here in Canada. Gun fire is a great way to involve the police and attract the attention of Kine. So keep all fire arm activity to a minimum if you are in a populated area, unless you have silencers. I know it is difficult and I do want you all to return back safely. IF you need to use your gun's do so, if not that is fine. I am not sending you out tonight to kill but to scout. If you find a kindred in the city that you are not familiar with contact us immediately and I will send out reinforcements."
The prince satisfied that he had answered Angel's question looked over to Xiaoqing. "By all means share what you know. We do have one or two kindred among us that will be able to share certain tidbits however I am sending Donna over to Burlington to further educate our neighbors."
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:19 - 10:22p.m. - - Whitehern- In the Princes Meeting Room - Angel
Iggy was going to be searching the area most likely to hold the Sabbat, along with the warrior artist, the Asian self appointed Sabbat expert, Antigen's child apprentice and the Brujah second in command. Angel hoped they were enough to handle what they encountered. He'd be a long way away if things went for a shit. Given the distances involved, likely the only thing the reinforcements would be good for would be burying the dead.
With this sort of a plan, we need all the generals we can get because the Prince sure as Hell isn't one. Mark, what have you gotten me in to?
"Ladies, shall we discuss our transportation issues?" he asked, looking at his new team mates and giving Iggy a look that spoke volumes about which group he'd prefer to be in.
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:22p.m. - - Whitehern- In the Princes Meeting Room - Waylon
Waylon seemed pleased by the make-up of his group. He was with two Brujah so his chances were good if things came to a fight. He'd likely take some gentle (or perhaps not so gentle) razzing about being an artsy fartsy but if he could impress these two with his ability to track and his fighting skill, then perhaps they would look at him (and perhaps even the entire Toreador clan) in a better light.
And he'd get to hang out with the artistic welder, just like he'd wanted. Helen wouldn't like it but Helen wasn't going to be there. "Are we permitted to gather in our groups?" Waylon asked.
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:23p.m. - - Whitehern- In the Princes Meeting Room - Anitgen
"By all means do so. This meeting is about at an end as it is since we have several clan elders that need to pack for their trip out to Burlington. As a side not I want to let you know that as it stand Mark and I will be providing you with back up and support if things go wrong. I will also gather what ghouls I have to assist you. All of the clan leaders have agreed that they will provide me with a list of people that will aid us contact wise. This includes several members of the law enforcement community as well. I do urge you not to take your ghouls if you have any on these scouting parties, but will be providing you with ghoul reinforcement groups that can aid you and be close to your vicinity. Arrangements are being made to to station them in Dundas, Up on the mountain, in stoneycreek as well as down town here. It is recommendable that you use the two way radios we will be supplying you with to keep your Back re enforcement groups updated as to your status and location every five minutes."
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:22 p.m. - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Xiaoqing
Xiaoqing stood so that the others could see her a little better. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. "From my experience the Sabbat scouting groups are usually at least 4 members. Some times as many as 8 are sent and then they will split into two parties. During the day they frequently have ghouls out gathering information for them. If they are found by Kine they will either kill them out right or keep them for as long as possible to feed from. They will use their ghouls as cannon fodder in a fight so we may be up against any number of them in this war. It is very possible that by now the Sabbat know where all of our havens are and even where each of us works. If this is the case then they most assuredly know of this place as well.
If any of us has any means of securing their haven against intrusion or attack I would suggest that those measures be put in place at once. Just as a precaution." She sat once again and hoped that no one would be offended by her words. Xiaoqing also hoped that no one would ask her how she had come by her information on Sabbat scouting tactics.
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:23 -10:27 p.m. - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Donna
The Bruhja's leaders eyes shifted over Xiaoqing and remained there for several long moments it was not overtly noticeable but she could feel the woman's dark eyes upon her as if trying to peer into the depths of her soul.
For a moment their eyes met and Xiaoqing saw nothing but a cold hardness that was only seen in the eyes of someone that had killed many people and seen many deaths.
Donna broke eye contact and licked her lips the moment had passed so quickly it was as if it hadn't happened. Donna was once again her normal broody and gruff self sitting at her chair with her arms folded over her chest.
Antigen looked to the others in the group then back to Mark who merely nodded.
Donna cleared her throat. "Before the Prince wraps this meeting up I wish to say a few words. If I have your Permission Prince."
Antigen nodded and Donna looked down the table at everyone involved. "This is going to be a first time for a lot of you. Twenty years ago the Sabbat came to Hamilton and tried to over run us. We fought tooth and nail to keep those bastards out. They don't play fair and they don't pull punches. Some of you might not see the end of this so you might want to make arrangements if that does happen. The Sabbat see the world as their playground and like children they play hard and tend to break their toys easily only to move on to the next one. This is how they see us and other Kine. I don't say this to scare the shit out of you but you should if you are sane be scared. The house pretty much every clan we have and then some. On top of the normal clans that we have in the city I have in my days come across other types. Like the Fiends.... They have the ability to warp and twist flesh and bone with a touch of their hands. Their Kooks are different than ours they have the ability to drive you insane. They have Shadow walkers their status is similar to our Ventrue but they have the ability to manipulate darkness. They have Setites which are part vampire and part snake, They have a clan that is similar to our Nosferatu in the respect that they can be scary as hell to look at, no offense to the Nosferatu that are present, but you guys would win the Miss America pageant they instead of looking like you guys tend to look like zombie and have the power of necromancy at their disposal. There are rumors about other clans as well and for that I am fortunate enough not to have crossed paths or fought with all of them but they are dangerous. More than likely the scouting party we have in Hamilton will be compromised of thinner blooded Kindred. They don't usually bring in the heavy hitters until after the first couple waves of shock troops have run over us. "
She watched the table as the younger ones took in her words of wisdom. "Before you are sent out I think its only fair to review the best way to take this fuckers out." She paused and gave the prince an apologetic look as Antigen winced mildly at her choice of words. "You behead them. Cut their heads off and they are pretty much done for. Steaks will work to paralyze them. Fire and sunlight will kill them just as quick as as it would you or I. Bullets will hurt like hell but don't expect them to drop like Kine. Many of them are as tough as you or more so depending on the clans they hail from so if you're going to go all cowboy on them pump them full of lead until they go down and then cut their heads off or set them on fire. What you see in the movies about anything else doesn't work. that includes garlic crosses, holy water, silver, or UV lights. Mind you some Kindred do have allergies to some of these things it is very very rare. So stick to the basics. And if one of them sinks their fangs into you you better fight like hell and hope you can get away or that you can have your commerades get them off you cause they will drain you dry. The Sabbat believe that you are only worthy of your blood if you can keep it in your body. If they can take you down they will drink until your strength flows through their veins. That is their way and the nature of the fittest or so they believe. That is all I have to add My Prince."
Antigen thanked Donna "That brings us to one more thing before you go. If you do manage to take down one of these Sabbat I am asking that you bring them back to me alive so to speak so that we can interrogate them. Luckily we do have ways of making them talk and we can be very persuasive. Any group that does return with a 'live' Scouting prisoner will receive a boon from myself. But do not forget Donna's words they are dangerous and it would be safer for all involved if you merely report their whereabouts rather than try to capture and confront them. Are there any more questions or shall we consider this meeting adjourned? "
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Tuesday April 21st, 2228 hrs - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Iggy
Iggy had no questions of the fight or the search. Angel's glare that he would have preferred team Alpha area. Hoping for action. Iggy looked at his friend and sincerely hoped that Angel would find none and maybe live to be the Prince he so wanted to be. There's no glory for the dead.
Maybe the length of the discussion was getting to Iggy. Shock or hysteria setting in. But as the meeting wound down his most pressing thoughts were - Shit, I have the SIM card but where in this city can you get a cell phone at 930 at night? How late is Wal-Mart open? His phone from Antigen being broken last night.
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Tuesday April 21st, 2228 hrs - Whitehern Conference Room - Lobo
As the members of Gamma group was named Lobo was pleased. Nice mix of tackers and fighters. Gamma was in his mind the best mix for a group. Pleased as he was it was short lived when he heard that he would be plagued with the core and Stoney Creek as a search area. Nothing but solid concrete under his feet and around him for miles. He envied those that were travelling the mountain much more green space to romp in. Not that this would be a romp in the woods.
The questions were begining to bore Lobo. Afterall, how much more talk is needed. The instructions were simple - three teams search the city, find, notify and kill the bad guys.
"My Prince, I have no questions but I suggest we use the last half hour to speak with our teams, plan meeting times for those of us who must return to our havens quickly and in that way we could be searching the city by 1130 at the latest. Also my Prince If I may speak with you privately about an embrassment I caused early tonight."
Lobo turned and nodded toward the obvious hole in meeting room wall making clear what his topic of conversation to the Prince was about.
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:23 -10:27 p.m. - - Whitehern Conference Room - - Athial
Athial looked around at her group and frowned slightly."Alpha is a good balance,gamma is the brute squad and then theres us... oh boy this is gonna be a long next few nights."she thought to herself and continued to let others ramble. She calmly got out of her chair and made her way to her group. "My transportation issue lies in the fact of getting home to my vehicle that is all." She stated.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/KrystalofAsura/ath.jpg)
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:28 p.m. - - Whitehern - - Fia
"I have a car. It can seat all of us...Not comfortably though..." Fia pondered, "Unless one of you would like to straddle my stick shift... Trunk, maybe?"
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:28 p.m. - - Whitehern - - Emily
"I'm only about ten minutes away from here. The area that I need assistance in is time. It'll take me some time to equip," Emily replied. "I think it would be best if we learned a little more about each others strengths tonight. See what kind of a group we've got."
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:30 Whitehern.
The Prince called the meeting and soon the Kindred split off into their groups for the night.
Donna had paused long enough to tell each of her boys to use their heads in the upcoming nights and to make her proud. There had been only a lingering moment where her hands had rested on each of the tall men's shoulders before she gave them each a playful nudge in the arm and bid them farewell.
The matter between Lobo and the Prince was done off to the side of the room and was quickly resolved. Lobo has insisted on paying for the damages and the Prince had merely nodded in acceptance.
It wasn't long before everyone left the meeting room and drifted out into the cold night once more.
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Tuesday April 21st, 10:30 Outside Whitehern.
Waylon had lingered for a moment, also offering to pay for the damage, explaining that it was his comment that had roused the Gangrel's ire. The Prince refused him but suggested that, if he felt it necessary, he should square things up directly with Lobo. The Toreador caught up to his group and smiled. "Shall we meet start in Dundas and work our way back towards the North End or shall we do the reverse?" he asked.
Angel looked at his group. "I drive a two seater and I know Papillion arrived with Helen. Who else drives? Because unless Emily or Des has a car, at the moment we have far more passengers than we have available seats. Can you take three, Fia? If not, I can drop Emily at her place and then I'll need another ten to run over to my place and get a few things, so I can pick Emily back up on the way back here. Round trip would be a little over thirty minutes."
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This thread is now closing with the meeting having been adjourned.
Please Post now in the Chapter two section. The Set up story and intro has been completed finally...
Enjoy guys and let the games begin.
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Here is the Link to Chapter 2: http://elmwood-rpg.com/index.php?topic=497.0