Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Oct 30, 2014 16:01:05 GMT
Gates sat at Christians desk going through his correspondence, squaring away his accounts and generally tending to the operations of the place. Just because Christian was otherwise indisposed did not mean the place should be allowed to run to ruin. He’d cracked the paltry security features the man had in place and was well into paying the past due’s and arranging to pay in advance when the letter fell from a debt collectors envelope.
He scented it, taking in the subtle nearly invisible scent of Alexandras on the letter. She was seeking to maintain some contact with her maker despite no longer having access to his household. Gates smirked as he read the vampires take on the happenings in her new home. He found especially interesting the change of hands in terms of ownership. Hit was highly suspicious considering the troubles in New York. Perhaps he should have extended an additional offer to Eliachem as well. Though if he was wily enough to have engineered what it appeared as if he had then he was better where he was. Gates couldn’t stomach the level of political maneuvering that such an upstart would surely play his hand at.
Raising a brow he put everything away back into its place. Interesting indeed Chicago was changing hands as was New York, Sabin was metaphysically infirmed and Isadora was called back to bosom of her maker. Gates would need to martial the Kiss so as to stave off any spill over from the north.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Nov 25, 2014 8:18:34 GMT
Aeriel eyed Christians in distaste especially after her first and only visit. She really didn't want to walk through the doors and into the lions den as she had come to think of it. Hopefully none of the vampires would bother her which had kind of been her reason for shooting those two a while back. Normally if a vampire feared her they were less likely to screw with her. It would probably have been a better idea to use her powers on them but she couldn't change that now. All she could do was steel herself and get it over with.
Unleashing a small amount of the cold inside her she let it slide out and into the building searching the occupants. And to her surprise she felt Gates which kind of calmed her nerves. She knew he wouldn't allow anything to happen even if she didn't fully understand his reason for not killing her right out. Shrugging she tugged mentally on the part of herself sliding mostly unnoticed through the building. Making sure she was still armed just in case Aerial headed inside.
She wasn't actually sure what she was doing there but maybe Gates would give her that missing reason. She took a seat at one of the open tables and immediately declined all offers of food and drinks. She would never make that mistake again.
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Nov 26, 2014 6:34:31 GMT
Gates moved from the office as he felt the necromancer walk into the door. He hadn’t expected to see her anytime soon. She was still unsure as to his motives, agenda, and trustworthiness. He couldn’t fault her healthy caution especially as she was officially to be killed on sight by any vampire. He was not just any vampire he was the Master of a City.
Moving to her table he sat across from her sparing her the need to decide whether to accept his company. “I am glad to see you haven’t decided to flee our home.” Taking a menu from the waitress as she passed he slid it across the table to her. It clearly showed the prices of what Christian served. He’d insured the quality of the food remained even as Christian’s opened its doors in a truer version of hospitality. The Blood freaks still flocked to the place and the sustenance for the vampires was still free-flowing.
He was sure that bore no need for further explanation with her. She would still feel the wealth of vampires about and know that things were as they were but changed. Christians was dangerous for her for entirely different reasons now. Though he would gladly take her into his court he knew making the offer without definitive knowledge of what she would choose could prove disastrous. As such he simply folded his hands into his lap as he waited for her to announce why she’d come this evening.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Nov 26, 2014 21:54:08 GMT
She knew the moment the master vampire walked into the room, it was difficult to ignore the heavy weight of age he carried with him always. Doing her best to swallow the heaviness he caused in her she smiled lightly as Gates joined her at the table. Blinking a little and making an 'are you serious' kind of face, she asked him "why would I have left? If I remember correctly you pretty much said you wouldn't kill me. I don't know that I would get that kind answer from other cities. So I thought it best to stay here." As the menu was slid across the table to her she eyed it suspiciously and then turned that same look to Gates before picking it up.
Aeriel could feel a change in the atmosphere but without asking she wasn't quite sure what was causing it. Keeping an eye on the price she chose a drink and another burger but nothing else. Sliding the menu back across the table she looked around and noticed even though the number of vampires were still the same the flowing of blood wasn't nearly as noticeable. She paused in confusion making sure that's what was different before looking at Gates with a question on her face.
Laughing almost silently to herself she shook her head and wondered out loud, "so I bet you are wondering what I am doing here. I actually am not entirely sure but I was supposed to be meeting somebody. I don't know that he will actually show so I guess its a good thing you are here. Ya know... to pass the evening. And while I am at it I thought you should know my answer since we didn't exactly get to finish." Now Aeriel just had to hope he knew what she was talking about.
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Nov 27, 2014 6:58:57 GMT
Gates shrugged at her question. Then answered addressing the concern hidden therein. He didn’t want to give her any ideas of flight but he wanted to assuage her concern that he had in fact gone back on his word to leave her unmolested and uninvolved in Kiss business unless he needed her skills. "It is best that you stay here. But that is the very reason why some would fly at the very first chance that presented itself. Some would do so in an effort to test the veracity that they were in fact free to do as they would. The reasons are almost limitless though the initiative would usually boil from a doubt that a vampire would be so honest as to speak plainly and directly." As she calculated the menu a bit incredulously, he watched recognition dawn on a few of the vampires present. He would address them should the need present itself. He doubted with word of Christian not reaching the street that any would be so foolish to press any supposed issue but he would monitor the situation.
“The thought had crossed my mind. It is however a largely costless world so I make no assumptions. Your appearance is nearly perfect timing. Especially considering the news I have recently come into possession of. I would prefer to not have need of you but should the option be unavoidable I want to insure that you would be willing as well as able.” Gates didn’t want to advertise that he’d allowed a necromancer not in his control to live. Doing so would surely present some with the only reason they’d need to take active arms against the city. He knew that Aeolas would need a strong Nest to secure his hold on his new domain. There were other magic wielders in the world but it was an open secret that New Orleans held a veritable melting pot of mystics, psychics, and various hedge magicians.
As she shook her head Gates watched her wondering what had she been up to that someone would have her meet them on the premises here. "I would love to know your answer all the same." Gates said sitting forward resting his elbows on the table and smiling at Aeriel.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Nov 29, 2014 4:21:46 GMT
Aeriel shrugged her shoulders as Gates explained why most people would have taken off as soon as possible. But she wasn't just anybody and she wasn't about to be chased off either. "I would more then agree that most vampires are untrustworthy and definitely speak in circles. You on the other hand don't seem the sort to be dishonest. Just an opinion though." She knew he could very well possibly be the kind of vamp that she didn't think he was and it would be just her luck too.
She did wonder to herself what exactly he meant by her reappearing at nearly the right moment and just what it was that he knew. Whether he would share that with her was unknown but she could hope. Course it could always be the at the wrong time for that kind of information to be passed along, who was she kidding. The curiosity sparkled in her eyes and there was no way to hide it from Gates. "I don't see why I wouldn't be able to do what you needed unless of course what you needed wasn't my area of expertise. But I am sure you would know all about that."
If she were being honest with herself she still didn't think being at the disposal of a vampire was a good idea but what other real option did she have? If she wanted to stay in New Orleans it would be better for her to align herself with Gates. So that's what she would do, it was survival after all. "I have decided to be there if you need me..." Aeriel trailed off unsure of what else she needed to say. She had given her answer but she wondered how many other ways he would have her say it.
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Dec 1, 2014 0:41:45 GMT
Catching the dancing interest in her eyes Gates smirked watching the crowd move closer while trying to remain inconspicuous. He was sure news would travel as quickly as Mercury on an errand for Zeus. "Opinions are personal truths. They change as one’s personal realms of reality change.” He was glad that she planned on siding with him. An ally of any stripe made one wealthier than could ever be tallied, Gates thought as he refocused on Aeriel. Glancing at the crowd Gates flicked a thought towards Raven. This was more of a job up her alley than the Seneschal’s as Temoin she’d have a better chance of mingling with the crowd without ruffling feathers while cracking heads.
Pushing the thought aside for later Gates replied to Aeriel, "In truth your outer limits of strength is anyone’s guess. Long before me it was rumored that those such as you could sway armies of the damned commanding them on a level of a Soudre de Sang. I do know that you are a potential danger to those of lesser ability of being used against their own will. That same penchant for soul sucking could be very useful if the gossip floating about has any bit of truth. The only and major problem would be in the cost to New Orleans reputation if it is found out that you exist without a more forceful control of my doing."
Leaning forward Gates brought Aeriel’s attention towards him, "I would like your help and the chance to know you as well as give you an opportunity to know me as well. I wouldn’t think to clutter your life with the touch of the preternatural unless the need was unavoidable..." Gates filled the space with his sincerity. Leaning back giving her more space. Her food came out fairly quick. Gates smiled at the waitress noticing the scar at the crook of her knee. She hid it well but she was a blood freak and he would need to look into it later.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Dec 4, 2014 7:59:19 GMT
Aeriel eyed Gates dubiously at what he was telling her. Not that she could do anything about the city's or rather his reputation unless he was thinking what had recently crossed her mind. She could hope it hadn't but he was vampire and a lot older then her, older then anyone within the city actually so there was no telling. Having grown up within a coven of witches she was well versed in the rumors of what her kind could do but whether she could or would ever hit that level of power was anyone's guess. She did wonder though how it was that he knew she was a danger to those of lesser strength even with his added word of potential. Instead she said "a more forceful control meaning you, right?" She that had come out rather bluntly but sometimes speaking plainly was the best option.
She shifted slightly her seat her eyes never leaving his and as he continued to speak she had a rather errant thought. She refused to put words to it but she wondered if he could see it in her eyes. Giving herself a bit of a shake she refocused in time to see her plate coming towards her. Giving herself a few minutes to think about what all he had said she took a couple of bites of the burger and almost moaned. She had forgotten to eat earlier in the day which meant this was only her second meal of the day and it tasted delicious. She did however find it funny with his use of prenatural and it caused her to start laughing almost choking on her food.
After swallowing the food down she looked back across the table. "You don't want to clutter my life with the prenatural? Are you serious.. My life is unnatural thank you. Adding your clutter will only make a much larger cluster fuck but I can deal with it. Now how exactly are you planning for us to get to know each other better?" Aeriel knew he meant every word but some things were hard to take seriously especially with her around on occasion.
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Dec 4, 2014 8:36:54 GMT
Gates smoothed his tie while sending a burst of energy at the vampire who was gearing up to cause a scene. He wouldn’t tolerate that uncouth behavior let alone while he was in presence. "No. A more forceful control would be having you mind leashed to a member of the Kiss that I have complete control over so that you couldn’t slip your leash. And even that would be a hard road to tread. As there are some that would only accept your death. I pay no heed to what others concern themselves with." Gates appreciated the blunt honesty as well as her appreciation of the food. Christians’ kitchen staff were Cordon Bleu trained. The food quality was the least of his concerns of the establishment.
He considered the smolder in her eyes but laced it out of mind just yet. He was fine with making himself available to her but they needed an understanding aforehand. She was a beauty true enough yet she despite her more than human standing was still considerably human. It would require a good deal of care for her body as well as her mind. He was no childe of Belle Morte but he masqueraded as one well because of his grasp of the human condition and all of its trappings. Resting his elbows on the table he leaned conspiratorially in as he continued speaking.
A smile dancing at the corner of his mouth he went on. "I mean get to know each other in its broadest context. I mean us knowing each other in the few ways that people can. I am glad that you are confident that you can handle the drama and trauma of my world but there are strata to the Preternatural world. There are those that ski the surface then there are those that exist in the pressurized depths. Each having their comfort zones." Shrugging he slid the water glass towards her. “How is your meal? The waitress wants to know she is headed back here to ask now that you have taken a bite.”
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Post by Raven on Dec 5, 2014 0:48:22 GMT
When Raven had felt Gates brush her mind with his she had been wondering the older parts of the city looking for disturbances that had vampire written on them but with the small distance she had covered all there had been were human disputes. She had hoped to find something worthwhile but no such luck. She was sure that he could have taken care of the problem on his own but from what she could tell he was busy talking to what seemed like a human.
Instead she began making her way back to the main part of New Orleans keeping her eyes and ears open in case she had missed something. But still nothing came to her attention and soon she found herself in front of Christians. Already knowing what Gates wanted she made herself appear harmless and then walked through the doors. Some of the vampires in residence knew better then to push her but she knew there were several more that didn't know her. Which meant she could move about and do what needed to be done. Giving the human and the vampire at the center of it all the privacy they required, she began moving through the crowd.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Dec 5, 2014 1:42:50 GMT
Aeriel scowled at what Gates was saying and could feel the outrage beginning to burn her face. She was not an errant child that needed a parent to keep her in line, sure she wanted vampires dead just as much as those vampires wanted her dead but so long as they didn't mess with her she wouldn't kill them. In her mind it was simple and straight forward but she also had to remember what she was involving herself with. "You also have to realize that you cant possibly have complete control over me. I do have other responsibilities such as my job that on a fairly regular basis requires travel." She wouldn't go further into what she did unless he asked so for now that was all she had to say on that particular matter.
Blushing just a little she shook her head and frowned in good humor. "I didn't mean anything dirty I was just asking how we planned to get to know one another. And I know I am not as far into this part of the world as you are but I am no spring chicken." Taking the glass of water to her lips she took a a couple of sips then set it back down. "I don't see why she would want to know how my food is. But in any case its very good so thank you."
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Dec 5, 2014 7:34:07 GMT
Gates glanced towards the door just Raven entered she was normal quietly elusive self. He could tell from her gait that she was in fact pensive because of what she didn’t find. She craved action and the supposed quiet of the city would surely leave her lacking. Her appearance meant that she had no found the source of the drug working its way through the blood freak population. It was horribly problematic now that the effects seemed to be passing to those that fed from a properly dosed donor. It was still in the early stages of the epidemic but Gates had watched the ravages of many drugs and knew this one could be particularly endemic. He however trusted Raven to ferret out the source before the effects became too costly.
Looking towards the table then back to Aeriel. Gates absorbed her words as well as the subtle flush in her cheeks. “Dirty?” Gates asked, “Ah Je suis petit mort? You mean carnal knowledge. Well yes that is a possibility of strengthening relations, though I don’t believe it is a dirty thing of its own nature especially as the advent of indoor plumbing has obviated the need to rut and run.” He shrugged allowing to humor to come as it would. “There are ways to break even the strongest wills my dear. I would not…”Gates said his voice dropping in warmth showing a portion he kept bottled away from all but his most trusted. “Unless I had exhausted every other option use. I find such tactics problematic to my own search for what comes next.” Sitting back in his seat Gates watched as Raven moved through the crowd like a shark that smelled blood. Her skill at remaining invisible was a thing to behold. Even in a place filled to the rafter with those of the damned she disappeared dancing between eye blinks as slow as a dream and as quick as a thought.
Gates spoke as he waved the waitress over. "As for why she wants to insure your enjoyment that is two-fold. Either you enjoy your meal and tip her handsomely or you don’t and someone in the kitchen is flogged. Some customs I can change easily and others will take more time." Gates nodded that Aeriel was in enjoyment. “I would never seek to damp your fire but were you believed to be mine your presence would gain some protection for whichever business you involved yourself. Including those less than appreciated by other Masters. To move against you would be to stir me to action. I haven’t taken arms against another master in quite a few decades but it is known amongst those of my depths that I do not suffer loss alone.”
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Dec 8, 2014 5:03:17 GMT
Aeriel shook her head not totally sure what to say to his rut and run comment. She was sure it would have been funny if she had understood what he meant but it had totally gone over her head and she knew it. On the other hand she hadn't meant that sex or any variation of the act was dirty, it was just a phrase people used but she guessed he hadn't picked up on that. There did seem to be some confusion on her end as well. She wasn't entirely sure when they had begun talking about breaking someone's will. She had only said that she couldn't be completely under his thumb, no where in any of that had she mentioned will.
"I'm sorry but breaking a persons will? I don't understand where that came from or why we are even talking about it. And what do you mean your search for what comes next.." At this point she was truly befuddled, apparently they were pages apart at least in their minds.
Her eyebrows rose as he told her why the waitress truly wanted to know how she liked her meal. At that point Aeriel knew she would rather let it be known that she liked the food they brought her then let somebody be whipped because they screwed up. Christians was now even more of a weird place, but this was New Orleans so what could she have expected. "Well couldn't we just make it seem like I am under your control? I mean I don't know how well it would work but for me that is better then the alternative." She looked at Gates with an earnest expression.
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Master of Maîtres De Sang
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Post by Gates on Dec 8, 2014 6:10:49 GMT
"Yes your will is the question. I believe for a passing inspection it would be an easy thing. A more in depth looking over would require some thing or some things more namely our energies would need a familiar taste. For our ruse to be believed I suppose we need to go over a few basics... " Gates paused allowing that bit of news to settle in. He knew that she wasn’t quite grasping his meaning but that was to be expected as he in fact was talking round things a bit. He was allowing everything to come as it would to her. It wasn’t as if he was keeping anything from her but he wasn’t going to force anything on her one way or another. Namely as the aphorism that you could lead a horse to water but couldn’t make them drink had proven true only if one wasn’t willing to drown the horse in the process. He was not willing to drown her in the depths of his end of things. He would protect her as he could but for it to be a stronger gesture it would need a few things and investments on their parts.
Gates looked at the crowd once more composing himself then moved back to the central theme of their conversation. Him protecting her as best as he could. Without of course binding them together in any sort of way that would or could compromise either. "Yes the alternative is a bit much to swallow. So lets try our hand at our ruse. Namely as you travel it would be best if possible to give me an idea so that I may smooth your way." Gates knew that as sure as she was a power that someone would try her hand and by turns his reach but they could deal with that later.
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Post by Aeriel Hartwell on Dec 9, 2014 7:14:32 GMT
Aeriel's head tilted a little to the left as she listened to Gates and he described. It was nice that he was so willing -for now anyways- to let this thing standing between them to exist as more of an idea. She wasn't sure how he meant to go about making their energies feel the same but she wouldn't worry about that until it got to that point. She nodded her head a bit to enthusiastically as he continued but she wasn't worried over much about his feelings. She had already made it quite clear what she thought of his kind but she would do what she felt needed to be done no matter what was on her mind.
So she was supposed to let him know when she traveled? Wasn't unreasonable even if she found it slightly annoying but she supposed that was how vampires and their servants did things, etiquette and all that. There was a lot she had to learn if they were to actually pull this off and make it stick and what better way then to ask lots of questions. "Ok so before I leave town I should tell you. Should I also have to tell you the reason? And what are some other things I should know as a starting point. I would rather not screw anything up."
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