1400 CE

Kristophe gives a slight chuckle, "That's quite the specific question. Though there are two issues with it. I believe the lupines are quite adept at dealing with spirits, any that might be sent would likely be found quite quickly. Also the control and summoning of the spiritual dead is more the providence of my cousins rather than my clan directly, and they rarely share. I know only that he is amongst them and still as alive as us."

*Bowing his head towards Duccio*

"It is a pleasure to meet you Leonarduccio Esposito. I no longer use the titles since joining those who walk at night so Henry will be fine, however I do still try to offer guidance to lost lambs. And I must agree, these are very interesting times."

*Henry shuffles over to a table and sets down his books*

"I understand werewolves in theory, however I have never had the opportunity to explore their kind in full."

*Henry begins flipping through a large tome bound in wood and twine*

"The Romans believed that werewolves could be cured by exhaustion. Personally I believe that is foolish, you can't cure an infection by simply running in circles. I am much more inclined to believe the use of the flower commonly known as Wolfsbane in a medicinal drought would have more effect."

*Flipping quickly to another page*

"There is also the school of thought that lycanthropy is actually an invasive host on an otherwise normal human being. If we were to acquire a live specimen and had someone with the appropriate medical knowledge to perform surgery we could prove or disprove that theory fairly quickly."

*Henry shuts the book suddenly"

"Apologies, I do tend to prattle on when discussing academia. If we lack the strength to assault these werewolves perhaps we should apply the use of fire if we have the strength of character to handle it"

Enki looks over to Duccio and nods "A long time ago, when I was...different." Enki looks over the room sighs and begins to speak " There is the other option that none wants to acknowledge. We just avoid them, of course that leaves the Malkavian to his own devices. Or We fight them without fighting, set some bait to draw them away while another group goes and rescues the poor fellow."

Do the Malkavians not have a way to talk amongst themselves without being present? Is there another in the city that could perhaps answers this for us? If we could contact Willem then perhaps we would have a better idea who or how many we are up against.

If Isaac was willing to follow an old woman into the woods, and we know how many there are, I may be willing to go speak to the werewolves

Enki seems shocked at Finns words but after pulling himself together he says in a less then enthusiastic tone "I see this going poorly but I will not let one of the remaining Salubri die in vain if I can help prevent it. I will come with you too, but in the event of things going sideways we focus on escaping not standing our ground agreed?"

"Excellent choice! Talk is always much more enjoyable than destruction. It is possible we may even learn something from them! I would be much more comfortable among the company of books or nobles however. If anyone would desire company in either of those investigations I would be more than happy to assist."

*Henry gathers up his books again and rests his weight against the table clearly relieved now that the pressure is off of his leg*

I agree Enki. Should it come to it, we shall focus on escaping opposed to standing our ground. I do not know much about werewolves, but perhaps they can be reasoned with.

Does anyone know about the communication abilities between Malkavians? Is this a rumour?

"If they have indeed attacked and kidnapped one of our kind from within the city no less, then it is likely we will have to deal with them eventually. Better sooner than later. While I am no trained swordsman, I can hold my own in some capabilities and would lend aid as such."

Kristophe turns to Finn, a soft smile on his face. "I am unsure of how well connected the clan members are in the way you describe. Though at this point I feel it would be likely he would have attempted such if it were indeed possible. We likely can assume that either he is incapacitated in some way to prevent this, or it is simply not possible."

*Henry rocks back to his feet and begins heading towards the door*

"I believe I will begin my studies into the werewolves as they seem to be the largest issue at hand. As much as I wish to help our fellows, if we are unable to stop the werewolves we will simply be repeating this process in the future. I wish you all luck in your negotiations with the werewolves and bid you all a fair evening"

Elias was late again. This was becoming a common occurrence. Each night greeted him with more burdens. The longer he remained in Amsterdam the more he felt his chains tighten. Every moment passed still drowning in ignorance pushed him further into despair. Now he went to invite more strings to bind him.

He gave the reigns in his hand a gentle pull and softly pat the withers of his horse as it came to halt. For a long while he stared towards the manor ahead. There was still a chance to turn back. Enough time had passed without him making himself known. If he took his practice elsewhere in short enough time who would know the difference? He had no need of community, his assistant Lucio was all the family he needed. Yet something tugged at Elias, a faint siren call in the darkness of his mind, drawing him to this place.

"Dr. Betzner?" A hesitant voice called out to his left. With a jerk of his head Elias looked over at his assistant. It seemed a simple question of concern. However, there was a searching look in his Lucio's dark eyes. He was trying to puzzle out who was currently in his presence.

"My apologies Lucio, I was lost in thought." Elias forced himself to offer the boy a polite smile as he bowed his head. "I am also sorry that you cannot accompany me further." With relative ease he lowered himself to the ground. "The estate wishes to keep their medical needs private and I have an obligation to adhere to those wishes."

The nod of acceptance Elias received was answer enough. It was not unusual for his patients to make such requests. Some of the conditions he treated could be embarrassing and a detriment to the status of many clients. Discretion was something he prided himself on as a professional. Gathering his bag he bid his servant farewell as he continued up the path on foot.

As he walked the lonely path he listened to the wind as it swept through the trees. Every rustle of the leaves was a conspiratorial whisper. The wood passed its judgement as he passed through. He could almost hear the word. Coward. They knew it just as well as himself. How much courage could he hope to wield when the thought of standing before more Kindred filled him with dread?

"This poison will be easier to stomach the more you taste it." As he approached the doors to the Abbey he could not help but laugh at the words which had come from his lips. The laughter took him over for a moment, forcing him to stop with one hand on the heavy frame. His other was now firmly cupped over his mouth as he tried to force his amusement down. When he did finally enter through the doorway his body was still convulsing, as he stifled the chuckles trying to bubble forth.

He smoothed down his light brown hair and tried his best to look composed. Although not entirely poor, Elias paid little attention to certain aspects of style. Most of the clothing he wore was wrinkled as if he had slept in them and neglected to change. His overcoat was ruddy and stained. Even his boots were worn down and caked in dried mud. At the behest of the Keeper in attendance he stepped forward to make a formal introduction.

"Good evening, you may call me Elias Delcamp, yet many will know me as Ivan Betzner. They have told me I am of the Malkavian clan and I have come to find others that may confirm this." A look of disgusts contorted his face for but a moment as he thought back on the things said about his supposed bloodline. If all of it was true, what he was suffering would make some form of sense. This feeling that treachery was waiting around every corner, behind every gesture, it was exhausting. And the voices! They taunted him nightly, teasing him along this trail that supposedly led to the one who made him this way.

Finn watches Henry exit as Elias enters and announce himself,

"Speak the devils name and he shall appear, or is it, speak your wish and God shall provide? Either way,"

She stands and walks over to Elias, holding out her hand waiting for him to shake it,

"Sorry to bother you dear, but perhaps you could answer a question for me."

Enki gives a slight shrug "Well I have some things to attend to before we attempt this plan I will meet you all on the edge of town and then we can try diplomacy with the wolves, who knows maybe they will listen to reason."