1401 CE

Duccio slowly makes his way up the steps of the Abbey chuckling a little at the name with the events of last year once at the top he stops to habitually rub his bad leg before noticing the Crucifix still around his neck and storing hit beneath his robes. "Time seems to be flowing faster and faster recently." Duccio mutters before straightening up and make his way inside at a sedate pace.

Upon reaching the hall and seeing the Keeper Duccio smiles brightly, "My good fellow Torston Leonarduccio has arrived, and when you find a spare moment there is a small matter I wish to discuss with you in private."

The door swings open and Isaac enters through it. Another year into his new life, another year older, another year....wiser? His familiar friendly smile widens when he sees his friends have already started arriving.
" Duccio! How lovely to see you my friend! How are things with you and at the Oude Kirk my dear Deacon! And Torston! Always a pleasure!I hope the nights are finding you well!"

Godfrey sitting at a table with his legs crossed, and hands ; fingers intertwined and resting on his lap watching the people come in. He smiles warmly.

Duccio smiles at Issac and nods his head in acknowledgment, "Things are going well within my church at the very least although we cannot wait until the new church finishes construction to help ease the work load and make sure all those who wish can attend Mass. I do hope things are well with you as well, not getting yourself into too much trouble I pray?"

Duccio turns his attention back to the keeper his face getting a more serious light, "These thing do involve some Clan business so it might be best left for another place where the walls have fewer, or at the very least controlled, ears in the wall. I will say it does involve an individual who, I believe, thinks they are being far more subtle then they are."

At the sudden outburst from Gregor Duccio turns to look at the monstrous man, "It seems you have some deeply troubling matters dear Warden, if you require any assistance please let me know I might be able to be of some use."

"I have no skil at healing but I will go to help however I can."
Isaac runs out the door in an unseemly amount of haste following Henry

Godfrey sees enki lost in thought and then sits down. He makes his way over to enki and sits next to him.

'How fares your evening dear brother? And I haven't met your ghoul yet. Pray what do you call yourself?'

He directs his last question to the ghoul with a warm smile.

Godfrey looks her up and down.

'He has chosen well. You seem quite capable in handling yourself when need be. Maybe I should get one too.'

He turns back to enki

'I would love to hear the details sometime; in privacy of course. But must be difficult if you are lamenting over it like this. Can't say I remember the last time an experiment has perplexed you. Mayhap I can give insight.'

He leans back in his chair and crosses his legs and folds his on his legs.

A new year, a new century, a new city...it matters little, Aserymus supposes. The stones may change, the weather colder, but some things you could rely on. Like the people. The people were much the same, in one part of the world or another.

Still, formalities must be observed, and this would give him a chance to get a feel for this strange city on the water. People were easy enough to read. And what better way to overcome two obstacles at once?

Striding into the halls of this court, his golden breastplate clanking against the large, domed shield on his back, and his crested helmet turning only slightly so that he might take in the courtiers and attendants, he stops some 30 paces past the doors. In a deep voice, clearly and in thickly-accented Dutch, he lets fly his first social volley.

"I am Aserymus. Some call me the Lion of Tunis. Am I speaking to the Prince of this city?"

Regarding the court's Keeper for the briefest of moments longer, Aserymus simply nods before reaching upwards with both hands and removing his helmet, revealing a well-groomed and oiled beard and golden nose ring, as well as a jagged scar vertically crossing his left eye. Clutching the helmet in the crook of his arm, he casts his gaze about the other attendees, giving each a cursory appraisal before moving on.

Slowly moving to one side of the hall, he takes up a position where his back is to one solid wall, and awaits the arrival of the local Prince.

Taking her hand firmly but gently, as one would a revered mother, he touches his forehead to it for a moment, then returns to his full height. Experience has taught him to never underestimate anyone, but perhaps respect should be answered in kind. He was taught as much, anyhow.

As the elderly woman returns to her seat, he makes e mental note that it is often those with the least concern for posturing that achieve what others could not, that being making the first impression on a newcomer. Salubri were honourable by reputation at lest. And if she managed to maintain said honour to her advanced years, against the whims of a world that would see such ideals chipped away and forgotten? Respect indeed.

The smile diminishes from his face as he eyes the newcomer. He leans in to enki and says.

'I believe I havent met a brujah before. Martial would be an understatement. Also you are right; I could use a guardian during these times. If you could find me one like her I'd owe you a favour dear brother.'

He gets up and walks over to the imposing man in armor. He holds out a hand and smiles warmly.

'Good evening sir...the lion was it? My name is godfrey, the local historian. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaince. If you have a moment later I would definitely love to pick your knowledge for a book I am writing. And also have a task I need aid with. If its not too much trouble?'

The figure holding out his hand showed impeccable manners, and his dress was that of a scholar of sorts, Aserymus surmised.

Reaching out to him, he grips his hand about the man's forearm, as was the custom of his lands between friends and allies. It would be wise to make one or the other of him, if possible.

Meeting his gaze, he replies, "God Frey. Godfrey" as if testing out the foreign name to ensure he mastered it. "And 'The Lion' was the name I earned for...deeds at home. A formality. Aserymus will do. But it is a welcome thing indeed to meet one so learned. I would welcome the academic diversion, once matters with the Prince are concluded."

Pausing briefly before continuing, Aserymus takes another quick scan of the room, his eyes quickly darting from person to person before returning to Godfrey. "But as for the second matter, this task of yours...would I be right in assuming you approached me now because it begs someone of my skills?"

He shakes his hand as is accustomed to aserymus.

'Yes. As you can see the court is lacking in might and your skills would.definitely be helpful. But that is secondary to my ultimate goal. Learning and writing.'

He looks out at the crowd and puts his hands behi d his back and stands straight.

'hopefully the prince doesn't keep us too much longer. As i would very much love to get back to my studies and duties.'

Duccio Stretches slightly from the corner of the room he had taken a seat in once the commotion earlier had occurred waiting for the Prince to finally deign the court with her presence. Watching with interest and slight amusement Duccio attempted to take a measure of the new armoured individual before Enki's question distracted him "Ah yes Issac was here briefly but there seems to have been some altercation involving the man Kristophe Windt thus Issac, Henry, and Ilza went to heal and help him at Henry's chapel."

"I do not believe so, but they were in a rush so details were not given. As so many rushed off I did not see how helpful I could have been in that situation so I have been waiting on word to come back from them."

Regarding the latest member of the court to approach him, Aserymus is pauses a moment before answering. Before he can choose his words, he turns briefly to the latest woman to introduce herself. Quick, polite, but clearly needing to be elsewhere, he simply nods slightly and as she leaves again, he turns back to the figure still before him.

"I suspect my homeland is somewhat further south than you may have ventured then. Tunis is a large, prosperous city on the coast across the sea from your Franks and Italians. You may know the Kingdom, el-Maghrib el-Adna, though I have heard it called simply Ifriqiya by some, and the Hafsid Kingdom by others."

After a moment's pause, sizing up the man before him, he continues, "And my dress is not typical of the region. It is...from an older, nobler time. But I did not get your name. Who might I be addressing?"

The smell of thyme reaches the noses of those nearby as Gwynne enters the room and removes her hood. She freezes for a moment upon seeing the new arrival to the city, then briefly greets Torston before making her way to a seat near a window, avoiding the more crowded areas. Gwynne sits and looks out the window, seemingly content to keep her distance.

Upon hearing the name of his latest conversationalist, Aserymus stares past him for a moment, as if lost in thought.

"Tzimiscie. I...have heard of your Clan, though I have not had the privilege to meet one before now. Your reputation for creating fearsome beasts precede you. But the Elephants of my home...those are magnificent beasts that need no alteration, as they are the very embodiment of strength and power. No other creatures can touch them, once they are fully grown. To see such a creature able to stride anywhere it pleases with complete impunity is...to feel truly in awe of the wonders of the world."

Pausing as he thinks of home, not for the first time since arriving in this distant land, his eyes return to Enki. "Did you know we used to use them in war? Much before my time, but the legends told of them are almost unbelievable."

With the slightest hint of a smile, his broad shoulders shrug under the leopard cloak wrapped about them, and he says no more.

A man descends the stairs and approaches the gathered kindred.

"The Prince has set aside time to meet with anyone who desires."

He decreed, adding with an air of authority

"One. At a time."

Paying no attention to the reaction in the room, he turned and took up post at the bottom of the stairs, standing between the Prince's meeting room and the kindred.

Godfrey wanders over to auzilie and bows.

'I would see the prince'

Approaching the Prince's seneschal at the next opportunity, Aserymus ascends the stairs, helmet in arm, and bows respectfully.

"I would also seek an audience with the Prince." Leaving the sentence alone, he waits patiently to be addressed by the local Powers of the city.

Duccio quietly returns from his brief meeting with the Prince a look of deep contemplation on his face while making his way to a seat. Seemingly to finally take stock of the fact Henry had made it back Duccio looks up taking in the last few comments,

"Which area of the city in specific did this attack occur? As there are deeper roots to the occult in this city than one would think at first glance so it does open up more unorthodox suspects for such an attack. Also Gregor there is a matter I wish to discuss in regards to a possible violation of the Traditions and the possible need of some extra muscle in the near future."

Isaac enters just at the tail end of Gregor's statement. Beside him is a very handsome young fellow in peasants garb that looks like it is probably the nicest clothes the man owns. The newcomer smiles somewhat anxiously at the group. Isaac waves at Enki and Henry on his way in.
"That seems like a grand idea Warden. Some among us were already gathering to go hunting whatever or whoever attacked Kristophe so I am glad to see those of station in the city are as concerned as we were. That's actually why I took a bit longer to get here. I stopped to pick up Maurice here to accompany me and introduce him. He is a dear friend and a good man. I have made him my personal ghoul! While our kind can't enjoy his wares if any of your mortal retainers or friends want to try it i am told he makes delicious bread and will give you a very good price. Say hello to everyone my good man!"
Maurice steps forward with a bit more confidence. "Hullo you lordships and ladyships. I'm Maurice. Happy to be of service."
He steps back by Isaac.
"Anyone looking to work together on a venture into the sewers perhaps we can meet at Saint Roch's if that's OK with Henry? Some of us are already gathering there for such a purpose. I'm sure we will all want to change into our least favorite clothes first."

It is impossible not to hear the loud proclamation by the Warden, and to be saying it peaked the Brujah's interest would be a gross understatement. Events in this northern city moved with the speed of a sharp desert wind, it seemed, and Aserymus smiles upon his fortune. Touching his pendant of Tanit for a moment, he silently thanks his Lady for presenting him with such an opportunity.

Turning back to the Keeper(to use the local term), he says briefly, "My apologies to the Prince. It seems others have more dire need of me at present. I shall return in triumph for an audience."

Descending the steps to the gathering of Kindred in the main hall below, the golden-armoured warrior quickly makes his way to the newest guest at court, and focuses his attention on him, disregarding the smiling man beside him. Choosing his next words with precision, after a moment he speaks again.

"I am as yet somewhat unfamiliar with this city. But Tanit saw me here, and here I am clearly needed. Lead me to this house of your Saint Roch, and I will hunt down and slay whatever thing has attacked your companion."

A smile plays upon Aserymus' face at hearing Enki's words. Gripping his helmet in one hand and resting the other casually on his belt, he begins to follow the man towards the doors of the great hall.

"Excellent. It has been far too long since I've had a worthwhile diversion. Let us see what challenges this city has to offer."

As he strides towards the doors, he says quietly, to no one in particular,OOC:
Exit scene.

Isaac smiles at the newcomer and makes like...too much eye contact. Fucking extroverts man.
" Excellent! My name is Isaac and I am pleased to meet you! Follow Enki, Maurice, and I. We will lead you to the chapel where our friends are waiting. If anyone else wishes to join us come along!"

"Hmmm... With the use of a magical blade does eliminate a few possibilities defiantly not one of the Lupines or something more monstrous as most of them have no need for such tools. Could still be a rouge Kine hiding in the city or an exceedingly cleaver mortal as those mages seem to know their way around things. Do you know which part of town this was in, close to the docks, the Church, or the outskirts?"

Godfrey walks out from visiting the prince. He looks about and frowns.

'Seems like my meeting with the big Golden lions will have to wait. What have I missed dear brother?'

"Well that is a close enough information for my purposes Henry thank you. I sadly will not be of much use on the hunt for this perpetrator but I do have a lead, which likely is unrelated, but could prove fruitful nonetheless for the city." Duccio strokes his chin in thought for a moment formulating his plan of action for the near future before turning his attention towards Godfrey.

"Ah yes things are moving as fast as ever in this vibrant town, most have gone off towards Henry's chapel in attempts to track what ever attacked Kristophe. This outing also comes with the rewards of a boon from Warden Gergor plus the title of Champion and office of deputy to the city to whom ever brings Gregor the attacker dead or alive first."

"Looks like I should hurry off and get my preparations done as there seems much to do as always in this little town. If there is any need of me please send word by the Church." Duccio smiles and announces broadly to the few left in the room before making is way out as swiftly as his bad leg would take him.

Duccio awkwardly limps his way into the Abby carrying a medium sized latched metal box with the look of exhaustion but contentment on his face, "I need to meet with the Prince, in regards to our last meeting and having that matter settled finally."

Unusual to his normal appearance Duccio makes his way into the Abby in a worn black travelling cloak with a deep cowl hiding his face, plain simple garb underneath, and a large oak walking stick making him almost unrecognizable from his usual garb. Stopping in front of the Keeper and pulling the hood down Duccio smiles while producing a letter and handing it to the man, "An announcement From Warden Gregor, as well as I was wondering if you knew anything about this lovely Library within the city I have heard of. As a collector of knowledge it has piqued my interest."

Isaac walks in somewhat more shabbily dressed than normal and in his stocking with no shoes. There is a faint smell about him.
"Hello everyone. I came from the excursion to the sewers and I left my shoots outside as I did not wish to soil the floors here. We were able to save the worker who was taken though he nearly bled out. He is with Aserymus and Finn someplace. He was taken by two nosferatu who had fallen completely to their beasts and become feral animals. We fought these two and through teamwork, courage, and the martial skills of some of our number we were able to defeat and slay these poor lost souls. I believe Aserymus has their heads to present later. So they are no longer a threat though I don't think that solves all our problems. I was warned by the head librarian at the secret library that the old tunnels have always had problems and that they are dangerous as the natural laws of our world don't function there. We didn't venture too deep into the older sections of tunnels but Kristophe said the barrier between this world and the spirit world is thin down there and we were being watched by shades and spirits. We also encountered a group of guards led by an Inquisitor down there but Kristophe used a power to make the Inquisitor wander mindlessly off on his own whole Aserymus and Finn spun the guards a tale about a new form of leprosy so they were able to get out with the man we saved while the rest of us escaped through stealth. Of other concern is magic blades were used to assault Kristophe but these nosferatu had nothing but rags on them and didn't seem to have enough of their minds left to wield such blades anyway. So while we have fixed the immediate problem in the sewers there are still threats out there. At least everyone made it out ok except Abdul who was badly injured but should be OK quickly."

Duccio nods his head in appreciation at the announcement before turning to look at the shabbily looking Isaac taking in the tale with great interest. "Interesting indeed this city looks to be much more complex than originally thought. Isaac do you happen to remember or know the name of the Inquisitor? I have a feeling with the rising tensions and my position I may need to pay some visits to try and to shift focus away from this city. Also it seems I have put of visiting this library for too long."

"I didn't get his name but I can show you what he looked like. Hang on a second."
Isaac waves his hands in front of his face and.... he just seems less remarkable....he does it again and he looks.....sort of the same but for some reason it seems your mind tugs at you to ignore him.
"Hang on I got this. I got a good look at his face."
He tries once more and.......why is this person here again? Must be one of the staff.
"God in Heaven why is this so hard! I am certain I can do this!"
Frustration is evident on the staff member's face as he walks around a corner and suddenly you here "Aha! finally!"
Next thing you know an inquisitor walks around the corner. A moderately attractive man perhaps in his 30s.He is armed with both a sword and wooden stakes. "Don't be afraid! Its me Isaac! I did it....finally. This is what he looks like. I don't know if this will help you find the man Duccio but I hope it does. For everyone else be wary of this man."
He lets everyone get a good look at him.

Duccio nods his head to Enki as he arrives before rubbing the bridge of his nose at the antics on Isaac until the visage of the Inquisitor was reveled and Duccio approached and studied the man features closely. "Hmm... Well from sight I do not know this man but it will be good to be on guard in case he arrives at the Church before I have a chance to meet him. Thank you Isaac. Well a busy man's job is never done I shall be off and I am glad some of the issues haunting our nights have been resolved but these enchanted blades seem most troubling." the last part almost seems to trail off as Duccio gathers his cloak around himself and pulls his cowl to fully cover his face before making his way out of the Abby.

The inquisitor watches Duccio and Enki leave with a dramatic sneer on his face and his knuckles white on his sword hilt.
"Oh I'm sure we will meet again VAMPIRES."
Then the visage of the Inquisitor is gone and Isaac is back.
"Anyway drama aside I'm sure the man is quite dangerous and we don't know how much he knows. We should all be extra careful especially when feeding. I would think if those who hunt us are canny then any feeding opportunity that seems too easy could be a trap."

Gwynne, who previously seemed to be lost in her own thoughts while looking out the window, seems to snap out of it, and pays close attention to the words spoken / the guise adopted by Isaac, though makes no comment on the matter. She tilts her head curiously and raises an eyebrow at Isaac's acting, turning half towards the window again and putting a hand to her mouth to hide an amused smile.

Isaac notices Gwynn noticing him and approaches her ear the window.
"Hello Gwynne! How is your garden faring?"

Striding into the Court, the Tunisian continues until he reaches the approximate centre of the hall before stopping. Taking a moment to glance about the room, his gaze sliding over the other Cainites present, he then unfurls the cloth sack and unceremoniously dumps the two misshapen heads onto the floor, their gnarled, Nosferatu features rolling slightly before coming to a gridly stop a few feet away.

"It would seem you have a pest problem in your sewers." Looking down at the heads briefly, Aserymus corrects himself. "Or rather, had. It has been excised."

Gwynne turns and smiles at Isaac. "It fares well, thank you for asking. I'll make a nice little home of the place yet. And how are your... Err, whatever hobbies you have?" She finishes on a bit of a distracted note, looking across the room as the heads roll to a stop.

"Oh my hobbies are mostly academic. I love to read and research and read some more!"
Isaac points at the heads.
"Sometimes I help out in my small way with threats to the city though I wouldn't call that a hobby per se."

Pausing for a moment so that those gathered could have enough time to appreciate his words, Aserymus considered his approach briefly, then spoke again. "These two sad creatures had been reduced to their baser, feral states. Their behaviour suggested they had long-since lost their battle with the Beast. While they were able to do some harm to the people in the city, that threat is ended."

With just the slightest smile playing upon his lips, he takes a breath and presents the next piece of information. "However, there is more below. Deeper tunnels, strange magic, and I have it on good authority that there are older spirits that yet dwell below. I put it to you plainly; this city, and the people in it, will never truly be safe until the situation is dealt with. Or, if they be peaceful spirits, an accord with them can be reached."

Leaving the heads behind him on the floor of the Court, he speaks his final words, turning slightly to address all present. "If anyone is interested in making the city truly safe, I will be at the Schulenburg Estate. My services are quite reasonable."

With a quick bow and slight flourish of his cape, the Lion turns to exit the Abbey, leaving the Prince's court behind him.

Gwynne listens to Aserymus' speech before continuing her conversation with Isaac.

"Ah. Reading's a good hobby," she smiles, then her demeanor becomes more serious. "So you were along for this strike into the sewers then? That's twice that spirits were mentioned - what sort of spirits? Did any make themselves known, or was their presence discovered through another means?"

"I didn't see any spirits myself but Kristophe said there were quite a few spirits further down the tunnel just....watching us. He also said the barrier between our world and the spirit world was quite thin down there. From what I have been told of his clan I gather they are experts on such things. "

"Maybe Kristophe could send word to have others in his clan come assist? I'm wondering if the spirits themselves are not the problem but merely a symptom. They did nothing but watch us after all though we don't know if they would have continued so passively if we ventured further. The presence of spirits doesn't match up with the warning I received though as I find it likely the Head Librarian would have just said its ghosts if thats what was going on. Maybe Kristophe could try to communicate with the spirits to see if they know more?"

"Ah," Gwynne nods. "I do have... limited abilities when it comes to the spirits of animals and objects - do you remember when I convinced that lock to open for us? But those types of spirits are a completely different story, and I doubt I have any skills that will be useful for dealing with them."

"In your experience Kristophe are spirits willing to have a friendly conversation with canites?"

In walks this well coiffed man with a neat mustache, wearing a royal blue chemise with golden fleur-de-lis embroidery on it. He walks up to Isaac and hands him a letter. "Godfrey wishes to see you at that location." He then walks away. The letter says only one word. Library.

Isaac looks at the note and as the man leaves calls out "I must excuse myself everyone. I'm going to go get cleaned up and then apparently I have a meeting."

Gwynne hastily stands and makes her way out the door.

Duccio makes his way up from the basement with an annoyed expression upon his face before turning his attention to seeing Henry making his announcements a small smile spread across his lips. "Well done and congratulation on your appointment good Sir Henry, I wish you the best of luck and will gladly do my best in the position you have bestowed me." Duccio says gently applauding as he comes to a stop to one side of the hall.

A hacking choking sound fills the room from the direction of the princes study.

The door opens and out walks Giovanni Bellini. his head hanging low and a small but stead flow of blood dripping from the mouth of his iron face. Hissing loudly he turns his head tossing a small bit of blood onto the wall. Slowly limping towards the entrance door Giovanni reaches into his robes. Grabbing a leather strap by his left thigh he pulls. A large red stain moves through and across his robes.

"UNTIL OUR NEXT MEETING PRINCE!" His shrill voice echoing through the chamber Giovanni continues his walk to the entrance; a long red trail of fresh blood oozing from his leg. "I GO TO MY FLOCK"

Isaac appears in the doorway and looks at the newcomer with a confused look on his face as the man in the iron mask leaves and Isaac enters.
"What....was that all about and who was that?"

"That was about a madman, a good example of what happens when you follow faith down the road of madness. I would keep my eyes out for that one and be wary of him. As much as I would love to stay there are some pressing matters the require my attention I currently do not owe any Boons but am owed a few in return, but I will let them bring that forth." Duccio nods towards Isaac as he enters before directing the last of his words towards Henry before making his way from the court with more haste than usual.

"How much will he need to heal? If we can't find a mortal to safely give him some he is welcome to drink some of my blood and I will feed safely later."

"Uhhhhh I believe I am owed a trivial boon by Torston and a minor boon from the Prince. Since it seems we are announcing boons right now."
Isaac walks over to stand next to Enki.

Isaac's frown deepens" I know my visit is brief this time but I will return soon enough!"

Gwynne enters the room, dragging a delirious Delcamp along with her. "He needs blood," she says flatly, looking around at everyone gathered.

Duccio limps in not long after Gwynne looking rather disheveled in his noble apparel rather than his priestly garb and some blood stains under his cloak a look of extreme displeasure upon his face.

"It is good to see Ilza here Delcamp's major issues might come from poisoning as his physical wounds are not terrible. Also while I am not threatened by my wound and need to help in healing it I do wish for you to take a look and see if it matches the types of blades that had struck Kristophe. It seems we do indeed have an organized enemy lurking within the cities shadows slippery and hard to put down." Duccio growls out the last sentence while he takes his cloak off to expose a decent sized wound on his shoulder.

"Hmm... I don't know if he needs, err, actual -healing-, I think he just needs to drink some blood to, um, fix his hands." Having been pointed out, it's not hard to notice that Delcamp's hands are each covered in blood with a central puncture wound. "He, um, doesn't seem physically hurt, so much as... Well there were a lot of powerful herbs and things with him... Enough to kill a mortal, so he's a bit..." She trails off and looks at Delcamp, who has been wide eyed and mumbling in tongues under his breath the whole time. "Also, um, I know the Prince wanted to see him, so... I don't think that she would like that, if we took him away from here before she did."

Duccio bows to the Prince with a wince before grabbing a seat while shaking his head, "Well I am assuming you are talking about the madman in the mask, Gregor found him as untrustworthy but not a threat and released him. Gregor did say that he would talk to you and the Keeper to get that man Giovanni acknowledged, while he is a deeply disturbed individual as one of the Nosferatu he seem to know how to keep a low profile and not expose himself. Sadly due to him being a flagellant and deeply disturbed there did not seem to be a good way to pry information out of him without being useless or breaking his mind completely."

Gwynne nods and looks for Henry, who always seems to have paper and a writing utensil.

"Um, could I borrow your writing tools for a moment, Henry?"

With the loud clamp of heavy footsteps, and the telltale shifting of armoured plates, the Tunisian strides into the hall through the open doors, his expression set grimly and his breastplate splattered with blood. Stopping just short of the centre of the court, he removed his helmet and held it in the crook of his arm.

"Apologies for my late arrival. I wished to ensure no prying eyes were following us after our recent encounter. On that note..." Aserymus turns slightly, exposing his back to the other Cainites and displaying the dagger embedded in it, buried up to the hilt. "...would someone be so kind as to remove this. I seem unable to reach."

Gwynne quickly makes a list, then returns the remaining parchment, ink, and quill to Henry. "Thank you."

She then takes the list and brings it to the prince.

Abdul enters not long after Finn, wearing traveling clothes that were very much sea stained.
"Looks like I missed all the excitement, did you all have pleasant nights?"

"Always my dear, you just have to ask." Abdul smiled slightly, "What troubles you?"

Isaac enters and his face shows no sign of his customary smile. He looks concerned, worried, maybe even scared.
" I came to warn you all of even more inquisitors in our city. I saw one who seemed to be far more than the last. I got the feeling from him that while mortal he is a skilled warrior. "

Isaac closes his eyes as if trying to remember every detail.
"He was tall, well built, starting to go grey but still not old. He had a silver cane, silver cross necklace, an earring with a nice gem in it, other bits of jewelry. He was dressed in noble's garb except his boots seemed more functional than decorative. He smelled of garlic and oil. In one of his boots he had tucked a well crafted stake of some white wood. He had silver flasks on his belt with crosses on them. Most concerning of all he knows things. He knows about cainites, fae, something called garou. When he got outside he had two guards waiting with a carriage. One handed him his sword and draped wolf fur cloak around him which appeared like it may have been made of pelts of werewolves. Both guards were in full armor and armed to kill our kind. They had crossbows and half their bolts had wooden tips. They both wore chainmail around their necks. The hilts of everyone's swords and the handles on the carriage were made of a spiral pattern of two metals; silver and cold iron. This hunter was named Siegfried according to what I heard and he is a German noble. From what he told his guards he was disappointed he failed to find a mage that he could use so I don't know if they just want to kill mages like they want to kill us or if they want to do something....else with them."

"I've found Mortals are more likely to use a mage to kill us, then kill the mage after." Abdul said, turning from Finn, "Though this one seems much more equipped then inquisitor we saw in the sewers which is a cause for concern. We may of attracted the eyes of the more educated Catholics." He sighed, and rubbed his brow, "I'll consult my records when I return home, see if I can learn anything about this Siegfried. And Isaac my friend, "Garou" is another term for Lycan."

"Of course Finn, please make sure your sister is all right. And send my regards." Abdul made his way way towards Isaac, "Do you remember anything else my friend? Any markings or a Surname perhaps?"

" No surname was given to me unfortunately. I avoided interacting with the hunter and he did not notice me. Though here."
Isaac walks out and walks back in having changed himself to look like the person he is describing. You can almost smell the garlic tang in the air. He speaks, his voice lower and more measured.
" This is what he looks like. Warn everyone."

"Deus meus, this is the last thing we need. The Inquisitor previous was an delicate balance but was just sniffing around, but now we have a actual Hunter to deal with along with those hiding in the shadows... And I am guessing the Mages they are referring to will probably be that secretive library with the way they treat our kind and how deeply the roots of that place are hidden." Duccio sighs and crosses himself almost absent mindedly after his curse before rapping his cane upon the ground while talking and thinking.

"It seems that either people are not being ad careful as they should be in their actions and feedings or, and this would be much more troubling, someone has spread the news purposefully... Well that is if my worst fear is realized and this Siegfried is a true Hunter. It would be best for all of us to avoid contact as much as possible, as if he is they are often resistant to our gifts and wield power combined with a true and unshakable faith."

"He was a guest at Van Doorn Manor though he did not stay long. As soon as it became clear to him there was nothing other than mundane activities at the party he left in a huff."

"For all we know it was Mr. Delcamp, or this Hunter is just passing through on his way to Spain." Abdul rolled his shoulders, "Regardless we should do something. I am not too keen in waiting to be killed in my sleep."

"What can we do though? If we were to do anything violent to him wouldn't that just make more come to investigate? And wouldn't he know what to look for in terms of more subtle ways of moving him along? I'm going to take a look around the inns and church yards for that carriage soon as it is quite distinctive. But even if it is Delcamp who brought him down on us we should still be very careful."

Gwynne shivers reflexively at the mention of the hunter.

She turns to Kristophe as he approaches. "Well, we, um, didn't see much of them... they, um... they ambushed us and ran when we, um, fought back. It was dark and we didn't really get a good look, but they seemed human enough." She nods in the direction of Aserymus and the dagger recently pulled from his back. "That dagger might tell you more than any of us can. I was thinking of, um, maybe taking a look myself, actually."

"Gwynne you seem to be a skilled tracker. Did you obscure your trail after the fight and make sure they didn't follow you? I would hate to think what would happen if whoever it is discovered this place. Also it might be a good idea for those who have been attacked to be unseen as much as possible in public for a while."

Turning now to Isaac, Gwynne replies "I think it goes without saying that everyone is always very careful when approaching this place, Isaac. As Aserymus mentioned, we also kept an extra eye out to make sure we weren't being observed or followed on our way back." She pauses, considering. "That's a good point about being in public less, though I think that might be a good advice for everyone with a hunter around."

Isaac, who still looks like the hunter, sighs.
"I'm sorry Gwynne. You're right. I spoke out of fear there for a moment and I didn't mean to imply any of us are careless."

Gwynne smiles ruefully. "I know. Things are getting a bit crazy and I think we're all on edge a bit..." she furrows her brow a bit. "Errrr... speaking of which... you can probably drop that now," she says, gesturing to Isaac's false appearance.

"Oh right. I had forgotten."
Isaac's form returns to normal.
" So what can we do about the inquisiton? I assume if any of our kind had enough sway to simply stop it they would have by now. Is there any way to move the inquisitors along without them realizing thats what we are doing?"

Duccio shakes his head and sighs, "Yes we could not get a good look at them they were humanoid in shape but one was impaled into a wall by a spear and was able to be brought away, still appearing to be alive, afterwards speaks volumes of their physical resiliency. It also seem very unlikely that Mr. Delcamp's capture is directly linked with the Hunter as the Inquisition's interrogation methods differ greatly from what has happened to our poor Malkavian."

"Originally I was planning on trying to direct the Inquisitions eye towards the woods and the Lupines due to that ritual site in hopes that it would be a good target to sate their need of a target. Now it seems that this Hunter is here with tools specific for hunting our kind makes that plan less likely to succeed due to not meeting the expectations he has and only cement the idea of this cities 'corruption' in their minds. And while I do not like the idea of 'just waiting around' if we are not careful and the court is exposed then this city will become a target of an inescapable deep cleansing and burning. As for a way to lead them away without knowing the exact cause for Siegfried to journey here it will be hard to find a suitable bit of bait to lure him away outside of just hiding deeply in hopes he is impatient in his cause."

"Hmm..." Gwynne looks thoughtful. "Duccio's right, they did seem to take quite a lot of injuries before escaping." She taps her finger on a table idly, staring at nothing in particular, deep in thought. "But they weren't fey. They weren't werewolves. They weren't mages... But if they were ghosts or undead or something I wouldn't be able to detect that." She snaps back to the present, and looks towards Duccio. "Maybe this IS related to the hunter, just not in the way you think... Is it possible that they were vampires too? And maybe the hunter is here for them?" She looks back towards Kristophe. "Though I admit, I, um, really don't know anything about the various types of undead possible... Do you have any other ideas in case they're, um, something else?"

"If they were also cainites shouldn't they have announced themselves to the Prince and asked to be acknowledged when they arrived in town? Why would they be attacking us? I'm not trying to dismiss your idea Gwynne I think it was a good possibility to bring up given what has happened when you fought them I just don't understand what others of our kind would gain from this. Not understanding something yet doesn't make it not so.This could be very bad."

"There are those who shun tradition and act on their own. The current revolts in Spain are proof of that." Abdul sighs, "But it could very well be other vampires trying to indirectly attack one of us."

"Yes it seems that our extended longevity brings many Cainites into deep selflessness abandoning co-operation to achieve their own goals... Not to mention our Prince is not without enemies, maybe even another court has grown offended and sends agents to disrupt in order to expand their own influence, we may have changed but our human tendencies of greed are still there. Although if it does turn out to be other Cainites not part of this city it could prove the distraction needed the throw this Siegfried off of our trail if we could point him in that direction." Duccio slowly rises from his seat before slowly moving towards the exit.

"There is much to be done, if anyone can find any information about those running around in the shadows please let me know but be cautious as my domain is the Church so members of the Inquisition will often be around. Also the word Leviathan was left behind in a pile of burned documents, might prove a good point of investigation for those who have the time."

" I should go continue warning folks. Warn everyone you can."

Gwynne approaches Kristophe and the dagger. "Um, can I take a look, to see if I can get anything else from it, just in case, if that's alright?" She takes the dagger (if offered) and concentrates a moment. "Hm. I can't get anything else. Maybe they didn't have a strong connection with it though, and it was just a dagger." She offers the dagger up to whoever wants it.

Standing off to the side after the Prince's words, the discussions of the other Cainites begin to fade away into a dull murmur. Gwynne and Kristophe attempting to divine answers from the dagger, Henry and Prince Auzilie doing their polite linguistic dance, all of it melted into a cacophonous soup that filled the hall with its din. Others likewise surely had their own thoughts and discussions and all of it was entirely unimportant. Politics and bureaucracy and the maneuverings so common amongst their kind, and none of them seemed to recognise that there was a time for words, and a time for action. Words had passed.

"No." The single word was spoken in an even tone, but few seemed to hear it. They did not have his attention.

"NO." Louder this time, that he might force them to hear. Still, the impact did not command the hall. No more half measures. No more polite dance.

"NO!" His voice echoes throughout the hall like a peal of thunder, and the look on his face is as dark as the storm that follows. "The very Inquisition, the Hounds of the Church walk freely on your doorstep and all would do is ponder their motives? Let me settle that debate for you. The Church has burned cities and the people in them, good and evil alike, and it would happily do so again just to be named the King of the Ashes. If the Inquisition is here, it is not for relaxation."

The warrior's eyes played over the assembled Kindred, as much for effect as to ensure all would feel the weight of his words.

"They are here to conduct the war for their God. And I will not stand idle while pieces are moved, and lines are drawn."

Seeking out one particular figure in red armour, The Lion of Tunis took long, measured strides towards the throne before stopping abruptly and fixing her with a stare. "Prince Auzilie Birkenfeld, I would...politely demand a moment of your time. A war in shadows is upon the court, and you have few capable of tackling this threat. You need a Boetharch, or in Latin a Strategos." He paused, briefly to allow his words the weight they required.

"I move to elect a Master of War."

Abdul looks up at the familiar sound of Aserymus' booming voice, letting the impact of his statement sink in.
"I agree with you my friend. The Church saw my country men and clan mates slaughtered en mass by their foolish ideals of retaking their ' Holy Land'." Abdul pauses for a moment. "I agree we require someone to lead us to war, someone who has experience in this life of their past one. Any volunteers?"

"My Henry, I didn't know you to be a man of strategy, but that's a tremendous idea. The only real question is how do we arrange such an encounter?" Abdul seemed impressed, "I doubt any of us are cable of that level of savagery."

The iron mask turns slowly towards enki. A rumbling low voice seeps from Giovanni.

"Good enki, I am but..." a wracking cough erupts and subsides "a humble priest. Not a mighty nosforatu like the brave one here. I do not hide from the gifts and light of lord Christ." His voice getting higher and more shrill Giovanni points to Gregor and shrieks "YOURE TRADITIONS HAVE FAILED YOU, HERETIC!"

Turning his back to Gregor Giovanni sits on both knees and awaits the prince. His tattered and bloody back seeping vitea to the floor behind him.

Abdul watches the exchange between the Nosferatu shaking his head. "I volunteer your Grace. And should duties of the clan not call hin away Im sure Karim will join in any action as well."

Isaac enters the elysium quietly and does a double take seeing the Prince armed and armored.
"Hello everyone. Sorry I was gone for a while I had to warn more people and it took a while. Did I miss anything important?"

"Isaac!" Gwynne waves a greeting, "We're planning to redirect the Inquisition to the wolves in the woods! Though, that still doesn't help with the potential vampires running around the city... hmm..."

She turns to the rest of the group. "I'm not sure what the plan is, or, um, who's making it... but if I can help with any scouting, tracking, um... even action, I uh... I could help with that too."

"Oh....uh....we might not need to direct the inquisiton at the wolves....I may have sort of already directed the wolves at the inquisition. I figured with Siegfried's cloak made of lupine pelts and him clearly knowing how to hunt them they should know the inquisiton is hunting them. I figured maybe us warning them might help relations and maintain out truce in the long run. When I told them about Siegfried they recognized him by name and said this time they will hunt him."

"If it pleases Your Highness I would gladly lend my.own expertise to any endeavour that brings stability." Absul said with a low bow.

Spinning his knees Giovanni crawls towards Henry, grabbing his pant leg Giovanni hisses.

"Let it be known lord cherub, *screeching his voice cracks* YOU HAVE MY DISAPPROVAL!"

Softly Giovanni moans. "I am a tool of the lord Christ, not of you. Giovanni will render unto Caesar his help, as he has offered"