[i:8d44984ba8]"I would suggest we make preparations in case we are attacked again,"[/i:8d44984ba8] Wren said, looking around and taking note of the fact that the damage was minimal. [i:8d44984ba8]"That's the most intelligent suggestion I've heard anyone voice, so far, Wren,"[/i:8d44984ba8] Cyrilynn said mirthlessly.

[i:8d44984ba8]What we really need,"[/i:8d44984ba8] Wren said, momentarily ignoring the words of praise, [i:8d44984ba8]"Would be flare guns, they burn bright and hot, and it looks like these bastards are even more susceptible to fire than we are."[/i:8d44984ba8]

Cyrilynn suddenly fixed Wren with a stare, [i:8d44984ba8]"Thats easy enough, the freighters have loads of them... but I'll need company, carrying so many back won't be easy, and those spectres travel in numbers,"[/i:8d44984ba8] she said, causing Wren to nod.

[i:8d44984ba8]"It is my idea, I'll go with you,"[/i:8d44984ba8] Wren said, then turned to Gabriel, [i:8d44984ba8]"Gabriel, please tell Julius that Cyrilynn and I are headed out, I highly doubt we have any considerable amount of time to waste on niceties at the moment."[/i:8d44984ba8]

[i:8d44984ba8]"Won't you need some help carrying all those flares?"[/i:8d44984ba8] Gabriel said to Wren, only to be rebuffed by a shake of the Brujah's head. [i:8d44984ba8]"No, I won't leave the settlement with only a few defenders in my absence, besides, I'm a lot stronger than I look; I'll just drag a cart,"[/i:8d44984ba8] he said with a gesture towards one of the remaining pieces of equipment.

[i:8d44984ba8]"Oh, and by the way, Kathy and Cyrilynn, thank you for coming to help us,"[/i:8d44984ba8] he said, even as he headed to the cart, lifted it's end, and started heading out, with Cyrilynn in the lead.

[b:8d44984ba8][i:8d44984ba8]A few hours later[/i:8d44984ba8][/b:8d44984ba8]

Wren and Cyrilynn practically dashed back into the village, the cart in tow, a pile of flares and flare guns loaded onto it. [i:8d44984ba8]"That was a little too easy,"[/i:8d44984ba8] Wren said, looking over at Cyrilynn.

[i:8d44984ba8]"You just can't stand it when you don't have to work at something, can you?"[/i:8d44984ba8] Cyrilynn retorted, wondering, not for the first time, about Wren's sanity. [i:8d44984ba8]"If things get too easy, you take them for granted."[/i:8d44984ba8] Wren replied matter of factly.

She found Julius, alone, watching the horizon, hours after the fight was over. Stepping up next to him, she began her own sentry duty by checking their immediate surroundings. They stood there in companionable silence for several more minutes, a slight breeze ruffling strands of hair.

[i:b15e3f437e]"Master?"[/i:b15e3f437e] She broked the calm first because she knew the mage wouldn't.

[i:b15e3f437e]"Yes, Cyrilynn."[/i:b15e3f437e] The reply was non-committal.

[i:b15e3f437e]"I failed you and dishonored my name."[/i:b15e3f437e] She stared straight ahead, wanting to hang her head in shame.

He turned his enough to glance at her side-long. [i:b15e3f437e]"I know."[/i:b15e3f437e] came the unexpected reply, then he returned to the horizon, [i:b15e3f437e]"But it was something you couldn't help. Rotschrek gets us all at one point or another, it's the nature of the Cainite. Don't beat yourself up over it, my dear, I need you focused for what lies ahead."[/i:b15e3f437e]

Cyrilynn inclined her head in the mage's direction, [i:b15e3f437e]"As you wish, Julius."[/i:b15e3f437e] More time ticked by before she felt the need to speak again, [i:b15e3f437e]"He warned me this would happen. Toisol did. He said I'd pay a price for his help in Greece, in becoming a python."[/i:b15e3f437e] She resisted the urge to toe her foot in the lackluster soil, like a naughty child.

Julius glanced at her again, [i:b15e3f437e]"Did he?"[/i:b15e3f437e] He quirked an eyebrow. This was the first time he'd heard tell of this, but the full story would have to wait until later. When he had the time. [i:b15e3f437e]"Well, then, you paid your debt... [b:b15e3f437e]in spades![/b:b15e3f437e]"[/i:b15e3f437e] The heat of his statement caught her off guard and she whipped around to stare into his eyes.

[i:b15e3f437e]"I know what a burden I laid on you, Lady Cyrilynn, all those years ago. [b:b15e3f437e]But_I_had_no_choice![/b:b15e3f437e] Not if anyone was going to survive."[/i:b15e3f437e] His tones shook with supressed anguish and rage but he didn't allow it mastery. Instead, he swallowed it back into that all-knowing-master-magus facade of his, then took a deep breath. [i:b15e3f437e]"What we face, now, is bigger than anyone of us. Either we will win, or we will fail, in other words, no more chances."[/i:b15e3f437e]

Given new insight into the mind of her domitor, Cyrilynn slowly sank down into a lotus position, not even seeing the skyline she'd resumed scanning, chewing over what he'd said. The Tremere broke into her musings, [i:b15e3f437e]"I'm well aware of your deepest wish, Tzimisce, and you've more than earned it."[/i:b15e3f437e]

[i:b15e3f437e]"What!!??"[/i:b15e3f437e] He grinned at the astounded look on her face, [i:b15e3f437e]"You think I was totally deaf, blind and dumb, all those years?"[/i:b15e3f437e] He shook his head and the smile faded. [i:b15e3f437e]"No, your pleas seeped into my bones with each blood tear that you shed over my body. Sometimes, I even believe that's what kept me going. That and my unfinished business."[/i:b15e3f437e] Now a grimness had settled onto his countenance.

The Tremere sighed, [i:b15e3f437e]"I can't give you want you want, right now. But you will have it, once this business is over with. Give me everything you have in you, Cyrilynn, and I will let you have the rest you seek. However,"[/i:b15e3f437e] he shook a finger at her, mock playfully, [i:b15e3f437e]"no more delusional episodes!"[/i:b15e3f437e] Then he did something really strange, to Cyrilynn's further astonishment. He leaned down and flicked the tip of her nose, chuckled at her expression and walked away!!

((i dislike cluttering threads with lots of OOC chatter, but i wanted to mention that i apologize for any liberties i took with characters. i unfortunately had to post that segment before the storyline could progress, so i wasn't able to wait for input or allow others to post. :/

anyway, if anything was out of line or a poor representation, i'm sorry.

[i:aa98f2912f]"So now we can be fairly sure that the outriders are manifestations of the souls of lost kindred. I guess that explains why they share the sensitivity to fire and light that we do."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Julius pursed his lips for a moment in thought, looking around at the impromptu war council. All the kindred of any age were present, along with Zeki and Karli, representing the interests of the mortal residents.

[i:aa98f2912f]"During the attack, I was far from inactive. I studied these outriders and next time they come, I will be able to defend Enoch by magical means. Further, I will be able to add enchantments to blades so they will become effective against these malign spirits."[/i:aa98f2912f]

General murmurs of relief came from around the table, however Julius held his hand up for silence, before continuing.

[i:aa98f2912f]"This is only a temporary solution, however. We don't know how many outriders there are and it is quite clear they are aligned, or possibly controlled, by the enemy. I cannot be in several places at once. I must remain here, to defend this enclave of civilisation. Accordingly, unless ..."[/i:aa98f2912f] Julius paused. [i:aa98f2912f]" ... No, the conflict is inevitable ... [b:aa98f2912f]until[/b:aa98f2912f] we face the enemy in person, the fighting will fall upon your shoulders. The only comfort I can give is the guarantee of a place of safety to which you can retreat.[/i:aa98f2912f]

Nobody noticed the door opening, then closing and a solid wooden bar being placed across it.

[i:aa98f2912f]"And I fear we already have a problem."[/i:aa98f2912f] Continued Julius. [i:aa98f2912f]"I've heard Eveshka's tale of her journey south to Enoch."[/i:aa98f2912f] Almost unconsciously he reached out his hand to take hers. [i:aa98f2912f]"They were constantly plagued by Outriders and now the Outriders have come here. Finding an answer to this is our first task. Granted this is no longer such a small place, but how do these spirits know where to look?"[/i:aa98f2912f]

[i:aa98f2912f]"Probably because of the spies."[/i:aa98f2912f] Came a voice. A voice, it was clear, to all who heard it, that had been the inspiration for every stereotyped voice for witches, hags and all manner of strange old women. A voice which played on everyone's primal fears. Julius froze in his seat, squeezing Eve's hand tightly, for he alone had heard the voice before.

[i:aa98f2912f]"Little Grandmother."[/i:aa98f2912f] Said Julius simply. [i:aa98f2912f]"Show yourself."[/i:aa98f2912f]

A cackle came from the empty air. [i:aa98f2912f]"These little ones would die of fright if I appeared in my true form, Wizard... Or perhaps you begin to tire of that sculpture you still cling to and are ready for a woman with experience."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Julius shuddered and pulled a face. Eve, peered into the empty space with her auspex and visibly blanched. [i:aa98f2912f]"What the fuck is that?"[/i:aa98f2912f] She asked.

Another cackling laugh and the form of a small girl appeared in the room, blonde hair in pigtails with pink ribbons, wearing a matching gingham dress and clutching a posy of wild flowers. The hideous voice didn't change though. [i:aa98f2912f]"I'm one of the oldest of us all, childe, don't you recognise me."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Julius looked uncertain. Whilst this creature had never done him any harm and in fact been extremely helpful, there had been a price to pay. [i:aa98f2912f]"This is Baba Yaga, one of the eldest of the Nosferatu."[/i:aa98f2912f]

The little girl shook her head. [i:aa98f2912f]"No Wizard, I am [b:aa98f2912f]the[/b:aa98f2912f] eldest of the Nosferatu. All of that bloodline are my descendants."[/i:aa98f2912f]

[i:aa98f2912f]"Bloodline?"[/i:aa98f2912f] Cut in Wren. [i:aa98f2912f]"Not clan? What of Absimilliard?"[/i:aa98f2912f]

[i:aa98f2912f]"What you think of as Clan Nosferatu are my progeny."[/i:aa98f2912f] Baba Yaga explained. [i:aa98f2912f]"My Sire bound all his childe to him, like pawns. I broke free and created my bloodline, progeny free of their Grandsire's control. The true clan was never widely known of, outside the Nosferatu. They are named the Nicktuku and it is they who have been spying upon you. Even now, one sits here, listening to this council."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Julius narrowed his eyes and spoke a couple of words in latin. A creature appeared from out of nowhere, sitting on the table in front of Gabriel. Baba Yaga threw her flowers at him, which became a wooden stake in mid-air, pinning the unfortunate into torpor.

[i:aa98f2912f]"Of the thirteen clan elders,"[/i:aa98f2912f] continued Baba Yaga as if nothing had happened, [i:aa98f2912f]"two remain. Absimilliard and Troile. Both have thrown in their lot with your enemy and both must be destroyed before you can face her. Without them at her side, you might, maybe, stand a chance."[/i:aa98f2912f]

[i:aa98f2912f]"You know who the enemy is, don't you?"[/i:aa98f2912f] Surmised Julius.

[i:aa98f2912f]"Indeed I do, ancient one. We Nosferatu are used to surviving on vermin and lesser bloods, so we are not so diminished as the other clans. I too have spies, spies which will doubtless prove invaluable to you in the coming days."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Baba Yaga seemed to take a deep breath. [i:aa98f2912f]"The enemy you face, Julius Darrant, is the wife of Adam, the first mage, the Dark Mother. Some say she is the consort of Samael, who is called Lucifer. In India she is Kali, goddess of war and vengeance. In Africa she is Yemaya, goddess of magic and the dead. In the East she is the Scarlet Empress. She taught Caine himself how to use the blood to create disciplines. In the Book of Nod, she is named simply, as Lilith."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Baba Yaga waited a moment for the revelation to sink in. Around the table, shuffling feet and dark haunted expressions dominated.

[i:aa98f2912f]"You must remain here, Wizard and defend this place. These others must hunt down and destroy both of these antediluvians and they will need all the help they can get, so for a start you had better do something about that useless excuse for a Ventrue who is lying with a stake through his heart."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Julius shook his head. [i:aa98f2912f]"Without the resources of a Tremere library, I don't know what I can do. His affliction is one of the blood."[/i:aa98f2912f]

The little girl nodded. [i:aa98f2912f]"Which is why I took this from you. One of the better things about being able to read the future is it allows preparation. Now I return what I took. You're going to need it."[/i:aa98f2912f]

Baba Yaga held out her hand and a skull appeared, which she placed in front of Julius. [i:aa98f2912f]"There. I kept it safe for you. Now ... I'm sure you have much to talk about ..."[/i:aa98f2912f]

The little girl bowed somewhat formally to Julius. [i:aa98f2912f]"Most Ancient One. My abilities to read the future end at this meeting, I can see no further. Fate and predetermined destiny, which you so hate, are ended and the final battles await us. I and my progeny commit to your cause. I shall remain here in the first city. Until you call for me."[/i:aa98f2912f] The girl began to fade from view. [i:aa98f2912f]"I leave you to your councils."[/i:aa98f2912f]

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"I'll hunt Troile,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] Wren said softly, causing every kindred in the room to suddenly stare at him open mouthed. [i:6a9ef6b00b]"As I recall, Troile is the Brujah antedeluvian. I'm a Brujah, though I'm loathe to admit it. Seems right that I should be the one to handle him."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"Are you out of your fucking mind?"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] Poe, Cyrilynn, and Gabriel all said at once, though Julius shook his head. [i:6a9ef6b00b]"He isn't precisely insane. Wren isn't exactly unprepared for a fight with an antedeluvian, though I'd suspect he has other motives than just whats right and wrong,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] he put in, looking fixedly at Wren.

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"You must be joking, right? Hunting an Antedeluvian alone? Especially his own progenitor?"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] Gabriel said, crossing his arms, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"Thats nothing short of suicidal."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"No, as stupid as Wren is for trying this, I have to agree with Julius,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] Cyrilynn suddenly piped up, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"You might not believe it, but underneath that polite exterior, Wren is savage and completely reckless. The same miracle by which he has survived over a millenia may prove to be his saving grace."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

Wren finally sighed, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"Stop talking about me like I'm not here, and listen."[/i:6a9ef6b00b] he said, his eyes suddenly blazing. [i:6a9ef6b00b]"I'll kill Troile, no matter what the personal cost. Suicide? Doesn't matter, I'm already dead anyhow, so I've nothing to lose."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

Finally he shook his head and stood, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"No matter though, Julius, to you I apologize. I was wrong to blame you for Haven and Cassie dying. To the rest of you, to any who would stop me, I suggest only that you stay out of my way; I owe you nothing, and I go my own way."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"Finally, you say something worth a flying fuck,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] Poe said with a laugh, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"I'll even go with you, even if it is just to clean up your mess."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"Yeah? Fine then; I won't try to stop you there, I'll even welcome the company. But that means we go as soon as we're ready. We have one shot at this... all of you gentlemen, so try to not screw it up."[/i:6a9ef6b00b]

Wren suddenly smiled, [i:6a9ef6b00b]"Oh yeah, I have a present for you folks,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] and picked up a large bag. [i:6a9ef6b00b]"Magnesium and tar in glass bottles, the magnesium will burn hot, ignite the tar. Tar will burn a long time, real nasty molotov, so make sure you use them,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] he said and started handing out bags of the dangerous concoctions, including one to Poe.

[i:6a9ef6b00b]"I've also got flare guns waiting outside, use them when you need to heat things up a bit. Should hurt the spectres too,"[/i:6a9ef6b00b] he said with a nod at Cyrilynn's self satisfied smirk.

Conversation and debate had proceeded in circular arguments with no clear consensus being reached. It appeared likely that Absimiliard would be the trickier customer, whilst Troile would be more of a straight fight. In the end Julius with a heavy heart had simply made the decisions for everyone. Wren and Poe would seek out Troile, whilst Gabriel and Cyrilynn would seek Absimiliard, accompanied by Tromador, if Julius could heal him. Julius and Eveshka would remain and defend Enoch. Finally, no-one would be going anywhere, until Julius had time to equip them with whatever magical assistance he could create. The council broke up, each going their own way to begin preparations, leaving Julius and Eveshka alone.

[i:d76b3fac66]"Lilith. Fuck."[/i:d76b3fac66] Said Eveshka with her characteristic understatement.

Julius simply nodded, his hand still holding hers, as if the touch of his soul mate were all that kept him from despair.

[i:d76b3fac66]"And Troile and Absimiliard. Fuck, fuck, fuck."[/i:d76b3fac66] She continued.

Julius looked at her for a moment, then unceremoniously drew her to him, roughly crushing his mouth to hers. At another time, she might have protested such mishandling, but not now. Events had conspired for too long to prevent their closeness and they both had great need of each other.

[i:d76b3fac66]"Here on the council table?"[/i:d76b3fac66] Eve barely managed to chuckle out. [i:d76b3fac66]"And what about him?"[/i:d76b3fac66] She glanced askance at the horrid form of the Nicktuku still laying motionless with a stake through his heart - but by then Julius' hands were on her body and she gladly surrendered to the desires of her flesh.

It was a time later, when Eveshka asked the question. [i:d76b3fac66]"Can you do anything for Tromador?"[/i:d76b3fac66]

Julius shrugged and reached out to tap his skull. [i:d76b3fac66]"Online."[/i:d76b3fac66] The familiar voice spoke in the leaden tones of the dead.

[i:d76b3fac66]"List available archives."[/i:d76b3fac66] Instructed Julius.

[i:d76b3fac66]"Code of Hermes, including Peripheral Code and Grand Tribunal precedents.
Articles of the Provencal Tribunal.
Articles of the Normandy Tribunal."[/i:d76b3fac66]

[i:d76b3fac66]"Stop, skip all references to Hermetic law and Tribunal archives."[/i:d76b3fac66] Instructed Julius.

[i:d76b3fac66]"Searching...
Library of Darrant Manor
Library of House du Hexe."[/i:d76b3fac66]

Julius tapped the skull again.

[i:d76b3fac66]"Closing down. It is now safe to turn off your skull."[/i:d76b3fac66] Intoned the magical archive.

Julius snorted. [i:d76b3fac66]"So she managed to cram it full of useful information, but left that stupid signoff. Yes. If the library of the mother house in Vienna is intact and present inside my skull, I should be able to find something to help me restore Tromador."[/i:d76b3fac66]

[i:d76b3fac66]"Good. Now lets go somewhere more comfortable and get some rest."[/i:d76b3fac66] Said Eve, nipping at his neck just enough to draw blood, which she lapped up with sensual strokes of her tongue. [i:d76b3fac66]"Or not..."[/i:d76b3fac66] She continued, her eyes flashing.

By the following day, as well as any time could be marked, Julius had made preparations for his Tremere ritual. A small room had been set aside, and laid out in a manner not dissimilar to his old ritual room at the manor house in York.

A magic circle had been drawn on the floor and mystic blue flames rose at the cardinal points of a pentagram. A table had been set up, upon which the skull sat, between two candles. A small brazier sat in one corner and against a wall shelves containing flasks, knives and other paraphenalia such as might be required in the working of blood rituals.

In the centre of the circle, Tromador had been laid out, wood still firmly implanted in his heart. Staring at the body were Julius and Gabriel.

[i:db2039e228]"A bad business."[/i:db2039e228] Observed Gabriel. [i:db2039e228]"He was once among the greatest of my clan. Justicar for a time. The financial centre of the City of London ran at his whim. That I should finally meet him only now, when he has fallen so far. A bad, bad business."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"And yet ..."[/i:db2039e228] Answered Julius. [i:db2039e228]"Despite the madness, he was able to achieve Golconda, so I am told. Great strength lies within him, he will need it, if we are to be successful."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"We?"[/i:db2039e228] Gabriel replied.

Julius smiled. [i:db2039e228]"Gabe, this is all about cleansing the blood. What flows in his veins is some mishmash of Ventrue and Malkavian influences. We must restore the balance, remove Malkav from his blood and therefore his mind. To do this, I must have the blood of another Ventrue to compare. That means you, old friend."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"But, my blood is ..."[/i:db2039e228] Gabriel began.

[i:db2039e228]"No time to waste!"[/i:db2039e228] Interrupted Julius handing him a flask and a sharp knife. [i:db2039e228]"I'll need about half a pint."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabe looked at the flask and knife.

[i:db2039e228]"Please."[/i:db2039e228] Added Julius, remembering his manners.

Gabe shook his head and shrugged, making an incision in his wrist and draining a little of his own precious vitae into the flask. As he licked the wound to seal it, he could see Julius finishing a similar task on the prone body of Tromador.

[i:db2039e228]"What next?"[/i:db2039e228] Asked Gabriel.

[i:db2039e228]"Analysis."[/i:db2039e228] Said Julius, tapping the skull.

[i:db2039e228]"Online."[/i:db2039e228] Said the skull, an eerie glow appearing in each empty eye socket.

[i:db2039e228]"Prepare to analyse samples."[/i:db2039e228] Instructed the wizard.

[i:db2039e228]"Ready, please submit sample for analysis."[/i:db2039e228] Said the skull, managing to sound like a grave being dug.

Gabriel shuddered. He trusted Julius, of course, but talking skulls and bloodletting and bizarre Tremere rituals gave him the heebie jeebies. He took a moment to compose himself. If Julius noticed, he had the decency not to mention it, but instead handed him the flask of Trom's blood.

[i:db2039e228]"If you will, please pour a little of Tromador's blood into the brazier. Take care not to spill any and under no circumstances allow any of it to pass your lips."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel nodded, as if he needed telling. One insane Ventrue was enough in these times. He stepped to the brazier and poured a little into the fire.

[i:db2039e228]"Inconclusive."[/i:db2039e228] Intoned the Skull. [i:db2039e228]"Sample exhibits elements of Malkavian and Ventrue blood types."[/i:db2039e228]

Julius nodded, this was much as he had expected. [i:db2039e228]"Now some of yours, please Gabe."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel duly poured.

[i:db2039e228]"Ventrue."[/i:db2039e228] Announced the skull firmly. [i:db2039e228]"Perfect."[/i:db2039e228] Said Julius.

[i:db2039e228]"With Gangrel influences."[/i:db2039e228] The skull reported, after a moment.

Julius looked at Gabriel with a raised eyebrow.

[i:db2039e228]"That's what I was trying to tell you. Poe."[/i:db2039e228] He said, looking slightly sheepish.

Julius nodded and thought for a moment. [i:db2039e228]"I think we can work around it."[/i:db2039e228] He said, before again addressing the skull. [i:db2039e228]"Correlate common elements of previous two samples and provide analysis."[/i:db2039e228]

The skull seemed to consider this for a moment. [i:db2039e228]"Ventrue."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"So ... we ideally need to ... "[/i:db2039e228] Julius voice lowered into a mutter as ran through various options. Gabriel waited patiently. What else could he do?

[i:db2039e228]"AHA!"[/i:db2039e228] Said Julius finally. [i:db2039e228]"Please mix the two flasks together."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel did as Julius asked, swirling the thick liquid so that the two samples intermingled.

[i:db2039e228]"Excellent. Now prepare to throw the whole lot, flask and all, into the brazier when I tell you."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel stood next to the flames. A younger kindred might have blanched at the heat, but Gabe was made of sterner stuff and made ready.

Julius spoke to the skull in Latin, the glow from it's eyes increased and the seeming of an ancient book appeared on the table in front of it. Julius flicked through and eventually began chanting again. If it was Latin Gabriel had no clue, the words seemed strange and distant, otherworldly. Finally Julius nodded and pointed at the flask. Gabriel dropped it and the flames from the brazier shot up toward the ceiling for a moment.

[i:db2039e228]"So,"[/i:db2039e228] Said Julius, holding a flask full of vitae. [i:db2039e228]"Here we have the genuine article. Pure Ventrue blood, a combination of yours and his."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"And that will cure him?"[/i:db2039e228] Gabriel asked.

Julius nodded. [i:db2039e228]"It has been enchanted to reject any vitae not of it's own kind. We must feed it to him. The Malkavian portion of his blood will be discharged, we should try to collect it, if we can."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel pulled a face. [i:db2039e228]"For why?"[/i:db2039e228] He asked.

Julius looked solemnly at Gabriel. [i:db2039e228]"Because, for all we know, that vitae is the last of Clan Malkavian. They had a special wisdom, we might need it again one day. Furthermore, I do not wish to be responsible for the destruction of an entire clan."[/i:db2039e228]

Gabriel nodded slowly. [i:db2039e228]"Then, I'll hold him and you get that into his mouth."[/i:db2039e228]

[i:db2039e228]"Aye."[/i:db2039e228] Said Julius.

Making an insane Venkavian take his medicine is a bit like [url=http://www.camworld.com/misc/cat.txt]making a cat take a pill[/url] only much worse, yet between them eventually Gabriel and Julius were supporting the shaking form of Tromador as he vomited Malkavian vitae into a large flask Julius had found for the purpose. After a while, the vomiting stopped and Tromador simply sat, shaking.

[i:db2039e228]"Is he ok?"[/i:db2039e228] Asked Gabriel.

Julius shook his head. [i:db2039e228]"Time will tell, I guess. He should get some rest."[/i:db2039e228]

The magus looked at Tromador, then clicked his fingers. [i:db2039e228]"Sleep now."[/i:db2039e228]

Tromador fell back, as if in great relief, passing into unconsciousness.

After centuries of an endless sea of noise, constant unrelenting murmurings of uncountable voices, ever present, never ending, awakening to a total and profound silence, would be enough to drive most to insanity.

George's eyes opened, to a darkened room and a total absence of sound ... and panicked. The voices, he had loathed and detested as his great shame, yet it was the voices which had kept him sane in his insanity during the endless solitary years of loneliness. Now, once again, he was alone in a dark room, without even the hated M, P & A for company. Panic led to frenzy, as he summoned his beast for company, something to cling to, to not be alone.

His howling echoed around the village, causing the mortals and younger kindred to hide in fear, whilst the older ones ran to the small dwelling in which Tromador had been placed. At the door they found Eve, barring the way, a look of fierce determination on her face. [i:2c291d2b5e]"I will attend to this."[/i:2c291d2b5e] She informed them - and none would choose to argue with her in such a mood.

No frenzy lasts forever, indeed in those who have achieved that most elusive of vampiric ambitions, Golconda, the beast within is but a shadow of it's former self. Thus after a time, Tromador found he was weeping, amongst a collection of broken furnishings, weeping on the shoulder of his former lover.

After a time, she gently disentangled herself from him. He clung to her, the panic rising in him again as she moved as if to leave. [i:2c291d2b5e]"Hush. I'm not leaving you. You need to feed."[/i:2c291d2b5e]

Where she came from Tromador had no idea, one of Eve's latest stable of girls, no doubt. A pretty little thing, willing to share her vitae, in return for the ecstacy of the dark kiss.

Tromador choked and spat, looking first to Eve, then to the girl with deeply apologetic eyes. [i:2c291d2b5e]"Eve, this isn't my preference."[/i:2c291d2b5e] He managed to blurt out.

Blood preference? George was confused, the Ventrue weakness of the blood preference wasn't something he had experienced since the night the voices had come with the blood of the Malkavian.

Eve ushered the teary eyed girl out with reassuring words, no, it wasn't her fault. She knew well enough that his preference had always been for the vitae of a young mother. Something of the new life brought into the world clung to the mother, he would have said, finding other forms of vitae dull and listless, containing no nourishment. Perhaps this was a good sign. She headed to the door to summon such a one. George howled as she headed towards the door. She turned and held his head between her hands for a moment, looking deeply into his eyes. [i:2c291d2b5e]"George,"[/i:2c291d2b5e] she said, [i:2c291d2b5e]"I will not leave you alone."[/i:2c291d2b5e], then turned to summon a woman who would fit his requirements.

George duly settled, lapping gently at the wrist of a young lady, more than happy to share her vitae with one so keen to simply listen to her gossip about Enoch and her children; Eve stepped outside.

[i:2c291d2b5e]"How is he?"[/i:2c291d2b5e] Asked Julius gently.

[i:2c291d2b5e]"Of all the infuriating..."[/i:2c291d2b5e] Eve stamped her foot with a small cry of anger. [i:2c291d2b5e]"He misses the voices, he's lonely practically to the point of a new madness without them."[/i:2c291d2b5e]

[i:2c291d2b5e]"I just think he has to get used to living with himself."[/i:2c291d2b5e] Suggested Gabriel, quick to defend his clanmate. [i:2c291d2b5e]"Give him time. It would be my honour to sit with him and ease his isolation."[/i:2c291d2b5e]

Eveshka treated Gabriel to a radiant smile. [i:2c291d2b5e]"Let's hope you are right. For now, I'll sit with him whilst he gets his bearings. No doubt he would wish to be in better composure before meeting with a strange Ventrue for the first time. Perhaps you can take over a little later."[/i:2c291d2b5e]

Gabriel nodded, understanding completely. Still, he was eager to greet this kindred, about whom he had heard so much.

Eve looked about at all the kindred apparently hanging upon her every word. [i:2c291d2b5e]"Haven't you all got something to do? Go on.. Shoo! I'll call you if I need you."[/i:2c291d2b5e]

Everyone did as they were told and Eve went back into the building to keep Trom company. Perhaps everything would turn out okay, after all.

His tongue flew with anticipation over the fresh fang marks that speckled Kathy's neck and upper chest. His eagerness however, was not in the act, but in something distant, a vague desire that the Toreador could read in the Ventrue's eyes like text.

She had originally thought the climax would sate his desires, but even with intense release, he moved rapidly. Had she not been so relieved he had taken a reinterest in the physical aspects of their relationship, she might have been offended.

With the wounds closed, Gabriel stood and yanked a neatly folded cloth from it's place atop the shelf. As he wiped the sheen from his torso and shoulders, he moved towards the great trunk where he stored his new wardrobe (the suit tags read 'Darantti').

He pulled three suits from the trunk (they managed never to wrinkle, even folded!) and laid them neatly in a row atop the bed, scrutinizing them carefully. Pacing like a tiger, his eyes scanned each one carefully. One was placed back in the truck, and it was several minutes of pressing the respective clothes against his nude body before he had decided.

Kathy watched the ordeal amusedly, shaking her head.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Gabriel."[/i:5c7ea522f5] her voice was light and playful.

The Ventrue was not deterred, but instead was rapidly sheering his long dreadlocks from his scalp, allowing them to tumble into great snake-like coils on the floor. He peered into the mirror, trimming his hair evenly and precisely.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Gabriel!"[/i:5c7ea522f5]

He glanced over.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"You're so...I don't know....so..."[/i:5c7ea522f5] she reached for a word.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Yes?"[/i:5c7ea522f5]

[i:5c7ea522f5]"...giddy! You're positively alive. What's gotten into you?[/i:5c7ea522f5]" the stunning Toreador, her face still a rosy pink from their activities, now joined him at his side, the bedsheets wrapped carefully around her nude form.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Giddy? Hmm. Nothing, I'm just glad to be among the living I suppose."[/i:5c7ea522f5] he gave her a quick peck on the forehead and returned his attention the mirror, [i:5c7ea522f5]"Maybe their livelihood is rubbing off on me."[/i:5c7ea522f5]

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Rubbing off eh? Are you sure it isn't something else?"[/i:5c7ea522f5] Kathy persisted, laying her head on his shoulder.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"I'm sure."[/i:5c7ea522f5] came the reply.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"It's nothing else? Maybe something bigger than a breadbox? Recently awoken and fully insane?"[/i:5c7ea522f5]

Gabriel stopped clipping and peered at her reflection intently.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Tromador? Why should he matter to me?"[/i:5c7ea522f5] he shook the notion off and returned to putting the finishing touches on his hair, now cropped close to his scalp.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"I don't know...maybe because you spent months researching his life in the Cascadian archives when you were Seneschal? Maybe because Sorenti spoke of him incessantly to you, and you to me? Maybe because..."[/i:5c7ea522f5]

The mirror shuttered as Gabriel slammed the scissors down upon the desk upon which it sat. Quickly he relaxed his stern response, turning and taking Kathy gently by the shoulders.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Kay, I could care less about some ancient relic of a world that's now for all intents and purposes extinct. Clan Ventrue is gone as a structure. We're all the same now. Tromador makes no difference to me beyond how useful he may in saving our collective asses."[/i:5c7ea522f5]

Another quick peck to the forehead and he moved past her.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"I'm glad to hear you say that. He's only immortal after all. Still...might be nice for a chat. We can talk about the old stomping ground. It'll make our journey a little less dull I'm sure."[/i:5c7ea522f5] she said, plopping back down on the bed and brushing her hair.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"OUR journey? Kay, you are NOT coming along."[/i:5c7ea522f5] Gabriel slipped his tie around his neck.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Excuse me? And why not?"[/i:5c7ea522f5]

[i:5c7ea522f5]"This isn't up for debate Katherine."[/i:5c7ea522f5] his usage of her full name either indicated romance or anger. In this case the meaning was clear. [i:5c7ea522f5]"You're to stay here, where Julius can properly protect you."[/i:5c7ea522f5]

[i:5c7ea522f5]"I don't recall handing my unlife over to your complete control!"[/i:5c7ea522f5] her eyes flashed hot.

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Katherine...you're staying here. That's it. End of discussion."[/i:5c7ea522f5] he turned from her and stalked towards the door, halting at it's entrance. [i:5c7ea522f5]"I'm not kidding Kay..."[/i:5c7ea522f5]

[i:5c7ea522f5]"Fine."[/i:5c7ea522f5] she grumbled at length, realizing there was no winning when he was like this. She would simply have to hold the fort while the boys went off adventuring again. It was a familiar routine at this point.

************************

Gabriel took a deep breath as he approached the building in which Tromador resided. Inside was an icon in Clan Ventrue and among the Inconnu. Every avenue in Gabriel's life had led to traces of Tromador. Grand boastings of his exploits and whisperings of his downfall had become as common in Gabriel's life as tails of Caine himself.

Composing himself and trying to recall the long since dormant social constraints of his clan, he waited patiently...

Cyrilynn crossed the threshold of the empty conference room in search of Julius, woefully aware that what she knew of Cainite history could be held in a thimble. Having finished her own preparations for their mission, she could no longer put off the embarrassment of having to ask him about Absimilliard.

At least, the place was [b:6f53d2310e]supposed[/b:6f53d2310e] to be uninhabited, she mused, warily eyeing the child in gingham that stared back with a speculative gleam in her own eyes. [i:6f53d2310e]"Little Grandmother."[/i:6f53d2310e] she nodded regally as she gave the honorific greeting. Whereupon, the sprite threw back her head and issued a cackle, [i:6f53d2310e]"And I'll just bet that rankles to say, doesn't it, childe?"[/i:6f53d2310e]. There was a mischevious sparkle in those cornflower blue eyes.

The Tzimisce merely inclined her head coolly, [i:6f53d2310e]"My master ordered me to use it, should I, by some chance, have dealings with you."[/i:6f53d2310e] Another chuckle burst forth, [i:6f53d2310e]"And do you find your servitude to him to be to your taste?[/i:6f53d2310e] The smug smile and crafty look in Baba Yaga's eyes spoke of more information than she should have had.

Lady Cyrilynn gave the question it's due consideration. [i:6f53d2310e]"I find a certain safety in my bonds, as well as a kind of contentment. I am well aware that if not for Julius Darrant's leash on me, what I would have become would not have been tolerated long. Yet..."[/i:6f53d2310e] she sighed, [i:6f53d2310e]"there are times when I long to be my own mistress again."[/i:6f53d2310e]

Mentally shaking herself out of dolorous thoughts, she cast a ruminative glance at the most ancient of vampiresses and was suddenly aware that here was a way to find out what she wanted to know that would be less humiliating to for her to face than to inquire of her domitor.

She sank into a full curtsy and petitioned with all the skill she had learned at court, [i:6f53d2310e]"Little Grandmother, this unworthy bond-servant begs your indulgence and requests that you tell me of Absimilliard, for I am truly ignorant in the ways of the childer of Caine."[/i:6f53d2310e] Then, lowering her eyes and bowing her head, as if to the Queen herself, she awaited the answer.

A snigger had her flinging her head up in burgeoning irritation. [i:6f53d2310e]"And with what will you pay the price of my teaching, Lady Cyrilynn Stratsborough?"[/i:6f53d2310e] She waggled a chubby finger back and forth and "tsked", [i:6f53d2310e]"What I could tell you doesn't come cheap, daughter. It is the way of the Nosferatu, that you must give me something of equal value."[/i:6f53d2310e] The lush young lips spread in a parody of a shark's smile, teeth included. The supplicant shuddered and closed her eyes.

[i:6f53d2310e]"I have only my blood. All else is my blood-bond and I am not free to give you that."[/i:6f53d2310e]