AgujaCabra (11:19 PM): Offering another quick, decisive nod, Reginald reaches up
to lightly tug at the brim of his hat with two gloved fingertips, and softly pulls the article
from his head after a momentary hesitation. His dusty, chestnut coloured hair is gently
pulled back into a crisp cut behind his ears, and is barely displaced as the hat departs.
"Yes, thank you," he replies with civil familiarity, and adds stiffly, after a brief pause,
"Goodbye."
NerwenGreen (11:21 PM): With a slight nod of acknowledgement, Thomas steps
outside and quietly closes the door behind him. He begins walking toward the lake at a
brisk pace. When he is no longer within sight of his house, he transforms into an osprey.
AgujaCabra (11:25 PM): [how far do you want me to describe? ]
AgujaCabra (11:25 PM): [I assume he's flying to the college :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:25 PM): [yeah ... describe away ;) .. up until he lands]
AgujaCabra (11:34 PM): The air is crisp and clean, as Thomas ascends into the
dusky, deep blue of the pre-dawn sky. Starlight reflects in delicate pinpricks on the
glassy surface of the lake, and Shepard's island appears quiet and unperturbed, despite
the activity on previous nights. As Thomas approaches the distinctive, red brick wall
that marks the eastern border of Eidson University, the old-fashioned, brick bell tower
that marks the central hub of the campus, juts out against the sky like a rusted spire...
Walkways and
AgujaCabra (11:34 PM): squat buildings are half-concealed by the abundant growth
of oak and scattered magnolia trees, that populate the densely constructed campus;
however, the domed roof of the 3-story library is clearly delineated against the foliage,
and from his high vantage, Thomas can even see Gracian standing outside the building,
deep in conversation with a wiry man in his early 20s, with wild, unkempt black hair, and a
straight black overcoat.
AgujaCabra (11:35 PM): [I have noo idea what I am doing :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:35 PM): [hehe that's okay ;)]
NerwenGreen (11:35 PM): [it sounds plenty fine to me ;)]
AgujaCabra (11:35 PM): [hehe... I barely remember this man.. I think I need to drag
out my notebook.. :P ]
NerwenGreen (11:37 PM): Thomas finds a hidden spot to land, where he can return to
human form out of sight. He takes a moment to adjust his clothing and collect himself,
before quietly strolling out to join Gracian and the other man.
AgujaCabra (11:50 PM): [ah. spelling. whatever. do you care if a word I use does not
exist?]
NerwenGreen (11:50 PM): [as long as I can tell what you mean ;)]
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): The other man glances up at Thomas distractedly before
Gracian, and lowers his eyebrows in consideration as he approaches. "Friend of yours?"
he questions sharply, looking back at Gracian with a probing flicker of his silky, blue eyes,
as he carefully extracts a pair of emerald-lensed sunglasses from the front pocket of
his overcoat, and places them lightly upon his angular nose, wrinkled in distinct
perturbation. "Its getting a little late in the morning for the kind of meeting you're after,
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): Mr. Haite.. " he adds with a note of cautious disapproval,
before drawing silent, and waiting for the Prince to speak his piece. Gracian looks to
Thomas as the other man does, and nods to him with a friendly smile of greeting and
recognition, gesturing him over casually. "Thomas, I'm glad you could get here so
quickly... This is Brayden," he comments with a crisp look at the black-haired man. "He
was just telling me that the Tremere are too busy to speak with us tonight."
AgujaCabra (11:54 PM): [I'm setting up a farscape tape]
NerwenGreen (11:55 PM): Thomas comes to stand slightly behind and to the right of
Gracian, his hands folded behind his back. He nods a greeting to Brayden before turning
to address the prince. "I see. With what are they occupied that they are unable to
receive the prince?" He turns slightly back toward Brayden with his last words, raising an
eyebrow slightly.
NerwenGreen (11:55 PM): [hmm ... I guess I should do that too.]
AgujaCabra (12:08 AM): Brayden cracks an awkward smile, and toys with the edge
of his glasses before replying. "That's actually clan business, Thomas..." he responds in a
bell-clear, though not entirely self-assured tone,".. but basically, its early, and Mr.
Ondriasova doesn't like to receive company this close to sunrise. I'm sure you both can
understand that there are things we need to do relating to Chantry security, before
AgujaCabra (12:08 AM): going off to bed.. " Brayden's already weak smile becomes
increasingly uneasy as Gracian's expression momentarily hardens into a look of stern,
dissatisfied consideration. "If Ondriasova is here, I will speak with him before sunrise..
that is not negotiable, Brayden."
AgujaCabra (12:09 AM): [bleh. whatever... I should never have more than one char
in a scene :P They could talk forever, except I have to let Thomas say things if he
wants.. hehe]
NerwenGreen (12:09 AM): [hehe ... Thomas is the silent type though. ;) ]
AgujaCabra (12:10 AM): [hmm.. true. I don't know what he'd want to say here,
anyhow :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:12 AM): "The matter is somewhat urgent," Thomas adds quietly.
AgujaCabra (12:13 AM): [yay! Thomas speaks :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:13 AM): [bleh ... I couldn't get the phrasing right for what else I
wanted to say, so I just deleted it all :p]
AgujaCabra (12:13 AM): [hahaha... oh well :p ]
AgujaCabra (12:20 AM): Deferring his gaze from the Prince, Brayden loosely
shuffles his hand back through his hair-- causing the feathery, black ruff to stand up in
a sloppy, loosely gathered mop. "He already knows you're here," Brayden huffs through
clenched teeth, nervously kicking the ground. "I'm not going to be able to drag him out, if
he doesn't want to talk." Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Brayden waits with his eyes
turned
AgujaCabra (12:20 AM): to the sidewalk. Gracian's eyes flicker in silent
contemplation, and he reaches out in a friendly manner to clap the boy gently on the
shoulder. "You don't have to worry about bringing Ondri out to meet me...," A small, self
satistfied smile flashes across Gracian's lips, "He should be here in just a minute."
AgujaCabra (12:21 AM): [eeeh :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:21 AM): [summoned? ;)]
AgujaCabra (12:21 AM): [heh. yeah. ]
NerwenGreen (12:22 AM): [Ondri didn't have on his pavis huh ;) ]
AgujaCabra (12:22 AM): [pavis?]
NerwenGreen (12:22 AM): [pavis of foul presence ]
AgujaCabra (12:22 AM): [uh... is that the ritual you told me about awhile ago?]
AgujaCabra (12:23 AM): [because.. I don't have a huge book of rituals :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:23 AM): [yeah .. makes you reflect presence powers back on the
caster. But you have to cast it every night, because it expires at sunrise]
NerwenGreen (12:23 AM): [it's in the core book]
AgujaCabra (12:23 AM): [oh. yeah... Ondri hasn't been summoned in awhile. I don't
think he really thinks about doing such things. ]
NerwenGreen (12:24 AM): [hehe]
NerwenGreen (12:28 AM): A hint of confusion flickers across Thomas's face before
he nods slightly with a faint, understanding smile. He continues standing calmly next to
Gracian, waiting patiently. After a moment, he looks up at the prince. "Perhaps there are
more appropriate places to discuss business than the sidewalk," he suggests quietly.
AgujaCabra (12:28 AM): [aw.. the sidewalk is so nice.. :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:28 AM): [hehehe]
AgujaCabra (12:40 AM): Brayden's expression breaks into an uncomfortable, but
less perturbed smile as he is relieved of his former responsibility. Kicking lightly at a
pebble, he turns his head to glance back down the sidewalk, towards a similar, red brick
building, whose facade is guarded by a pair of sleek, metal statuary in the approximate
shape of identical, watchful males. The metal encasing that composes the statues, is
twisted and coiled like a dull bronze rope-- and the figures display more of the attitude
of a standing
AgujaCabra (12:40 AM): figure, than the actual physical embodiment of a man. A
staircase ascends between the statuary, to a second story landing, where is intersects
a covered walkway, and a set of metal, double doors. Gracian loosely brushes a bit of
hair from his face, as he turns to regard Thomas with a thoughtful smile. "Yes, that's
certainly true.. I think that if we are subjecting the Tremere to .. the indignity of a
meeting tonight, that Ondri should choose where we speak, however."
NerwenGreen (12:43 AM): Thomas nods agreeably in response and falls silent. He
turns to look casually in the same direction as Brayden, toward the building with the
metal statues.
AgujaCabra (12:46 AM): [oops. hey. . why doesn't aol tell me when you've responded
:p ack]
NerwenGreen (12:46 AM): [hehe ... dunno, ask aol ;)]
AgujaCabra (1:03 AM): After approximately 40 seconds, the metal doors crack
inwards a hair, pause, and then open abruptly inwards with a quick, decisive pull. The
oppressive, grey portal of the doorway is shortly interrupted by the dark glitter of a
long swath of heavy, midnight-black fabric wrapped about a tall, broad-shouldered figure
that stands at its pinnacle. Indistinct at a distance, the figure is nevertheless arresting.
It carries a commanding, severe presence, as it glides stealthily down the flight of
stairs, to the
AgujaCabra (1:03 AM): ground level-- black, glimmering eyes locked firmly upon
the library, and the Prince in particular. The figure approaches slowly, but steadily, with
the long tassels of its cape dragging lightly along the sidewalk, as they extend just far
enough to delicately graze the surface of the earth. A heavy black hood attached to the
cape, shields the figure's face from prying eyes.. as he draws closer however, the
distinct, pealing grey
AgujaCabra (1:04 AM): of its skin is evident, as is the unnatural, low slope of its
forehead, and the utter absence of a neck. Indeed, the figure's broad jaw nearly rests
upon its chest, and its head is positioned at an uncomfortable tilt forward.. giving it a
leering, predatory expression that seems incapable of shifting towards either the
positive or negative. Stopping mere inches from the Prince, the figure stares up
defiantly into Gracian's
AgujaCabra (1:04 AM): eyes... and slowly raises its height to directly match
Gracian's own gaze. When it speaks, its voice is little more than a dry, scratching hiss
that grates with effort through the creature's sharp, corroded teeth. "My, my, " it
drones in a patronizing tone, "to what do I owe this honor?" Ondriasova's expressionless,
black eyes flicker down to Thomas briefly, but remain primarily fixed upon the Prince.
AgujaCabra (1:05 AM): [heh. I guess technically Gracian should respond to that...
but I figured that was bloody long enough :p ]
NerwenGreen (1:05 AM): [hehe lemme read ;)]
NerwenGreen (1:09 AM): Thomas becomes more alert as Ondri appears, standing a
little straighter beside Gracian as he watches the newcomer approach. He remains silent,
however, warily watching the two of them speak.
NerwenGreen (1:09 AM): [heh .. I feel like I should write more ... but it wouldn't make
sense for him to say anything right now ;)]
AgujaCabra (1:09 AM): [aw. that's okay. I ranted too long about silly Ondri ;p ]
NerwenGreen (1:10 AM): [hehe ... nice description ;)]
AgujaCabra (1:10 AM): [yay! :p ]
AgujaCabra (1:19 AM): Gracian remains serious, though undaunted, at Ondri's
confrontational attitude and outwardly sinister appearance. Locking eyes with him for a
beat, Gracian takes a casual step back from the man, and shows a careful smile. "I
regret it was necessary to summon you in this fashion, Mr. Ondriasova," he replies with a
note of civil respect, "Is there someplace private we could speak?" Ondri chuckles drily
at
AgujaCabra (1:20 AM): Gracian's cordiality, but allows him to step back without
further encroaching upon his space. "Oh no, Gracian," he corrects with cold precision, "If
it had not amused me to hear your summons, I would not be standing with you now. What
do you want, Prince?" Without allowing Gracian to respond, Ondri looks sharply down at
Thomas, adding abruptly, "And who are you?"
NerwenGreen (1:24 AM): Thomas calmly meets Ondri's gaze for a beat, before
blinking once and looking away again. "I am Thomas," he responds quietly.
AgujaCabra (1:36 AM): "Mr. Ondriasova," Gracian cuts in quickly, and Ondri's
attention swivels immediately back to meet the Prince in a cold, but attentive stare,
"Would you let us into the Library-- this is no place to discuss business." Without
responding, Ondri slides forward past the Prince, to the locked, glass double doors to the
school library. The glass vibrates for a split second, and there is a soft crack from the
bolt as it slides into position.. The doors open inwards after another slight pause, and
Ondri glides
AgujaCabra (1:36 AM): into the library without so much as a glance back at
Gracian. Brayden steps forward towards the building, but Ondri cuts him off with a sharp
look over his shoulder "You have no use here." Brayden pauses, and turns to walk slowly
away, back down the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets.
NerwenGreen (1:38 AM): After a slight hesitation from watching Brayden's
dismissal, Thomas moves to follow Gracian into the library.
AgujaCabra (1:39 AM): [omigod... Ondri is a bastard :p ]
NerwenGreen (1:39 AM): [hehe .. I like him ;)]
AgujaCabra (1:39 AM): [hehe.. thanks ? :p ]
NerwenGreen (1:39 AM): [hehehe]
AgujaCabra (1:52 AM): Dim, overhead lights burn despite the hour, and the
arrangement of the library can be vaguely discerned in the soft, grey illumination. A
school sculpture display loosely obscures the simple checkout desk from sight, and a
scattering of unprocessed books can be seen on the smooth linoleum countertop. Rows
of wooden and metal shelves can be seen in a large room beyond the reception area, and
a short row of steps to the right lead to a comfortable sitting area with large orange
chairs, and a
AgujaCabra (1:52 AM): series of computer terminals. As Ondri slides down the
steps, two chairs scrape noisily across the floor, to form a proper seating arrangement
with a third. "Sit, please," he commands coolly, and pauses beside a chair himself, until
Gracian has agreeably lowered himself into one of the orange seats. Once Gracian has
settled, Ondri descends into his own chair, almost melting down seamlessly into a thick,
AgujaCabra (1:52 AM): black puddle with a large torso, and no physical legs.. the
rich fabric pools over the edge of the chair, and curls into a sea of black on the floor.
Gracian looks back at Thomas once he is seated, and attempts to relax in the plush
chair.
AgujaCabra (1:53 AM): [hm. should I have Gracian begin speaking? I'm going a bit
loopy trying to figure out what people should do.. considering that the sun is coming up
so soon :p ]
NerwenGreen (1:55 AM): Thomas agreeably follows Gracian and takes a seat as he
does. He looks to the prince to begin speaking.
AgujaCabra (1:56 AM): [gah... :/ I feel bad.. I'm dominating the hell out of things,
and taking ages!]
NerwenGreen (1:56 AM): [heheh hmm ... what time would it be now? )
AgujaCabra (1:56 AM): [I don't know ^.^ whee! ]
NerwenGreen (1:56 AM): [I don't mind ;) ... I'm not real sure that Thomas would
really do a whole lot so far]
AgujaCabra (2:11 AM): [oh. I think I need to make sure Gracian isn't saying
anything that he doesn't know about.. hm]
AgujaCabra (2:11 AM): Resting his hand lightly upon the thick wooden armrests,
Gracian watches Ondri carefully as folds down into the chair. Once Thomas joins him, he
tenses slightly, and sits forward as though to begin a cordial, but inherently intimate
conversation. "I will be concise, since Brayden did point out quite correctly that we're
running short on time tonight," Gracian begins quietly, as Ondri watches with an
unblinking, almost electric glint in his dark eyes.. "It has come to my attention that the
Sabbat may
AgujaCabra (2:12 AM): have altered you mentally, as well as physically, when --"
Ondri cuts him off sharply, "I am aware of my condition, and of how and when it occurred. You may be, as you assured me you would be, concise."
Gracian continues evenly, "The Tremere have not been active in city politics, since you returned. That is your prerogative. However, I require assurance that you are not working for the Sabbat."
Ondri stares at Gracian, "The Council would be aware of any deceit, Gracian."
AgujaCabra (2:12 AM): [gahh... dragonfly type insect... atttacking me!]
AgujaCabra (2:14 AM): [I wonder where it has gone.. it likes the light on my
computer screen :/]
NerwenGreen (2:18 AM): Thomas sits attentively, though in a relaxed manner, as he
listens to the exchange between Ondri and Gracian. "He may not be consciously aware of
the mental alterations," he observes quietly to Gracian.
AgujaCabra (2:20 AM): [hey. when do you need to sleep ? I know you like roleplay,
but I do not want to keep you up]
NerwenGreen (2:21 AM): [hehe ... don't worry, I'll be fine ;)]
AgujaCabra (2:21 AM): [ack :p ]
NerwenGreen (2:21 AM): [my boss is out of town and there's no tv tomorrow night
;)]
AgujaCabra (2:22 AM): [er. actually. I need to turn off the tv and listen to my
computer a second.. if its noisy, I might have to go soon anyway. I'll be taking it to the
vets.. er, computer store soon :p ]
NerwenGreen (2:23 AM): [hehe okay ]
AgujaCabra (2:31 AM): Gracian nods slightly at Thomas' comment, turning his
attention briefly from Ondri. "Yes. I do not mean to accuse you in any way of intentionally
working against the Camarilla-- however, brainwashing is not unheard of in military
organizations, which is essentially what the Sabbat represent." A flicker of hot irritation
sparks behind
AgujaCabra (2:31 AM): Ondri's flat gaze, but he remains silent through Gracian's
accusations. After a tense pause, he replies tonelessly, his eyes sliding to Thomas for a
beat, "You speak as though you have information about my mind, that I do not possess...
Are you the one who put these ideas in Gracian's head?"
NerwenGreen (2:33 AM): Thomas avoids meeting Ondri's eyes directly, looking
slightly down as he answers. "
NerwenGreen (2:33 AM): gah!
AgujaCabra (2:33 AM): [hehe]
NerwenGreen (2:33 AM): [ignore that]
AgujaCabra (2:33 AM): [as he answers 'gah!']
NerwenGreen (2:34 AM): [erm ... no. :p]
AgujaCabra (2:34 AM): [I am ;p s'okay]
NerwenGreen (2:38 AM): Thomas avoids meeting Ondri's eyes directly, looking
slightly down as he answers. "In a manner of speaking, yes." He pauses momentarily as
he considers his next words. "I have an informant among the Sabbat who has indicated to
me that you may have become a weapon for them against the Camarilla, to be used ...
imminently."
===========================================================
From : Ondriasova
Date : 08:54, Mon 16 June
Subject : Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
The abandoned library is tensely still. Pale, fluorescent lights burn dully overhead:
searing burnt yellow, blazing against the grey shadows that loosely envelop the empty
spaces, and crawl in meandering trails down through the silent bookshelves. The air
conditioning has apparently been shut off for the night, and this added stillness presses
in against the room, to create a thick, secretive atmosphere.
Gracian watches the Tremere, with his hand placed carefully on the worn armrest of his
chair. The coarse, orange cushion creaks slightly beneath his weight, and he rests his
back only tersely: prepared for events to shift towards the worst, at any given moment.
Thomas avoids meeting Ondri's eyes directly, looking slightly down as he answers. "In a
manner of speaking, yes." He pauses momentarily as he considers his next words. "I have
an informant among the Sabbat who has indicated to me that you may have become a
weapon for them against the Camarilla, to be used ... imminently."
There is a cold pause, following Thomas' revelation.
Thin, translucent pirouettes of dust hang delicately upon the stagnant air: drifting
downwards in meandering spirals, to alight upon the rich, thick folds of black velvet that
drape densely over Ondriasova's severe frame. Glittering, black, and expressionless:
Ondri's murky gaze bores into Thomas, and for a brief instant there is a distinct,
challenging look hidden in their depths.
Gracian begins to say something, when Ondri's voice snakes in crisp, threaded precision
through the Prince's opening words. "Who is your informant?" he asks in an oily, tight
voice, which sounds far less like a request, than a carefully phrased demand.
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 1
Date : 22:53, Mon 16 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas raises an eyebrow at Ondri, saying nothing for a long moment as he considers
the question. He glances meaningfully to Gracian. The prince would be better suited to
determine whether divulging Chauncey's identity would pose a problem, both to
Chauncey's safety and to Camarilla security. Looking back toward Ondri, still careful not
to meet his eyes, he finally answers in a quietly calm voice, "I would prefer not to say."
He glances again at Gracian.
===========================================================
From : Gracian and Ondri
Date : 05:20, Thu 19 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gracian meets Thomas' glance with a look of his own, that betrays only steady
confidence. His posture shifts minutely, as he turns his attention more directly to Ondri:
the orange cushion creaking anciently beneath him, and spreading a fresh layer of mold
and dust onto the thin, hard carpet below.
Only a few, tense feet from the Prince, Ondriasova sits unmoving, with his attention
focused exclusively upon Thomas. A ragged anger flickers at the black corners of his
eyes in opaque, enflamed halos: he was obviously displeased with Thomas' response. The
soft, sterile light reflects cautiously off the glossy, grey tone clinging to Ondri's
unnatural flesh, lending to his deathly complexion a shimmering, otherworldly quality. He
is quiet for a moment, staring at Thomas' diverted eyes, as though to burrow inside
them and rip out his secretsŠ. Before Ondri can collect himself, however, Gracian
speaks.
"The informant's name is not important," he begins in a calm, self-confidant tone,
although he is careful in choosing his words, so as not to further upset the edgy
Tremere. "I will not officially accuse you of anything, unless I have absolute proof."
Ondri turns his head slowly to Gracian, regarding the Prince with a cold, vacant stare. "If
you are correct, Prince," Ondri replies in an icy, modulated hiss, "Find your 'proof'
quickly, and charge meŠ I suspect instead, you will leave here having discovered
nothing." Ondri looks boldly into Gracian's softer gaze: his black eyes glittering
challengingly in the dark room.
Gracian's jaw hardens into a firm line, as he matches Ondri's glare. The two appear to be
engaged in an intense mental confrontation, and after a moment, Gracian speaks in a
commanding, rigid tone, continuing to hold Ondri's eyes. "Remember what the Sabbat did
to you‹-Answer me truthfully: did they implant a dominate command in your mind? Are
you a weapon designed to help destroy the Camarilla?" Gracian's words are charged with
an underlying force, and he leans forward imperceptibly to hear Ondri answer his
questions, for once, without the disguise of subterfuge.
Ondri stares back hotly. "No, to both questions" he replies with a brittle, venomous sort
of satisfaction, continuing quickly before Gracian can avert his own gaze, "Give me the
name of your Sabbat informant."
The demand hangs hollowly upon the still air, and Gracian responds automatically,
"Chauncey Drace." He blinks off the dominate command, listening to the words leave his
lips, before his face hardens in anger and disbelief.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:21, Thu 19 June
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 2
Date : 06:04, Thu 19 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas sits silent and still under Ondri's scrutiny, with an expression of tranquil calm to
contrast Ondri's stormy darkness, as he waits for Gracian to speak. He remains quiet as
the other two men exchange harsh words, his gaze fixed on a distant point somewhere
between them.
As Gracian inadvertently reveal's Chauncey's identity, he turns to look at the prince in
surprise. Raising an eyebrow, he looks for a moment as if he might say something, then
quickly changes his mind at Gracian's expression. He sits back cautiously and looks
toward Ondri, still careful not to meet the Tremere's eyes.
===========================================================
From : Gracian and Ondri
Date : 07:03, Thu 19 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gracian bristles in his chair: a controlled anger tightening his muscles, and glinting darkly
in the depths of his steady, silver-green gaze. It was almost unthinkable that Ondri would
dominate him: yet, with this realization, Gracian wondered what else the formidable
Tremere would be willing to do. Clenching his jaw in uneasy contemplation, Gracian begins
to speak again, when Ondri rises abruptly from his chair.
The voluminous, rich folds of black fabric hanging heavily from Ondri's figure, slowly rise
upwards in thick, fluid creases and mounds. As he elevates himself, Ondri diverts his
gaze dismissively from Gracian. "Your informant was misinformed," he says crisply, "I
have put up with your questionings and accusations long enough." His black gaze traces
impersonally over Thomas, including him in the statement.
As Ondri rises, Gracian remains tense but composed. His hands rest tightly on the
armrests, and his eyes lift warily with Ondri. Suddenly, he steps to his feet in a quick,
decisive motion. Gracian's weight and presence weighs down heavily upon the room. The
atomosphere becomes somehow denser around his towering height, and he appears to be
singled out among the ordinary objects and people of the room as a single, statuary
column of devastating power and imposing elegance. "Please sit down," Gracian speaks
steadily, watching Ondri through a piercing and unwavering gaze. His voice, though
normally laced with a natural charisma, is now enhanced by an incalculable measure of
authority that it had lacked beforeŠ It seems impossible that anyone would deny him,
but Ondri somehow remains standing.
Gracian's expression stiffens at Ondri's continued defiance, and when he speaks again it
is almost through clenched teeth. "You will look at me," he says commandingly, with his
eyes focused directly on the other man. After an uncomfortable pause, Ondri's head
swivels to glare back at Gracian: who relaxes slightly at this small give in power. Gracian
continues to speak sternly, "You will forget the name of the Sabbat informant, and you
will forget that a Sabbat informant exists." He pauses, giving his words weight,
"Tomorrow night, you will gather all of the Tremere at 7PM sharp. I will call you, and you
will bring your entire clan to a place of my choosing, for a much belated inspection."
Ondri glares at Gracian for a long moment, before turning away silently and beginning to
glide towards the library door. Gracian steps forward after him, "Do you understand
me?", he asks almost pedantically.
Ondri pauses, hissing out a low "Yes," before continuing on his slow path: dragging his
fabrics heavily behind him as he moves.
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 3
Date : 07:37, Thu 19 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas remains seated as Ondri and Gracian clash above him, gazing in quiet admiration
of the prince's majestic presence, and studying Ondri with faint disapproval as he fails to
submit to Gracian's requests.
When Ondri begins moving away, toward the library doors, Thomas rises to his feet with
a deferential nod to Gracian. "It is curious, the way he responded to your questions," he
comments quietly. "Perhaps I am in error."
===========================================================
From : Gracian Haite
Date : 03:07, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
The translucent, dark glass doors rattle irritably, as Ondri pauses for a moment, to
wrench them hastily apart with the sheer, dominating force of his will. Without looking
back, the Tremere glides heavily through the passageway, and the doors clatter back
into their firm, metal frame behind him. Once he leaves, a certain weight seems to
depart with him: slowly, the oppressive quality of the library lessens, and Gracian's
arresting presence slides off of him naturally, like a tired and worn overcoat.
Gracian's gaze follows Ondri steadily, until he exits the building. He had allowed the
Tremere too much leeway in recent years: that would have to change now, whatever his
personal concerns. After a few seconds, the severity fades from Gracian's expression,
and he looks down at Thomas contemplatively. "It's too soon to say," he replies, drawing
in a small, tense breath as he continues, "I cannot be completely sure that my dominate
command worked: even if it did, I felt additional resistance."
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 4
Date : 03:50, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas relaxes after Ondri leaves the library, raising an eyebrow thoughtfully to
himself. He had not realized how tense he had become during the meeting. Looking up
quietly at Gracian, he questions curiously, "Additional resistance? Related to the same
discipline or to another?"
===========================================================
From : Gracian Haite
Date : 04:59, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Outside, two students pass quietly by the library, wheeling bicycles to a nearby rack.
Chains clink together solidly, as they fiddle with locks, and one of the students leans
against a low cement pole to light a cigarette. They chat together absently, laughing
amid yawns, and complaining about the hour. Although it is still dark, the sky has turned
a dusky, pre-dawn grey, and a soft, lazy sheet of fog delicately steams the glass doors,
obscuring the view out.
Gracian casually pushes a misplaced arc of hair back from his eyes, considering Thomas'
question for a moment. "I sensed additional traces of dominate in his mind," he says
seriously, the tension fading from his posture and expression, but remaining loosely
intertwined with his tone of voice. "Questioning him was like," he gestures slightly with
his hand, searching for the simile, "Š chipping pebbles away from a mountainside. I will
have to question him more extensively, in order to get any straight answers."
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 5
Date : 05:15, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas hums thoughtfully in response. He takes a few steps closer to the library door,
studying the lightening dawn sky as he considers the problem. "Will he cooperate long
enough for you to finish?"
===========================================================
From : Gracian Haite
Date : 05:30, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I don't know," Gracian responds with a light frown, glancing over in mild curiosity
towards the library doors. He had not, in fact, noticed the hour. "If he does not
cooperate, I can force him to sit for a full interrogation. However, I would prefer not to
upset the Tremere too much," Gracian concludes with a wry smile, pulling back his sleeve
slightly, in order to check the exact time on a smart-looking silver watch.
"It's late," he states the obvious, stepping towards the front of the library as his wrist
drifts back to his side. "If you would like to be at the meeting tomorrow for any reason, I
will call you shortly before 7PM. We should both head home, if we're going to beat the
sun."
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 6
Date : 06:13, Fri 20 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas nods, glancing again toward the library doors. "I would be happy to assist in any
way I can," he replies. "However, there are some other matters that I will need to attend
to tomorrow evening, if I am not needed."
He wonders for the first time what he was to do with Chauncey during his scheduled
appointment. Perhaps he could convince his guest to remain out of sight in the
greenhouse, or outside in the garden. For that matter, there were the guards that
Gracian had sent earlier in the evening.
He looks back toward Gracian thoughtfully. "For how long may I keep the guards?
Chauncey may stay with me for some time." He pauses, looking away from Gracian self
consciously. "I hope they will not mind the accomodations. What I can offer is ... fairly
modest."
===========================================================
From : Gracian Haite
Date : 05:22, Tue 24 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gracian nods in respectful agreement when Thomas declines the meeting invitation;
turning plans for the following evening over in his mind, as he looks reflectively out the
fogged library doors. After a moment, he slips his hands into his pockets in a relaxed
manner, and cracks a soft, good-natured chuckle when Thomas expresses concern for
the guards' comfort. "Reg is accustomed to living plainly," he replies with a hint of
private amusement, continuing with a slight, dismissive wave of the hand, "As for
Faust.." Gracian pauses, his smile becoming somewhat wry, "I expect he's brought what
he needs."
One of the students outside snuffs his cigarette on a cement post, and fingers the
remainder of the pack idly, while chatting loudly with his friend. The two burst into a
short fit of raucous laughter, which dies down as they both step away from the bike
rack, and begin to head towards the computer science building.
Gracian's head turns towards the laughter, his steady gaze trailing warily to the boys, as
they move away from the library and around a corner. "Unless something comes up, Reg
can stay for as long as you need him. He's a patient manŠ and he is content to serve
the interests of the Camarilla."
"NonethelessŠ This should be considered a temporary arrangement," Gracian adds with
a serious look at Thomas. "I don't want to draw attention to your home"
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 7
Date : 06:47, Tue 24 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas nods. "It is my hope that the current situation can be resolved quickly, so that
Chauncey may safely return home," he responds. He takes another step toward the
library doors. "I will keep you informed if I learn anything new from Chauncey tomorrow."
===========================================================
From : Gracian Haite
Date : 07:16, Tue 24 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Of course," Gracian replies amicably: stepping shortly towards the exit as well, when he
notices Thomas' movement. Removing his hand from his pocket, Gracian lightly places
his fingers on the smooth, metal door handle. He stops, turning to conclude the
conversation with Thomas, as he pushes the door open casually with his hand, and part
of his hip.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice tonight‹I did not know what to expect from
the meeting, and it might have gone differently had I not arrived with company." A small,
troubled frown touches the corner of Gracian's warm smile, and he steps outside:
holding the door open politely. "I'll talk to you again tomorrow night."
The soft, translucent fog clings delicately to everything it touches: dampening fabric
indecisively, and loosely obscuring the hard, cement walk. When Gracian pushes the door
outwards, the fine mist seeps tenuously into the library as well. The airy aroma of early
morning slips into the plain scent of the building: crisp, clean, and almost awake, the dark
skyline is punctuated with eager bird calls, as the night creatures retreat to their dens.
Dew hangs pendulously off the dull green grass blades, and sagging tree branches that
densely crowd the open, grassy spaces of Eidson University. Here and there, a student
or faculty member can be seen walking tiredly through the mostly empty campus..
although there are a few early cars in the parking lot, the campus is still predominantly
unoccupied at this early hour. Lamps overhead burn dull orange shadows into the
sidewalk.
===========================================================
From : Thomas Cougar
Access : player
Posts : 8
Date : 07:25, Tue 24 June
Subject : Re: Midsomer
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas returns Gracian's smile with one of his own, agreeably exitting the library after
the prince. "You're quite welcome," he answers. With a nod of farewell, he begins to walk
briskly toward the same hidden spot where he landed before the meeting. From there, he
will transform into an osprey and fly home.
===========================================================