The night of the Ball arrives and the Kindred of Balgrade start to gather at Balgrade castle. Lord Jurgen arrived a few days ago, and has been resting from the journey and preparing for the Ball.
Madara has gotten ready for the ball hours before, and is inside the ballroom looking to all the last-minute details.
Reynold has arrived and is wearing his best finery. "Greetings all, and welcome to our ball."
Madara is wearing an ivory silk ballgown. Her hair is swept up into an ornate hairpiece with tendrals hanging down, and she has on an exquisite pearl and diamond necklace with matching earrings and bracelet over her gloves.
Romaine arrives, wearing a dress Madara had given to her, only now it seems it's a little dirty already. She's also carrying a chest with her.
"My friends this is Lord Jurgen, of the clan Ventrue," Reynold introduces.
Jurgen steps forward, dressed in the armor of the Teutonic knights. "I'm sorry Lord Jurgen that Sister Florentia will not be attending tonight, she had church business." Reynold continues.
Romaine scowls, and places the chest out of site.
"Ah, a pity, I have heard much of the sister. I had hoped to meet such a stern supporter of the church." Jurgen says.
"She was dissapointed as well, my lord. Hopefully her business will conclude in the next few days and she will return." Renold answers.
"My friends, It is good to be here among you in Balgrade." Jurgen says.
"Ah over here is Amalia of the Cappadocian clan and our Advisor." Reynold introduces.
"I have traveled far to be here tonight, and I am pleased to receive such a warm reception." Jurgen comments.
Amalia steps through the doorway, resplendant in a gorgeous black velvet gown, wearing glittering black diamonds at her throat, hands and fingers.
Jurgen smiles, taking Amalia's hand and kissing it. "It is so good to see you again."
Amalia 's pale skin has been darkened a bit and her eyes lined with kohl. Amalia smiles at Lord Jurgen and curtsies, telling him she is glad to see him again as well. Amalia glances over at Madara and smiles.
Reynold walks over to Romaine.
"We all have much to discuss later, but for now, shall we enjoy the festivities?" Jurgen asks.
"This is Romaine-- a newly arrived primogen of the clan Malkavian." Reynold introduces.
Jurgen smiles, nodding in Romaine's direction.
Romaine curtsies to Lord Jurgen.
"I'm the entertainment," she proudly proclaims, then pulls out a small wooden flute and begins playing.
Reynold chuckles.
"Ah but she is of course, my lord, much more than that." Reynold says with a smile.
Jurgen chuckles.
"Who have you brought with you?" Amalia asks curiously, looking to see who else has come.
"And this is Gregor, the leader of the warband that guards our city." Reynold says.
Gregor nods to Jurgen.
"I've heard of him." Jurgen nods.
"Gregor has accrued quite the reputation in the lands of Russia." Reynold informs them.
"What kind of reputation?" Amalia asks.
"This is Roccio a childe of the good sisters, clan Lasombra of course." Reynold continues.
"His reputation as a warrior is nearly unparraleled." Jurgen says, answering Amalia's question.
Roccio bows politely.
Jurgen bows back. "Always a pleasure to meet a man of the cloth."
"Thank you, kind sir." Roccio says. "It is nice to meet you."
Amalia walks over to Madara and smiles, thanking her again for the gown and jewelry.
Roccio looks nervously down at his priest garb, and pulls uncomfortably at his collar.
"A most interesting party." Jurgen mentions to Reynold.
Amalia fans herself, keeping an eye on the other guests.
Jurgen pulls Reynold into a quiet corner.
Reynold follows him.
Madara smiles at Amalia and holds out her hands, taking Amalia's hands in hers. She pulls Amalia forward and kisses her lightly and smiles. "You look gorgeous, Amalia..." She peers at her closely. "Your skin..."
Amalia 's mouth curves up in another smile. "I do the dress more justice with a little makeup, hmmm?"
Roccio sulks alone in a corner. Sister Maria enters, and immediately heads for Roccio, "What are YOU doing here?"
The ballroom is recorated in black, white, and gray velvet draperies, candles, ribbons...you name it. There are waitors scurrying about with big smiles on their faces, carrying trays bearing glasses of vitae. The orchestra is playing songs only in minor keys-- the entire room seems to be darker than normal...shadowy. There is an aire of mystery and excitement.
Roccio quietly talks to Maria, "I'm supposed to be here. What are YOU doing here?"
Madara laughs. "You do not need any make-up, Amalia, to do anything justice, but I have to admit I find your look...very exotic!" Madara smiles a sly smile and nuzzles Amalia's neck.
Roccio continues quiet bickering with Sister Maria. They make peace, and sit, talking amongst themselves.
Romaine continues playing on her flute.
Jurgen starts to circulate around the room.
Madara looks around the room for Romaine. When she spots her she lets out a sigh of frustration. "My attentands made her look immaculate before she left-- now she is already slouching, and I see some spots on her dress! Well that I had them dress her in gray..."
Jurgen is mingling with the assorted guests.
Reynold walks to Romaine, "May I have this dance," he says with a bow.
Amalia chuckles. "You've done all you can, dearest. She is at least, presentable before the guests."
Romaine looks at Reynold. "But, I won't be able to play the music..."
"Ah of course, forgive me." Reynold apologizes. Reynold walks away and towards the throne.
Sister Maria introduces herself to Reynold. "I am Sister Florentia's older childe. I stayed with the Werewolves..."
Sister Maria makes small talk, and goes around introducing herself, next to Amalia...
Roccio glares at Sister Maria. Their eyes meet for a second, with "drop-dead" looks emanating from each of them.
Madara turns when Sister Maria approaches.
Sister Maria walks towards Madara, "This is a great party you've thrown!"
Amalia's eyebrows raise as she watches the two Childer.
"Aah Sister Maria! It is good to meet more of Sister Florentia's childer! I regret very much that your sire is not here tonight." Madara says energetically.
"Yes, she had important business in the Holy Land. I would have gone with her, but she thought I should keep an eye on Roccio." Sister Maria responds.
"I heard you say you were the older childe-- are there just the two of you, then?" Madara asks.
Romaine stops playing the flute, looks at Reynold, then the band, shrugs her shoulders, and begins playing the flute again.
"Well, yes. She was a believer in limiting her Childer to only the number you can train well." Sister Maria responds. "She and I used to dual all the time...she said one day I would be as good at the sword as she. I'm getting pretty good. I think one day soon, I'll be able to beat her...."
Madara nods. "I completely agree...in limiting the number of childer one has." Madara looks off into space for a moment. "It was good to have met you, Sister Marie." Madara curtsies in front of Sister Marie.
Reynold watches the dancers and the rest of primogen a smile on his face.
Amalia clears her throat.
Madara turns to Amalia.
"It was good to meet you... Madara, is it?" Sister Maria asks.
Madara turns back. "I am sorry-- yes! Madara Voislova! Pardon my rudeness!" Madara curtsies again.
"Nice to meet you, Madara", Sister Maria says as she curtsies.
Amalia curtsies to Sister Maria in turn.
Sister Maria turns and curtsies to Amalia.
"It is a pleasure, dear sister." Amalia says.
Madara smiles and turns back to Amalia. "My darling, would you please introduce me to Jurgen? I feel I have been neglecting our guest of honor!"
"Ah! Of course. Forgive me for not doing so sooner..." Amalia smiles politely at the sister. "if you will excuse us..."
"f course! It is nice to meet you too! I'll leave you to your guests." Sister Maria says as she turns...
Sister Maria turns and walks toward the flute-playing Romaine.
Sister Maria waves to Romaine as Romaine plays the flute.
Amalia takes Madara's hand and approaches Lord Jurgen.
Romaine stops playing the flute, and looks at Sister Maria.
Sister Maria turns and walks toward the blood-punch bowl, partaking of a polite portion.
"My Lord, this is Madara Voislova. She is our Scourge." Amalia introduces.
Jurgen smiles as he sees Madara and Amalia approach.
Madara does her lowest, most humble yet elegant bow before Jurgen. "My Lord..."
Jurgen takes Madara's hand, kissing it. "A pleasure."
Romaine sits down, and gathers a few people around her to tell a tale. A tale of a sailor, a nun, and some wine.
"We thank you so much for coming-- your presence and your fighting-power are very welcome to Balgarad." Madara says.
Roccio goes to listen to Romaine's tale.
Jurgen nods. "Thank you. The welcome of the city has been appreciated. We must all band together to defeat the Tzimisce."
"I am sorry that the Toreador of France did not accompany you, I must admit!" Madara smiles a little smile.
"No, I'm afraid Rosamund is a little fragile for this land." Jurgen explains.
Roccio doesn't get the punchline.
Romaine laughs, even though several of the guests don't.
Roccio laughs uncomfortably anyway, then walks away.
Madara nods. "The weather here is very harsh at times...probably why those monsters have thrived here so long..." Madara says, emphasizing the word 'monsters.'"
Jurgen nods. "Yes, not exactly the place for a woman of high breeding."
Reynold leaves the throne and joins the others.
Amalia arches an eyebrow but remains silent.
Romaine begins another tale, of a merchant, a priest, and a lot of animal sex.
Reynold smiles as he joins you and listens in.
Gregor the Gangrel is walking around the room, seemingly sniffing the air.
Madara smiles. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Jurgen. If you will please excuse me, I need to see to our recent addition to the city."
Madara curtsies low again.
Roccio follows Madara to Gregor.
Amalia curtsies to Lord Jurgen and accompanies Madara.
Madara approaches Gregor.
"So Lord Jurgen how do you like our fair city?"
Romaine feels she's not getting the results she wants, so she tells the story about the Tzimisce Lord who was tricked by a Malk and a Ventrue.
Gregor sees the others approaching.
Madara smiles and curtsies before Gregor. "Gregor-- how are you enjoying the ball? I am sorry about the dress-restriction..."
Amalia looks at Madara with a pleading expression when she overhears Romaine's story.
Gregor-- sniffing the air all the way-- approaches where Romaine left her small chest.
Madara sees Gregor walking away and sniffing the air, and she follows him-- sniffing the air, as well.
Romaine sees Gregor edging to the chest, and goes to him.
"No, that's for Sister Florentia. Not you." Romaine says, trying to stop Gregor.
Roccio stands in place, watching.
"Hmm...smells like, animal musk and....blood." Gregor says, continuing to sniff.
"There is a gift for Sister Florentia," Romaine explains. "It's a dress."
Gregor comes to stand before Romaine and the chest.
Madara looks at Gregor in concern, and narrows her eyes.
"Why would someone be giving Sister Florentia a bloody, animal skin dress? She's worn nun-garb for as long as I can remember..." Roccio asks Romaine.
Madara runs over to the chest and turns to stare at Romaine. "What in god's name have you done, Romaine??"
"It isn't a bloody animal skin dress. It's just a plain dress I made for her to show my appreciation for her." Romaine pouts. Then she turns to Madara. "Nothing. This...this fool claims I've done something I haven't."
Madara fumbles at the chest, trying to open it, and then turns again. "Romaine. Come here."
"Why does Gregor say it smells like animal musk and blood, then?" Roccio asks warily.
Reynold strides over.
Romaine holds the chest near her. "No, it's for Sister Florentia, and no one else."
"What is the problem?" Reynold asks.
Amalia stands back, cooly eyeing the events unfolding before her.
"He's mistaken." Romaine tells him.
"Why don't you open it then?" Roccio challenges.
"I said what is the problem?" Reynold says more loudly.
Madara turns to the Prince, her face flushed with anger. "It seems our...newest primogen has something she would like to show us."
"IF its just a dress, why not show us your gift?" Roccio presses.
"No, it's for Sister Florentia and no one else." Romaine says stubbornly.
"Romaine what is in the chest?" Reynold asks, starting to lose his patience.
"Fine, if you want to see, let him..." points to Gregor, "...open it." Romaine says.
Reynold shakes his head. "No you open it."
"Gregor and I can smell it-- it is dead animals!" Madara clutches the sides of her skirt to keep her hands from flying to Romaine's throat.
"Romaine. OPEN the chest." Amalia commands.
"No!" Romaine shouts.
Suddenly Romaine puts the chest down.
"COME HERE." Reynold booms.
Romaine comes back.
Romaine opens the box, turning the opening to point at the group.
Roccio is standing bck, still.
As Romaine opens the chest, dozens of small furry missles fly forth.
Madara instinctively pulls Amalia behind her and moves in front of the Prince.
Roccio runs.
Amalia tries to dodge whatever is coming out of the chest.
Twenty small furry bundles of energy and hunger hurl themselves at the primogen, each seeking that which they have been denied.
"Romaine....feed them." Reynold commands.
Madara lifts the side of her skirt and brings out two daggers that were strapped to her thigh.
The Cainites can finally see what they are as they reach their feet.
They are ferrets.
And the ferrets seem, terribly, terribly hungry...
"Feed them...with your blood. Lay down..." Reynold commands.
As the ferrets reach your feet they launch themselves towards the primogen, latching their tiny fangs into each of them, each desparately trying to drink the blood that they seek.
Amalia hisses, then shrieks in anger. She grasps the ferret clinging to her and snaps it in half, breaking it's spine, then twists off it's head and hurls it at Romaine.
But horror of horrors...they all turn to see the last of the small missles hanging from the hand of Lord Jurgen, himself.
Jurgen does not look amused.
"You may kill her at will my Lord." Reynold says, turning to Jurgen.
Madara looks angrier than anyone else-- her BALL!! RUINED!!!
Sister Maria hides her smile, and draws her sword.
"He need not be troubled," Amalia interjects, hurling the remains of the ferret aside. "Lord Jurgen, if I may?" Amalia draws a wicked-looking knife from her belt.
Jurgen struggles to maintain his composure. "Please do."
Madara narrows her eyes and advances with the others upon Romaine.
Amalia slowly approaches Romaine. As she does so, Romaine can see that her eyes turn yellow and slitted, like a snake's.
Romaine cowers, "it was only for Sister Florentia!" she pleads.
A tentacle of complete shadow reaches forth, wrapping itself around Romaine. Sister Maria adds blood to it, strengthening its hold.
As Romaine looks into Amalia's eyes, she becomes hypnotized, unable to move.
Madara walks slowly around to stand behind Romaine, much like a hunter stalking its prey.
Sister Maria uses the tentacles to hold Romaine in place.
Amalia moves swiftly, too fast to see with mortal eyes, and slits Romaine's throat with her shining knife.
Sister Maria groans as she concentrates on maintaining the tentacles.
Madara reaches down and grabs Romaine's head, flesh-crafting the neck to stay pulled back.
Sister Maria continues concentrating on the tentacles being maintained.
Amalia concentrates, making herself stronger.
Madara pulls Romaine's hands behind her back and flesh-crafts them together.
Everyone watches as Amalia slices deeply into Romaines neck, nearly severing her head completly.
Sister Maria now drops the tentacles, and non-chalantly heads toward the punch bowl.
Madara stands back and watches as Romaine's body falls to the floor.
"Why would she try to do that to Florentia?" Roccio asks in horror.
Madara steps towards Amalia, takes the hand that's holding the dagger, and brings it to her lips-- licking the blood from it and smiling at Amalia.
Amalia wipes the blade clean on Romaine's now ruined dress and sheaths it at her belt.
"Lord Jurgen I deeply apologize for this incident-- she was new to our city." Reynold begins.
"Hmm...perhaps we should adjourn." Jurgen suggests.
Amalia has a hungry glint in her eyes but she supresses it.
Reynold nods. "Yes let us retire."
Madara smiles-- her eyes full of desire-- but hears Jurgen's words and turns quickly.
Amalia smooths her dress and hair, turning her attention to the Prince and Lord Jurgen.
"My Lord...a am deeply sorry. I gave that...thing a test of loyalty! I should have known better!" Madara exclaims.
Roccio frenzies.
Reynold sighs and watches the others.
Amalia steps away from Roccio, being careful not to soil her gown in any of the splattered blood.
Roccio composes himself through use of willpower.
Madara turns to Romaine's body and feels Giacova's anger flare up red-hot inside her head at her BALL...BEING...RUINED!!!!!
Roccio quickly leaves the room.
Madara runs with a shriek to fall on Romaine's body, tearing at her flesh with fangs that seemed to grow full-length in a split-second.
Sister Maria composes herself through use of willpower...
Sister Maria also leaves.
Madara brings back her head to let out a howl before plunging her fangs back into Romaine-- her face now streaked with blood, and the entire front of her white gown soaked in red.
Jurgen looks on in disgust at the wanton display of the beast, and leaves the room.
Amalia pulls aside one of the servants, giving her very implicit instructions, and sends her scurrying from the room. Amalia waits until Madara's frenzy has subsided before approaching her.
Reynold follows him.
Madara brings up her head again. "You BITCH! How could you do that!! I actually...TRUSTED you! I...I..." Madara's chest slowly stops heaving when she sees Amalia's approach.
"Amalia, clean up this mess and bring Madara to my room...now." Reynold says angrily.
Amalia nods curtly to the Prince.
A servant comes running back in with several towels, which Amalia takes and sends the servant away again.
"Lord Jurgen," Reynold says as he closes the door to the meeting room. "I had no idea this would happen."
Amalia kneels down beside Madara, speaking softly and gently to her, trying to pull her back from the beast.
"You seem to have a rather tenuous hold on your primogen, Reynold." Jurgen says, looking still very disgusted.
"I was under the impression that she was under control." Reynold explains.
"Hmm, yes, it is sometimes hard to tell with the mad ones." Jurgen agrees.
Madara puts a hand to her head and sits back against Amalia. "Oh god...did...Jurgen see that...?"
"We are very equal when it comes to the martial side of things-- we tend to not wait when we see a threat." Reynold continues.
Amalia takes one of the steaming hot towels and begins to gently wipe the blood from Madara's face.
Jurgen nods.
"They know me well enough to know what to do in a situation like that." Reynold explains.
"Shhh...don't worry about it right now, darling." Amalia coos comfortingly.
Madara looks down at her dress and lets out an agonized moan.
"And besides, the beast is within all of us. Madara had no control because it was her ball the girl ruined."
Amalia cleans off Madara's face, then takes one of her hands and carefully cleans the blood away, then does the other hand.
"The actions of your scourge...disgraceful." Jurgen comments.
As Amalia works, the servant returns, carrying a bundle.
Madara lets Amalia clean her-- her limbs limp-- feeling like she's in a daze.
"I will of course speak to her." Reynold says.
Jurgen nods. "It is true that the beast is within us all, but such a lack of control is disquieting."
Amalia kisses Madara softly and places the towel on the ground.
"Do not judge her on her actions tonight. She is very dedicated and loyal." Reynold defends.
"Come with me, I've brought you another dress, my darling. The Prince wishes to speak with us, as soon as you are ready. Do not worry yourself, it was not your fault. And the person responsible has more than paid the price." Amalia says to Madara.
Madara lets out another moan, and let's Amalia help her to stand.
Amalia helps Madara to stand, keeping her arm around Madara's waist for support.
Jurgen nods again. "The future will tell. I plan to begin sending some of my troops into Tzimisce territory. The road of war lies before us."
"Excellent, before long we will destroy them." Reynold says.
"Yes...but...I failed. I gave in to my old ways! You must think me a horrible monster! And the Prince...oh no..." Madara moans.
"None of us are perfect, Lady," Amalia responds, smoothing back the hair from Madara's face. "All of us face our beasts, we cannot always win. Come, you will feel better when you get out of that dress." Amalia leads Madara to an unused room, and unwraps the bundle that the servant brought to her. She unfolds a simple dark blue silk dress.
Madara nods sadly. "If I lose my position..." she sees her daggers laying on the ground and quickly grabs them up. "When you are not near, it is the only thing that keeps my voices silent."
Jurgen continues. "We are strong in the south and the west towards Hungary."
"Shhh...you will not lose your position. The Prince accepted her into the city, she was not under your control." Amalia soothes.
Madara sees the dress, and can't help but analize the color before accepting it. She unconsciously changes the color of her eyes to match the dress as she strips off the sticky white gown.
"But the Tzimisce hold the rest of Transylvania. It will be a long campaign." Jurgen continues.
"I am confident we will take them, my Lord." Reynold says. "We will swear vassalhood to you as you requested."
Jurgen nods. "Excellent. That was the last barrier between me and Transylvania."
Madara drops the dress to the floor-- regretting its ruin-- and dresses herself in the one Amalia gave her.
Amalia helps Madara to fix her hair, and fastens the dress in the back.
"As long as the Clan Ventrue stands firm, we shall triumph." Jurgen says.
"Now if you will beg my pardon I must meet with my scourge and my advisor. We must iron this out. Please feel free in my home." Reynold offers.
Madara straps her daggers back to her thigh and sighs. Her eyes take on a hard look. "I am ready, my love."
"Very well, I shall retire to my chambers." Jurgen says.
Amalia kisses Madara's shoulder and neck, then wraps her arms around her and hugs her. "Come, let us go meet with the Prince, I am sure there is much to discuss."
Reynold bows and walks to his chambers. He starts a fire and sits awaiting the two women.
Amalia keeps her arm around Madara as the two women walk to the Prince's chambers.
Madara puts her arm around Amalia, in return, and clutches her waist tightly. She holds out her hand to knock on the door...pauses fearfully...but finally knocks.
"Courage, love. Everything will be fine," Amalia whispers in Madara's ear.
"Enter." Reynold says.
Madara opens the door and walks in-- releasing Amalia's waist-- to stand before the Prince.
Amalia follows sedately, folding her hands at her waist.
Reynold sits in his chair his fingers steepled. He silently motions towards the two chairs facing him.
Madara closes her eyes for a moment, and then sweeps over to sit in one of the chairs.
Reynold cups his mouth, his fingers touching his lips thumb on his cheek.
Amalia enters and takes her seat next to Madara's.
"Perhaps, Madara you would care to explain." Reynold says.
"Where shall I begin, my Prince? Everything is my fault. Tell me now if I ruined things with Jurgen and I will go to him immediately." Madara pleads.
Amalia arches an eyebrow but remains silent.
"No no, nothing has been ruined. Continue..." Reynold states.
"I should never have let Romaine have the freedom to concoct some kind of entertainment for the ball. She asked me for that chest...said she had a present for Sister Florentia...I should not have trusted her, my Prince. I...I thought after the incident in the woods that she was earnest and sincere..." Madara tightens her hands into fists.
"I see. Anything else?" Reynold asks.
"I was so ANGRY with her...it seems that not all leopards can change their spots, my Prince. I am a disgrace for what I did-- giving way to the Beast in front of everyone! I will accept any punishment you have for me freely...just...please do not take away my position...I want to continue..." Madara begs fearfully.
"How can I let you continue in your position? What would happen if I asked you to bring someone back alive?" Reynold asks. "After what I see you are capable of."
Amalia calmly watches the Prince and Madara.
Madara stands up. "My Prince! You can trust me with ANY of your orders! That I swear to you! Have I ever let you down when you have given me orders? Please!" Madara steps forward, bringing her hands together in front of her. "Please..." Madara's eyes shine with the glint of red tears.
"Your sincerity is touching." Reynold says with a hint of sarcasm. "I feel that this has been a failure of our system. We were too accepting of the help she offered. I also see this as a failure of common sense, upon your part in trusting her to 'entertain' us."
Madara 's shoulders slump and she sits back down. "You are right, of course, my Prince."
"Yes." Reynold says simply.
Madara looks at the ground and then back up again-- her eyes narrowing.
"Advisor what do you believe should be done?" Reynold asks Amalia.
"I left her with you last, my Prince...if I may ask what passed between you?" Madara asks slowly.
Reynold turns back to Madara.
"We spoke of her possibly spying upon the enemy. I asked her what she could contribute to the city. Now I see all she could contribute is a trap that nearly cost us Lord Jurgen's help. You are lucky he is not asking for your head." the Prince answers.
Madara feels an anger in the back of her mind, and before she can stop it, it bursts out with one statement. "She must have contributed much to your bed!"
Madara slaps her hands across her mouth and her eyes widen.
Reynold stands and walks over to Madara. "Kneel, before your Prince!"
Madara falls to the floor on her knees, her palms on the ground.
"Once again you question the goings-on in my bed." Reynold says angrily.
Madara stares at the stones of the floor, feeling herself shaking in fear.
"From this day forward until *I* release you you will learn personally the dealings within my bed." Reynold hisses.
Madara's fingers clutch at the stones-- her mouth dropping open and her eyes widening even more.
Reynold hands her a glass.
Madara looks up. "NO! No-- I will not!"
Madara glances over at Amalia in horror.
"No?" Reynold says in a quiet voice. "No?"
"My body has never been known by a man, and as long as my will is intact, it never will!" Madara cries.
Amalia 's hands grip the arms of her chair tightly and she sits up straighter.
"You are lucky I am not asking you to lay in Lord Jurgen's." Reynold threatens.
Madara jumps to her feet. "How DARE you!! How DARE you consider offering something you have NO right to offer to him!"
"She is not a slave to be sold!" Amalia finally interjects. "She is a Primogen of the city, not a lowly ghoul or vassal."
Amalia's grip on the chair tightens until the wood starts to crack under her grip.
"Then what do you suggest, Advisor?" Reynold asks.
Madara feels Amalia's words give her strength, and she straightens her back.
Amalia realizes she is losing control and instantly calms herself.
Reynold arches his eyebrow.
Amalia purses her lips in thought.
Reynold waits for Amalia...but not for long.
"Madara's mistake was in placing trust too easily," Amalia begins.
"Continue..." Reynold encourages.
Madara gives Reynold a meaningful look with a flare of her eyes after Amalia speaks.
"Calm your eyes, Madara. I still have yet to decide." Reynold chastizes.
"Obviously, today's events have taught her, and all of us, a lesson. If you seek punishment, then it should fit the crime, it should not be in the form of some horrible humiliation that could break her spirit." Amalia continues.
Reynold considers. "I have decided. First, you will renounce your clan ties. From this day forward you will be known as Caitiff."
"Second, you will drink this goblet of blood. My blood."
Madara watches Reynold with her eyes steady.
"Three, you will move your things from your haven to here in the castle. Someone is not teaching you the proper Road of Chivalry and I will take over that teaching." Reynold continues.
Madara lets out a cry.
"My Prince, you have many things to take up your time. I follow the Road of Chivalry, I would be happy to instruct her further on it's teachings." Amalia interjects.
"When you are properly upon the Road you may return to your haven." Reynold states.
"No...I will do all you ask, but I MUST have my own domain!! PLEASE!" Madara falls to her knees again.
Reynold looks at Amalia and back to Madara.
"I could use her help in repairing my own haven, Lord." Amalia says quickly.
Madara holds her head, feeling complete dispair wash over her at the thought of losing her precious manor.
Amalia folds her arms, keeping her composure calm.
"And the last, you are not to be near Lord Jurgen, Gregor or Sister Florentia alone. You will not speak to Lord Jurgen unless spoken to. And your answer will be 'Yes my lord' or 'nay my lord.' I will be near you always when around Lord Jurgen." Reynold continues. "You may see Amalia as much as you care to."
Madara drops her hands and stares at the Prince. "You really do not trust me..."
"You will not release her into my care?" Amalia asks.
"No, I do not trust your learnings in chivalry." Reynold corrects.
Amalia 's eyes narrow slightly but her expression never changes.
Madara narrows her eyes. "What do you mean, my...Prince?"
"I will, however-- she is to return to *our* haven by dayfall." Reynold says. "I will train you, and I will make you disciplined."
Madara clenches the skirt of her dress in her fists. "My ghouls...I have so many now, my Prince! And my Childe! You cannot take my private domain from me!!"
Amalia sits jolt upright in her chair.
Madara watches the Prince with emotional eyes, waiting for his response.
"You will be allowed to see them, under my supervision." Reynold answers.
"You would be watching me...in my manor??" Madara cries, incredulously.
"In our haven yes." Reynold says.
Madara thinks of all the indispensible things in her manor and feels panic start to take hold.
Amalia tries not to look panicked.
"Now go and move your essentials into the haven. The room next to mine if you will." Reynold orders.
Madara jumps to her feet. "I could not have been the only Cainite in history to give in to the Beast! I saw the way everyone was looking at Romaine's blood! And ALL of you trusted her! You are harsh, my Prince! HARSH!"
Amalia stands as well, moving close to Madara.
Reynold steps closer to her.
"You would not care to find out just how close the Beast is in some of us, Lord." Amalia says in a low voice.
"I could be harsher, my scourge, pray I don't alter the punishment." Reynold says.
Madara closes her eyes, feeling dispair consume her.
"Now go, we have spoken." Reynold says matter-of-factly. "Amalia, I wish to speak to you as well."
Amalia looks at Madara with agonized eyes.
Amalia keeps her hands clenched at her sides and nods her head. "As you wish."
Madara stares at Reynold with haunted eyes-- hoping for him to go back on his decisions-- but when she sees he's not budging, she walks over past Amalia and to the door.
Reynold opens the door for Madara.
Madara trudges out of the door, dragging her feet. She looks back once at Amalia, and continues out.
Reynold closes the door.
"You feel I have been harsh." Reynold walks over to the chair and sits calmly.
"Unnecessarily harsh and cruel. You do not know how she feels about her home." Amalia says defensively.
"Oh but I do, Amalia. This incident could have cost us our alliance with Lord Jurgen. He wished to have vassalship over us. I was hoping the ball would allow for bargaining over that. Of course that was not to be." Reynold explains.
"You know very well that Madara does not lapse like this easily. Lord Jurgen does not need to know the details of her punishment." Amalia says.
"Amalia we have ruled this city by comittee. I am fine with such, however we will begin to have many foreign clans here very soon." Reynold says.
"That I know..." Amalia says.
"If I do not seem to be in-control, things will get out of control for all of us very soon." Reynold says.
"I realize all of this." Amalia insists.
"I do not wish them to think they can run over this city roughshod while we bicker and frenzy at each other." Reynold continues. "This will put confidence back into to Lord Jurgen."
"What I do not understand is why you have found me unsuitable for taking charge of Madara's schooling and care." Amalia says finally.
"Because you are too close." Reynold states. "You will not be as objective as I will."
"I have nothing. Nothing! I go home to sit in an empty haven with naught but dust for company. Think you that I do not have the time to care for her?"
Amalia laughs. "Hardly. You do not know me if that is what you think."
"I am sure you are an excellent teacher. But what would others believe? The two of you are obvious, and I tested that tonight." Reynold says.
"If you put her in my care, then any mistakes she makes would be my own. I would accept her punishment. Is that not enough of an incentive for me to make sure she learns well?" Amalia asks.
"Now I know for sure of things. Look at it from my eyes....what would you do?" Reynold stands and begins to pace. "Hmmmm."
"I have told you what I would do. You obviously do not see it that way. I wonder how you will have the time to run the City, care for your household, and try to train Madara. The city is under great pressure, I wonder how you will find the time." Amalia points out.
"I shall make you a bargain..." Reynold begins.
Amalia turns her gaze to the Prince.
"I will place her under your care, she will live with you, but she must give up her position. You will teach her the Road, and once a week you will bring her here to tell me of what she has learned." Reynold finishes.
"Would this be a suspension of her position or a complete recindance?" Amalia questions.
"We shall see pending her learning." Reynold answers.
Amalia nods. "I am confidant that I can school her to resume her position."
"Gregor will be placed in it for the time being until she is ready." Reynold tells her.
"Since you have named her Caitiff, does she still have a seat on the Primogen Council?" Amalia asks.
"That depends..." Reynold says.
"So her seat as Primogen is suspended as well?" Amalia asks.
"No...no...however when her tutelage is finished I want her trained so well she could fool even I into believing she was Ventrue." Reynold states.
Amalia's eyes alight with sudden understanding. "Ahhh....I see my Prince." Amalia smiles.
"Ah now you understand." Reynold nods.
Amalia inclines her head.
Reynold smiles and sits back down.
"You can trust me to do this, my Lord. I will not fail you." Amalia says.
"I was hoping you would have seen it from the start my dear Amalia." Reynold says, a little arrogantly. "I am disappointed."
"When you have lost as much as I, you are loathe to give up those close to you so easily, my Prince." Amalia explains.
"I was hoping to pass her off as my childe." Reynold says more plainly.
"That would be easily seen through if one were to taste her and your blood, My lord." Amalia points out.
"I still believe that is possible." Reynold says.
"I shall have to do some reasearch, but perhaps I can find a way to make your bloodlines seem more similar, if one were to put it to the test." Amalia says.
"Go and tell her these things." Reynold commands.
Amalia stands, then bows deeply. "Thank you my Prince."
"And Amalia..." The Prince says standing facing the fire and looking at her over his shoulder.
Amalia turns to look at him.
"Do not fail me, or there will be a price to pay...for both of you."
Amalia bows her head. "Certainly."
"And that price will not be refused. This is how much confidence I have in you."
Amalia turns and walks from the room, using her heightened sense of smell to track down Madara.
Madara is sitting on the floor of her old chambers down the hallway with her ghoul-dogs whining, sitting next to her, and licking her arms and face.
Amalia hurries down the hallway, but stops and knocks politely at Madara's door.
Madara sits dispondantly, so her ghoul looks from her to the door reluctantly and finally opens it.
Amalia nods to the ghoul and walks past it to find Madara on the floor. "Madara," she breaths, rushing to her and sinking to the floor next to her, taking her hand in hers.
Madara looks up slowly-- dark circles around her eyes. "Amalia..." She's too shocked from previous events to move.
"Darling, don't worry. I spoke to the Prince, he will let you come home with me. I know it's still not your manor, but at least we will be together, and we will travel back to your haven often to watch over your ghouls and servants...he's put you into my care. I am to re-train you in the road of Chivalry. There is more, but I must speak to you of it when we are somewhere safe." Amalia says.
Madara blinks quickly. "Oh thank you Amalia!! How did you convince him to let me go with you?"
Amalia sighs. "Your position as Scourge has been suspended. No! Hear me out. He has not taken it away from you, it is only a suspension. He must do something to keep Jurgen happy, this is what we decided upon. Once he is satisfied with your training, you will be able to resume position as Scourge."
Madara slams her palms down on the floor. "NO!!! Oh no...what am I going to do when you are busy...? I am NOTHING now!! He will not want me back! After almost 11 years of faithful service and he would rather please that bastard Jurgen!!"
"No...No...Madara calm yourself..listen." Amalia says quickly.
Madara brings her knees to her chest and holds them. "It is so hard...so HARD to change! Look at my animals! My Childe! I feel more comfortable around the Gangrel than the Prince!"
"When I am busy, you are busy. We will spend all of our time together. I have nothing to keep me at my home, everything was destroyed and I do not wish to put forth the effort to repair it now. Perhaps after this is all over, and we are still here, I shall do so, but now.. it is just you and me. We will have to school your child and your ghouls as well. We will not be abandoning them." Amalia says.
Madara goes back to her knees and clutches Amalia's hands. "Then let us make my manor our home! It is not safe at your home any longer! I...I have a dark dungeon below my house-- it is yours to do with as you will. I have never used it."
"I do not think the Prince will be happy if we go back to your manor. We are walking a very thin line here Madara, you have to trust that I know best, and listen to me." Amalia says.
Madara leans in. "Please...leave Veni. The ghouls you can train...just not Veni. He is more efficient the way he is."
"The Prince has shown a darker side, and I believe he would relish the chance to 'punish' one or both of us if we give him reason to doubt what we do." Amalia says quietly.
Madara shivers and clenches Amalia's hands tighter.
"You understand what I mean?" Amalia looks intently into Madara's eyes.
Madara nods slowly. "Yes...I meant what I told him. And I still have my own free will. He will not have my body to lord over as he lords over all the women-servants in the damned castle!"
"I understand Madara..." Amalia's voice chokes up. "But I do not want to lose you. Please. Trust me, I will save us both from Reynold and give him cause to be proud and treat us as equals again."
Madara lets out a sob and throws her arms around Amalia, holding her tightly and crying.
Amalia finally lets loose her control and cries along with Madara, holding her close.