It's raining as the carriage rolls into Paris. Several riders flank it as it rolls through the front gates. A tall man with a long black cloak is waiting for them.
Reynold looks around at the tall man. He straightens up in the saddle.
Ursula opens the carriage door and peers out into the rain. She mumbles to herself for a moment, nods, and leans back in. "I believe that's the Tremere Reynold is looking for." she says to Marcel.
Reynold: "Hail there, I am Reynold, of York. I have come seeking someone, perhaps you could help me."
Ursula continues to watch out the window, and finally pulls her cloak around her and jumps out of the carriage.
Ursula runs up to Reynold's side.
Aukon stands in the rain, he's about 6 feet tall wearing dark clothes and has a jet black goatee. He stares at the carriage with a hint of contempt.
Aukon: "Greetings" nods Aukon.
Reynold looks down at Ursula.
Reynold returns his gaze to the stranger.
Ursula looks the man up and down and turns to Reynold. "The Goddess says this is the Tremere you're looking for, but watch out what you wish for! Ha!"
Reynold: "I'll keep that in mind," he says.
Reynold dismounts and walks over to him.
Aukon shoots a glance at Ursula.
The stranger smells slightly of blood and rotting flesh.
Ursula takes Nanesti's reigns and pats her, leaning over and talking soothingly to her.
Reynold waits for the man to introduce himself.
Aukon: "I am Aukon. You are...?"
Reynold: "Reynold of York. I am looking for the Tremere, they may have some information I seek."
Ursula puts a hand on her hip and watches the men.
Aukon: "I am who you are looking for."
Reynold raises his eyebrow.
Reynold: "You are of the Tremere? Excellent, I had hoped I should find you quickly..."
Ursula nods and walks up. "That's better. I like men who don't beat around the bush. You dally in demons, my little soggy puppy?" she asks Aukon.
Reynold: "Is there somewhere we may speak? My companions are tired and the horses need rest."
Aukon: "Yes, follow me to my chambers." says Aukon, ignoring Ursula.
Ursula doesn't notice the rude behavior-- if this is advancing the Goddess' goals, it doesn't matter who talks to her and who doesn't.
Reynold nods.
As the vampires speak, they are approached by two others.
Reynold stops to look at the other two.
A tall strong man, and an attractive woman in the clothing of a forester.
Philipe: "Greetings, Strangers."
Reynold: "Hail and well met, stranger."
Bernadette pushes back the hood of her cloak and eyes the newcomers calmly.
Philipe: "We are of the city of fair Paris, and would like to welcome you."
Ursula peers at the strangers while leading Nanesti.
Reynold: "Thank you, you are very kind."
Ursula narrows her eyes suspiciously.
Bernadette: "I am Bernadette of the Gangrel, this is Phillipe of the Brujah,"
Bernadette gestures to her rather large companion.
Reynold takes off his helmet and his long black hair tumbles about his face.
Ursula: "Why the warm welcome, eh? Children of Caine?"
Bernadette turns her attention to Ursula.
Bernadette: "The Prince would meet you before anything else," she replies.
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "Of course,"
Reynold: "I am Reynold of the Ventrue, and this is Veni of the Gangrel."
Bernadette nods to Reynold and Veni.
Ursula: "Aah, Princes, Princes, yes...I had forgotten that custom. Well then! A Prince! Glad to meet him, yes!"
Philipe: "If you have the time, we would like to make your presence and company with the Prince - at your convience, of course."
Reynold looks to Marcel and the others.
Ursula: "I am High Pries...I am Ursula Chupennou."
Reynold: "Marcel, stable the horses and get rooms for us." Marcel nods.
Philipe bows politely.
Reynold turns back to the two.
Philipe: "I am Philipe. It is a pleasure to meet you both."
Reynold nods at Phillipe and bows to Bernadette.
Ursula: "My clan is not important, however I am close with the Gangrel-- a pleasure to meet a woman of the Goddess, Bernadette!"
Bernadette cocks her head. "Goddess? What do we have to do with gods?"
Ursula laughs. "Not a thing, and that's exactly why I like them."
Philipe looks with curiosity at Ursula as well.
Philipe: "You're not one of those Moorish types are you?"
Reynold: "I believe we are ready. Lead on, good Phillipe."
Bernadette blinks owlishly and turns back to the others.
Ursula laughs. "Moorish types, eh? Haven't heard of those!" She cocks her head and listens, and then shakes it. "Nope. Not a Moorish type."
Philipe: "that's good."
The two natives lead the coterie to a huge manor on the outskirts of the city, not far from the palace of the king of France.
Ursula looks at Philipe steadily for a moment. "And you...what type are you, eh?"
Aukon continues to watch the 2 newcomers, wishing they'd leave so he can discuss things with Reynold.
Philipe: "I'm a Parisian, plain and true."
Bernadette chuckles.
Philipe: "Lived here all my life."
Reynold: "I have been here twice before, a beautiful city."
Ursula chuckles. "That's plain to be seen! Tell me, Philipe of the Brujah, are you a sheep of the flock? Follow the cross? Hmm?"
Philipe: "Yeah. I am."
Philipe: "Most people around these parts are."
As they arrive at the gates, a second carriage is preparing to leave.
Bernadette growls low in her throat when she sees the insignia on the carriage.
A woman, beautiful in an unearthy, fae way, walks swiftly from the gates of the manor and climbs into the carriage.
Ursula blinks and looks at the woman, taking everything it and wondering why Bernadette is angry at the carriage.
As she does, she pauses and looks back, and In the light of the gate, you can make out the pale features of Amalia.
Bernadette mutters something under her breath, her eyes seeming to glow in the darkness as she glares at the woman.
Aukon pales at the site of Amalia.
Reynold's eyes widen.
Reynold snarls and puts on his helmet.
Amalia quickly disappears into her carriage, and leaves, the carriage thundering into the night.
Reynold: "No!"
Reynold starts running after the carriage but it is too fast.
Bernadette: "You know her?" Bernadette growls.
Ursula runs after Reynold, watching everything like a hawk with her dagger drawn.
Aukon recalls the pain that accompanied that woman, as well as the demon that resides in his body now.
Reynold stops and runs back to the group.
Ursula runs after him.
Reynold turns to Ursula.
Reynold: "That's them..."
Bernadette: "Or should I say it? That is no woman," the Gangrel spits.
Reynold: "She is one of the ones who took her..."
Ursula: "Ah my lion...so she is the handmaiden of the demon..."
Reynold nods.
Ursula thinks silently for a time.
Aukon: "She is one of the two bitches that...tortured me."
Reynold looks at Aukon.
Reynold: "What?"
Aukon: "It's a long story, we can discuss privately. Let's just say, I'm not looking forward to a repeat performance by them."
Philipe: "She's been here for quite a while...not making many friends- that one- with our kind."
Ursula looks with surprise at Aukon, turns to face the space next to her, listens, nods, and turns back to Aukon. "Ah yes. The Goddess speaks true! And you know the name of..." Ursula glances at Reynold. "...not to be spoken here."
Aukon: "I've been too long away from this city. In my quiet home."
Reynold: "What of your prince, Phillipe?"
Reynold: "Is he friends of theirs?"
Reynold stands a bit taller.
Philipe: "She's been around for about 50 yrs, my mentor told me about her...said she's mean and power-hungry."
Aukon: "She is."
Reynold clenches his fist.
Reynold: "Really..." he says in a low voice.
Philipe: "The Prince has only been around for about 5 yrs...
Philipe: "Some say he...had a little help from THAT ONE."
Reynold looks off in the night and then back to the manor.
Philipe: "She may even have put him in place here..."
Aukon: "No doubt. He doesn't know the pact that he's made with those devils though."
Ursula throws her head back and laughs. "Had a roll in the hay with her, you mean! Had the old screws tightened in the head by her? Ha! Don't know if we should meet this Prince now! More like puppet!"
Bernadette: "He'll not realize his mistake until it's too late."
Reynold looks at Bernadette
Reynold: "Truer words..."
Aukon nods.
Bernadette: "But the prince waits. It is best not to let him grow unpatient with us."
Reynold: "Let's meet this Prince...I should like to discuss this with him..."
Aukon nods.
Bernadette approaches the manor.
Philipe: "Yes, let's continue."
Ursula waves her hand dismissively in the air. "Men are always impatient, so is their god. Let's go-- see this poor bastard."
The doorman of the manor greets the coterie, and ushers them into a waiting room.
Reynold takes off his helmet.
"The lord will be with you shortly." the old ghoul says with a curt voice.
Reynold paces back and forth.
Bernadette seems to grow distinctly uncomfortable when surrounded by four walls, and she paces from corner to corner as you wait.
The party waits for hours, until the sun is nearly up, when the old doorman comes for them.
"The Prince will see you." The man lead them into a deep underground chamber, decorated with the finest of furniture and hangings.
The Prince sits upon a raised dias, upon an ornate throne. Women of all nationalities and peoples surround him, chatting and laughing. Only in the shadows could they make out the forms of guards.
Reynold bows before the prince.
Bernadette bows quietly.
Philipe bows politely.
Aukon bows to the Prince.
Ursula stands just behind Reynold and peers at the Prince. Not used to showing obediance to anyone-- rather having everyone worship her-- she watches the others bow as if watching a movie, and then finally chuckles to herself after listening to her voice, and also bows.
Villon looks the party over.
Villon and waits for them to speak.
Bernadette: "Sire, here are the newcomers you have asked me to bring you," Bernadette begins.
Philipe: "Greetings Prince."
Reynold: "Greetings Prince,"
Philipe: "By the traditions of Caine, they have come to present themselves."
Reynold steps forward and bows again.
Villon nods his head.
Ursula moves her lips silently as she talks to herself and her eyes grow dark.
Reynold: "I am Reynold, son of Ivan, son of Horatio IV. Clan Ventrue."
Villon: "I am Francois Villon, childe of Helena, of the Clan Toreador. I welcome you to my fair city of Paris."
Reynold: "Thank you, my Prince."
Veni steps forward and bows.
Veni: "I am Veni, adopted of the Gangrel."
Villon looks at Veni, still waiting for the introductions of the other newcomers to his city.
Bernadette arches an eyebrow at Veni's claim.
Ursula notices the silence, and steps forward, bowing with a great flourish. "Toreador, eh? Heard a lot of great things about your fashion-sense from my chosen one, I have! My Prince, I am Ursula Chupennou, and I, too, am Gangrel, although I do not remember my sire's name." Ursula winks at Reynold and steps back.
Villon looks at Ursula, "A most interesting example of a gangrel..."
Villon's eyes narrow at her.
Ursula chuckles. "Well, as Veni here said, adopted by the Gangrel I am. Don't know my sire's clan. A shame."
Villon: "None the less, you are welcome in Paris, as long as you obey our laws."
Reynold: "We will my prince."
Villon: "No Cainite may sire without my permission."
Villon: "Nor may you kill a mortal while feeding without due cause."
Ursula raises her eyebrows at this law, but then raises her eyes to look around the room as a cover-up.
Villon: "And all the Traditions of Caine will be upheld in my city. Break them at your peril."
Reynold nods.
Ursula starts ticking off laws on her fingers while mouthing them silently, trying to absorb them, and then nods and puts her hands down and smiles benignly at the prince.
Villon: "The night grows long, have you secured lodgings for the night?"
Ursula glances at Reynold.
Reynold: "Yes, my prince."
Villon: "Very well, then if you will excuse me."
Reynold nods and bows as he walks out.
Villon looks towards the door in a motion of dismissal.
Ursula follows after Reynold, taking in everything around her as she leaves the room.
Philipe bows toward the Prince, then leaves after the newcomers.
Aukon bows, then leaves the room.
Bernadette bows with a flourish, then turns to follow the others from the room.
Reynold: "Aukon let us retire to your house."
Aukon: "Very well."
Ursula: "Ah yes, the house of the Tremere...interesting...Aukon, my little fox, is this house within or without the city?"
Reynold walks out of the manor towards the street.
Aukon: "It is a half hours journey from here."
Reynold: "Good, then let us collect our things."
Reynold walks towards the carriage.
Ursula: "Reynold, my cub, where did you send dear Marcel?"
Ursula looks down the streets.
Reynold points to the carriage.
Reynold: "There."
Philipe: "If you should require any further assistance, please let me know as well."
Ursula: "Ah yes! Good-good! Everyone in who doesn't ride!"
Reynold: "I may do that, good Phillipe and Bernadette."
Ursula jumps into the carriage and waves for others to follow her.
Reynold: "How may I contact you?"
Philipe: "I'll see you to your lodging, and let you know along the way."
Reynold nods as he mounts Nanesti.
Aukon mounts his horse, and leads the way.
Bernadette finally exits the manor to see the others speaking by the carriage.
Reynold: "Good, good."
Bernadette: "What business do you have with Amalia? How do you know her? No one knows anything of her past she will not speak of us and no one has been able to find out..."
Ursula hears this question and jumps back out of the carriage. "Ah...inquisitive wolf! That is a long story, but one I have been told. Amalia is a Cappadocian Cainite...haven't seen one of those before...in league with a demon...learning magick from him...want to hear more?"
Reynold: "Let us go to Aukon's and we shall discuss it. I promise you, Bernadette. I will tell you what I know."
Ursula nods. "Yes, come to the hearth to hear what has happened...and bring a hanky!"
Ursula jumps back into the carriage.
The trip to Aukon's haven went by quickly, and they arrived just in time to avoid the coming of the morning sun.
Bernadette: "In league with a demon...ahh that makes sense..."
Philipe nods in agreement.
Reynold dismounts and hands the tether to Marcel.
Aukon leads the group to an old monastary deep in the woods. It resembles more a fortress than a place of worship, the only sign that the word of God is spoken here is a large cross above the gates to the monastery.
Ursula glares at the cross, and everyone outside the carriage can hear shouting and ranting coming from inside, and you think you hear a lot of...spitting?
Reynold: "Marcel, if you would stable her and get the others to unload the luggage. Then get yourself some rest, good man."
Bernadette: "I shall return at sunset," Bernadette announces, looking uneasily at the lightening sky before slipping away into the forest.
Reynold nods at the departing Bernadette.
Philipe: "As shall I. Good day."
Aukon: "You may stay here if you wish."
Philipe departs, riding his horse hard into the city.
Reynold: "Good Philipe, please return when night falls as well."
Ursula follows Reynold around like a shadow.
Aukon: "Well, I feel it is time we rested then."
Reynold nods.
Ursula nods. "Well then, show us to our rooms, my host!" Ursula grins a warm grin at Aukon.
Aukon motions to a monk who shows you to your chambers.
Reynold: "We can discuss this all tonight."
The coterie passed the day in peace, rising with the coming of night.
Reynold gets up and dresses with Marcel's assistance.
As night fell, Bernadette and Philipe returned as promised, and the coterie joined in the monastary's library.
Soon after sunset, Bernadette arrives on the back of a black charger. The spirited beast tries to bite the monk who comes to take the steed, and Bernadette chuckles at his discomfort.
Ursula has found a fireplace and is boiling some water over a small fire, adding herbs to it and humming.
Bernadette takes of a pair of elbow-length black leather gloves and tucks them into her belt.
Reynold dresses in the fashion of the day and his hair is taken back in a long ponytail.
Aukon appears in expensive dark clothing.
Ursula notices Veni enter-- looking just as disheaveled as Ursula-- and waves him over. "Smell this! That'll put some hair on your...ah, you're hairy enough!"
Ursula laughs.
Bernadette stands quietly at the doorway to the chamber, watching each member of the company intently.
Reynold: "Good evening, Bernadette," he says bowing to her.
Bernadette nods politely. "Good evening."
Ursula finally takes the pot from the fire, places it on a table, puts a cloth over her head, and leans over the pot, inhaling the steam.
Philipe returns the next day, looking much as he did the previous day -- enormous.
Aukon watches Ursula perform her simple, pathetic ceremonies.
Reynold sits in a chair by the fire.
Bernadette finally enters the room and takes a seat in an empty chair.
Reynold stands and paces a bit and wait till everyone is comfortable.
Ursula places her hands on the table and leans back with a look of contentment on her face. "Ah yes, the old channels are open now!"
Ursula quickly puts everything away, and finds a comfortable chair. She sits and leans back, folding her hands on her lap and watching Reynold.
Reynold turns to Bernadette.
Reynold: "You had a question about Amalia and how I knew her."
Bernadette nods.
Bernadette: "Yes, I would know who she is."
Reynold: "I knew her for a long time as a primogen in the city of Belgrade. I was the Prince for a time. This was before I knew she was in league with that...thing."
Philipe: "What...thing?"
Reynold: "A demon...a god I don't know what it is..."
Reynold: "I am afraid to speak it's name lest it attracts its attention."
Bernadette studies Reynold intently.
Reynold: "She was a loyal advisor, and a good friend until...until."
Bernadette: "You were prince of a city...what brings you here, a landless traveller? It seems much out of character for a Ventrue. Did she have something to do with this?"
Reynold: "Yes she does...she very much does. I abdicated."
Reynold: "You see, the scourage, Madara...was her lover. I too had feelings for this woman and I tried my best to hide it from her, although I am sure some knew."
Ursula watches everyone, whispers to nothing next to her, and then continues watching everyones' faces more intently now.
Reynold: "The woman, Katerina, had come to the city along time ago when I first became prince. At first she helped us..."
Bernadette: "what woman?"
Ursula notices Veni gripping the arms of his chair because of the loud creaking-sound coming from where the woods is beginning to break off the chair in his hands.
Reynold: "Katerina was a mage, she was there for her own reasons."
Reynold: "Although as I said she seemed to help us..."
Ursula walks over and stands behind Veni and leans over, whispering to him soothingly. He shakes his head, but releases his grip a little.
Bernadette wonders what a Mage is.
Bernadette: "Like a wise-woman?"
Reynold: "Yes, yes."
Ursula suddenly looks up and laughs. "About as wise as a bitch in heat! You think they care where they lay, as long as they lay? Ha!"
Ursula chuckles to herself, and then is quiet.
Reynold: "She seemed to be attracted to Amalia, which of course hurt and angered Madara."
Reynold: "Katerina was in league with the demon the entire time."
Reynold: "She tricked us, all of us."
Reynold: "One day she suddenly disappeared, and for ten years she was gone and yet...she had tricked me...tricked me into a blood bond with her and I could still feel it's pull."
Bernadette listens to the convoluted stories, trying to keep track of what happened.
Reynold: "So I asked Madara, who was an excellent tracker, to help me locate her. We went to Amalia's manor."
Reynold: "The trail led there. Amalia tried to warn us, but we did not listen."
Reynold: "She had hid Katerina's body in the basement secretly. She had thought she was dead..."
Ursula puts her hands firmly on Veni's shoulders as he leans foreward and places his face in his hands.
Reynold: "Madara learned that Amalia and Katerina had an affair and ran out in a frenzy.
Reynold: "I followed her and took her to my castle...there..."
Reynold bows his head as the memories come.
Reynold: "There I could no longer hold my emotions and I told her of my love."
Ursula smiles a little smile, but continues to stroke Veni's head like a mother as he moans through his hands.
Reynold: "She too felt that way, but she also loved Amalia, but because of what had happened, could no longer trust her."
Reynold: "The next night we decided to leave the city, but before we could Amalia and Katerina barred our way and summoned the demon."
Aukon nods.
Reynold: "We begged them to let us go and be on our way, but they would have nothing of it."
Reynold: "The demon came and we fought...although it was a far short battle. I ran at him and he struck me, incapacitating me."
Reynold: "It wanted to kill Madara, but Katerina had other plans..."
Reynold: "They took her and opened a doorway to where I know not and they took her...Amalia as his servant..."
Reynold: "I left when I awoke and have been searching for some clue as to what this demon is and where they took her."
Ursula jumps back agilly as Veni suddenly flies to his feet with a growl, grabs his chair, and smashes it against a wall. Howling with pain and rage, he runs from the room leaving the door swinging open. Ursula peeks out into the night, and then pulls the door shut and returns to her chair where she sits calmly.
Reynold watches Veni run from the room.
Reynold: "That is who Amalia is..."
Aukon stares at where Veni was.
Bernadette: "Ahh..."
Ursula: "That poor cub...he blames himself for not being there to protect his mistress..." Ursula clucks her tongue and shakes her head.
Aukon: "I too know what it is like when Amalia and Katerina summon a demon, although, a bit differently then you might."
Reynold turns to Aukon.
Ursula suddenly leans forward and peers at Aukon.
Reynold: "What?"
Aukon: "It was several years ago, and they came to my old home in search of some information. When I wasn't too forth coming, they decided to use me as a sacrifice to summon a demon."
Aukon: "I, however, was able to escape...barely."
Bernadette: "Demons...what does she want with Paris!"
Bernadette starts to look very worried.
Ursula: "And what was this demon's name, my poor fox?" Ursula asks Aukon.
Reynold shakes his head and puts a hand on Aukon's shoulder.
Reynold: "I do not know what they want with Paris."
Aukon ignores Ursula.
Philipe: "What kind of information did they want from you, Aukon?"
Aukon: "Just about some prophecies. They were very unspecific about what they really wanted."
Reynold rubs his chin, "Prophecies? What prophecy?"
Aukon tells of the various prophecies he talked with Katerina about.
The prophecies of Gehenna, and who had spoken the prophecies in the earliest nights...
Ursula waits patiently for Aukon to spit out the name they're waiting to hear.
Reynold continues to pace.
Reynold: "Does that answer the question, Bernadette?"
Bernadette wonders what big catastrophe is going to befall her homeland now that she knows a demon-worshipper has taken up residence.
Philipe: "So...what now?"
Ursula motions for Reynold to come over.
Reynold: "I don't know..."
Reynold walks over to Ursula.
Ursula waits until he bends over, and then whispers into his ear.
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "I will when we can."
Bernadette: "I suppose it does...though what did these demon-worshippers do to your city?"
Bernadette: "what can we expect her to be trying to do here?"
Reynold: "If Amalia is here this demon must have some plans for the city, or perhaps knows that maybe there is something or someone it wants here."
Bernadette jumps back to her feet and starts pacing.
Reynold: "I believe that Belgrade was important because it was anchored there or...I do not know of mystical things."
Reynold: "Perhaps it is anchored here as well."
Reynold: "This Prince, I do not believe he knows who he is dealing with."
Reynold: "I did not, I was foolish and stupid. I now know his traps."
Bernadette: "No one knows anything of Amalia, her past has been a secret until now..."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "I only know of what I told you, I do not know where she was before coming to the city."
Aukon: "I can...look into why Paris would be important to Amalia and Katerina."
Ursula: "Well, she knows where the lionness is, and so she should be made to tell!"
Reynold nods at Aukon.
Reynold: "Be aware, Amalia is powerful. More powerful than any Cainite I have ever seen."
Reynold: "I think she may draw power from this demon. I once saw her help take an army of the Tzimisce and tear them apart in wild abandon."
Bernadette: "So what do we do? I cannot stand by while my city falls to some unknown evils."
Reynold: "We find out why she is here and what she wants..."
Reynold: "Maybe that will help us decide a better course of action."
Bernadette nods thoughtfully.
Philipe: "Do you know how removed from Caine she is, or how old?"
Reynold: "I do not, I do know she is less removed than I."
Reynold: "She may be fifth..."
Reynold looks at Bernadette and thinks a moment. He walks over to her and puts his hand on her shoulder and on Phillipe's.
Reynold: "I will help you...and I promise, if there is anything to be done we will not let your city fall to this demon."
Bernadette: "Thank you, Reynold."
Bernadette: "I know where she lairs," Bernadette offers.
Bernadette smiles.
Reynold: "You know where she havens?"
Bernadette: "Yes, she does not keep it a secret. She has a large mansion on the outskirts of the city."
Ursula watches Reynold's excitement with her hands folded, and her face a mask of contentment.
Reynold nods and paces again tapping his chin.
Reynold: "That is her way...staying out of the city...away from prying eyes."
Bernadette: "But she has the patronage of the Prince. Going after her without proof of her alliances might spark a war here in the city..."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "True...true..."
Reynold snaps his fingers.
Reynold: "I may know of a way..."
Reynold: "How popular is the prince?"
Ursula mutters something about flame and destruction and relief from sheep.
Philipe: "He is pretty popular, a pillar of stability in a toppling tower - the only pillar of stabiity in a toppling tower."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "Wherever that demon is it becomes unstable...despite your efforts."
Philipe: "very true..."
Reynold: "Amalia has a weakness..."
Aukon eyes Reynold.
Reynold: "Who is your best artist? Your finest painter?"
Bernadette looks to Philipe, not familiar with those aspects of the city.
Philipe: "I can find a great one in this fine city..."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "What is your best museum? One that is frequented by her?"
Bernadette frowns.
Bernadette: "I do not believe she frequents museums...the library would be more likely of a place to find her."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "Of course, of course..."
Reynold smiles as he looks into the fire.
Reynold: "Philipe find that painter, I have a plan."
Philipe: "OK."
Reynold: "The library..."
Bernadette watches Reynold curiously.
Reynold: "Aukon you said they were after a prophecy...how is this library? Would it have rare books of this topic??"
Aukon: "Nothing like what I have here."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "Good good..."
Reynold: "Do you know what book this prophecy is in? And do you still have it?"
Aukon: "Yes, I have copies of the prophecy here."
Reynold: "Good...good."
Aukon stands up and picks up several scrolls from inside a small cabinet.
Reynold looks at Bernadette and Philipe.
Reynold: "Who throws the best of parties here?"
Bernadette: "This is Paris, the competition for that title is fierce," Bernadette replies.
Bernadette: "But of course, the Prince would hold the title."
Reynold: "I see."
Reynold: "Good...good. When is the next party?"
Bernadette: "The prince throws open parties for the Kindred of the city every month or so...the next one has yet to be announced."
Reynold nods.
Reynold: "Good we have time..."
Ursula hears the word party and pricks her ears up. "Party? As in festival?" Ursula suddenly feels her pulse quicken as she remembers the last festival...the bodies...the blood...aaah...
Reynold smiles...
Reynold: "Paris...the land of Toreador...where status is everything..." he says thinking out loud.
Reynold: "Good then, Aukon. The monks here, are they capable of book binding and copying?"
Aukon: "Of course."
Reynold: "Good good."
Ursula watches Reynold with a raised eyebrow, wondering what he's scheming.
Reynold sits down by the fire again.
Reynold: "You said your prince has been in that position for the last five years...who was the prince before him? How was he deposed?"
Bernadette: "The Courts of Love ruled here before her Arrival."
Bernadette: "A collection of Ventrue and Toreador. But the Leader of them all fell in love with a mortal who scorned him."
Bernadette: "He had an attack of the nerves and without him the alliance between the two Clans broke down..."
Bernadette: "The city was in chaos for quite some time."
Ursula narrows her eyes. "Wait a moment...what mortal did he fall in love with? Is there anyone who would know?"
Reynold nods.
Reynold leans forward.
Bernadette: "A mortal girl... I do not remember her name. He killed her for scorning him."
Reynold nods.
Bernadette: "Then his conscience got the better of him..."
Bernadette shakes her head, not understanding such.
Ursula: "Aah..." Ursula sits back in her chair.
Reynold sighs in relief.
Bernadette: "Which is why he had the breakdown."
Ursula: "Perhaps Amalia suffers from such nerves-- treating her own ex-lover horribly, yes?"
Bernadette: "Well she has not faded from sight, she is actively taking part in the politics here."
Bernadette: "So I would not count on a degeneration of her mental abilities."
Ursula chuckles. "Are you saying that those in leadership are always of sound mind?" Ursula begins cackling.
Philipe: "I dont think that is what Bernadette is saying."
Bernadette: "No, merely that you should not judge her weak."
Ursula: "Oh girly, don't think I'd ever count on a demonling as being weak! I know their power!"
Reynold considers.
Reynold: "I don't think she is weak, but she does have a weakness."
Bernadette: "which is?"
Reynold: "Her past..."
Aukon: "Perhaps, it depends on the plan you have in store for Amalia. If she's here, rest assured, Katerina is nearby, and we can't fight the two of them."
Reynold: "I'm not planing on attacking them."
Somewhere, out in the forest a shambling form stumbles towards the monestary. A knocking comes at the door of the monastary. The coterie heard a scream of one of the monks, and the sound of a body hitting the floor.
Reynold pulls his sword.
Philipe unsheaths his sword, and runs toward the noise.
Reynold follows Philipe.
A scratching came at the door, and a hideous smell filled the room.
Hideous, but somehow...familiar...
Ursula jumps up and raises her hands to the heavens, beginning to chant.
Aukon jumps to his feet, and draws a dagger.
The door knob started to turn...and the door slowly opened.
Bernadette pulls her sword and stands ready, nose sniffing the air.
A hideously rotted body stood in the doorway.
Ursula pulls her dagger and slits her wrists and begins using the blood to draw symbols over her face and arms.
And the slight smell of Madara's perfume could be smelled over the sickening scent of the rotting body.
The zombie opened its mouth, and Amalia's mocking voice laughed from its rotted mouth...
"Welcome to Paris, Reynold. A preasent from me, to you."
As it speaks, it falls to the floor.
The zombie holds out its arm, clutching in its hand the unmistakable hair of Reynold's long lost love.
Reynold frowns a hard look on his face.
And as it collapses, the unmistakable scent reached Reynold. The scent of Madara, that had been so etched into his mind over the decades. The scent of her hair, her body...her most private and sacred parts...it all stood out in perfet contrast to Reynolds undead senses.
Ursula pulls the bastard sword strapped to her back under her robe and runs at the corpse with a shriek.
Reynold: "I once thought you were tricked into this..."
Reynold: "I was wrong..."
Bernadette wrinkles her nose in disgust at the rotted body and looks sadly at Reynold.
Philipe mumbles under his breath about the heathens.
Ursula begins hacking at the body until it's in little pieces.
Reynold clenches his fist and turns from the body.
Reynold sheaths his sword.
Reynold: "Now you understand what you deal with."
Ursula scatters the pieces until they're not touching any longer, and then begins chanting over them and drawing symbols in the air.
Philipe: "How long have you known this woman who smears the blood on her face?"
Bernadette: "Unnatural..." Bernadette growls under her breath, covering her nose from the smell of decay.
Philipe: "And a nice gift Amalia has sent us..."
Ursula takes the pieces of zombie-corpse and throws them into the fire one at a time, watching them until they burn completely.
Reynold: "Long enough to trust her."