| Bad Pennies [Sal + Ariadne] | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 12 2012, 08:10 PM (544 Views) | |
| Holy | Dec 12 2012, 08:10 PM Post #1 |
|
At some point after the siege, numbers and contact information is exchanged between everyone, so perhaps it's no surprise when those numbers start to get used. Can you meet? It's a simple message on Ariadne's phone, but the simplicity left few details. |
![]() |
|
| Replies: | |
|---|---|
| Kara | Dec 21 2012, 10:33 AM Post #61 |
|
A few minutes shy of 1:30, Ariadne appears in the crowd in the lobby, making her way toward the Petrossian. Spotting Banks, she adjusts her trajectory, inching toward him. She remains a fair distance away, watching as he continues his phone call. |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 21 2012, 12:55 PM Post #62 |
|
![]() Salvador's appearance is noted by many of the patrons, the white collar and black attire leaving no doubt to his profession, if that's what you could call it. He lingers in the foyer, waiting to see if anyone else arrives before heading to the bar area. For Kos: Spoiler: click to toggle
|
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 21 2012, 01:32 PM Post #63 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Banks moves to greet Ariadne, taking a moment to end his phone call. "I'll call you in a couple hours maybe. Gotta go. Hit them back." He then looks towards Ariadne. "Madam Shaffer, so good to see you this evening. I expect you've had a very busy night, correct? Well, hopefully you have more in you, since the Advisor wants to make sure you're present during our discussion." _____________ Banks also notes the approach of Salvador. He immediately breaks away from Ariadne to address Salvador. He remains high energy, his body thrumming with movement, but makes no move to shake Salvador's hand. "Mister Ruiz, so good to see you. I do hope you understand that this evening is now dedicated to your affairs. We wish to make sure you get the service that you need, though perhaps later we can discuss the difficulties in adjusting the Primogen's schedule. Still, I hope we can work through these issues equitably. I trust you have eaten this evening?" Holy Spoiler Spoiler: click to toggle
|
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 21 2012, 04:12 PM Post #64 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Shortly after Banks speaks with Salvador, Owen Harper walks into the Bellagio. A few Kine eyes are drawn to him, and it only takes a moment for Bank's attention to drift from Killjoy to the Bastard. "Ah, Primogen Haper, how... how good to see you this evening! Please, enjoy the usual complimentary chips at the cage. Um..." Harper offers a groan of frustration with Banks. "Settle down dipshit, I'm here for him." Harper then gestures towards Salvador. Banks sputters a bit, confused, before trying (and failing) to regain control of the ebb and flow. "But... our discussion with Sal... Mister Ruiz is a... covenant affair." Harper places a hand on Banks shoulder, gripping tightly, pulling the smaller man in closer. "C'mon now Banks. I'm here. Ain't gonna keep me out of this, so save yourself the discomfort." Banks tries to pull himself away, but Harper pulls him in closer. "Nuh-uh. You don't get to go and warn her. You stay here and chat with me and my friends until we're ready to go talk." Harper guides Banks back towards Salvador and Ariadne. "'sup." |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 21 2012, 04:58 PM Post #65 |
|
Salvador exchanges pleasantries with Banks, then seems to contemplate how to answer the question of eating when Harper makes his own appearance. "Primogen Harper, good evening." For the first time perhaps ever, the present Kindred catch a brief smile from Killjoy. Mostly targeted towards Banks' discomfort. Edited by Holy, Dec 21 2012, 04:59 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| Kara | Dec 21 2012, 06:35 PM Post #66 |
|
Ariadne takes up a spot somewhat near Banks after her arrival and acknowledgement, watching for Killjoy. When Harper arrives in his wake, she looks surprised - indeed, her eyes only grow wider at the exchange between him and Banks. She opts not to return the Primogen's greeting, instead shooting a quick glare at Killjoy from behind her hair and mumbling, "Really?" |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 21 2012, 07:29 PM Post #67 |
|
One shoulder shrugs at her rhetorical question. "And good evening to you, Mister Banks. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, and for gaining me access to Primogen Ashcroft." With a nod toward Ariadne he adds, "And thank you for the idea." |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 23 2012, 11:39 PM Post #68 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Harper offers another broad smile. "Ah, the nervous girl! This should be a hell of a lot of fun! So c'mon Banks, don't going ruining the surprise, let's all just have a real. Nice. Time." Banks winces in pain as if Harper is hurting him somehow. "So let's go." Harper (not Banks) walks up to the roped-off entrance. When he arrives at the rope, a hostess greets him. "Hello sir! How can I help you this evening?" Banks starts to mumble something, but Harper immediately pipes up. "Evening honey. You could help me out all sorts of ways, but unfortunately, we're meeting someone." He unhooks the rope blocking his way. The kine seems totally unperturbed. "We'll just find her in back, I'm guessing. But once we're done, I'll come back to you, we can have a real nice chat." Despite his very aggressive attitude, the hostess seems to blush and nod. "Of course, of course, go right in, and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." Harper merely offers a laugh as he leads the group into the small bar. He's clearly been here before or acting like he knows where Ashcroft would be. Sure enough, he finds a large semi-circular couch with a table and chairs opposite it where Ashcroft and Miss Elizabeth Cole are eagerly reviewing a document. What they are talking about is impossible to hear in the din of the club, and the moment Harper is within a short distance, Ashcroft's eyes land on him, as if pulled by the power of his Beast. She wears a clear look of anger on her face, but rises to greet the party as well. "Primogen Harper, how good to see you this evening. And Madam Schaffer and Mister Ruiz, while it was a bit short notice, I'm glad you brought the matter to my attention." She clearly makes a point of ignoring Banks, blaming him for the change in the atmosphere with Harper's presence. "I'm not certain you've met Miss Cole." Elizabeth Cole introduces herself, rather than letting Ashcroft do so on her behalf. "Good evening everyone, I'm Miss Elizabeth Cole the Third, child of Madam Elizabeth Cole the Second, grandchile of Baroness Elizabeth Cole the Progenitor. I intend to help in any way I can, though admit that my knowledge of the particular affair is a bit incomplete. But I know together we can accomplish this." Ashcroft makes a small shake of her head and a slight sigh. "Yes, very good Miss Cole, now..." She's clearly irritated by a number of things. "Everyone, please be seated. And let us begin. Perhaps with you, Mister Ruiz. Would you care to bring us up to speed about your concerns this evening?" |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 24 2012, 12:58 PM Post #69 |
|
Killjoy slips into the very middle of the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, hands folded. "Thank you for seeing me, Lady Ashcroft. And I do apologize for the, I'm sure, numerous loose protocols. But issues continue to move in the city, and I wanted to touch base on a particular issue. Namely, what remains of my contract with the First Estate. I've been thinking that the lifestyle of the Unaligned may no longer suit me or my goals here, and I'd like to know to what obligations I still am held."
Edited by Holy, Dec 24 2012, 01:59 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 24 2012, 02:58 PM Post #70 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Ashcroft listens patiently to Salvador, while Cole furiously scribbles notes. Banks doesn't sit, instead pacing back and forth near the table, never stopping for a moment. He seems nervous and frustrated, while Ashcroft remains calm. Still, when Salvador is finished, it is Harper that Ashcroft gives a momentary glance to before speaking. Once she starts, she returns her attention to Salvador, but it is clear Harper is a consideration. "With the Winnowing, all existing contracts were rendered null and void. Some of the First Estate are less than enthused about how I have resolved the matter, but my decision is sufficient to put the matter to rest. With regards to formal obligations, you are under none to complete out the remaining time on your contract. However, there is a matter of honor and propriety and one's word." Harper lets out a groan, but even he is silenced when Ashcroft raises a hand to pause any response. Banks begins to pace faster. "You made an agreement. That agreement was made under duress and extorted from you. But an agreement none the less. Consideration must be made on both sides to ensure a relationship is not antagonistic. From my end, I apologize for the brutish behavior of Mister Rose and our previous Primogen. While extortion can sometimes be necessary, it seemed in poor taste from the testimony I've received from Mister Rose. Yet, we are expected to honor our agreements in polite society, lest we become outcasts." "Here is what I propose. No formal agreement, no new oath. However, we show our good faith by relinquishing any claim to you, and I keep Mister Rose from publicly belittling you for... a few months. Then he is free to be as much of an ass he usually is. On your account, you also promote a positive image regarding your interactions with the First Estate. Be as harsh as you desire to Mister Rose, but the rest of the Estate is not your enemy." "In addition, I desire allegiance. Many know that you want the ability to protect your growing domain. We can offer authorization, in exchange for a few... favors. These favors will be between you and me alone, not the First Estate. And those details will only be discussed with the two of us, and perhaps Miss Cole." "Does this interest you?" |
![]() |
|
| Kara | Dec 24 2012, 04:17 PM Post #71 |
|
It isn't far into Ashcroft's speech before Ariadne is staring, looking to and from each of the other Kindred in the room. She seems to take note of what each of them is doing at any given point in time, from following Banks's incessant movements to watching Harper's mild outburst. Overall, though, she keeps her focus on Ashcroft and Killjoy. When the former has finished speaking, she sets her gaze squarely on the latter, watching intently from her standing perch somewhat near the periphery of the gathering Kindred. |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 24 2012, 04:34 PM Post #72 |
|
There is a look of abject relief as Ashcroft begins going through the point-by-point. As more and more of the decision seems to favor Salvador and his position, that look changes to his typical wariness. He meets Ariadne's gaze, then glances to Harper. "Two issues of contention. The First is Mister Rose. I can handle myself when it comes to him, so please take his wrangling off of consideration for my end. If you feel a lack of contact between the two of us is not to your benefit, I leave that in your hands." He shifts in his seat, eyes following Banks and his pacing, then settling on the Primogen herself. "Second, I am willing to trade services anew, but..." With a swallow, he continues. "I'm not yet interested in supporting you as Prince. If that is what such services would entail, I would be better served continuing to work with other members of the Council on getting my territory officially recognized." Edited by Holy, Dec 25 2012, 02:59 AM.
|
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 25 2012, 10:52 AM Post #73 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Harper offers a broad grin at Salvador's comments. "She knows better." Ashcroft herself again seems annoyed by Harper's outburst. "Mister Ruiz, if I was intended to purchase the throne, I would anticipate that it would be a very tenuous reign. I would not make your support of myself a contingency for this discussion. At most, I'd expect that you do not voice public support of anyone, as that would essentially keep the status quo with regards to your public persona." This possibility seems to garner another groan from Harper, but Ashcroft continues. "If I cannot win your support, I will not buy it. That way leads to more instability, not order." |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 25 2012, 11:13 AM Post #74 |
|
"Very well then. As long as I remain Unaligned, I shall voice no public support for the throne." He times his rise from the couch for when Banks is furthest away in the apex of his pacings. "If I am taken by a Covenant, however, I am free to support my Covenant's wishes." Two steps bring him toward the table, his hand extended. "Agreed?"
Edited by Holy, Dec 25 2012, 11:13 AM.
|
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 25 2012, 01:59 PM Post #75 |
![]()
Administrator
|
She extends her hand as well, but not yet grasping Salvador's. "You're free to support whomever you want if you join an organization. An exchange of a Major or Three Minors directly to my office. Those boons, while I cannot directly restrict transaction, are offered in good faith for the desire to work with me, not to simply pawn them off to some other if you have such an opportunity. Given your understanding, I imagine that wouldn't occur, still, contingencies must be considered." Harper watches the proceedings with glee, as if he's getting something he wanted. Ashcroft eyes Salvador. "Do these proceeding meet with your approval? If so, we can discuss in private further." A slight glance towards Harper, who is clearly everpresent on Ashcroft's mind, even if she tries to ignore him. Edited by KosST, Dec 26 2012, 10:20 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| Holy | Dec 28 2012, 07:30 PM Post #76 |
|
He shakes his head. "I want Ariadne as the agent of the Estate. My apologies," though it doesn't sound like he's really apologetic, "but I think it is in my interest to avoid private meetings with anyone else in the Invictus until we've had time to acclimate to our new arrangement. Three minor boons, the services desired delivered through her." His eyes flick to the once-Mekhet, then back to the woman most thought had the highest chance of becoming Prince. "Will that meet with your approval?" Barely a blade of air rests between his and Ashcroft's hand now. |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Dec 28 2012, 07:51 PM Post #77 |
![]()
Administrator
|
A shrewd smile appears on the face of Ashcroft, as if she enjoys the twist in the game. "Mister Ruiz, if you are afraid to be alone in a room with me, you may find that reputation as a strong willed up and comer can be quickly adjusted. Don't waste that promise." Even Harper seems to find some slight agreement with this point as Ashcroft continues. "However I understand your concerns in part. Perhaps the following. Madam Schaffer may be present in our discussions until you learn to trust me. In addition she can be the bearer and intermediary of the first boon. Afterwards I would work with you more closely." |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Jan 2 2013, 12:42 PM Post #78 |
|
At the word 'promise,' Salvador's eyes shift to the papers before Ashcroft and Cole on the small table. A glance to Harper, then to a couple settling their bill and leaving the bar area all but telegraphs his thoughts. Could he afford to just walk away? Did the Invictus have a pen and ink copy of the old contract, or was it a bluff? But the presence of Harper cut both ways in this moment, and Ashcroft knew it. To leave now would be wasting two Primogen's time, and Salvador understood that Harper wouldn't hesitate to pound him for it. There were too many witnesses now, seeing Salvador's wagon hitched to the Bastard. Turning tail was too big a risk. "Accepted," he concedes, slipping his hand around the would-be-Prince's. Edited by Holy, Jan 2 2013, 12:43 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| Kara | Jan 2 2013, 02:08 PM Post #79 |
|
Ariadne stares at Killjoy at his request that she deliver the favors, and glances at Ashcroft when the Primogen confirms her personal involvement in the first of the boons - but she does not openly stare at the other Kindred. Instead, her gaze settles on the table, one corner of her mouth twitching. Otherwise, she keeps her silence. |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Jan 2 2013, 04:49 PM Post #80 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Ashcroft firmly accepts the handshake. "Thank you, Mister Ruiz. Miss Cole, did you get all that down?" The woman who had been busily scribbling notes and scratching out blocks speaks up, her voice fairly enthusiastic given this is her entire role in this negotiation. "Yes, Lady Primogen. Three minor boons, each owed to you, with Madam Shaffer acting as intermediary re Mister Ruiz for the first boon. In addition, Madam Shaffer's presence is required at initial meetings between yourself and Mister Ruiz. Mister Ruiz shall not declare support for any attempt at Praxis until he undergoes acceptance into a Covenant. I believe we're all in agreement." The neonate then hands off two pieces of paper, one to Salvador and one to Ashcroft. They are clearly not oaths - not in vitae, the original hastily scribbled and handed to Ashcroft and the second cleaner but still just notes handed to Salvador. Ashcroft notes the tension of handing a new document to a man who spurred political action to avoid a previous one. Harper also notes this and begins to speak up. "Another fucking piece of paper to bind the man? C'mon Ashcroft, you know better." Ashcroft responds to the other Primogen quickly and concisely. "This is merely a record of our discussion, not an oath. I still felt it would be most useful. for both parties." She then turns her attention to the other Kindred gathered, laying her eyes upon Harper. "Now if you wouldn't mind, please give us some privacy so I can speak with just Mister Ruiz and Madam Shaffer now." Harper sneers, but stands up. "We'll talk later, Ruiz. Ashcroft, don't forget tomorrow night." Miss Cole watches the receding figure of Harper closely as it departs out the main entrance, and stands up swiftly it is clear he has left the Bellagio. She offers a bow to everyone present. "Thank you for the opportunity, Lady Ashcroft. As for all three of you, if there is anything I can do to be of service, please don't hesitate to ask." Banks, who had hoped to turn this deal into an opportunity to display his own worth, who had hoped to parlay this into a social highpoint of his night, had remained mostly despondent since the appearance of Harper. Indeed, he slinked off the moment the hands shook, clearly upset. |
![]() |
|
| Kara | Jan 3 2013, 12:21 AM Post #81 |
|
She watches the various departing Kindred with clear interest, fixating on each as they take their leave - even Banks. In the small lull between Cole's departure and any further conversation, Ariadne's phone is extracted from her pocket to have something quickly typed onto the screen. The device is just as swiftly put away. |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Jan 3 2013, 01:33 PM Post #82 |
|
Salvador clearly isn't eager to stick around either, but he gives a perfunctory read over the notes from Miss Cole, lingering to hear Ashcroft's final words. |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Jan 3 2013, 01:55 PM Post #83 |
![]()
Administrator
|
When the other Kindred have departed, and Ashcroft, Ariadne, and Salvador are alone, the lady returns to a sitting position, eyeing the two Kindred arrayed before her. She places her hands before her on the table between them, pausing a moment, and taking an unnecessary breath. "My understanding is that you both, and your associates in the Brides, as well as Primogen Antoine, survived a unique event. I have received testimony from Primogen Antoine, and it is troubling indeed. While the games of politics do not rest, the danger you faced was real. And I do not want to trivialize that. That you were rewarded was certain. You shall further be guests of honor at the next official gathering. I felt you should know." "There is much to be done in this city, and hands needed to get these things done. I expect there is animosity and distaste, but please understand how precarious our current situation is. None of the Kindred jockeying for power are doing so without the knowledge of our current struggles. We forged alliances of necessity to return order to this city, but those alliances shift with the illusion of stability. And some have receded from view, as if waiting for a moment of opportunity." "You will have attention from many. Please choose from them carefully." She leans back from the table. |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Jan 3 2013, 02:30 PM Post #84 |
|
Salvador offers a curt nod, interpreting her lean as an end to the conversation. Folding the "contract" into squares, he tucks it into a pocket and follows the other Kindred in exit. |
![]() |
|
| Kara | Jan 3 2013, 02:41 PM Post #85 |
|
Ariadne's nod is slower, but just as silent as Killjoy's. She seems content to also leave it at that, slipping from the table. She only gets a few steps from the table before her phone is back in her hands and her fingers are back on its screen, typing away as she weaves through the crowd in the bar. |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Jan 3 2013, 03:00 PM Post #86 |
![]()
Administrator
|
Ashcroft watches the two leave, not rising from her table this time. They exit the small bar without any fanfare, save a simple "Have a great night and come back soon!" from the human hostess as the Kindred disappear into the night. (Annnnnnnnnnd Scene? Wrapping up pending you folks wanting to continue, in which case I'll just watch a bit) |
![]() |
|
| Kara | Jan 3 2013, 03:04 PM Post #87 |
|
(Ariadne wouldn't seek out Killjoy herself, but if he'd do the inverse, I'm down. Or whatever!) |
![]() |
|
| Holy | Jan 3 2013, 03:10 PM Post #88 |
|
(I think this is a good spot for a scene end.) |
![]() |
|
| KosST | Jan 7 2013, 12:13 PM Post #89 |
![]()
Administrator
|
(+1 xp for each of you. Huzzah random scene rewarding)
Edited by KosST, Jan 7 2013, 12:14 PM.
|
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · In Character Scenes · Next Topic » |






3:31 AM Jul 11