Aspasia - DC GoTM - Feb 17, 07 - Part II
Time was passing in pleasant and meaningless conversation with various contacts for Aspasia when Dominion commented that Exodus was going to Tulsa to investigate the issues there regarding various sightings of Dallas.
The damn fool man. Does he have a death wish?!
Externally, Aspasia takes care, despite the wine, to mask the depth of her concern. She grills the Angel’s oldest daughter for details.
Those are sparse at best, but it is clear that Dominion no more approves of the idea than does the Amazon.
“Where are they now?” Aspasia asks the Romanian, clearly referring to Exodus and Raven both.
“Tulsa. He was going to make an appearance there first.” Dominion pauses. “I have his current phone. We could call?”
Aspasia rises from her chair in the hall, nodding. “Yes, if we can stall him for the night, then we can be there to prevent any additional stupidity.” She pulls open the door and steps over the threshold into the bracing night air, Dominion only steps behind, phone in her hand.
Without it being said, both women appeared to realize that airing concerns of the Gangrel and potential errors in judgment from one of the Admired was not something they were going to do where witnesses were present.
While Dominion listened to a male voice on the other end of the line, she mouthed the name ‘Raven’ to Aspasia, who simply nodded.
I may not hear the words, but the voice is a breath on my soul. Between the poison and the wine.
The Amazon paces in agitation. Her primary concern is to give Exodus time to be healed and to give him space and distance from his recent trials. Then there is this, if Regina’s cautions prove true, then the very last people who should go to Lamar are Dallas’ sire and his lover. She can’t believe that Exodus is blind to the potential trap, for a trap it must be.
She takes a sip, upending the flask, the last of the wine in that container now dances like fresh blood over her teeth and tongue.
Dominion hands Aspasia the phone. Taking it in her hand, cradling it to her face, Aspasia speaks, “Tell me you are not going to Lamar tonight. That he is not going. That you will not allow him to go.”
Raven’s voice stirs her blood. Even confused, - she can hear the hint of perplexity in his tone - he murmurs the reassurances she wants. And he sounds as if the idea of travel, at least this night, from the Ravenscarred’s place of power was never entertained in his thoughts.
They speak on. Perhaps she is to harsh with him, but Aspasia does not care. Enough foolishness has been indulged in the length of the winter. Someone has to tell them no.
Dominion's place to do so. She will help Exodus' daughter to keep the line from tempting Fate one to many times in this short, short span.
Good. A measure of time for us to make it there. To shut them down for a time. And when I am sure that Exodus is avoiding Delphi, then Winterbourne had best redouble his efforts to avoid my hunting of his life.
* But, he will fail. *
She hands back the phone to Dominion, content. Then, Aspasia returns to Bastian’s hall, passing by the kindred scattered there with no exchange of words. She mounts the stairs to the balcony area, with a companionable smile to the eldest daughter of Exodus, who seems to think the relocation a good idea as well.
I need stay only til the hour before Midnight, then the road beckons. Surely the gods will provide for their faithful along the path.
“That is all that can be done just now,” She murmurs to the other woman. “But tonight, I have transportation to aid in a swift trip to his city. You are welcome to join in, but I must caution. This is the night of the Bacchanae and I intend honor the god in his fullness.”
The Amazon’s eyes are dark, and pupils wider than usual as she concentrates on the face of the Dragon before her.
Dominion's reply is a simple one. "May I come with you? May I take part?"
Aspasia nods once, then turns her attention to the crowd below. Her eyes drift over individual kindred. Callahan mingling with other sanctified. There, the prince of Raleigh clustered with her broodmates and in consultation with other Invictus William Talbot, and his entourage.
This night of celebration can conclude in one of two ways. The more pleasurable option requires that she finds someone who would not break and there are few in the gathering who meet that criteria, and of those viewers still with whom she would be entertained. Her eyes keep drifting to one of two men, Bastian or Callahan. But then neither is who she really wants.
So, this leaves the more final, brutal and traditional resolution. Bastian may not realize it, but she will count as a favor he owes her that she opts not to claim one of his guests for she purposes. Aspasia adds a checkmark on the slate she keeps in her mind scoring favors and debts owed to a note from other kindred.
Her first flask been empty Aspasia now opens the reserve that she brought with her to get through the tedious hours of socialization. The wine has been steadily cooling off with the passage of time since it was filled, and tang of blood is sweeter and sharper than the last. As she relishes the first swallow, other Gangrel climb the steps and swiftly there is a cluster of the clan gathered in discussion.
Lacking Parnelia's presence, Molly steps forward, to try and organize the group. For a moment Urvi takes umbrage feeling that her position as Prisci has somehow been overlooked. The brief interaction entertains and distracts the Amazon for a moment.
If the Daeva are paying attention only now...
The initial conversation is light in nature, Molly makes public her offer to help educate and teach other Gangrel about the communication systems most suitable for combat. Aspasia lends a quiet word support for this initiative.
Brooke, in her role as Warlord of Canada -- well, a good civilized part of it - speaks on the matters of Hamilton and the battle which had been concluded only the night before.
Luck indeed favored the Gangrel, Carthians and their allies last night. Aspasia found herself wondering, how much the Ravenscarred had to play with the threads and petition the Moirae for their indulgence, and what penalty would be extracted in the future. Still, the end goal of the battle had been accomplished both Lucas and Exodus returned to themselves and return to their clan.
Only time would make true, how the events and the very possession of their souls would affect these two powerful kindred. They would need caring and watching for the sake of others as well as themselves.
Fresh faces, once known to Aspasia only distantly by name and not by sight with the next to speak and catch your attention. The issue they brought forth was that of Lions on the Appalachian Trail. Vampiric Lions. Feasting on travelers who strayed too far from the trail and from vampires who strayed into their territory.
The fact that this pack did not rove, but stayed in one location, high spoke to deeper issues of concern. But for now, those would have to be trusted to the hands of others, Urvi perhaps, Venatrix, if she would be so inclined. Certainly not the Amazon, for she intended to return to the hunt. Now that she had a name and a covenant to lead her to her daughter's killers
And then Raven's eldest daughter spoke to the crowd. Things became boisterous, and that was the rush of voices from all sides in fervent discussion. Had Exodus lied to the clan?
The crux of the problem was his covenant affiliation. Aspasia had to concentrate to stay involved through the haze of a wine and herb-laced blood. Something he said or wrote weeks and months past, declaring his intense to leave the Dragons so that there would be no question, but his loyalties belonging first to the Gangrel.
Aspasia sat back in her chair closing her eyes and thoughts trying to remember the message. Had she seen it? Yes, there was some vague memory there, but she couldn't place her finger on it.
Dominion was asked for her understanding and recollection she explains that Exodus had indeed declared he was leaving. And then was told, that would not be permitted.
So, the question became - Is this lying to the clan to make the declaration in the first place or by the omission of f further information? Did he lie in allowing the clan to believe him, independent and unaligned?
For her part, Aspasia could not think clearly or weave evenhandedness on the matter of Exodus. Jessica would soon be leaving her in line to take the place of the dead child in his to become the father of her eldest daughter. The feelings, the conflict but still churned in her stomach over this made the Amazon cautious when asked for her opinion on the situation.
Brooke on the other hand, had no such complexity to deal with in relation to the Unholy's Angel. But, even she urged temperance in the matter and volunteered that she too would be willing to travel to Tulsa with Aspasia and speak with him directly about the matter to assess for themselves. What his intentions were and if they felt it false, a grave fault for one held up as the example of all it means to be Gangrel.
While the Amazon sensed that this was not the optimum desired outcome for some of those present, it was still the best compromise that anyone in the group was going to reach. After all, Exodus had just been rescued from the hands of the enemy and his mental state had yet to be fully assessed by anyone.
Sadly when one of the crowd mentioned the battle, the situation, the possession in passing - this round a few vocal members of the clan even further, "How are we supposed to respect him when he leaves people into death?"
Other, similar sentiments were expressed. Just one or two voices that they were heard and the Amazon noted the undercurrent of concern that seemed to touch many. They feared the Unholy's son or what he might do in moments of madness or worse....
The realization weighed heavily on the Aspasia's heart. If things continue as they were now...
No. She didn't want to think about that right now. It would bide. All of this would bide until she spoke with Hisa. Avenged Hisa. She would do what she could for the clan, but there was a higher duty to the dead that Aspasia feared she would fail to fulfill.
But, rather than keep all her knowledge silent, the Amazon pours a large swallow of wine into her mouth. She waits a moment, then speaks in firm tones to the clan, all but demanding their attention.
It has been nearly two moons since she gained the name of the man behind Hisa's death. Attempt thus far to find him were failing and time was running away from her. No. Enough subtleties. Her daughter's soul was demanding revenge.
"Winterborne." She declared to the room. "That is the name of the one behind the death of my daughter, Hisa, and her ward. He is claimed to be Invictus."
The Amazon places the palms of her hands firmly on the table before her. "I will dispatch those to whom he is oathed and those who swear to him, above and below his chain, until they render him onto me for justice."
She turns her head, scanning the clan with a steely-eyed gaze. "Tell your allies and your cities. This is the murderer. Shelter him not. He is a viper. And he will be ash."
Having spoken her piece and laid the name out, the challenge out to this figure in shadows, the Amazon leans back. She drinks again, and the words of the clan float in the air. She hears them not.
Only one voice, “You can’t just change the blood in your veins….”
It is Rose speaking again.
So true, Daughter of Raven.
Deny you he does.
But it does not change the truth.
Hisa.
The damn fool man. Does he have a death wish?!
Externally, Aspasia takes care, despite the wine, to mask the depth of her concern. She grills the Angel’s oldest daughter for details.
Those are sparse at best, but it is clear that Dominion no more approves of the idea than does the Amazon.
“Where are they now?” Aspasia asks the Romanian, clearly referring to Exodus and Raven both.
“Tulsa. He was going to make an appearance there first.” Dominion pauses. “I have his current phone. We could call?”
Aspasia rises from her chair in the hall, nodding. “Yes, if we can stall him for the night, then we can be there to prevent any additional stupidity.” She pulls open the door and steps over the threshold into the bracing night air, Dominion only steps behind, phone in her hand.
Without it being said, both women appeared to realize that airing concerns of the Gangrel and potential errors in judgment from one of the Admired was not something they were going to do where witnesses were present.
While Dominion listened to a male voice on the other end of the line, she mouthed the name ‘Raven’ to Aspasia, who simply nodded.
I may not hear the words, but the voice is a breath on my soul. Between the poison and the wine.
The Amazon paces in agitation. Her primary concern is to give Exodus time to be healed and to give him space and distance from his recent trials. Then there is this, if Regina’s cautions prove true, then the very last people who should go to Lamar are Dallas’ sire and his lover. She can’t believe that Exodus is blind to the potential trap, for a trap it must be.
She takes a sip, upending the flask, the last of the wine in that container now dances like fresh blood over her teeth and tongue.
Dominion hands Aspasia the phone. Taking it in her hand, cradling it to her face, Aspasia speaks, “Tell me you are not going to Lamar tonight. That he is not going. That you will not allow him to go.”
Raven’s voice stirs her blood. Even confused, - she can hear the hint of perplexity in his tone - he murmurs the reassurances she wants. And he sounds as if the idea of travel, at least this night, from the Ravenscarred’s place of power was never entertained in his thoughts.
They speak on. Perhaps she is to harsh with him, but Aspasia does not care. Enough foolishness has been indulged in the length of the winter. Someone has to tell them no.
Dominion's place to do so. She will help Exodus' daughter to keep the line from tempting Fate one to many times in this short, short span.
Good. A measure of time for us to make it there. To shut them down for a time. And when I am sure that Exodus is avoiding Delphi, then Winterbourne had best redouble his efforts to avoid my hunting of his life.
* But, he will fail. *
She hands back the phone to Dominion, content. Then, Aspasia returns to Bastian’s hall, passing by the kindred scattered there with no exchange of words. She mounts the stairs to the balcony area, with a companionable smile to the eldest daughter of Exodus, who seems to think the relocation a good idea as well.
I need stay only til the hour before Midnight, then the road beckons. Surely the gods will provide for their faithful along the path.
“That is all that can be done just now,” She murmurs to the other woman. “But tonight, I have transportation to aid in a swift trip to his city. You are welcome to join in, but I must caution. This is the night of the Bacchanae and I intend honor the god in his fullness.”
The Amazon’s eyes are dark, and pupils wider than usual as she concentrates on the face of the Dragon before her.
Dominion's reply is a simple one. "May I come with you? May I take part?"
Aspasia nods once, then turns her attention to the crowd below. Her eyes drift over individual kindred. Callahan mingling with other sanctified. There, the prince of Raleigh clustered with her broodmates and in consultation with other Invictus William Talbot, and his entourage.
This night of celebration can conclude in one of two ways. The more pleasurable option requires that she finds someone who would not break and there are few in the gathering who meet that criteria, and of those viewers still with whom she would be entertained. Her eyes keep drifting to one of two men, Bastian or Callahan. But then neither is who she really wants.
So, this leaves the more final, brutal and traditional resolution. Bastian may not realize it, but she will count as a favor he owes her that she opts not to claim one of his guests for she purposes. Aspasia adds a checkmark on the slate she keeps in her mind scoring favors and debts owed to a note from other kindred.
Her first flask been empty Aspasia now opens the reserve that she brought with her to get through the tedious hours of socialization. The wine has been steadily cooling off with the passage of time since it was filled, and tang of blood is sweeter and sharper than the last. As she relishes the first swallow, other Gangrel climb the steps and swiftly there is a cluster of the clan gathered in discussion.
Lacking Parnelia's presence, Molly steps forward, to try and organize the group. For a moment Urvi takes umbrage feeling that her position as Prisci has somehow been overlooked. The brief interaction entertains and distracts the Amazon for a moment.
If the Daeva are paying attention only now...
The initial conversation is light in nature, Molly makes public her offer to help educate and teach other Gangrel about the communication systems most suitable for combat. Aspasia lends a quiet word support for this initiative.
Brooke, in her role as Warlord of Canada -- well, a good civilized part of it - speaks on the matters of Hamilton and the battle which had been concluded only the night before.
Luck indeed favored the Gangrel, Carthians and their allies last night. Aspasia found herself wondering, how much the Ravenscarred had to play with the threads and petition the Moirae for their indulgence, and what penalty would be extracted in the future. Still, the end goal of the battle had been accomplished both Lucas and Exodus returned to themselves and return to their clan.
Only time would make true, how the events and the very possession of their souls would affect these two powerful kindred. They would need caring and watching for the sake of others as well as themselves.
Fresh faces, once known to Aspasia only distantly by name and not by sight with the next to speak and catch your attention. The issue they brought forth was that of Lions on the Appalachian Trail. Vampiric Lions. Feasting on travelers who strayed too far from the trail and from vampires who strayed into their territory.
The fact that this pack did not rove, but stayed in one location, high spoke to deeper issues of concern. But for now, those would have to be trusted to the hands of others, Urvi perhaps, Venatrix, if she would be so inclined. Certainly not the Amazon, for she intended to return to the hunt. Now that she had a name and a covenant to lead her to her daughter's killers
And then Raven's eldest daughter spoke to the crowd. Things became boisterous, and that was the rush of voices from all sides in fervent discussion. Had Exodus lied to the clan?
The crux of the problem was his covenant affiliation. Aspasia had to concentrate to stay involved through the haze of a wine and herb-laced blood. Something he said or wrote weeks and months past, declaring his intense to leave the Dragons so that there would be no question, but his loyalties belonging first to the Gangrel.
Aspasia sat back in her chair closing her eyes and thoughts trying to remember the message. Had she seen it? Yes, there was some vague memory there, but she couldn't place her finger on it.
Dominion was asked for her understanding and recollection she explains that Exodus had indeed declared he was leaving. And then was told, that would not be permitted.
So, the question became - Is this lying to the clan to make the declaration in the first place or by the omission of f further information? Did he lie in allowing the clan to believe him, independent and unaligned?
For her part, Aspasia could not think clearly or weave evenhandedness on the matter of Exodus. Jessica would soon be leaving her in line to take the place of the dead child in his to become the father of her eldest daughter. The feelings, the conflict but still churned in her stomach over this made the Amazon cautious when asked for her opinion on the situation.
Brooke on the other hand, had no such complexity to deal with in relation to the Unholy's Angel. But, even she urged temperance in the matter and volunteered that she too would be willing to travel to Tulsa with Aspasia and speak with him directly about the matter to assess for themselves. What his intentions were and if they felt it false, a grave fault for one held up as the example of all it means to be Gangrel.
While the Amazon sensed that this was not the optimum desired outcome for some of those present, it was still the best compromise that anyone in the group was going to reach. After all, Exodus had just been rescued from the hands of the enemy and his mental state had yet to be fully assessed by anyone.
Sadly when one of the crowd mentioned the battle, the situation, the possession in passing - this round a few vocal members of the clan even further, "How are we supposed to respect him when he leaves people into death?"
Other, similar sentiments were expressed. Just one or two voices that they were heard and the Amazon noted the undercurrent of concern that seemed to touch many. They feared the Unholy's son or what he might do in moments of madness or worse....
The realization weighed heavily on the Aspasia's heart. If things continue as they were now...
No. She didn't want to think about that right now. It would bide. All of this would bide until she spoke with Hisa. Avenged Hisa. She would do what she could for the clan, but there was a higher duty to the dead that Aspasia feared she would fail to fulfill.
But, rather than keep all her knowledge silent, the Amazon pours a large swallow of wine into her mouth. She waits a moment, then speaks in firm tones to the clan, all but demanding their attention.
It has been nearly two moons since she gained the name of the man behind Hisa's death. Attempt thus far to find him were failing and time was running away from her. No. Enough subtleties. Her daughter's soul was demanding revenge.
"Winterborne." She declared to the room. "That is the name of the one behind the death of my daughter, Hisa, and her ward. He is claimed to be Invictus."
The Amazon places the palms of her hands firmly on the table before her. "I will dispatch those to whom he is oathed and those who swear to him, above and below his chain, until they render him onto me for justice."
She turns her head, scanning the clan with a steely-eyed gaze. "Tell your allies and your cities. This is the murderer. Shelter him not. He is a viper. And he will be ash."
Having spoken her piece and laid the name out, the challenge out to this figure in shadows, the Amazon leans back. She drinks again, and the words of the clan float in the air. She hears them not.
Only one voice, “You can’t just change the blood in your veins….”
It is Rose speaking again.
So true, Daughter of Raven.
Deny you he does.
But it does not change the truth.
Hisa.