Hunters in the Light

[George Williamson]

If George were to say what Haniel was best at, it would be that he can make people lower their guard and fears so easier.

"And now everybody knows who you are and you have some interesting ties all over the place," George thought of the boons as a side effect, rather than the main cause. "Some of which could help here. Though it would depend on which one you wished to entirtain. I believe they have very different tastes, and two I have ideas for." Coming up with ideas in a pinch, while a good trait to have, did not always have the effectiveness desired.

[Picks-at-Flies]

"Ah, George, maybe you did not hear. Lady Fortescue has employed me to provide entertainment to her clan, at some soiree of hers. I felt unable to refuse.

So many reasons!

"But alas, I have been so used to being a mere minion that this level of freedom is going to my head. Can you feel it?"
Haniel makes a clicking sound with his teeth, something George has heard before when his brother was having fun.
"I'm no longer making rational choices, I am being greedy and ... and I need to work out priorities when I am in a state of calm. What do you think, George? Is it wrong for me to be greedy, after all this time?"

[George Williamson]

George was truely happy for a moment. A chance to entertain Lady Fortesque. He had ideas a plenty sparking inside his mind.

All before the clicking. It built dread as memories resurfaced. A different face. A different name. George hid the change. He didn't want to risk sudden fear overtaking one or both of them. Though it took him a few moments to answer, "It depends on what ya bein' greedy with, don't it? Ya gotta find what ya wana do now ya here. Bringin' joy n' protectin' those ya care 'bout seem like mighty fine things t'do. If ya wana be greedy, well ya know how our world works."

[Picks-at-Flies]

Ah good, he remembers. Haniel smiles inside.

And then smiles outside. "Ah yes, the joys of keeping down all threats. Which is normally everybody." He continues consiratorily, "Don't you remember, I was the one keeping them down. But oh, now I'm free I don't have to do that any more. I am Haniel, bringer of joy. I support those around me for better spiritual... something. I don't want to be hemmed down by ... well, you know.

"So maybe I shall be greedy. Give and receive with abundant pleasure until I am comfor... no not that. Just to give me a measure of satisfaction that detracts from the daily impediments.

"Tell me George, will you join with me on my journey of joy? Will you put away the cares of duty to bathe yourself in the ritual apportioning of joy, restore that spiritual ... something?"

[George Williamson]

George was somewhat concerned. An undefined notion of joy and the throwing away of duty. A mysterious path. What was Haniel intending? Something about it couldn't have George do anything but smile.

"I'll join ya on ya journey of joy." It had to be better. "But what's this spiritual somethin' ya keep saying? What ya thinkin'? And what is it ya think would bring ya this good feelin'?" Too many questions perhaps.

[Picks-at-Flies]

Walking alongside, Haniel looked at his brother and tried to see into his eyes. He so wanted to share the euphoria he was feeling but didn't think George was capable of feeling it again. And then.. excitement and shock rippled through the older Nosferatu. He had to pause, steady himself then force himself to walk on without a jaunty step.

You surprise me George and I haven't felt that for a long time.
"Well. I would be glad to have your company, George. I don't fully know where I am going, it's all new to me. I felt uplifted tonight though and I want to keep that feeling, somehow. It's like my blood is pumping again, waves of energy crashing around inside of me, I almost feel sweat on my palms, George, sweat!"

He has to stop again to reign in his rambling.

[George Williamson]

Haniel's thoughts were right. This euphoria couldn't be shared with George. There were few things that could cause such a feeling and Haniel held none of those cards. Though George did care, and he was happy that Haniel was so excited about something so good. George even laughed, "Ha! Sweat, Haniel? I didn't think that was possible for either of us."

The hunger lept up. Sweat on the palms of a Kindred would not be as it would be on the Kine. It was be tasty and sweet. George shook the feeling from his mind.

"Well, let us find something to fill ourselves then we can figure out where the next step on his path of joy will take us!" Luckily the river was close and with it the decent into the hopeful feeding grounds.

[Picks-at-Flies]

Curses, this hunger is making me lose control. I am better than this. I am not going to break down into hysteria in front of George! Something snaps in Haniel and his features snap back into a relaxed smile, the energy of a few moment ago replaced with the enduring vigour of the eternal.

"Then let us make haste and bring greetings to our hosts. Lead on!"