Hunters in the Light

[George Williamson]

How the Kindred of the North hunted was beyond George. There were few good hiding spots and even less dark passages to confirm the cloaking. He'd decided to be cautious in two layers. First was the fine student he had quite enjoyed being, then was the actually obfuscation from sight. It required extra effort to talk with such complex skills working at once, ensuring it remained low.

The two of them, Haniel and he, had left Elysium together. It had been another harrowing night for George and being hungry was an understatement. Haniel had offered to go hunting together to remedy the issue. While George could have probably fed alone, he hoped, this was a good oppertunity to speak with someone he had never truely spoken to. At least, he hoped that things were different now.

[Picks-at-Flies]

Haniel was euphoric. The success of the evening combined with the pang of hunger invigorated his old frame, taking the edge of his ennui. He watched as George, careful as ever, slipped into a shadow and never reappeared. Haniel, his suit looking a lot more fashionable, closed the door behind them and followed.

Meanwhile he gently flipped his brain. Hunting as a pair, he couldn't use his normal method of eating. And was the curfew still on? No matter, he was here to have fun with George. Let him come up with something.

"So, George", he whispered, "What do you propose?"

[George Williamson]

George had though Haniel would have kept his eye on George as he disappeared. Actually he'd hoped so as it was rude to simply walk invisibly whispering in discussion with someone. Little did George notice that his brother couldn't actually see him.

"I was 'bout t'ask ya the same question," George whispered back. Didn't everyone except George plan a few decades ahead and have boundless ideas before a situation is even suggested? "Well first we need to get south of the river. I ain't exactly done free 'unting in a while. There's gotta be some people around, right?"

[Picks-at-Flies]

"Tell me George. In this city of yours, in a time of curfew, are we really expecting there to be anybody out at night? Are you planning to charm a night watchman out of his shirt?"

Haniel spoke slowly and used the time to wonder if George really hadn't learned the nightlife of his city. For Haniel, this was what tonight was all about and he hoped he would have a willing guide. What if he really didn't know? Time to start thinking of alternative plans...

[George Williamson]

The slow talk gave George time to think. He didn't know if the curfew was in place yet or not, but there would be one place the watchman would not wonder. That would be their hunting ground. He hoped.

"Nah, well... maybe jump 'im. A lone gent gets attacked south of the river. No one would be surprised. Though, there's a better idea. The watchmen won't go underground, n' with above ground bein' off limits I guess down there it'll still be bustlin'."

Well, even if they still couldn't come out till morning, it didn't get light till quite late and the underground is the safest place.

[Picks-at-Flies]

Haniel mused about the underground trains of London and couldn't stop a chuckle at the thoughts of Bath citizens shaking as the trains rattled beneath them. How delicious.

But that couldn't be what brother George meant. Hunting in the sewers? Such an obvious choice for a Nosferatu. But if the shoe fits...

"Don't tell me that your prestigious citizens of Bath throw underground parties, parties right under the noses of the watch?"

[George Williamson]

Parties may not have quite been the word. Goerge could help but give a quiet laugh.

"Nah, not a party and deffinitely not the prestigious kine. There's a load of... businesses down a few select tunnels into the Vaults, just south of the river. If anywhere's gonna still have people walkin' around, it'll be there."

George thought of his lack of information. He'd thought himself too busy to deal with keeping up with local matters. Now it proved an unwise idea.

[Picks-at-Flies]

"Ah, that sounds exciting enough. I'm sure they would be pleased to deal with two find gentlemen before a good night's sleep."

He focussed for a moment and then, out of sight of the road, a watchman stood in the alley. "Shall we take a stroll?

"I mean, we can hardly hold a conversation if we scuttle across the city! But, if you wish to remain unseen we can always meet the other side of the bridge...?"

[George Williamson]

"Well..." George thought. Finding Haniel was challenging at the best of times. Though George didn't feel that walking around in a recognisable form would suit. There was another which he rarely used, the indistinguishable form of the upper class gentleman, and so he took that form. Appearing out the corner of Haniel's eye, or was he always there?

"Lets." The stroll began.

"Where on the Queen's soil did you come up with your idea for this evening?" It was a simple enough start, and something George had been wandering about for a while.

[Picks-at-Flies]

"Hmm, where do ideas come from? From observation. I was out and about, thinking about the glories of life...
...the uncertain future, the gloom of the past...
"... when I saw some presents being wrapped in many layers. And I was talking to a man called Sidney - very delightful, very tasty - and it all just came together.

Could he really say he needed to be embedded in the favours web, and quickly? I'm sure if George is clever enough to understand he'll work it out.

"I would like to say it came to me just like that, but in truth it's hard. You come to a new city and you are keen to make an impression. So I spent many sleepless days thinking of something. It seemed like a good idea at the time. And now I am Haniel, Master of Joy. Do you know what I'm thinking now? What entertainment could I possibly provide an elder of the Malkavians that she could possibly consider worth paying for? Oh George, I think you may need to help me with that one."