A Knight to Remember

[Stephen Maturin]

"Good riddance," Stephen mutters as owl and bicycle vanish.

He looks over at Laurence with far less hostility, wanting to comment on his words, but finding himself rather taxed on the discussion. Besides, the ancilla was off before he could think to retort.

Staring at the grave, Stephen clearly intends to stay out.

[Jean-Jacques]

Jean-Jacques attempts to ignore the advance toward the grave of Miroslav and speaks to the archon,

“The past is indeed something to cling to, memories can be strong, yet also haunting.”

He pauses

“I have spoken beyond my place, i shall stand aside “

He moves to step away from the grave as he does so his gaze is seemingly transfixed upon something behind the archon and he is stopped in his tracks

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

Yorick, mindful of the living saint, slowly manoeuvres himself between Mirrsalv and Stephen. Although he very much doubts it would ever come to combat, not with so many witnesses. It is always important to be seen standing against sin.

“Neonate Brujah” Yorick emphasised his social station to emphasise this was not Elysium and to subtly remind, the lax social rules of Elysium do not apply here “I see you too have struggled with the enormity of kindred existence, it is no shame, the burden of immortality and the enormity of what god has provided us can be daunting. I urge you to take what the living Saint says to heart. If you wish for spiritual guidance, I would be happy to assist”

“As for Tristum, the elder was a wreck, centuries ago he sort to solve the same metaphysical questions you now ask by twisting his soul into a pretzel. This may have worked in the anarchy that preceded the Camarilla. But now... so unable to adapt to the world the sort to force the world to adapt to him. he ensured he sore conspiracy against those who he believed to be his liege lord even when they did not exist. But again this not real loyalty he was showing, but the sort of inhuman facsimile of it that you construct when you step off humanity. Take his undying loyalty to our Prince. Not a month before I attended court in aquesulis he was potting to assassinate our very Prince. Why, what principled reason might you ask? Why, because the prince lived in a theatre. And newly awakened in a world he, by his own hands, would have been incapable of understanding was manipulated by that bastard Mataus into thinking that was sufficient reason to kill.”

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

Yorick looks down in sorrow. “Admire him for his courage, but was not real courage. In the end I think he wanted to die, as at least death in combat remained something he could still understand. Perhaps with time I could have dragged him back to humanity. But for now let his legacy remain as a warning for those who seek easy solutions to the beast, the world and our place in it”

[Erika Leroux]

A figure steps forward, tall, sturdy, dressed in undertaker's clothes. They say nothing, but place a bouquet of wolfsbane, statice and sweet pea before the grave, before turning and leaving as quickly and as quietly as they arrived.

[Reginald Verity]

Safe in his nearby central Bath haven Verity had observed the event from afar. He had planned on spending what was left of the evening reflecting on dearest Tristram in his own personal way, his body wearing sufficient welts on it to reflect such reverence.

His heart lept at the arrival of Miroslav - it had been far too long, weeks practically since he’s seen his dear friend and his muscles yearned for the Elders ministrations. And then there were the comments that spread a shadow across the noble memory of his dear friend and recently departed suiter. Whilst it all played part of the game to nay say and bicker once in Court, to defame him in his final resting was beyond the pale and would not stand.

“We are too few,” He muttered beneath his breath. Standing and diverting his energies to heal, he called his man to ready his carriage for Twerton whilst he dressed.

[Miroslav]

Miroslav turns around and the smile faints as he walks towards Verity's carriage with long strides.

"Reggie, won't you stop and mourn your lover my dear." his voice flat as he raises his bottle "I have your favourite beverage here." but there is no joyfulness as he mutters the words. It's been a while, a damn while since he've seen him.

[Andross Blint]

Andross walks respectfully and quietly along the route leading to the grave, giving a court bow as he passes his elders and others from the court.
He offers a few words in quiet to the grave before dropping a small bouquet of cyclamen on to the casket.
Before returning to the more crowded area, he offers a few more words, more )audible to those around this time.

"Sleep well, your quest in these lands is complete."

He steps away to join hos clan mate Jean-Jacques

[Reginald Verity]

“A pina colada, darling, how thoughtful,” Verity attempted a coquettish smile but in all honesty it was somewhat forced and, judging by Miroslav’s reaction, not necessarily well received. Surveying his lover, Verity of course saw the same exquisitely presented gentleman that had swept him of his feet following his arrival in Bath. Yes, the fire in the eyes remained but also he suspected something else, a distraction that reflected the passing of recent years embroiled in kindred affairs and almost continuously on the move. Maybe he had even forgotten what it meant to be secure and at rest, if such a reality existed in these dark days.

“Perhaps I have something that may appeal. I’d been saving this for such an occasion and my pulse jumped when I saw that you were within the vicinity.” Reaching into his long winter coat pockets he produced a sturdy foot long cudgel with hickory shaft and completed with leather bound handle grip. “Do your worst my dear, but do not take long as we have business to attend to,” he whispered as he raised his chin in readiness for the ecstasy of pain.

—————-

Shortly afterwards, the dark carriage arrived at the appointed area of Twerton cemetery and the two stepped out, Verity pulling his coat closely to disguise any injuries. “Dearest Tristram, you blessed us with your company too shortly. You will be missed...dearly.”

And after looking around, “Blint, good to see you here. You do appear to have a knack of being at all the pertinent events this city has to offer. Nodding his head briefly to the other Brujah he passed a brief “Jean-Jacques” in acknowledgment whilst he waited for them both and others to respond.

[Jean-Jacques]

The Toreador primogen’s mention of his name snapped Jean-Jacques from whatever had fixed his gaze and he rapidly regained his composure and nodded a response.

“Elder Verity”

He considered further discourse, then recalled the chiding from Elder Yorick and maintained his position beside his clan