An unexpected guest

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

The large stone structure of the church sits south of the river in Nosferatu territory. It's large and drafty, with high vaulted gothic ceilings. It has a single point spire which reaches up into the night like arms outstretched to God. It has a single wide door in the centre, made of solid oak. Outside the door sit some rough-looking mortals, under clear instruction to not bar entry but simply standing as a warning to potential looters. Judging from the stink and squalor of the surrounding buildings, such a deterrent seems appropriate.

Upon entering the visitor can see the whole place has recently been repaired and only closer inspection can locate the evidence of fire damage that once gutted this noble building. Dominating the main hall is a large and beautiful stained glass window which depicts the waiting of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The few mortals who throng around here appear to either be more guards or staff dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the structure.

Kindred may be ushered through a side door, to a private chappel which permits more intermate conversation. Yorick makes a point to pop into his church from time to time. He incessantly has been pestering members of the court for spiritual guidance, and whilst he does not begrudge them for not taking him up on his offer, he has made a point of always being available for a conversation.

[Lady Grace]

Grace walks carefully and quietly towards the church side door.
Cloak and hood up aware she is intruding where she may not be wanted. Very different from the pomp and show of Elysium.
Grace has made a point of stopping here after her patrols end for a few nights in a row.
She accepts the guidance to a side door and kneels to pray for a little while lost in thought.
After some time she remains kneeling but with one hand on a Jerusalem cross at her neck absentmindedly and still in soft silence she waits.

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

Yorick watches Lady Grace for some time before approaching. He sits beside her, but with a respectable distance out of propriety for an unaccompanied lady.

"Greetings Primogen, i apologise for disturbing your contemplation. I thank you for attending. Few have the stomach to travel this far south of the city and I appreciate that you have done so"

"Please let me know if you would like sustenance. I would be happy to summon a vessel if you hunger. Alternatively, if you wish to be left in peace i would be happy to do so."

[Lady Grace]

"You are kind. Actually it was conversation with you that I saught.
I have been making myself accustomed to my new home. Hopefully you can forgive the intrusion.
So many things have happened recently I should have saught you out sooner."
She pauses
"It's pleasant to find a oasis like this although I sorrow at the scorch marks that linger"
Then she thinks better of lingering on that subject.
"Yorick, I admire you. Your principles. It can't be easy to navigate those who have wandered so far"
"I felt I must tell you I have failed badly at the task you encouraged me to. I am sorry."

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

"Thank you for your kind words. Compliments beyond simple pleasantries have become something quite rare in this court and it means a lot to me to hear it now."

"Please don't apologise. In truth, I anticipated this outcome and I do not hold you at fault at all - in any way. It is Mr Aubry who is at fault, or in truth, this perversion of the good moral character he has developed over the years. "

"I care for Jack greatly and for his soul even more. I have no doubt that love takes some time to fix and if you would permit me, I would be willing to transfer ownership of a boon I hold over Mr Aubry so that you might encourage his heart onto the right path."

[Lady Grace]

"I can try but his in words at Court," she blanched, "I was so thoroughly rejected and it was, humiliating, even though I have done little more than talk to him and been attentive to his words as I found him intriguing. He has a very poor opinion of me, very poor. I think it unlikely to change. My every action appears to anger him. I am not sure if I am the best person for this task. There may be others more accustomed and more suited to sucess with him. Please I have more respect for myself and for your goal in this to continue when I could nearly turn his head from Stephen and frequently heard my name in sentences of disapproval"

[Lady Grace]

Grace seems quite empassioned to the subject now,
"In fact I thought that after the stress of combat and the fact that I managed to drag Stephen clear of that..that thing. He might think that I had some skills of value but, apparently not. Not even a thank you"
She stops speaking abruptly realising this outburst was a step to far.

[Lady Grace]

For a moment the barest flicker of control slipping is seen but in ceasing to speak she regains control.
"I did not mean that.
It's just so painful, like I have not felt before. It's raw and that is dangerous for me. My Sire would chide me so. I didn't realise quite how angry I feel and that I needed to speak about it.

It's my own fault my childhood involved a great deal of travel and a sea captain has always been a figure of romance and mystery to me. To hold so much power, in that powder key he must stand alone in such close quarters to remain in control. I built up in my head to much that I might have finally found someone would, could.." the thought trails off.

"It was foolish"

[Yorick Von Watenberg]

"My dear don't take his ill-found words too seriously. Mr Aubry is a sailor and his gruff, rugged exterior is hardened to protect him for the service he does for all of us in the Ivory tower. He is unaccustomed to simple platitudes instead preferring the harsher brush of directness. Unrealising the disservice he does you."

"Take it from a man of the Cloth. Mr Aubry is an upstanding gentleman of the highest repute. You will find no other as resolute in his service. I am sure he cares for you greatly but cannot find it in his heart to open it up to the new and previously unknown feelings you conjure within him"

"Perhaps you should speak to Stephen about this. He is a close..friend of Mr Aubry and has known him for decades. Maybe he can persuade Jack?"

[Lady Grace]

"Hmmm"
"I accidentally entered Stephen's room on the ship given that where ever Stephen is you usually find Captain Aunty and he showed nothing but disdain for me, then again in Court. Such bile and I am sure I know not why he acted so unless it be jealousy or that he considered me a threat, which would mean perhaps there is hope for a last approach, something different.

I must think of a way to make him notice me not as a woman"

Grace smiles to Yorick.
"Would you tell me about them, you seem to know them well"
"Perhaps it will help"