The Ashes of Innocence

[Caiaphas Redfern]

A grimace briefly distorted Caiaphas' features. "Thou shan't be there? Ah. That's vexing. Mmmmm. Th'art always a bulwark against the tedious innovations and foolishness of certain individuals - and a comfort to me, like...like a rock in whose lee the winds don't buffet."

He considered this for a moment longer, and continued, "Well...For the price of thy absence, God grant that whatever matter keeps thee away is resolved to thy satisfaction."

Shifting his weight slightly, he drew other matters to the forefront of his mind. "But yes...there are a handful of things I should tell thee in thy office of Harpy, and I thank thee for thy thoughtfulness.

"I have have a few boons to register with thee, yet in each case both parties should be present in accordance with the propriety of such things. However, in one of these cases, they are. I hereby submit that I give a trivial boon to Viktor, Master Harpy of Aquae Sulis and elder of Nosferatu for the joy of this meeting, thanks be to the King of Kings.

"That is all."

[Viktor]

Viktor nods respectfully.

"Such is accepted and shalt recorded be."

Viktor moves very slightly before continuing, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he waits for the Ventrue Primogen to continue.

[Caiaphas Redfern]

"Then this pleasant entrevue hath run its course" he said, "and I bid thee a pleasant mean-time."

The Ventrue Primogen made for the doorway, making no sudden moves and taking care not to invade the other predator's space as any kindred of a certain age has learned to do. At the threshold, however, something struck him and he turned an apologetic smile to Viktor.

"Ah. One more query, if thou wilt forgive me it. I recall thou'st chosen a lieutenant - a lesser Harpy. In thy absence, standeth he in loco Victoris? And...if that be so...who is it?"

[Viktor]

Viktor watches Caiaphas move across the room and a very faint smile appears on the Nosferatu Elder's lips when he stops and turns in the doorway.

"They shall not.

Where the rose hath bloomed in the suns light and was seen and known to all a different plant now does flourish in the shadows."

[Caiaphas Redfern]

Caiaphas was unable to keep surprise and perplexion from his countenance, though the words but an unknown harpy is no harpy at all died on his lips. He mastered his expression, inclined his head in a show of respect and instead merely said "God guard thee, Master Harpy." before gently making his leave, pondering all that he had heard yet still alert to the unfamiliar and uncomfortable environment and what threats that might lurk therein.