Bath Camarilla

Jerome stands in the cool evening air in the lee of the looming Abbey walls, wrapped tight in his coat and scarf with a hand firmly gripping the handle of his walking stick. The kine washed through the streets in their busy evening bustle, he had made his way here directly from rising so it was still quite early but he knew that there were a number of the court who would attempt to arrive earlier than any other and so he wished to be ready to receive them. He had sent out invitations after the court inviting any who might wish to enjoy a 'cultural tour' of Bath, there had seemed to be some interest at court but he had no idea how many might descend upon the streets for a stroll and a chance to soak in all the wonders the city had to offer.

He checked his pocket watch, yes more than enough time and the weather looked clear too which was fortunate. You never knew in this part of the country whether it was likely to pour at any point, but that was part of the charm. Settling back onto his heels he let his senses wash out and over the passers-by, eyes darting to each to see what little nuggets of insight he could draw from what he saw and heard. The couple passing now were clearly courting, a short distance behind a stern looking older lady keeping a watch on them and following in their wake. Probably a well to do lady then, although the gentleman was punching above his weight from the looks of his shoes and hat, the suit was well cut but not exactly to his form as would be expected from most gentlemen of the city. Overall his outfit and more practical ambulatory equipment at odds with the stunning presentation of the lady on his arm. Well, good for him. Jerome wished the man luck and turned his attention to a pair of children rushing by playing a game as they made their way home for the evening.

The clear tone of the abbey's bells striking the hour send a flush of anticipation through his body, not long now till someone arrived... he hoped. If anyone turned up at all of course, it seemed that everyone was quite preoccupied with 'larger' and more important matters these days. Perhaps if they stopped for a moment to reflect and take in a little culture they might find a new perspective, as he well knew epiphanies did not happen without it.

"Hello again," says an amused voice, raspy and low for a woman. From the dusky skin to the thick black hair that’s pulled back into a loose, careless knot, her surcoat and long boots, Aurelia looks dressed for the road. "You know, I've never met as many warlocks quite so into entertainment as there are in Sulis. From wild parties to walking tours, you're all rather active in the community."

The lips, when they stretch into a smile, are stained black. But the rogue on the hollows of her cheeks looks less like make-up and more like a burn, or a scar - or something smudged in so many times that it’s stained the skin.

"Can anybody join?"

Jerome steps back into an elaborate bow, “Us warlocks are know for being flamboyant, how else will we live up to the accolade of ‘stage magicians’ that I have heard so many kindred level at us?!” He chuckles as rises and gives a more proper bow and dipping of the glossy top hat on his head. “It is a pleasure to see you again Elder Aurelia, you are of course most welcome to join us...” he glances around. “Of course that is a rather grand term for a pair of us, it seems currently a more intimate tour.”

Valentina appears from the direction her shop is in, wrapped up against the winter's chill in a dark navy velvet coat trimmed with fur around the collar. Her hair is tucked uned a matching velvet hat and she's an entirely respectable, if slightly somber figure.

With her is Hamlyn, though when he spots Jerome he hangs back, allowing hrr to approach alone.

"Good evening, Elder Price, Elder Aurelia." She smiles politely at them both. "I trust I am not too late?"

"Flamboyance," her eyebrows climb. "And why not. 'Tis the season for it. Very well, I'll hang about. I'm in the area for a few weeks, and heard about your tour from some dying little bird. Don't worry, I saw a pair of Kindred on the way, so I think I'm just early."

"Ah! Valentina," Aurelia inclines her head as the seamstress appears. "Oh - apologies - Miss Audley, or Ancilla Audley? Are we tending to the formal tonight? Just go with Aurelia, really. It's too late in the year for honorifics. There's something about choir songs on frigid winter air that makes me nostalgic, and prefer informality."

"You're not late, I was just telling Price here that I spotted some faces nearby. We Cainites do tend to utilise time more as a vague concept than a precise device. How have you been keeping?"

"As you prefer Aurelia," she acquiesces gracefully to her Elder's request. "In answer to your question, I think I've had better winters." She admits, thinking of Francis with an unwanted flash of grief that she pushes back down.

"How have you fared since we last met? And does this mean there will be a choir tonight?" She smiles hopefully at the last, remembering the last music she heard in Jerome's company.

"I have kept surprisingly well," Aurelia blinks, when she realises it herself. "I suppose you could say that much has changed. In fact, I have not been better, not for years."

"I've been on the road so much that I'd almost forgotten what it was to have a stable place to call home. Not that Sulis is especially stable," she snorts, "but between here and London, and the contacts I've made, you could say I've temporarily settled. There's much to be said for sleepy England. With all the larger politics and well... you know what... happening lately, I've got so many excuses to stay grounded, to stay put, that I'm obliged to do so. It's strange, but - pleasant. I have time to connect with the Cainites - argh, Kindred - here. I'm even remembering some of the Neonates' names, can you believe it?"

"I'm sorry to hear about Beauclair, I heard that you were close."

"Sulis hasn't been stable in a long time" Valentina agrees.

"I hope the neonates who have caught your attention have done so for the right reasons" she laughs lightly. ""Sulis neonates csn be.... peculiarly vocal at times."

In response to the comment about Francis she nods. "Thank-you. I take solace in the fact that he would have considered the entire affair a great adventure. "

"How fares your business? Have you had any success in finding the answers you seek?" She tone of voice is polite social chit chat but her eyes betray a certain curiosity.

"Business... You know I think I have. And in the unlikeliest of places."

The elder's smile is surprisingly gentle, even human. She slants a look up. "I have a few leads, though none specifically into the Black Dog. As for wider plans and lofty plots however... yes." Her voice lowers. "I think I do."

Here was no place to speak on it, as much was known. But: "I think if certain roads do not become clearer, we'll simply have to avoid them, and make peace with that."

"I am glad to hear it." Her smile is genuine. If she can find time to ask Aurelia in private she will, but now is not the place.

"How is London these nights? I have not been there in some little time now."