<@Dreol> [London June 14th 1230, 9:40 PM] <@Dreol> [The sun has just set a few minutes ago and Cosimo awakes in the basement of his house. Last night was devoted primarily to tracking Renier's possible assailants and, sadly, led no where, and so tonight there is a different plan in place.] <@Dreol> [Begin.] 06* Cosimo arrises and begins his rituals for the new evening 06* Cosimo slowly arranges all of his weapons before him as he faces Alamut and kneels reverently, before slowly donning them in turn. 06* Cosimo makes his way to the stables and tends to his ghoul horse, saddles it and then rides to Raseem's haven. <@Dreol> [Raseem's haven is not far. It only takes a short while for Cosimo to arrive. The haven is a large house not far from the river. It is only two floors, but takes up quite a bit of land. The sign indicates that it is a mercenary's guild of some sort, called the "Order of the Rising Blade" It also says they are not currently accepting new members or new contracts.] 06* Cosimo dismounts, ties his horse to the hitching post as he looks the building over curious... * Cosimo crosses to the door and knocks solidly. <@Dreol> [The door opens, on the other side is a young man in his early twenties, he is dressed in leather armor and has a sword strapped to his side. He studies cosimo closely for a moment, nods to him and heads inside. The inside of the building is a large dining hall with stairs leading up to a second floor and one staircase that leads down into a basement. This is where the young man goes.] 06* Cosimo nods respectfully to the young man and then without a word, follows him downstairs. <@Dreol> [Downstairs, there is a long shelf where a few objects are stored, mostly food and such, but no door. The young man reaches down and lifts up the rug below to reveal a trap door. He opens the trap door, revealing a set of stairs which lead down to a lower level, which like the rest of the building is lit by torches and candles. It leads to a large room with several doors, but in the center of that room is a large square table, where Raseem is seated with two other vampires. To his left is a man in his mid-twenties with short, dark hair and a tan complexion. He is dressed in tight-fitting dark clothing, and he nervously spins a dagger in his left hand. On Raseem's right is a young lady, probably in her late teens, she has a much lighter complexion, shoulder-length black hair but it is tiead up around her head as is the style. She is dressed in clothing slightly looser than the young man and is very attractive. She does not say anything, nor does she seem nervous; however, a smile seems ever-present on her lips. Raseem himself wears a loose-fitting brown and red tunic with longer, wide sleeves. He Looks up as Cosimo walks in. "Thank you, Oswald." The man who greeted Cosimo at the door bows and leaves. Raseem then turns to Cosimo. "We need to maintain a level of secrecy here. Oswald has been trained to recognize our kind and has orders to turn all non-kindred away by explaining that we are not accepting new contracts." He stands at that point and walks around the table. "What brings you here, brother?"] 06* Cosimo bows to Raseem and then to each of the other vampires -- first to the man on Raseem's left, and then to the young woman. <@Dreol> [They bow in return.] <@Dreol> [Raseem motions to the young man. "This is Jahir." Then he motions to the woman, "and this is Photina."] Brother Raseem [he again bows his head respectfully to Raseem], brothers [he nods to each of the other vampires] i have come before you on this night for two reasons. First, I should like to properly introduce myself, as the activities of the other night were... less than ideal for such ceremony. And second, as a result of the events of the evening, I am looking for information and thought perhaps you might be able to assist me in my queries. <@Dreol> [Raseem nods. "Perhaps. It will depend, of course, on what type of assistance you require. I will help where I feel I am able, though. What aid do you require?"] 06* Cosimo nods. "of course, brother. I am not certain if you were aware, but Renier, the rather unfortunate guest, nervously approached me during the festivities indicating that he had important information. Aside from that, I had not know this man before. I have come to learn that he was of the court of love in France, on some errand here in Lord Mithras's lands." no such man, under normal circumstances, would be as skittish as the dune spiders before the rains. did you know of him? <@Dreol> [Raseem pauses in thought for a moment and nods. "He was am emissary from the Court of Love. He was on behalf of Matriarch Salianna to offer an alliance between Mithras' court and the court of love."] such an alliance would favor both parties... but certainly not without threatening other interests. might i ask your thoughts on the matter? i confess being rather new to the area, i have not yet been able to learn what our... purpose is here <@Dreol> [Raseem shrugs. "Our purpose changes with the wind, Cosimo, but I can tell you that nobody requested our service in preventing the alliance. You are correct, though, it was a threat to other clans. I, personally, did not much care for if the alliance occurred or not. I care little for political power. But some other kindred were far more bothered by the prospect."] * Cosimo nods. "normally, i would avoid such conflicts in which i have little preference to sides, but as this one has proven to be more of a threat i find myself unable to divorce myself from it. i do not suppose you would have any thoughts as to who might stand to benefit from the emmisary's unfortunate retirement on the night of the party?" <@Dreol> [Raseem shakes his head. "Many people stand to gain from the delay or prevention of the alliance. Certainly the low clans in general would be at a stronger advantage without such a powerful high-clan alliance, though, as I have said, Assamites have little to gain either way. Also the Lasombra have been opposed to the alliance as it limits the political power that they have gained in England through their dealings with the Ventrue, and the Tzimisce oppose the alliance because it would bring powerful Ventrue influence onto the continent. I have also heard several Brujah speaking ill of the Toreador at the Court of Love, afraid that this alliance would reduce their own status because of the Toreador's opinions of Brujah kindred. Sadly, though, we do not have the information network that the Nosferatu have. I cannot give you names or even specific groups. Just a general sentiment from the clans that I have talked with."] * Cosimo smiles. "my brother, your information is far more helpful as a sense of what the winds bring..." especially for one so new to this land as i. but what of the man himself? did you know him? <@Dreol> [Raseem shakes his head. "I did not know him. He had just arrived in the city before court that night. He was one of Matriarch Salianna's childer, and was supposedly a very skilled courtier. I am surprised that he seemed so nervous when he addressed you."] he came with a warning... claiming that he had information that my safety depending on meeting him in the courtyard. it would seem he did much the same to the others in my same prediciment. so too did they all note how nervous he was when he spoke to them. not looking directly at them, watching his back at all times. and then, as quckly as he came, he dispersed into the crowd... most impressive for one who was not a Child of Haquim <@Dreol> [Raseem leans against the table. "That is curious, brother. I do not know why you and the others were targetted. What I can tell you is that there has been quite a stir about you five Kindred. You are all childer of very powerful sires and have had relatively little experience in your new forms. Many were very wary of you. In fact, I suspect that is part of the reason Mithras' focused on the issues he did at court. Perhaps this Renier warning was in that vein."] 06* Cosimo nods. "indeed it seems that way... but if that is the case, what would the Court of Love stand to gain from ensuring our safety? especially if it could put the messenger and the alliance at such great risk?" <@Dreol> [Raseem shrugs. "Maybe nothing... Maybe it's something Renier decided individually. Again, my information is limited. However..." Raseem turns and takes a quill and piece of parchment and begins to write. When he is done he folds the parchment and seals it with a wax seal. "Take this letter to a Nosferatu called Thomas the Rat. He has great knowledge of the individuals in this city and can, perhaps, help you further with regards to individual motivations... He will not do so for free, but then..." Raseem shrugs. "Who would?"] 06* Cosimo bows respectfully to Raseem and takes the parchment. "indeed... one does not barter without something of value to trade." if i might, brother, in your eyes, how do the winds blow with regards to myself and my companions of chance? <@Dreol> [Raseem shakes his head. "It is too soon to tell... However, I observed Lord Mithras during his interactions with you. He seemed confident that you would succeed. Of course... it may be that with either outcome, the Prince's problems are lessened. Either you discover the murderer and prove your worth, or he rid's himself of the source of conflict. As to your acquaintances, you have allied yourself with two madmen, a sorceress and a Gangrel. I respect the Gangrel highly in their honor and prowess in combat, the warlocks are accused of what is, in my estimation, only the natural development of power, and they are powerful allies. As for the Malkavians... well... they have their uses, but I am cautious of any man who cannot even trust himself. I believe your chances fair... Good luck, brother."] a fair estimation, brother, and at this time, my alliance is forced and convenient. i am hopeful, but constantly on guard. the buzzards circle this unfortunate party... i do not wish them to feast on our failure. <@Dreol> [Raseem shrugs and smiles slightly. "Then I suppose you must not fail."] 06* Cosimo grins. "i haven't yet. be well brother. and may your blades be ever sharp." <@Dreol> [Raseem bows. "To you as well." And he returns to sitting behind the table.] 06* Cosimo nods respectfully to each of Raseem's companions, turns and takes his leave. <@Dreol> [Mini End]