[Anstace's house, February 3rd, 1262] [It has been two weeks since Anstace was visited by the four Brujah led by Lionel. The sun has been down for several hours when there is a knock on her door.] (Time is 10:00 PM) [begin] 06* Anstace looks up from her reading, at the knock. Felicity presently enters, announcing that Lionel and his companions have arrived and are awaiting her to join them in the sitting room. 06* Anstace stands and begins to walk to meet her guests, her retainer hastily trying to dress her as she does so. Anstace enters the sitting room half covered (though Felicity quickly finishes dressing her once she stops moving) and still holding the scroll she was reading. 06* Anstace looks at Lionel and the others each in turn before taking a seat. [Lionel and the others bow to her. "M'lady, how are you this evening?"] 06* Anstace turns to look at Lionel. "that all depends, doesn't it?" [Lionel shrugs. "I suppose it does... We have some information... " Kendrick steps forward and bows. "I have made contact with my allies in the Assamite clan and have discovered that Kali's Fang was forged by one of their clanmates. It was forged before he was a kindred and is currently not in their possession. They claim it is as powerful as legends say, able to seriously wound kindred and even kill them if the dagger pierces the kindred's heart. Its maker is in Haqim's inner circle, though he has been severely punished twice for insubordination. Once, Haqim removed his arm, and the other time, his eye. If needs be, I believe I could arrange a meeting with this individual, but it would be very difficult, not to mention dangerous..."] 06* Anstace watches Kendrick as he speaks, nodding slightly. she continues nodding a few moments after he finishes speaking, before finally asking, "and you think this meeting is necessary?" [He shrugs. "I think we would gain some new information. I am not sure it would be worth the risk."] 06* Anstace nods. "is there more?" [He shakes his head. "I don't know... Surely the creator of the fang would know something that we don't."] [Lionel speaks up. "Have you learned anything new, m'lady?"] 06* Anstace turns back to Lionel. "much the same. that the weapon was forged by an Assamite prior to his embrace. that he was versed in the ways of magic at the time the weapon was created, and that it was known to be held, at least at some point, by a Tzimisce, who may still have it" 06* Anstace sets down the scroll she was holding on the small table next to her. she folds her hands in her lap. "though my information did not go so far as to list historical injuries," she says as she dismisses Felicity. [Lionel nods. "I see... if the Tzimisce have it, that poses another problem as they have sworn their allegiance to Carthage."] indeed. though it was not confirmed whether they still hold the Fang [Lionel nods. "I see... do you believe pursuing the fang should be our priority, m'lady?"] 06* Anstace stands up. "it could prove useful. both from historical significance and because it keeps such an item from our enemies." she watches Lionel, Kendrick and the others. [They nod and Lionel continues... "I agree... I am unsure whether or not it is more useful to retrieve the fang or to attack Carthage sooner... I suppose that is the dilemma."] you have reasons that an attack now would be more beneficial, then? [Lionel shrugs. "It depends... right now the Lupines are doing a good job of tying up Carthage resources, but they are ultimately losing the fight. If we were to attack now, we may have an easier fight ahead of us, but we wouldn't have the fang. That said, the fang is just one weapon. It is only wielded by one person. The rest of us would need to deal with a much larger force of Carthaginians than if we were to attack while the Lupines were still strong. I have no way of knowing what would be the better situation... Also, there is this ritual thing, correct? We must also consider that, I suppose."] 06* Anstace considers this briefly. "do you have information on this ritual?" [Lionel shakes his head. "No. That's not really our specialty. You know more about it than any of us..."] and my knowledge of it is not enough to be helpful in this discussion 06* Anstace paces thoughtfully. "so instead, we are faced with the two options: the fang or the fight" [Lionel nods. "Correct."] and you have no preference? [Lionel looks back at the others and shrugs... "I would like to march on carthage. I believe that the better decision would be to march now while our forces are all strong and while we can work with the Lupines..." Ulric nods and grunts. "I also would like to march as soon as we can." Kendrick shakes his head. "I believe that the fang is too powerful to ignore... we must recover it before it causes anymore damage, and it would help us immensely in the fight. Livilda sighs... "I must agree with Kendrick. I believe that the fang is our greatest concern. We need to retrieve it before Carthage decides to pursue it."] i see [Lionel nods. "There is no reason we need to be united in this decision, we will all have time to speak our mind in court, but what do you suggest, m'lady?"] 06* Anstace walks back to her chair. "my own preference is to seek the Fang. the last time Carthage fell, the winning side had assistance from within." she sits down. "i do not presently know if we have a similar advantage" [Lionel nods and bows. "Thank you for your insight, m'lady... And for sharing your information. We shall see you at court soon. We should leave you to your evening, however... Know that we are available, if you need to get in touch with any of us. I will leave directions to my haven with your ghoul."] 06* Anstace nods. "that will be acceptable." she picks up her scroll. "do you know the way out, or should i summon Felicity to assist you?" [Lionel shakes his head. "We can find our way out. Thank you, M'lady."] [They depart!] [Session End!]