So let’s see another night, another nickel? Right now I’m sitting in the library surrounded by stone silence. While not surprising, as this is a library, the vibe has changed. As I’ve resided here Lord Reynolds and Mika have been most welcoming. Politeness continues but familiarity is now tainted by unspoken anger. I can only hope that I made the right choice.
The evening began on shaky ground. Arriving at The Cradle I saw that activities had begun. Walking into a room full of powerful vampires continues to cause nerves.
“Adrian!” The way Jim Beasley says my name makes my resolve melt inside.
You see when I left the library I was a man with a plan. The Invictus were behind me and I was strong. If Mr. Beasley dared to talk to me after the humiliation of our last meeting I was prepared. From him I would demand my proper title and deference. As a trainee to the First Estate I deserved that at the very least. Besides Master Merloy has a nice ring to it.
The best laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry. Looking into Jim’s smiling, happy eyes softened my desire for vengeance. With infectious enthusiasm he pushed a token into my hand. Oblivious it seemed to my disgruntled attitude. Apparently Mr. Lafferty had created a game. The rules were simple. Each Kindred held a token with the idea to gather as many as possible from each other. Using any means necessary outside of physical violence. The prize was a major boon from Roger Lafferty himself.
Pocketing the token I looked around the room and spied Lord Reynolds. As I approached he smiled at me. Taking time out he introduced me to a new Kindred with adorable blue pigtails. She seemed unusually shy so I didn’t want to overwhelm her with questions. Instead I asked to speak to Lord Reynolds privately. A little bit outside the club we discussed Mr. Flagg’s suggestion regarding Lord Rosso.
Although Lord Reynolds appreciated the Seneschal’s advice, he didn’t feel inclined to follow it. Convinced that even without assistance Lord Rosso would dig his own grave and fall in. For starters both Lord’s recently had hosted gatherings. Lord Reynolds’s had been much discussed while Rosso’s had gone unattended. Everything was well in hand and I need not be concerned.
Together we walked back into the club and Lord Reynolds pointed out to me a peculiar character. Namely a free ghoul named Andrew Crassis (sp?). Not only half dead, he was also a lawyer with political ties. It would be beneficial for us to procure him on retainer. With my lingering humanity I would be the better to negotiate such an arrangement.
Knowing this was a test of sorts I approached the ghoul and respectively asked to speak with him. Easily he went with me, cheekily informing me that he was a married man. Smiling I laid out Lord Reynolds’s proposition with only some hesitation. Mr. Crassis was however patient with me. First asking me for $50,000 a month but in the end accepted $7,000. That would keep him as a retainer with the possibility of higher payments on a case-by-case basis.
Completing the deal we shook hands. Making conversation I asked him about his experience as a ghoul. Turns out that he had a whole life outside of Kindred society. For the time being he was enjoying the perks of both worlds. Good for him and I hope it continues, as he seemed to be an agreeable fellow.
We parted ways and I walked back towards The Closet. The evening had barely begun so the entrance was vacant. Suddenly I had the sensation of a hand in my pocket moving against my leg. Deeply startled I spun around and looked into the eyes of another Kindred. Then right before my eyes he disappeared. Gasping in shock I felt for my token that he had been undoubtedly after. Finding it safe I clutched it in my hand not taking another chance.
Running into the artificial safety of the club I tried to calm down. One young Kindred approached me stating that we had not meant. Turning I looked at her pretty face surrounded by pink hair and introduced myself as Adrian Merloy. Forgetting the whole Master Merloy bit once more. Lila, I believe said, she was a year old and had been keeping to herself. This I approved of especially in light of what had just happened.
My eyes fell upon Jim Beasley once more. Attracted to him as a positive ion is pulled to a negative. Drawing near I listened to him explain the rules of tonight’s game to Marquee Evengii. The Marquee listened, nodded and held out his token for me to take. Cautiously I did take it to Jim’s ‘okay …’ Ignoring him Marquee Evengii turned to me.
“Remember I gave that to you because you are going to be mad at me later.”
Without a doubt my bewilderment showed on my face. Just for starters I was surprised to be noticed at all. The power this particular Kindred had within the Invictus and Kindred society alike was impressive. When I dared to push further The Marquee explained my anger might even cause frenzy. This didn’t help my worry as my mind began to spin crazy scenarios.
“Does this have something to do with my position in the Invictus?”
“You are not actually Invictus.” This was said in a scolding way only, not angry.
“Oh right I meant the Shroud …”
“You didn’t make Harpy. There that’s it, I’m sorry.”
There was no room for anger in me and if there was it was augmented by ignorance. Even the though of being considered was just a pipe dream. As if I was actually irate Marquee Evengii continued on. To make it up to me, he was going to see to it that I won Mr. Lafferty’s contest. For reasons unknown he was actively trying to please me.
Curious and curiouser. The only option was to wait for his motivations to become clear. My thoughts were interrupted by the loud voice of the Harold. Drawing attention to our fair Prince Grace. Subtly, maybe, I moved to a better vantage point to watch her. There were Kindred to be noted for their contributions to the city. Participating in the polite applause I agreed on the new appointments. Contemptuously I didn’t clap for Jim’s rise from acknowledged to recognized. Last thing that one needed was another reason to be arrogant.
Seeking to be helpful, Mr. Donovan McQuinn employed a pin light on the list. This was amusingly slapped away by Prince Hartford. Powerful vampire she was, clearly she didn’t need a light to read small print through sunglasses in a dark room. Looking up from the list she asked if Adrian Merloy was present. Startled I raised my hand and wished I hadn’t chosen to wear a pageboy hat. Even though I knew I was rocking the look.
“Oh there you are! For contributing and socializing and being awesome you are now acknowledged within the city.”
Simple as that I am now formally a part of Chicago. Now that was a weight off of my mind. Made sense that they got the formalities out of the way before the regional gathering. Nonetheless I felt good about myself as I moved up in society.
Lord Reynolds was very pleased when I told him of our deal with Mr. Crassis. In return he gave me more good news. Her Majesty had asked for him to throw her upcoming anniversary party. This was an excellent gain for us. Hopefully Mr. Flagg’s concern would be proven false. Best of all was Lord Reynolds’s wish for me to paint a portrait of beautiful Grace.
This was very exciting. If I were blessed with the chance, Prince Grace would have a memento from me. Not to forget the quality time that could be spent doing a seating. Floating around on cloud nine I vaguely heard Lord Reynolds inquire after my night. Still dreaming I answered all was fine save that one short insistence of pickpocketing. Alarmed Lord Reynolds demanded more details including a thorough description.
Worry replaced bliss when Mr. Morningway was brought into the discussion. From my brief glimpse it was easy for them to divine the perpetrator. Unsurprisingly it was a Merket and his name was Zurich. Quickly we rounded up both him and his Gangrel friend. Without hesitation Lord Reynolds accused Zurich of the crime. Prompting the Merket to be noncommittal at best and dismissive at worst.
For my part I thought it was an overreaction from Lord Reynolds. Still as he is my Master I naturally defer to him. After a time Zurich admitted the misdeed and claimed he was acting within the rules of the game. This did not satisfy Lord Reynolds in the least. Onward he prodded until the Shadow had enough.
“If I wanted to be aggressive I could have him rip his claws into him.”
This was in reference to the Gangrel tearing me apart. While I backed up, Lord Reynolds protested the threatening nature of the remark. This was disputed even more vigorously. It had not been a threat, only a fact and …. There was nothing they could say. Using this advantage Lord Reynolds contacted Simon Cantwell, the Prisci for clan Merket. They spoke privately but later I learned Lord Reynolds had acquired a boon from Zurich. Game, Set, Match!
My good spirits were unfortunately set to fall. Calling the attention of the gathering Kindred, Marquee Evengii made an announcement. The position for Prisci Harpy had been appointed to Jim Beasley. It was hardly upsetting learning the position was not mine. I had never expected it to be. Knowing it was appointed to Mr. Beasley pissed me right off. Truthfully I was surprised at how angry I became. Marquee Evengii must have seen my fury in my face.
“It was this close. Really it came down to age.” He explained while Jim smirked at me.
Ominously I stared at my rival with narrowed eyes. Until this point I didn’t even know I considered Mr. Beasley as such. These little revelations are worth noting. Fortunately the Marquee made it known I wasn’t quite out of the running yet.
“The position of Harpy is a big job as this is a big city. You could shadow Mr. Beasley and learn from him. This is a brand new position we just created for you.”
Once again I was befuddled and unable to form proper thoughts. For all the Marquee Evengii is doing for me, there must be a lead shoe waiting to drop somewhere.
“Should be fun!” Jim grinned at me through his sunglasses.
Caught in opposing feelings of being honoured and irritated I could only lightly grumble back. As if in an effort to win back my favour I was given three more tokens by the Marquee. At this point the tokens had been exchanged for red string. Across the room, Jim seemed to be seeing to his duties straight away. A deal was going down concerning the current game and a bakery. Two Kindred, one named Quincy, exchanged string for a promise concerning the other’s place of employment.
Straining my neck I watched Jim record the boon in his notebook with little letters.
“You know just because you are shadowing me doesn’t mean you have to watch me write!”
“I’m going to do it because it irritates you.”
Watching Jim dash across the room, seeking to write in peace, gave me a measure of satisfaction. Feeling self-satisfied I turned and saw Quincy Alistair closely studying me. Brightly he asked how many strings I had. At my answer he proceeded to try every trick in the book. Although he was convincing I could not give up my strings. Considering their source in the Marquee, it was my duty to protect them. Making it worse, Zurich stopped by and bragged about his own collection. The promoted Quincy to try and pit us against each other but I wasn’t having it.
As I moved away from them both a small sound made to turn my head. There stood Cassandra with her huge staring eyes from her scarred face. Quietly she asked for a moment of my time. Walking together we moved to a private corner of the club. Only private for a moment as Zurich followed after us. Demonstrating his disregard of our and especially my personal space.
There were more than a few tricks up Cassandra’s mismatched sleeve. Within moments she had dismissed the menace. Only have him swiftly return. Just now he was wearing a dress that sadly did not flatter him. After a moment he began to do the hula in the middle of club.
Grinning I watched the show until Cassandra captured my attention once more.
“She sees your star rising …”
Standing close she delivered her prophecy. Great things were in store for me. Yet I was attached to a falling star and would be pulled down. Unless I made the wise choice of cutting myself loose. Swallowing I nodded, noting what she said.
The new Prisci Harpy was busy interviewing a newcomer to the city. There was nothing about him that suggested he needed assistance. Not caring I decided to offer it anyway. The new Daeva in town from New York went by Nathaniel. As I sat down next to Jim, the entrant was mocking our little party game.
“Red string? Really? Is that meant to be symbolic?”
Clearly he was a charmer. Shaking my head with some disdain I watched the Harpy’s interview. Including a rather awkward attempt to, not so subtly, deduce Nathaniel’s provocation. Strangely Mr. Beasley seemed off his game and I hoped that was all me. When Jim was called away, I cautioned Nathaniel to be aware of his advances. Sighing with aggravation he said that he wouldn’t be interested even if Jim were a girl. That made one of us.
First mental note as Harpy was noting Nathaniel as both belligerent and overly critical. Second mental note was to get myself a notebook so I could remember such things as surnames. For tonight The Cradle was not Elysium so I had to make an effort to appear human before stepping outside. Not long before I found Jimmy and decided to clear the air.
The entire last month I had readied this conversation. My idea was to appear steadfast but still open to possibilities. For all of my planning none of that was conveyed. Jim started it out.
“The reason I put you at that table was so you would be close to the bathrooms, you prat.”
Along came a Shadow to once again rain on my parade.
“Go Away Zurich.” My frustration was apparent.
No actually he rather liked it there. As a member-in-training of the First Estate it is my task to stay refined at all times. Conveying any disquiet I had with my converser subtly. At this point I’m just going to admit I have much to learn. In typical fashion Jim attempted to excuse himself when the conversation became uneven. In response I all but jumped him with the intent to throttle.
The vigour of my reaction was enough to stop Mr. Beasley in his tracks. Giving me a taste of unknown power. The second Zurich was distracted we successfully ditched him. Escaping to the sanctity of Jim’s Chevy Impala. Vaguely I remembered Jim’s mention of the car before. From what I recalled it was a hangover from his mortal life. It earned further esteem by being one of a few made in that model year.
Now that we were alone it all fell apart. Both of us were uncomfortable not meeting each other’s eyes. There was an itch on the back of my neck. A distinct feeling I was being watched. My companion accused me of ‘pussying out’ and being overly emotional. Both were true but I was in a fragile position in the city. Jeopardizing it would have been ill advised even as it pleased Mr. Beasley.
“If Prince Grace had told me to go up there I would of. There is a chain of command and you are at the bottom of the chain. You do not get to tell me what to do.”
“Fine! As the new Harpy in Chicago I’m making a note that you think I’m at the bottom of your chain and not worthy of your notice!”
“Fine!’
Both of us stormed out of the Impala. Letting myself out of the passenger side I was careful not to slam the door in my anger. Vintage you know. Going back into The Cradle I joined Roger Lafferty in a discussion. Concerning if the time had come to end the string game. My vote was for it to continue as I had more to do.
When Zurich arrived he began to compliment Jim, quasi-threatening, on his Impala. By now my only wish was to break off Zurich’s fangs and toes. Evidently Jim and I had been spied on. Markedly Zurich did not care to hide that fact. With concern in his voice Jim slowly voiced thanks.
Adding insult to injury a powerful but unknown Kindred appeared. Whirling on Jim she sneered at him with cold hate in her eyes.
“Just for future reference it is “Your Eminence” not “Milady.””
Open mouth we all stared as she stormed away. Leaving Jim unable to say much of anything. Uselessly I had the urge to comfort him. The boy deserved a taste of his own medicine. Besides any show of friendship would only be taken advantage of.
Thoughtfully I sat at an isolated table to watch from afar. Marquee Evengii approached me and handed over some more strings. Stating he had paid quite a bit of money for them. Looking up I saw Lord Reynolds surveying this, aghast.
Our good Harold had a few things to say. The regional gathering was next week. While we attended it was pertinent to remember our representation of Chicago. Chicago is for Chicago is for Chicago. Assuming we all behaved it would be a grand time to show the strength of our city.
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Prince Grace Hartford is dead. After the last gathering I was planning finishing this. As my heart is gone I really do not have much will left to write. Clearly I have fallen behind in my remembrances. As a result the rest of this night will be quickly summed up. So I can begin to write this night past on when she died.
On that same night it was a fit of jealousy that drove me backwards from where I had been. That mindless reaction might very well be my undoing. So I must finish writing quickly on the chance Prince Grace’s memorial service becomes mine as well.
Now back to that night when I thought it would all work out fine.
On that same night it was a fit of jealousy that drove me backwards from where I had been. That mindless reaction might very well be my undoing. So I must finish writing quickly on the chance Prince Grace’s memorial service becomes mine as well.
Now back to that night when I thought it would all work out fine.
Multiple attempts to take my strings continued but I was steadfast. The string contest completed and was won by Quincy Alistair. With a margin was so large that it was suspicious. Despite evidence of a fixed game, I made a point to apologize to Marquee Evengii.
The apology was applauded as the correct gesture to make. Going on Marquee Evengii explained I had the potential to remain unconquered. That was the first time I had heard that word but it was no means the last. The future was bright for me provided I stopped hanging around with Reynolds. In fact Alder Ivanovich and he had many conversations about me over tea and vodka.
This was flattering but without merit. After all I had done not a thing to warrant this interest. Potential to succeed also included potential to fail. Upsetting Marquee Evengii even the least bit could not end well. Yet why was I still standing if the point was not to succeed? Caution would not bring with it any advancement.
The discussion between The Marquee, his ward, The Alder and I continued. What I don’t record here I certainly do remember. The Right and Honourable Marquee Evengii was most generous with his promises.
No exact directions were given. Save the request I find a way to work with Jim Beasley. This was attempted immediately after to show my worth. Keeping my tone light I apologized and flattered. Naturally Jim was taken aback but accepted my words. Yet at the mention of a work partnership he balked. Where as before he had been laissez-faire about it, now he was panicked.
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