Aspasia - October 2007 - After Nashville
OOC: Planes and trains with limited reading means I have time to write. Been trying to appease the muse. So several things will be posted while I have the limited email access.
The events of this scene take place the night after Nashville, or close to it, when the players involved ran the scene initally.
Enjoy.
*****
Towards the outskirts of Memphis, away from the Pyramid and the related insanities of the weekend, Xeniea has called them together. Her childer, Adam and Jack, her student and niece Emma, and her newly discovered cousin, Aspasia.
Adam is on edge. Wary. He paces slightly, having ditched his suit jacket, leaving him in his jeans and Bad Religion t-shirt. He runs his fingers through his hair as he stops moving, he looks to each of them in turn, having a hard time meeting Jack's gaze.
"Shit. Guess I might as well explain." He sighs.
I wonder if he knows how much of Xeneia’s body language he has picked up? He moves like she does, as if they had twinned heartbeats.
Aspasia stops her contemplations as Adam starts to share with the group.
"Venatrix was supposed to be spying on Callahan. Some crazy Crone spirit woogie happened in Syracuse to protect her from the bond. But, I don't think it was working. Not the way she was reacting. She was bound to him and would have bathed in the blood of the Movement at his command. Or been killed by my brothers and sisters. Sure, I wanted December free to figure his shit out, and I wanted to keep my people safe... But I was there for her. “
He continues."Jesse Miller and I made sure she survived that mess."
Xeneia watches Adam pace, while keeping Jack in her peripheral vision and one hand constantly petting Emma's arm. It’s clear to Aspasia that this third woman is waiting quietly, but she could explode into action at the least provocation.
I don’t understand the reason for her irritation.
Truth in Fact, I don’t know this one at all well, and that now must change.
Jack on the other hand appears to be calm and in control of himself.
Adam looks to his sire. "X, you know what's in me, what I can do when I have to. You wouldn't have embraced me if you didn't. That said, I don't participate in the end of a life easily. I've personally taken one kindred life in my years, and that fucker had it coming. Even then, had I not lost myself to frenzy, I would have torpored him and made Billy deal with his own damn vassal."
Then, the pacing Gangrel raises the sleeve of his t-shirt revealing a brand, in a style identical to Venatrix's. It reads: "SINEDEO".
“I am your childe, but I am also Chimaerae. I owed it to Venatrix to both free her from Callaghan's blood and make sure she didn't die in any attack against him. Only way I could see to do that was to be on the front lines."
Chimaerae? Ventarix has avused Xenenia’s son?
Curious.
I wonder how that came to pass?
Emma leans closer in to X and whispers, "Chimaerae?"
X glances down at Emma, then back to Adam. With a wry smile, she motions for him to speak. "I only know the name. You'll have to ask him."
Adam pauses the one conversation to answer the girl directly. "The Chimaerae are a bloodline, founded by Venatrix. Each of us are devoted to something - a cause, a person, a city or covenant... We protect and we hunt, safeguarding our protectorate from those who would prey upon it. The only responsibility we have which rivals that of our protectorate is our responsibility to one another.
"Tiernan Callaghan sought to abuse this purpose when be blood bonded Venatrix, turning a rival, an enemy, into a devoted protector and killer... He made her a slave of the Vinculum.
"As Chimaerae, I keep my brothers and sisters in the Carthian Movement safe. As Chimaerae, I must look to the well-being of our bloodline. Last night those two purposes converged in Callaghan's death."
X looks genuinely puzzled for a moment. "You realize that makes no sense."
Jack smirks slightly at this comment, but says nothing.
Adam’s eyes lock with Jack's. "I can't and won't apologize for my part in Callaghan’s death, whatever your relationship with the bastard was. Whatever the consequences of his passing may yet be. If I thought I could have done it, I would have killed him myself when he and I scrapped at the gathering. But when the call went out to posse up, I knew I had to be there."
The Amazon’s gaze flickers towards the Sanctified, trying to gauge the thoughts of the Turk’s daughter, but still she does not speak, content to be an observer only to this discussion of Xeneia and her sons.
Meanwhile, Jack returns Adam’s gaze easily, without any sign of anger. "Don't recall asking for an apology, mon frere. You assume we will mourn him as anything more than one more predator."
"No. I know he was an asshole and even the people around him generally thought so. I assume there will be difficulties, personal and political, which will arise from this."
Xeneia shrugs. "There will be difficulties, without a doubt. But..." she pauses for a moment. "Mere months ago I was ordered to assist other Admired of the Lance in removing him from the danse. Had God willed it differently, Tiernan's killing blow might have been mine. If the leadership of the Sanctified attempt to cause trouble for me and mine, I will make their unlives extremely unpleasant."
Jack nods. "I've been expecting something like this for a while now. It's why I ain't asked for my release, although I was considering asking for it Saturday. He just never showed up for me to ask for it."
Then, he stretches his arms a bit. "Sure, I'll give some of the Kindred involved some merde about it, because they'll act like it weren't their fault and try to push responsibility on someone else.”
True. So often true.
Some kindred, I think become even more cowardly with the embrace. Or can not accept they will will have faults, make errors.
“You, however, take responsibility for your actions. That's the sign of a man, not a beast, and I ain't no quarrel with that." His statement is directed at Adam.
"I'm planning to stay the Father General's Legate for a while, to keep my ear to the ground.” The Cajun continues. “Mssr. Callaghan's not exactly liked by a chunk of the Kindred populace, so I expect the retaliation will fall on folks who are looking for an excuse to take some individuals out, like Jovhad. That should distract most of Callaghan's more insane allies, and the biggest stink will probably blow over by Christmas. Vampires as a group are pretty easily distracted."
He glances at X, tilting his head in Adam’s direction with an inquiry, "He have a safe place to stay in the meantime?"
Xeneia’s face falls. "I am thinking of finding a city. A haven. I... I have not heard yet from Ihsan and for once, I will not wander while I do not know where he is."
As might be suspected. Unable to accept the reality of the situation, the clan and his new place in it.
It remains to be seen if the Turk is coward or if he will accept the will of the Moirae.
Adama answers Jack. "New York City is safe. There's only one Lance in the whole city and the Invictus there can't stand Cadeyrn, so any rah-rah shit he tries to pull over the death of his grandkid shouldn't hit NYC too hard."
He nods. "Bonne." Then, Jack cocks his head. "You think he'll try that?"
"I saw the look in his eyes when he rolled through with his entourage after the monomacy. I think he'll try.”
Aspasia’s thoughts wander, as she contemplates Adam’s words. Of course he will. He can not allow the loss to go unanswered, any more than I would. His position in covenant, his sense of honor will demand it.
Those who have made a study of the other leaders in the Danse know this as well. I suspect lines are already being solidified. Something I will need to address as well.
A few visits, messages. Secure promises of non-involement.
“….They *need* an external enemy to find any kind of common purpose."
Who does?
The Amazon looks at Adam again, trying to capture his intent.
Looking at his broodmate, Adam just shrugs. "I trust your judgment, then. The politics of covenants ain't something I'm good with. I know he's going to try to forge his lines into some sort of uber-Daeva line, but it ain't going to go well -- many of them don't respect him much."
X giggles. "Elizabeth will fucking skewer him."
Her Carthian son looks to all of them. "I appreciate you looking out for me. This whole family thing is kinda new and all."
Jack smirks. "Oui. But it ain't new to offer charity to someone in need. And with a brain in their head."
Gesturing pointedly at Aspasia and his sire, Jack comments, "Is there anything we can do to give Jesse some ass-coverage on this? Venatrix wanted her secret kept, so we kept it quiet. But she would not have made it out of there if Jesse Miller hadn't been on board with my plan."
X shrugs. "Possible. I don't know this Jesse. I can vouch for you, and you can vouch for him, but... the chain weakens for every person that you add."
Aspasia nods in agreement.
"My brothers in the Movement were moving on Callaghan. Whether I marched with them or not. It was happening. I participated to ensure that the Carthians survived, Venatrix lived, and that her Vinculum to Callaghan died."
Adam looks pointedly at X. "Will the backlash be messy? Yes. But the attack was happening with out without me. I and a few others made sure that the backlash didn't include the Venatrix's death - Or, for that matter, that it didn't include the death of Carthians at her hands.
"Seeing Callaghan destroyed was the only way to be sure both purposes were suited."
X ponders for a moment. "Any backlash may be mitigated."
Jack looks at her. "We have any idea what we can expect?"
She scrubs a hand over her face and sighs. "Anything and everything. There was grumbling of Crusade, though that's bullshit. I expect kill squads to target at least some of those involved, if not all."
Agreed. This was not the way to do things. Assuming it needed to be done.
Perhaps I can get Adam off the list. It will cost a few favors, but it might be doable.
"You think vampires will be able to maintain focus to systemically target 30 or more Kindred scattered all over, mere? Hell, they can't manage to agree long enough to kill the Brood, and they cluster
together pretty well."
Aspasia interjects, "For this they will. Callaghan is tribe. I expect no less from that family than I would my own. We cannot afford to be concerned over the others who were involved in this action. But those we are willing to project, or spend political capital to make sure they are left off the list."
“Do I think they'll be effective?” Xeneia snorts, “Not particularly. Do I think they'll make a mess and possibly do something stupid? Definitely."
"Non, I agree. I'm just saying that after the big names are removed, do y'all think they'll go after the small fry who were involved?" Jack turns his face towards Adam. "No offense."
"None taken." The Carthian nods. "Only reason I think I'm even half-likely to come up on that list was the debate that turned violent that Tiernan and I had a few hours before he died. We had plenty of witnesses for that.
"I've already told a few people that y'all as a theological debate, and that Mssr. Callaghan sometimes likes to argue with pointy things."
Jack shrugs. "Ain't one of those facts that ain't true. Just putting 'em together in certain ways might be a tad misleading."
And they will believe him.
He leads them in the Danse and they can’t find the steps.
Despite the gravity of the conversation, a slight snort comes from Aspasia's direction.
"So, just so I know... What kinda coverage do I have here? If this comes in my direction, how covered is my back?"
Adam paces for a moment. "I've got no problem accepting consequences for my actions, but I just like knowing where things stand."
"Every family member I can get my hands on." Is his sire’s immediate reply.
Then, she glances at Aspasia. "Chunks of the Lance. Ahh... some other allies. And there are certain factions of the hierarchy of the Lance that would be extremely sorry to irritate me in this matter."
The Amazon ponders for a minute, looking throughtful. "For my part - for the saving of Venatrix, Adam - you and Jesse can call on me and those who will follow my lead. For the rest? The sooner the Arab is dead, the calmer many requiems will be. He and the other Carthians have no protection from me for their actions in this death."
Aspasia looks at X. "I put my line at liberty to decide who else in this matter they will protect from the killing. Only that for myself - your son and this one ally are the only ones for whom I will take a stand between them and their enemies."
X nods. "I have no wish to put my head through the noose for strangers. But for my family I would do anything." She grins crookedly at Aspasia. "A group which already included you, even before this insanity."
Adam looks to Aspasia and X, stating quietly. "Thank you."
The events of this scene take place the night after Nashville, or close to it, when the players involved ran the scene initally.
Enjoy.
*****
Towards the outskirts of Memphis, away from the Pyramid and the related insanities of the weekend, Xeniea has called them together. Her childer, Adam and Jack, her student and niece Emma, and her newly discovered cousin, Aspasia.
Adam is on edge. Wary. He paces slightly, having ditched his suit jacket, leaving him in his jeans and Bad Religion t-shirt. He runs his fingers through his hair as he stops moving, he looks to each of them in turn, having a hard time meeting Jack's gaze.
"Shit. Guess I might as well explain." He sighs.
I wonder if he knows how much of Xeneia’s body language he has picked up? He moves like she does, as if they had twinned heartbeats.
Aspasia stops her contemplations as Adam starts to share with the group.
"Venatrix was supposed to be spying on Callahan. Some crazy Crone spirit woogie happened in Syracuse to protect her from the bond. But, I don't think it was working. Not the way she was reacting. She was bound to him and would have bathed in the blood of the Movement at his command. Or been killed by my brothers and sisters. Sure, I wanted December free to figure his shit out, and I wanted to keep my people safe... But I was there for her. “
He continues."Jesse Miller and I made sure she survived that mess."
Xeneia watches Adam pace, while keeping Jack in her peripheral vision and one hand constantly petting Emma's arm. It’s clear to Aspasia that this third woman is waiting quietly, but she could explode into action at the least provocation.
I don’t understand the reason for her irritation.
Truth in Fact, I don’t know this one at all well, and that now must change.
Jack on the other hand appears to be calm and in control of himself.
Adam looks to his sire. "X, you know what's in me, what I can do when I have to. You wouldn't have embraced me if you didn't. That said, I don't participate in the end of a life easily. I've personally taken one kindred life in my years, and that fucker had it coming. Even then, had I not lost myself to frenzy, I would have torpored him and made Billy deal with his own damn vassal."
Then, the pacing Gangrel raises the sleeve of his t-shirt revealing a brand, in a style identical to Venatrix's. It reads: "SINEDEO".
“I am your childe, but I am also Chimaerae. I owed it to Venatrix to both free her from Callaghan's blood and make sure she didn't die in any attack against him. Only way I could see to do that was to be on the front lines."
Chimaerae? Ventarix has avused Xenenia’s son?
Curious.
I wonder how that came to pass?
Emma leans closer in to X and whispers, "Chimaerae?"
X glances down at Emma, then back to Adam. With a wry smile, she motions for him to speak. "I only know the name. You'll have to ask him."
Adam pauses the one conversation to answer the girl directly. "The Chimaerae are a bloodline, founded by Venatrix. Each of us are devoted to something - a cause, a person, a city or covenant... We protect and we hunt, safeguarding our protectorate from those who would prey upon it. The only responsibility we have which rivals that of our protectorate is our responsibility to one another.
"Tiernan Callaghan sought to abuse this purpose when be blood bonded Venatrix, turning a rival, an enemy, into a devoted protector and killer... He made her a slave of the Vinculum.
"As Chimaerae, I keep my brothers and sisters in the Carthian Movement safe. As Chimaerae, I must look to the well-being of our bloodline. Last night those two purposes converged in Callaghan's death."
X looks genuinely puzzled for a moment. "You realize that makes no sense."
Jack smirks slightly at this comment, but says nothing.
Adam’s eyes lock with Jack's. "I can't and won't apologize for my part in Callaghan’s death, whatever your relationship with the bastard was. Whatever the consequences of his passing may yet be. If I thought I could have done it, I would have killed him myself when he and I scrapped at the gathering. But when the call went out to posse up, I knew I had to be there."
The Amazon’s gaze flickers towards the Sanctified, trying to gauge the thoughts of the Turk’s daughter, but still she does not speak, content to be an observer only to this discussion of Xeneia and her sons.
Meanwhile, Jack returns Adam’s gaze easily, without any sign of anger. "Don't recall asking for an apology, mon frere. You assume we will mourn him as anything more than one more predator."
"No. I know he was an asshole and even the people around him generally thought so. I assume there will be difficulties, personal and political, which will arise from this."
Xeneia shrugs. "There will be difficulties, without a doubt. But..." she pauses for a moment. "Mere months ago I was ordered to assist other Admired of the Lance in removing him from the danse. Had God willed it differently, Tiernan's killing blow might have been mine. If the leadership of the Sanctified attempt to cause trouble for me and mine, I will make their unlives extremely unpleasant."
Jack nods. "I've been expecting something like this for a while now. It's why I ain't asked for my release, although I was considering asking for it Saturday. He just never showed up for me to ask for it."
Then, he stretches his arms a bit. "Sure, I'll give some of the Kindred involved some merde about it, because they'll act like it weren't their fault and try to push responsibility on someone else.”
True. So often true.
Some kindred, I think become even more cowardly with the embrace. Or can not accept they will will have faults, make errors.
“You, however, take responsibility for your actions. That's the sign of a man, not a beast, and I ain't no quarrel with that." His statement is directed at Adam.
"I'm planning to stay the Father General's Legate for a while, to keep my ear to the ground.” The Cajun continues. “Mssr. Callaghan's not exactly liked by a chunk of the Kindred populace, so I expect the retaliation will fall on folks who are looking for an excuse to take some individuals out, like Jovhad. That should distract most of Callaghan's more insane allies, and the biggest stink will probably blow over by Christmas. Vampires as a group are pretty easily distracted."
He glances at X, tilting his head in Adam’s direction with an inquiry, "He have a safe place to stay in the meantime?"
Xeneia’s face falls. "I am thinking of finding a city. A haven. I... I have not heard yet from Ihsan and for once, I will not wander while I do not know where he is."
As might be suspected. Unable to accept the reality of the situation, the clan and his new place in it.
It remains to be seen if the Turk is coward or if he will accept the will of the Moirae.
Adama answers Jack. "New York City is safe. There's only one Lance in the whole city and the Invictus there can't stand Cadeyrn, so any rah-rah shit he tries to pull over the death of his grandkid shouldn't hit NYC too hard."
He nods. "Bonne." Then, Jack cocks his head. "You think he'll try that?"
"I saw the look in his eyes when he rolled through with his entourage after the monomacy. I think he'll try.”
Aspasia’s thoughts wander, as she contemplates Adam’s words. Of course he will. He can not allow the loss to go unanswered, any more than I would. His position in covenant, his sense of honor will demand it.
Those who have made a study of the other leaders in the Danse know this as well. I suspect lines are already being solidified. Something I will need to address as well.
A few visits, messages. Secure promises of non-involement.
“….They *need* an external enemy to find any kind of common purpose."
Who does?
The Amazon looks at Adam again, trying to capture his intent.
Looking at his broodmate, Adam just shrugs. "I trust your judgment, then. The politics of covenants ain't something I'm good with. I know he's going to try to forge his lines into some sort of uber-Daeva line, but it ain't going to go well -- many of them don't respect him much."
X giggles. "Elizabeth will fucking skewer him."
Her Carthian son looks to all of them. "I appreciate you looking out for me. This whole family thing is kinda new and all."
Jack smirks. "Oui. But it ain't new to offer charity to someone in need. And with a brain in their head."
Gesturing pointedly at Aspasia and his sire, Jack comments, "Is there anything we can do to give Jesse some ass-coverage on this? Venatrix wanted her secret kept, so we kept it quiet. But she would not have made it out of there if Jesse Miller hadn't been on board with my plan."
X shrugs. "Possible. I don't know this Jesse. I can vouch for you, and you can vouch for him, but... the chain weakens for every person that you add."
Aspasia nods in agreement.
"My brothers in the Movement were moving on Callaghan. Whether I marched with them or not. It was happening. I participated to ensure that the Carthians survived, Venatrix lived, and that her Vinculum to Callaghan died."
Adam looks pointedly at X. "Will the backlash be messy? Yes. But the attack was happening with out without me. I and a few others made sure that the backlash didn't include the Venatrix's death - Or, for that matter, that it didn't include the death of Carthians at her hands.
"Seeing Callaghan destroyed was the only way to be sure both purposes were suited."
X ponders for a moment. "Any backlash may be mitigated."
Jack looks at her. "We have any idea what we can expect?"
She scrubs a hand over her face and sighs. "Anything and everything. There was grumbling of Crusade, though that's bullshit. I expect kill squads to target at least some of those involved, if not all."
Agreed. This was not the way to do things. Assuming it needed to be done.
Perhaps I can get Adam off the list. It will cost a few favors, but it might be doable.
"You think vampires will be able to maintain focus to systemically target 30 or more Kindred scattered all over, mere? Hell, they can't manage to agree long enough to kill the Brood, and they cluster
together pretty well."
Aspasia interjects, "For this they will. Callaghan is tribe. I expect no less from that family than I would my own. We cannot afford to be concerned over the others who were involved in this action. But those we are willing to project, or spend political capital to make sure they are left off the list."
“Do I think they'll be effective?” Xeneia snorts, “Not particularly. Do I think they'll make a mess and possibly do something stupid? Definitely."
"Non, I agree. I'm just saying that after the big names are removed, do y'all think they'll go after the small fry who were involved?" Jack turns his face towards Adam. "No offense."
"None taken." The Carthian nods. "Only reason I think I'm even half-likely to come up on that list was the debate that turned violent that Tiernan and I had a few hours before he died. We had plenty of witnesses for that.
"I've already told a few people that y'all as a theological debate, and that Mssr. Callaghan sometimes likes to argue with pointy things."
Jack shrugs. "Ain't one of those facts that ain't true. Just putting 'em together in certain ways might be a tad misleading."
And they will believe him.
He leads them in the Danse and they can’t find the steps.
Despite the gravity of the conversation, a slight snort comes from Aspasia's direction.
"So, just so I know... What kinda coverage do I have here? If this comes in my direction, how covered is my back?"
Adam paces for a moment. "I've got no problem accepting consequences for my actions, but I just like knowing where things stand."
"Every family member I can get my hands on." Is his sire’s immediate reply.
Then, she glances at Aspasia. "Chunks of the Lance. Ahh... some other allies. And there are certain factions of the hierarchy of the Lance that would be extremely sorry to irritate me in this matter."
The Amazon ponders for a minute, looking throughtful. "For my part - for the saving of Venatrix, Adam - you and Jesse can call on me and those who will follow my lead. For the rest? The sooner the Arab is dead, the calmer many requiems will be. He and the other Carthians have no protection from me for their actions in this death."
Aspasia looks at X. "I put my line at liberty to decide who else in this matter they will protect from the killing. Only that for myself - your son and this one ally are the only ones for whom I will take a stand between them and their enemies."
X nods. "I have no wish to put my head through the noose for strangers. But for my family I would do anything." She grins crookedly at Aspasia. "A group which already included you, even before this insanity."
Adam looks to Aspasia and X, stating quietly. "Thank you."