A Diversion

[Smoothie]

"Of course," he nods to her, then speaks to Alex, "I shall consider your movement, my friend." To the others, "I, myself, was never a man of faith, so I don't see myself taking up the Spear, so to speak, anytime soon. If it works for you, that is wonderful; I respect that." He pauses a moment. "Perhaps I should also speak with members of other covenants before making any decisions. It is quite an important decision, after all."

He crosses his legs and leans forward, leaning on one elbow, "Regardless of my ultimate decision, it is good to meet some other Haunts and I hope we can establish and maintain good relations.

[Storyteller]

Viktor: "Yes, that seems a wise opinion to hold. It's always good to be affiliated on any level, particularly in teh current, political climes. I don't think clan unity is all that it should be these nights, so it's good to see someone who tends towards that. "

[Smoothie]

A pleased, close-lipped smile works briefly across Wic's face as he sits back in his chair. "I'm glad we have that in common, Viktor." He looks at his clanmates, judging their reaction, then looks around the room, not quite sure what he's looking for.

[Storyteller]

Alex: "It's nice to see people watching out for the clan for a change."

There is a slight lull in the conversation, during which you notice, with relief, that Marla has stopped looking at you, and is no gazing off into space. How distant can you get?

Viktor finally butts into your train of thoughts.

"So where have you sprung up from, Wic? I hadn't heard of you before, which is unusual, but not unheard of, in a city like this."

[Smoothie]

"Surely my accent gives me away. I come from the 'Old Country'. I haven't been here very long but now I am settled, so I take a better look around."

Wic has the urge to belittle these kindred in his mind to boost his own confidence, but he resists it, telling himself he knows nothing of them and should not underestimate them.

"Such travels are inconvenient at best but there are so many little wars occuring there that it became tiresome. A well connected monster owed a favor and this place was on the list I had to choose from." He shrugs, "I suppose I chose here because it was most distant of my options."

No outright lies, but not too much information either.

[Storyteller]

He looks satisfied with your answer.

"Thanks. Getting away from old ties eh? I've heard that many a time; been through it myself really, but in less of a geographical sense. Hence why you're looking for a covenant, i suppose."

[Smoothie]

"Yes, from what I can tell of here, things are different there. Covenants there are rivaled by the power of some individuals or perhaps they take their power in the name of a covenant, but serve only themselves. I chafed under one such monster and when the mortal wars created enough chaos, I merely took my leave."

He gestures with his hands expressively as he speaks.

"Now I find myself hoping I have not landed myself in a simular, or worse situation, however I am hopeful that this is, indeed, a more civilized land. I suppose I shall learn the truth tomorrow night."

[Storyteller]

Face: "Well, from the sound of it, this is a better land, but i'm not sure how much better. Those with any power would loathe the implication that they had anything in common with the styles of rule where you come from; Prince of the city may weild and awful lot of power, but it is supposed to be in a 'fair and just' manner, keeping the peace an'all, but i reckon it's closer than we think. As for the covenants, i'd say that was less of a problem. The Lance, for example, has a major schizm in leadership and faction, with Vidal leading the majority, but more and more people siding with the 'Lord of the French Quarter', Antoinne Savoy, who also weilds power in the covenant. Still operates well enough as a covenant, but it isn't just one political track either."

[Smoothie]

Of Viktor he asks, "Why this schizm? If that is a fair question for one outside the ranks. "

If he gets an answer he'll follow up with: "And which faction have you chosen?"

He looks at Marla, using body language to include her in his question, but doesn't ask her directly.

If Viktor shies away from that line of questioning, he won't press it. His priority here has become developing relationships, not extracting information.

[Storyteller]

"Usual reason: Political differences. Basically Savoy wants power, and Vidal isn't too keen on going anywhere. I think the issues slightly more complicated than that, but i've never examined that closely. I prefer not to get involved. I may lose out slightly, but it gives me a position to hold on to."

You're not quite sure if he's telling the truth in this last part.

You think the woman picks up on your inclusion of her, but still doesn't react.

[Smoothie]

"I see. Well, I shall endevour to remain clear of the mechinations of elders,' he stands, "It has been my pleasure to meet the three of you. If you will excuse me, I shall," he grins, lowers his voice and leans in, "bump elbows with a few more of the corpses in this morgue."

[Storyteller]

Alex: "Nice meeting you."

Viktor simply nods, with a smile.

Marla extends a hand,

"Pleasure"

[Smoothie]

Depending on the angle of her hand, Wic will shake it or kiss it, nod to them once more and then scan the room to find where to go next.