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For many years, the Clans had been quiet.

That suited Alessa well enough; she was a woman of many plans and long schemes, and time to work without having to deal with nonsense disputes over some Gangrel pissing on a Toreador's obscene hedge sculptures was time that she could devote to her own projects. Of which there were always many. Alessa liked to be powerful, liked to be influential.

Butt hings were stirring. There was no ignoring that. And it would be gauche for the Prince to refuse to attend such a grand gathering.

She was unaccompanied; Equinox might choose to join her later, but for now, her mate was at home. But there was no denying when she arrived. She strode through the doors with all the confidence of a woman who knew exactly where she belonged, and even as the realization tumbled over her that there were Kindred here who were fearfully ancient and powerful, older and stronger even than Kitrye, and that Things moved in the darkness (eyes on all of them from the shadows; a scent of roses, tinged with blood--their gods and the Disciples moved among them tonight, it seemed) she did not break stride for a moment.

She gave a brief nod to the host, though he seemed quite occupied with any number of other visitors. There were Kindred here from all factions--her own precious Camarilla, the messy and anarchic Sabbat, the foolish Independents--and that meant that this was a rare occasion.

Perhaps some bridges could be built. If things were stirring, as they seemed to be, being ruled by their usual politics would only ensure that they all squabbled and crumbled and fell. And that, Alessa would not allow.

Cassius watched as Emppu left, appreciating the view with a smirk as his partner stalked off in search of some pockets to lighten.

As he approached Ravnos he halted, just shy of actually reaching him, because of a sudden shift in the air. The scent, the whispers, the chill, it all felt vaguely familiar, like something he should recognize but could not quite place. It stayed his feet for a moment, and he frowned, trying to pinpoint exactly what it was...

Giving his head a small shake, he decided he could mull that over later. Tonight, he had something else to attend to.

"Ravnos." He said, finally reaching the Disciple, and holding a hand out towards him in greeting. "I am Cassius, son of Cryso Kenoth." He paused for a moment, deciding to keep his Fathers name out of this for now.

"I want to ask for permission to join your clan."



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With Lilith's sudden appearance, Grendel had gone silent and nearly left the gathering altogether. It was an option that he strongly considered.

But she was gone now, leaving nearly as quickly as she had let herself be known. Unless Caine himself showed up, Grendel decided he would stay.

Finding another Disciple to watch, he settled in around Artemis Ventru. She would feel the sudden weight of his presence, a power that tickled at the nape of her neck.

She would hear her name as though it were hissed directly in her ear, followed by a did you miss me? in her head.

So far so good. Ravnos hadn't shoed him off or rejected him outright. It bolstered his confidence and made it easier for him to answer the question that was posed.

"Well, beyond the fact that it just feels natural, given who my mother is," He started, pretending for a moment to mull the question over.

"All these other clans?" He gestured around, "They're either ******** nuts, or they've all got sticks up their asses, and I'm really not into any of that artsy, fartsy stuff unless it's something I can steal, and pawn off. Plus, everyone knows that you," He pointed to the Disciple, "Don't put up with s**t, and you actually care about your clan and look after them. Oh, and being clanless? It sucks. Nobody respects you. You're basically a bottom feeder." He shook his head and then ran a hand back through his hair to push it back from his face.

Was that enough? He hoped it was.

She took in the vision before her hungrily as the other vampire posed against the bar, her dress cut strategically to offer Ishtar a delicious view. "Artemis," she purred, tasting the name on her lips. She savored it like a fine wine. "You may call me Ishtar," she said as she gentle stroked the other vampire's arm, leaning in ever so slightly. "I am here as your humble servant, if you please." She leaned in close, her lips almost brushing the other kats ear as she whispered "I could worship your body in ways you can't imagine." She pulled away only enough to meet the other lady's eyes, her own amber orbs sparkling with anticipation and desire. Her soft lips were parted slightly and her eyes were smoldering like hot embers.

It was then she felt it. A shudder. A presence. There in a flash and then gone again. It didn't detract from the task at hand, but somewhere in the back of her mind she made note that this meeting had become even more significant than she imagined. More and more old ones had begun awakening, and it seemed even the Gods themselves have begun to take notice. That was something to consider. Another night.

For now, she had a wild-eyed vixen before her and if she didn't get a chance to taste her Ishtar would be very disappointed.

There was power in the air. It was electric, and it made Artemis shiver. It seemed there were many powerful things stirring tonight; Lilith's presence was brief, but Grendel's it seemed, was not.

'Ahh, of course I have, darling,' she thought back at Grendel. 'What about you? I know I've been away for a terribly long time. I'd hate to think you weren't happy to see me back.'

Honestly, tonight was shaping up to be far more interesting than she had even begun to suspect.

"A fascinating offer," Artemis purred, "and one I'll have to consider...carefully. I've been away from society for such a long time, and I'm just beginning to find my way again."

Any bargain needed its due thought, after all, and it would be a good way to...stretch her limbs. Nothing had to come of it, except a pleasant evening shared between two ancient, powerful women.

Still.

'Anything particularly interesting I've missed?' She asked Grendel, thoughtfully. He had, it seemed, been awake for the entire time she'd been in torpor, and here was no reason not to use the resources before her.

Emppu continues to make his way through the gathered mortals, 'liberating' many a trinket from them as he circles the massive room and dance floor. He glances towards the bar every now and then, mainly to see if Cassius was still there and whether the other was still in conversation with Ravnos or not. He didn't want to interrupt his love, after all. When it seems like Cassius and Ravnos are done conversing, and Cassius had saught him out with his eyes, he makes his way slowly over, then glances at Cassius, his eyes seeming to ask the other how it went. He still had his whisky with blood in his hand and shotgunned the whole thing before placing the glass carefully on the bar top. He then turns his attention back to Ravnos and bows a bit, looking up at the Disciple from his bowed position. He wasn't sure what the proper line was between showing respect and coming across as a boot licker, honestly, so he was winging it.





~*~*~*~*~

Nightmare made his way out of the party, heading back to his home. He wouldn't notice his missing valuables until much later.

While she would not be able to see Grendel, she would be able to sense his pleasure at knowing she had thought of him. A feeling like a tendril brushing against her back, and his voice came to her again.

I am pleased to see you here. He confirmed, then waited until there was another opening to speak, watching as she and Ishtar flirted with each other relentlessly.

Just say yes. You know you want to. He chuckled, a deep and velvet sound inside her head.

There have been, developments He admitted. We will find time to speak of them. Soon. Now, enjoy yourself.

With those parting words, he moved on, to seek other company that wasn't so preoccupied.