So a Ventrue, Tremere, Toreador & Lasombra Antitribu walk into a bar..., Twilight Hotel? How...appropriate (semi-closed) Options

[Adara]

As each member of their little party takes their turn speaking, Adara thinks about what the presence of the medallion at the bomb site may mean. So much had changed for her in that pile of destruction, it was entirely possible that Melantha never was there that night…. or, that she was… could she have some tie to this trinket? Leon speaks forth, adding his own postulations to the mix. At least they were reasonable based on the little information at hand. As Sammy shifts to join Adara at the edge of the bed, he makes a comment regarding what has been shared that seems far out of context.

-Sammy's behavior certainly seems off from the first time we met. He seemed so much more collected then. Though, he did have at least one glass of bloodwine downstairs…. perhaps he has a low tolerance..?.. odd…- Apparently she's not the only one who thinks so as Leon is quick to rebuff Sammy's farfetched conjecture.

Howard shares an appreciative smile with Adara but remains silent. -I know I could add more to this little discourse but… do I really want to put myself in such a vulnerable space with so many Kindred I do not know?- Thoughtfully, Adara looks up into Sammy's eyes. She wonders if she can trust him to look out for her. There was little hesitation the first night they were together but… his reactions seem unpredictable this evening. But there may be more information she can glean from this seemingly benign piece of jewelry…

It seems that she may be the only one able - or at least, willing – to offer forth anything of value.

Slowly crossing her toned legs while leaning forward ever so slightly, Adara turns her gaze back upon the main group. She begins by responding to Leon and James with a slight smirk. "Mortals will of course seek physical explanations for things which they do not understand. Hallucinogenic drugs are for more reasonable than supernatural beings."Making eye contact with Howard, she continues. "From what I understand, you've been utilizing more traditional means to gather information on your… [-briefly glancing towards the medallion-] find… If you would like, I could attempt to divine something a bit more insightful with regards to the history of this piece." She hints at the use of Spirit's Touch, the use of which might allow her to see who was most connected with the medallion, who had the strongest connection to it….

[James Forscythe]

Kindred are such unusual beings. Once the veil is broken, anything is possible and within their sights. This being no different. Given the opportunity, their kind wand search endlessly for the mysteries before them...understandable, since they could be aforded such time...unless they had an active fear of Gehenna or any number of other things. However, even this Medallion piqued James's interest. And so it would seem that the Toreador offerred some form of magic to seek these mysteries further. James simply sat at the edge of the couch, sipped the wine once more, and gazed at the kindred with curiousity. Perhaps they would unravel something more on this bombing plot this night...

[Sammy Tamba]

As Leon shot down his suggestion, he shot Leon a dirty look and spoke low while muttering...

"Yeah, well I wasn' talkin' to ya anyways dude."

Sammy showed a bit of a frown on his face afterwords as he lowered his head and kept quiet. He didn't think it was a bad idea himself, it was easily plausible that the Gods were actually Kindred. It made perfect sense really. There were dozens of gods, most being the child of a higher up god. And it would explain why they had the powers that they did have. But apparently these guys had their heads too far up their ass to give it any thought. And Howard's comment about him hiding something seemed to be giving people some odd thoughts about him. This Howard was really starting to get under his skin...

With Adara offering up her services, he wondered what she was planning on doing...

[Necrom]

After Leon & Sammy's exchange which left the young Tremere with bowed head, Howard left him to his thoughts. He wanted to stay on Sam's good side, but not at the cost of learning more about the medallion.

Adara continued to surprise with an offer for further help. So far, she was proving to be more useful than she looked. Howard didn't know how Adara could give more insight, but frankly he didn't care. He just wanted to solve this mystery.

Giving her a what he hoped was an encouraging smile, he replied: "Any additional help you're able to provide would be most appriecated."

[Leon Voronin]

Leon shrugged to himself. He wasn't a nanny, and his patience with Sammy had already been strained, so he disregarded his petulant mutterings and looked intently as Adara offered to glean some more about the medallion.

He had to admit, a part of him admired Adara's grace and aesthetic. He had always been careful to not trust first impressions, even in life. However, she gave him pause. He wouldn't have been shocked if she turned out to be a manipulative harpy or an inhuman monster, but he would have to admit it would be a damn shame if that was the case. The light feeling brought on by the wine compounded his brief admiration.

This eventually subsided and gave way to his curiosity about the medallion. He was here on business. He would have to keep his wits about him, and his guard up. With that in mind, he placed the half-empty wineglass on the counter and once again focused on the matter at hand.

[Adara]

Unfortunately, Sammy did not seem to notice the almost pleading look in Adara's eyes when she gazed into his; or, if he did, he chose not to offer any sort of reassurance that he would be there for her should she need his help. But perhaps she was putting too much on him – after all, they had only known one another for a short time. She likely felt so close to Sammy simply due to his being there for her, out of circumstance, during a time of extreme emotional vulnerability. As Sammy mutters something under his breath, Adara reevaluates the boy's conjecture. The sharp light having quickly returned to Adara's eyes, she places a gentle hand on the young Tremere's crossed leg. "In actuality, it's not that your theory about the gods being Kindred is implausible, but the way in which you presented the thought... your overexcitement as you made the giant leap from Leon's comment to yours… that was the problem, Sammy… " -He is young and that should be taken into consideration.–

Adara returns her stare to the medallion while taking a cue from Howard's encouragement. With head downturned slightly, she lifts her eyes to meet the Ventrue's gaze. Softly, with a hint of a sultry edge, she addresses him. "I'm sure you are familiar with the gifts inherent to each clan. Just as we leave physical evidence of our past, so too do we leave psychic remnants in our wake." Pushing herself effortlessly from the bed, Adara glides over to the medallion. Gently picking up the age worn but obviously cared for item in her delicate hands, she turns it over slowly while returning to her seat. Curling her legs up underneath herself, Adara sits with medallion in hand, appraising it appreciatively. The soft fabric of her dress flows in a circle around her body. "When this item was lost, whomever it was that held it dear is sure to have left with it a part of herself."

Closing her eyes to the room, head tilted down, Adara quiets her mind of any outside distractions. With the medallion held in both of her hands, she calls upon the power of her blood to open herself up to an unseen realm of knowledge, focusing her mind's eye on the story the trinket is waiting to tell. As she enters into a transcendental state, her eyes open in a flash – pupils rapidly constrict then dilate so that all of her ice blue iris is overtaken by black.

-…flashes of images… incoherent and unsequenced... rapidly pass through Adara's sight… ruins in a foreign land… ruins in LA… the ebony tresses of a petite woman… slower now… the images begin to come together… twisted metal rising from a bed of crushed concrete… dust hanging in the thick night air… isolation… despair… the back of a woman carrying herself with strength as she surveys the destruction… flashes… flashes of the woman… she turns with indifference to the scene surrounding her… her profile… around her neck, resting on alabaster skin, sits the medallion… flashes… she turns…
with eyes black as night, she stares through the distance of time and space directly into Adara's inner eye… and smiles, knowingly…-

The black of Adara's eyes recede, replaced once more by ice blue. A shiver courses through her body as she becomes aware of her surroundings. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she considers what she saw and what it all could mean. Of course she recognizes the site of the ruins within the city as that of the bombed towers. -But that woman… -

As a wave of exhaustion momentarily overtakes her, Adara looks to Howard, reaching her hand out to return the medallion to him. She isn't so sure she wants to be the one holding it after what she believes she saw, or rather, saw her. "Would you be so kind as to pass me another glass of wine," Adara asks with a smile. After drinking the remainder of the glass, she begins to detail her experience.

"I'm sure you're eager to know what I saw so I shan't keep you waiting. I do not know how much use it will be but… This medallion was lost after the bombing – not before, not during – of the former Prince's towers. A woman, she had to be a Vampire – she had an ageless beauty which exuded power, control – she was wearing the medallion around her neck while walking amidst the rubble. Though, it had to have been shortly after the bombing as it looked far more chaotic than when I was there." Adara pauses while contemplating the last vision she saw… she half whispers to herself, "… those eyes…" Looking back to the group, she finishes, "It was a bit… disturbing. I would swear she looked directly at me."

[Leon Voronin]

"It was a bit… disturbing. I would swear she looked directly at me."

Leon crossed the room, taking the bottle off the counter as he did so. That was a worrying development.

"That's very strange and very troubling, miss. Are you certain that the woman was looking at you?" He obligingly poured the wine into her glass and backed up, leaning against the counter. He ran his fingers through his shortish hair, looking off to the side. Then he collected himself and continued speaking.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but it seems to me that have been making a false assumption all this time. Before it would have been reasonable to think that the item was mistakenly lost. But now I have grave doubts that this object was left behind by accident. What if the owner indeed had powers of divination? It should stand to reason that she would know that Howard here would find the medallion and that we would get involved."

He took a quick glimpse at the wine bottle in his hand. It had about a mouthful left, so he finished off the rest directly from the bottle and placed it on the counter behind him. He straitened his tie and began to pace slowly from the counter, wandering around the small space in a purposeless yet meticulous meander as he spoke.

"Something's not right. I suggest we proceed with caution. If I am right, then something very old and very powerful could be trying to pull our strings. For what purpose I can't even imagine, but I seriously doubt it's to any benign end."

[Sammy Tamba]

Adara was always kind to him, even though the others thought his conclusion was a bit far-fetched. Her words seemed to cheer him up a little, although when he looked away at her and saw Leon again he kind of scowled in his direction. He Looked up at Adara and gave her a bright, wide smile to show her thanks for giving him some sort of compassion. In the room with the other Kindred, they all seemed to be treating him poorly. Jeez, hadn't they ever been around a youngin' before?

Watching Adara get up from the bed and head towards the Medallion, he realized what she was doing. He had seen Viziers in the past glance upon objects histories to give insight on a hunt, and he would bet Adara would be doing the same with the medallion. He should have been worried that the others might find out something that they should not know, but his own interest in the medallion made the thought slip his mind. He still wasn't sure the medallion belonged to... her, and if anything this would tell him once and for all.

He watched as she picked it up and classed her eyes, concentrating on her powers within. Sammy glanced around the room, from Leon and James, and then to Howard who was watching her with much interest. He surely must be excited, to finally get some answers himself. Shifting his attention back to Adara, her eyes suddenly shot open but her beautiful calm eyes were no longer present. He looked into her now void black eyes, wondering what she was seeing. She was very still for a few moments, gazing upon the past. Sammy waited while the whole room was silent, everyone waiting with much intensity for her to come back to reality.

And then she came to, with another blink her eyes returned to their own nature and there she stood for a moment bewildered and exhausted. She returned the medallion back to Howard while she tried to regain her posture. She took a glass of wine and took a moment to calm herself down before she shared with them what she had seen. Whatever it had been, it obviously freaked her the hell out.

After she described the scene she had visioned, Sammy now knew his suspicions were true. He slid off of the bed and took Adara and tried to help her back to the bed so she could rest. She was still a bit weakened, at least she looked so. As he reached the counter to get to Adara, Leon began to speak. His thoughts of the medallion, they weren't a bad idea. Truthfully Sammy had no idea on the nature of the medallion, nor its plans. He offered no comment to his thoughts, he was too busy helping out Adara.

[Leon Voronin]

Leon stopped his pacing and looked at Sammy. His expression was dry and neutral, but he was tense on the inside about this new development. He hesitated, and then began to speak.
"It seems like your idea might have some merit after all, Sammy. The masquerade takes many forms and sometimes the best place to hide supernatural power is in plain sight. I wouldn't doubt that this boogieman...woman, that we're chasing has a no small amount of power. But the fact that you may be right only worsens our predicament. Is it a neolithic god? Doubtful. But I wouldn't be surprised if this being's power is damn close."

[Necrom]

When Howard heard Adara say she felt the black eyed woman in her vision looking at her, he immediately thought: "That can't be fucking good." The Ventrue listened to Leon's theory that the medallion was planted, not accidentally lost...which made him think back to how he obtained the object in the 1st place. That redheaded mortal reporter...Cassidy something. Was she a pawn of this mystery woman? Were they all?

Howard watched with disappointment as Leon finished the bottle. He had begun to drink increasingly heavily about 6 months prior to his embrace. Though compared to vitae, the finest wine he ever imbibed while mortal seemed like stagnant water, he found the combination of blood & alcohol surprisingly enjoyable...

He added: "If the medallion was planted or not, it appears we're dealing with a very powerful vampire. Probably more powerful than anything any of us have encountered before. We'll need to be very careful indeed."

[James Forscythe]

James bowed his head for a moment, taking everything in. He listened to the Toreador as she mutterred things about black-eyed women and rubble. He then too another sip of wine. The others speculated that this could, indeed, be an ancient and powerful kindred. If Tremere was possible...any could be, really. Lasombra, even... The Antitribu decided to tak a sip of his bloodwine to calm his nerves. As the delicacy washed down his throat, he didn't feel instantaneous better, and only slightly comforted. They seemed to think that they were all part of some game, being played by this powerful kindred. Chess...chess. A Lasombra's game, as he learned from Victor. "It would appear," he began, "based on conjecture alone, of course, that we are all pawns in this elder's game. Now, as we all know...a pawn may fss the chess board until it gets to the other side, then becomes a stronger piece. I believe that is what we should do: we should follow this game until we can make it to the other side and gain the upper hand. However, we cannot be taken out by other pieces...we must take the safest paths until we have our advantage. Now, I agree with the theories that this is, in fact, and a powerful one at that...but we can not be sure of that, either. So, for now...what I think...is that we need to seek this further, but not do what our opponent expects us to do."

[Adara]

Sammy kindly provides Adara with assistance as she regains her composure. Leon kindly provides her with wine, though she wouldn't mind something a bit harder.

Listening to the conjectures and postulations offered forth by the kindred, Adara believes it doubtful that the owner of the medallion planted it on purpose. No, she is almost certain that it was lost… and now the owner wants it back. Any correlations between Adara's Sire being at the bombing site and this Elder Vampire being there are likely coincidental so she only allows that idea a passing thought. –What does this medallion actually have to do with me?... Well this is just fucking peachy! Had I kept my hands off it, that thing would likely have nothing to do with me and that woman would not even know who I was. Now… now… what now?-

Looking at each of the men sitting around the room in turn, Adara agrees that any moves made from here on out had best be made carefully. She is tired and does not wish to follow this speculation any further tonight. Sammy has remained attentively by her side since she came out of her trance. She looks first to Howard, sitting across from her.

"Well Mr. Smythe, it appears you have a bit of a mystery on your hands. I don't know if what I have shared with you will prove to be enlightening but, since it seems our fates have become intertwined with regard to your trinket, if you learn anything of relevance I would appreciate it if you would keep me informed. I'm not too keen on the idea of a displeased Elder seeking me out because she happened to catch my stealing a glance at her." At this, in one fluid motion, she reaches down to the almost forgotten tiny black clutch sitting on the floor by her feet and pulls out a calling card with her name and cell number on it, handing it to the Ventrue. "I appreciate your hospitality but I do believe it is time for me to call it a night."

Offering Sammy a small smile, she asks gently, "Sammy, you don't mind taking me home a little early tonight, do you?" She is a bit worn from her experience but mostly she just wishes to be alone with her thoughts so as to attempt to make some sense of the information gained tonight without the voices of these strangers ringing in her ears. She does not know them. She is unsure of whether or not she likes them. And she definitely does not trust them. Only time will tell if they are worthy of that honor.

[Sammy Tamba]

"Sammy, you don't mind taking me home a little early tonight, do you?"

Catching Adara's calm smile, he nodded to her as he looked about the room once more. He had learned much from this night, and truth be told he really should be leaving himself to deliver this information. And Adara, she seemed to just give him that chance without having to make up some excuse that would have brought any more suspicion towards him.

Attention now back at Adara, he returned a smile of his own as he nodded once more.

"Nah.... nah that's cool, not at all. All of this is gettin' way ova my head anyways."

Leaving Adara's side momentarily he took a few steps towards Howard and extended his arm.

"Well dude, it's been cool. G'luck with the ancient bad chick."

[Adara]

Sammy kindly agrees to Adara’s request at an early leave. Bidding farewell to each of the members of their little party, Adara rises from the bed while finishes his goodbyes. Exiting the posh hotel room with the young Tremere close behind, the walk to the elevator is done in silence. She can’t help but wonder at the events of the evening. She had said that she was going to follow the night wherever it took her…. She hadn’t expected for it to take her on such a twisty ride. At least it afforded her the opportunity to meet with a few more of the city’s Kindred. That could prove useful if Adara chooses to remain in thie city for a while. She hasn’t fully decided on what her plan of action would be now that she knew Melantha had not met final death in the bombing of the tower… but her questions about the events of that night were ever expanding. Also, she learned a bit more about Sammy’s past. Perhaps she could do something to help him find answers about his Sire’s murder.

*Ding*… the door to the elevator opens and the unlikely pair step inside. The doors close and they begin their descent to the first floor lobby alone. Leaning her back against the cool metal of the walls, Adara bits her lower lip in a moment of contemplation. “So Sammy, do you have any ideas about what all of that could mean? I can’t help but to wonder if that woman I saw in my vision… or, who saw me… if I should be worried about repercussions…?”

[Necrom]

Howard listened to James' chess analogy, but didn't comment...deciding he didn't have anything to add. Adara expresses her worry of an elder being aware of being watched & the Ventrue thought to himself: "You're not the one in possession of the trinket this elder wants back..."

Adara handed Howard a card & he pulled some out of his jacket pocket & gave one to each vampire in turn. It had his cell phone number & email address. Turning back to Adara, Howard takes her hand & shakes it. Looking into her eyes directly, he said: "Thank you for your...unique help. You'll be the 1st I contact should I learn anything else." he lied convincingly.

Howard took Sammy's hand & smiled at the "ancient bad chick" comment. "Hope to see you again soon." he said. He watched the pair leave, then stood quietly for several seconds examining the medallion, as though he could glean new insight if he looked at it intently enough. He then placed it back into his briefcase & picked it up. He decided no more could be done tonight.

Howard glanced at his watched & looking at James & Leon he said: "It was time I took my leave as well." The Ventrue shook Leon's hand & said: "Good to meet you, I suspect we'll be seeing each other again in the near future." Looking at the Lasombra, Howard less formally simply said "James." as he nodded at him.

Howard opened the door, before he left he turned & said to the pair: "You have the room until 11am." with one eyebrow slightly cocked, he then closed the door & walked down the hallway.

As the Ventrue reached the lobby, he stopped at the bar & bought 2 bottles of bloodwine. Then went home.

[Leon Voronin]

Leon shook the man's hand and said, "Good evening, Mr...." he glanced at the card "...Smythe. I look forward to hearing about any new leads you may pick up...."

He released Howard's hand and watched as he left the room. Voronin glanced out the window, then turned his gaze to a digital clock on the nightstand. The night was running down and he felt the fatigue of approaching dawn creep up his limbs.

Leon turned to James, and said, "Well, the sun will be up soon and the night's almost over. I'm getting tired, but I would be willing to stay for another drink if you are."

[Sammy Tamba]

He was glad to see that Howard seemed to be amused at Sammy's farewell. The Ventrue had been all business all night, the dude seriously needed to lighten up some. But with the medallion on everybody's mind, laughter was one of those things that were put on the back-burner.

Noticing that Adara was already on her way out the hotel rooms door, he tossed his hand up with a quick wave behind him as he hurried to follow behind her. She was quiet though, and seemed determined to get to the elevator. Sammy felt kind of bad for her, everything she got into was just bad news after bad news. She was a really nice person, did she really deserve all this pain?

As the elevator door dinged open, they quietly stepped inside and slowly the door slid closed. As it started to descend floors, Adara finally broke the silence.

“So Sammy, do you have any ideas about what all of that could mean? I can’t help but to wonder if that woman I saw in my vision… or, who saw me… if I should be worried about repercussions…?”

'Aha', he thought to himself as she spoke of her worries. He knew something was bothering her from her silence, which was something she was not usually. He leaned against the side of the elevator with his arms crossed as it continued to move downward, and tried to give her some comfort.

"Ya know, I wouldn't worry 'bout it. There's no way whoever you saw knew that you were looking in on her past..."

He went quiet for a moment, thinking back to his own past. For years he had seen the Viziers use the same Auspex discipline to seek out information on contracts, and in his experiences there was no way for the spied upon to know anything. But this certain vampire... He had no idea what she was capable of.

"Look... I've seen a few of the upper ups back home use the same thing you used... from what I know of it, whoever she was has no clue on what ya did. So... don't worry, kay?"