Masquerade: The Autumn Court

[Luminesa]

Morri

As she sat slumped on the ground, Morri half-listened as Anna spoke. It was only after the Kindred had finished speaking and then departed that the realisation of what the vampire had stated struck Morri. "...Ah."

"We need ta go home, back ta the docks, soon as." Morri said hurriedly to Connor. "Actually, right now."

Realisation of a whole load of other things hit her round the same time; Connor's anger, the punishment rite, Connor's anger, her trip with Alexei to the Umbra, etc. These were consequences that she was going to face, though right now Anna was one that topped the list. An offer made in desperation to enlist the aid of the Kindred Prince of LA was turning out, in hindsight, to have been a rather foolish act. Anna may have acted regardless of whether she was approached for aid, after all it seemed like she already had her own planes in motion for dealing with Belial.

Right now Morri had but two days to try and wiggle out of the deal somehow.

Once the pack arrived back at the Irishman's Rest, Morri made a beeline for her room and found that Alexei had sent her a message on her phone. Quickly dialling Alexei's number, Morri waited as the phone rang and then said regardless of whether it was Alexei or his answering service. "Anna wants payment. Me."

"Got two days ta find something else fer her 'fore she collects."

Alexei - When It Rains It Pours

While he awaited a message back from Morri, Alexei managed to make some use of himself. He was calm around patients who needed calm, especially the mothers who were hysterical about why their children had suddenly become so violent and the gangsters who had wandered in with many, many wounds from fights, broken glass, and fire. As he tried to help with the waiting room's traffic, he would bring drinks and snacks to patients who sat in frustration waiting to see a doctor or nurse. He hoped they would not run out of juice cartons, and he thought back to Mikhailov, who was awaiting him in his own room.

"Ey, excuse me, miss?" A man called to Alexei from across the room, as he walked away from a mother and her baby.

He turned to the voice, and noted two tall, skinny men sitting nearby. Both of them were badly-bruised, and one had a black eye. The other had cuts and scrapes on his right arm, which he had been covering with a makeshift tourniquet made from a torn shirt. Alexei paced over to them and gave a kind smile. "How can I help you?"

"When we gonna see a nurse? I been bleeding and my friend's got a banged-up eye."

"Did you go to the desk to let the nurse know you're here waiting?"

"Yes, m'am, I did," the man answered. Alexei did not correct his politeness, even though he seemed to think the white-haired man was a woman.

"How long have you been waiting?"

"Thirty minutes."

Alexei sighed. The mother and baby nearby had been waiting for a similar amount of time, but some people sitting in the back of the waiting room had been waiting now for over an hour. "Well, ah...unfortunately given our current situation, our nurses and doctors are very busy, but I can assure you that they'll be out to see you when they can. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Juice. Thank you."

With that, Alexei hurried down the hall to fulfill the man's request. So much crying, so many hasty phone calls, so much confusion. His head was throbbing, and the day was far from over. As he brought the men their juice and walked over to check on more patients, he got a voicemail message from Morri. Digging his phone out of his pocket, he checked it quickly. Listening to her voice, he wanted to feel calm, but her message had been anything but relaxing. Despite everything, Anna still wanted her part of the deal from the Garou, and Alexei would still have to negotiate on her behalf. He groaned softly. Two days. He felt that nowadays he was constantly racing against a timer, but he could not change those circumstances. He quickly typed a message back. "I'll try to talk to her this evening. Hospital is packed. Mikhailov is recovering in a room, he got very lucky to get any sort of care at all." With the message sent, he hurried back to work.

Occasionally, he passed Mikhailov's room and peeked inside. He was either sleeping or watching TV. At one point, he did finally manage to bring him some juice in his room, but he could not stay for long.

"You're being a good little nurse's assistant?" the Mage smirked at Alexei as he opened his juice bottle.

"I'm trying. I wish I could come back and talk more."

"Yeah, maybe when they let you get lunch. Ah..." Mikhailov put his head back in the pillow. "...Something is coming, Alexei. I think...a change. Something powerful."

Alexei chuckled. "I don't think I can take more powerful changes today."

"Well, we need to see Silvanus this evening, and then...we'll see...Maybe I'll see your mom first, too. Does she cook well?"

"I'm pretty sure she could take sawdust off the floor and make a meal out of it," Alexei responded. When he garnered a laugh from the Mage, he found himself smiling as well. He needed to tell that joke, and they both needed the laugh. Even if they only spent a moment together, the moment was enough to energize Alexei to go back to work. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully a nurse will bring you lunch."

Mikhailov smiled. "I'd prefer if it was you, but a nice nurse works just as well. Would take a load off her back, though."

The former Inquisitor grinned and chuckled, and he nodded before walking out of the room. He could feel it too, the static of a coming transformation. He wondered if Mikhailov's actions in the crypt had brought him more than redemption. He seemed at peace with himself, calm, even playful at times. Alexei hoped he could go back to see him soon. Maybe he could find some way to heal patients while using his Faith. He thought about it, and began to pray to himself as he walked toward a man's crying toddler.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Her phone beeped as Alexei's message came through and Morri scrambled to read it, though her heart fell at the less than encouraging response. She had doubts over how helpful or willing the Kindred would be to negotiate an alternative payment for her aid. A manicure set or a lifetime's supply of Avon products were most likely out of the question. But what did a centuries old vampire want?

On top of all that she also had to face Connor's wrath, having to explain her actions, Connor's wrath, the totem mandated punishment rite and some serious testing of the geas that had been placed upon her. The last time she recall being in anywhere near as much trouble was that time in her first pack she'd played a prank involving a flea collar on one of the pack's auhorns. A small smile came to her as she recalled that fondly remembered memory, though it was tinted with a hint of sadness.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door, causing her to sigh in frustration before reaching for a bottle of whisky and calling out. "Wot?! I'm busy drinking!"

"I, erm, heard there was trouble." Jacob said sheepishly as he popped his head round the door. "Thought I'd check in on ya."

"Oh, ye did...did ye?" Morri replied arching an eyebrow.

"Look." Sighed Jacob. "I know we didn't get off to the best start, hell....this whole thing was just incredibly stupid. I realise that now, I really do."

"Yea, bet ye do." Said Morri as she took a swig from the bottle, though kept her eyes on Jacob almost as though she was considering something. "Ye know and I know why yer really here, so let's not beat 'bout the bush. Sides, I've gots some drink in me and I feel like doing something possibly stupid...so...."

[Luminesa]

Alexei - A Balm in Gilead

The little toddler was crying his eyes out. He had no idea where he was or what was happening, but he was in pain. He had two massive, bloodied scraps on his tiny knees and legs, and his father had most likely carried him into the hospital in a panic. Alexei leaned down to look at the little boy, and then turned to the father. "What is his name, sir?"

"Kenzie. I'm so sorry, we were hurrying to get home and some madman pushed my son into the concrete and kicked him. I had to get him here, I...I had no time to wrap him, I'm so sorry," the father apologized, looking panicked over his son's pain. He himself had suffered some bruises to his face and arms, possibly from shielding his son and pushing through the crowds.

"It's quite alright. We'll see about getting you two some help..." Alexei turned to the little boy, and crouched in front of him. His wounds were so, so painful, and the waiting room was still full of other patients with varying degrees of serious injuries. He could have easily grabbed some towels and some ice to try and soothe the wounds, but they were large, painful scraps as well. He really needed to go to the emergency room, but the emergency room had no room for him. He sighed and took a breath. "...Or I could...try something..." he murmured.

He hurried to grab two heavy, wet towels from a janitor's closet, and he came back to the crying little boy. He looked at Kenzie and kneeled in front of him. "...Kenzie?...Kenzie...my name is Alexei...I'm going to try and make it better, okay?...Can you take a deep breath?" he asked.

Kenzie barely registered Alexei's appearance, but after a moment, the boy gave one big nod.

With this green light, Alexei wrapped the wet towels over his legs...and he began to pray silently. "Lord, make me a channel of your peace..." Silence passed between the trio as they waited for the results of the former Inquisitor's experiment, with the father looking particularly anxious and fidgeting in his seat. Some tense moments passed, and then Alexei took a deep, shuddering breath. Keeping Mikhailov alive had been painful enough, but he still had to exert his Faith to cure other wounds as well. When he saw that Kenzie had seemingly stopped crying, however, he decided to take a peek under the bloodied towels. "...Okay, I'm gonna peel these back a little and check. Tell me if they hurt, okay?" Another nod, and Alexei looked at his tiny legs underneath the towels. No blood. Just fresh, pinkish skin. He gently removed the towels, and Kenzie's father stared at his son's healed legs with shock.

"...You...how did you...my son...his scrapes are gone?" He was astonished.

"It looks like they really just needed to be cleaned. It's important to keep them from becoming infected. You should follow-up with a doctor if they change color or have a strange smell, but...otherwise, he does seem well," Alexei explained with a calm smile. To someone with more understanding of wound care, perhaps Alexei's healing would have seemed even more miraculous, but this man seemed pleased with his answer and gave a stunned smile.

"...You...you healed him...thank you so much..." he mumbled gratefully. He then picked-up Kenzie and carried him out of the hospital.

Alexei gave a deep sigh of relief, as he noted the man did not cause a scene when his son was healed. I did a good job making it look like the towel did the trick, I suppose... he thought. He then looked over at some other patients nearby, and wondered if he could do the same with them. Before he went to check with them, however, he sent another text to Morri. "Hey, I'll talk to Anna when I can. Sorry, been busy. Love you, stay safe, tell Connor the whiskey for him is in my apartment. Go get it if you want, tell him my gift to him." He then walked toward a couple sitting near the back, both of whom had cuts and bruises on their arms from the chaos outside the hospital walls.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri had made up her mind as to what she'd planned to do when a knock sounded on the door of her room. Stiffening, Morri called out. "...Yea?"

"Morrigan." Came the voice of Caitlin, the pack's Beta and Galliard, in a tone that Morri knew wasn't going to tolerate any arguments or excuses. "Need you out patrolling our patch, with the city in chaos there's no telling who or what might try a move against us."

"Fine..." Sighed Morri, not wanting to get on the Galliard's bad side in addition to already having enough trouble to worry about. "I'll be outs in half a mo."

"Ye." Morri said to Jacob after she heard Caitlin's footsteps recede into the distance. "Get lost and spare me the sad puppy routine...ain't in the mood fer it."

Jacob, looking hurt, opened and closed his mouth a few times lost for words. Morri gave him a stern look and practically growled, "Go. Now."

Needing no further encouragement, the Get kinfolk beat a hasty retreat from the room leaving Morri alone. The Garou, for her part, felt a little bad for being so mean to Jacob but also realised just how closely she avoided adding to an already overflowing heap of trouble. Sighing heavily, she reached for the bottle of whisky as it would be a shame to waste it and our garou gifts allowed her to ignore the alcohol's effects.

---

When she was ready, Morri found a mirror and concentrated for a moment until she felt the familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways as she crossed over into the Umbra. It was a necessity for a couple of reasons, Pentex was no doubt still after her and somebody needed to keep watch in the spiritual realm round where the pack resided. Here the world took on a vague impression of the physical world, just the suggestions of walls and doorways with the Weaver's cobwebs in places that co-responded with items of a technological nature. There was no day or night here, rather the sky dominated by the Earth's moon orbited in turn by a miniscule representation of the sun.

Morri nodded to the other pack members already here before changing into her Lupus, or 'wolf', form and then using her blur gift once out of sight so that she could prowl unseen by anything trying to creep up on the pack. Glancing round she could see the vague impressions of surrounding buildings and the city's skyline, including buildings and landmarks that no longer existed in the physical world. The Umbra was a place shaped by human emotion, the stronger the feeling the more powerful influence it exerted. Right now she could see that the city was hurting following the recent chaotic events, a black haze lingered like an inky mist coiling in density in certain spots.

The banes knew it too.

Evil, foul spirits in the service of the Wyrm had clearly been stirred up and agitated by what had occurred in the physical world with all the death and destruction wrought upon the city. Morri could see a number of the loathsome creatures in the distance, entities she'd fought before and knew to keep a wary eye on. Thankfully they seemed content for the time being to keep away from a pack of angry and alert garou.

[Luminesa]

Alexei - Evening Calls

The chaotic day drew to an afternoon, then an evening, but it seemed to take forever. The government was in disarray, trying to deal with the aftermath of the death of the LA mayor. Hospitals were still full of patients, prisons were still booking dozens of suspects on charges of domestic terrorism. The news channels talked of nothing but the arsons and violence all over Los Angeles, with newscasters barely hiding their terror as they replayed footage without end.

Alexei did not even bother to look, and with the noise in the hospital, he could not even spare the news a listen. He was busy trying to heal some patients without giving away his ability to do so. Gauze and bandaids did wonders to hide his abilities, but he started to get tired as the sun began to sink into the pier. His hands began to shake, and he was glad when the nurses finally let him go for the evening.

“Thank you so much, you’ve helped tremendously,” one nurse muttered in passing.

“Oh I’ve tried my best, thank you,” he responded, trying to hide his own sweat. He splashed water on his face in the bathroom, ignoring the dread that still plagued his face, and he stared down at his pocket. Gauze and bandaids would not help him when he needed to talk to Anna in Morri’s defense.

He gulped and sent Morri a text. “Call Anna if you can and tell her I want to meet. Let me know a time and I’ll head to her place,” he wrote.

When he was done, he sat on top of the toilet seat and called his mother. “…Hey…Hey, mom, how are you?…Are you safe?…Good…good, thank God…” He gave a sigh of relief. His poor mother was alone in her apartment, but given the madness of others around her, perhaps she was safest away from them. Baal had turned friends into violent enemies with just his aura. “…The neighbor?…Oh no…She’s where?…I’ll try to visit her when I can…Yes, I’m fine, just tired…I volunteered in a hospital all day…”

“Oh you’re such a good boy, Alexei. I’m so proud of you. Always have a good head on you even when you’re panicked,” his mother responded. Alexei’s hand began to shake, but she never would have known. She had decided to make dinner and to relax, and she had turned off the news. Hearing that her only son was safe for now was enough news for her.

“…Thank you…I have to go visit a friend too, he’s…recovering…”

“I’m so glad you’ve made friends through all this, you’ve deserved some friends, sweetie,” she added.

Alexei could hear her stirring a pot. He wished he could smell whatever she was cooking. Maybe if Anna needed a couple of hours to think, he could go visit his mother. “I might try to come by later, if I’m not too tired…Can you save me a plate?”

“Of course!”

He smiled warmly at the welcoming voice from his mother. There was a pause between them, but the pause was full of understanding. Their lives had gone in different directions, but never for long. She still did not understand what he really did as his job, but she supported him regardless. “…I have some things to do, but I’ll try to come by soon…I love you, mom…”

“I love you, too, Alexei. I couldn’t ask for a better son.”

With a gulp in his throat, he told her goodbye and went to visit Mikhailov. All he could do now was wait for Morri to text him back, and he would have to walk back into that darkness. Into that castle, that monument of hatred and loss. Just one more time. One more time, and then…maybe I’ll be able to rest for the evening…for once…

Someone else had headed for the hospital as well, however, to make sure Alexei and Mikhailov were well. A shadow of the Doll fell over the sidewalk, but Michael kept himself hidden for now. He could not afford to cause drama now, but he had to wait. If Anna required of Alexei, then her needs came before his own.

[Morrdh]

Morri

After her stint on de facto sentry duty had finished, Morri stepped sideways back into the physical world and made for her room. The unfinished bottle of whisky still awaited her and she mulled the idea of tracking down Jacob, though admittedly neither appealed to her right there and then. Instead she opted for getting her head down and catching a few hours' kip, she felt she could face Connor's wrath having rested a bit first.

She noticed that there was a message from Alexei on her phone, though hope soon turned into frustrated disappointment once she'd read it. Resisting the urge to fling the device at the nearest wall, she typed out a response; No? Severed the link, remember? Plus tis not like she gave me a number or anything.

It didn't bode well if they had no way of actually contacting Anna before the deadline, especially as they'd lost precious time already. Morri began to wonder whether Anna was still able to keep track of her, even if she set one of her minions to keep an eye on the young Garou. It was tempting to skip town and see if she could outrun the Kindred's reach, but there was the question whether the pack would end up suffering if she did so.

[Luminesa]

Morri

After her stint on de facto sentry duty had finished, Morri stepped sideways back into the physical world and made for her room. The unfinished bottle of whisky still awaited her and she mulled the idea of tracking down Jacob, though admittedly neither appealed to her right there and then. Instead she opted for getting her head down and catching a few hours' kip, she felt she could face Connor's wrath having rested a bit first.

She noticed that there was a message from Alexei on her phone, though hope soon turned into frustrated disappointment once she'd read it. Resisting the urge to fling the device at the nearest wall, she typed out a response; No? Severed the link, remember? Plus tis not like she gave me a number or anything.

It didn't bode well if they had no way of actually contacting Anna before the deadline, especially as they'd lost precious time already. Morri began to wonder whether Anna was still able to keep track of her, even if she set one of her minions to keep an eye on the young Garou. It was tempting to skip town and see if she could outrun the Kindred's reach, but there was the question whether the pack would end up suffering if she did so.

Alexei - A Light in Los Angeles

Alexei stared down at Morri's message back and gave a small groan. He had forgotten that she had split her connection with Anna. He had feared that doing such would kill her, he had been in the Umbra when she had done it. Yet now Anna probably wanted a heavy reward, no doubt something that would be painful for Morri to give. He had to find the Prince and to speak to her. He still had his Blood Bond, but it was weaker now and she had no doubt dropped him to the side. Mikhailov, on the other hand...

Maybe Kostya can do something...but...he fought Baal...Can he?

With the lightbulb flashing in his head, the former Inquisitor walked down the hallway as twilight began to sprinkle stars over the city. The TVs were still buzzing in the waiting room, but the hospital was just a little less busy now. Many people had been sent home, many had been transported to other hospitals, and now a tense pace had settled over the building. The nurses and doctors would tend to those left sickest by the plague of the demon, and Alexei would have to handle the trauma that the doctors and nurses could not see. He found Mikhailov's room, and he knocked.

"Come in?"

The Mage gave a welcome, though tired, smile as Alexei entered and waved to him. He had a platter of dinner, though it was only half-eaten for the moment. "...Could really use some of your mother's cooking, honestly, but the food is filling at least. Did you talk to Morri by any chance?"

Alexei blinked his surprise. "How did you know?"

"Oh come on, I've seen you standing in the hallway texting people, and you only have a handful of other friends and your mother. Morri, Connor, Jonah..." Mikhailov's voice trailed as he spoke the last name. He had not seen or heard anything about Jonah, and he gave a curious look. "...Do you have any idea where Jonah is?..."

"...He...did come to fight, I think...he was outside...while we were in the church...but we got teleported here..." The former Inquisitor tried to mentally re-trace his steps, and he realized he had never asked about Jonah. His face was drawn with worry. The ogre was a tough man, a fierce warrior who had decided to stay in the fight to save the city. He stared down at his phone. "Should I text him?"

"Morri knows, I'm sure. Give her a call. Nobody's asking for you right now, are they?"

Alexei gave him a worried look. Surely Jonah would have come to visit them in the hospital by now. For all of their squabbles, he had still followed him to the graveyard to mourn his wife and daughter with him. He had brought them flowers, and had promised to care for Sophia's babies when they arrived. Yet he had not heard anything of Sophia either. He gazed down at his phone again, and sat near Mikhailov's hip while he called Morri. "...Hey, Morri?...Sorry, this is Alexei...I don't know if this is a bad time...I wanted to know if you knew what happened to Jonah...I'm...going to try and get Mikhailov's help finding the Prince but...if Jonah knows, we could ask him as well..." he murmured into the phone. He felt a hand slip into his, but he was too anxious for an answer to look down at the Mage's hand. Yet the thumb rubbing his hand was soothing, and he hoped against hope for good news.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri answered her phone when it rang and listened to Alexei speak. It became clear that the Inquisitor was unaware of Jonah's fate, Morri was in two minds about telling him. Given everything that had happened and the business with Anna to resolve, Morri opted to not entirely be forthcoming with the truth. "No...I haven't seen him since the church. Besides, he's big and ugly enough ta look after himself."

Not a lie as the church was the last place she'd seen Jonah, but not the complete truth as she felt Alexei already had enough on his plate to deal with. Once everything had been resolved and the dust had settled she could break the truth to him then. Sighing, she continued. "Sorry I couldn't be much help here, just...just do wot ye can ta reach Anna 'fore the deadline. I am grateful that ya trying."

[Luminesa]

Morri

Morri answered her phone when it rang and listened to Alexei speak. It became clear that the Inquisitor was unaware of Jonah's fate, Morri was in two minds about telling him. Given everything that had happened and the business with Anna to resolve, Morri opted to not entirely be forthcoming with the truth. "No...I haven't seen him since the church. Besides, he's big and ugly enough ta look after himself."

Not a lie as the church was the last place she'd seen Jonah, but not the complete truth as she felt Alexei already had enough on his plate to deal with. Once everything had been resolved and the dust had settled she could break the truth to him then. Sighing, she continued. "Sorry I couldn't be much help here, just...just do wot ye can ta reach Anna 'fore the deadline. I am grateful that ya trying."

Mikhailov and Alexei - A Change of Seasons

Morri's voice seemed to hang onto that "no" as she responded. Alexei could hear his heart palpitating, and the sensation did not improve with the "no". It felt like a hook piercing into his stomach, sitting uncomfortably between the skin and muscle. Jonah could be anywhere. He figured he would not respond to texts or calls either, and if he was traveling he was probably halfway to Vegas. Alexei sighed and nodded at Morri's answer. "Yes, I'll keep trying...Don't worry, one way or another there's a way. Maybe one of the Templars could help...or maybe her friends are still running around. Either way I'll try to see you soon. Get some rest..."

He hung-up the phone and looked at Mikhailov, his brow weighed by worry and doubt. "...She'll...want a lot from Morri...and Jonah is nowhere to be found...if I don't do something, Morri will suffer for my sake..."

The Mage nodded and listened, and now Alexei noticed that he had slipped his hand into his. Neither of them commented, since they had bigger concerns at the moment. He gave a thoughtful look out the window at the peeping stars, and smiled at Alexei. "Give me your phone, I can use it as a rote..." When Alexei gave him a nervous look, Mikhailov smiled. "Don't worry, I can track her. I have enough Magic, and it won't cause me an aneurysm this time..." He took it, and he acted as though he was normally using Google Maps. However, when he clicked on it, he used Mind to see if he could visualize her location. As he did so, he smirked to himself. "...And after this, we'll go to your mother's house and get dinner, if she'll see us."

"You're very adamant on meeting my mom..." Alexei gave a shy laugh, "Is there something you want to ask her?"

"...Maybe a few things. And I need actual food...but first, this." Mikhailov returned a warm glance, before he turned back down to look at the phone. All the while, Alexei could only wonder what he was planning. They were going to meet his mother, and his friend would want to go back and see Silvanus as well. If the Mage had other plans, he had not told him yet...

[Luminesa]

Alexei and Mikhailov - The Sins of Our Fathers are the Prayers of Our Mothers

The air was chilly when the former Inquisitor and the Mage left the hospital. Mikhailov could feel a glow in his chest as he walked into the open air. He felt as if some sort of power had awakened in him, and he was close to a revelation. He wondered if Alexei had felt the same way, as the former Inquisitor stared up at the sky with stars glittering in his eyes. Both of them had a miserable day, and now the evening held its breath. They would go to Alexei's mother's house, and would talk about how they would handle the future.

"We need to get to Anna, but once we do...we need to give her something..."

"Yes, please don't remind me..." Alexei groaned.

"Well when do you want to be reminded? After we eat your mother's food?" Mikhailov gave a wry grin.

The former Inquisitor gave him a nervous look. "Oh please...I'd honestly rather not be reminded at all...and I'd rather not worry about upchucking my mother's food on a thought," he groaned. Yet he did think about the question as they walked. They needed to find a taxi, and maybe a driver who would not ask invasive questions. "...Definitely not a dozen roses..." he murmured, after thinking for some time.

"Oh she'll want some sort of artifact...Maybe some sort of secret...She isn't lacking in either, but...hm...There's gotta be something she doesn't have..."

"Morri's firstborn..."

Mikhailov elbowed his arm, causing Alexei to look up at him. "Hey, that's what we're trying to avoid, aren't we?...I bet maybe there's some book she might want, some mystical records about some event..." he murmured. After he elbowed him, he slipped his wrist around the shorter man's, taking his hand with a nonchalant clasp. "...There's definitely something else she'd want...Information?...Mmmmmm..." He grinned and gave Alexei a mischievous look. "...I've got the best idea. You know...Silvanus had connections with the Nosterafu..."

"I am...very aware..." Alexei recalled the reactions of the crowd at her palace, as he had kissed Prince Anna in front of everyone. The Nosterafu lord had been one of the angriest men in the room. "...What did Silvanus tell you?..."

"...That Prince Anna got dethroned by a brat...Coughton or whatnot..." He smirked at the name. "...Some kid much younger than her...You know what they say, huh? Better the enemy you know than the enemy you don't?"

Alexei raised an eyebrow. "...What are you suggesting?...We should...find some way to help her defeat Coughton?..." He thought about the suggestion, and he gave a slightly surprised smile. The idea had seemed so simple. Maybe he would be able to get Morri to join in the fight as well, and that would satisfy Anna. A weight started to take a hopeful flight off his chest, testing the air around its fragile wings. He looked forward to eating, now, since nerves would not restrain his appetite. "...Anything is worth a shot, but...that may be the best idea..."

"I've been full of brilliant ideas today, haven't I?" The Mage grinned at his dear friend, who fixed his glasses as he returned his grin. In his heart of hearts, however, he had definitely experienced a true change. He did not speak with as much cynicism as usual. Perhaps his heart had truly opened a long-locked door, one rusted by hate, evil deeds, and misery. All he needed was another moment, and maybe he would become an Archmaster. For now, however, he would not take flight, and would instead go eat with Alexei and his mother.

***

Anzhelina was a busy bee preparing dinner at around 8 PM. Alexei had called her and had told her to expect a plus-one, though she was not sure who would be coming. Her son had mentioned a girlfriend, but perhaps he also had a friend? She was just glad he was not coming alone. The streets had been horrendously unsafe, and she wanted her boy to return to her in one piece. A huge pot of borscht simmered on the stove. Cornish hens in a sour cream sauce, olivier salad, and a painstaking honey cake also sat ready. The honey cake had been Anzhelina's way of distracting herself from the horrifying events around her, when she was not praying in front of her makeshift altar for the city to survive the onslaught. It had indeed survived, and so had her son. As she tasted her borscht and waited for her son, she had whispered prayers of Thanksgiving to Jesus and to the Saints, her eyes beaded with tears.

She did not cry, however, until she opened the door and saw her son. He had grown so tall, and she was reminded of his age when she threw her arms around him and realized he could stroke her hair. They gave each other a long hug, maybe for about two minutes, before Alexei introduced his friend. "This is Kostya. He is my friend, and he kept me safe today," he explained with a shy smile.

Mikhailov had not expected the bone-crushing hug that followed, but he accepted it when he saw Alexei's encouraging smile. "...Ah...It is good to meet you, Mrs. Bancroft. Yes, I...managed to keep your son safe...and I'm happy that I was able to..." he murmured politely.

"Such a good boy! Come inside, please, come eat! You are both welcome here. This is a sanctuary, after all, and it is full of good food! God be praised! Come inside, quickly, take off your jackets and stay some time!" She was so excited that Alexei almost thought she might come out of her skin, but she did not. Her quick urging was met with obedience, as the two men walked inside. Before they did, however, they shared an understanding gaze between the two of them. Perhaps the delicious food-scents and the warmth of Alexei's childhood home inspired the moment, but they gave each other a genuine smile. They most definitely shared some sort of deep friendship at the very least, maybe even a spiritual connection that had risen from their shared chants to God in that cursed church. Whatever the reason, they interlocked their hands again as they entered, for once giving sighs and breaths of true relief.

[Morrdh]

Morri

After speaking with Alexei over the phone, Morri found that her mind was buzzing far too much for her to even consider trying to catch some sleep. The prospect of her becoming Anna's plaything looked to be ironclad with no viable alternative offer in sight, least thus far there wasn't anything promising. On top of that she'd lied, though not quite lied, to Alexei about Jonah which had left her feeling....odd and bit of a foul taste in her mouth. Twisting the truth, even outright lying, had always come just as easy to her as tying a piece of string and yet this time she felt...guilty?

For seemingly the first time in her life it had felt wrong and she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it.

In a bid to address this, she took a swig of a bottle of whisky and swirled the warm liquid round her mouth for a moment before swallowing it. She took a much longer swig, then got to her feet as she felt the warmth in her stomach. Sure getting drunk and doing something possibly stupid probably wasn't the best idea she'd ever had, but with the amount of trouble she was already in she didn't particularly care much. Though after the events of the past few days her head-space was all over the place, something not conductive towards making smart and sensible decisions.

Almost invisible, she slipped out of her room and along the corridor towards where Jacob had been given a sleeping space in a storeroom. The Get kinfolk was snoozing when Morri found him, after taking another swig from the bottle she still carried she started poking him repeatedly in the ribs with her big toe. Startled awake, Jacob looked up through blinking eyes and asked in a confused voice. "W-w-wha-...??"

"Shhh!" Morri replied, finger to her lips. "We've gots unfinished business ye and I...."

[Imperialisium]

Morri

After speaking with Alexei over the phone, Morri found that her mind was buzzing far too much for her to even consider trying to catch some sleep. The prospect of her becoming Anna's plaything looked to be ironclad with no viable alternative offer in sight, least thus far there wasn't anything promising. On top of that she'd lied, though not quite lied, to Alexei about Jonah which had left her feeling....odd and bit of a foul taste in her mouth. Twisting the truth, even outright lying, had always come just as easy to her as tying a piece of string and yet this time she felt...guilty?

For seemingly the first time in her life it had felt wrong and she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it.

In a bid to address this, she took a swig of a bottle of whisky and swirled the warm liquid round her mouth for a moment before swallowing it. She took a much longer swig, then got to her feet as she felt the warmth in her stomach. Sure getting drunk and doing something possibly stupid probably wasn't the best idea she'd ever had, but with the amount of trouble she was already in she didn't particularly care much. Though after the events of the past few days her head-space was all over the place, something not conductive towards making smart and sensible decisions.

Almost invisible, she slipped out of her room and along the corridor towards where Jacob had been given a sleeping space in a storeroom. The Get kinfolk was snoozing when Morri found him, after taking another swig from the bottle she still carried she started poking him repeatedly in the ribs with her big toe. Startled awake, Jacob looked up through blinking eyes and asked in a confused voice. "W-w-wha-...??"

"Shhh!" Morri replied, finger to her lips. "We've gots unfinished business ye and I...."

It was not long after an indeterminate amount of time, and after what she was doing with Jacob, that Morri's breath suddenly chilled. As did Jacobs. The temperature in the room dropped suddenly, rapidly, and without explanation. Seconds after frost began to form across various surfaces as the air continued to drop to the unnaturally frigid. This was not contained to this room either, but in the surrounding rooms the air inexplicably cold. Something which Morri had seen before, had felt before, and with that recollection she'd know that her time was up. Anna was coming. Was she already here? Perhaps even in the room?

A creek outside the door. The old brass knob slowly turning, jingling, but it appeared to be locked? Click. The lock switched, of its own accord, from the inside. The wooden door cracked open slightly. The lights in the hallway twinkling in and out as they struggled to remain lit. As if something was causing electrical shorts within the building. The door eased open with a yawning moan. Revealing a bewitching scene of an impromptu strobe light via the flickering hallways lights. She was here.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri felt the chill before it arrived, her sixth sense triggering alarm bells. Irish folklore had dubbed it 'the touch of the fey', though it had helped Morri narrowly avoid trouble on multiple occasions. Over the years she had developed a well-honed self-preservation instinct that helped to make sure she wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those same instincts were in overdrive as her mind raced to form a plan.

Ignoring the sleeping form of Jacob, she glanced round the room before her eyes settled upon the shiny reflective surface of a nearby glass bottle and an idea struck her. Concentrating like her life depended upon it, Morri soon felt the familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways as she crossed over into the Umbra and her surroundings changed to emotions charged vague impressions of the material world. Her feet already moving, in her mind she spoke through the pack's totem to the rest of her pack two words; Umbra. NOW.

She stepped back into the material world for the briefest of moments to grab certain items before stepping sideways into the Umbra once more. When her little errands were done she stayed in the Umbra, admittedly lounging on a deck chair she'd dug up from somewhere along with a bottle of whisky for all intents and purposes effectively 'moon-bathing'. If she was going to be bait as part of a hastily thrown together theory she could at least take the opportunity for some relaxation as she waited for Anna to arrive.

[Imperialisium]

Morri

Morri felt the chill before it arrived, her sixth sense triggering alarm bells. Irish folklore had dubbed it 'the touch of the fey', though it had helped Morri narrowly avoid trouble on multiple occasions. Over the years she had developed a well-honed self-preservation instinct that helped to make sure she wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those same instincts were in overdrive as her mind raced to form a plan.

Ignoring the sleeping form of Jacob, she glanced round the room before her eyes settled upon the shiny reflective surface of a nearby glass bottle and an idea struck her. Concentrating like her life depended upon it, Morri soon felt the familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways as she crossed over into the Umbra and her surroundings changed to emotions charged vague impressions of the material world. Her feet already moving, in her mind she spoke through the pack's totem to the rest of her pack two words; Umbra. NOW.

She stepped back into the material world for the briefest of moments to grab certain items before stepping sideways into the Umbra once more. When her little errands were done she stayed in the Umbra, admittedly lounging on a deck chair she'd dug up from somewhere along with a bottle of whisky for all intents and purposes effectively 'moon-bathing'. If she was going to be bait as part of a hastily thrown together theory she could at least take the opportunity for some relaxation as she waited for Anna to arrive.

The outer doors to the hide out all seemed to open of their own accord. Followed by the skillfully silent footsteps of ethereal individuals. They wore armor from a forgotten age and wielded sword, mace, and a curious design of an automatic crossbow. Their bolts holding a curious glean. Silver. Indeed, some of the blades carried by the armored individuals, whose eyes and fangs gave them away as none other than vampires. The Rothai. Anna's cadre of Vampiric soldiers. A dozen of them had entered the building, apparently walking right past Morri in her deck chair, and began to move in teams of three through the area. Could they not see her? Not yet maybe? Their armor girded in various arcane sigils and warding's in case of magical battle or traps. But where was Anna?

As if on queue a mist swam into the building from the outside. Filling the building in its tendril shrouds. Until a soft clinking of booted feet could be heard. Rhythmic, measured, nonchalant. Anna's materialized through the mist and walked by Morri.

The feminine body of the Tremere Prince moved into the building. Her face with piqued curiosity. She moved smoothly, almost too graceful, body too perfectly timed in movement. Eyes lazily moving from hall to room and back to hall. Right hand resting on the top of her sheathed blade's pommel. Morri knew that blade. The accursed sword which lit with eldritch flame that had rent flesh from bone, human and supernatural, like a machete through tissue paper.

I know you're here, Morrigan. I can...smell you. Anna did not speak. No, but Morri heard it. Like an invisible, subtle, vibration in the Umbra that coursed through her veins. Did Anna know she was there telepathically? Possibly, but given her sauntering movements and quiet search pattern she conducted with her head. It was clear that the Umbra did offer some immediate protection from Anna's perception. But how long would it last? Clearly, the elder vampire was homing in on her. It would only be a matter of time unless Morri moved from the building. But, as the Garou no doubt understood, Anna could slip sideways as well. Further, she was also well attenuated to the Umbra and its workings. Running from Anna there would be just as deadly as the real world.

Morrigan...Morrigan...come now, come out, I promise I won't bite. You...and your friend... Anna's telepathic voice was sweet, almost downright motherly, and that would no doubt put many at unease. Anna's booted feet suddenly stopped outside Morri's door. The visage of the Elder vampire held a sudden wry grin. Her head rotating away then back, too far, Anna's eyes now looked into the room. She walked into it, saw Jacob, and vanished. Vanished sideways.

Suddenly, she was there. At the opposite side of the deck. Staring right at Morrigan. "There you are. Surely, you did not mean to cheat me out of our bargain?"

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Ah, there ye are." Morri said nonchalantly, though cursing inwardly as what she'd suspected was proven correct. "Wot took ye so long?"

"Ye know, funny is that I've remembered that yer lot doesn't deal with fire all that well don't they?" Said Morri as she produced a glass bottle with a rag stuffed in the top and a lighter. "So I got this crazy notion 'bouts trying fer a better deal."

"A compromise." She continued. "Thinking mebbe ye putting a geas upon me, either binding me ta this city or within a certain distance o' ye."

[Imperialisium]

Morri

"Ah, there ye are." Morri said nonchalantly, though cursing inwardly as what she'd suspected was proven correct. "Wot took ye so long?"

"Ye know, funny is that I've remembered that yer lot doesn't deal with fire all that well don't they?" Said Morri as she produced a glass bottle with a rag stuffed in the top and a lighter. "So I got this crazy notion 'bouts trying fer a better deal."

"A compromise." She continued. "Thinking mebbe ye putting a geas upon me, either binding me ta this city or within a certain distance o' ye."

Anna's face, in a most human way, tic'd. A slight muscle twitch on the right side of her face. Fire. The insolence of this back alley hound. I should have killed the entire Garou pack in this accursed city! Anna calmed herself mentally. She had faced fire before many a time. The girl was playing coy with her and trying to force her to renege the deal into a more favorable term. Not that they were looking for such terms when her ill-begotten troupe were trouncing about groveling for my aid. Pushing these thoughts aside Anna thumbed her blade a few centimeters out of its sheath.

"You've done your homework." Anna was inferring the Kindred's loathing for flame. "But I'm no new blood. I don't scare so easily, Morrigan. A deal is a deal. Unless you have an offer that is sweeter than the one already standing between us." She took a half-step forward, "Plus, Alexei is smitten with you, I think at least. Though rare for a blood bond to be wrong on such matters. Would break the boy's heart for us to come to blows now wouldn't it?"

Another half-step. She was tense, ready even, for Morri to do what Anna believed to be a less than stellar choice of trying to throw an improvised molotov at her.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Well...it was worth a shot." Replied Morri, almost shrugging her shoulders. "Though ya still stood in the middle o' me pack's territory and we've all got experience fighting yer lot."

"Mebbe..." Morri said, thinking for a moment. "Mebbe ye could use that? Surely ye gots an upstart rival or three ye wanting taking down a peg? I mean theres always some young upstarts right?"

"Other than that not much ta offer, least somehow I'd doubt ye just accept a bunch o' flowers." Shrugged Morri. "Though say if I did go with ye, wot would happen?"

[Imperialisium]

Morri

"Well...it was worth a shot." Replied Morri, almost shrugging her shoulders. "Though ya still stood in the middle o' me pack's territory and we've all got experience fighting yer lot."

"Mebbe..." Morri said, thinking for a moment. "Mebbe ye could use that? Surely ye gots an upstart rival or three ye wanting taking down a peg? I mean theres always some young upstarts right?"

"Other than that not much ta offer, least somehow I'd doubt ye just accept a bunch o' flowers." Shrugged Morri. "Though say if I did go with ye, wot would happen?"

Anna

Anna was impassive, just staring at Morri for a moment, as if to give a sense of uncertainty. Anna then in a blink shimmered forward to be but a few inches from Morrigan's face. Using her advanced Celerity to speed forth in a nanosecond to close the distance. "Next time you may want to have that lit and ready to throw. My little Garou minx." Another shimmer and Anna was now pacing rather casually away. Fingers steepled. Swaying ever so slightly. The blackness of her raven hair shimmering the moonlight. A swift heel turn, fingers still steepled, Anna glanced at Morri and spoke, "There is perhaps one payment in kind I will accept in lieu of the debt owed. If you bring me an Elder Kindred by the name of Houghton to me. He has an associate, a particularly ferocious Kindred named Joaquin Murietta, the latter of which you may kill or bring alive. I care not. If you do this, consider the deal complete, and you can," Anna made a little scurry motion with her hands, "Prance off into the sunset with your former Inquisitor beau. I wont even renew my blood bond with him as a sign of...good faith." Anna smiled at that last part in a particularly wry way. As if she enjoyed her own word play a little too much.

[Morrdh]

Morri

She tried her hardest not to do so, though Morri was sure she flinched a little when Anna suddenly spring into her face. For a moment she wondered whether she should mention that the rest of her pack were in position ready to strike, though she decided to keep quiet on that score but she had a sneaking suspicion that the Kindred might've been aware of this. Though Anna continued, seemingly taking Morri's suggestion on board, offering an alternative payment in the form of taking down another Kindred.

"That's a...generous offer." Morri commented. "Wot's the catch?"

"I mean I'm presuming theres some sort o' clause if I'm not able to bring this Houghton ta ye? Perhaps within a certain amount o' time?"