A Modest Proposal (François/Leo, pre-dawn Wed. 4/4/07)

[Detritus]

Picking up from the last post in the War Duchess thread:

Francois sighs dramatically, all the more so because he wouldn't normally breathe at all.

"Look at who is in charge in this city. The position of the Brujah will be secure until the war moves somewhere else. After that, it will be as strong as the person who leads it. For there are rules, and then there are political realities. Killing a primogen is bad form, unless you have solid evidence of treason. Being a Brujah, we're allowed a certain amount of yelling and screaming anyway."

"As for the question of Boon, from the way you tell it, Anneke could lay claim that she saved Uma's life...and yours and Yuri's as well. Not only could she lay claim to a boon, but to a major life boon.

If however, she merely interrupted your playtime, interjecting herself when her presence was neither asked for nor required, no such boon is owed."
Antoinette opens her mouth to reply when Roman gives his horn a quick tap.

"Look, they've got to go, and so do we," says Uma. "We'll talk on the way to Delgado."

As they leave, Antoinette is silent for a few seconds before she starts a vigorous dialog with Uma. You think you hear the name "Jocelin" from Antoinette before they pass out of earshot on their way to the community college.

When you reach Roman's pickup, Wynn is seated in the front passenger's seat, and Leo is behind him.

"Everything OK?" Roman asks you after catching your eyes in the rear-view mirror.

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed, we just needed to ensure our house was in order." Francois says casually, before becoming serious. "What can you tell us of the Wolfkin we are to meet?"

[Detritus]

"Benny? He's all right. Bit of an odd bird, but I'm led to believe that that just happens to Garou kinfolk. He's kind of an all-around handyman -- does landscaping, custodial work, makes general repairs for things that don't require a license, that sort of thing. Odd jobs, I guess you could say. He doesn't spook that easily; if you know about Garou, you tend to learn about the Kindred, too, and he seems to take all that in stride. Kind of makes me think we're asking a lot of the werewolves, if he wanted us to make our request in person.

"He'll have at least one Garou with him. Most likely that'll be Niobe, she's the one he's related to by blood. I've only met her a few times, but she, ah, has a flair for the dramatic. She'd probably fit in pretty well with certain elders who have arrived in town in recent nights, if they could get past the part where they want to tear each others' throats out. Something to do about what phase of the moon she was born under. Benny tried explaining it to me once, but I didn't really follow."

"It's called a Garou's Auspice," Wynn says. "From what you've described of her, this Niobe is most likely a Galliard, born under a gibbous moon."

"Well, if you know that much, you know more than I do," replies Roman. "Anyways, I think Niobe has some pull with the locals. She might be able to round up a few more Garou on short notice. And even if that doesn't happen, I'm guessing the local leaders will listen to whatever Niobe has to say."

[Brother Brian]

Francois turns to Wynn and asks "What is the best course to take then? A direct plea for assistance could well fall on deaf ears given the animosity between our kinds. If instead we put our information about the Black Spiral Dancers as a gift; and again, offer them space with us, not out of need, but out of dimplomatic policy, would that be more likely to win their support?

[Detritus]

"I think it would, yes," replies Wynn. "There's little question that we're starting out as the supplicants in this meeting, so it would be up to us to make the first offer of substance. Obviously, I think it will also be important to emphasize that there are different sects amongst our kind, just as there are with the Garou."

"It wouldn't surprise me if they already knew about the Black Spiral Dancers," says Roman.

"That may be, but my guess is that we cannot afford to make that assumption. We should plan on having to convince them ourselves. In this, the testimony of the gentlemen riding in the back seat will likely prove instrumental in our efforts."

[Brother Brian]

"Whether they no about them or not, putting it forward as a gift of information still demonstrates a benificient intent."

[Detritus]

"Yes, agreed," replies Wynn. "After Roman makes introductions, the spotlight will fall on you the eyewitnesses to the encounter in the Umbra."

"About introductions," Roman says, "Benny is short for Benjamin, which is what Niobe will call him. I've never heard anyone but Niobe use his full name. Benny will probably be the one handling introductions on their end, and I'd say stick to his nickname if you have to address him by name."

In a short time you arrive at the parking lot of the New Orleans Museum of Art. There's only one other car in the lot at this hour. Seeing that the car is unoccupied, Roman leads you out of the traffic circle surrounding the museum to the sculpture garden.

The garden is several acres in extent, and holds dozens of sculptures, most of which you suspect are fairly modern. The westering gibbous moon casts many of the works in an odd light, with reflected bright spots that track you as you walk by them. You come upon a sculpture that is a pair of stylized chairs (see the last picture in this link (http://www.noma.org/sgarden/thecollection.html)).

A man is seated in the chair on your left, slight of build with a pale complexion and Nordic facial features. His sandy-blonde hair cut short, and he's clean-shaven. A woman is seated in the other, slightly darker complected but with platinum blonde hair that falls just below shoulder length. Older Kindred might see a trace of aristocratic features in her pleasant-looking face.

A second man, who is of medium height and build and has a beard and short ponytail, stands next to the seated woman. A redheaded woman stands to the bearded man's left, tall for a woman, nearly six feet tall, and pale, blue-eyed and lightly freckled. She speaks to the man standing next to her.

"Ah, Benjamin, your friends have arrived," she says in a clear voice, somewhat louder than strictly necessary for conversation. A hint of an Irish brogue leavens her speech, and she eyes Leo a bit dubiously (regardless of whether he's showing his face or if it's hidden in his hoodie, either will attract some attention). "Would you care to introduce us?"

"You've met Roman before, Niobe," Benny says in a soft voice that trails off when he looks at the other Kindred with Roman.

"Right," says Roman. "This is Wynn, a visitor from Houston. This is François, and this is Leo. They have both witnessed the events I began to describe to Benny earlier tonight."

"There is more to these two than first meets the eye," the seated man interjects. "The White Spirit lurks unseen." Niobe squints in his direction for a moment before turning a squinting, sidelong look at François and Leo.

[Huxley]

Leo stands back with his hands in his front-pocket and his hoodie up. When Roman introduces him he makes a slight bow while keeping his skin covered. He allows Niobe to look at him for a moment before speaking up. Leo makes an effort to smooth his voice, but to little avail.

"Good sirs and madame: Our respective types notoriously distrust one another. As such I am at a bit of a loss in making my testimony palpable. It is, after all, a fantastic one. Notwithstanding, it is this testimony which I offer in the hopes of building rapport between us"

"I have recently taken a journey into the Deep Umbra. I do not possess these abilities; I was taken along as a supporting member for our mission. Our goal lay in recovering a friend whose silver chord had been cut while she was in astral travel"

"Once we found her, she was in combat with two... I am uncertain of the appropriate nomenclature here, but my understanding since coming back to earth is that they are called 'Black Spiral Dancers'. They were large, strong, and had glowing green eyes. Further, there is reason to believe that this was not an isolated incident. We think that the 'Black Spiral Dancers' currently inhabit New Orleans"

"This is the whole of my story, in essence. I only tell what I think would be interesting to yourselves, but feel free to inquire about anything"

(Can I make a Diplomacy roll for positive reception?)

[Detritus]

(Can I make a Diplomacy roll for positive reception?)
Roll away.

[Detritus]

Niobe remains unmoved during Leo's recounting of events. The seated Garou exchange a look when Leo first mentions the Black Spiral Dancers, but no hint of either approval or disapproval appears on their faces. Niobe turns to address her seated companions

"Is it not telling that the Leeches would have someone so obviously of the Wyrm speak first for them? And he speaks of the Deep Umbra, and Black Spiral Dancers. How would he know of either unless he were in league with them?"

"Few of the Kindred can access the Deep Umbra unaided, it is true," the seated man says, "but the White Spirit is one such."

"That's another thing, Paavo. Did you not say they were marked by the White Spirit, or that her favor is imprinted upon them in some way? She has destroyed more than one of our kind already. A number more."

"That is not proof that those before us are in league with our enemies," replies Paavo.

"Paavo is correct, Niobe," the seated woman says. The pace of her speech is unhurried, almost languid. "Nothing that you have said constitutes prima facie evidence that anyone in the Kindred embassy has allied with the Black Spiral Dancers." Niobe begins to reply when the seated woman raises a forestalling hand.

"Such quarrel as remains between the Fianna and the White Spirit will be given its due weight, Niobe, but we have not yet heard all the testimony." The seated woman turns her attention to François with an expectant look on her face, though she does not speak further once finished with Niobe.

[Brother Brian]

Francois bows deeply.

"My lords, and my ladies, please forgive the rather unorthodox beginning to this meeting. My college was so overwhelmed by the importance of the situation that he could not hold his tounge until the customary time for such things had come."

"My name is Capitain Francois Petit, formerly commander of his majesties' musketeer regiment. My companions and I come before you today, unarmed, unguised, less there be unneccesary distrust built between us. I swear on my honor that the testimony given by my companion is accurate. For I too undertook the mission into the other world. I am informed that the creature's met there are known to your kind as Black Spiral Dancers.

Know this, less there be any confusion, I know not whom you refer to by the 'White Spirit'. Further, know that the Black Spiral Dancers, who I understand to be your enemies are allied with our enemies. For as there is division among your kind, so too is there a rift among my own. Though you see us all as tainted, there is a division amoung us, between those who would see my kindred destroy the world, and those, including we who stand before you, who would protect it."

Francois pauses briefly. His tone becomes a touch more matter of fact.

"As you are no doubt aware, our time is by neccessity brief, both by our abhorance of sunlight, and by the fact that we would not have our enemy follow us here, bringing our fight to you.

We have come here today as a show of respect. We of the Camarilla, our sect, wish no quarrell with the Garou. The information we give to you, of your blood enemies in your domain, is given freely. I would extend to you one other gift, one which you may reject. It is our way that we would deal with our enemies, those we call the Sabbat, ourselves. We considered the possibility that so it may be with you.

If you desire so, we will welcome you to join us in crushing our mutual foes, sharing all pertinant intellegence."

Francois steps back, to allow them to discuss the offer.

[Detritus]

Wynn looks as if he is deep in thought. His eyes are closed, one hand is over his face, and his index finger repeatedly taps the center of his forehead. The seated man, Paavo, speaks.

"Your claims are of a serious nature, yet Niobe's suspicions are not entirely unwarranted. How was it that you made your way into the Deep Umbra?"

[Brother Brian]

Wynn looks as if he is deep in thought. His eyes are closed, one hand is over his face, and his index finger repeatedly taps the center of his forehead. The seated man, Paavo, speaks.

"Your claims are of a serious nature, yet Niobe's suspicions are not entirely unwarranted. How was it that you made your way into the Deep Umbra?"

"I can not explain the mechanism used, I have no education on the ways of what we call Thaumaturgy. But one of our kind, who is versed in such, was able to open a pathway, which our essense traveled while our bodies stayed behind."

[Detritus]

"Thaumaturgy," Niobe says flatly. "A spell was cast to access the Deep Umbra from New Orleans?"

"No," replies Paavo, "I would have felt that, seen that, I am sure." The seated woman quirks an eyebrow and turns towards Paavo.

"Even if it were done in the heart of the city? Have you taken up boasting, Paavo?"

"Even so, Diana. Especially so, in fact. The spirit realm is at its furthest from the material world inside the humans' cities. Any attempt to access the Deep Umbra directly from New Orleans would have stood out like a beacon. That is no boast, merely a direct consequence of the relationship between this world and the Umbra."

Paavo turns to you after finishing with Diana.

"We will consider your offer in due course, but you must understand, those of our kind are highly protective of the spirit realm. I had not thought to give a lecture on the geography of the Umbra, but a brief lesson might help illuminate one of our concerns.

"There are two distinct components to the Umbra, the Near Umbra, and the Deep Umbra. A psychic membrane sequesters the Near Umbra from this physical world, and a similar membrane partitions the Umbra into Near and Deep. In both cases, there are places where the membrane is strong, and others where it is nearly nonexistent.

"Our kind are all born with the ability to translate ourselves into the Near Umbra. I'm given to understand that a limited number of your kind can do the same. It is uncommon, yet not so rare to invite comment, if my understanding is accurate.

"It is, however, not trivial for our kind to move from the Near Umbra to Deep. There are a limited number of places where it can be accomplished. And similar locations are rarer still for your kind. There are only a few such places I am aware of."

Paavo pauses his lesson, and gives both of you a look that isn't precisely crafty, but does speak of someone about to ask a question he already knows the answer to.

"It is clear that you are constrained in some way from speaking her name. Perhaps you simply do not know, and the constraint is mere ignorance. Yet you who have testified are not wholly yourselves, not completely. This I sense, and not weakly. She is a creature of many guises, as the longest-lived of your kind must be, and therefore we have but the one name for her.

"This then is my surmise, and also my hope: that the White Spirit was your guide to the Deep Umbra, and that it was from Annwn that you entered. Is my deduction correct? If not, we must return to the question of the source of your knowledge of the Umbra, and the truth would likely be... less hopeful."

At the word Annwn, your link with the Justicar supplies a translation from Welsh: the Otherworld. Thus primed, you make the translation of White Spirit from English back into Welsh: Gwenhwyfar.

[Brother Brian]

"I believe that you speek truely noble sir, though as you state, the one we speak of has many names, and until this night, I had not heard her spoken of as White Spirit in the local tongue. If it goes to prove peace and honesty between us, I can tell you that the attack of our combined enemies took place in a realm that most believe exists only in legend and story, the home of the son of Uthar."

[Detritus]

"Then it is she," replies Paavo, "as I had suspected since you first arrived."

"She neglected to tell you of her prior history with the Garou?" Niobe asks you.

"It is possible," Diana says to Niobe, before you can answer, "that she knew that a discussion of her past might have had an adverse impact on this embassy."

"That is true. It may also be the case that she deemed the matter you have in mind resolved, Niobe, and no longer considers it a grievance. I suspect that even the White Spirit would consider it to have happened long ago."

"The vampires have long memories, Paavo, and they nurse grudges."

"The 17th century was a time of terrible plagues for London," Diana interjects, "was it not, Niobe? And who, might we ask, was responsible for them?"

"I don't know what you mean," Niobe replies, a touch of wariness entering her voice.

"I'm sure you don't. If we are to turn this meeting into a historical review, though, may I point out that the Great Plague of London was nearly three and a half centuries ago? Surely time enough for relations between all aggrieved parties to have moved into some form of detente."

"If you insist, Diana."

"I do," Diana replies, and her gaze holds Niobe's until the latter drops her eyes.

"Very good. If we may proceed?" Niobe give a tiny nod, eyes still downcast, after which Diana turns to you.

((To be continued, although you may respond to anything in this post as you see fit, of course.))

[Detritus]

"For my part, I am convinced that your testimony brings to light a matter of grave concern," Diana says. "If your enemies are as ruthless and dangerous as ours, we may have no hope of triumphing separately, but as you no doubt see, there would be considerable resistance to any proposed compact between our kinds. Words alone will not be enough." A look of dawning realization spreads across Niobe's face.

"You don't mean to suggest..."

"I do, and I will. It seems only fitting, with you acting as chief skeptic here.

"There is a technique, something that Niobe can do, that permits the projection of memories. It is a limited form of sharing experiences. Those whose memories are projected must enter a sort of trance, a waking dream state, as must the one performing the Mindspeak technique. With your consent, I propose that you who have testified undergo this procedure, that knowledge of your experiences will lend weight enough to your words to convince the most hardened skeptic of the need to act."

[Brother Brian]

Francois looks at Leo, and issues a curt nod. It is the gesture of one used to command, not so much an order, as it is the indication of the will of one used to being followed.

Turning to the Garou, he says, "With your word that this experiance will be limited to the memories of the events we have discussed, and will have no detrimental effects on my, I happily agree to this provision."

[Detritus]

"You will be free to choose which memories you share," Paavo says.

"I cannot claim to hold any of your kind in affection," Diana says, "but Niobe is dear to me, even if she is a bit too headstrong for her own good on occasion. I would not see her harmed, and therefore I would not see you harmed either.

((If either of you have anything to add, go ahead, and I'll proceed with the actual memory projection when I get a chance, most likely not until this evening Pacific Time.))

[Brother Brian]

"Very well. I agree to the", Francois looks for the right word, "broadcasting...of my memory. Assuming of course that Niobe is also willing."

[Detritus]

"I'll do it," Niobe says, momentarily cracking a little grin, "if for no other reason than morbid curiosity. Let's sit," she says, indicating the ground in front of the chair sculptures. "You'll each need to take one of my hands." She gives Leo a dubious look for just an instant, then sits and holds her hands out.

[Huxley]

Leo holds his hand for her to see for a moment so she can gauge it. The skin cracks in places and bundles in others, taking the form of a spider-web.

"You may wish to use a method that does not use touch, if you can", he croaks.

[Detritus]

"It works better if I can touch everyone involved in the procedure," Niobe says. "The contact doesn't have to last very long. Just relax, and call to mind wherever in your memory you'd like to begin."

Niobe reaches out once everyone is seated and comfortable, beginning the memory projection.

((Everything that happened in the Deep Umbra is recorded from post 16 onward in the Beware the Violent Welsh (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showthread.php?t=20725) thread. It'll be your call as to how much you actually want to reveal, but if you want to reveal all Deep Umbra memories and only Deep Umbra memories, they take place in the final two-thirds of that thread.))

[Brother Brian]

I'm cool revealing everying from post 16 onward in that thread. (And only that thread. I do not wish to reveal Avalon / Glastonbury Tor to them.)

[Huxley]

Leo allows her to touch him, then. He will only reveal the Deep Umbra (Post 16 to the end of that thread seems to work well).

[Detritus]

Once you're all seated, Niobe takes your hands. She seems able to project her calm and focus to a limited extent, which aids in your concentration. You're able to feel her pulse faintly, a steady rhythm that slows appreciably by the time she releases her hold on you.

The projection begins as soon as Niobe lets go of you. Though in a light trance, you're able to open your eyes and communicate. It does not take long for the comments and questions to begin.

"Three young girls," Paavo says, "two with a Garou, the third in a second Garou's clutches."

"Mark their hides," Diana adds, "chitinous, and without fur. Surely a signifier of the corruption of the Wyrm. And Fomori," she finishes with disgust.

"Agreed," replies Paavo. "There is no doubt that the Garou are Black Spiral Dancers."

"The red-haired girl well-known to the Fianna," Niobe says. "The eldest of the White Spirit's daughters. Yet she is in league with the Dancers."

"What can you tell us of the circumstances surrounding this engagement?" Niobe asks of you.

[Brother Brian]

Francois speaks slowly, almost languidly. "The kindred engaged with the second loup-garou, is a clanmate of mine, under my leadership. Through rash action on her part, she broke away from what you seem to refer to as the near umbra. The one you call White Spirit arranged for us to have an opportunity to rescue her. We traveled to this location.

At the time, neither Leo nor I knew of the relationship between the red haired kindred and the White Spirit. We knew only that she was in league with our enemy."

[Detritus]

You come to the portion of your memories where you managed to partially free Jocelin from the Garou's grasp.

"Your compatriot seems very handy with a sword," says Diana. "Is she one of the White Spirit's disciples?"

"The Garou bled orange blood," says Niobe. "Another sign of the Wyrm's corruption."

"Why did you not bring the sword-wielding girl with you?" asks Paavo. "I would very much like to speak..." Paavo suddenly cuts off when Jocelin falls. "She was rash," he says, somewhat lamely, after a pause.

"The White Spirit quarreled with her offspring," says Niobe.

"The other two girls left with the surviving Black Spiral Dancer," Diana says just after the memory projection ends. "What say you, Niobe?"

"I cannot deny what I have seen. Cooperation between Black Spiral Dancers and the vampires. And yet, there are two factions, as is evident from the battle we have just seen."

"What specifically do you propose?" Diana asks of you.

[Brother Brian]

Francois again speaks slowly, though this time not as if in some sort of dream state, but rather as one who is being careful not to offend.

"I did not come here to propose, but to offer. As I have said, it is the way of my kind that we prefer to deal with our enemies ourselves. Those of us familiar with your ways thought it may be the same with you."

Francois pauses for a beat.

"I do recognize that an alliance with you would be beneficial. While we are, as you have seen, formidable, we lack the expertise that generations of battling these corrupted garou has given you. I make no claims that we are unaware of our self interest in our offer.

Having said that, we, the kindred of this city, will do battle with our enemies, and yours. We have the ability, and more importantly the resolve to win the day.

Francois holds his hands out to his sides, palms forward.

"So what I offer is thus. If you chose, you may join forces with us against our combined enemy. We will share with you our military intellegence. In return, I ask nothing but your word that no garou will utilize this as an opportunity to earn glory by destroying a vampire. I will equally assure you that none of my kind will make any such attempts against you."

[Detritus]

A look passes between Paavo and Diana, their faces unreadable as they exchange their glances.

"You have the wherewithal to make this assurance on behalf of all those in your faction?" Niobe asks. The other Garou shift their gazes to Niobe, then you, but add nothing to Niobe's question.

[Brother Brian]

Francois glances at Wynn before speaking.

"I am an emmisary of the Prince of New Orleans, and as such make the offer, and the assurance in her name. Now, I know there is little trust between our kinds, and trust is harder to maintain when the promise is made by an intermediary. So I promise you this as well. Should my prince fail to uphold this obligation, my life, such as it is, will be forfiet to you, to do with as you will."

[Detritus]

"Wasn't expecting that," Niobe says, clearly both surprised and impressed. Wynn looks at François a bit curiously, but doesn't say anything.

"Your foes don't strike me as the type to leave quietly if asked," says Paavo. "Will you be engaging them in the city?"

[Brother Brian]

"Our strategy is not fully formed to the point whe location has been selected. As is our way, we would prefer any such battle to occur away from the eyes of normal men, but that does not inherently require a wilderness setting. We do believe that through the use of our," Francois pauses, as if trying to find an inoffensive word to use, "Special Talents", he decides on, we can bring our enemies to us, and further, split their forces into smaller groups."

[Detritus]

"We have holy sites -- caerns, they are called -- in various places in the wilderness surrounding New Orleans," says Paavo. "For now, we cannot disclose their locations, but at a minimum, we could recommend sites that are both remote wilderness and relatively far from our caerns."

"Paavo brings up these sites for another reason," says Diana, "unless I have badly missed my guess. Our kind have little invested in the city itself, or in its inhabitants. It may be difficult to convince them of the necessity of allying with your kind, even with evidence of an already-existing alliance between our enemies. It may well be the case that most of the members of the various septs in the area will feel that the best course of action would be simply to watch as you battle your foes.

"These caerns, they are usually naturally occurring. Usually, but not always; it is possible to make them, if one knows the proper rite. Such manufactured caerns tend to be smaller than their natural counterparts, but one such would provide some emotional stake in the affairs of the city for our kind.

"The participants in the rite are vulnerable. They would require protection. If you would have our full cooperation, I suspect things must proceed in this manner -- that you help in protecting those who would perform the caern-building rite. If the rite is successful, all those who helped build the caern, or protected the builders, would gladly assist you in your impending battles. Indeed, even a small caern would be a natural rallying point in the defense of the city."

"I'm not sure I would go so far as 'gladly'," says Paavo, "but our duty to our benefactors would be clear." He shakes his head, and a rueful grin appears on his face for a moment. "I've never heard of the like," he says, and Niobe just shakes her head in negation at a questioning look from Paavo.

"Perhaps it is because none of our kind had ever thought to ask before," Diana says.

[Brother Brian]

"Have you a location in mind? While we do have significant holdings, we are not as numerous as the mortals in the city, and own far less of it."

[Detritus]

"I must admit I do not have any specific location in mind," says Diana. "This park would be the likeliest location within city limits, at least as far as I know."

"We would not need much space," says Paavo, "but secrecy could be an issue."

"There is one of the Gangrel clan in the city who is somewhat more... cosmopolitan than is typical for the clan," says Wynn. "She may have some ideas."

"It's also possible that other septs have some presence in the city," says Diana. "We should check."

"You mentioned a compressed time frame," Niobe says to you. "Just how much time do we have before the main confrontation?"

[Brother Brian]

"Forgive me for seeming reticent, but I have not yet recieved your agreement to my proposal. Discussions of these specifics are best held between avowed allies."

[Detritus]

"It's been less than two hours," Niobe snaps, "do you think we will fall in line at a snap of your fingers?"

"Peace, Niobe, that was not the proposed arrangement," says Paavo. "Nor do I think that this is a tactic to pressure us into an agreement. The very fact of their overture to us speaks to how urgent they consider matters."

"Agreed, I believe they have negotiated in good faith thus far," says Diana, then she turns to address you directly. "Nonetheless, Niobe has hit upon an important consideration. I do not know how it is among your leaders, but I am not in a position to promise anything in language so strong as 'alliance' without consulting more of my kind than are present at this embassy. It is typically not something that happens on timescales of hours, or even a few days."

Diana casts her gaze skyward for a moment, and then looks to the eastern horizon before continuing.

"Such consultations can at least be attempted during the coming day, if matters stand urgent enough, and it may be the case that your testimony and pledge of good conduct will be enough to convince the members of my sept of the need for prompt action. It is my fear, though, that the words of intermediaries, however important, will not carry the same weight as words from your leaders. Little of the night remains, and I am sure your superiors are quite busy, yet if it is at all possible, it would help if you could take us to your leaders, as the saying goes."

[Brother Brian]

Francois turns to Wynn and raises his eyebrows, clearly wanting his opinion on this request.

[Detritus]

"Perhaps another meeting tomorrow night, as soon after sunset as can be arranged?" Wynn says.

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed, it might be prudent to inform our leaders that guests will be coming so that no misunderstandings occur."

[Detritus]

"Perhaps that would be for the best," Diana says. "Would 9 PM be a good time for you?"

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed. We shall meet you here at 9:00 tommorow, and bring you to our leadership team."

[Detritus]

"Indeed. We shall meet you here at 9:00 tommorow, and bring you to our leadership team."
"I shall look forward to our next meeting," Diana says. "With luck, I should be able to provide you with a more definitive answer on the proposed partnership."

[Brother Brian]

Francois bows formally to the Garou leaders. This anachronism looks natural as Francois does it, movements made wihtout thought, owing to countless repititions.

Nodding to Wynn and Leo, Francois begins backing away. Lacking a physical barrier to define a boundry, he estimates that after ten yards he can turn his back to the Garou without giving offence, and walks back to the vehicle.

[Detritus]

The others who came with you (presumably including Leo, but Huxley can describe his departure in as much/little detail as desired) depart with you, including Benny.

"What just happened back there?" Benny asks when you near Roman's truck.

"I'm not really sure, myself," replies Roman.

[Brother Brian]

Francois looks confused at their confusion.

"Simply put, they have agreed in principle in joining with us, but have some reservations that their rank and file will have to be cajoled into it. Further, they wish to recieve confirmation from the prince that she will abide by what I guaranteed; specifically that we will not use this as an opportunity to attack the Garou."

Francois smiles.

"All in all, it went better than I had expected it to."

[Detritus]

"They also asked us for help in establishing a holy site within city limits," says Wynn. "I wonder about how that will be received, but it does occur to me that the more we do in aid of that goal, the greater our chances are of cementing a bond of alliance with the Garou."

[Brother Brian]

"They also asked us for help in establishing a holy site within city limits," says Wynn. "I wonder about how that will be received, but it does occur to me that the more we do in aid of that goal, the greater our chances are of cementing a bond of alliance with the Garou."

"Indeed, and in truth, what does it cost us? To protect a location while they conduct their holy rite. I would gather that the enemies we protect them from are our enemies already. You will note as well that I agreed not to such things, but left the matter open for discussion. If the garou were speaking fairly, and I have no reason to doubt it, then it may be neccesary to gain their aid. Such a decision is not mine to make."

[Detritus]

((I don't have anything else in mind for this excursion into the field. I'm going to fast-forward things to a meeting with the Kindred Powers That Be unless there's anything else you want to deal with before that.))

[Huxley]

Leo silently follows the group.

((I have nothing))