Staten Island - Dunamis Estate
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| Kieran Collins | Samira Bastet | Gabriel Howe |
It's been a quiet night. No new information on the murders, just a casual meeting of Kostas' court to go over the lay of the land. Now that that's done, the Master of the City has excused himself for the night, assuming that those remaining will see to themselves. Ewan stayed for a bit, enjoyed a drink from one of Kostas far too beautiful and willing servants, and departed for well, wherever he departs for when he's not being Kostas mouthpiece.
Kieran is lounging on the comfortable leather sofa, a glass of scotch mixed with blood in one hand, arm stretched out along the back of said couch. His head tilts back staring at the ceiling, and he sighs, "D'you have plans for the night, luv?" He's not inviting Samira to do anything, or even suggesting anything. It's a curious sort of question. Maybe tinted with a bit of boredom that says he might lean toward indulging in her company and some mischief.
The tread of footfalls, one of Kostas guards draws his attention, though no glance is given the door until the younger vampire's large frame fills it. "There is … a presentation."
Kieran rolls his head to regard Samira. She is technically Kostas' second in command, and he can only hope she'll send the man after her pseudo-Maker.
~
A cat-like stretch is given, both arms in front of her. Samira doesn't typically transform in the evening, but it can be fun to wander the city and try not to be seen.
"I have been considering prowling the city." The lithe Egyptian woman reaches for Kieran's glass of scotch, pulling it gently away from him. Taking a sip, she hands it back to him. It would be just as easy to call for one of the numerous men Kostas keeps around for her enjoyment, but this is far more her.
Hearing the footfalls well before they reach the door, she frowns.
"Kostas is occupied," she tells the guard. "Send them in."
She would have sent the presentation to Kostas, but she knows that once he departs the chances of finding him again before the next evening are slim and she does not want an unknown staying in the estate.
~
The vampire that enters is dressed in a rather neat three-piece suit, all clean lines and custom fabric. He is rather large and athletically built, though moves with the grace and ease that is inherent in their kind. For those who know what to look for, however, it is likely obvious that the man is a neophyte. The way he instinctively still moves his chest, as if drawing breath, or the countless other human ticks that he yet to truly shake. Despite that, however, he seems rather comfortable in his own skin.
And, clearly, with his own place in things, judging by his next actions. Once in the room, taking in the two people present, his eyes slide casually to the guard, noting the way the man glances to each. It is with that simple study that he judges how to present himself to each - he gives a bow to Kieran, and then goes to one knee in front of Samira, fist to the floor, head bowed in submission. "I present myself, and request permission to remain within the city." His free hand slipping into his jacket, he removes a small piece of paper, a folded letter sealed with red wax, which he holds out without raising his head or otherwise moving.
~
Before the younger enters, Kieran shoots Samira a look that screams disappointment and exasperation. Then his lips quirk into his trademark smirk that is two parts devious and one part challenge. He's bored, and that reaction is not a good sign.
Straightening as the vampire enters the room, Kieran raises his glass to take another long sip. A brow rises at the bow as he watches the other over the rim of the glass. Samira will see the crinkle of his eyes and the briefest twitch at the corners of his mouth at the younger vampire's supplication.
Well, this one was turned and trained by an Old One. That's new. Different. Could even be fun. He has an appreciation for the old ways. Sometimes. Kieran is very mercurial.
Pale blue eyes seek out Samira's gaze, dancing with the sort of amusement she will recognize, though he is still deferring to her.
~
It is rather easy to determine when one is still young, considering that Samira has nearly a millennia under her belt. There is a scent they carry, there is the way they cling tightly to their humanity, and there is the amusing way they look to others for reactions.
Catching Kieran's look, Samira tightens the belt of her robe, watching the neophyte with amusement. An extremely subtle nod is given to the man beside her as she delicately and purposefully dips her hand forward to pluck the letter from the man's hand.
Slipping a nail beneath the wax, she easily opens it and reads what is inside. Raising her brow, she holds the letter out to Kieran.
"Gabriel Howe. Hecanthenos. How long do you plan to remain within the city?" It took all of two seconds to figure what his business was after reading the name, but she did read the entire letter. "Andre has given you permission to leave his side." Not something she would expect from the man, not so early that this one's mortal mother would still be in existence.
~
Not yet moving a muscle, not even to raise his head, Gabriel answers Samira in a tone of respect and submission. Young or not, certain things were taught into the very bone of him, it would seem. "I am not yet sure, mistress. I must move carefully. I am known here in the city. When I was mortal, I was a member of the Coven, but cast from it." Oh yes, male witch.
Whether he knows of the amusement or interest of the others, he continues to remain as he is, even as he briefly responds to the female vampire's comment. "Andre did not explain his reasoning for his allowance, mistress, other then to say that he trusted me to not disgrace him."
~
Kieran accepts the letter with an affected, lazy disinterest. He does read it throughly, however, noting certain things and filing them away for future reference and possible consideration. It's not unknown for a Maker to part with their Childe this early, though it is rare. Even more so where the Hecanthenos are concerned and this Hecanthenos in particular … Kieran has never met Andres but he's heard of him. Mostly through Ysabel, so all is considered with a measure of scrutiny.
"The Coven." A male witch, rare, though not always as powerful as their female counterparts.
Kieran takes another drink and then sets the letter gently aside. It will be shown to Kostas later. "I do hope that you're not intending to make trouble with the Coven. We have … an understanding with them." With Regina and the higher ups, the more powerful and knowledgable witches, but it's all the same to Kieran.
~
"I know well who you are," Samira replies. It pays to keep an eye on the Coven, and those that may be drawn from it by the Hecanthenos bloodline. It allows her to keep an eye on things for Kostas, though it is completely unnecessary. He has humans who keep databases of all of those who come and go from the city. Of each daughter, and the few sons, who align themselves with the Coven.
Regina Young dislikes dealing with them overly much, but she is well aware that such alliances are sometimes necessary.
"Arise, Gabriel Howe, Hecanthenos. You are hereby granted a two month stay within the city. Should you require additional time, I would request that you contact us before the period is up."
Honestly, Samira wants to laugh at how he's presented himself. So many neophytes are disrespectful. Even those that do respect Kostas' authority generally are more relaxed in their dealings. It's quite a novelty how he's presented himself. Were he still human, she's certain she would have more than a bit of fun with him.
"By accepting a stay within the city, you are required to follow Kostas' rules. Should you fail…" More than that really does not need to be said. It's a given that should he disobey Kostas' laws, he will be taken care of swiftly.
"Move with caution. Avoid the Coven. They will already be quite up in arms at the murder of one of their own."
~
Gabriel rises in a slow but fluid movement, though he continues to keep his posture respectful. "I will do as you say, mistress," he agrees with deference and ease, inclining his head deeply to Samira. He waits, a moment, before he asks, "Are there any within law enforcement that I might approach who would willingly assist me in my investigation?" After all, it would not be unusual for vampires to have contacts within the police or other law enforcement agencies. And he'd just as soon not accidentally stomp on the toes of another of their kind, especially say, the Sheriff, who has taken the time to cultivate and train such contacts.
~
Kieran is not ignorant of whom Gabriel Howe is, nor of his lineage. He does not keep meticulous track of every witch in the city, male or female, outside of those considered to be powerful and highly respected within the Coven. Then again, he's not looking to usurp Kostas or even take Samira's place and has little need to know whom the Hecanthenos might tap. If necessary, he'll find out and tha's all he needs to know.
He is faintly amused by Gabriel's presentation, but also nostalgic. He recalls the days of being young and still learning, when he watched every action, and mostly worried about displeasing his Maker.
Finishing off the last of his drink, Kieran nods and rises. "I will supply you with a list of names within the police department. Tread very carefully," Kieran crosses to the bar to pour himself another glass, this time scotch straight. "They have been carefully … molded and I hate having to redo my handiwork."
He turns, tilting his head a bit, and the smirk is comfortably back in place. The Karneros lifts the glass in a mock salute, "Pardon, I haven't introduced myself. Kieran Collins." Nothing else is supplied. It should be a given that if the guards were willing to turn Gabriel over to Kieran and Samira, they are of some import and rank in the court. If Andres is as good as Kieran has heard tale, then the young vampire has probably figured it out.
Kieran drinks thoughtfully and taps his ring finger against the side of the glass. "You haven't been out of the city long. You need to be very careful not to expose yourself. I've heard that the Coven doesn't cuddle up with their own who've been turned."
~
"There is paper on the desk," Samira points out to Kieran, though she knows that he's well aware of it. He does come by at least once a week to check in with Kostas and likely knows the layout of this room as well as she does.
"They do tend not to be particularly happy when one of their kind becomes one of ours." Witches and their determination to keep nature balanced, really dislike vampires with a propensity for magic. It goes against the grain much more than sorcerers tend to.
"May I also strongly suggest that you avoid Reynard International?"
Slipping from the sofa, she purposefully allows the robe to slip just a little as she moves to Kostas' desk. A crystal decanter is lifted to fill a wine glass with thick red liquid. Papers lifted for Kieran as she takes a sip.
~
Gabriel offers an respectful bow of his head, both in thanks at Kieran's words, and his introduction. "They do not, no," he confirms, quietly, in regards to his former brethren. There's a twitch, quickly repressed - if not too quick for a vampire to miss. It's clear that the subject of the Coven is one that touches close to home for the once-witch, but just as clear that his sire's lessons still hold him tight to protocol.
"Of course, mistress," he then says, to Samira, turning his gaze back to her. His piercing, blue-grey eyes are caught by her form, the way she moves, just as much as the liquid that she pours. There's a flash of red in his eyes, but by sheer force of will he restrains the hunger that the scent of blood in the air causes, keeping his face from revealing his true self - if barely. Someone apparently decided to present himself before feeding, tonight.
~
"Thank you, luv," Kieran says to Samira. His words are polite, but his smile and the look in his eyes … the Irish vampire is able to communicate a great deal, and very subtly with his facial expression and eyes alone. There's amusement there, impishness, and yes a bit of a leer as well. The look only lasts a few moments and it's quickly replaced with something more serious and sober when he turns takes the papers from Samira and begins to write the names of those considered 'safe' to contact.
It's quick work, given vampire speed, and he catches the flicker in the eyes as he turns to present the list to the younger vampire.
Well, well, well, isn't that interesting … Impressive too, though Kieran wonders how much willpower and skill the young one truly has.
"This list contains the names that you can contact within the NYPD."
He gently plucks Samira's glass from her hand, a certain sign of familiarity that speaks volumes, and takes a sip. Blood is purposefully left on his upper lip to be licked away as he approaches the younger vampire and hands over the list.
~
The faintest hint of a smirk appears on Samira's lips at Kieran's amused expression. Leaning back on her hands, she lets the robe slip just a smidgeon more. It's meant more to tease Kieran than it is the neophyte, but she's beyond the stage of caring who sees her.
Her gaze slowly shifts over to Gabriel, and she laughs. "I see you have yet to feed for the evening." Raising her hand, she is about to signal for the guard to bring a proper meal when Kieran plucks her glass away.
There is no expression of surprise, or concern that it happens to have been removed from her hand. She can easily pour herself another glass if she truly wants one. Instead she leans further back on the desk, watching the two men with a great deal of interest.
"Though it is rather empowering for you to be calling me mistress, it is rather unnecessary."
~
"Thank you," Gabriel murmurs to Kieran, his eyes rather caught on the man's lips at the moment. Even when the blood is licked away, his attention remains, the smell of the blood getting closer increasing the tension in the neophyte's body. Despite it all, his voice remains composed and submissive, as he asks, "How should I approach them?" After all, some contacts might know of vampires, while some might not. And everyone has their own prefered protocols with their 'pets'. Best to make sure.
Even when Samira speaks again, it fails to draw Gabriel's attention fully away from the male vampire. There is no lust in his eyes, or anger, or anything else except pure animal hunger. The curse of one still rather 'new' by vampire standards, is that those urges are still all consuming, hard to control when not freshly slaked. More then likely, it is only the thorough training that seems to have been instilled in him by his maker, Andre, that keeps him from leaping across the distance and trying to drink all the blood in Kieran's cup. "What would you have me call you, mistress?" the young vampire asks of the elder, his voice quivering just a bit more with the tensions roiling through him, even as he tries to focus himself.
~
Kieran likes to play. He likes to play with his food. He likes to play with his lovers. He likes to play with his food when it's also his lover. He even likes to play with other vampires. He's dangerously hedonistic, sadistic and dominant, something his Maker really should have thought twice about before turning him. Or maybe she did and that's why he's here. His passions and penchants have been sharpened and honed over the years, and he spends so many hours wearing a human skein that it's very enjoyable to shed it and be what he is.
He slips the paper into Gabriel's hand, and takes another long, deliberately slow swallow of the blood. The older vampire doesn't so much savor the taste of it as he does the sense of coiling animal hunger that comes from the other. Circling slowly around Gabriel, Kieran speaks softly. "Just tell them that I sent you, and they are free to answer your questions regarding Victoria Howe's case." There are, naturally things that Kieran doesn't want them inadvertently revealing, and he's very glad that he and Sera have been to see them recently. More control has been established and re-established, the glamour kept strong.
Coming back to stand in front of Gabriel again, and deeply within the other's personal space, Kieran locks his gaze to the other's. "You seem hungry." The Karneros extends the glass with an unreadable smirk. "Please, drink. I'm being rude."
~
"Samira."
The Egyptian is certain that Andres would have informed Gabriel of their names, but is delighted that the young one isn't affecting airs and presuming to use it without her permission. That does earn him something more closely related to a smile. Generally, she only has her toys call her mistress; or those from whom she's chosen to feed from that evening.
An eye will have to be kept on him. He is rather young still, and they have enough to deal with without another neophyte causing issues.
Lifting the decanter from the desk, she silently makes her way across to the pair and fills the glass as it's held out.
"Yes, please drink. When you are done, I shall have a car bring you to your lodgings."
~
If Gabriel is aware of the game being played at the moment, at his expense, he seems willing to play along. Or simply is too hungry to bother to care. By the time the glass is held out, the transition comes quickly, the darkening of the eyes, the veins standing out in stark contrast on his skin, the fangs gleaming brightly in his mouth. "Thank you," he has the grace to murmur huskily, waiting just long enough let Samira pour, before reaching out for the glass.
Even now, so close, he holds himself restrained, accepting the glass rather then ripping it from Kieran. And if, once moved to his lips, the blood is taken in fast and hungrily… not a single, tiny drop is spilled or wasted. Another of Andre's lessons. Impeccable table manners.
By the time he gets to the bottom of the glass, he has slowed a bit, and savors the last drops with visible pleasure, closing his eyes and fairly quivering as his hunger is finally sated.
~
The control impresses Kieran and so few things do impress him. Amuse him, yes. Impress him? Not so much. Many vampires wouldn't be able to control themselves at this point. Then again, it might be an unfair comparison. Gabriel is Hecanthenos and they pride themselves on control, nearly as much as Melambra. Karneros and Kleptheros embrace their passions, whatever they are.
"You're welcome," Kieran replies in a measured, sotto voice. The rest of his talents are all held back, modulated. Carefully in check. He's only sizing up the neophyte, and doesn't wish to seem him reeling out of control. Entertainment for another time when they don't have other problems in the city.
Kieran slides a sly glance to Samira, blue eyes dark with his own passions and a promise for something more … fulfilling later.
"You should familiarize yourself with the blood brothels within the city, and visit Magda. I'm certain she keeps her own pool." Kieran knows for a fact that the beautiful clan leader of the Hecanthenos here in the city does.
He dips his finger in the glass, slowly winding it along the inside to gather up any blood that might be remaining. It's very deliberately brought to his lips and licked clean. "I will arrange an escort to show you around the City. You're seeing it with new eyes, not your old human ones."
~
Samira does not point out that Magda's pool is generally filled with lone witches, or sorcerers who are trying to stick it to the Dynasty. Hecanthenos prefer to feed not only on the blood, but the magic within such individuals. If the neophyte does not yet know this, he will learn it as soon as he presents himself to Magda.
For the rest, she remains silent. Simply winding her way back to the desk, perching upon it and pouring herself another glass. She did only have a sip from the first.
The less she needs to say, the better.
"Do you require blackout curtains for your lodgings?"
~
"Thank you, I will do that," Gabriel say, his features reverting back to human as he opens his eyes, sated for the time being. The blood in the glass is neither the same as being drained from a live person, nor from one with magic, but it is enough for now.
At Samira's question, those once-more blue-grey eyes shift to her, and the smile the comes to his lips is a bit embarressed, even while still being deferential. "It is likely, yes. I'm afraid I have yet to choose where I will stay. I had a thought to take up residence in my mother's condo, but that could be… problematic, just now." Given that it is an active crime scene and it might have his old friends in the Coven poking about.
~
Game and playtime over, for now, Kieran extends his hand to accept the now empty glass. He knows about Magda's pool, and there is something to be said about drinking the blood of a magic user … something roots around and tingles in the back of his mind, but it's fleeting and Kieran doesn't try too hard to hang on it. If it's of import, it will come back to him later.
"I will see to it that you have temporary lodgings here within the city until you can make other arrangements." It's a courtesy, one that Kieran won't always extend, but it will make it easier to keep an eye on the neophyte. Off the record, he has real estate holdings, and keeps a few apartments vacant for emergency purposes.
"The car will take you there, and your escort will meet you at sunset to re-familiarize you with the City." Kieran crosses back to the desk. He sets down the empty glass and reaching around and across Samira's body, reclaims his abandoned scotch. The younger vampire of the pair doesn't touch her, just presses closely and suggestively into her personal space and gives her a wink.
