Valkyrie: The Summons

[Lady Daniels]

The trip to Paris had been abrupt. So abrupt in fact, that Isaac had summoned her to his side seemingly out of the blue one evening. She had arrived as quickly as she could. His Highness was already waiting for her, in a stretch car with one door open. A ghoul stood by that door to receive her, and she gestured for Aries to return to WhiteHall. As the blue BMW quietly slipped away and faded into the distance, she moved to join her Prince. Though he was obscured by the shadows lingering within, she could almost feel his presence; the nearing proximity as her steps bridged the chasm.

She silently thanked her instincts, having changed her more casual attire for dress suited for this meeting prior to leaving WhiteHall. A simple green suit was foregone for now commonplace skirts, long enough to brush the ground. Ivory was the shade this evening, the suit jacket possessing an exaggerated collar raised up to the ears. Upon the back, embroidered in white thread and somewhat difficult to see against the offtone, was a depiction of feathered wings. Wild hair was reined in, a long braid curled into a bun. Spectacles rested upon her nose, a subtle reminder.

The ghoul gestured towards the car, and she took her place within, and looked to her left to meet the Prince’s gaze. He smiled slightly in greeting, but his words were a contrast deep enough to cut through the almost pleasant atmosphere. She would never be completely at ease in his presence, but her service seemed to outweigh any desire he may have to immediately eliminate her; and this was a small measure of security.

“We are called to Paris. We leave immediately. The domain will be left in capable hands in our absence. God willing, we will return before we are missed.”

Paris. She remembered very well the time she had spent there. Bowing her head slightly, she ignored the ghoul who pushed the door closed, the car’s gentle movement as it pulled away; gathering speed on its way to meet the private plane that awaited them.

Standing by the window
Eyes upon the moon
Hoping that the memory will leave her spirit soon
She shuts the doors and lights
And lays her body on the bed
Where images and words are running deep
She has too much pride to pull the sheets above her head
So quietly she lays and waits for sleep

[/i]

The flight was uneventful. She spent her time in thought, reflecting upon the present dilemma. In the very least, they would soon learn the fate of their clansman; whose presence had been the likely reason why they were en route to Europe. Isaac had given her the details in his customary manner – few words, speaking volumes.

“Alixandra told the Archon. She also named the White Queen. We are being given an opportunity to explain ourselves before the Justicariate.”

To this, she only gave a slight nod. “Alixandra knows that evading an Archon is unwise. In the very least, it gives me an opportunity to see Her Majesty again."

The landing was equally uneventful. A car was waiting for them as they disembarked, and as quickly as you please; Prince and Seneschal were whisked off. Meanwhile, the jet was directed to a little used terminal for refueling.[/font]

[Lady Daniels]

The Louvre was as magnificent as it was the first time she had seen it. Even under the blanket of evening with spatterings of moon and stars’ light, this subtle obscuring only made the city’s skyline the more lovely to the eyes of those condemned to eternal shade. The car’s destination proved to be the Louvre Museum, and their escort left them just within the doors. The Museum was closed to the public in the twilight hours, and the silence within was almost like that of a tomb. Isaac seemed to know the way, and on their way, the White Queen joined them from another passage. They paused only long enough to exchange pleasantries. She was aware that the circumstances were not ideal for such a meeting, but long habit caused her to pause the proper distance away from Bowsley and give an inclination of her head in respect of Her station. There was not time for a more formal greeting.

“Your Majesty.”

The White Queen gave a nod to her, and to Isaac; and they took up station at Elizabetha’s back, as if escorting her to the meeting that awaited them just down the corridor.

Said meeting was set in the room dedicated to Egyptian artwork and history. The irony was not lost upon her, as all three stepped to the appropriate place opposite. Isaac bowed, Bowsley curtsied and E gave only a deeper bow of her head. She took a moment to assess the two people before her.

A woman of beauty surpassing that of any other woman she had seen, watched them with the hawkish gaze of displeasure. The woman didn’t bother speaking to acknowledge their collective presence. But then, Madam Guil did not often share space with those of lesser station than she, who were not of her own clan or higher in her favor. This moment, the three knew they were not on the Toreador Justicar’s special list.

The man who sat to her left had his back to them. After a minute or so, he turned to face them, a sneer on his face that bordered on an outright snarl, as though he didn’t know if he gave enough of a shit about anything they would say. The sneer said “Deep shit, you three”, the snarl said “You are fucked, and you know it”. He was dressed much more casually than his counterpart, a London Underground tee shirt with unbuttoned green dress shirt over and jeans, dark hair slicked back but his demeanor still giving evidence of the spirit within. Sunglasses obscured his eyes. Searching her memory, she matched physical traits and settled upon Pascek, Brujah Justicar.

She stares at the ceiling
And tries not to think
And pictures the chain
She's been trying to link again
But the feeling is gone

[/i]

He wasted no time. Even a split second spent on this frivolous thing seemed to only grate his patience. He made it clear in his words, cut off by the fangs as pale as a maiden’s virtue. He eyed them at individually, and she felt his attention on her before it moved to Isaac. She lowered her eyes, as was proper for someone of such low station by comparison. With Isaac and Bowsley at her back, she could not see their expressions. Clever trick, one that she noted with a shred of private amusement, kept from her own features.

“Only by the grace of those other than me, are you three even being given a chance to explain yourselves. We have just settled the matter that has brought you here, and now we must decide what to do with you. You have abetted the safe haven of a man wanted by the Justicariate, and you better have a damned good reason why you disobeyed a direct command. If you are lying, I will destroy you. If I think you are lying, I will destroy you. Actually, you are going to have to work very hard not for me to kill you. Now, speak.”[/font]

[Lady Daniels]

For a moment, none of the three spoke. Pascek gave them all equal time under his vitriolic gaze, waiting impatiently for someone to step up. She did not, it would be quite rude to speak ahead of a prince. Now was a poor time to shed them in worse light.

“Speak!” Pascek almost spat the word, his voice nearly took on the impact of a yell. He had removed his sunglasses, which made his direct attention the more unsettling.

Bowsley went first, speaking quickly. “I have no excuse for my actions. I was thinking of my clanmate and most humbly apologize for the offense I have caused the Justicariate. I hope that I may be forgiven, for I did not intend insult.”

“Goldwin.” Sharply spoken, Pascek didn’t remark on Bowsley’s words; clearly wanting to get on with it.

Isaac’s voice came from her left shoulder. “It is as the lady said. I too was thinking of my clanmate’s well being and did not intentionally disobey the will of the Justicariate. There is no excuse, and I too hope that I may be forgiven.”

“Daniels.” This time, a hiss. Speaking to a Seneschal was typically the work of Archons, which put her at an immediate disadvantage; she knew. Her eyes having been kept downward, she looked up directly at Pascek and spoke in response to her surname. Truth shall be my guide.

And water can't cover her memory
And ashes can't answer her pain
God give me the power to take breath from a breeze
And call life from a cold metal frame

[/i]

“When I was told of Sir Lamoureux’s presence in Seattle having been at Her Majesty’s will, I did not act beyond notifying His Highness. I did not wish to unknowingly disrupt whatever She had intended, and was unaware if His Highness had his own. I ask forgiveness for my lapse.”

Pascek took a moment, as she lowered her eyes again. She didn’t shiver outwardly, resigned to whatever his and Guil’s whim was this moment. The three waited in silence, for judgement to be handed down.
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[Lady Daniels]

29 May 05



Isaac and E returned to Seattle before the week ended, and she spent her time in preparation for Elysium, when he would hold court. His Highness was not in the best mood, and she found that she shared it.

Lately, her annoyance was becoming clearer. The fiery spirit of her namesake was showing her immortal face. She had heard of the Assamites’ skill in assassinations, even Calebros had advised to step cautiously. Their reputation had preceded them, even to Seattle. This had not stopped her from taking Whisper’s childe by the front of his shirt and making it unerringly clear to him that she was not as complacent as some may believe. By placing her person directly at risk, she challenged him to dare attacking her; and the domain to defend her. He paid for his transgressions with his unlife, and the city was pointedly reminded of who their rulers were.

Those who believed Gavin Windsor had been the cream of the Ventrue were learning quite differently. At court, she vented a small measure of her own vitriol upon the members of the Primogen Council, who were collectively indebted to her. She had little patience for matters that should be handled before they reached her or His Highness.

When court was concluded, she was involved in the Ventrue’s gathering, which came at an auspicious time. The arrival of a well recommended gentleman from Rio de Janiero was just the opportunity Alixandra needed to request stepping down as Primogen. As Tobias was ill suited to the political arena [she was of the mind to teach him the time honored way, trial by fire], the others were not well enough respected in the domain to be taken seriously. As simply as that, Alejandro ended his first evening in town more welcomed than originally thought.

In with the ashes
Or up with the smoke from the fire
With wings up in heaven
Or here, lying in bed
Palm of her hand to my head
Now and forever curled in my heart
And the heart of the world

[/i]

Dawn was swiftly approaching. Mr. Ashland had taken his leave, departing WhiteHall for his own haven. She perched in her customary place in her sitting room and took the portfolio from where it laid upon the endtable next to her elbow. Tipping the back cover open, she looked over the notes in Aries’ careful hand; when an idea came to her. The gentle chuckle was brief, lost in the quiet of the room.

Until she was called to Valhalla, her duty was not over. Taking a pen from the portfolio’s pocket, she jotted a single word.

Einherjar.



[DT, "Wait for Sleep"]
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[Kenneth Ashland]

Excellent.

I had been wondering what Issac and E were up to in Paris. But some Harpies can be so dang cryptic. ;D

[Webmonkey]

That was a jucy morsel before bedtime, to be certain. I could practically hear the internal dialogue.

Yay on you guys (STs) for putting on a good show for the Seneschal, and good on you for sharing C-chan.

Now I'm going to lay down and count Jyhads until I fall asleep.

[Lady Dagger Rose]

Wonderful read. Thanks for sharing.

[Amadeo Vittore]

That was awesome.

I loved the way the Louvre was decribed, it had that real "halls of Power" feel.

I can't wait to see the next E post.

[Joseph Mayek]

Bravo, absolutely wonderful read.

[Janet]

NIce, very nice.