Plotlogs
Two Sides Of A Coin Sr Deacon 240126
In a dusty, long-forgotten warehouse on the fringes of New Orleans, a clandestine meeting unfolded that would alter the fate of the Herveaux family. Under the stern watch of the Benoit and Beaufort families—clans of significant repute within the Voodoo community—the fate of the recently outcast Herveaux family hung in the balance. Representing the interests of the Herveaux was an unlikely trio: the skeptic Doctor Sarah Wilson, the vampire Caelum Cross, and the witch of the Coven, Tabitha Matheson.
The weight of the situation was palpable as Richard Benoit made it clear that they were there to deliberate the exile implemented by Hanie Beaufort. She claimed it was just, accusing the Herveaux's of favoritism towards the White Circle and abuse of power. As mediator, this breach of neutrality had rippling consequences, and the punishment was severe, deeply impacting the family's future.
Deliberations began with Tabitha invoking the loss felt from the absence of the Red Circle, expressing how a family is weakened without unity. However, Hanie raised an old wound, citing Deacon's theft of ancestral Beaufort bones as a grievance that required redress. Unbeknownst to the assembly, Sarah and Caelum knew the theft aimed to lift a curse rather than to weaken the Beauforts.
Proposals flew like spells in the air. Tabitha, wielding words of reconciliation, offered the return of the bones and rights to burial. Sarah, calculating and pragmatic, suggested a trade: the bones against the lifting of the shun and imposing tasks on the Herveaux as recompense. But it was Caelum's macabre allure, his vampire presence, that became an unexpected bargaining chip—his legacy proposed to satisfy the represented families' lust for influence.
In the presence of ancestral spirits and the remnants of broken traditions, the fate of the Herveaux family was bargained with a heavy price—a blood tithe and the siring of a vampire child for each of the fourteen families represented—binding Caelum to a future he had not anticipated. The conclusion was sudden as it was grim, a darkness fell and in that darkness, a magical bond was formed, a covenant sealed.
Following the sobering accord, an air of celebration softly drifted into the space, momentarily lifting the evening's gravity. But for those who had struck the deal, the sense of binding commitments lingered, a stark reminder of traditions and powers that govern the arcane communities of New Orleans.
(Two Sides of a Coin(SRDeacon):SRDeacon)
[Thu Jan 25 2024]
In A discreet warehouse on the Bay
This is a large, abandoned warehouse that sits along the edge of the Bay within the city of New Orleans. Despite being derelect, the warehouse is kept tidy and neat, and it's clear that somebody goes through the hassle of cleaning it and keeping it clear. No boxes or crates or machinery stacked up here. Instead there's a collection of long tables that have been setup in a U shape, leaving a wide-open space that's surrounded by those tables.
A small collection of chairs sits within the middle of those long tables, in a 'hot seat' like fashion that's designed to make whomever is sitting in the center of those tables to feel under pressure or very much under the hot lights of interrogation. The other side of those tables are lines with much more comfortable looking chairs, tall-backed and plush.
It is about 25F(-3C) degrees.
SRDeacon says "Don't forget to apply!"
SRDeacon says "We're waiting for Tabs who's waiting to see if they're dragging Antwon along! "
Caelum thumbs up.
While we're waiting, Sarah and Caelum can arrive here, or close by. They'll be brought either on their own power or by arrangements made by Deacon himself. This is a warehouse on the edge of the Bay, deep within the poor quarters of New Orleans. While abandoned clearly, it's been kept neat and tidy and upon arrival there's an easy tell as to why. It's clearly used for secret meetings and clandestine occurances, and this is no exception. The night is young, and these two will be the first to arrive. (Please RP amongst yourselves)
Sarah steps through a path. Made for her, of course. Though whether she simply lacks the ability to path, or prefers others waste their time and energy, is left unsaid as she looks around herself, folding her arms. "This ordeal better not end up irritating." She murmurs to herself as her eyes flit about.
Tabitha will arrive soon after Sarah and Caelum, delivered here either by her own means or arrangements by Deacon. All three have been given the run-down here: The Benoits and the Beauforts are leading families here in New Orleans within the Voodoo community. The former represent White Circle interests, the latter the Black Circle. Since the death of Grandmother Herveaux, their community has had no Red Circle representative to help mediate and keep the balance between the two. Their goal tonight is to negotiate primarily for the lift of Shun against Deacon's family. But their secondary goal is to negotiate the Herveaux family's return to that role as Red Circle representatives within the Voodoo community. Not Deacon himself perhaps, but the family.
A nondescript little taxi, courtesy of Deacon, drives by a certain Caelum along the bay. It leaves without taking payment, again, something the old soldier already paid, both for it and the silence that it would leave Caelum here by the warehouse on the Bay. He spends little time, little excuse - the night air is a welcome thing that visibly bolsters, makes his attention sharper - his gaze livelier. Evidently, he's not the first to arrive - because before long, Sarah would hear his voice if she hadn't noticed the cab already. "Tough luck with that, I'm here." Hands in his jacket's pockets, he offers Sarah an all too easy, winsome little smile when he's near and dear.
Tabitha arrives by cab, as well. The little yellow car pulling up behind Caelum's taxi as it starts to pull away. She steps out of the back, her own hands in her jacket pocket and a huff of cold misty air escaping her lips. She puts on a smile and approaches Caelum and Sarah. "Hi," she greets with a little uptick. "Thought you were heading to bed?" she asks the former.
The three are the first to arrive outside the Warehouse, which looms in the night across the street. They were told to head in when they arrived so there's nothing to create hesitation in doing so. It's clear from out here even though, that the three are the first to arrive.
Sarah glances at Caelum, causing her face to contort into a grimace, one that quickly finds itself replaced by a rather forced smile. "...Mr. Cross. What a... lovely... surprise to see you here." She greets him as she cocks her head. "...I suppose the idea is we put forwards your pretty face as a distraction?" She suggests with something of a smerk before looking towards Tabitha. "Ah. Well, isn't this proving to be a most delicious assembly. By which I mean joyous, of course."
"I was told secrecy was appreciated." Caelum informs Tabitha, though something in his eyes is more than happy to see her along. "If I knew, we could've shared a cab." Though, that attention is interrupted by a wink at Tabitha, he soon looks back at Sarah. Her forced attitude only earns a more fanged smirk, and he moves on ahead of the two, towards the warehouse gates, at a relatively slow pace. "However you want to deal with this. I thought I'd be the intimidation factor, I'm not much of a talker." Is he not? He opens the door for them, the dark, dimly lit inside of the warehouse just awaiting, empty..
Indeed, the warehouse is quite empty for that setup of simple wooden chairs surrounded by office conference tables in that great U shape. It makes Sarah, Caelum, and Tabitha wonder perhaps why the need for so much table room, if they're only to be meeting with the representatives of two families? The collection of chairs in the middle is five, uncertain of how many may have shown up for the man who's the subject of this meeting tonight. It seems two of them won't be needed after all. The trio have a couple of minutes to look about and discuss their own strategies before people begin to arrive. But only a couple.
Tabitha smiles at Sarah, not forced, but minute. "I don't know how helpful I will be but I'm hoping to be.." She looks about and takes her hands out of her pocket. "I should have asked. Do either of you know why the Herveaux family was shunned in the first place?" She hitches her shoulders, eyes, vibrant, seeking out both Caelum and Sarah for the answer. "I suppose we will find out tonight."
"I am not entirely convinced you're very intimidating either. But I am sure your brute strength will have its use, particularly if this meeting goes sideways..." Sarah says as she glances at the entrance, squinting into the dark for a moment before taking advantage of the opened door, slipping inside as she fondles something in her rather odd lab-coat-for-a-suit-jacket. "Does either of you have any useful abilities for this? I have some but not many. Let's just say if a voice speaks in your head, listen." She instructs as she scans the inside of the warehouse carefully. "I don't know why they are shunned, nor do I know what exactly to expect them to demand to undo the matter." Sarah admits, "So this may end up challenging."
gives a slight shrug of his shoulder that is just as informed on the topic as Tabitha is. He still slips inside after Sarah, but waits by the sideline door of the massive main entrance to presumably shut it when Tabitha enters. "Unless you want me to choke someone to death, no, not really." Caelum replies to Sarah over the shoulder, yet a smile isn't far from it, "Just my winning personality. If that fails, I can always be intimidating. Trust on it - Besides, shouldn't the voice of our side be the seniority? I wouldn't dare be the negotiator when you're here, Sarah."
Caelum gives a slight shrug of his shoulder that is just as informed on the topic as Tabitha is. He still slips inside after Sarah, but waits by the sideline door of the massive main entrance to presumably shut it when Tabitha enters. "Unless you want me to choke someone to death, no, not really." Caelum replies to Sarah over the shoulder, yet a smile isn't far from it, "Just my winning personality. If that fails, I can always be intimidating. Trust on it - Besides, shouldn't the voice of our side be the seniority? I wouldn't dare be the negotiator when you're here, Sarah." (fix)
What the three do know is sadly little, in this manner. They know what Deacon's mentioned to them of course. His curse, and the death of his grandmother. Thos who helped him recover her journal might know a little more, that she'd been a powerful influence in this community up until her death. Truth be told, it may be that very little is known far and wide but for the Beauforts as to why the man's grandmother was killed. It's only the bones that were stolen that lead to even this much of a conclusion! Still, as they consider those rather limited bits of information the noise outside will begin. It's kind of like the beginning of a party, where many cars pulls up in short succession or otherwise arrive. People start flowing into the warehouse, and it soon becomes apparent that they won't be speaking on behalf of Deacon in front of two representatives of the families, but before the two FAMILIES. Each side of the tables left and right will begin to fill up, the expected two in places of prominence on either side. Richard Benoit is easy to spot, he's almost as tall as Deacon ans just as beanpole thin. Hanie Beaufort likewise is the opposite, a small shrivled thing of a woman who still managed to employ a powerful presence just by being there. They're surrounded by many of their families. That middle table remains symbolically empty. The lack of the Herveaux's support here, for whatever the reasons.
A slow and long procession ensues until the warehouse is filled with now dozens of people. They too mill about themselves a little bit, but soon it's apparent that things will soon be underway. It will be to Caelum, Sarah and Tabitha to take their seats under the hot gaze of two of the most prominent Voodoo families in the New Orleans territory.
Undaunted, unflinching, unbreathing - Caelum lets go of the door, seeing as that he'd be a doorstopper at best for the mass that begins to pool out of their cars and start upon the warehouse. Smaller entrance left as is, he retreats - a few steps back at first, then more, until he finds the chairs meant for them. He takes the left chair on their table - not the right. A symbolic choice, perhaps, signifying that no, he would not be the right hand, not the voice of reason here tonight. Even though he vividly remembers the danger that he narrowly avoided at the hands of voodoo-practitioners, it doesn't look like he has any intention to back down from the gathering slowly but surely growing before his eyes.
Tabitha huffs out, "Well..." toward Caelum and Sarah. "If something goes sideways, we're a little lopsided, here... I have a couple tricks, but where I excel takes time and energy." She steps forward to the families, now on either side of the table, and gives them a warm smile, despite their hot gaze. She greets them both with reverence, "Good evening," she says, while providing them the courtesy of a head bow and slight curtsey. "I'm Tabitha Matheson," she looks to Caelum and Sarah, waiting to see should they introduce themselves or that she should continue the introductions.
Small point: You three will sit in the middle, surrounded by the tables! The middle one is left empty.
In the center most table, not bowing, or giving reverence, Caelum has his forearms near-folded on the table. His attention pans after Tabitha's introduction, to gaze at all the faces, all the expressions - and his smile is maybe just as easily warm as Tabitha's is. "Good evening, and welcome." He mirrors, "I'm Caelum Cross."
"Lovely. So I am pretending at being a whisper today." Sarah remarks to Caelum as the families come in. She grimaces, mumbling between her breath, "...Well that's a problem. I don't have any abilities that let me get the upper hand when addressing a crowd like that." A shrug of her shoulders is given, then she glances at Tabitha before she straightens herself, trying to appear unintimidated as she slowly lets her eyes fall upon every face while introducing herself, "...My name is Doctor Sarah Wilson..." She starts as she squints her eyes at the Beaufort, "...It is a pleasure." She adds as her eyes then flit to the Benoit
"Lovely. So I am pretending at being a whisper today." Sarah remarks to Caelum as the families come in. She grimaces, mumbling between her breath, "...Well that's a problem. I don't have any abilities that let me get the upper hand when addressing a crowd like that." A shrug of her shoulders is given, then she glances at Tabitha before she straightens herself, trying to appear unintimidated as she slowly lets her eyes fall upon every face while introducing herself, "...My name is Doctor Sarah Wilson..." She starts as she squints her eyes at Hanie Beaufort, "...It is a pleasure." She adds as her eyes then flit to Richard Benoit. She seats herself after a long time of standing there, as if trying to win some sort of staredown, to prove she isn't backing. (fix)
For her part, Tabitha does seem to earn some small points by offering polite introductions as people get settled. Caelum follows suit. Once the introductions are out of the way, the murmuring of many people begins to quiet down as things presumeably prepare to come to some sort of order. An old man comes out of the crowd, with a smudge stick of herbs. More than sage, acrid and spicy things have been added as he lights it and begins to waft it around. A blessing of the gathering, Tabitha denotes some similarities between practices and she at the very least may find herself feeling a little relived. A thing like this, it isn't likelyto be sullied by violence. Even amongst this crowd, she thinks. Sarah makes her own introductions and things grow silent soon after. That old man continues to mutter until he's made three circuits around the tables and the gathered people slow and intoning. When he's finished, that silence will stretch until at last the tall frame of Richard Benoit will speak up. A bass voice that carries easily without having to project. "We welcome you to our City, and begin this tribunal." And with those words ... a silence beckons.
"We gather here to address the exile of the family Herveaux, at the hands of Hanie Beaufort. Do you speak for the family Herveaux?" Richard asks this very plainly of Sarah Caelum and Tabitha now. A ritualized kind of beginning to this whole shindig perhaps. But then, it would be.
Distraction is evident where Caelum sits. His eyes follow along the old man that left the crowd, with his smudge stick of herbs. There is an almost amused look to his eyes, one disbelieving of whatever he's doing - even if he keeps it pointedly out of his expression. The silence preceding and following, they're all taken with the cutthroat silence of the dead - unmoving and disregarding. All, until Richard Benoit speaks up, and continues to explain. He doesn't answer yet, but looks at Sarah instead.
Tabitha seats herself at the center table, and folds her hands before her. She maintains an inviting warmth around her, a smile even as the silence overtakes the warehouse. She takes a deep breath of the sage and spice that hangs heavy in the air, welcoming it, even through the acridness of it. "I do," she responds to someone, letting the others respond for themselves. She does look at Caelum and his amusement over the old man's practice, and she puffs her cheeks slightly, to exhale. "I do have questions, but they can wait."
Tabitha seats herself at the center table, and folds her hands before her. She maintains an inviting warmth around her, a smile even as the silence overtakes the warehouse. She takes a deep breath of the sage and spice that hangs heavy in the air, welcoming it, even through the acridness of it. "I do," she responds to Richard, letting the others respond for themselves. She does look at Caelum and his amusement over the old man's practice, and she puffs her cheeks slightly, to exhale. "I do have questions, but they can wait."
Sarah looks flummoxed at the old man, seeming about to say something - scathing surely - before instead controlling herself, forcing a smile onto her face as she stares at Richard. "We are here on behalf of some of their family, so I suppose you could say that." Sarah half-confirms as she cocks her head, "...Mr. Richard Benoit, was it? It is nice to finally see you face to face. I've heard many positive things about you." She claims, A LIE ALMOST ASSUREDLY
Sarah oops caps
"Ask your questions, as we begin" intones the man Richard with a small nod of his head that might be accompanied by a faint smile toward Sarah as she offers immediate placation to the man who seems to be running this portion of the show at least! "Let me be clear. That the Herveaux's exile was justified amongst the rules of our community is not in question. We are here to discuss whether or not the family will once more be allowed within the boundries of our territory." These words are not directed at the gathered vistors here, but at the collected family around himself. Then he sits down. On the other side of the group, the tiny shriveled woman stands, to speak with a Cajun accent as thick as any. This setting forces Caelum Sarah and Tabitha to turn their focus away from the one side, and onto the other. "By our law, the final judgement is mine." That's all she has to say for the moment and then she too, sits down. Perhaps now is the time for Tabitha to sneak in her questions!
Adjusting, just enough, Caelum props an elbow on the table and rests his chin at the back of his hand. His reply is more muted, agreeing and affirming Sarah at what she said. That is, until all of their gathered attention is made to focus on the lovely old woman that deems to decree herself the final judgement. He still remains quiet, biding his time - watching. Meeting eyes and gauging reactions with an all too keen gaze.
"Ah well," Tabitha says to Richard, head swiveling back to him. She pauses, her thoughts suddenly jumbled and ... discombobulated. "The question I had was as to ... why the family has been excommunicated." She turns her attention back onto Hanie, "I come to speak well of Deacon Herveaux, as I have come to know him, you see, but deeds sometimes... they do weigh heavily on your decision. Would either of you be so kind as to briefly explain." She holds up her hands, a sweetness in her voice, "I don't mean disrespect at all. But your reasons matter."
Sarah glances at Tabitha as she speaks, furrowing her brow. She looks around with a mix of interest and trepidation - a question she, for sure, had herself. But for whatever reason had elected not to ask. "We would be most interested in your perspective on things, of course. We wish nothing more than to achieve an.. amicable.. solution for all those involved here. That requires, of course, understanding." She adds to the other woman's request.
Tabitha nods a few times at Sarah's elaboration.
As the question is asked, That tiny woman stands up even though it was originally framed toward Richard. "It was determined that the family skewed it's actions in favor of the Benoit. That Harietta was abusing her position as mediator to favor the White Circle." There is angry muttering of accusation that ripples through the crowd behind Hanie. And ripples of rebuttal that murmur through the crowds surrounding Richard of course in return. "By custom, her punishment was mine to decide. It was decided." Her smile at those words leave no doubt. This woman who presumes to practice the darkest arts of Voodoo and magic, and there's no doubt about that in anyone's mind here on there side of the table.
"And punishment is visited onto the family, inherited like wealth or debt" This woman reiterates, pointing a gnarly little finger toward the group that's in the middle of them all. "To break tradition is an even greater sin."
"In light of that.. I'd also like to know something.." Caelum chimes in, at last, after the explanation, and she offers that shriveled smile - with a look that pans from the Hanie, the Beufort's, to Richard, the Benoit's. By then, he had placed both elbows on the table, laced his fingers beneath his chin in a most assuredly not evil pose. There isn't an ounce of life in the eyes that regard the two families - nothing humane - but pure, cold and unliving observation unbridled without a mask otherwise worn. "Why is it that she is the final verdict and say? Is the Benoit family here only to listen, while the Beuforts act judge, jury and executioner?"
The question brings about a ripple of amusement from some, and confusion from others as if they don't understand why Caelum doesn't just innately understand but there's a look of understanding from Richard who glances toward Sarah a moment. "Our opinion holds weight, and Hanie will take it into consideration. We are a community and a closed one. That you are now is both a great respect and a great concern for us all." There's a general consesus of agreement with those words from both sides of the table. "But Hanie's family was the one wronged. The choice lied with them. As reversing that choice does now."
"May I ask ... what was Miss Herveaux mediating upon?" Tabitha asks Hanie, her interest and intrique piqued by the not-so-small revelation. She nods to Richard, "I am grateful that you allowed us in. As part of the Coven, I understand your community and customs a little more, having had a little, though short-lived, experience with each circle." She does not say which she follows.
"Very well." Sarah decides of the accusation, nodding. "An understandable tradition. A mediator is to be neutral, after all. And understandably, these have wider consequences to the family. Lest one generation benefit too greatly without repercussion." Sarah folds her arms, nodding, seeming in agreement. She glances aside to Caelum after. "A most interesting question - and while at it..." Sarah trails off "And may I ask who handles mediation now? I'd imagine a loss may well be felt here..." The doctor suggests with a glance to Richard. "Are there alternative candidates for the seat of the Red Circle?" She wonders, "In addition..." She glances at the tiny woman, "...Doesn't that mean that they would be under greater scrutiny if restored, and would likely be having to compensate for that? What does tradition say on the lengths of these punishments?" She nods to Tabitha after. "We much appreciate the honor. The magics I practice are not ones that lead into arcane society but I can see the meaning."
Caelum remains as he is. Unmoving, not at all breathing even when he doesn't speak. Only that he watches in silence, without reaction to the ripple of amusement that passed through the crowd. He does glance at Sarah, as well as Tabitha - but then, merely a dip of his head, slight enough not to disturb his posture, joins in affirming their gratitude. There is still pondering, behind those eyes that flit from one face to another, whomever speaks.
"You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward someone' side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding."
"You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward Hanie's side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding." Now it seems they'll get down to the nitty gritty. Of them all .. Hanie directs her topic to Tabitha now, who seems to hold the greatest weight in the woman's eyes, only slightly less than Sarah. Game recognizes game, in the power department.
Tabitha may have missed an emote after Sarah's.
Richard speaks, "You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward Hanie's side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding." Now it seems they'll get down to the nitty gritty. Of them all .. Hanie directs her topic to Tabitha now, who seems to hold the greatest weight in the woman's eyes, only slightly less than Sarah. Game recognizes game, in the power department. {Re}
Those eyes on Hanie's side - they get more of an appraisal from Caelum. No, more than that - the greedy, interested looks are all met, each and every one of them. And as if flaunting that the Herveaux side has vampire on their side, he flashes a smile. One that, with only a slight tilt of his lips, bares the easy glint of a fang in a winsome display. The greatest human-like gesture he's shown ever since they all sat down. Yet, he doesn't interrupt at all - that fleeting attention, observant of all present, regards Hanie's own by looking at Tabitha.
Tabitha is quiet for a while, her fingers remaining laced together in a pale, freckled fold before her. She smiles a little at Hanie. "Speaking for Deacon in particular, I believe that he should be welcomed home. The sins of one is not the sins of all, afterall. And his nana's sins have been dealt with in the manner in which you deemed to be appropriate. I could say the same about the whole of his family." She unfolds her hands in a manner to speak to the whole, gesturing to include the whole. "The community is lost without the Red Circle, is it not? There is a whole table empty." She sighs. "Family. If I could in any manner bring back mine, I would. You have the opportunity to restructure and rebuild your community." She expresses, softly, "The Coven would not be whole and complete if we did not have White circle within our folds, same for Red and Black. Do you not feel a sense of loss for them?" She smiles softly. "I cannot claim that there will be peace. But family does fight. And the make ammends. And the cycle repeats."
Sarah glances aside to Tabitha, looking... well, baffled. Such concepts do not resonate with the doctor, apparently, and she's left glancing between Tabitha and the other's faces for a long while, spying for reactions in the expression on the faces of the others - especially the Beaufort family. She sighs after, "...From a different perspective. A trade may be more in order. To me, it seems clear the presence of the Herveaux family is missed, yet there is the desire to uphold the tradition and make the punishment ring true..." She brushes the hair from her face, throwing her golden locks behind her. "The tradition is that like wealth, punishment is inherited. But wealth is taxed - shouldn't punishment be?" Sarah tries to reason. "...Trade one punishment for the other, would be my thought. Restore them to town - but not in a full fashion. Perhaps limiting their access to arcane secrets in town, or setting them upon a task to earn back their place. This way, their family gets restored, the tradition is fulfilled, the balance is back in place and your own is kept whole." A shrug follows.
The red-head's words actually bring some murmurs of agreement from BOTH sides of the aisle so to speak, and they seem to reach some hearts and minds in that aspect of things. Her nature of being a practitioner also gives her the insight needed to speak out on this level. "You make a point worth hearing, witch of the Coven. But he has taken action against us, before this night. Actions to weaken us!" Her shriveled little voices raises up a bit. "He stole the bones of our ancestors to take power from us! This must be rectified before we can allow him to return." Now - for those like Sarah and Caelum they know a little bit about this, for while Hanie doesn't seem to realize that they in fact were there to steal those bones! BUT - the pair of them know that his intent for their acquisition had less to do with robbing the Beauforts of power and more to do with how to remove the curse lain upon his head. This difference in narrative may or may not lend to their advantage. But Sarah has someone looking a little favorably upon her, and Caelum's presence is lending if nothing else, a distracrtion to those necromancers and other necrophiles in the room. Sarah's words also bring a bit of murmurs of consideration or agreements. Her sense of compromise seems to ring more true on Richard's side of the table however.
"...Indirectly that is, by spreading it out and inflation." Sarah corrects herself
The red-head's words actually bring some murmurs of agreement from BOTH sides of the aisle so to speak, and they seem to reach some hearts and minds in that aspect of things. Her nature of being a practitioner also gives her the insight needed to speak out on this level. "You make a point worth hearing, witch of the Coven. But he has taken action against us, before this night. Actions to weaken us!" Her shriveled little voices raises up a bit. "He stole the bones of our ancestors to take power from us! This must be rectified before we can allow him to return." Now - for those like Sarah and Caelum they know a little bit about this, for while Hanie doesn't seem to realize that they in fact were there to steal those bones! BUT - the pair of them know that his intent for their acquisition had less to do with robbing the Beauforts of power and more to do with how to remove the curse lain upon his head. This difference in narrative may or may not lend to their advantage. But Sarah has Richard looking a little favorably upon her, and Caelum's presence is lending if nothing else, a distracrtion to those necromancers and other necrophiles in the room. Sarah's words also bring a bit of murmurs of consideration or agreements. Her sense of compromise seems to ring more true on Richard's side of the table however.
"Did you not take his nana away from him?" Tabitha counters to Hanie. She offers, "Were I able to convince him to return your ancestral bones, so that you may rebury them and give them a sacramental rite again? Would that be enough to rectify what has been done? If not this, then Doctor Wilson's suggestion seems viable enough. You would have a whole and complete community, with the knowledge that some recompense is still required. Though I do think that some timeline of debt owned and repayed should be decided upon."
The mention of bones makes Caelum nearly smile. It turns curious, instead of goading, however - and he tilts his head. The way he rests his cheek against the back of his fingers laced together, gazes out at the Beufort's side - he is one hell of a pretty distraction if nothing else. "Then," Caelum suggests, even as he serves as that initial, joking distraction they prodded him to be towards the necrophiles - with words that may be more so of interest to the other side, as well as supporting both of his team member's points. Except he grows quiet, because Tabitha speaks up saying exactly what he intended to say. No matter, great minds think alike - he merely continues to smile faintly with a hint of fang beneath half-lidded eyes, like that deal proposed is a ravishingly good one.
Sarah watches Hanie speak with cold eyes, suppressing wry amusement at the mention of the bones, a glance given to Caelum. "Those bones are very valuable. I am not entirely sure if that trade would be a good one to take..." Sarah suggests to Tabitha, "...He may be extremely upset with us if we offer to return the bones in exchange for his family's return to town. The kind of magic that clings to them... From what I've been told, is great indeed." Is cautioned. "Even if there is of course great sentimental value for the Beaufort family, in addition to that..." A hand rubs at the back of her neck. "...How very complicated. Whatever do we do here..."
Long does the silence ensue at consideration of Sarah's point as it is bolstered by Tabitha's arguments. Finally the Matriarch of the Beaufort family chooses to speak. "You make considerable sense, witch. Considerable sense. We will agree to both measures, in part. One - bones must be returned, and a blood tithe given for the rite." Then she's almost sounding gloaty as she says that. "Second, Deacon Herveaux will be allowed to return but I agree that restitution must be avowed. He will perform Tasks, for each of the families represented here .. and then and only then will his family entire be restored to their former place of prominenece. As for the Red Circle ... this remains to be seen." Even offering this as an offered bargain, Sarah is pointing out to Tabitha the potential for a short shrift on the trade, maybe! MEanwhile Caelum continues to pull distraction from the crowd but his presence does more than that. It offers a bargaining chip - a thought that be seen rotating around behind Hanie Beaufort's eyes.
That glint of interest behind Hanie doesn't go amiss from the observant watch Caelum had placed on them. He lifts his head, just a gentle, slow motion while his hands slowly lower. That smile, remaining - he narrows his own gaze - the tilt of the motion catching the dim light of the warehouse, lending a passing ring of yellow like a predator caught in the dark. "There is something else, isn't there?" He asks, the very specific monster that stole those bones. As if to divert the attention to himself while Tabitha and Sarah hushedly discuss. "You want more. Please," The encouragement is given while he folds his arms on the table, leans to that direction. "We're all in good faith here, say what's on your mind."
For now, Hanie says nothing, but awaits word from Sarah and Tabitha as to the offer presently on the table. No new business until this has been answered, it seems.
With the ease of someone who has more time than Hanie in this world, Caelum simply waits, as well. Not at all offering more, but the way he looks away now - may convey slight disinterest to whatever she would offer his invitation. Boats and sails, and such.
With the ease of someone who has more time than Hanie in this world, Caelum simply waits, as well. Not at all offering more, but the way he looks away now - may convey slight disinterest to whatever she would offer now after his invitation passed. Boats and sails, and such. (fix)
"I will ask him, but I can not speak on his behalf to the agreement." Tabitha says to both groups after speaking to Sarah some in hushed voices, head on a swivel to address both sides of the community. "What tasks do you ask of him, and how long will this service be needed. From what I can tell, the Herveaux family is a proud lineage, and would need to understand the full terms in which they'd say yes, afterall. Plus, you would have your immediate ask back in your hands and your ancestors graves righted."
"That is not the way. You claimed to speak for the family, and so now you will speak. Those are the terms!" Hanie intones to Tabitha, giveing her no escape in that regard. "Those tasks are for each family to decide, and are matters of privacy. This is no court room, there is only the bargain." She sits back down, the offer for the moment, rejected in time by Tabitha before she turns her head back to Caelum. "In leiu of tasks ... there is another option. This one" she points her hand in Caelum's direction. "This one sires a childer, for each family represented."
OOC: This Storyrunner is trying to wrap it up, now! He honestly expected people to take that bargain hehe!
"Ah, I mean that I cannot put 'yes' on his lips. I speak of their honor and their place in your community. And I feel it would be a travesty for him not to take up the bargain made. However, I am asking as to not what tasks are being asked, but the quantity." Tabitha says.
Sarah raps her fingers on the table, "Between the bones to be returned and a blood tithe, that is a high price indeed." She glances aside to Caelum. "...I believe however that this alternative deal - with Caelum siring childers, would be more acceptable..." She gives Caelum a /look/. "...And would appropriately pay for any damages done, in addition to restoring much of the town."
That, there - it wans Caelum 's expression. The smile is gone, and more than that, something else is in his eyes now - pinned back on Hanie in pure wonder how she could suggest such a thing. For what reason? Who knows. He drags a fang over his lower lip, considering - then spares a look aside at Tabitha and Sarah. "I will do as you decide."
"Each family represented" Hanie repeats to Tabitha with a more sinister grin. But the question asked, Richard cuts in now. "The question is plain. There are fourteen families represented here tonight."
It occurs to them all in different ways how they could turn the agreement of that into an advantage for Deacon and his side, if Caelum decides it's worth it to him. Who knows what feelings he may have about the subject. Tabitha knows how much of a cost perhaps that can be too though, based on her reply.
Sarah nods to Caelum, then glancing back to Hanie. "...It is accepted then. A childer will be sired for each represented family, the bones will be returned and a blood tithe will be provided." Sarah suggests, then looking at Tabitha. "But we expect the full return of his family beyond that. The Red Circle's business is their own, besides." She attempts as she finishes some sort of quiet discussion at her table.
Tabitha seems to be in a conversation with Caelum and Sarah.
"That is that." Caelum nods, in his own agreement.
There's a sudden kind of hush that comes over the room. The lights flicker and then each of the lightbulbs above pop with a surge of electricity and glass shards and soft bulb dust showers down across the entire gathering. "A bargain!" Hanie crows, and perhaps her own greed in the moment has let her be taken here in the deal. The thought of a vampire at her beck and call appeals to many in fact, the thought of those fourteen to come now looming in front of Caelum as Tabitha seems to be out-voted this time. "Arrangements will be made. This is the bargain, and we are agreed." Richard's voice intones out into the room in the darkness that washes over them all. Then candles are lit, here there ... there, and there and here. It's a very quick shift now. Business is over? This many people don't get together in New Orleans without throwing some kind of party. As people begins to shuffle aside and thread away now that the bargain has been made, the smell of coals being heated up will soon come to the air! Just like that it's going to go from community Tribunal, to community cookout. However, all involved feel a sense of something tight settling over their skin. The bond of a magical bargain, with consequences for breaking it.
OOC: Thank you so much for coming! Tonight has been a little throw-together in terms of grouping but you all really kind of brought something awesome tonight! Things can be RP'd to people's leisure but out event is over tonight! I will throw people wherever they need to go, and I'll put in an announcement in the Storyline timeline here shortly as well.
That quick shift in tone of the place has Caelum spark with laughter. The tightness settling across like burdensome weight on his shoulders may very well be second skin - he doesn't care, the look in his eyes doesn't care. Hanie's greed for a vampire at her beck and call may very well have lost her quite a lot more than she bargained.
The weight of the situation was palpable as Richard Benoit made it clear that they were there to deliberate the exile implemented by Hanie Beaufort. She claimed it was just, accusing the Herveaux's of favoritism towards the White Circle and abuse of power. As mediator, this breach of neutrality had rippling consequences, and the punishment was severe, deeply impacting the family's future.
Deliberations began with Tabitha invoking the loss felt from the absence of the Red Circle, expressing how a family is weakened without unity. However, Hanie raised an old wound, citing Deacon's theft of ancestral Beaufort bones as a grievance that required redress. Unbeknownst to the assembly, Sarah and Caelum knew the theft aimed to lift a curse rather than to weaken the Beauforts.
Proposals flew like spells in the air. Tabitha, wielding words of reconciliation, offered the return of the bones and rights to burial. Sarah, calculating and pragmatic, suggested a trade: the bones against the lifting of the shun and imposing tasks on the Herveaux as recompense. But it was Caelum's macabre allure, his vampire presence, that became an unexpected bargaining chip—his legacy proposed to satisfy the represented families' lust for influence.
In the presence of ancestral spirits and the remnants of broken traditions, the fate of the Herveaux family was bargained with a heavy price—a blood tithe and the siring of a vampire child for each of the fourteen families represented—binding Caelum to a future he had not anticipated. The conclusion was sudden as it was grim, a darkness fell and in that darkness, a magical bond was formed, a covenant sealed.
Following the sobering accord, an air of celebration softly drifted into the space, momentarily lifting the evening's gravity. But for those who had struck the deal, the sense of binding commitments lingered, a stark reminder of traditions and powers that govern the arcane communities of New Orleans.
(Two Sides of a Coin(SRDeacon):SRDeacon)
[Thu Jan 25 2024]
In A discreet warehouse on the Bay
This is a large, abandoned warehouse that sits along the edge of the Bay within the city of New Orleans. Despite being derelect, the warehouse is kept tidy and neat, and it's clear that somebody goes through the hassle of cleaning it and keeping it clear. No boxes or crates or machinery stacked up here. Instead there's a collection of long tables that have been setup in a U shape, leaving a wide-open space that's surrounded by those tables.
A small collection of chairs sits within the middle of those long tables, in a 'hot seat' like fashion that's designed to make whomever is sitting in the center of those tables to feel under pressure or very much under the hot lights of interrogation. The other side of those tables are lines with much more comfortable looking chairs, tall-backed and plush.
It is about 25F(-3C) degrees.
SRDeacon says "Don't forget to apply!"
SRDeacon says "We're waiting for Tabs who's waiting to see if they're dragging Antwon along! "
Caelum thumbs up.
While we're waiting, Sarah and Caelum can arrive here, or close by. They'll be brought either on their own power or by arrangements made by Deacon himself. This is a warehouse on the edge of the Bay, deep within the poor quarters of New Orleans. While abandoned clearly, it's been kept neat and tidy and upon arrival there's an easy tell as to why. It's clearly used for secret meetings and clandestine occurances, and this is no exception. The night is young, and these two will be the first to arrive. (Please RP amongst yourselves)
Sarah steps through a path. Made for her, of course. Though whether she simply lacks the ability to path, or prefers others waste their time and energy, is left unsaid as she looks around herself, folding her arms. "This ordeal better not end up irritating." She murmurs to herself as her eyes flit about.
Tabitha will arrive soon after Sarah and Caelum, delivered here either by her own means or arrangements by Deacon. All three have been given the run-down here: The Benoits and the Beauforts are leading families here in New Orleans within the Voodoo community. The former represent White Circle interests, the latter the Black Circle. Since the death of Grandmother Herveaux, their community has had no Red Circle representative to help mediate and keep the balance between the two. Their goal tonight is to negotiate primarily for the lift of Shun against Deacon's family. But their secondary goal is to negotiate the Herveaux family's return to that role as Red Circle representatives within the Voodoo community. Not Deacon himself perhaps, but the family.
A nondescript little taxi, courtesy of Deacon, drives by a certain Caelum along the bay. It leaves without taking payment, again, something the old soldier already paid, both for it and the silence that it would leave Caelum here by the warehouse on the Bay. He spends little time, little excuse - the night air is a welcome thing that visibly bolsters, makes his attention sharper - his gaze livelier. Evidently, he's not the first to arrive - because before long, Sarah would hear his voice if she hadn't noticed the cab already. "Tough luck with that, I'm here." Hands in his jacket's pockets, he offers Sarah an all too easy, winsome little smile when he's near and dear.
Tabitha arrives by cab, as well. The little yellow car pulling up behind Caelum's taxi as it starts to pull away. She steps out of the back, her own hands in her jacket pocket and a huff of cold misty air escaping her lips. She puts on a smile and approaches Caelum and Sarah. "Hi," she greets with a little uptick. "Thought you were heading to bed?" she asks the former.
The three are the first to arrive outside the Warehouse, which looms in the night across the street. They were told to head in when they arrived so there's nothing to create hesitation in doing so. It's clear from out here even though, that the three are the first to arrive.
Sarah glances at Caelum, causing her face to contort into a grimace, one that quickly finds itself replaced by a rather forced smile. "...Mr. Cross. What a... lovely... surprise to see you here." She greets him as she cocks her head. "...I suppose the idea is we put forwards your pretty face as a distraction?" She suggests with something of a smerk before looking towards Tabitha. "Ah. Well, isn't this proving to be a most delicious assembly. By which I mean joyous, of course."
"I was told secrecy was appreciated." Caelum informs Tabitha, though something in his eyes is more than happy to see her along. "If I knew, we could've shared a cab." Though, that attention is interrupted by a wink at Tabitha, he soon looks back at Sarah. Her forced attitude only earns a more fanged smirk, and he moves on ahead of the two, towards the warehouse gates, at a relatively slow pace. "However you want to deal with this. I thought I'd be the intimidation factor, I'm not much of a talker." Is he not? He opens the door for them, the dark, dimly lit inside of the warehouse just awaiting, empty..
Indeed, the warehouse is quite empty for that setup of simple wooden chairs surrounded by office conference tables in that great U shape. It makes Sarah, Caelum, and Tabitha wonder perhaps why the need for so much table room, if they're only to be meeting with the representatives of two families? The collection of chairs in the middle is five, uncertain of how many may have shown up for the man who's the subject of this meeting tonight. It seems two of them won't be needed after all. The trio have a couple of minutes to look about and discuss their own strategies before people begin to arrive. But only a couple.
Tabitha smiles at Sarah, not forced, but minute. "I don't know how helpful I will be but I'm hoping to be.." She looks about and takes her hands out of her pocket. "I should have asked. Do either of you know why the Herveaux family was shunned in the first place?" She hitches her shoulders, eyes, vibrant, seeking out both Caelum and Sarah for the answer. "I suppose we will find out tonight."
"I am not entirely convinced you're very intimidating either. But I am sure your brute strength will have its use, particularly if this meeting goes sideways..." Sarah says as she glances at the entrance, squinting into the dark for a moment before taking advantage of the opened door, slipping inside as she fondles something in her rather odd lab-coat-for-a-suit-jacket. "Does either of you have any useful abilities for this? I have some but not many. Let's just say if a voice speaks in your head, listen." She instructs as she scans the inside of the warehouse carefully. "I don't know why they are shunned, nor do I know what exactly to expect them to demand to undo the matter." Sarah admits, "So this may end up challenging."
gives a slight shrug of his shoulder that is just as informed on the topic as Tabitha is. He still slips inside after Sarah, but waits by the sideline door of the massive main entrance to presumably shut it when Tabitha enters. "Unless you want me to choke someone to death, no, not really." Caelum replies to Sarah over the shoulder, yet a smile isn't far from it, "Just my winning personality. If that fails, I can always be intimidating. Trust on it - Besides, shouldn't the voice of our side be the seniority? I wouldn't dare be the negotiator when you're here, Sarah."
Caelum gives a slight shrug of his shoulder that is just as informed on the topic as Tabitha is. He still slips inside after Sarah, but waits by the sideline door of the massive main entrance to presumably shut it when Tabitha enters. "Unless you want me to choke someone to death, no, not really." Caelum replies to Sarah over the shoulder, yet a smile isn't far from it, "Just my winning personality. If that fails, I can always be intimidating. Trust on it - Besides, shouldn't the voice of our side be the seniority? I wouldn't dare be the negotiator when you're here, Sarah." (fix)
What the three do know is sadly little, in this manner. They know what Deacon's mentioned to them of course. His curse, and the death of his grandmother. Thos who helped him recover her journal might know a little more, that she'd been a powerful influence in this community up until her death. Truth be told, it may be that very little is known far and wide but for the Beauforts as to why the man's grandmother was killed. It's only the bones that were stolen that lead to even this much of a conclusion! Still, as they consider those rather limited bits of information the noise outside will begin. It's kind of like the beginning of a party, where many cars pulls up in short succession or otherwise arrive. People start flowing into the warehouse, and it soon becomes apparent that they won't be speaking on behalf of Deacon in front of two representatives of the families, but before the two FAMILIES. Each side of the tables left and right will begin to fill up, the expected two in places of prominence on either side. Richard Benoit is easy to spot, he's almost as tall as Deacon ans just as beanpole thin. Hanie Beaufort likewise is the opposite, a small shrivled thing of a woman who still managed to employ a powerful presence just by being there. They're surrounded by many of their families. That middle table remains symbolically empty. The lack of the Herveaux's support here, for whatever the reasons.
A slow and long procession ensues until the warehouse is filled with now dozens of people. They too mill about themselves a little bit, but soon it's apparent that things will soon be underway. It will be to Caelum, Sarah and Tabitha to take their seats under the hot gaze of two of the most prominent Voodoo families in the New Orleans territory.
Undaunted, unflinching, unbreathing - Caelum lets go of the door, seeing as that he'd be a doorstopper at best for the mass that begins to pool out of their cars and start upon the warehouse. Smaller entrance left as is, he retreats - a few steps back at first, then more, until he finds the chairs meant for them. He takes the left chair on their table - not the right. A symbolic choice, perhaps, signifying that no, he would not be the right hand, not the voice of reason here tonight. Even though he vividly remembers the danger that he narrowly avoided at the hands of voodoo-practitioners, it doesn't look like he has any intention to back down from the gathering slowly but surely growing before his eyes.
Tabitha huffs out, "Well..." toward Caelum and Sarah. "If something goes sideways, we're a little lopsided, here... I have a couple tricks, but where I excel takes time and energy." She steps forward to the families, now on either side of the table, and gives them a warm smile, despite their hot gaze. She greets them both with reverence, "Good evening," she says, while providing them the courtesy of a head bow and slight curtsey. "I'm Tabitha Matheson," she looks to Caelum and Sarah, waiting to see should they introduce themselves or that she should continue the introductions.
Small point: You three will sit in the middle, surrounded by the tables! The middle one is left empty.
In the center most table, not bowing, or giving reverence, Caelum has his forearms near-folded on the table. His attention pans after Tabitha's introduction, to gaze at all the faces, all the expressions - and his smile is maybe just as easily warm as Tabitha's is. "Good evening, and welcome." He mirrors, "I'm Caelum Cross."
"Lovely. So I am pretending at being a whisper today." Sarah remarks to Caelum as the families come in. She grimaces, mumbling between her breath, "...Well that's a problem. I don't have any abilities that let me get the upper hand when addressing a crowd like that." A shrug of her shoulders is given, then she glances at Tabitha before she straightens herself, trying to appear unintimidated as she slowly lets her eyes fall upon every face while introducing herself, "...My name is Doctor Sarah Wilson..." She starts as she squints her eyes at the Beaufort, "...It is a pleasure." She adds as her eyes then flit to the Benoit
"Lovely. So I am pretending at being a whisper today." Sarah remarks to Caelum as the families come in. She grimaces, mumbling between her breath, "...Well that's a problem. I don't have any abilities that let me get the upper hand when addressing a crowd like that." A shrug of her shoulders is given, then she glances at Tabitha before she straightens herself, trying to appear unintimidated as she slowly lets her eyes fall upon every face while introducing herself, "...My name is Doctor Sarah Wilson..." She starts as she squints her eyes at Hanie Beaufort, "...It is a pleasure." She adds as her eyes then flit to Richard Benoit. She seats herself after a long time of standing there, as if trying to win some sort of staredown, to prove she isn't backing. (fix)
For her part, Tabitha does seem to earn some small points by offering polite introductions as people get settled. Caelum follows suit. Once the introductions are out of the way, the murmuring of many people begins to quiet down as things presumeably prepare to come to some sort of order. An old man comes out of the crowd, with a smudge stick of herbs. More than sage, acrid and spicy things have been added as he lights it and begins to waft it around. A blessing of the gathering, Tabitha denotes some similarities between practices and she at the very least may find herself feeling a little relived. A thing like this, it isn't likelyto be sullied by violence. Even amongst this crowd, she thinks. Sarah makes her own introductions and things grow silent soon after. That old man continues to mutter until he's made three circuits around the tables and the gathered people slow and intoning. When he's finished, that silence will stretch until at last the tall frame of Richard Benoit will speak up. A bass voice that carries easily without having to project. "We welcome you to our City, and begin this tribunal." And with those words ... a silence beckons.
"We gather here to address the exile of the family Herveaux, at the hands of Hanie Beaufort. Do you speak for the family Herveaux?" Richard asks this very plainly of Sarah Caelum and Tabitha now. A ritualized kind of beginning to this whole shindig perhaps. But then, it would be.
Distraction is evident where Caelum sits. His eyes follow along the old man that left the crowd, with his smudge stick of herbs. There is an almost amused look to his eyes, one disbelieving of whatever he's doing - even if he keeps it pointedly out of his expression. The silence preceding and following, they're all taken with the cutthroat silence of the dead - unmoving and disregarding. All, until Richard Benoit speaks up, and continues to explain. He doesn't answer yet, but looks at Sarah instead.
Tabitha seats herself at the center table, and folds her hands before her. She maintains an inviting warmth around her, a smile even as the silence overtakes the warehouse. She takes a deep breath of the sage and spice that hangs heavy in the air, welcoming it, even through the acridness of it. "I do," she responds to someone, letting the others respond for themselves. She does look at Caelum and his amusement over the old man's practice, and she puffs her cheeks slightly, to exhale. "I do have questions, but they can wait."
Tabitha seats herself at the center table, and folds her hands before her. She maintains an inviting warmth around her, a smile even as the silence overtakes the warehouse. She takes a deep breath of the sage and spice that hangs heavy in the air, welcoming it, even through the acridness of it. "I do," she responds to Richard, letting the others respond for themselves. She does look at Caelum and his amusement over the old man's practice, and she puffs her cheeks slightly, to exhale. "I do have questions, but they can wait."
Sarah looks flummoxed at the old man, seeming about to say something - scathing surely - before instead controlling herself, forcing a smile onto her face as she stares at Richard. "We are here on behalf of some of their family, so I suppose you could say that." Sarah half-confirms as she cocks her head, "...Mr. Richard Benoit, was it? It is nice to finally see you face to face. I've heard many positive things about you." She claims, A LIE ALMOST ASSUREDLY
Sarah oops caps
"Ask your questions, as we begin" intones the man Richard with a small nod of his head that might be accompanied by a faint smile toward Sarah as she offers immediate placation to the man who seems to be running this portion of the show at least! "Let me be clear. That the Herveaux's exile was justified amongst the rules of our community is not in question. We are here to discuss whether or not the family will once more be allowed within the boundries of our territory." These words are not directed at the gathered vistors here, but at the collected family around himself. Then he sits down. On the other side of the group, the tiny shriveled woman stands, to speak with a Cajun accent as thick as any. This setting forces Caelum Sarah and Tabitha to turn their focus away from the one side, and onto the other. "By our law, the final judgement is mine." That's all she has to say for the moment and then she too, sits down. Perhaps now is the time for Tabitha to sneak in her questions!
Adjusting, just enough, Caelum props an elbow on the table and rests his chin at the back of his hand. His reply is more muted, agreeing and affirming Sarah at what she said. That is, until all of their gathered attention is made to focus on the lovely old woman that deems to decree herself the final judgement. He still remains quiet, biding his time - watching. Meeting eyes and gauging reactions with an all too keen gaze.
"Ah well," Tabitha says to Richard, head swiveling back to him. She pauses, her thoughts suddenly jumbled and ... discombobulated. "The question I had was as to ... why the family has been excommunicated." She turns her attention back onto Hanie, "I come to speak well of Deacon Herveaux, as I have come to know him, you see, but deeds sometimes... they do weigh heavily on your decision. Would either of you be so kind as to briefly explain." She holds up her hands, a sweetness in her voice, "I don't mean disrespect at all. But your reasons matter."
Sarah glances at Tabitha as she speaks, furrowing her brow. She looks around with a mix of interest and trepidation - a question she, for sure, had herself. But for whatever reason had elected not to ask. "We would be most interested in your perspective on things, of course. We wish nothing more than to achieve an.. amicable.. solution for all those involved here. That requires, of course, understanding." She adds to the other woman's request.
Tabitha nods a few times at Sarah's elaboration.
As the question is asked, That tiny woman stands up even though it was originally framed toward Richard. "It was determined that the family skewed it's actions in favor of the Benoit. That Harietta was abusing her position as mediator to favor the White Circle." There is angry muttering of accusation that ripples through the crowd behind Hanie. And ripples of rebuttal that murmur through the crowds surrounding Richard of course in return. "By custom, her punishment was mine to decide. It was decided." Her smile at those words leave no doubt. This woman who presumes to practice the darkest arts of Voodoo and magic, and there's no doubt about that in anyone's mind here on there side of the table.
"And punishment is visited onto the family, inherited like wealth or debt" This woman reiterates, pointing a gnarly little finger toward the group that's in the middle of them all. "To break tradition is an even greater sin."
"In light of that.. I'd also like to know something.." Caelum chimes in, at last, after the explanation, and she offers that shriveled smile - with a look that pans from the Hanie, the Beufort's, to Richard, the Benoit's. By then, he had placed both elbows on the table, laced his fingers beneath his chin in a most assuredly not evil pose. There isn't an ounce of life in the eyes that regard the two families - nothing humane - but pure, cold and unliving observation unbridled without a mask otherwise worn. "Why is it that she is the final verdict and say? Is the Benoit family here only to listen, while the Beuforts act judge, jury and executioner?"
The question brings about a ripple of amusement from some, and confusion from others as if they don't understand why Caelum doesn't just innately understand but there's a look of understanding from Richard who glances toward Sarah a moment. "Our opinion holds weight, and Hanie will take it into consideration. We are a community and a closed one. That you are now is both a great respect and a great concern for us all." There's a general consesus of agreement with those words from both sides of the table. "But Hanie's family was the one wronged. The choice lied with them. As reversing that choice does now."
"May I ask ... what was Miss Herveaux mediating upon?" Tabitha asks Hanie, her interest and intrique piqued by the not-so-small revelation. She nods to Richard, "I am grateful that you allowed us in. As part of the Coven, I understand your community and customs a little more, having had a little, though short-lived, experience with each circle." She does not say which she follows.
"Very well." Sarah decides of the accusation, nodding. "An understandable tradition. A mediator is to be neutral, after all. And understandably, these have wider consequences to the family. Lest one generation benefit too greatly without repercussion." Sarah folds her arms, nodding, seeming in agreement. She glances aside to Caelum after. "A most interesting question - and while at it..." Sarah trails off "And may I ask who handles mediation now? I'd imagine a loss may well be felt here..." The doctor suggests with a glance to Richard. "Are there alternative candidates for the seat of the Red Circle?" She wonders, "In addition..." She glances at the tiny woman, "...Doesn't that mean that they would be under greater scrutiny if restored, and would likely be having to compensate for that? What does tradition say on the lengths of these punishments?" She nods to Tabitha after. "We much appreciate the honor. The magics I practice are not ones that lead into arcane society but I can see the meaning."
Caelum remains as he is. Unmoving, not at all breathing even when he doesn't speak. Only that he watches in silence, without reaction to the ripple of amusement that passed through the crowd. He does glance at Sarah, as well as Tabitha - but then, merely a dip of his head, slight enough not to disturb his posture, joins in affirming their gratitude. There is still pondering, behind those eyes that flit from one face to another, whomever speaks.
"You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward someone' side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding."
"You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward Hanie's side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding." Now it seems they'll get down to the nitty gritty. Of them all .. Hanie directs her topic to Tabitha now, who seems to hold the greatest weight in the woman's eyes, only slightly less than Sarah. Game recognizes game, in the power department.
Tabitha may have missed an emote after Sarah's.
Richard speaks, "You may not. It is not relevant to the task we discuss tonight." Tabitha's next question gets shut down, and then toward Sarah the same stony-faced reply comes in face of her questions as well. There does seem a limit as to the extent in which they will be allowed to glimpse into their private world. "It has been difficult to remain in balance, and the world has not provided much time to consider it." Richard finally answers Sarah his eyes almost ignoring Caelum, which is the opposite of the other side of the table. Hanie's side all seem to be eyeing caelum with some kind of interest or greed of a sort. A small reminder for the young(ish) man of the company he's in. "This too holds no real weight to the task at hand. The question before us is can the Herveauxs once again call New Orleans home." There's a gesture back toward Hanie's side of the table. She speaks once more, "Let it be known that you are bound to speak for the Herveaux family of which the youngest grandson is now the oldest Patriarch. What you agree to, he will be bound by. Speak clear, and claim your understanding." Now it seems they'll get down to the nitty gritty. Of them all .. Hanie directs her topic to Tabitha now, who seems to hold the greatest weight in the woman's eyes, only slightly less than Sarah. Game recognizes game, in the power department. {Re}
Those eyes on Hanie's side - they get more of an appraisal from Caelum. No, more than that - the greedy, interested looks are all met, each and every one of them. And as if flaunting that the Herveaux side has vampire on their side, he flashes a smile. One that, with only a slight tilt of his lips, bares the easy glint of a fang in a winsome display. The greatest human-like gesture he's shown ever since they all sat down. Yet, he doesn't interrupt at all - that fleeting attention, observant of all present, regards Hanie's own by looking at Tabitha.
Tabitha is quiet for a while, her fingers remaining laced together in a pale, freckled fold before her. She smiles a little at Hanie. "Speaking for Deacon in particular, I believe that he should be welcomed home. The sins of one is not the sins of all, afterall. And his nana's sins have been dealt with in the manner in which you deemed to be appropriate. I could say the same about the whole of his family." She unfolds her hands in a manner to speak to the whole, gesturing to include the whole. "The community is lost without the Red Circle, is it not? There is a whole table empty." She sighs. "Family. If I could in any manner bring back mine, I would. You have the opportunity to restructure and rebuild your community." She expresses, softly, "The Coven would not be whole and complete if we did not have White circle within our folds, same for Red and Black. Do you not feel a sense of loss for them?" She smiles softly. "I cannot claim that there will be peace. But family does fight. And the make ammends. And the cycle repeats."
Sarah glances aside to Tabitha, looking... well, baffled. Such concepts do not resonate with the doctor, apparently, and she's left glancing between Tabitha and the other's faces for a long while, spying for reactions in the expression on the faces of the others - especially the Beaufort family. She sighs after, "...From a different perspective. A trade may be more in order. To me, it seems clear the presence of the Herveaux family is missed, yet there is the desire to uphold the tradition and make the punishment ring true..." She brushes the hair from her face, throwing her golden locks behind her. "The tradition is that like wealth, punishment is inherited. But wealth is taxed - shouldn't punishment be?" Sarah tries to reason. "...Trade one punishment for the other, would be my thought. Restore them to town - but not in a full fashion. Perhaps limiting their access to arcane secrets in town, or setting them upon a task to earn back their place. This way, their family gets restored, the tradition is fulfilled, the balance is back in place and your own is kept whole." A shrug follows.
The red-head's words actually bring some murmurs of agreement from BOTH sides of the aisle so to speak, and they seem to reach some hearts and minds in that aspect of things. Her nature of being a practitioner also gives her the insight needed to speak out on this level. "You make a point worth hearing, witch of the Coven. But he has taken action against us, before this night. Actions to weaken us!" Her shriveled little voices raises up a bit. "He stole the bones of our ancestors to take power from us! This must be rectified before we can allow him to return." Now - for those like Sarah and Caelum they know a little bit about this, for while Hanie doesn't seem to realize that they in fact were there to steal those bones! BUT - the pair of them know that his intent for their acquisition had less to do with robbing the Beauforts of power and more to do with how to remove the curse lain upon his head. This difference in narrative may or may not lend to their advantage. But Sarah has someone looking a little favorably upon her, and Caelum's presence is lending if nothing else, a distracrtion to those necromancers and other necrophiles in the room. Sarah's words also bring a bit of murmurs of consideration or agreements. Her sense of compromise seems to ring more true on Richard's side of the table however.
"...Indirectly that is, by spreading it out and inflation." Sarah corrects herself
The red-head's words actually bring some murmurs of agreement from BOTH sides of the aisle so to speak, and they seem to reach some hearts and minds in that aspect of things. Her nature of being a practitioner also gives her the insight needed to speak out on this level. "You make a point worth hearing, witch of the Coven. But he has taken action against us, before this night. Actions to weaken us!" Her shriveled little voices raises up a bit. "He stole the bones of our ancestors to take power from us! This must be rectified before we can allow him to return." Now - for those like Sarah and Caelum they know a little bit about this, for while Hanie doesn't seem to realize that they in fact were there to steal those bones! BUT - the pair of them know that his intent for their acquisition had less to do with robbing the Beauforts of power and more to do with how to remove the curse lain upon his head. This difference in narrative may or may not lend to their advantage. But Sarah has Richard looking a little favorably upon her, and Caelum's presence is lending if nothing else, a distracrtion to those necromancers and other necrophiles in the room. Sarah's words also bring a bit of murmurs of consideration or agreements. Her sense of compromise seems to ring more true on Richard's side of the table however.
"Did you not take his nana away from him?" Tabitha counters to Hanie. She offers, "Were I able to convince him to return your ancestral bones, so that you may rebury them and give them a sacramental rite again? Would that be enough to rectify what has been done? If not this, then Doctor Wilson's suggestion seems viable enough. You would have a whole and complete community, with the knowledge that some recompense is still required. Though I do think that some timeline of debt owned and repayed should be decided upon."
The mention of bones makes Caelum nearly smile. It turns curious, instead of goading, however - and he tilts his head. The way he rests his cheek against the back of his fingers laced together, gazes out at the Beufort's side - he is one hell of a pretty distraction if nothing else. "Then," Caelum suggests, even as he serves as that initial, joking distraction they prodded him to be towards the necrophiles - with words that may be more so of interest to the other side, as well as supporting both of his team member's points. Except he grows quiet, because Tabitha speaks up saying exactly what he intended to say. No matter, great minds think alike - he merely continues to smile faintly with a hint of fang beneath half-lidded eyes, like that deal proposed is a ravishingly good one.
Sarah watches Hanie speak with cold eyes, suppressing wry amusement at the mention of the bones, a glance given to Caelum. "Those bones are very valuable. I am not entirely sure if that trade would be a good one to take..." Sarah suggests to Tabitha, "...He may be extremely upset with us if we offer to return the bones in exchange for his family's return to town. The kind of magic that clings to them... From what I've been told, is great indeed." Is cautioned. "Even if there is of course great sentimental value for the Beaufort family, in addition to that..." A hand rubs at the back of her neck. "...How very complicated. Whatever do we do here..."
Long does the silence ensue at consideration of Sarah's point as it is bolstered by Tabitha's arguments. Finally the Matriarch of the Beaufort family chooses to speak. "You make considerable sense, witch. Considerable sense. We will agree to both measures, in part. One - bones must be returned, and a blood tithe given for the rite." Then she's almost sounding gloaty as she says that. "Second, Deacon Herveaux will be allowed to return but I agree that restitution must be avowed. He will perform Tasks, for each of the families represented here .. and then and only then will his family entire be restored to their former place of prominenece. As for the Red Circle ... this remains to be seen." Even offering this as an offered bargain, Sarah is pointing out to Tabitha the potential for a short shrift on the trade, maybe! MEanwhile Caelum continues to pull distraction from the crowd but his presence does more than that. It offers a bargaining chip - a thought that be seen rotating around behind Hanie Beaufort's eyes.
That glint of interest behind Hanie doesn't go amiss from the observant watch Caelum had placed on them. He lifts his head, just a gentle, slow motion while his hands slowly lower. That smile, remaining - he narrows his own gaze - the tilt of the motion catching the dim light of the warehouse, lending a passing ring of yellow like a predator caught in the dark. "There is something else, isn't there?" He asks, the very specific monster that stole those bones. As if to divert the attention to himself while Tabitha and Sarah hushedly discuss. "You want more. Please," The encouragement is given while he folds his arms on the table, leans to that direction. "We're all in good faith here, say what's on your mind."
For now, Hanie says nothing, but awaits word from Sarah and Tabitha as to the offer presently on the table. No new business until this has been answered, it seems.
With the ease of someone who has more time than Hanie in this world, Caelum simply waits, as well. Not at all offering more, but the way he looks away now - may convey slight disinterest to whatever she would offer his invitation. Boats and sails, and such.
With the ease of someone who has more time than Hanie in this world, Caelum simply waits, as well. Not at all offering more, but the way he looks away now - may convey slight disinterest to whatever she would offer now after his invitation passed. Boats and sails, and such. (fix)
"I will ask him, but I can not speak on his behalf to the agreement." Tabitha says to both groups after speaking to Sarah some in hushed voices, head on a swivel to address both sides of the community. "What tasks do you ask of him, and how long will this service be needed. From what I can tell, the Herveaux family is a proud lineage, and would need to understand the full terms in which they'd say yes, afterall. Plus, you would have your immediate ask back in your hands and your ancestors graves righted."
"That is not the way. You claimed to speak for the family, and so now you will speak. Those are the terms!" Hanie intones to Tabitha, giveing her no escape in that regard. "Those tasks are for each family to decide, and are matters of privacy. This is no court room, there is only the bargain." She sits back down, the offer for the moment, rejected in time by Tabitha before she turns her head back to Caelum. "In leiu of tasks ... there is another option. This one" she points her hand in Caelum's direction. "This one sires a childer, for each family represented."
OOC: This Storyrunner is trying to wrap it up, now! He honestly expected people to take that bargain hehe!
"Ah, I mean that I cannot put 'yes' on his lips. I speak of their honor and their place in your community. And I feel it would be a travesty for him not to take up the bargain made. However, I am asking as to not what tasks are being asked, but the quantity." Tabitha says.
Sarah raps her fingers on the table, "Between the bones to be returned and a blood tithe, that is a high price indeed." She glances aside to Caelum. "...I believe however that this alternative deal - with Caelum siring childers, would be more acceptable..." She gives Caelum a /look/. "...And would appropriately pay for any damages done, in addition to restoring much of the town."
That, there - it wans Caelum 's expression. The smile is gone, and more than that, something else is in his eyes now - pinned back on Hanie in pure wonder how she could suggest such a thing. For what reason? Who knows. He drags a fang over his lower lip, considering - then spares a look aside at Tabitha and Sarah. "I will do as you decide."
"Each family represented" Hanie repeats to Tabitha with a more sinister grin. But the question asked, Richard cuts in now. "The question is plain. There are fourteen families represented here tonight."
It occurs to them all in different ways how they could turn the agreement of that into an advantage for Deacon and his side, if Caelum decides it's worth it to him. Who knows what feelings he may have about the subject. Tabitha knows how much of a cost perhaps that can be too though, based on her reply.
Sarah nods to Caelum, then glancing back to Hanie. "...It is accepted then. A childer will be sired for each represented family, the bones will be returned and a blood tithe will be provided." Sarah suggests, then looking at Tabitha. "But we expect the full return of his family beyond that. The Red Circle's business is their own, besides." She attempts as she finishes some sort of quiet discussion at her table.
Tabitha seems to be in a conversation with Caelum and Sarah.
"That is that." Caelum nods, in his own agreement.
There's a sudden kind of hush that comes over the room. The lights flicker and then each of the lightbulbs above pop with a surge of electricity and glass shards and soft bulb dust showers down across the entire gathering. "A bargain!" Hanie crows, and perhaps her own greed in the moment has let her be taken here in the deal. The thought of a vampire at her beck and call appeals to many in fact, the thought of those fourteen to come now looming in front of Caelum as Tabitha seems to be out-voted this time. "Arrangements will be made. This is the bargain, and we are agreed." Richard's voice intones out into the room in the darkness that washes over them all. Then candles are lit, here there ... there, and there and here. It's a very quick shift now. Business is over? This many people don't get together in New Orleans without throwing some kind of party. As people begins to shuffle aside and thread away now that the bargain has been made, the smell of coals being heated up will soon come to the air! Just like that it's going to go from community Tribunal, to community cookout. However, all involved feel a sense of something tight settling over their skin. The bond of a magical bargain, with consequences for breaking it.
OOC: Thank you so much for coming! Tonight has been a little throw-together in terms of grouping but you all really kind of brought something awesome tonight! Things can be RP'd to people's leisure but out event is over tonight! I will throw people wherever they need to go, and I'll put in an announcement in the Storyline timeline here shortly as well.
That quick shift in tone of the place has Caelum spark with laughter. The tightness settling across like burdensome weight on his shoulders may very well be second skin - he doesn't care, the look in his eyes doesn't care. Hanie's greed for a vampire at her beck and call may very well have lost her quite a lot more than she bargained.