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Maya sets terms for accepting a Giovanni.
maya - Wednesday, February 24, 1999, 9:25 PM -------------------------------------------- Chloe enters and finds a seat Withrow appears from the foyer. Chloe sits at Marble bar. Chloe smiles at nods to Withrow Maya leans over the catwalk, watching people below. Chloe becons Withrow over Withrow shuffles through the doors, having checked his overcoat at the door. His beret comes off, and he scans the room for a moment as it spins in a circle 'twixt his hands. A smile and a nod are returned, to Chloe, as he makes his way over at her invitation. Chloe kicks out a bar stool Withrow calls over the music, probably only barely audible, "How are you, tonight?" as he settles onto the stool, sagging a bit over either side. Chloe nods politely and waves a hand at the seat Withrow sits at Marble bar. Withrow leans over, offering a hand to Chloe. "How are things?" It's fairly obvious, btw, that Withrow doesn't intend to snub Maya. He probably doesn't even realize the catwalks are up there, much less that she's on one of them. Chloe hasn't seen Maya yet Maya is fine with watching him, for now. Chloe takes the hand and nods politely "Things are fine. And yourself, Sir Withrow?" Withrow lifts a shoulder and smiles faintly in reply. "Things are good. Very good, to be honest. I've been given the green light by the Powers That Be." Chloe crosses her legs in a lady-like manner amidst flowing red silk Tasha appears from the foyer. Chloe nods "very, very good! I am pleased to hear that...." Tasha walks in slowly swaying her hips and looks around Tasha looks toward Chloe and smiles in a friendly way Chloe returns the friendly gesture Withrow sits at the bar, talking to Chloe. Leaning forward again, he nods rapidly. "Oh yes. I'm quite glad as well. My experiences here have only gotten better and better." Then his head turns, and he glances in the direction of Chloe's gesture. Maya watches from way up on the catwalk. Tasha looks at Withrow and smiles at him as well Withrow recognizes Tasha, perhaps, after a moment of concentration, and then offers a polite nod and a lifted hand. Tasha walks over to a small table to sit and stills looks around the room smiling at who she sees From Table 1 you overhear, Chloe looks at Withrow with Serious regard "Actually, I had a form of business I wished to discuss with you?" Tasha says, "hello Withrow" across the room as she walks to her table" Tasha sits at Small table by the TV screens. Withrow turns back to Chloe as she says something to him, giving Tasha another nod. Maya looks down from the catwalk at the evening crowd. From Table 1 you overhear, Withrow looks at you for a moment and says, "Of course. By all means, feel free. Or would you rather move to a more private table?" Pausing at the threshold, Jonathan saunters into the club, glancing around slowly. From Table 1 you overhear, Chloe waves off the offer to move, this seat must be allright "I am afriad to note that a friend of mine has gotten himself into a rather... uncomfortable bind...." Tasha looks at Jonathan from where she sits and smiles Chloe nods to Jonathan as she sits at the bar, talking quietly to Withrow From Table 1 you overhear, Withrow blinks once, very slowly, and inclines his head in a brief nod. "A situation in which many of us have found ourselves. Do go on." Bodhi appears from the foyer. From Table 1 you overhear, Chloe says "I was hoping you might be able to lend a suggestion or two on how to... aid us..." Chloe smirks at the good-looking gentleman entering the bar Maya smiles to herself from the catwalk. From Table 1 you overhear, Withrow smiles again, more slowly. "I would be at your service, of course. What is the exact nature of his...dilemma?" Bodhi steps in and goes straight to the bar. He looks about and smiles to Maya and Tasha Chloe resumes her conversation with Withrow Bodhi looks to Chloe and smiles and nods. Withrow glances over the khaki-clad man, then looks back to Chloe and their conversation. Bodhi also smiles to Withrow From Table 1 you overhear, Chloe smiles "Before I go any further? I would wish to... discuss price?" she waves a nonchalant hand "You .are. a mna of business..." Jonathan returns Chloe's nod, then nods at Tasha. Pausing a brief moment, he saunters to an empty seat over near the arcade. Tasha see Bodhi and smiles brightly Withrow gives Bodhi a polite nod, and a faint smile. That sort of 'I've no idea who the heck you are, but mama didn't raise me to be a jerk' sort of gesture. From Table 1 you overhear, Withrow chuckles lightly, and nods again. "Yes, I am. But I can't name a cost until I know what might be required of me. Or do you want advice only, and no direct assistance?" Jonathan sits at Medium round table by the Arcade. Chloe smiles and departs from the table Bodhi goes to the bar and nods to the bar and grabs the cup of coffee that is set out for him as soon as he walked in the door. He walks toward Tasha. Chloe gets up from Marble bar. Bodhi smiles to Tasha, 'Hey there. What brings you back to the Delirium?" Tasha says, "i like it here" smiling" Withrow gets up from Marble bar. Withrow looks to Chloe. "Where would you like to sit?" Chloe finds bodhi and whispers to him... rather loudly to be above all the music Jonathan simply watches, at least for now; his gaze flickers over the patrons, though for the moment, he's quiet enough, waving over a waitress and speaking to her quietly before returning to his own thoughts. You overhear Chloe whisper 'May we enter the Private Lounge?!'. Chloe Smiles Tasha says, "care to join me, Bodhi?" Bodhi holds up a finger to Tasha as he listens to Chloe. Chloe smiles, politely Maya finally descends the catwalk, silk dress moving whispersoft around her calves, drum at her waist. You overhear Bodhi hmmms, "I'm new so let me check, k?" Withrow stands by the bar, glancing about, while Chloe talks to Bodhi. Bodhi sees Maya and smiles, 'Hello there. I was just about to call you." Bodhi steps over to Maya and whisper Maya grins, looking every bit the hippie chick tonight. She crosses the room to Bodhi's side. "What's up, sweetie?" Withrow notes Maya's entrance, but stays where he is. Already a crowded end of the room over there. Chloe seems impressed with Maya, suddenly, her eyes glisten You sense Bodhi smiles, 'Is there any restrictions on the Private lounge? This nice young lady would like to go in." Maya grins at Bodhi and whispers back. You whisper 'Give her a key.' to Bodhi. Chloe looks up at withrow a bit apologetically Jonathan inclines his head at Maya with a slight smile, glancing towards Bodhi a moment before offering the waitress a smile as his drink is set down. A slow sip is garnered, his attention seemingly divided. Bodhi smiles and gives Maya a hug, 'Ok." Chloe smiles as she passes Maya, taking her elbow lightly and tugging her ear close Chloe whispers '.Simply. Stunning, Maya!' Bodhi walks over to Chloe and smiles, "Walk this way." You sense Chloe appraises you sinfully You whisper 'Thanks! I've had this outfit for YEARS.' to Chloe. Withrow waves a hand at Chloe, dismissively. He doesn't mind the chance to stand around and take in the room. Chloe unlocks the lounge door, and moves inside. Bodhi walks over to the door marked Private lounge and opens the door for chloe Maya smiles warmly at Jonathan, noticing him in the crowd. She winks at him slowly. Bodhi walks back over to Maya, seeing her wink he looks at Jonathon As he's winked at, Jonathan chuckles, softly, and motions with a hand, an offer, as he takes a slow sip from his drink, nodding at Bodhi politely once more as he's glanced towards. Tasha gets up from her and walks to the bar Maya makes her way to Withrow's side silently. Tasha gets up from Small table by the TV screens. Tasha sits at Marble bar. Tasha gets up from Marble bar. You whisper 'I have to do some introductions. Then I'll be with you. Want me to order a drink for you?' to Withrow. Maya leans over to whisper to the bereted man. Withrow looks over at Maya, and a small smile forms. "Good evening, ma'm," he says. Something about his spine straightens, and his posture improves. When the owner's around, you try to look your best, y'know. "Oh, no, nothing for me. I do appreciate your hospitality, though." Bodhi looks at Jon, emotionless fro a moment then watches Maya walk to Withrow Tasha glances around the room before she heads for the door Maya nods to Withrow. Bodhi looks to Tasha, "Where ya goin?" Withrow leans in to whisper to Maya, in turn. Withrow whispers 'Shall I remain here, until you're done?' Maya nods to Withrow. "Please." Tasha looks at Bodhi "there is not much going on here that interests me Withrow nods his response to Maya, sagging back down, and around, his bar stool. Maya straightens again and makes her way to Jonathan's side now. Bodhi smiles to Tasha, 'I am sorry, sweetie, I am done," Jonathan doesn't seem to notice Bodhi's glance, rolling his drink around in his hand before leaning back and taking a slow sip from his drink. As Maya approaches, he inclines his head towards her with a smile. Tasha says, "i will stay if you would like me to...." Maya sits at Medium round table by the Arcade. Chloe comes in from the Private Lounge. Bodhi smiles to Tasha, 'I want you to stay because you want to, not because I want you to." Chloe looks back out, curiously At your table, Maya says "Hello hon. How are you?" At your table, Jonathan inclines his head; a wry smile flickers over his features, before he offers with a smile, "How're you? And I am quite fine." Tasha smiles at Bodhi and sighs softly "okay i will stay At your table, Maya says "Later, I want to introduce you to Bodhi. Richard mentioned him last night, he's the head of security here." Withrow sits by the bar, Maya just cruising away from an apparent conversation with him, and he lifts a 'just a moment' finger to Chloe. Tasha leans toward Bodhi and gives him a light kiss on the cheek Bodhi grins at Tasha, 'Cool," Bodhi hugs Tasha lightly At your table, Jonathan's brow rises, and he nods, "Ahh...that's why the fellow was so engrossed in...staring. Jealous sort?" He sounds droll, leaning back and offering a smile. Tasha grins at Bodhi in return At your table, Maya says "Well, yes. But devoted to me." At your table, Jonathan nods, chuckling, "That's the important part." Bodhi smiles, 'How is that table?" he points to #5 Tasha smiles "that is fine Chloe waits a bit on Withrow Bodhi escort Tasha to the table and pulls out her chair At your table, Jonathan nods agreeably, "That's good then." He motions with a smile, "How have you been? You're looking lovely." Still politely smooth. Tasha smiles and sits in the chair At your table, Maya says "I've been just fine. Thanks! Do you like it?" Tasha sits at Large round table near the dance floor. Bodhi sits at Large round table near the dance floor. Withrow gestures towards Chloe with an apologetic expression. At your table, Jonathan nods, "Of course, I'd not say so?" He half-asks this, and takes a slow sip from his drink, glancing out to the floor a moment, then back towards you. Chloe shrugs, understandable At your table, Maya says "I've just had it for ages." At your table, Maya says "Listen...I need to go talk to that gentleman. Will you be all right if I go do that?" At your table, Jonathan blinks; he motions with a smile, "Of course...go." He chuckles, "I'll sit and watch." Maya leans over and gives Jonathan's hand a squeeze. At your table, Maya says "Thanks, hon. Hopefully won't be too long." Bodhi chuckles softly [Vamp] Resident DemiGoddess says "hehehehe" At your table, Jonathan nods with a smile, "All right; good luck." He smiles more at the squeeze, inclining his head. Bodhi chuckles softly Maya gets up from Medium round table by the Arcade. Maya makes her way back over to Withrow. Bodhi looks over at Maya Maya blows Bodhi a kiss, winking at him. Withrow looks up from a small notepad, pen in hand, and smiles at Maya once more. "Ready?" You say, "Ready. Let's do this. Want to join us, Chloe?" Bodhi smiles at Maya and returns to his chat Chloe blinks Tasha looks at Maya then at Bodhi Chloe says, "sure...?" Maya heads to the private lounge, pulling out her key and holding the door for Withrow. (Inside the PL) Maya has a seat. "Please, sit down." Withrow looks about, and nods, once. It meets with the Giovanni's approval. "Quite impressive, Madam Prince," he says. Withrow sits at Long table. You say, "Just Maya, please. Unless you're a Ventrue." Chloe sits, politely Withrow arches an eyebrow at Maya, and then says, "Maya it is, then. Trust me, I'm no Ventrue." With that, he settles into place in the chair, attentive. Waiting. You say, "Have you gone over the laws of the Domain?" Withrow thinks for a quiet moment, and then says, "We are not to hunt where the Christian Faith is strong. Something which I appreciate, by my mortal raising, I might add. These include such places as the Dwelling Place, the ABCCM, churches, and the like. We are not to feed from...kinfolk." His voice is unsure. He clearly has no idea what that means. "There is a Malkavian named Trish who is not protected by you. Marianne Achenbach, of the Ventrue, has sole Domain over the Grove Park Inn, yes? And we are not to deal with a band of people known as the...Magi. We are also to avoid the Sipping Turtle, and to be wary in Alexandria's Library." Maya nods. "Good. Do you swear solemnly to abide by these laws?" Withrow inclines his head in a nod. He very plainly has no idea what a kinfolk or a 'Magi' might be, although it's being filed away for cross- referencing later. And he means his words: "I do swear to abide by the laws you have placed on your Domain, as the Camarilla's Prince of this city. I will do nothing to disobey them, on the name of my Clan, Giovanni." Does he mean them in a 'gods yes, I'm finally Camarillan' way? No. But he does mean them. Maya can live with that, apparently. "Do you further swear to leave off all necromantic practices within this Domain?" Withrow arches both eyebrows at that request. There's a flash of a thousand feelings, images. Most of them involve phantoms, trees, mists. He has some very, very personal reasons for wanting to be in a city like Asheville, beyond Clan business. There's a sense of a child cut loose in a toy store. "They are a part of my livelihood. I do not send out ghostly subjects to abuse others. They are a vital -- and unobtrusive -- part of my life. So is the art of understanding them." That he means, as well. Maya frowns slightly. "Will you at least swear not to compell them in any way beyond their will? I don't mind you conversing with them." So the rumors are true, they really DO truck with the restles. Withrow casts his eyes to the floor. Not compelling them in any way? And now the child has to leave all the toys in their boxes...After a moment, he says, "They are difficult to understand without being...temporarily restrained, on occasion. They do not like to answer questions. I do not harm them, if that's what you fear. They're rather difficult -to- harm, in all honesty. My art..." He pauses. The emotions themselves are loud and clear: not manipulate the -dead-? There's no other way to -do- it! "My art," he says, going on, "In fact teaches no less...invasive manner of dealing with them. Liken it unto a scientist who must temporarily take the whale captive so that it can be tracked, understood, and later aided." You say, "So you do it out of the kindness of your heart, right?" Maya's tone is ever so slightly sarcastic. Withrow produces an abrupt chuckle. "No. I do nothing out of the kindness of my heart. I only do a thing after careful consideration. Weighing of its risks and potential profits. Then I will do a thing. But not out of kindness." That, as well, is true. And, you know, his mind has an odd... shape to it. Or perhaps flavor? It's hard to think of it any of the five mundane senses. But his mind isn't one that thinks in terms of kindness. Duty? Honor? Loyalty? Certainly. Kindness, though, only gets in the way of such things. Maya nods, just a hair respectfully. "I still must ask you to swear this thing. There but for the sake of the Embrace go we, and their path is hard enough without adding our demands. Speak if you will, but do not compell." "There is a sort of kindness," Withrow says, after considering it for a moment, "In being given a purpose again. I will swear this thing you ask, here and now, yes. If you require it for my continued presence in your city. But should they be required for the survival of your Domain, or for the protection of a Kindred within your Domain, and I see that opportunity, I will give them a purpose again. Only for a short time. And I would reward them for it, most certainly. Like giving water to a man at the center of the Sahara, I would reward them. I know that, by your particular ethics, you believe that what you advocate is the best way. I have spent many, many years with the spirits as my only interest, and my only companions, on more than one occasion. And I know that my payments to them are more than sufficient to make up for their time." Maya nods, satisfied. "That will suffice, Withrow. You are welcome to my Domain." Maya glances at Chloe. "You are witness." ...and his thoughts bubble in far behind, coming from that odd-tasting mind again. He would force them to do his bidding in a heartbeat, to survive. Or to protect the city. And he wouldn't think twice about it. Chloe nods, solemly Maya relaxes, formality gone. "Anyone want something to drink? Poltics is thirsty work." Withrow looks from Maya, to Chloe, and back to Maya. "Thank you for allowing me to reside here. A question, if I might?" After a moment, he shakes his head again. "Oh, and again, no thank you. I saw that I had sated myself before I came here tonight." Chloe waves a hand dissmissedly You say, "Sure, ask." Maya gets up and heads to the bar. She unlocks a cabinet and pulls out a small flask, pouring its contents into a glass. Maya carefully closes the flask, puts it back in the refrigerator, and closes and locks it back. Withrow smiles faintly. "If there should be clan business, or a situation in which I see that the other side might be of genuine benefit, might I ask your dispensation to make use of my skills at that time? And what of opportunities which might arise to advance my skills, or learn new ones, in dealing with the shadow world? Often these will require short bursts of manipulation, if only to have practiced. Again, whales being tagged and set free is the best simile I can provide." You say, "You can ask at the time, and I'll consider it on a case by case basis." Withrow inclines his head again. "Thank you. Another question, if I might?" You say, "I don't stand on ceremony, ask away." Withrow lifts a few fingers, as he adjusts his posture in the chair to be a bit more comfortable. One leg slides over the other, at the knees, and he goes on. "I have heard that there are some among you who have lived with the Anarchs, yes?" You say, "I believe so." Withrow nods again, leaning his left elbow on the table's edge. "I wondered if you might tell me which of them have, and how I might contact them. If one among them has lived with the Anarchs in Charlotte, then I could do some valuable research into the nature of their control over the city." Maya mmms. "I was only in Charlotte under Danjou. You might ask Fransisco." You sense Chloe is staring at you, it may seem, quite subtly... ntranced by your beauty Maya smiles at Chloe slightly, noting the Toreador's rapt gaze. Chloe smiles back a bit Chloe doesn't change her gaze, however Maya looks back at Withrow after a moment, a light flush in her cheeks, and sips her drink. Withrow smiles faintly, once more, and says, "I have heard, in specific, that a Ventrue among yo--" He catches himself. "Us. Among us has lived with them?" You say, "A..Oh! I'm still not used to thinking of him. Yes, Patrick Roundtree, although he's only been around me a few times, so I didn't consider him. Yes, he might be good." Withrow smiles. Bingo. "Ah. Patrick Roundtree? And how might I contact him? Or is the phone book to be trusted here?" You say, "He's reachable through the Inn, I believe." Maya rises slowly. You say, "I hate to cut this short.." You sense Chloe watches your every move Withrow smiles, shaking his head. "My apologies for taking so much time. I do appreciate your acceptance of me into your Domain. Clan Giovanni is grateful, as well." Maya smiles. "If you have further questions, I'll be happy to answer them at another time." Withrow rises from the chair, pushing it back under the table. There's a precision of movement which he doesn't generally employ in public. His 'look' doesn't match the body language, somehow. All part of the Masquerade, acting a bit more...personable when infront of the Kine. "Of course. Thank you, again." Chloe smiles at Withrow as if she'd like to retain him for a moment Maya smiles and makes her way out, hand resting on the drum. Chloe smiles, nods her goodbye to Maya
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