Golden Shadows [Open]

[themascura]

Lucien begrudgingly "helped" the other vampire into his chains, disappointed he hadn't be allowed a chance to participate in the fight. It was a shame, especially with the way Steele had been bothering him lately, that he hadn't been allowed to vent a little frustration. Once the German was safely ensconced in his chains, Lucien turned his attention to the other guest.

"I am Lucien." He introduced himself, full of swagger and charm, as if the werewolf should consider himself lucky to make the acquaintance of one so amazing as himself. He dropped his hand toward the werewolf once he released Connor's, intending to shake with the man as well. Connor gave the bigger vampire a concerned look and glanced over his shoulder at Maximus. Susa and Lucien were bound to get in trouble for bothering the new guy. Connor stepped forward, squeezing himself between Lucien and Connell and nodded.

"Aye. Can I getchye anythin'?" He offered, attempting to pull Susa off, all the time scared out of his mind that the big cat would take exception and decide one of his hands looked tasty.

"Somethin' fer your headache? Aye. Asprin and water. Or perhaps scotch? I just finished a stew as well. I imagine that wouldn't go amiss on an empty belly." He offered in a friendly way, doing his best to run interference for the poor other Irishman. He knew both creatures could be ungodly terrifying, and couldn't imagine how a stranger might feel with the tender affections of both focused on him at the same time.

[Avenant]

Con studied the vampires, and after witnessing the promptness in the manor's servants he was convinced that they were all nothing less. He supposed. He knew the rumors, and had some time back been quietly informed that the rumors were true. He was already building his case, taking another moment to garner final impressions as his guts unwound. Having kept tabs on the Susa, he was acutely aware of the predator's pawfalls as it drew near. That was one distinction, more for his own sanity than anything else that Connell made, in light of his duality. He considered his own kind in terms of 'he' and 'she', but an animal was always 'it'. Con still felt the need to differentiate, his human side clinging to superiority atop the depths of his baser, lycanthropic nature.

As the cat's forepaws landed atop his thighs, Connell's posture straightened, heart rate subtly elevating. He misliked the animal, though he could appreciate the raw power the beast could bring to bear. But Susa had backed him into a corner, and the man bristled at that. So he bottled the unease and met the stare the cat leveled at him. Connell was struck unpleasantly by the similarities in hue between his irises and Susa's, until his attention was taken by another voice and offered hand.

He greeted Lucien in much the same fashion as he had Connor; a firm handshake, and a curt "Connell." Con wasn't quite sure what to make of this one. Maximus seemed to trust in his abilities, which spoke depths about how competent he must've been, but Connell had yet to see why he should be intimidated. The way that Connor placed himself in between Lucien and himself, and Lucien's cocksure attitude, suggested that he should be. Sharply reminded of Susa's presence by the raspy drag of the feline's tongue across the back of his hand, he glanced down at the leopard with mild disapproval, turning his hand over. Calloused by years of manual labor, that tongue's abrasiveness was damped down enough to be tolerable. Con wasn't thrilled with Maximus' pet, but he did wave off Connor's attempts at pulling it back. It'd lose interest in him soon enough, and he'd rather not rile the beast.

"Bit o' scotch should do for me, well enough. But I'll take a pass on that stew. I'd not planned on staying for long." He replied to the question that was put to him. When the headaches started, food tended to have a nauseating effect on the werewolf, and the dull ache in the back of his head still lingered. "Thank you all the same." He added politely.

[kodiak]

Alec tugged straight the sleeves of his stylish brown sport coat even as his feet flew over the hard winter ground of the Verondi property. The Alpha made all due haste to find and join his Shepherd in a meeting with the leader of the local vampires. A creature of the wilds, if only part time, Alec was aware in the core of his being that it was critical that the wolves Alpha not appear worried of frightened especially in situations that would rationally call for alarm.

Being a single Alpha without a mate, Alec's time was spread thin. Normally he and his mate would have made polite introductions with the vampire royalty, watching each other's backs as a matter of prudence. For a mated pair it would not look odd by any means and everyone involved would know the dance and play the social games and they would avert any appearance of a social slight, no matter how unintentional. But Alec was an Alpha without a mate. He had taken charge of the pack because he saw a need and because the force of his will and personality made it possible. Had there been a strong mated pair to oppose him, well, odds would not have been in his favor. No matter how strong an Alpha, two working together had an advantage.

Time was the reason he'd left this task to his Shepherd and now that the hour of the gathering had arrived, Alec had definitely changed his mind. If it was a bad idea for the Alpha to walk into a vampire stronghold alone, it was worse for Connell as the Shepherd to go alone in Alec's stead. Alec hadn't been in town long enough to hold strong affection for any member of the pack, but Con was his Shepherd and that alone won a paternal sort of affection from the younger Italian man. Alec was not going to let Connell walk through coals alone. Thankfully Alec's heightened olfactory senses were leading him along the path his Shepherd had walked a few minutes earlier.

He was looking to avoid trouble, not incite it, so Alec had taken a moment to observe the social niceties. Cradled in the crook of his elbow rested an old bottle of Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. It was from the Durban family cellar, guarded against the silly ban on demon liquor and from the temptation of lesser families. He himself had only two bottles, but parting with one of them was a small sacrifice for the goal of making nice and protecting his new family.

When the scents of his second and several vampires rose stronger in his nose, Alec slowed his steps to a dignified stroll as he entered the garden. He leaned back on his heels as he took in the full view of the gardens, the animals in cages, a vampire in silver chains, a few of the local Warren and their Emperor, Maximus. Also Connell with a damned leopard half in his lap. His Shepherd was trying to play it cool, and was doing a very good job, but Alec could read the posture and knew the other werewolf would not choose to be so close to the giant cat.

Of course any action which called attention to that preference would be unwise. Alec instead chose to stand several degrees of arc away from Connell and the cat, giving the physical message that his Shepherd could certainly take care of himself and Alec was absolutely not on a rescue mission of any sort. Keeping his posture respectfully perfect, Alec gave a small nod of his head as a formal greeting to the other leader. He was also decidedly acting as a second, distinct target instead of blurring himself and Con into one easy attack. No need to invite trouble.

“I apologize for arriving late, but pack matters that had needed my personal attention have now been squared away. I'm sure you understand,” he spoke calmly to the leader, Maximus. It was quite easy to identify him in the way the Emperor dressed and held himself. All of the other vampires either respected him or were being persuaded to do so. “I'm Alec Durban, the new Alpha and I'm very pleased to meet our neighbors.” He set the bottle of fine wine on the nearest stone bench with a tip of his head. He was not going to move toward the vampires when they were wound tight from a near fight with each other, and he wanted to be able to use the wine as a distraction or weapon if need be, so he stayed close to is without actually hovering. “A small gift to show the packs appreciation for our continued friendship.”

He let his hand rest behind his back so he could stand in a position that looked casual, but would let him move or fight quickly if need be. As far as he could read, every other man in the garden was in a similar posture except poor Con on account of the big damn cat.

[cromag410]

Growled as he shrugged off that trench coat of his. Hitting the ground with a loud thump. Growl leaked through his shark-like teeth. The rows or triangle teeth were perfectly suited for his feeding and for eating. "Rebel? REBEL? Aufrührer[/b? How dare zjew! Eim no Aufruhrer! Stand in my pozition! Ei ahm a Millenia old! In a strange land, viss all kinds of creatures! Zen ei meet ze rulehr of zees land and now ei'm here?!?!" Growl was given as he shook his head. "Fine, vatever! Vatever makes zjew safe and sound vissin zjewr coffin!" German accent laid upon that bass voice of his. Predatorial growl ever present through his speech. Max was right in treating Bern as he did, as Bern was very dangerous.

When his form was revealed to wearing snug but comfortable wear, it was not hard to see he was a warrior in his previous life. Broad shoulders, thick muscles, and dead veins poking through the skin where it showed. Grunt was given as he felt those chains latch onto his wrist. For the time being, and even while he was admitting defeat, that fearful and predatory aura subsided around him. Bern had a modicum of control, though a solitary life had made him......arrogant. Growl given as he felt his physical prowess leave him, feeling as if he was sick with some kind of sickness. Grunt given as he swayed a bit, even as steady as it was it was strange to him. Shake of his head given a couple more times as the magic worked over him. Shark teeth retracted into his mouth before he sat back on his knees. Growls still echoed from his mouth.

Ears still picked up on everything about him, the physical sapping seemed to heighten his senses. Body naturally compensating as his undead nature registered that he was under the influence of a threat. Ice blue eyes gazed down at the ground as he felt a millenia of strength leak from his body and make him weaker than a human. Soon the once fiesty Noktuku was reduced to nothing more than a dangerous yet weakened cornered cat.

Head bowed and let his hair cover his face, finally falling silent as his growls subsided. Reserving his energy, but not erasing the defiance and hate out of his eyes. Feeling that he had been wronged, but he was in no position to voice this, much less enforce this. Max was way too big of a threat to just focus on the others, and if he didn't focus on them all he'd be swamped.

There he knelt on both knees with bowed head and bound limbs.

[Krepta]

"I don't sleep in a coffin," Maximus responded dryly, but that was all the German vampire got out of him, at least verbally. Physically, the Emperor towered over his prisoner in a stance that screamed dominance. Perhaps it was purposeful, like an alpha wolf and his lesser, or perhaps it was merely instinct. After all, it seemed Maximus and his sometimes furry guests weren't as different from each other as each group might like to think. Either way, it was very clear that Maximus was angry. Not only had their newest visitor derailed a very important meeting of his, but he had made him look a weak before his guests as well. Certainly, the battle hadn't lasted long, but the damage had been done all the same, and beyond this, the man had yet to properly submit. Maximus did not enjoy looking weak, and no doubt their little upstart would be feeling the sting of his wrath later, but out of the public eye.

Meanwhile, he had other things to attend to. The new Alpha of the pack, Alec, was late, which would have ordinarily been seen as a grave insult, gift or no. However, considering the current circumstances, not to mention the poor behavior of both Lucien and Susa, it succeeded only in putting them once again on equal footing. It would have to do. Still, Maximus wasn't happy about that either. Nothing was going as planned tonight!

"Susa, down," Maximus snapped. The pale man's face slipped briefly from his cool mask into an expression of barely contained rage. It was only a moment, a fraction of a second, and barely seen at that, but it was all it took to send Susa's ears flat against his head, and he was suddenly very quick to remove all semblance of contact with Con, darting between Conner's legs instead, and no doubt almost bowling over the poor Irish vampire. The great golden cat almost looked contrite, as if he knew he had been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to be. Maybe he did too; who knew just how intelligent Maximus's prized pet really was after all.

As for the other one... "Lucien," Maximus growled in a similar tone, though perhaps a little more reserved, if with effort. "Take this... problem child of ours to one of the empty cages and lock him in. You may have a little fun if you wish, but do not permanently damage him. If he agrees to oath himself to me, however, you are to leave him be. Make sure the cage is secure and that he has nothing on his person to escape with. He is to have only water until I decide otherwise." He didn't want to risk the vampire finding a way to escape, or worse, one of Maximus's own enemies finding out about him and releasing him.

Now he returned his attention two both wolves, noting with interest that they elected to sit apart rather than cementing themselves as one unit. Curious. The vampire's eyes fell on the darkly glinting bottle offered by the Alpha, and blessedly that umber gaze no longer held the predatory glint of gold he seemed to be struggling with either. It was a calm, collected gaze, though it held no warmth. Maximus was all business now, brisk and logical, though at least it was a bit of normalcy in all the strangeness. Maybe that's what he was going for.

"Alec, I wasn't sure you would be able to make it. I'm truly sorry to hear that pack business held you up. Is it anything that I could help you with...?" Maximus stooped to accept the bottle, long, callused fingers wrapping gently around it's delicate glass neck. He was truly curious as to how the Wolves were accepting their new Alpha, and he had heard rumors of some trouble within the pack in regards to him. Not all were comfortable with a mateless Wolf running things.

Of course, it was that and only that--- curiosity. Unless Alec expressly asked him for his assistance, which would no doubt be seen as weakness in the eyes of the pack, he would not interfere. He didn't care one way or another if the male who ran the pack was mated, and he did not dislike Alec either, but it was not his place to step in where he was not invited. He doubted he would be asked. Alec was having enough trouble with his pack, no doubt, without breaking the sensitive social code within. Things would be more interesting if he left it alone anyhow. He was interested in seeing just how well this new Alpha fared in the face of so much unrest.

"Anyway," he continued waving a hand, "You are here now, and we have finished with our day's own problems for now. There is no harm done. Shall I have Conner fetch you something as well? I think perhaps we should take our conversation a little ways from the cages. I wouldn't want the noise to bother you." He smiled benignly, as if he was not implying that some form or another of torture would be soon visited upon his captive. "The lilac in the west corner of the garden is particularly fragrant this time of morning anyhow. Quite a treat."

[themascura]

Lucien glanced over his shoulder with the startled look of a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. His wide-eyed, innocent blue gaze twitched from Connell to the boss and then to the German vampire kneeling on the ground. He sighed, slipping away from the Irish Werewolf, but paused briefly to smile widely at the arriving Alpha. He had his orders though, and couldn't stick around to chat... however much he wanted to. He reached down to take the lead chain attached to the prisoner's throat, waiting patiently for him to rise. Jerking him around on the end of a chain was not sportsman like, and would make a bad impression on their guests.

"This way." He gestured, indicating a small path at the back of the garden. This route was not traveled particularly often. Only the cats being sequestered for vet visits, or perhaps because it was mating season, were housed back here.

Connor, meanwhile, bowed politely to Alec as he arrived on the scene, smiling when Maximus indicated he should fetch something for the Alpha as well.

"I jus' finished a stew, and thar're a few meatpies that're still warm. I could fetcha some 'f those, or a nice mug o' somethin', if you like." He offered, eyes twinkling with ill-concealed humor. He wondered if he should offer the lead werewolf some aspirin as well. He decided just to bring the bottle back with him instead, that way it wouldn't look like he was insulting Maximus. That was the last thing he wanted to do, especially considering the display the elder vampire had just put on. Terrifying, that was. Good way to keep the help in line though, he reflected with a touch of irony, being the 'help' in question.

"Would ye like me to fetch Steele for ye, Boss?" He questioned Maximus. He wasn't sure if the big boss would want the second in command around for this sort of meeting. Steele could be useful, he guessed, but he didn't know EXACTLY what the man did for the business. The Lovers generally weren't kept informed of such matters, being servers and the like, and thus very low down on the totem poll.

[Avenant]

The surge of niceties directed his way had been met amicably, the stout man slipping back into 'game face'. The narrowing proximity of the younger Werewolf prompted it. Whatever Connell's thoughts on having a pack Alpha nearly half his age, he kept them firmly to himself. This was neither the time nor the company, for that. It rankled, that Alec didn't see him as being equal to this simple, yet important task. Con would have to remember to praise his leader's decision, it being proper if not inconvenient. It meant he'd have to tuck his personal agenda deeply away and hope to catch Maximus' ear another time. Ah, well. Connell set one of his hands palm down atop his knee, grunting softly as he got to his feet. He kept his saliva-damp hand at his side, turning at the waist to retrieve his hat.

Con's nostrils flared, subtly, the other were's presence made known. He turned to face his pack leader, one eyebrow lifted questioningly in spite of the approving nature in his eyes. It approximated favorable impression towards the other werewolf, silent applause in his curt nod. "I'd hoped y'might make it." At that, he'd leave the two leaders to their conversation, his quiet footfalls carrying him in a roundabout manner towards the western corner. His route was still warily circuitous, of the chastised but still lurking leopard. Connell stopped several paces from the bench he'd been seated upon, lifting his hat to his head and pressing it snug. He lingered with back turned, both to wait for the promised aspirin and scotch, and to listen. . Con was also interested in just how well Alec navigated the situation.

Idly, Connell scratched the stubbly scruff along his jawline, acutely aware of the tiny ache-pulse he could feel in his molars. He reflected on recent events as two sets of footfalls receded deeper into the garden, accompanied by the scuffing rattle of chain. Quietly, he envied the resources at Maximus' disposal. After the war... and recent events - his recollection of such conjuring up a brief, private grimace - the pack was dangerously depleted. If Con were still a praying man, he'd have prayed that bit of information hadn't gotten out. Grimace faded into a self-depreciating smirk; private joke playing out behind humorlessly curved lips. So he waited, and listened... letting his Alpha make their next move, and preparing himself to react accordingly. Appearances must be upheld, after all.

[kodiak]

Alec paid attention to all the pieces on the figurative chessboard as introductions of a sort unfolded. Maximus was speaking with the cool courtesy of a man clearly in control of his people. It was easy to be polite when you didn't have to worry about catching a knife between your ribs when your back was turned. Of course any leader worth his salt would project that image to discourage any Brutus and Cassius imitators, even if it wasn't in keeping with the facts. The Emperor of the Warren would certainly have enemies both openly and under the cover of friendship. Alec could completely identify although he lacked the vast wealth of bodies set to do his own bidding. Seemed they were all in costume wearing various masks at this gathering, except possibly the cat... Souza, he thought Maximus had called it. By force of sheer will he kept himself from whistling the opening to “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The vampire would not have named his pet after the king of march and Alec's irreverent sense of humor would be wholly inappropriate.

Instead he nodded solemnly to Maximus but saved heavy topics for later.

The next player had been called Lucien by the Emperor. The wide smile he turned to Alec before he led a problem vampire off to some manner of torment was a tiny bit unsettling. Alec vowed to keep his ears and nose aware of Lucien's movements. He might be harmless and friendly, but Alec was not going to test the possibility.

The Irish vampire seemed openly amused by Alec and Con. The Alpha wanted to just refuse all food and drink offers, but this meeting needed to continue to appear social and not openly partisan. “Thank you, Connor, was it,” Alec addressed the man in his own outgoing, friendly tone. “A mug of whatever you're bringing for Connell would be much appreciated.”

Alec was also very aware of his own Shepherd. He had seen the nose twitch and the careful control Connell was using over his facial expressions. He had no doubt that it was difficult for the older wolf to have an upstart as the front man for their pack. If his cousin had been placing odds on the pack alliances, Alec would have placed a sizable wager that Connell would have backed any other wolf over Alec. It didn't bother him, though. He was the new wolf in town and he was young, and if he took any opinions personally, he would spend all his time being insulted or preparing to be insulted to the point that he wouldn't get anything done.

He followed Maximus to the West side of the garden, taking a path that was more of an arc than a line so that he passed close to Connell. “I'm glad to be here, but you had everything under control,” he told the older wolf. “I'm here to look pretty and pay attention to anything we agree to with the Warren. I don't want to undermine our good relations because of avoidable ignorance. Even so, I'm sure that the Emperor is fully aware that you are the brains of the operation.” He spoke loudly enough for both Maximus and Connell to easily hear him. He wasn't saying anything that a thinking person couldn't conclude on their own in two and a half seconds of distracted pondering.

“No really,” Alec said frankly and openly to the movers and shakers still with him, “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it. Or that's what President Roosevelt had to say on the matter. Worked out pretty well for him, so I think I'll give it a try.” Alec offered an openly hopeful smile to Connell. “Maxwell, it is certainly a pleasure to meet you, but our Shepherd is certainly better versed on the comings and goings of the pack right now. Any conversation without him would be a waste of breath. I hope you won't be offended that I need him involved.”

[cromag410]

Grumbled lowly and loudly within his throat and chest. Among them all Bern probably was the most bestial and wild of them all. Connell, Alec, Maximus, Lucien, Conner, even Susa were all behaving themselves and putting on faces of obedience, calm, and civility. Bernhardt was like a wild animal literally in chains. Muscles swelled underneath his bonds as he resisted them, testing them to their very limits. Lifeless veins bulged upon his skin as he tried to summon all the strength that was being sapped out of him. Triangular shark-like teeth replacing the normal human-like teeth that he had.

Huff given as he managed to get up by rocking backwards onto his toes then onto his heels and standing straight up. More than likely he was the tallest person there, even taller than Lucien. Ice blue eyes flickered from each and every person and creature there. Taking in their features, programming their smells, and catching their voices and names. Grunt and growl given as his chains were pulled upon. "Einfach jetzt, Sklave. Was ist die Eile?" Deep chuckle given after his statement.

Large form lumbered along behind Lucien as he made his way through the woods and over the trail. "Vampires zat do not sleep in coffins? Vat is wrong vees zees vorld?" Mumble given to himself as he shook his head. A loner vampire, and a very old one, lost in a world without any semblance of anything he remembered. "Next zing zjew are goink tew say is zat ve don't drink blood!" Growl given at the mere thought, though a quick shake of his head to calm himself one last time.

Keen ears didn't pick up all of their conversation, footsteps and the sound of nature clogged his sensitive ears. It appeared that Max had the local werewolves and possibly any other creatures bending their knee to him. Amiable, perhaps, maybe even respectable. Though the German Barbaric Noktuku wasn't going to give up that oath so easily and without a little fun. Soft chuckle given as he moved behind Lucien, purposely stumbling and falling at odd angles. Making himself a burden to Lucien.

[Krepta]

Maximus didn't seem to pay much attention to the departing vampire at all. His fate was in Lucien's hands now, poor fool. It was though, what he paid him for, though Maximus was sure that he would joyously do his job without any payment at all. It was part of the reason he kept the vampire on such a tight leash. If let to his own devices, well, who knows what terrors would be wrought on the poor innocents around him. Thankfully, the Emperor had won the ancient psychopath's respect long ago, in an event not too different from the one currently being played out with the German vampire. Now, the only one who had more power over the Devil than himself was his Priestess. Luckily for Maximus, she was clueless of her hold on him.

There would be more time to dwell on that later though. Things were calming down, the upstart was being hauled away, and he was secure in his power once again. He could smell the discomfort coming off both Werewolves, though it was not quite fear, something that he would have enjoyed even more. He knew they had gained a deeper respect for him after witnessing the incident, and would not be underestimating him now, no matter what their stoic expressions implied. Good. Let them know the full extent of his power. Perhaps they would think twice the next time their Wolves wanted to rally against him. Last time had not ended well for those unfortunate individuals. He disliked wanton killing, but he would not have his place challenged. Those who crossed him would fall, one way or another. He wanted to make that very, very clear before there was a need for such violence again.

He had begun to stride ahead of them towards the other side of the garden, when he realized that the Alpha of the Wolves was still speaking to him. He wanted to bring his second? Fine. It wasn't as if it would make much difference. The younger Alpha might even benefit from an older Wolf at his side, though he couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until this older Wolf usurped him. Either way, it wasn't his concern, as long as their treaty was maintained and he and his own remained the highest power in the valley.

The name he used though, made him pause, and a brief grimace of annoyance flashed over his face. "Please," he rumbled, though his features remained flat, "Call me Maximus." He hated pet names. Though perhaps Alex has simply yet to learn his name. A pity. He would be sure he knew it well by the end of the morning. "And you may bring your Shepard if it makes your more comfortable." His voice gave up nothing as to how he felt about the Alpha's actions, and his eyes were as hard and stern as ever, but the corner of his lip twitched ever just so, a flicker of amusement, there and gone again, and easily missed if it wasn't being watched for.

He squinted up at the brightening sun as he turned away again, striding off towards a more secluded side of the garden, draped in vines and various flowering bushes, bright with life and the sound of birds. It seemed that Maximus was fairly fond of them. He fought a yawn as he walked, frowning up at the intense South Dakota morning that was slowly but surely spreading across the bright blue sky. Morning was not the ideal time for him, but he had picked this time of day himself. He would not be bound by the sun, nocturnal or not, and he was determined to prove so.

As he moved, he brushed past Conner, depositing the Alpha's expensive gift in his open hands. "Leave this in my study," he ordered casually. "I will decide what I would like to do with it later." It was doubtful that he would drink it. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy a little drink here and there, but the bottle would better serve him up for sale within The Dregs. He could charge nearly anything he liked for such a rarity, and people would pay the price. Maximus was a businessman before a man of pleasure, and such an opportunity could not go overlooked. It seemed that he was indeed pleased with the Alpha's gift.

[themascura]

The Emperor lifted his hand and Conner jumped to obey, catching the alcohol as it dropped into his palms. He caught Maximus's reflection for just a moment in the dull glass. A stern, dark man captured against the delicate blues, pinks and golds of a dawn. It was quite the contrast and more than enough reminder for Conner that the boss was a man of darkness, whatever the time of day.

The Irishman took himself off in a flash, carefully depositing the bottle in the study and hurrying to the bar, where he snatched one of the better-- but not the best-- bottles of scotch they had for sale. He rifled through the cabinets beneath the bar, pocketing the bottle of Asprin beneath the treated wood and grabbing up a pair of freshly cleaned glasses. He paused to gather a small bucket of ice as well. Wouldn't do to have warm Scotch for the guests, after all.

With all the pieces of the puzzle gathered, he rushed back to the garden, using the speed given to him as a vampire to do all of this in a handful of minutes.

"Sirs." He bowed at the waist, waiting for them to arrange themselves in the colorful alcove before he began to pour the drinks. He offered the first glass to his own employer, knowing Maximus would likely refuse the drink, and prepared to offer the glass to the Alpha next. The asprin and the last drink would go to the Shepard, who was looking a little rough around the edges. Poor sap. Looked like he was hungover and suffering from quite the headache. Conner winced sympathetically and offered him a charming little smile.

They didn't call the servers at the dregs the 'Lovers' for nothing.

---

Lucien nodded quietly as the German spoke to him, muttering about coffins and blood. He gave him a predatory smile in answer, knowing the creature behind him would understood it was in the company of a kindred spirit. Although Lucien didn't always like pain with his fun, but it was a nice little treat on occasion.

"Oh no. We like blood here." He softly corrected the other vampire before lifting his head and beginning to sing in a deep baritone. He sang an old sea shanty, one known to the world as "What to do with a drunken sailor" and filled with all sorts of horrible solutions to the aforementioned problem.

[Avenant]

(Very sorry for the slow reply time! An incredibly busy weekend spilled over into my week.)

Con's ears picked up the captive Vampire's speech, but his mind could do nothing with it. It put a brief furrow in his eyebrows, Connell's head turning as Lucien began to sing. He had his doubts, as to whether he'd see the foreigner again. When Alec started speaking to him, his attention diverted. He listened, and accepted his Alpha's placation with a smile and a nod, both perfunctory. It was of some relief, though, having another of his pack nearby. Inwardly, he basked in the calm -if nothing else, it slowed the pulse his headache had grown - as outwardly he replied. "Just glad that the brains have other vitals t' help keep the body breathin', again." He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he turned to follow Alec and Maximus. "And besides that," he continued, "Best place for a leader's leading. You're right where you ought be."

Stopping a few paces behind the two, he closed his eyes for a moment. A heavy inhale carryied a wealth of earthy, flower-spiced information through his nostrils and into his brain. It wasn't unpleasant, hands flexing impulsively in his pockets as he exhaled. But it was tainted. Death. Bloody, traumatic death. Old, the screams long into silence, but there it was. Lingering. Old, but it made his tongue clammy in his mouth. Connell couldn't help but wonder what the flora here had been fertilized with.

"So," He began, his voice brisk. "Not t' be wasting your time, but... we've sorted our internal problems. No blood in th' streets, no open warfare," He paused, lip curling in a lopsided, wry smile. "Not even a black eye, assent was that sound, once we found th' right man." It couldn't hurt to remind Maximus that, though younger than usual, Alec's ascent went without serious challenge. He could take from it what he would. "We're prepared t' let the unsavory bits o' this last year go, if-" Connell's voice died, as Conner returned.

He endured the interruption with polite patience. As he waited, he kept a surreptitious eye on Alec, still seeking a better sense of his new leader. He knew the previous Alpha pair, and their methods, well enough that they hardly needed ask Con to do something. It was done beforehand. The transition had been... difficult, so far. His musings were dashed, as Conner offered him the pills and drink. The proprietary part of him wished that it wasn't too early to start drinking, but the realist in him downed the pills, liquor soon to follow. "Sláinte..." He said under his breath, and drank. Jaw remained tight for a moment as the warmth buoyed him, leaving him with a subtle smile as he lowered his glass. "Thanks.", he said simply, an appreciative nod shot Conner's direction.

"That said," He again spoke to Maximus; the other foot was beginning to fall. "There are certain vacancies, that we're looking t' fill." He paused, the levity that'd he'd indulged in falling away. "And Timber Ridge isn't a big community. That blood in th' streets I'd mentioned? 'S in nobody's interest, but we need more people." He paused, the werewolf sampling a bit more of the gold in his glass. "We need t' create a draw. Somethin' t' get turnable people passing through. Work project... festival... makes no nevermind. And why, pray tell, have I brought this t' you?" He asked, flexing his rhetoric. "Because you've th' experience... and th' depth o' pocket, t' help make our necessity a reality."

[kodiak]

(Sorry this took so long, math plus plague have ganged up on me)

Alec walked with Con and Maximus to the far side of the garden. He accepted the glass from Connor with a nod and deliberate eye contact as he murmured his thanks. Hired help were people too, people who could very easily knife an arrogant fool if he paid them too little heed. Alec liked to pay attention to everyone in a room (or garden) whenever possible. The sounds from the farther reaches of the ground were distracting, but he focused his own poker face and made a point to act as though he didn't hear anything out of the ordinary.

Alec had also been watching Maximus' face when he slipped the vamipre's name, and was rewarded with a few subtle tells around the cracks of the much older man's own poker face. Names and titles mattered, check. the vampire was also deliberately and unfailing polite, and he had chosen to meet them in the bloody morning. that was an interesting point to make. It was also damned impressive that Maximus could make the point at all, so Alec decided to reserve judgment about vanity and arrogance.

He tilted his head, not quite showing surprise at Connell's interest in tourism, but a definite interest at the angle the other wolf was approaching the topic of needing people. He had nothing to contribute to the conversation, yet. Connell and Maximus would each know the recent history to be able to discuss what work projects might bring in laborers seeking a steady paycheck and what activities had happened in the past few years that might be a draw. If they wanted a festival of some sort, Alec would then be carefully reluctant to share that he knew a few things about recurring events, both legal and illicit, socially acceptable or fraying the edges of good taste.

(This post brought to you by the Dyson companies. Never lose suction)

[Krepta]

Maximus inclined his head. His expression relayed neither approval nor disapproval at the Werewolf's request. He listened to Lucien's distant song and the other vampire's receding shouts as he mulled over it. It was not, in it's essence, an unreasonable request. After all, every creature that walked the planet sought to procreate in one way or another. A Werewolf seeking to swell the numbers of his pack was no different really, if perhaps the process was a little different.

No doubt to Conner's surprise Maximus accepted the drink offered to him as he continued to consider. In light of such a meeting, to refuse the drink shared between the two other men might come off as an insult of sorts, mentally placing his own status above theirs. As it was, he was, and least in his mind. While the Wolves followed their Alpha, and the Herd their Hart, it was quite evident within the valley who really held the leash. However, he had already done his show boating for the night, and he was seeking to rebuild ties with this new Alpha, not rub salt in old wounds.

Quietly, he took a sip, then set the glass down on the table in front of him. The ice in the cup clinked softly against the glass as they were jostled about. Leaning forward, he folded his hands before him and frowned at both Wolves.

"I trust you understand the weight of what you ask me," he said darkly.

While he understood the plight of the Wolves, he had the safety of his own people to consider as well, as well as the general well being of the town and it's Preternatural population itself. While Wolves, in theory, could be natural born, most Wolves were turned. A need for new Wolves meant a drop in the local human population, and beyond that, not everyone survived their first change. If too many humans began to go missing, people would start to get suspicious. The last thing he needed was to dissuade an angry mob of superstitious farmers. They already weren't too fond of his presence here as it was.

Breathing through his nose, he leaned back. "Moreso, if I help you, what will I get in return? There is much risk to me and my own, and very little benefit." One of those elegant eyebrows rose, challenging. He wasn't outright denying him his request, but at the same time, he would need a little juicier of a carrot dangling on the end of his metaphorical stick if he wanted The Emperor's assistance.

[themascura]

Conner waited in the shadiest corner of the room, loose-limbed and relaxed, ready to leap to whatever command he was given. The Boss didn't like his people to be slow or clumsy, especially when he was showing off for the guests. He wandered off briefly to grab a few tarts off of the cooling rack in the kitchen. Only the blueberry and strawberry were cool enough to eat yet, but he had a feeling that his guests weren't picky, if they did choose to eat either of the treats.

He was back again almost as quickly, but not quickly enough to escape Steele's watchful gaze.

The taller, bulkier man noticed the Irishman dart in and out of the kitchen, pilfering a few of the sweets as he did so. He knew that Conner hadn't made the tarts for any particular reason- or so he had claimed. Where was he going with them in such a hurry now, then? He rolled his shoulders and got to his feet, dropping his hat onto his head as he did so. It wouldn't be hard to follow Conner. The tarts were still warm enough to leave a trail of fragrance in their wake.

Was it a girl? Steele scowled momentarily, wondering if Conner was harassing Krepta again. The man meant well, but Krepta seemed like the sort who minded attention like that. A lot. He quickened his pace, hoping to every higher power he could think of that Conner wasn't entertaining someone- especially Krepta- in Maximus's gardens. The closer they got to one of the shaded pavilions, the more he began to worry.

What he found momentarily stopped him in his tracks. Maximus was up. Not only up, but entertaining. In the garden. His ears caught the retreating strain of Lucien's song, and the quickly fading shouts of some creature, accompanied by the very distant sound of clinking metal. What had gone on here? Had someone attacked Maximus? His eyes narrowed briefly, but the two men across from his employer didn't seem aggressive... or badly beaten. He gave them an assessing look, and then looked back at Maximus questioningly, just as Conner half-danced across the shaded alcove to the guests, offering each a sweet, whip-cream topped tart.