|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 3, 2016 17:02:22 GMT -5
A handsome town car pulls over along the edge of Pine Island Park. The rear passenger-side door opens, and Prescott Thatcher von Lieberman -- dressed in an expensive, all-white suit, departs lazily from the rear passenger. "I'll walk home, thank you."
A husky voice from the driver's seat calls out to him. "Sir... should you not be more... discreetly dressed?"
Prescott turns and smiles. "Mr. Miguelis, when dealing with a woman who can appear out of thin air, why would I be interested in practicing artifice?" He winks. "When dealing with such a fantastic element, I recommend doing the opposite. Let anyone seeking me out feel welcome. You'll see me under the spotlight."
The car drives away and Prescott saunters breezily towards the center of the park, near the most well-lighted area, as if he didn't have a care in the world. His presence almost screams for attention. |
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 3, 2016 18:55:30 GMT -5
The night is peaceful and calm as Prescott moves easily through the park. The ambient light of the moon and the nearby streetlights illuminate the paths until they wander deeper into the wooded area of the park.
As he nears Pine Island Pond, he can make out the silhouette of a figure on the banks of the waterfront. It appears to be hunched over or seated. Drawing nearer, the moonlight reflects upon the water and he is able to make out the distinctive features of his host. Addy turns to him with a smile as he approaches, pulls herself to standing and demurely brushes the twigs from her vintage coat.
"Mr. Von Lieberman," she greets him and extends a gloved hand, "I am delighted that you came."
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 3, 2016 21:13:04 GMT -5
"The pleasure is all mine, my dear. I'd been waiting for a chance to break away from my more stuffy kindred. And you never bore me." He reaches into his coat pocket, produces a pipe. "I trust things have been going well in your new position?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 4, 2016 17:17:25 GMT -5
"Such as it is," she mumbles before motioning for Prescott to join her on the grassy shore of the pond. The spot she indicates is a particularly lush looking patch of new spring grass, vibrantly green and cushy looking. She eases herself down gracefully into a cross-legged position then looks up at his pristine white suit.
"Oh dear, I hope you find this meeting place accommodating to your fashion sense, Mr. Von Lieberman?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 5, 2016 18:13:28 GMT -5
"Please -- you need not worry. I knew what I was getting into..." quick as a flash he removes what appears to be an ordinary handkerchief, which, upon being unfurled from the sleeve, unravels into a larger and larger space.
"Are you partial to this place? Seems a rather popular locale with its usual denizens... can I offer you anything? I do not know if you partake in sherry or other more humane recreational affairs, as Miss Knight does." He offers a cigarette, as a courtesy.
"I must admit I found your message intriguing. If it's down to business, I'd be thrilled to hear what you're offering."
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 5, 2016 18:51:09 GMT -5
Addy shuffles slightly to allow for Prescott to spread his amble handkerchief beside her.
"How delightfully gentlemanly of you to offer," she replies to the proffered cigarette. "Sadly, I must decline. I no longer have any taste for mundane indulgences, but please feel free to partake yourself."
She folds her hands demurely in her lap before continuing.
"To business, then? I believe you were in the market for information. I happen to excel at acquiring rare and interesting tidbits, so I thought we might be able to make an arrangement. Tell me, Mr. Von Lieberman, what nature of information do you seek?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 6, 2016 11:36:56 GMT -5
Prescott drops his breezy façade. "Straight to business indeed," he says frankly. "Dominik Yuroslav's offer of temporary truce is the most interesting thing to happen to this domain since the fire. I say 'interesting' because I'm easily bored. The fire that destroyed both Prince and Primogen was significant – but far from unique. The archon's arrival just as much so. But this offer of peace?" Prescott gives the first genuine smile of evening in spite of his character. "I will be blunt: I want to know why he did it. Yuroslav, that is. There is no way the Sabbat are willing as a whole to put aside centuries' worth of unsettled scores and calls for eternal vengence. So I ask you, Miss Beck: what circumstance could possibly cause the Sabbat leadership to offer a truce? When their enemies are at their weakest? I'd like to know."
He returns the easy smile. "Naturally, such a task is far from easy – but perhaps not as daunting for the right person. I think the answer will be rather plain. I have my suspicions – but I need proof. Dennis Raclin and two other informants of mine who wish to remain anonymous have given me some parts of the puzzle..." he suddenly turns and gives Addy a wink. "But they are not bonafide experts in villainy." He smiles, raising a prominent brow. "I am not one for false pretenses. If you are able to provide me with a clear picture of the circumstances that led Yuroslav to offering a truce, I will pay more than a worthy price for it. I also do not balk at intrigues. I am happy to court controversy, and if you're looking for a more devilish way to take advantage of the situation here in Manchester..." he gives a telling smile. "I only ask that you keep it entertaining. I will be all ears. After all, I never fail to appreciate ambition when it comes my way." Prescott leans back breezily.
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 6, 2016 19:48:25 GMT -5
Addy listens to Prescott's story intently, nodding in understanding. When he concludes, she sighs heavily. "We have many of the same concerns, Mr. Von Lieberman. I agree that all these coincidences are too succinct for my tastes. Nature is chaotic and our existance absurd, so when the pieces fall together as neatly as this, there is clearly a puppet-master who arranged it thusly."
She looks out over the waters of the pond pensively. The moonlight winks off the ripples created by the light breeze blowing through the trees.
"The question is, *who* would benefit from such a truce? Once we find the answer to that, the path to our enlightment is made clear."
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 7, 2016 10:06:34 GMT -5
Prescott smiles. "Does that mean you're interested in looking into the matter? My offer still stands. If you can find out who is really benefiting from this so-call truce, I would make sure it is worth your while."
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 9, 2016 18:48:04 GMT -5
"Oh I do so love it when things are made worth my while," Addy answered with a grin. "But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's be utterly clear so as to eliminate any future misunderstandings. What information in particular do you seek? The name of the Prince's murderer is a tall order."
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 9, 2016 19:07:14 GMT -5
"Never fear, my dear. That name, while definitely worthy of a grand price, is not what I am asking for -- at least, not with highest priority. No. What I am looking for is more crucial: I want to know who in the Sabbat thought it was a good idea to offer us a truce, and why. You see, there are old rivalries between us, to put it as lightly as possible. There are certain people within the Sabbat who would rather cease to exist than put aside their scores with us. Yuroslav's scourge, for example. So I know, if anything, that there are dire circumstances forcing Yuroslav to make such an offer if it is sincere. I want to know what those circumstances are. And if anyone can give me the information I need, I have no moral qualms with compensating them for it." He puffs on the pipe. "I'm sure you understand my interest is purely logical. There must be a reason why the Sabbat would offer us a truce. I want to know that reason. And I'm willing to pay to get it."
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 12, 2016 19:26:46 GMT -5
She meets Prescott's gaze and holds it a long minute while she appraises his sincerity and considers his offer.
"Very well, Mr. Von Lieberman, it seems we have an understanding. We have a mutual enemy and I am prepared to put my full resources into your service." She smiles and extends a gloved hand for a business-deal hand shake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 12, 2016 21:29:33 GMT -5
Prescott attempts as light a touch as possible, but his hand is harder than stone. Nevertheless, the gesture is genteel -- and irrevocably practiced. "Remember, Miss Becke -- I am not asking your trust. You make no qualms about what you are -- you carry a business card advertising it." He smiles in spite of himself. "We are kindred spirits, even if we have ultimately different goals. But I assure you in spite of my facades, I am always appreciative of a good villain." His manners are impeccable, and he inclines his head in a sign of respect. "Whatever side your playing, I cannot promise neutrality -- but I can at least promise I will follow your escapades with interest."
|
|
|
|
Post by Addy Becke on May 13, 2016 15:31:47 GMT -5
She smooths the invisible folds of her glove as she withdraws her hand from his.
"Side?" She feigns surprise at his accusation. "My dear sir, I have laid my loyalties bare from the beginning. Just because one engages in villany does not make one a villain. Sometimes the ends justify the means, especially if they are a noble cause such as this.
Hear me this: I have a deep and unyielding loathing for the Sabbat that is yet unquenched. Working against them will give me great satisfaction."
|
|
|
|
Post by Prescott Thatcher v Lieberman on May 24, 2016 19:02:19 GMT -5
"Wonderful! But do not feel the need to explain yourself to me. I am not so judgemental." He smiles.
OOC: sorry I completely missed this response when it was posted. ^^;
|
|
