Elysium

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon watched very carefully her body language. She clearly enjoyed his flattery yet she kept her guard up, clever. Might not be a total loss, then again he had not even bothered to use his Presence, not that he had a great command of that particular Discipline but still. Archon once more flashed her with a dazzling smile and listened as she spoke his eyes gazing into her own

"Is Prince Winters active, or has he been...absent of late?" Archon said with an almost dangerous air about him "And what of Francesca? Please my dear, if you have any information about my Clansmen I would be....most appreciative." Archon said seductively running his index finger of ther back of her hand with just as seductive of a smile, hoping to lower her guard with further charm

Archon smiled as she complimented his words. "Well I can assure Miss Kelly, that my tongue is not all that I am skilled with. As for charming, I find that certain people are worth charming more than others, would you not agree?" Archon said with a smile warm enough to melt butter, and skillfully applying more charm brushed a lock of hair from her face with a wink

"Yes I dietary restrictions are quite pesky. But alas, tis one of many Ventrue burdens. I have only ever drank a mortal dry once, since I have not done so. I am very careful and I always seal the wound. As for hunting here I appreciate the offer, tis more than generous. But I do not see many here that I could feed from. I like something with....a little bit of law in the blood." Archon said taking a nonchalant look around the club.

It was about this time that her young, if brash friend allowed herself to join the two of them. Archon gave no sign that he was bothered, but wanted to strike her for her audacity. Children these days. Damn that rap music. Archon took the other woman's hand into his own and kissed her hand less for seduction as it had been with Keira and more from what seemed to be by writ. "The pleasure is all mine miss." Archon said politely

[Keira Kelly]

Keira's smile lessened as the conversation returned to the Prince and she pulled her hand slightly away from Archon's reach. "The Prince is just as active as always unfortunately. Forgive me, I do not get to see enough of Cy.. err.. Sindri, his sheriff, when the Prince's office is busy. Cy is very special to me." She had hoped Cyrus would have returned sometime in the past couple of nights. She was sure he was off on some business for the Prince still but she worried for him. She couldn't help it.

"As for Miss. Francesca," she paused as she tried to recall all that she knew about the Primogen. "Perhaps the Prince or even Anna could tell you how to contact her but.. I believe she has a high place in one of the financial businesses downtown. The BMO if memory serves which is a banking institution."

She knew that Archon was trying to get all that he could from her but she had no reason to withhold information about the Ventrue. If in fact he was here to shake things up, either with the Prince or the Ventrue Primogen, well that could be quite entertaining she thought. She would have to try to find out though, to minimize any fallout in her little circle. Conversation at this level of society could be a dangerous game and she knew she must tread carefully.

"I think you underestimate your skill with words, Mr. Hamilton." she told him with a wry grin.
Her smile though dissipated. "Killing is never a pleasant experience.. It weighs heavy on the heart."

Keira watched the stiff formality with which Archon greeting Marie, briefly wondering how old this Ventrue was. She gave her childe a look which Marie seemed to understand instantly. She headed back off towards their usual booth to wait.

"I apologize Mr. Hamilton. My childe, Marie, is new to this life and its etiquette. She is far too curious and forward for her own good..." she trailed off. "I do apologize."

"Now, what brings you to this fair city, Mr. Hamilton? Is there anything I could assist you with while you are here?" she asked. If he was indeed a power in their society, it never hurt to ingratiate yourself with said power.

[Archon Hamilton]

So she was close to the Prince, even on a first name basis. Hmmmm, this could be exploited. And judging by her response he was either gone or missing. Excellent. When in Rome do as the Romans do, unless of course Caesar is missing in action, in which case, a new Emporor must be named, Archon could think of no finer candidate then himself. It was important that the City remain in Ventrue hands after all.

"I see, it seems that Miss Fransesca is quite lofty indeed. So tell, what clans of the most members in this city, what all positions are filled in Toronto's hierarchy? I am ever so curious." Archon with a thoughtful look in his eyes

Seeing Kelly grin he could not help but flash a fanged smile the first open lipped smile she had seen from him "No my sweet Kelly I do not think that I do, for with words alone, can start wars, break hearts, and make long lasting peace. Words are a power all their in if one has the ability to use them." Archon said playfully "And I agree death is a horrible thing, something to be avoided at all costs." Archon said with a masterful lie, yet said with a stirring confidence.

As Archon went through the motions of kissing marie's hand he noticed a rather intense look of thought on Keira's face and wondered if she was thinking about the enigma of a Kindred that was sitting across from her. These little pseudo political games Archon found amusing at best. Yet ever the brilliant mind that he was he continued on.

"No, no its fine love, no need to apologize. With the rubbish that youth, Kindred and kine are filling their minds with I am not surprised things like this does not happen more often. Though I have to say you seem to have done a good job with her Accounting so for, with but a look she fled, ha ha." Archon permitted himself a rare, and even genuine laugh. Something not done in about four years. "Its been so long since I laughed, thank you Miss Kelly." Archon said with a nod

"What brings me here, that is the golden question is it not. I was sent here by Ventrue Elders on..business. Nothing to fret or worry yourself over. Just board room meetings and late night power meetings in the halls of the Ivory Tower. A game of pawns and knights, Kings and Queens...and Princes, a game of checks and and counter strokes. A game of thrones my dear. An elaborate masquerade of politics, social maneuverings, and back ally dealings. All business of course." Archon danced around the questing giving her a million half truths being the master manipulator that he was.

[Keira Kelly]

"Business, of course." Keira replied as she leaned back in her seat. "Do you Ventrue ever pause in all your business just to enjoy yourselves?" she asked with a gleam of humour. "Or perhaps you find the same enjoyment in your work that I find in my music, hmm?" she said, tilting her head slightly to the side.

"Marie is a good friend, not just a childe to me." she continued. "I love her as a sister but these Americans do not have the same.. discipline over their emotions. One must make allowances for the differences in culture." she said with a shrug. Keira felt responsible for Marie and had the need to try to explain the other's personality quirks. She smiled, thinking back to their college days. "At times it could be quite entertaining in fact."

She decided not to touch on the fact that Marie had followed her will not through any kind of discipline or power over her but merely out of respect of her friend. If this Archon had found it entertaining though, well it never hurt to break the ice in such a way. Chalk one up to Marie's personality.

"Now down to other business. The power structure. Of course, Prince Mikhail Winters runs the city.." she said though not really believing that. "Cyrus Sindri is his sheriff. As far as I know, the Prince does not keep a Seneschal. Prince Winters does not seem to like sharing his power. There is of course a Primogen for each of the major clans in the city : Toreador, Ventrue, Nosferatu, Malkavian, Brujah, Tremere... though I must say, the Tremere Primogen seems to be at odds with the Prince as of late. Politics..."

"There are also three Elysia due to the size of the city. Of course I am the Keeper of this one, another is run by a Toreador ancillae and the last by another clansman of yours." she informed Archon. "We do seem to have quite a few Ventrue in Toronto. Not really surprising I suppose as it is generally regarded as a business city..." she trailed off as her attention as caught by a band on stage beginning to play.

The music filled her so completely that all she could do was sit and let it take her over.

Self-Control
Difficulty : 6
Roll : 6,10,7,5
Successes : 3

She fought to shake it off, not wanting to be rude to her guest and was successful. "I.. apologize again. Just as the Ventrue have your.. dietary needs, we Toreador have our own vices. I hope you understand." she said slowly, still holding on to control of herself.

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon smiled at her as she asked about if Ventrue ever have any fun. Ventrue had a terribly serious reputation of being strict businessmen. He was no different. But he carried on with the social niceties like everyone else did in this lovely world.

"Always business, ha ha. Have you not heard the sayings that Ventrue are Embraced in the boardroom. But no, it is the Ventrue's duty, and privilege to lead Camirilla cities across the world. I do what I can, however I can to strengthen my Clan and the Camirilla. You asked me if I enjoy what I do and the answer is yes. In fact all work and no play makes Ventrue into Malkavians." He jested

"Well then I am pleased that you were able to Embrace one so close and valued to you. I often wished my own Sire and I had a better rapport. As for these bloody Americans, well they are a little daft to say the least. Though it would do the English well to remember that Americans were once countrymen whom rebelled against parliament. Now look at them, they everywhere, feasting and festering bloating themselves on cheesburgers and fat." Archon said a little disgusted but emotions still very well contained.

Archon listened to her looking into her eyes. Mikhail Winters so it was not the Prince she had a thing for. Cyrus the sheriff, Cyrus, Cyrus...ah the one she referred to as Cy earlier. No different, something that could still be exploited. If nothing else you should never get involved with another Kindred, you never know when ones lover would be used against them as leverage, or worse brought to Final Death as a lesson. He had taught that lesson to two Kindred in the past, and both of their lovers are also dead, what a shame.

"Its not many cities that can say they have a full council of representation for the Clans. And all these seats are filled you said, correct? Impressive. When the Prince calls Court which Elysium does he use or does he switch between the three? I am very curious. Being new and all of course, just not knew to the blood mind you." Archon said with a wink

Archon sat thinking and then the magnitude of what she said hit him "Wait, I'm sorry did you just say the Warlocks was butting heads with the Prince? Has the Prince not nipped this in the bud so to speak? When a Kindred goes against the wishes of their Prince, a person, say Johnny Brujah, could easily misconstrue that as treason and an act of anarchy. Sounds like a potentially volatile situation." Archon stated hoping that she was one to talk and such rumors would spread like wild fire.

Archon simply looked at her as she seemed completely entranced, enthralled even with the music the band was playing on stage. As many times as he had seen it, he never quite got used to that dear in headlights trance the sometimes entered seemingly at random.

"Of course I understand. No need to apologize for what speaks to your soul. We may be Kindred, but we still have souls. We still have passions and longings, like mortals do, even if they are a little harder to stir as one ages. One of the things I miss most about being Kine, the ability to drink and appreciate fine wines. So long ago. You probably were not around then I'd wager." Archon said raising his brow in question

[Keira Kelly]

Keira chuckled at Archon's little quips. "Not all Malkavians are all bad though..." she said with a smile. "From the history I've come across, we Toreador have been as much a part of leading the Camarilla as the Ventrue." she reminded him.

She nodded as he talked of his Sire. "My own Sire and I did not have the best relationship either... which was made worse by the one he Embraced after me.." she shook off the memory. "I am striving to avoid my Sire's mistakes with Marie. But enough of that. You are right though about the Americans. These Canadians are a different sort, one reason I love it so here. They are more akin to the English overall. A much more relaxed people. Apart from the roads being so straight, I could almost forget I wasn't at home at times."

Keira really did miss London.. even Leatherhead, the town just outside of London. She wondered how her parents were faring there. Despite how much she wanted to go back though, she was still worried about being recognized after all this time, especially how Marie had somehow managed to track her down and find her recently. Someone must have recognized her and reported her whereabouts to her old friend.

"It is understandable needing to know how things work when entering a new territory. Not many cities are as big as Toronto." she answered. "There are only a handful of like cities on the continent and of course, being the largest in this country, the most important financially and of best position between Camarilla and Sabbat territories, it is important have a well-filled council, is it not? Prince Mikhail does not seem to convene council very often but he prefers to 'entertain' at his own mansion." she said with some distaste though she had to admit maybe it beat interrupting her own business.

Keira chuckled again at Archon's shocked look when he realized the news about the Tremere. "Ah yes, that little gem. An.. associate of mine caused something of a rift in the power in the city. Let us say the Tremere Primogen did not appreciate this power bartering with the Prince rather than himself but the Primogen has not had the.. bravery to act publicly against Mikhail.. yet." she said with a grin. "For now it has just remained as a bruised ego, but it is rather entertaining for those of us on the sidelines. I would imagine that sparks could easily ignite a situation."

She nodded in appreciation for Archon's understanding. "Indeed, and some music truly soothes the soul more than anything else.. at least for me. Perhaps a carry-over from my once-life as a musical artist. I have heard that age makes emotions and passions harder to keep grasp of.. and you are right. I am fairly younger than the average Kindred in my position." she said, watching her guest to see how he might judge such a statement. "Although I am fairly young though, I was given this position for reasons of my lineage, my talents and my experience." she added strongly.

"There are of course many a thing I do miss from before my Embrace though..." she said with just a hint of longing in her voice.

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon listened to her speak of Malkavians and the roles of her Clansmen. "Well in my personal experience I have never encountered a Malkavian that I liked. Bad experiences with the lot of them. As for the Toreador's role in the Camirilla, indeed. Your Clan played a pivotal role in its founding right next to my own Clan. Thanks the Eldest of our Clans at their time, we have the lovely organisation that we do today."Archon said with the confidence as if he was there himself.

"I dreadfully sorry to hear about you and your Sire. At least we can take some small measure of comfort in the knowledge that we can relate to one another on that front. I am sure that I need not tell you this as I would not be so presumptuous to tell you how to rear your own childe but be careful that you do not cawdle them to much, lest they come to depend on you to bail them out of trouble whenever they so need."Archon cautioned as friendly as possibly hoping that she would not take offense.

Archon nodded at her words about Toronto and its size and needed to know how things went down. She thinks shes being helpful, well in part she is. Kind girl, its a shame the centuries will leave her jaded. And then it happened, like a hummingbird zipping by your view he caught that ever so slight tinge of disgust and loathing in the voice. Maybe he should make his move. He decided to test the waters first.

"Sounds to me like your not very fond of the Prince and his....musings. Would this be a correct guess? You can tell me I promise, this is Elysium after all, yours to boot. whatever is discussed her shall never leave here, at least not by my lips." He said probing ever so gently into what could be very murky waters.

"Perhaps then Miss Kelly, you should make better associates, more reputable and tactful. After all politics is cut throat, Kindred politics, well lets just say that statement is at least doubled. Not to mention whenever the Warlocks are involved its best to tread water rather than wear yourself out swimming, does that make sense at all, cause it did in my head. Oh no, all this bloody talk of Malkavians and now I am starting to sound like one."Archon jested with a smile.

Archon looked at her as she spoke of music and how it made her feel, to be so passionate again, but then again he was not one to talk, he was rather fanatical in he loyalty to his Clan and the Camirilla. Young she may be but at least she had passion when it came to music.

"Yes it is often said that music is like a mirror to the soul. A reflection of the artists. But all this modern music I am afraid is quite wasted on me. Its all dreadful rubbish to my ears, so sorry to say. I prefer music such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi. If it helps though if the music that you hear is beautiful and wonderful to you, then is that not all that matters and to hell what others think, be they Kine or Kindred."Archon concluded

"You may be young, true, but if one is obviously skilled to the task at hand and it helps whomever is the Prince and in turn helps the city, then as they say why fix what is not damaged. Wait no, that's not quite right, you understand what I am trying to say though right?"Archon asked the woman sitting across from him. She seemed to have relaxed more. Excellent

"Do I hear just the hint of sadness to your voice? Come what things do you miss, if I may of course be so bold as to ask Miss Kelly. I would not wish to come off ass crass or uncouth."Archon said apologetically

[Keira Kelly]

Keira nodded again as Archon acknowledged their clans' mutual contribution to the Camarilla. She also wondered yet again how old this Ventrue was. He spoke as if he had seen a lot but she was not going to be so rude as to ask outright. One such as him though must have some pull within their sect she guessed, and it never hurt to cultivate connections to those with power.

"I suspect that many Kindred share some form of animosity towards their Sires.. for one reason or another." she said slowly. "Even for those who had a choice, I doubt they would understand all they were giving up to become Kindred. Those of us who didn't have a choice, well we often gave up even more. It does help though to think of what we yet gained."

When the Ventrue asked about her opinion of Mikhail Winters, Keira paused suspiciously. "The Prince... makes his choices.. perhaps differently than I would were I ever to have such power..." she responded slowly. Despite being her Elysium as he had put it, there could always be ears listening. She did not even know where this Archon's loyalties lay nor what his intentions were.

She decided to give out one fact though, it would be up to this Ventrue as to how he interpreted it. "Misjudgments have been made, though due to misinformation. I once myself found myself in an unfortunate situation due to a decision of the Prince.. though I suppose as they say, hindsight is always twenty twenty. I understand now but being that close to the Final Death for something you had no hand in... well.. Imagine how you might feel being put in such a position." she said with a shrug. "In any case, I am and have always been wholly loyal to the Camarilla."

"Mm.. trustworthy associates are hard to come by among our society though, and trustworthy ones with powers to back their actions even rarer. I do understand your point." she replied with a slight smile. "As you said, Kindred politics is... dangerous at best. The associate I mentioned risked his own life on a few occasions to save my own for no gain. Put it this way, I trust him more than certain other Kindred." she added with a wry smile.

When Archon began to talk of music though, a sincere smile spread across Keira's face. "Don't misjudge me Mr. Hamilton. I may be 'modern' as you call it, but I enjoy the classical just as much as the music I wrote and performed. For me, at least, it is not the genre necessarily that makes music good or bad. There are perhaps only two genres that I can say I generally do not care for. I judge the piece on its own merits, not by what label it carries. But of course, to each their own. I do love Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Beethoven's Für Elize, or a Shostakovich waltz. To properly appreciate music one music appreciate the history of music, hmm?" she asked with a smile. She knew that discussion music that she loved so was probably a great weakness in her armour but she couldn't help it. She was what she was and what she had been made only added to that.

"I am always glad to be of assistance to the Camarilla." she replied to Archon's statement about her position as Keeper of Elysium. She made it a point not to say anything about of aid to the Prince. Let this one read into it what he will. "I am just glad that what I am allowed to do is something that brings me much enjoyment."

Keira waved her hand, gesturing that she was all right with his personal question. "Sadness... maybe. I might call it regret if it had been my own actions that had led me here." she shrugged. "As I mentioned, we lose much when we are Embraced. We gain much as well but perhaps I often take for granted what I have gained. I do remember what I lost though. I lost my career in music, packed venues to perform in, the need to write the music to support myself. I lost my family which I suspect many of us do... and for many years I had lost my friend whom I thought of as a sister." she shook her head as she spoke.

"I have gained a little of that back, being able to perform in some disguise here in my own club but I will never have what I once had nor realise where I had envisioned my career leading." She ran a hand through her hair. "Some careers can be carried on for Kindred after the Embrace.. but not one where they are the focus of millions unfortunately. So.. much was lost."

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon could not help but smile as she nodded. He wondered just how much of an enigma she found him to be, and if she would try to solve the puzzle that was Archon. All she had to do was ask, he would tell her the truth, well half truth as it was, after all the very best of lies were all mired in half truths. That's a lesson his Sire taught him, one that he had taken to heart.

Archon listened as Keira spoke of Sire and their childer's animosity. It was very true that especially in this day and age that Childer were growing less and less grateful for the embrace, and rebelling against their Sires. He remembered learning about the Anarch Revolt from his Sire and a repeat performance was not in the future, not on Archon's watch.

"The rift between my Sire and I was not one of animosity in the sense that I hated him for embracing me or that he regretted Embracing me. No sadly it was because...I was a better Ventrue than he was. He taught me so much, everything he knew in fact. After my accounting I was set free and I became my own Kindred. Sadly I was really skilled.

I greased the right palms, shook the right hands, paid off the right people, eliminated the rogue elements. Before either of us new it I was a rising star in the ranks of the Camirilla and Clan Ventrue. It was not like before my star shone more brightly than his, for so long I was in his shadow, now he was in mine. I was working late in my law firm one evening and lost tracked of time. SO sealed myself away in a secret cubby hole. Little did I know my Sire was giving himself to the sun.

The Day Sleep took me. When I awoke I...I no longer felt my Sire. His presence, our Bond was gone. I had never fled so fast my entire life. When I got back to our estate I found his...ashes upon the floor. I was..distraught. My Sire was like a second father to me as I lost my mortal one when I was a young man. I had never wept so hard in all my life or unlife." Archon said, and for the first time since you two have been talking you heard real, genuine emotion in his voice, a voice that wavered, quaked, his lip quivered slightly towards the end, his previous infallible confidence shattered, a crimson tear sliding down the left side of his face.

Archon making a swift recovery back to his former confident self reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a red handkerchief and dabbed the blood away from his cheek. Talking about his Sire was never easy, but why in the bloody hell had he opened up like that? That was...unbecoming of him. He had to be a little more careful. He did not want something like that to happen in the future, unless he could make this Toreador a confidante. Time would tell.

Archon picked up on the slightest hesitation from her before she answered him about the Prince. He listened and noted how careful she was with her words. A good call on her part since she new almost nothing about the man sitting before her. Was he friend or fo, ally, or enemy, asset or liability. Archon knew, of course, he would be a great ally and an asset to anyone. He simply was what he was. A Ventrue's Ventrue. He had heard One his his Clans Naonates call him. He liked that, a Ventrue's Ventrue.

"You think that maybe the Prince has made the wrong choices maybe? Perhaps going down a slippery slop of what was he thinking of late? And what would you say if another Kindred challenged his rule, claimed Praxis on his Domain. Would so support such a bold Kindred or would it depend on the Kindred in question?" Archon said casually, not wanting to let slip his true intentions, it all went back to testing those waters.

"Well, then I apologize on behalf of my Clansmen that he unable or unwilling to hear the complete story before passion down such crude judgements. I am very happy however that he chose to spare your unlife or I would have have the gorgeous company that I do now." Archon said full of charm, but not to much charm, you lay it on to thick and they can see right through you. Don't lay on enough and alas you get no where. "I would at least have made sure that I got the complete story first before I would pass my judgments IF I were Prince of course." Archon finished with a playful wink

"Well then that makes two very loyal members of the Camirilla. With Sabbat recruiters hither and thither you can never be to sure of someones loyalty. I am pleased to know that is not a concern with you, after all if you were not a member of the Camirilla, this would be a very awkward conversation to be having I think. Reminds of the Red Scare, when everyone was suspect to being a Communist. Then again neither of the World Wars were fun to be around for either, bloody bombing. Do you know how difficult it is to sleep during the day when German bombs are going off over head? Not easy let me tell you" Archon said revealing a fraction of his age to the young Toreador sitting across from him, she had been so patient thus for, even amiable that he thought she deserved it.

Archon looked her in the eyes, she having his full attention while she spoke of trustworthy associates. If she decided to hit him with her Presence, Archon was beginning to doubt if he could resist her. An interesting concept, one he hoped not to be on the receiving end of in most circumstances. He could think of a few thing he would not mind from a Toreador, especially one as interesting and enticing as this one.

"Well let me assure you, you can trust me. I was a lawyer in life, and I am one since my embraced, where I studied law, I then studied more law, but simply added Kindred law to the list as well. Perhaps you've seen or heard of my Lawfirms, they are all over the United Kingdom and the United States. Granted though in the great white north there is not much crime here but for what there is I do prosecute in the night courts. You would be surprised the doors that being a lawyer opens up. I now police, politicians, gang bangers, the social elite, and even some in organised crime. I have a very, very long reach" Archon said giving her another piece of information about him, he was incredibly influential.

Archon was once more all ears as she began speaking of her love of music, something that she was quite proud of and fond of by the sound of it. Then she not only listed off classical composers but some of their works as well. If he was capable of love he could have sworn he just fell in love.

"My dear Miss Kelly, I do so hope that you will accept my apology. I thought you to be far to modern, but clearly you are learned in truer deeper music as well. I have a very new respect for you my dear. I truly mean that." Archon said with all honesty. Not in a million years would he have expected that, not with the music that was playing at her club, he was quite pleasantly surprised. There was hope yet he thought.

"Oh yes you are very useful to the Camirlla, I mean look what you have accomplished in just a few decades of being Kindred. Imagine my dear what you could accomplish with being a century, two centuries. I do hope that you and I shall be friend, and if not friends then allies, for I have decided that I do NOT want to be your enemy. You'll be a major contender in the halls of Elysia. Mark my words. Hmmm, I can not help but think you and I would make for a hell of a smashing team." Archon said jovially, yet honestly

"I am so terribly sorry that you lost all that when you were Embraced. That must be a terribly burden for you. Having had so much, but I promise immortality does get better. I do lost much. I had a wife and a son. I have kept track of my mortal descendants. In fact I watched them buried one after another. I lost the last of my mortal kin back in 91, had a heart attack while working his vineyards. I have buried so much of my family. I know all to well the keen sting of what one can lose. Yet all is not lost, this unlife is what we make of it." Archon stated trying to bring it up to a less depressing end

"I am glad that you were able to gain a measure of what you last back. It is important to cherish what we have, after all we never know till its gone just how much we really have. So many Kindred young and old take for granted what they have, not ever realizing. Luckily I have fought fang and boot for what I have. So I know its value. And I have had returned investments many times over." He said with a smile

[Keira Kelly]

Keira listened to Archon's tale of his Sire closely, slightly envious of his once relationship with his Sire.

"How terrible.." she responded on hearing of his Sire's suicide with genuine empathy and reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm. "Losing family, whether related or not, Kindred or Kine, it is always a tragic experience... And there is no shame in feeling the grief of loss as that is what keeps us human is it not? The basis of what makes our sect different from the monsters of the Sabbat."

As the Ventrue talked of the Prince, again Keira paused, trying to ascertain who this Kindred was and why he talked of such things. Oh, she definitely wouldn't have minded Mikhail being removed from power. There was just something about him that wasn't right, something she hadn't yet been able to put her finger on.

She chose her words very carefully. "What would I say hmm?" she repeated, looking down at her hands as she considered. Finally, making her decision, she glanced up at Archon in a hooded gaze. "I am loyal to the Camarilla above all. The Prince may have granted me the position of Keeper but it is only through the Camarilla that either position exist at all. If the Prince was to.. jeopardise the organisation.." She left it at that. If this Ventrue was here on behalf of Mikhail and deemed her words treasonous, she would accept the consequences but she was adament in her support of he Camarilla.

"I.. I suspect that the Prince is beginning to lose some of his support as of late..." she replied, making sure not to point the finger at any particular individual or party.

She smiled at Archon's compliment though. "If you were the Prince." she repeated again. "If you were one to hold such power and were one to listen to those you 'ruled'.. there would be many that would support you indeed." she said carefully.

Keira listened as Archon spoke some more about himself. Pieces of the puzzle that were this Kindred were beginning to come together... assuming of course he wasn't frabricating it all. There was always that risk, especially in high Kindred society.

"A barrister, hmm? Most of my dealings with lawyers were through the music industry and the ones attracted to that area were not he most.. trustworthy individuals. A prosecutor such as yourself though, much more of a distinguished career, I'd wager." she said politely. "I'd imagine that knowing law, Kindred or Kine would be very beneficial."

Keira nodded with a smile as Archon responded to her statements about music. "Think nothing of it, though assumptions can lead or embarrassment or even disaster..." she said with meaning.

"As long as we have the same goal of supporting the Camarilla, we will be allies of course. As for friends, I would like nothing more." she replied with a smile.

She thought of his earlier statements. Was he gunning for the position of Prince of Toronto? Unlike her, he definitely had the age and seeming ambition to try. If he was, having the Prince as her friend and ally could be a great boon. If not, having another contact in her web with his apparent status didn't hurt either.

"I would venture to say that there have been no greater alliances than that of Ventrue and Toreador." she said with a graceful gesture of her hand. "A teaming sounds like a fine idea indeed." she agreed.

Keira sighed with a regretful smile. "Mortal descendants.. Something I will never have. I hope you had great joy from having those you did." she told him.

She smiled, glancing back towards Marie and thought of Cy. "Yes, we must cherish what we have.."