Just outside the Bridgestone Arena one can see straight down 2nd Avenue and the bars that line the streets along the way.  Tonight was no different than most nights, busy with drunken mortals and hunters hidden in plain sight.  Earlier there was a report of a murder somewherre along the street but that event was laready forgotten about and the drunken crowds had returned to their debauchery and blissful ignorance of events that might have ruined the night's festivities.

Still the ugly events reminded one of the rumors of issues in Atlanta and covery military operations targeting kindred.  The rumors made little sense but they were growing louder and getting harder to shrug off.  Indeed many members of various circles were already chattering about safety in numbers, fortifying positions, and additional eyes on the streets.  Still none of that mattered right now.  Potential meals were everywhere and any number of other activities were available if one were to want them.

[Private to Shad Michaels: Wasn't sure how to start you so I apologize for the blandness]

Shad had grown up further to the north and east, where the summers weren't quite as sticky and the winters were a bit more snowy. Fortunately, being dead made it a lot easier to ignore the weather, and not sweating helped a lot. He kept an eye out for a good opportunity to feed, but mostly just walked around, taking in sights and looking for something out of place.

With kindred being targeted, he'd have to be careful. Any tempting feeding target could be a trap, or they could be just an innocent club-goer out for a good time. Much moreso than the hunters, he hoped to run into other vampires. Perhaps, they would have news or information to share.

As Shad walks down the street he passes outside of The Second Fiddle and the bouncer waves him in past the small line that's forming.  All he says is, "Welcome sir.  Hasiin wil be back shortly in the meantime tell Fiona you are with the family, and remember...no outside food or drink while inside."  A few people grrumble at him getting to skip the line but not too loudly.  From within the club a rendition of "Welcome to the Jungle" is being belted out by a woman with a southern accent but its really catchy and well done...almost like a punk rock rendition and the crowd is loving it.

Though pretty packed it still looks pretty easy to move about the place and to the bar where a blond female in skimpy clothes pours shots and hands out beers.  No other explanation is given and the bouncer raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner.

Shad had a bit of a talent for looking like he belonged somewhere, even when he has no business being there whatsoever. When the bouncer waved him in, Shad flashed a winning smile at the unfortunates still in line. Like he was saying, 'don't worry, I might be skipping ahead, but at least you were here to watch'. As though they should feel privileged to have even so much as seen him. It wasn't really how he felt, but it seemed like the thing everyone would expect from some douchebag who got to skip the line, and he figured it would be best to play the douchebag here.

Once inside, he scanned the room, looking for someone who might be Fiona. He guessed she might be wherever it was they separated the VIP section from the common drunks and started making his way through the room. He had on his best 'here for a good time' face, and made it look like he was tragically missing a drink, as opposed to someone with no intention of drinking anything.

Glancing around Shad quickly realizes that this was an old school "Honky Tonk" with no VIP area.  Indeed it consisted of a small area of bar tables, the bar top, a small stage, even smaller dance floor type area, and the restrooms.  Glancing around about the only person who could be this Fiona was the blond behind the bar.  Glancing up at Shad she offers a smile and motions to a now empty spot at the bar.  Pouring three shots she picks up one glass and waits for two frat boys to pick up their shots before the three of them slam down the shots and she lets loose a rebel yell that garners a few hoots and catcalls.  Smiling she wipes down the bar and casts a quick wink at the two frat boys before leaning forward and planting a friendly kiss on Shad's cheek.

"Howdy darlin!  Welcome to the Fiddle.  Hasiin didn't tell me anyone was stopping by tonight.  Glass of wine for ya dear?  Yah...you know you want a drink to make your throat as wet as I am."

The last bit of the comment causes one of the frat boys to choke on his beer.  As he does she lsughs and casts another wink at Shad before pouring him  glass of dark red wine that, even from here, he could smeel the blood mixed within.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:04, Tue 14 July 2015.

Shad smiled appreciatively at her comment and its effect on the frat boys. He picked up the offered wine glass, raised it in salute and took a sip. After a moment's pause to savor the taste, he nodded, "Thank you, this is lovely." He leaned against the bar, gently swirling the viscous drink, and asked, "you're Fiona then? The bouncer said to tell you I'm with the family. Though I think you already knew that."

"Nope, not Fiona darlin.  The name's Mel but folks round here just call me "hey" and "you"."

Smirking she tosses an empty beer bottle into the trash and nods towards a red haired woman dressed in tight leather and with many hoops and rings decorating her exposes flesh.  Several brands and old style (carved) tattoos dot her arms and exposed stomach.  Most would probably assume new age body modification but to a trained eye it was actaully rather old modifications and a lot of it based out of the aboriginal cultures of Australia.

Glancing up she offers a tight lipped smile and a polite nod of her head before turning her attention back to her phone, which was streaming some sort of video about a shooting in the stadium.  The video ends quickly and she shoves the phone across the bar to Mel.  turning to Shad she speaks with a rough sounding Aussie accent (sorrry I cannot imitate adequately please use imagination).

"Hasiin is out tonight.  Court business and though he usually stays out of affairs that are governed there this night he had no choice.  You familiar with the rules and the owners around these parts?"

"It's a fairly basic familiarity," Shad admitted, "what do I need to know to not break the rules around here?" He figured this woman must be Fiona, not that he would know. They could all have been Fiona, or none of them, for all he knew.

"Stay West of the stadium, don't leave a mess, don't cause a scene, leave the police and strippers alone.  Otherwise enjoy."

Smiling Fiona pauses for a second before nodding to Mel and pointing towards a rather gruff looking biker type of just entered.  Mel scowls and mumbles the word shit under her breath before moving quickly towards him and grabbing his arm pulling him towards the back door.  He yanks his arm loose and raises his hand as if to hit her but stops short and shakes his head before leaning close to her ear and saying something that is drowned out by the music.  He then roughly shoves a small leather satchel into her hand before spitting on the ground and turning to leave.

"Real pleasant, that one," Shad remarked to Fiona. He took a sip of the blood-laced wine and added, "all right those are simple enough. You mind if I ask a few more questions?" He offered her his best, hopeful smile. Trying to play off having a clue when that fact was tenuous at best made things challenging. Always the sort of guy who got a lot more comfortable once he knew the rules and the players, Shad didn't have too much trouble bringing himself to ask for more info. Was it awkward as hell? Sure. Was it a better alternative than fading out from lack of blood in the diet due to not learning how the 'new' games played? Absolutely.

"Kevin Salazar...the Sheriff's man though I'm not sure why he keeps him around.  Errand boy, I guess."

Shrugging her shoulders Fiona smiles at a nearby group of young men who were staring at the scene.  Immediately she steals their attention and pours some shots of Fireball and waves them over.  Picking up one herself she slides one over to Shad and the rest to the young men.

"Sorry about that lads, Mel's old boyfriend, but let's not let that ruin our night."  Raising the shot she smiles sweetly at them causing one to pick up his glass.  "How bout a dance to go with the drink?"  His friends cheer and reach for their glasses as well.  Fiona maintains that sweet smile but tilts her head to the left and reaches for Shad's hand.  "Sorry lover but my boyfriend is the jealous type and it's our one year anniversary.  You don't want to ruin my night, do ya huh?"

The southern drawl she slipped into was obviously well practiced and sounded authentic.  The sickly sweet smile was well practiced as well...

Shad offered Fiona a warm smile, "damn right it is," he agreed, "and a fantastic year at that." He let Fiona take his hand as she seemed to want while hefting the shot she'd put in front of him with the other hand. "I say we drink to another one just like it!" Shad's gaze shifted to the trio of young men to whom he offered his best, most winning smile. There was a fair piece of silent gloating thrown into the expression for their benefit as well. It was a look he knew well, albeit one he'd more often been on the receiving end of. There was a sense of possession behind it, and a hint of challenge that turned almost predatory with him. The young men had the next move, and it was up them to make an attempt to disabuse Fiona of the notion of her 'boyfriend' or accept defeat, drink their free shots, and look for easier prey elsewhere.

Though a look of defeat spreads across his face the offered drink and challenging look bring forth a shrug followed by a nod.  Fiona pours the drinks and hefts her glass but before she can offer up a cheers the young man interrupts and looks towards Shad, "You're a lucky SOB.  To a long and healthy relationship....and to me getting as lucky one day or just lucky tonight."

Laughing a bit he drinks and his friends let out a raucuous laugh before drinking as well.  Even Fiona giggles a bit before drinking and giving Shad a peck on the cheek as Mel returns with a questioning look followed by a thumbs up to Shad (behind Fiona's back).

As she does the band launches into a rendition of Alien Ant Farm's cover of Smooth Criminal.  Surprisingly it's quite good, if you're into that type of music.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:32, Wed 31 May 2017.

"Well said, man," Shad said before taking what appeared to be a sip of his shot. "Gotta drive later," he said with a half-frown, "now why don't you three head out and see if your luck improves, eh?" He was interested in being rid of the three men so he could return to the earlier conversation with Fiona and Mel.

The lads toast, laugh, and salute Shad before eyeing Fiona and heading off into the crowd towards the stage.  Fiona meanwhile motions for Shad to follow and heads towards the back door but swings right and up some stairs.  Assuming Shad follows he finds himself entering a comfortable sitting area with a well crafted table, tastefully made of bone.  On the top of the table are numerous portfolios for a piercer and one for a tattoo artist.  Both look to be upper eschelon type work but the tattoo portfolio cover picture is an exquisitely drawn traditional dragon circled around a nearly naked woman.

Fiona claims a seat and smiles pleasantly at Shad before speaking in a great full tone, "You've done me a great service tonight.  Drunk idiots are a dime a dozen but they always remember who was rude.  Word gets out and soon the in crowd parties elsewhere.  And if that were to happen Hasiin would be none too pleased.  Thank you for playing along, that made things so much easier.  With that said, what can I answer for you?"

Shad followed Fiona upstairs and took a seat for himself when she sat. "Not the first time I've been called upon to play the jealous boyfriend," he admitted with a half-chagrined look. "There were quite a few young women in college for whom I was that 'one gay friend.' Keeping situations calm before they get tense or defusing them when it's too late are both in my playbook." He shrugged, playing along had been part of his repertoire for far longer than college, most people just didn't care to hear the story. It wasn't a very good one after all.

He eyed Fiona, considering her for a moment before continuing. "If it's not apparent, I'm still pretty new to all," he paused to tap one of his fangs with his thumb, "this business. The guidelines you've provided are helpful, and I appreciate that. I just," He paused to look for the right words, "I mean, what the hell am I supposed to do with my time now? I'm an active kind of person. I like getting out there, doing things, meeting people. All that. Am I supposed to get a job? That seems stupid, considering availability and diet."

Offering Fiona a wan smile, Shad noted, "I didn't get a lot of useful guidance on this. Not that I expected much, mind you, pretty sure figuring out how to handle things is part of the challenge. She didn't say, but I can guess."

"Ouch....gay friend huh?  Not very glamorous but in the inner circle, no?"  Making a task sound with her tongue she laughs a bit before leaning forward and slipping into a more serious tone.

"This life is hard for those not schooled in it.  Let me try to help you sweetie.  Most towns have one or two major parties making a play for power and then a few outsiders watching from the shadows.  Nashville is different...it's chaotic.  We have the Camarilla...the quote good guys...all law and order, Masquerade this, Masquerade that....oh wait...you do know about the Masquerade, right?  Well anyway it's our kind pretending to be human or kine as we call them.  Anywho, then you have the Sabbat.  They feel like we should rule the humans but most still try to keep the Masquerade as informed kine are the worst.....  Just look at the Inquisition and that tells you enough.

Then we have the Anarchs who want nothing more than Chaos and an end to the Masquerade.  Lastly you have the Independents who just want to stay out of the political Maelstrom.  Hasiin is one of these....cept he has more influence than most in the city...always thought that was weird...let me stop there...questions thus far?"


Smiling sweetly Fiona waits for any questions while running her tongue over a lip piercing.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:07, Sat 03 June 2017.

Shad nodded, "yeah, I've hear about the Masquerade. It seems pretty simple, you know. All I really have to do is think back to my first night like this, and what happened. Just get a few dozen people with guns who feel exactly like I did then, and there's a real big problem." He considered the remainder of her explanation, "in one form or another, I've been around politics all my life. At church, in school, sports, fraternity life, and even work. There's always stuff going on, and it always seems to find me. I learned to live with it a long time ago." He grinned, "let's just say that I'd rather avoid politics, but have serious doubts as to whether that's going to ultimately be possible. Fair?"

"Suga....many of us try to avoid politics but in this life it's just not possible, from territories, to hunting grounds, to favors, to ruling bodies...its seeped its way into our lives.  Speaking of territories, though....avoid Centenial Park and in particular the Parthenon...that's Nosferatu territory and they generally kill any who wander onto their turf....the stadium's off limits too..Ventrue holy ground..

Pausing again Fiona leans back and considers what information Shad truly needs.  It's obvious she seems to know the ins and outs of the city but her thoughts seemed to spill out in bits and pieces as her mind jumped around.  Running a hand through her hair she leans forward and seems to stare right through Shad for a moment before a confused look spreads across her face.

"Do you know what clan you are?  No need to tell me...as it's really a very rude and taboo question but might also be of some importance, especially in the political arena.  To show I'm being earnest Ill tell you mine...I'm Toreador but my artistry is body modifications rather than the traditional artistry of my brethren."

"I do know," Shad replied. "They told me a few things before cutting me loose. Probably why I'm still alive right now. Well," he chuckled, "as much as that word really means anything anymore."

"The best advice I can give you is to present yourself to each of the ruling bodies and at least make yourself known.  To do so you'll need Hasiin's help.  Of course, like all of us, his help doesn't come free...unfortunately..."

The last is said with a bit of introspective sadness as her focus drifts away for a second.  She quickly snaps out of it though and flashes a gorgeous smile once more.

"I'm sorry...I feel like I'm giving you snippets but what do you have questions about?"

"On account of, you know, the whole being logistically dead business, my cash flow potential is not what it once was. So, what kind of price or debt would I be looking at for Hasiin's help?" Shad chuckled, "tell you the truth, I think my old boss would hire me like this, as long as I weren't gay. Anyway," he trailed off, "I'm sure I have lots of questions. More come with time."

"Ha....sorry, you're sweet darlin but, no...Hasiin doesn't want money.  He wants favors...markers for future services.  All our kind does...favors are the new currency of the realms.  When people owe you, you can do anything."

Shrugging her shoulders Fiona smirks and holds her hands out as she looks around, "How do you think I wound up here?  Once my debts paid I definitely won't be staying here."

"Favors, huh? News to me." Shad considered the idea, "how the hell you valuate a favor? Like, there's a five and a ten dollar bill, and we know that the ten is worth two fives, and that you can buy a cheap lunch for the ten, but not so much the five. How do you get that kind of infor-... whoa, where the hell did you come from?" He seemed fairly puzzled by the concept, before the new person interjected without warning.

"Tssk....tssk....Fiona dear....still complaining about the sins of your youth and the mistakes you made?"

A woman dressed in fashionable leathers enters.  She makes no attempt to hide the HK pistol in her jacket or the knife strapped to her leg.  Otherwise she could have been a movie star based on her looks.  The perfect smile on her face was framed by the jet black hair.  Her blue eyes reflected like pools of azure.  Her movements spoke of grace and dexterity mixed with a dangerous predatory vibe.  Looking at Fiona and then Shad her smile turns to a smirk.

"You're new friend is not known to me but perhaps he should be?  Rocha would not be pleased if you are hiding those responsible for recent misdeeds.  Tell me, good sir, where have you been this night?"

It's fairly obvious she is just toying with Fiona but her curiosity seems to be piqued.  As she waits for an answer Fiona mumbles a halfhearted greeting consisting of just a name, "Katherine....."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Sun 04 June 2017.