Prologue - Scene 1: The Summons

The fateful night had come at long last, Emperor Haloise Giovanni has called out to gather his most trusted advisors, allies, retainers, and thralls all were being gatherd at the casino. From the onset the casino appears as any spectacular resort might but any Vampire worth their salt sees it for what it is, one part hunting reserve one part fortress, the place was a monument to just what the Giovanni could achieve and sat as one of the Emperors seats of power.

Ha has gathered the wide breath of his power base together and brought them to a hidden sub basement located under the casino, the place itself was bland and gray with sprawling rooms and corridors, the place was both labyrinth and command center, dozens of Vampires were in attendance some from within the city some from the expanse of the Empire. Suronding them were countless thralls and other Kindred servents.

The Emperor would announce his plan this night, he held the cards in his hand close to his chest all were anxious to see what he would command.

As the Thralls, Retainers and other servitors kept busy making all manor of preparations for the nights of struggle to come. There was one conference room at the heart of the hidden chamber beneath the casino where the most influential members of the Empire gathered to discuss the final preparations.

Fernand Mondego - an Ancient  Ventrue and prince of Vienna was a political mastermind and long time ally of Emperor Haloise Giovanni, while the two have held something of a rivalry it has not interfered with the management of the Empire. Formally he holds the title of Chancellor and is effectively the Seneschal of the Empire.

Gerard de Villefort - an Ancient Nosferatu and another long time ally of Emperor Haloise Giovanni, he ensures that throughout all the struggles the Empire has faced that the Masquerade has been preserved and more recently has made a Haven in London in an effort to rout out any remaining Red Crown Rebels.

Alexander Constantine - an Elder Ventrue and long time protege of the Emperor, for many years he has served Haloise in a clandestine way doing what needed to be done to ensure his masters machinations came to fruition. Known for his philosophical perspective on justice and his dedication to the Traditions, recently he has been appointed to lead the Legion, the unsworn Soliders of the Empire who are the paid mercenaries willing to do what Knights cannot do because of the constraint of their oaths.

Nikolas Wolfe - an Elder Ventrue and King of the Kindred in Germany he is a fervent supporter of the Emperor and his cause making great sacrifices to save the Empire while it was lost in the grips of rebellion. Informally he speaks for the various Knighthoods who have sworn themselves to the Empire.

Romeo Acerbi - an Elder Daeva and Seneschal to Selene Giovanni, he has worked with many of the Empires most influential Kindred.

Ulbrecht von Brandt - an Elder Mekhet who served as a spy for the Emperor for many years and is now a prominent member of the Ordo Dracul and known for his fairly liberal perspective of the doctrine of the Ordo Dracul.

As Selene came in to the room she saw the expected clicks, Fernand and Gerard conspiring with one another near the head of the long table, Nikolas and Romeo similarly conversing a few paces away eventually joined by Alexander, while Ulbrecht stood alone in the corner checking his phone from time to time.

Haloise was yet to make his appearance, of course he would be fashionably late to his own meeting, regardless it was a rare opportunity to have the Empires most prominent leaders gathered like this.

At the insistence of Haloise, Xaver was asked to follow Selene for the evening something he preferred to do discreetly and his talent for Obfuscate proved helpful for that yet in this cramped room he knew it was only a matter of time for the discipline to fail. Regardless, Haloise arranged all of this and held little to worry.

Selene took a moment in the frame to the isolated conference room, taking in the sight of those already waiting. Certainly they were all kindred she knew somewhat well at the least. But given that, she also knew it was rude to stare.

The Queen Giovanni walked casually into the room, trying not to draw attention as the weight of the Red Crown Edict ran through her mind. It had been a trying time to put it nicely and while she’d earn a new reputation from certain events that transpired during that time of chaos, it was still unsettling for her. But she smoothed the front of her cream colored waist pencil skirt to keep from fidgeting too much and then took her phone to check the time.

Of course Haloise would be late.

Deadly silence was no match for the skill that Xaver possessed, and any creature would be lucky to experience such a thing before being the victim to the master Khabit. He moved stealthily into the war room behind Selene, practically within her shadow, using her as a means to stay undetected for as long as possible. And even when he was discovered, he would simply play coy, as he was apt to do.

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 5):

"Greetings my queen." The lonely Mekhet was quick to give a slight bow to Selene. He had been one of Haloise's principal servents in France prior to her own ascension, after this he made Haven in the city Selene ruled and helped establish the Ordo Dracul there, following the Red Crown Rebellion he aided in soothing her relations with the Ordo even going so far as to get her acapted for what she is.

"How does the night treat you ? This meeting strikes me as an important one." His somber voice was quiet among the other conversations in the room.

“Hello Ulbrecht, I am... well. How do you fare this evening?” The Blood Rose answered and inquired, “Tonight, I believe, will be the base foundations for achieving his majesty’s ultimate rule.”

Selene could just about feel the tension of the night creep into every fiber of flesh as she wasn’t sure what entirely to expect and she worried about embarrassing Haloise in a way she wouldn’t be aware of until it was too late.

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 8):

"I am well, and as always a pleasure to be whatever service I can be to you and his majesty." Ulbrecht spoke humbly and submissively as ever. "I understand the Emperor will be sending you on a diplomatic mission, have you put any consideration as to taking a retinue with you ?" He asked his intent remaind difficult to read although he was possibly angling to join Selene on her mission to Venice.

A few minutes had gone by and Xaver seemed to be unnoticed by all in the room except one, Alexander Constantine was looking in the direction of the hidden Khaibit and paying little attention to the conversation he was a member to, it was possible he was trying to snoop on the conversation being had by Selene and Ulbrecht.

Xaver made note of the kindred known best as the masked man. He didn't physically acknowledge him aside from possible brief eye contact, but the Khabit knew that Alexander was loyal to Haloise to an extreme. From what he had gathered, he was oftentimes sent to be Selene's unseen guardian, so his attention to her could be habitual.

"I've been... Considering people, but I need to be mindful that I leave this city and France in capable hands while I'm in Venice." She answered vaguely, not quite a lie, but not quite the truth.

The thought of who would accompany her had briefly crossed her thoughts, only when Haloise first told her of his decision, but that was really it. The Blood Rose was unnerved about traveling to Venice, especially after Haloise had divulged that it was home of their clan ancients- kindred that were feared by even her grand-sire Tiberius.

"Are you requesting a place in my convoy?"

"If my talents would be useful to you, I am yours to call upon. I do know the cities Academy might carry useful information as well as having a direct connection to Serena the Second." He spoke humbly as always.

So much as another thought could be fully processed Romeo had traversed the room to come to the side of his Prince. Leaving Nikolas with moth a envious and frustrated look to his face.

"My Prince, how is your evening, if would be my highest pleasure to serve you in whatever capacity you desire." Romeo spoke certainly knowing how to put emphasis on words.

In reply to Xaver Furst (msg # 11):

The Ventrues gaze quickly shifted first to the rush of movement and then to his remaining companion Nikolas before returning to look at the commotion.

Selene was caught a bit off guard, and knew she’d need to continue to broach this topic with Ulbrecht later. For now however, she feigned a smile.

“Good evening Romeo, my night is going as well as business dictates it can.” She gestured to the scholarly Mekhet, “You’ve met Ulbrecht before, haven’t you?”

Xaver shifted back a touch to garner a more advantageous defensive position. He could sense the Prince’s distress even though it was only but a sliver.

In reply to Selene Giovanni (msg # 16):

"I know him well, me and Ulbrecht have been working closely together in facilitating the relationships between the cities Covenants." He gave a nod of acknowledgement to Ulbrecht. "I know you are going to Venice and I realize I will need to stay behind to watch over your domain but I would not be living up to my responsibility to you if I did not give you some information." His words were a mixture of seriousness and playfulness, the Daeva knew how to keep his intentions blurred.

"Like we have endeavored to achieve here, the Doge of Venice has an extensive network of relationships with the other creatures residing in the city, admittedly they are further along then us and granted their approach is different, the Foge apparently keeps Werewolves on retainer as mercenaries and routinely consults with Mages." Romeo spoke arming his Prince with the information he had collected thus far.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Fri 15 Dec 2017.

In reply to Romeo Acerbi (msg # 18):

"I have heard similar rumors as well." Ulbrecht noded in agreement "I understand that there are uncharted vaults of riches and other esoteric lore, this is what I suspect lured the Ordo Dracul to establish itself in the city, I also believe the Lancea et Sanctum monitors and polices known vaults and is likely in touch with the cities Mages." Ulbrecht elaborated on what he knew about the city.

His gaze shifted left and right as if unnerved by something before disregarding the feeling and returning to the conversation. "Selene I think the city will be a possible treasure trove for us and may even allow you to further explore the Mystery of Blood."

The Khabit committed the information exchanged to memory as it was certain to be useful in a myriad of ways. He remained motionless otherwise, prepared to disappear into the stillness of the shadows behind him.

Selene nodded, feigning indifference at the intriguing news. She wanted to appear calm and collected particularly since she wasn’t enchanted by the idea of going to Venice, but the mention of advancing her signature mystery did make it easier for her to come to grips with.

“The more I hear of Venice, the more curious I become.” The Blood Rose mused, crossing her arms, “It seems as though there’l Be plenty to see in more than one venture.”

"The Emperor is due to arrive soon so if everyone could take a seat and make themselves ready we can begin earnestly." The Ancient Ventrue spoke with all the fanfare one might expect as he looked out across the room.

Ulbrecht politely bowed his head submitting to the command of the Ventrue being sure to take a seat that was most likely to be out of sight of the emperor while Romeo gestured for Selene to lead on. The others found their way to their seats as well.

The Blood Rose, secretly grateful for Mondaego’s call to order, kept herself proper, offering a brief nod as everyone began to take up positions. She passed by Romeo, casting him one of her indescribably expressive looks in such a way only he could see before making her way to rightful seat. Hopefully it’d keep him in check throughout the meeting.

As she sat down in her chair, Selene too looked toward Xaver, seeming as of late to always know when and where he was.

The ancient Khabit, watched the entirety of those in the room. He almost cracked his typical stoic facade when he saw the Lady Giovanni look directly at him. He shifted, crossing his arms over his broad muscular chest, the inky living tattoo silently hissing in anticipation.

He wouldn’t make himself known to all until the Emperor Giovanni so wished it.

The doors swang open and two Knights stood at each flank of it and Haloise strode past fhem. The Knights closed the door and the Emperor overlooked the room taking account of the attendants and a subtle smirk on his face. He then began his walk to his own place at the table, the charisma he radiated grabbed the attention of all those in the room. He made it to just behind Selene's chair before coming to an abrupt stop.

"My Lords, it is with gratitude that I thank you for heeding this summons for us to discuss matters most important to the Empire." His words addressed the room but Selene could feel the heat from his gaze upon her. "We have gathered to discuss the matter of the upstart Priest, Gavin Giovanni, who seeks to become Dark Father of the Lancea et Sanctum but he insults all of our character by demeaning our own efforts, this insult shall not go unanswered." His words were stern with an underlying sense of ferocity. He then continued his seat at the head of the table.

"Lord Chancellor, please appraise us of the events which have lead us to this most provocative situation."

"Your Majesty." Fernand addressed Haloise although he twisted his own arm in saying the words, "since the rise of the Empire and your own coronation, Cardinal Gavin Giovanni has continually undermined our efforts to establish order throughout Europe, the first peace of evidence in this has to do with rebellious activity in the former Kingdom of Poland when the former King Casimar Jagiellon attempted to divide the Empire."

"Furthermore he encouraged the activity of the Carthian Movement in these territories which set the framework of the Red Crown Rebellion lead by the King of Britain, George Ernest. There remain pockets of rebellion of rouge Invictus supporting upstart Firebrands which have received aid both directly and indirectly from Gavin Giovanni or his representatives." Fernand laid out the charges sternly and concisely.

Selene silently chastised herself to be a woman of unrequited etiquette for the duration of this meeting. Haloise had appointed her as Prince of their fair city and more recently, as Queen of France. He hadn’t given them to her (well, perhaps the Princedom), but she’d earned her status well over.

She listened with keen intensity, looking to Mondaego as he spoke.

Selene was here as Queen Giovanni, not as Haloise’s wife.

"More recently, Excellency, Gavin has sent the vast bulk of the Second Estates fighting force the Crusaders in to the east where they are clashing with the Ordo Dracul which is locked in its own internal conflict, he has also sent his forces against the Circle of the Crone. While the Crusade has meet with limited success I suspect there to be a more dubious reason for the Crusade, the Cardinals which will be electing a new Dark Father will have little in the way of allies to call upon." The Nosferatu spoke and his eyes and ears were everywhere.

"Gavin is likely to call upon his own Retainers, the Dragons Eye, to secure the Cardinals. In effect the strongest force of the Second Estate has been sent away leaving Gavin with his own personal army we must account for." He concluded.

"That is the bored as it is set and the game stands before us." Haloise acknowledged the information that was presented. "Through tanacity and guile I am confident we can rise above our adversaries." He looked out across the assembled Kindred in the room.

"Fernand, you will go to Warsaw, deal with the Carthians, see to it that Gavin cannot call upon their service and that they will not otherwise intervene, Gerard you will return to London and complete the scourging of any Red Crown Rebels. Nikolas, you and your Knights shall aid Fernand in his task, Alexander you and the Legion shall do the same for Gerard." Haloise spoke assertively and left no doubt for who was in command as he coordinated his machinations.

"Selene, we will be sending you on a diplomatic mission to Venice to convince the Doge to support our cause, I trust in your ability to see this done and leave the designs of your retinue up to you, although given the martial strength of the Empire is being stretched as it is I will send Xaver with you to see to any matters which might arise." He spoke sternly but took a subtly softer voice with Selene.

"As for myself I will be conducting back channel negotiations with Desponia Nikadimos to ensure she keeps out of this affair. With that said I open the floor to you all." Haloise offered and inviting gesture.

As Gerard interjected, the Giovanni Prince shifted her naturally piercing gaze to him.

The news that both Haloise’s coterie mates brought forward were dire indeed. She already had her instructions from his Majesty, but she wasn’t concerned for herself. He’d already made it abundantly clear that Xaver was to accompany her, but she still thought it wiser for the guardian to journey with the Master Giovanni.

She’d actually lost track of the stoic Mekhet, but could sense he was in the room still.

Selene nodded at Haloise’s instructions, her eyes focusing upon him. She didn’t miss the gentle note as he addressed her, which made the corner of her lips pull into a smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Thu 21 Dec 2017.

"Divide and conquer." The Nosferatu spoke assuredly "Venice presents an opportunity for many clandestine negotiations, I believe representives of the New World will be in attendance possibly even queen Julia Morrel who my contact in her court advises me is close friend with the Doge." Gerard offered some input on Venice.

Only momentarily Haloise went wide eyed at mention of the name but swiftly returned to his focus.

"This information may prove valuable and be an opportunity for us to strengthen our connection with the New World. Selene, on several occasions in my long ago past knew the queen, she is cunning and strong willed." The Emperor noted, his mind already playing through the various scenarios this presented.

Xaver was too surprised as the mention of Julia, as he had shared fragments of history with her.

The Khabit subtlety made himself known to the emperor was a specific caress of darkness, something that would be nigh impossible for even the loyal elder Ventrue to detect as Xaver himself kept himself within defense of the Blood Rose.

Selene only nodded in response, absorbing the information and sorting it out as it’d be most beneficial to the Emperor and his means. The lot of these machinations were an elaborate puzzle in her mind and it was crucial to get each and every piece fitted correctly to achieve the goal of unification and peace.

She knew she was capable of accomplishing the tasks set before her, but the pressure was on.

"The tasks stands before us and you all know what must be done." Haloise spoke calmly content with the information that had been presented and with a clear vision for what he wanted done. "Go to the main room, I will join you shortly." Haloise dismissed the meeting.

A subtle smile came over the Emperors face acknowledging the cold kiss of the shadows.

Prologue - Scene 2: The Emperors Side

The conference room began to clear and the masters of the Empire made their way in to the mustering area of the secret basement where the various subjects awaited their orders. As Selene was about to exit the room Haloise raised his hand saying "a moment of your time." Fernand then was last through the door looking over his shoulder before closing the door behind him. Xaver was left in the room hidden in the shadows with the Emperor and the Queen.

Xaver hadn’t missed the smile, but now that the room had vacated, he revealed himself in a silent but grandiose flourish of shadows. His inky tattoos shifted back into place upon his skin as his obfuscation ended, the darkness immediately dispersed to all its rightful areas.

The Blood Rose, unsure of if anyone remained outside the door eavesdropping, or if this call was professional in nature, ke-t her poise, turning fully to face her Sire. She bowed her head in as low a curtsy as she could manage given the tight skirt she wore.

“Your Majesty?” The words stumbled out, still feeling correct, but unnatural upon her tongue.

Haloise was her husband first, her Sire second, and then Emperor to the Requiem last, but that sequence mattered little to everyone else.

A deeper smile came upon the Emperors face at the appearance of the Mekhet followed by an inquisitive if somewhat amused expression.

"There is no need for such formality." He waved his hand in a casual manner. "I wanted to take the opportunity to talk to both of you about this issue as well as some other matters if I might have your time." He spoke rather casually a break from the seriousness of the prior conversation.

The Khabit chuckled and grabbed a seat, pulling the one next to him out for Selene to follow suit.

“What specifically is plaguing you now Haloise?”

Selene’s shoulders relaxed briefly, but she still felt tense.

“I’ve reserved the entirety of my night for these discussions, so I’ve nowhere else to be.” She feigned a smile, taking the chair offered by Xaver.

"On the matter of Venice what's needed to be said has been said although I am certain other opportunities will open up to us once things begin and I will leave that to your judgement to look in to." Haloise spoke somewhat slowly as he stood up and walked to them leaning against the table.

"In the events things do not go as planed, I have set up several means of escape to see to our travel to the new world, if only as a precaution." His voice grew slightly more serious but not entirely dire. "These are things we just need to keep in mind depending on how events play out."

“Escape... to the new world?” Selene felt cold at the words, “Do you believe it could come to such a end?”

She swallowed nervously, unsettled by the notion of forcibly leaving home.

"Nothing is impossible, Gavin is a cunning foe and such plans are necessary." He conveyed his words in a somber way "This makes our current scheme all the more important, we must call upon every advantage that we can." His words grew more energetic "I have no intention of losing this game, we will set the bored for our triumph, but should the worse play out we will be ready, but we are savvy ourselves and our cunning will see us through." A righteous charisma came over the emperors voice, he was confident.

Xaver couldn’t help but smile. He knew the situation had the power to become dire with but a single misstep, but this branch of the Giovanni- his family was clever and knew how to well outmaneuver their opponents no matter who they were.

“We shall be triumphant.” The Khabit stated matter-of-factly.

The Blood Rose smiled at Haloise, but was still unsettled by the original notion of leaving. Even Xaver’s confidence didn’t seem to soothe her much. But certainly she’d overcome the rebellion while Haloise was missing, so this was but another leap into developing her myriad of skills.

But Gavin was a different enemy altogether.

"I fully believe that we shall." Haloise said with a sense of confidence "And the mission I have dispatched you two in is critical to achieving our victory over Gavin."

"With the aid of the Doge of Venice our web of influence will span the world and it will be Gavin who will be cornered. This objective is critical and so there is no one I would trust more in seeing it done."

Xaver could sense Haloise’s pride in his Childer, his wife, but also a sense of confidence in having the Khabit to silently guard from threats unseen.

He could also sense Selene’s uncertainity. She did indeed possess the skills needed for the task her Sire had set before her, but still was shaken. The Mekhet observed both husband and wife carefully in this moment.

“It shall take time, but I will do everything in my power to ensure a favorable relationship with the Doge.” Selene echoed confidence but was still shaking at her core. But perhaps she just needed to believe in her own words to achieve their ultimate goals.

The Emperor carried a slight smile on his face before returning to his typical aloof expression.

"I spent some time centuries ago in that city, it is where I made my fortune, you may hear certain stories or rumors, some of which may have varying degrees truth. I do hope this experience does not besmirch my character to much." Haloise spoke in his typical somewhat distant and serious fashion.

"Well then I suppose it is time we set about our business, there is work to be done." Haloise spoke calmly. "I have made arrangements for you to make use of an old Haven of mine, it is recently renovated and has ample space to house both of you as well as any allies you wish to take as part of your entourage." He gestured for them to follow him to the door.

Xaver stood just before melding into the shadows, the gestures seemingly one in the same as he disappeared from the Giovannis’ sight but remained close to the Blood Rose.

The Prince followed after Haloise, nodding blindly as he told of the arrangements he’d reserved for the diplomatic mission ahead.

“How many should I be looking to have join us in this endeavor?”

Haloise carried the slightest smile as he made his way for the door.

"The Haven I have arranged for you can accommodate four other Kindred comfortably, how many you take and how many retainers you recruit during your mission I leave entirely in your discretion." He said as he stopped before the door.

"Ladies first." He said opening the door for her.

Prologue - Scene 2 - The Assembly

Selene followed by the Emperor made their way in to the main chamber of the hidden meeting area, lingering in the shadows was their hidden guardian. There were more people here now, Vampires, Ghouls, and Thralls all hededed the emperors summons. The Vampires from the other room were suronded by their own servents enacting the will of the Emperor. Haloise stood there as the puppet master pulling the strings that would lead to the undoing of his enemies.

Selene knew Xaver would follow closely. She looked for those that had been in the meeting, mainly Ulbrecht, Romeo and Nikolas. She wasn’t sure it was appropriate for her to be immediately beside Haloise as he was here as the Emperor and she was a young Queen.

Haloise leered out looking over the various means to his ends a sense of grim satisfaction nestled deep within him hidden away by an aloof facade.

"So are there any of them you intend to speak to? Or are you content with what you have at your disposal." Haloise spoke nearly on a whisper to Selene still standing at her side he cared little for what those in the room might think of such a thing, in the end who were they to him, who were they to judge him.

Selene was caught off guard, both by question and that Haloise lingered so close to her.

“Ah well... Ulbrecht was certainly interested in going and he’s been nothing but helpful since our first introduction.” She turned focusing her attention onto the Emperor, “Romeo I’ll leave here to see to city’s machinations... I was thinking perhaps of asking the knight from my court in France to join me. As for the... gathering here,” Selene gestured to the throng of kindred, ghouls and others, “I’d need to see someone interesting to consider them. I’d prefer a small but effective group.

Haloise carried a near expressionless grin on his face a mask he frequently wore in public that could almost be interpreted as malcontent but she knew better she could peer behind the mask and see the thoughts running through his mind, his requiem was a game and his moves were planed out several turns in advance.

"Wise decisions." He spoke, he was supportive of the idea even if his answer was somewhat shallow.

“And what of you?” Selene quickly flipped the question back on him, wondering if he was going to run in her circles or simply dismiss it altogether, “Certainly if you’ve determined Xaver’s task already, you have someone else to accompany you?”

She straightened her tight pencil shirt, already feeling some of the lesser beings leering at her.

"Indeed, I believe it to be critically important that he join you on this journey." Haloise spoke looking out over the numerous individuals he had called upon. "is there a hint of concern in your voice that I hear, perhaps you should have some more confidence in me."

Selene pouted, her lips pursed, "It's not you that I have doubts in... It's who or what our enemies may be scheming. We both know their minds are filled with nothing but deceit and their own desire for unopposed power."

"I think I can mange in spite of their duplicity." Haloise spoke with a hint of morbid humor "Truthfully yours is the most important mission, mine is symbolic of anything else. Your success will give us leverage against our rivals."

“Well, if that’s the case,” Selene said wit a hint of nervousness at the weight of Haloise’s words, “I should finish my preparations. I need to speak to Ulbrecht and a few others to be sure everyone else is set.”

A few moments passed and the Emperor was approached by one of his nameless servitors and in the midst of the commotion of the night Ulbrecht eventually approached his queen but keeping a respectful distance and a submissive expression.

"My queen, it would seem you have been given the most daunting of tasks, I have full confidence in your ability, there is no better diplomatic mind that I can think of." He spoke slowly but calmly.

Selene smiled at the Mekhet, “I think you may regard me too highly Ulbrecht.”

She glanced about the room, “Do you have anyone you’d recommend coming along for our venture?”

"My queen you radiate with a light that makes the luminous moon in the sky jealous and your charm is far more crafty then any I have ever experienced." He spoke with a humble sense of respect.

"In my humble opinion, exalted queen, I do not know what you will face, I feel it best to leave yourself flexible and take only those whose consultation you deem most necessary." His voice was respectful but it was obvious he wished to join his Queen in this venture.

“So if I only have you and the dragon Xaver to accompany me, I should be in good hands.” Selene blushed faintly at Ulbrecht’s words and sincerity.

"It would be my privilege to serve you my Queen." The Mekhet was clearly flattered when she spoke "I shall serve you to the best of my ability."

She smiled at the Mekhet, “I look forward to having you at my side. Is there anything I can do to help you prepare?”