Michael held up a hand. “If I may. Noah, your drawing of runes is causing Nef concern. Could you please inform her of what you are doing? Nef, could you please inform us of your story and intentions in regards to Reginald. After that, we can all part ways peacefully and on good terms. I don’t believe this to be an unreasonable request from either of you.”He lowered his hand and hopes reason could prevail.

Nefertiti first looked at Michael "You are not the Michael that I first meet, the one what was caring and trusting. The one that I gave life energy to save from death. she shook her head "You are someone else by those words and actions.  To accuse me of treating you as a servant only makes me believe that your former self has been lost and is more attuned to his her eyes blazed at Noah.

You all are here for me to tell you my story.  Why should I, this is my life and I shall do as I please.  I have not once demanded anything from any of you.  Never have I tried such devious plots. she shook her head.

Then she noticed that Hank moved a step closer and she was about to leave this so call Witch hunt.  All one sided, but she was very shocked that of all those before her Sal was being the most gracious at the meeting.  For some reason or another she thought he would of been the one they would have to restrain for the condition that Milo was in. She glace at him "It seems that this was not the time or place for us to meet.  I can only ask that you would keep my adopted Sire safe for now.  Until I can find a way to make sure that there is no after affects of Reginald's mark upon him.

Then Noah started to speak when just moments ago he said that "you're not here to talk to me" and then he caustically threaten her by demanding her to return what was once given to her.  A smirk appeared upon her face as she leaned into Hank "This was the group of so called people I was associated with.  My eyes got opened and I can see that they are only a curse upon my existence here. a slight giggle "We did call ourselves friends once.  But it seems that that word is only feasible when one is docile to them.  Never trust that one, as he has just shown his true nature.  He will lie and plot against you when he boldly lies to your face.

"Noah, if you wish to speak with me for now on.  You will call me by my name.  Nefertiti or she smirked and glanced at Mistral "Queen Nefertiti.

Then she looked to Noah "So if you wish for your request, call me by my name.

Noah pointed to one "I did. G plus D, Girl and Dragon. Its a wine company that produces our wine, a bit sappy and romantic but eh. The other is a boat with the word ARK. It's my first time here. I've signed more than one tower of magic in the supernal realm, you don't think I am gonna sign the tower of America itself?" On a third brick he started etching the N of his name.

He smiled, "Don't gaslight any more Nefertiti."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Sat 27 Aug 2022.

Michael sighed. “Maybe I have, Nef. I had to participate in the assisted suicide of my former associate members because they suffered a fate worse than death all because somebody came after Milo. So much unnecessary death and destruction. Now Milo has been targeted again. I just want to prevent another massacre. If I have to harden my heart for the greater good then so be it. I don’t have aspirations of power, status, or followers. Just to protect this world and the innocents that live here. This is bigger than you and me Nef. Bigger than all of us. Communication is the key to success. It destroys assumptions, fears, and misunderstandings. If you wish to have someone to talk to, I will listen. I think present company has altered how we all would act as old wounds and perceptions have distorted what is and could be. I need to be alone with my thoughts for a time as I reflect upon my place in current events. The waters have been muddied. You all know how to contact me.”With that, the priest turned and walked away. With a quiet prayer, a veil shielded his presence from mortal eyes making him all but a passing glance to the mortals around him as he left the protection of Mistral’s power.

OOC: Spend 1 WP for Shepard’s Blessing. Similar effect to what Mistral always has going. Mortals acknowledge his presence but pay him no mind or remember him even when armed to the teeth.

Noah pulled out one of his containment tubes. "Michael, take this with you. You know what it is, how it is, why it is. And I suspect that this is better in your hands than mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Sat 27 Aug 2022.

Mistral turned her placid and blindfolded face toward the portal to regard Milo shifting slightly within Noplace.  She gave a single nod toward him.

The porcelain-pale archmage listened to the exchange between Noah, Nefertiti and Michael in placid stillness.  She did not move until near the end of Nefertiti's tirade, when she shook her head slowly.  After Michael said his final piece she inclined her head to him in a gesture of respectful farewell, then raised a hand to open a narrow corridor in the spatial labyrinth surrounding them to allow his departure.  Mistral turned toward Hank and said, "My apologies, Monsieur Hank, that you were mixed up in this.  If you wish to depart, simply name your destination and I bid you adieu with no ill will."  Should Hank indicate his wish to depart and communicate a destination, Mistral would incline her head toward him in farewell then deliver him there in a swirl of supernal mist.


Turning slowly back toward Nefertiti, Mistral spoke.  "Allow me to offer a word of advice, Reine de rien.  Before you presume to issue commands, make certain that you are the one in control."  Towering tendrils of blue light shimmered into visibility in a wide ring surrounding the meeting place, swaying gently and subtly refracting the views out over Liberty Island.

"This farce is over.  I leave you now with one simple choice, Nefertiti.  Turn around now and I will allow you to walk away.  Return in safety to your queendom of empty ruins and witless sycophants."  Mistral paused for dramatic effect, then enunciated, "Or, spew further abuse and powerless demands, and I will cast you into the sun.  The choice is yours."  She cocked her head and then warned, "You know it is well within my power to do what I say.  You have trifled with me too many times, but no more."

The shimmering blue threads marking the boundary of the meeting place in Flagpole Plaza parted behind Nefertiti, leaving open a path by which she could depart in safety.  The Mistress of the Ebon Tower concluded with icy finality, "Casse-toi, Reine de rien, and hope that we never meet again."

OOC: Edited the last section after discussion with ST about relevant factors Mist would have been aware of at the time.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Sun 28 Aug 2022.

Michael catches the tube and raises an eyebrow at the contents. He gives a knowing nod to Noah and to Mistral as the portal is opened. “Central Park.”The portal opens to his destination where he walks through to before the portal closes.

OOC: Exit stage left

Noah looked up and sniffed the air, his eyes following things only he could see.  Noah looked at Nef as his eyes switched over to his blue Draconic glow. "Either she or her chosen master has used the StarLight spirit... She has been turned into the spark of ember."

"You've fallen, divinity is no longer within your reach. Just smoke and mirrors now." He bowed his head to Mistral, "I think we should leave. Sorry to have roused anger by not looking first."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Sat 27 Aug 2022.

Nodding his head in thanks towards Mistral, Hrafen dipped slightly at the waist, an old Nordic bow of respect to both those before him, and Nefertiti.

Turning away, he heard Michael speak, and he spoke, out of sheer instinct. His nerves were on such high alert it was actual instinct that caused him to say the same thing on accident,

"Central Park. Damn!" he cursed, realizing his misstep, just as he stepped through a portal thanks to Mistral and vanished off into the distance. He'd never been the most talented with his words, but this mistake was just embarrassing.

OOC: Exit same stage left!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Sun 28 Aug 2022.

The woman standing in the back of the group of the archmage's side, Fate, had stayed quiet the entire time they were there with Nef and she continued to stay quiet once she heard how Nef was treating everyone. At the end of it Fate just sighed at Nef, then turned to Hank before he left and said, "Nice meeting you, sorry it wasn't under better conditions." With that Fate turned and left the portal deciding to go with Michael. “Central Park.”

Sal spoke up, "Nefertiti! Must we be enemies!? You don't trust us, clearly, and we don't trust you, but that's no insult when dealing with Kindred, its just good sense! But once again, you treat us all as your inferiors, as if you are too good to give us your time or respect. We have walked back from the land of the dead-- some of us more than once-- we slew a fey lord in his own realm, where his power is that of a god, and we plan to do it again! We have seen the source of all magic, and been made stronger by it. I've lost count of the number of times we've face threats that could destroy worlds, and came out victorious! If we want a god's attention, we will get it. We're only here to give you a chance, because of the bond we've shared with you as part of our coven, to show us you aren't siding with the bastard responsible for killing Talion's children, torturing countless synths, and doing who-knows-what to Milo, among countless other crimes against us and those we care about. We are going to take him down, and if being a part of our cabal ever meant anything more to you than having some tools to use and discard as you see fit, you won't be standing next to him when we do. So I ask you again: Must we be enemies?"

[Private to GM: If Nef does anything other than apologize and say she doesn't want to be our enemy, Sal will use Mesmerize to suggest to Nefertiti: "You should grovel at our feet, beg for our forgiveness, and every day for the rest of your existence, the first thing you should do you, before you even open your eyes, is say a silent prayer to thank us for our mercy and generosity in allowing you to live for one more day."

23:37, Today: Secret Roll: Sal rolled 3 successes using 12d10 with the World of Darkness nWoD system with a target of 8, rerolling 10s with rolls of 6,1,3,2,8,6,10(+3),7,9,7,4,1.  Intelligence + Expression + Dominate + WP. Cancel that. I think that close enough to an apology, coming from Nef.]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Wed 31 Aug 2022.

Nefertiti only smirked when Mistral preformed her display of power, and it also only showed that she couldn't fully trust them cause they had already placed some thing in effect to trap or harm her if they didn't like what was being said.

She stood there and Noah threaten her, she stood there and Mistral threaten her.

About to leave this foul meeting on her own thought she heard Sal speak "We are not enemies.

I came here to make sure that my adopted Sire was safe. IF we were, would I allow you to have his body and not warn you of removing the stake may be dangerous. she said softly as she looked at Sal "I find it insulting that I must explain to those here of my actions.  When I have just recently been transformed into this her hands move over her body.  "I know not of all the ways and Milo was helping me understand them.  Reginald was also enlightening me on other Sects that are available for my choice. she tilts her head "Am I not allowed to learn all that I can about this Kindred lifestyle?  Seeking knowledge in all forms is not a crime.

Her eyes gazed at two "There are those here that have threaten me, one would seem that they have already place me as an enemy in their eyes.  Their minor threats is not what makes a bond stronger but only weakens that which makes me part of that coven.

She thought for a moment "Who is to say that Reginald is responsible for the death of Talion's children.

Was that not a hastily attack upon Carmilla for wanting my Divinity?

I stand for the innocent and those that wish no harm upon others. That is what Michael stand for as do I.

Mistral was uninterested in Nefertiti's self-serving justifications for poor behavior, but at least she had leashed the vitriol that had caused this meeting to boil over.  The blindfolded archmage stated simply, "We have enemies that show greater courtesy than you show those you would call allies.  I have said my piece and remain here in support of Sal, but hereafter I am finished with such poisonous company."

Mistral turned to Sal to observe any further discussion he may wish to conduct.  The exit corridor behind Nefertiti through the glowing blue threads remained open, as did Mistral's prior warning.

Noah shook his head, "You've devoured the soul of an innocent being begging you not to after their owners had tortured them. An innocent spirit is now also dead at the hands of your Master... I hope you turn around some day. He had many more words but he knew she would gaslight and craft a fantasy. He was done.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Wed 31 Aug 2022.

Sal looked Nefertiti in the eyes, and spoke softly, his voice weary, as if every one of his 200+ years of activity was weighing it down, "I'm not asking you to explain your actions, Nefertiti. I had hoped you would be willing to tell me something, anything you've learned of Reginald's plans, or anything that might help Milo. I also wanted to be sure your will hadn't been compromised. In case Milo didn't have the time to tell you: if you drink the Vitae of the same kindred three times, it gives them a certain level of control over you, similar to falling in love with them. Thus, outside of life or death situations, few kindred will offer Vitae to another unless they wish to control them. There are other ways a kindred can take control of someone, as well. Reginald could put an entirely different being's mind in your body, but I'm not sure if it would be able to use the powers in your soul. He may even be able to simply dominate your mind. Learn what you can from him, Nefertiti. I can't fault you for that, but just be wary of him. The cult working for him has sacrificed and tortured both innocent synths and humans, including children, and summoned abyssal creatures whose very presence on earth damage the world around them. It was that very cult, that we rescued Talion's children from in the first place."

Nefertiti looked to Sal completely ignoring the other two speaking.

"I don't know of his plans fully, just that he wish to spread fear within the Elders with Milo being taking out of the picture.  There is a lot that I know he is doing without telling me.  He kept the body away from me for some time before I could watch over it. she said.  "He showed me how he can transfer soul or mind to another body and that is what I thought he did to Milo's body.  So I didn't want to risk him having a spy in there. she gazed at the body of Milo, if still visible "I feel for him and whatever she said. gazed at Mistral I don't believe until I have more proof that its truly Milo in there.

She thought for a moment "I heard that you met his teacher.  Is there anyway that I can speak with him? she asked.

Then when Sal spoke of drinking the Vitae of the same kindred.  Her eyes sparkled for a brief moment as her mind raced to think how many times did she drink his blood.

"I'm well aware of the powers that Majesty grants for I have them. she smiled. "I haven't learned much of Domination, yet.

Then she nodded her head at the fact that he agreed for her to learn as much as she could. "I wary of anyone who would give such gifts freely.  There will always be a price to pay or a threat given when someone gives you a gift and demand it to be returned. the last part had her eyes gazing at Noah.

The portal looking into the blank void of Noplace remained open, with Milo remaining staked within in absolute stillness.

Mistral's otherworldly form stood still as a statue and it was difficult to tell if she was paying attention, between the neutral expression and the blindfold.  Sensing that this question was directed at her, she answered briefly, "It would be terribly ill-advised on your part, but oui.  I have means to contact Milo's lord sire."  She did not offer them, however.


Mistral warned in an even tone, "Attention à tes mots.  My prior terms stand."

Sal said, "Nefertiti, just keep in mind, as I know you take offense to being treated with mistrust, that if you spend time around someone who can move a new mind into your body, it is only prudent that I treat you as if you have already been compromised until I'm sure you aren't. Keep this in mind if you decide to contact me again. With that said... Mistral, I believe Nefertiti should be present when we remove the stake from Milo. With his memories altered, their connection could be important."

Mistral replied, "Milo has asked that the stake remain until it can be assured he will be no danger to others.  He is safely en quarantaine within Noplace, but all due diligence must be done to understand his condition before the stake can be removed."

Noah nodded once, "I will phone a friend once we are in the clear. Its going to be a fair bit of work but they should be able to cover all bases with a bit of help."

Sal nodded at Mistral in understanding, and said, "Once he is awake, I will attempt to help him recover his true memories, though I may need to spend some time strengthening the Discipline, first."

Not even looking but she spoke the language so fluently "Mes paroles sont comme elles sont. Je pensais que tu avais fini" then she smiled.  Keeping her eyes only to Sal as they were the only ones there.

"Understandable Sal, but I can reassure you that I am all myself. she then looked at the portals before here.

"Will there be anything else we need to discuss, Sal? turning to the portal that Michael took.  She has some unfinished business with Michael.

OOC: Posting to close the scene for Mist and Noah, but Mist waits upon any final discussions between Sal and Nef before departing.  Feel free to continue posting, and the following will occur after.

Once Sal and Nefertiti had said what they wished to say to one another, Mistral drew shut the portal to Milo in noplace.  The stoic archmage said no more before conjuring a swirl of supernal mist to gather about herself, Noah, and Sal to spirit them away to elsewhere.  Over the next several moments the cordon of blue-glowing tendrils faded, breaking whatever effect had shielded the meeting place from outside observation and interference.

Nefertiti was left alone in Flagpole Plaza in the shadow of the gleaming copper statue of Lady Liberty, gleaming in the night.

"There is an old Japanese proverb which translates to: It is better to be the enemy of a good person, than the friend of a bad one. Goodbye, Nefertiti. I hope we might all choose our friends wisely, because we rarely have the luxury of choosing our enemies." There was no judgement or anger in Sal's voice, just weariness.

OOC:Unless Nefertiti has more to add, Sal will wait for her to leave, then join Noah and Mistral back at the Obsidian Pyramid.

Nefertiti didn't say anything else but watched as they left her there.  She smiled and wondered if what Sal said really meant anything cause there seemed to be some interesting twist in the Japanese proverb or Sal last comment was twisted.

Most people do have the luxury of choosing who they have twisted a dagger in the back.  So far it seemed that Noah and Mistral have chosen but didn't place the dagger deeply.