Central Park at night wasn't the best place to be. Most of those that stayed here at night were no longer around, but there were still some who refused to life at the shelter. It had only been a little while sine the storm but signs of homeless habitation were beginning to return.

 Central Park had not yet been restored and so, without electricity, only the light of burning garbage barrels illuminated the place.

Michael stepped out from the portal into the park. He took a deep breath and let it out to calm himself. The meeting had gone about how he expected it to go unfortunately. It seems that their differences would never be reconciled. The priest unlatched the lantern from his belt and gently woke the fire spirit within to shed brilliant light illuminating the whole nearby area. Holding the lantern out in front of him, he proceeded to take a midnight stroll to clear his thoughts.

Stepping out of the portal, a bit surprised that he'd actually ended up in Central Park, Hrafen glanced around, and saw the Priest from earlier...

Michael

A name he wouldn't soon forget. A kindred spirit, in the ways of the warrior, but he couldn't yet openly share that, of course.

Seeing him begin a stroll ahead, he paused, uncertain as if he should approach. He could just allow the Priest to walk away, and he would be none the wiser, but he would also fade back into the background like he preferred.

Clearing his throat, he didn't want to startle the man, as he knew he'd gone through the portal before he'd called for the same location. Awaiting his response patiently, he kept his hands at his sides, leveling his gaze on the man.

Michael paused when he heard the portal open and someone clear their throat. He turned and held up the lantern to see Hank had followed him. The priest arched an eyebrow in confusion. “Hank was it? Did you wish to speak to me about something? I had assumed you were going back with Nef. Perhaps we could take this time to get to know each other better. I’m sorry you had to be a part of that interaction earlier. Those three can get pretty heated when chaos and destruction are on the line.”

Hearing the Priest's voice indicating that he was aware of his presence, Hrafen proceeded with caution. The man before him clearly must have known that he was Kindred, from the other person's words, but he did not fear. The man with a heartbeat spoke with confidence, and kindness as well? A curious combination indeed.

Nodding, Hrafen extended a hand for a shake. A more traditional greeting where he hailed from, one that he took the full forearm to grasp, and not just the hand, if Michael offered it in return.

"Of course. I know not the woman Nefertiti well. She did not give me much choice about following, but I know better than making enemies with refusal. Is she... one to be trusted?" he asked, figuring that was the first line of questioning on the agenda. He figured a warrior like himself would be able to clear many things up for him, without putting him into the 'fire' so to speak.

Michael stepped forward and offered his hand as well not flinching when the whole forearm was taken. His grip in the handshake was firm but not overly so. When the greeting had completed, the priest stepped back and chuckled slightly at his question. “Yeah she was a queen once before and aspires to be one again. She does conduct herself with confidence and perceived authority. Obviously from the interaction you just saw some people, especially those with power, don’t take kindly to that. As far as trusting Nef? Well I trust her to be who she is and true to herself. I do consider her a friend. We’ve gone through many battles and hardships together. She saved my life once, and I have carried her half melted body when she did not have the strength to stand and on the brink of death. Of course friends disagree and fight from time to time, and I believe the two of us can be on good terms again. I am of the Ark cabal. Some of those members she despises and they despise her. Me trying to be in the middle trying to mediate such interactions often sours her opinion of me since I am not 100% on her side. Now that our story is out of the way, I wish to know a little bit about yours. Before we do so, I would like to do a visual inspection of you to confirm that there are none of Reginald’s blood marks on you. My sight can spot the auras of the supernatural and what is hidden. Reginald’s mark have the ability to swap peoples souls. Just making sure you aren’t one of his puppets. No that I’m directly against him, but want to be sure of who I’m talking to. All you would have to do is lift your shirt for a few seconds. Do I have your consent?”

Hrafen made a quick look of "Oh that's all?" on his face, before lifting his shirt with a single hand, revealing the majority of his physique quickly and easily. Once he got the affirmative nod of 'that's enough', he let the black shirt drop back down without a worry.

"I had not realized that was all you had needed before, but when in doubt, trust the one you know, and all of that." he shrugged. After all: he'd known very little of the people asking such of him before, and he'd known Nefertiti a tad bit longer. Still: now he'd felt he knew Michael a bit longer still.

"I apologize. I am Hank, and I've been around... a bit. At least long enough to know that rule under Reginald had not been terrible... not by a long shot." he said plainly, pausing a bit longer than perhaps a native American might, "Reginald, and the Sabbat, have been gone quite some time, but the Camarilla aren't necessarily better, just different..." he shrugged again, smiling slightly as he revealed his loyalties.

Tilting his head ever-so-slightly, Hrafen peered into Michael's eyes carefully. After all: he could sense the wood on him, with the cautious gaze.

"Reginald's return... does it have something to do with this Milo individual? I know not of him, but I am curious as to his importance in the grand scheme of things, mostly within the ranks of the Kindred." he said, lifting a single eyebrow in question. After all, this particular name had seemed quite important to the others who had spoken quite dramatically of him in the previous scene.

Fate had stayed in the background as she usually does once she came through the portal. She didn't want to interrupt the two of them speaking so she stayed quiet until spoken to.

Michael nodded after determining there were none of Reginald’s marks upon him and steps back. “Well it’s no secret Milo is important in current vampire society. He is an important ally to the current prince Victor. There was also a recent massacre by his father when the Hunters in the area, despite my guidance and warning, made the fateful decision to try and kill Milo. They were all wiped out or worse. The survivors asked me to end their lives after being left embraced and disgraced. I felt no joy in carrying out their execution. That is what I’m afraid of will happen again. But…I have determined this to be an internal affair of vampire society and have decided to withdraw from active action against either side. My focus is keeping the violence from spilling out into the streets against innocents.”

Michael noticed Fate come through the portal as well. He gives a nod to her and motioned for them to join him in a moonlit walk. “Fate, how have you been? I heard you went out in exploration of knowledge. I hope your search proved fruitful.”

Hearing about the assault on Milo, and the resulting massacre, Hrafen could understand the father's response. It would be similar for himself he would guess in such a situation.

Hearing Michael's perspective, Hrafen completely agreed, and was about to voice such, when he was surprised by Fate's appearance and presence. Turning, his silence suddenly took over, and he stood silently, his head moving back and forth between the two, watching them discuss her exploration of knowledge. He listened intently.

"Very. I have a few new important tricks up my sleeve now, but I didn't mean to interrupt. Please don't mind me I just didn't think it was a good idea for one of our cabal to be out and about alone. If you two wish for some privacy then I'd be happy to oblige. Just say the word."

Michael looked over at Fate and smiled before turning back to seeing where they going. “I appreciate you looking out for me. Your presence is always welcome, and you are not a bother here. In fact, I ask for both of your opinions on the current situation as a sort of sounding board. There are many sides to the current situation and factors to consider that I may not be able to see them all by myself at this time.”

Pausing at the request, Hrafen wasn't used to people soliciting his opinion. He held a silence for a length of time that some Americans might consider awkward, but to his Nordic self, it was completely ordinary. His people often held long silences, and relished quiet thoughtful moments.

After quite some thinking, he spoke gravely, keeping his voice controlled. He didn't wish to reveal too much until he knew more about this Fate person,

"Reginald was never a bad leader." he said flatly, "He allowed me my privacy, and to stay out of the conflicts, and that I value far more than anything the Camarilla have offered me." he said, pausing again for almost too long,

"I understand the Camarilla's appeal as well. They are, on average, more peaceful. They bicker and talk far too much for my liking, but again: they have threatened me several times if I choose to "remain neutral"." he scowled slightly, "Never a good start." he said, shrugging.

Michael listened to Hank and appreciated the thought put into it. “Most people hate the gray area. It had to be black and white because they don’t want to have to think about it. They don’t want to have to consider how there actions might affect the ‘wildcards’ or having to worry about what they might do. They can threaten me if they want like they did you, but I don’t care. Until they stick their toe over the line, it’s all hot air and fear tactics. The second they do though…I’ll cut it off. It’s all about being ready and being a big enough threat that it would do more harm than good to come after us. I think an audience with both Victor and Reginald would be best to explain our stance on the matter, so there is no ‘misunderstandings’. Thoughts?”

"In truth I know very little about the kindred and their ways, but as an outsider looking in that sounds like the best course of action, provided that neither side takes it as an act against them that we are meeting with the other." Fate hesitated only a moment then continued, "Either way I agree with what you said, Michael. After seeing what Dracula did... to all those people... if either of them step over the line and harm innocence than I will gladly cut off the foot that steps over that line." Fate wasn't usually this dark, but something, quite obviously the Dracula incident seemed to be haunting her.

Dracula?

Hrafen paused once again. He could appreciate the stance that both Fate and Michael held, but as a Kindred himself, it was quite difficult to wrap his mind around non-kindred speaking openly about them. The Masquerade wasn't something they spoke about often anymore, but still... old habits died hard.

Swallowing, Hrafen took into account their perspectives, and dwelt mentally on it for a moment longer.

"Grey areas are where the majority of life is lived." he nodded his agreement, "So I understand what you mean, exactly." he confirmed and acknowledged what Michael had said,

"An audience with Reginald would be... good." he said, recognizing that he might be looked at as a traitor by the Camarilla, but he also knew that Reginald would likely be willing to stick to his old policy of leaving Hrafen out of it (hopefully), "Victor being there would clear up many confusions between both sides. Can we somehow peacefully arrange such a meeting? From what I have been told: it would be nigh impossible." he suggested, raising an eyebrow in cautious concern.

Michael shook his head. “I suppose I should clarify what I said. I mean an audience between us, Victor, and Reginald separately. We would speak to Victor first. Sal could possibly arrange that. Then I could ask Nef to arrange an audience with Reginald. A meeting between the two in the same place would only result in both sides trying to ambush and assassinate each other at the meet. My main concern is Victor sending spies to follow us to when we meet with Reginald to find out his location. It might be best if Hank meets with Reginald at the same time as Fate and I meet with Victor. That way neither side tries anything when we meet with the other.”

"It would be nice to find out why Reginald staked Milo and is causing such havoc."

Nodding, Hrafen agreed. Problem was: he wasn't exactly silver-tongued,

"If we decide to split our focus, Reginald would certainly be the direction I should go. Frankly, I don't even want to appear on Victor's radar more than anybody else. That being said: he's treated me well in the past and I would not be against meeting with him, so long as the meeting wasn't public knowledge." he said carefully, adding, "Before OR after the meeting."

Pausing again, thinking deeply, and slowly, as he often did, Hrafen brought up a concern,

"Me showing interest in Milo would appear strange to Reginald, and would certainly indicate to him that I wish to be more involved than before. Perhaps somebody could go with me as the spokesperson, and I simply as their support?" he asked, uncertain as to the viability of such an option.

"Sorry to be suspicious, but how do we know if one of us goes with you that you won't be leading us into a trap?"

Michael thought about the various implications of each action when Fate brought up a good point. “Well he has not given us any indication of malicious intent, tried to threaten us, or be uncooperative with any request we have made. It would also make sense that not every vampire wants to take part in this fight. Perhaps we could all three first speak with Nef and ask if she could arrange a meeting with Reginald. Then we could get with Sal and try to arrange a meeting with Victor. I know that you, Hank, would rather not be known in this meeting, but it is important that both major figures in this conflict know what your stance is. By declaring this with us and standing with us, know that I will have your back if you have mine. Coming after us will be the same as crossing the line.”

Grimacing at the thought of admitting his participation in this, Hrafen thought carefully, and shrugged,

"I know that neither of you has ever heard of my violent action against any other in this city, as it has not happened in... many years. I do not have a dog in this fight. Reginald, for all of his attitude, allowed me to remain out of the first fight between the Sabbat and Camarilla, and I would wish to remain the same. But..." he paused, looking like he was dancing around saying something in particular, "If I indicate too much interest in anything Kindred related, my own people will hunt me down and kill me for lack of participation. Both sides. I am not naive enough to believe that Kindred hold love for one another, and I am not connected enough to survive hatred from both the Camarilla and Sabbat factions if I play this wrong."

Shrugging again, almost looking like he figured his words should be enough, he added,

"I'm only here because I happened to be in the city, asking Kindred for advice on how to avoid this whole debacle, before Nefertiti brought me along on a whim. It is easier to remain off the radar if you simply agree, in Kindred circles, so I did so, but putting myself forth as a major player is not something I am willing to do. Supporting you, Michael, would be my first action, of course, given your attitude and stance thus far, but declaring such would be my own suicide to the wrong people." he hoped that all made sense.

Even though that may have sounded like Hrafen was declining Michael's invitation, it was far from it. He just had a peculiar older-fashioned way of speaking,

"Before I determined that we shared a purpose, I would know yours in more detail, if that would be permitted." he said, almost formally, as if a soldier requesting orders from a lieutenant or something similar before committing.

Michael nodded in understanding. He was used to being hated and attacked by all supernaturals. That did not necessarily pertain to others. It would be good to make sure the vision for what he intended was clear. “I understand your stance as well as your reasoning. Perhaps if you and Fate join me in this viewpoint, it would be good if I was the public face of the group with you being in the shadows unseen unless absolutely necessary. I am fine with being a target of their suspicions and hatred. It comes with being a Hunter. Perhaps just a letter written and hand delivered by myself would be enough to let our intentions be known to both sides. It doesn’t matter if they know who we are or not. The result would be the same if they hurt others in their crossfire.”

The priest considers and collects himself for the explanation of why he wishes to abstain from the fighting and focus on those outside the conflict. “Since coming to this city, I have witnessed many horrors and acts of brutality on those who did not deserve it. Sentient Synths dismembered and cast into a pile still alive but unable to repair themselves. Werewolves infected by demons that cause their skulls to sprout wings and detach from their bodies with their spinal columns as tails. Hunters embraced after being crucified and their eyes ripped out cursed to never have their wounds heal to where they could end their disgrace by taking their own lives. Innocent children slaughtered simply because of who their father was. I visited a mass unmarked grave to give my final farewells to my werewolf friend who gave his life to buy time for Nef and myself to escape a pack of cultist werewolves. I was too weak then to save any of them. No more. The senseless violence against those who just want to live in peace or at least die with dignity and honor. Empires all rise and fall eventually. Doubly so for societies whose individuals are immortal. Whether Reginald or Victor wins, vampires will still be vampires. The only thing that changes is status of the winners and losers. This is the time to tell them that their actions will be watched. To keep the violence from spilling into the streets and homes of those who don’t deserve it. Knowing that there will be consequences to wanton destruction hopefully will make them leave innocents out of their line of fire. Otherwise, people will suffer if the boundaries of the war are not established. Does this clarify things for you?”