Dolzaev Manor
The Reverend would have accepted any verdict from the Prince, but he would be lying if he said that he had not felt a wave of relief when the Prince gave her verdict. He was keenly aware that his proposition was an unpopular one but as it was a test from the Lord, he had already steeled himself to face many a hardship. Without another word, he stood back up and returned to his place, but his prayer of thanks was interrupted by the angry homeless kindred.
He listened intently, with an almost infuriating calm as the Gangrel raged, giving her his undivided attention. As she approached him, he could feel the stirrings of the Devil within him and clenched his fists tightly against his rosary as he pushed those evil urges down. Instead he looked with eyes unclouded by hate or fear. This woman had every right to speak her mind; it was his duty to meet her with compassion and empathy. Even when she finished speaking he waited a few moments to give her room to continue if needed, but it seemed that she was done for now.
Only when he was absolutely certain that she was done did he ponder over his reply. The Devil wanted to lash out at her, to defend himself, but Throckett would not be distracted by such petty temptations. Not today.
"Faith." He said, seemingly addressing Asha as he turned and looked at her as he spoke. The drawl was still there, but the cadence that he had spoke with was much more subdued. "Everything that we are today, we owe to Faith. Every moment of every night, the only thing that keeps us from living lonesome solitary lives is our Faith."
He lifted a hand and gestured towards the Prince. "Faith in the Masquerade."
He shifted it towards the Anarch leaders. "Faith in each other."
Finally he let his hands drop to his sides. "Faith in ourselves."
"You are right. I am new to this world, and am ignorant of much of it. I am unused to the violence and horror that it brings. But I have Faith. That we can end this cycle of violence. That they are not all the creatures that hurt you in the past. That they can be reasoned with, and, if not, that they can be stopped." He turned, now addressing the coterie, "I wouldn't ask that you place your Faith in me. If you wish, use me as bait; ambush them as they busy themselves with my body. I only ask that you allow me to give them the chance. To do no more than what is absolutely necessary."
Turning back to address everyone he finished, "Violence begets violence. If other Sabbat hear of our actions come seeking retribution, what then? How much violence can the Masquerade withstand before it breaks? More importantly, what do you have to lose? A sireless newblood? Many a kingdom has paid a far greater price for peace."