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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2017 13:15:41 GMT
"The average kindred will easily outmatch any kine in terms of raw physical strength, yes. Those with a Discipline called Potence, however... those are the ones who can lift cars over their heads or punch a man's head clean off of his shoulders." Lasombra, unfortunately, being one of them.
Nikolaus was not surprised at Rose's talk of 'being their own master.' She was speaking the truth; Jillian was not Tremere and based on what she'd said did not intend to be Kindred for now. She was not about to drink from the Transubstantiation of Seven. She was not about to spend the next few years in near-constant study and trials in a Chantry, in a culture completely unlike Hogwarts, where Acolytes were encouraged to constantly undermine and sabotage one another in a Darwinian take on earning the favor of their elders to be elevated to the position of Apprentice, when their true life as a Tremere would begin, and she'd be expected to act in a way that both represents and serve the Pyramid above all others. But then again, he'd noticed the way Rose respected the codes while doing things her own way. Taken out of context, Rose's words would raise a few eyebrows. In context, however, he could see what she was doing. No doubt, Mary had attempted to color Jillian's perception of the Camarilla, just like she had tried with David. And the Regent knew enough, by now, to know how to contend with her arch-rival for control over London.
Nikolaus could not answer, 'why me.' This had been Rose's idea from the beginning. Certain... circumstances prevented Nikolaus from seeking candidates for a childe, and even if they didn't exist, he'd need Rose's permission to embrace, anyway. She was, after all, looking to become Prince, and in the absence of a Prince, the right to allow embraces fell to the Regent.
Jillian's next words elicited surprise from Nikolaus. She was... making her choice? And it was them? He quickly regained his composure, knowing Rose would be the one who wanted to formally agree. But as for making a choice... "The differences between the Sabbat and the Camarilla are far too great, ma petite. You would have had to have made a choice, eventually." The Camarilla and the Anarchs enjoy a fragile truce in Los Angeles in the wake of LaCroix's fall, but the Camarilla and the Sabbat both having a presence in the same place has, historically, only ended one way. The agreement between Rose and Mary was the exception, and not the rule; indeed, many higher-ups in both the Camarilla and the Sabbat likely wouldn't approve of its existence had they found out about it, even if the rationale for it was sound.
He did not comment on Jillian's request, instead turning to Rose for her answer.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2017 15:53:38 GMT
Jillian looked amazed, "I've never seen anything like that, I suppose I should be glad I have never run across anyone with that particular Discipline." she managed a weak laugh. She knew her father in particular could possibly lift a car using a levitation charm but doing so with ones own hands is an entirely different matter. The less said about that sort of punch the better.
She noticed Nikolaus' surprise at her words, which only made the 'why me' question stand more prominantly in her mind. Was her choice really that important, she wondered. there was clearly a lot going on in the minds of these two that was not said, she was sure. Maria too, she supposed. She nodded slowly at Nikolaus' words, repeating the last of them herself, "Eventually."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2017 23:13:55 GMT
Rose let Nikolaus continue his explanation about Potence. She smirked a bit when Jillian said she'd never run across anyone with that Discipline. "Or maybe you did and didn't know it."
'Why me?' That was always the question one was bound to ask themselves sooner or later. The Tremere tilted her head, just a bit, and said: "As I explained before what matters is not who notices us but who we notice. You're right: Being Kindred, we're bound to get noticed, fascinate people who covet our powers or our youth. Once in a while though, we find someone that sees more than that to us. Someone that has the curiosity to seek us out, the intelligence to understand who we really are and the courage not to run away when they do. You, Jillian, are like that. But, more importantly, you share the passion for knowledge and for magic that I have. And the fact that you were made another offer and still chose to accept mine makes me believe that you see through others' deceptive words without needing the Discipline to do so, and also," Rose's small smile was back on her lips, "that you understand that the easy way out is, more often than not, not the right one."
Rose had started to realize from the moment they met, how similar Jillian was to a witch she'd met when she was at Beauxbâtons. She was a couple of years younger than her and Rose often tutored her. Alice. She was really fond of Alice and considered her a bit as a little sister, much to the dismay of Rose's actual little sister Celeste.
Maybe it was the reason why she could read Jillian as well as she did. When the young witch announced she'd chosen her, unlike Nikolaus, the Tremere Regent didn't look surprised, simply happy. "Making a choice can be difficult but it's a good thing. Every choice you make is one someone else won't be making for you." She leaned in. "Then so be it. From today on I shall be your Mentor and you shall be my student, or my protégée like some old-fashioned people like to call it." She glanced at Nikolaus, knowing how ironic it was she would call 'him' old-fashioned when she was the older one of the two.
When Jillian voiced her request, Rose paused a moment and then nodded. "I understand you would like to do the right thing and tell her. And I trust you will keep our secrets to yourself and not reveal anything of this conversation except for the final decision you reached. I will just ask for two things in return. The first one, you shall not explain your choice to her." First because such questions could lead to Jillian unvoluntarily giving out information and second, because if Rose knew one thing about Mary, she did not give up easily. If given the reasons why Jillian picked Rose, she would find ways to try and sway her. The second one is, you should try and meet her somewhere else than at her Estate. Somewhere public like the Leaky Cauldron where we met before. While I am certain, she will respect your decision, other members of her pack might not be so understanding." She'd always cared for Jillian's safety but with the decision she'd just made, it made it hers and Nikolaus' duty to ensure she'd stay safe. And letting her go into Sabbat territory while being the bearer of bad news was a risk the Regent was not willing to take.
"I would also appreciate you messaging me to let me know when this meeting will take place and how it went." But this was not a formal request, so Jillian would be free to decide whether she wanted to do it or not. Rose went to pick a little business card on the counter and then she handed it to the young witch. On the card was the symbol of the shop, the geometric head of a magpie, who was actually a Tremere symbol in disguise. There was also the name and address of the bookstore and a phone number. On the back of the card, two cellphone numbers were written in Rose's handwriting. One was followed by R.B. and one by N.O. "I believe it's high time we exchange phone numbers, don't you think? Owls are all fine and well but they can be a bit slow at times."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2017 23:59:53 GMT
Jillian looked from one of the pair to the other, did one of them possess Potence she wondered but thought it unlikely. She did not understand the need for subtle comments like that, they knew every vampire she had encountered did they not? Unless they were referring to her unknown attacker, but she was sure if she had been shoved by someone with that strength she would know about it.
At least the explanation about why her was clearer. It made her flush and take another long sip of her drink. She was not certain that all Rose had said about her was entirely accurate but was not about to go correcting her. Maybe Rose saw something she didn't, the two were certainly more world weary and experienced after all, and maybe Auspex let them see something. She wasn't sure. She was pleased to see the smile of Rose's lips and noted her use of the word protégée which she found interesting. She had not considered that making a decision like this was a step towards being her own master as had been said. That made her feel reassured about making the decision. "Thank you.." she hesitated, unsure if she was supposed to use some title now. Years of being at Hogwarts with professors like Aisha who would correct her on being properly addressed.
She listened to the requirements on her talking to Rose about the choice, she had no doubts they knew who had made her the other offer now. Having no idea about Maria's 'pack' she nodded her acceptance. "You have my word on that." she promised as she took the card before looking around for something to write her own number on. How she had managed without the little electronic muggle box she was not sure. She was surprised at being given Nikolaus' number as well as Rose's, wondering for what reason they expected she might contact him privately.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 17:27:29 GMT
Rose studied Jillian's reaction to her enigmatic comment to see if she'd catch the hint. Given how puzzled she looked, apparently not. Jillian would have to get used to her Mentor leading her to the answers to her questions rather to feeding her with them. But the Tremere decided there was no used keeping her in the dark. "I know Professor Kestrel might not look physically impressive, but she's stronger than she looks." "Rose." The Tremere Regent filled in, when she saw her hesitate. "Respect can be shown in more ways than just using a fancy title." Though, for some reason, she liked it when Nikolaus called her ' my Regent', but maybe there was more to that than just him using her title. "Very well, then. I guess that matter is settled." Rose didn't know how proficient with phones Jillian was. Had she known the young witch didn't know you could address a message to two contacts at once, she would have explained it. Whatever the case, she could always keep Nikolaus' number as a back-up contact if Rose was to lose her phone or couldn't be contacted. After all, the Tremere had had a recent experience with a certain celebrity they tried contacting repeatedly, only to find out they'd lost their phone... "Now, there's something I'd like to show you." Rose moved her wyne glass to the side, then she picked the object that had been concealed under a cloth that whole time, and set it onto the table between Jillian and her. It was a rectangular case covered in dark blue velvet. "Open it," she told Jillian, a small smile back on her lips. When Jillian would open the case, she would discover a metallic vintage looking pocket mirror that laid opened on the satin lining of the box. When closed, it was slightly bigger than the standard compact mirrors many women carry in their hand bags nowadays, but it would still easily fit in a bad or a large poket. The hinge could also fold backward in order to allow the mirror to be set on a table or a dresser.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 19:20:15 GMT
The much clearer statement about Professor Kestrel had Jillian staring in shock for a moment as she tried to picture the slender woman lifting a car. The image didn't quite fit, but she had no reason to disbelieve Rose's words. She was her mentor now after all. That answer also showed how some of her learning would be, Jillian had no issue with thinking outside the box with answers if expected but she shied away from what she considered guesswork. Something she may have to get over if Rose would prefer to correct her theories than give direct answers, which she had to admit did fit with all their past conversations. She would do her best, she decided.
Her curiousity and attention only grew as Rose picked up the covered object and revealed the elegant looking box. Upon the instruction she placed her glass aside and leant forward, carefully opening the case and looking at its contents. Another mirror, she thought and wondered if it was enchanted with any magic she was aware of. She withdrew the mirror from the box, examining it carefully. "Shall I assume that some magic has been cast upon this?" she asked curiously, "If so, the question is.. wizarding or..?" she looked at the two vampires.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 21:48:19 GMT
Nikolaus sat in silence, listening to the conversation between the two. Rose didn't look that much older than Jillian, but the gaping chasm of knowledge between the two was matched only by Jillian's seemingly insatiable desire to know more. Rose was right; Jillian would make a good Tremere, but Rose seemed determined to let her decide. And all on her own, she was already making the right choices.
Nikolaus wasn't surprised by what Jillian received so much as he was impressed, compounded further by Jillian seeming to guess what it was, when even most Tremere weren't aware that Rose's chosen Thaumaturgy path even existed. Though it could be that she was just basing her assumptions on wizard magic. "This is something very special you are being given, Jillian: A real opportunity to prove how serious you are about keeping our secrets."
Many kine and kindred alike had been killed - quite painfully - to keep things like this a secret. But he didn't say it out loud because he didn't want to scare Jillian off so soon after she chose Rose as her mentor. Still it was a fact. Even the Camarilla (or at least, the members of it whose opinions actually mattered) had the understanding that the cooperation and assistance of the Tremere was contingent on the unspoken agreement that their Thaumaturgical research was off-limits to anyone outside of the Pyramid. And Princes from other Clans have been known to look the other way when someone outside of it is found to know too much.
"You probably think you've learned a lot about Kindred over the summer, but it will soon feel like you've barely broached the subject." He would, of course, leave it to Rose to explain what the mirror was about. It was one of her creations, after all.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2017 22:15:27 GMT
Rose was pleased Jillian seemed to appreciate her gift. Watching the wheels turn in her student's brain was something the blonde found truly endearing. The Tremere nodded at the young witch's question. "Kindred magic, yes. Blood magic to be exact. It is one of the Disciplines of the Tremere, most would say our preferred one."
She put the smaller mirror Jillian had seen before back into her pocket and focused on the one in the case.
"This mirror I made myself. Therefore, it responds to my magic, and only mine. I made it especially for you further to our previous conversation. You asked for a way to keep in touch with me, besides the owl and the cellphone. Well, this is one."
The Tremere Regent paused. "Granted it's quite possible that it won't work as well as it should inside of the school itself, or any place strongly warded against magic. But then again, it could be warded against wizarding magic and not blood magic. Anyway, it is worth a try, don't you think? This could be considered as our first experiment together."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2017 1:17:40 GMT
Jillian looked to Nikolaus as he spoke up, her expression shifting a little from curious to careful seriousness. She would show that she deserved their trust, it was clear this mirror was more important than she had even first thought. When Rose mentioned Blood Magic she grew curious again but her expression showed that she would not forget his point.
"Thank you, I am honoured that our previous conversation pushed you to do something like this. I expect it was not an easy magic?" she was thinking hard again and hoping that the mirror would work "If it responds to your magic, does that mean I should keep it on my person awaiting contact from you?" it seemed a simple enough theory by what was said that she would be unable to initiate conversation. She examined the mirror in its case, wondering what else it could do. She liked the idea of it being an experiment. "If so, it would be good to do one test now." she said, removing her enchanted pouch from her waist before explaining, "The pouch does not have much in the way of protections and is not soundproof, so in theory it should work and it would allow me the opportunity to see how the mirror works."
If Rose agrees, she will gently take up the mirror in its case and place it within the small pouch.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2017 2:24:19 GMT
"Admittedly, I'm also working on another project that would allow me to come to Hogwarts regularly." Rose informed Jillian, with a wink. "Tell me, have you ever thought of taking music classes?" She'd been considering applying for a job as a part-time teacher or tutor at Hogwarts more and more seriously over the past weeks. And although it was far from being a done deal, the Tremere thought now was the right time to made a move.
The Tremere Regent nodded, visibly content with Jillian's initiative to test the mirror right away. "Absolutely. Just a few more things before we start. First, the mirror has to be uncovered for it to work." Rose had chosen to give her protégée a mirror that could close, so that she would be in control of allowing the contact or not. It also provided extra protection to the mirror while it was being carried. "And second, if it was to be broken, it goes without saying that it wouldn't work anymore."
"What exactly are the properties of this pouch, then?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2017 3:44:24 GMT
"Music classes?" Jillian was taken aback by the question, "I took a few beginner flute lessons when I was younger but I admittedly struggled with more than that. Are you looking to apply for that empty teaching position?" she asked. One of the few students she was associated with at Hogwarts regularly complained there was no regular teacher, she had seen no evidence that her new mentor was into music but she reasoned that having lived so long it was no surprise that Rose would have learnt to play. "I suppose I could be willing to give it another try."
She listened carefully to the details regarding the mirror, she found it interesting that it would not work when covered. The fact it would not work when broken was of no surprise, she had assumed as much and already considered safeguarding the mirror to be a new duty of hers. "The pouch has a version of an undetectable extension charm on it." she glances at Nikolaus, "In other words, its insides is larger than its outsides and the weight of objects inside are largely discounted. In this case it also has a minor summoning charm built in so items can be called to its opening and a concealment charm to hide its contents." there was a little worry to her expression and aura as she explained its properties. The pouch was rather powerful magic and by some accounts it skirted the edge of legality, which she felt sure Rose at least would figure out. This was her own show of trust.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2017 23:26:22 GMT
Rose was laying out phase one of her plan. She was definitely willing to trust Jillian; she just gave her one of her enchanted mirrors, and now Jillian was being privy Rose's ambitions. He stayed silent as the two of them conversed. Choosing to teach music at Hogwarts was really a smart move from his Regent. He knew she genuinely loved music. And, as someone who played the piano and had a fondness for music from the golden age of American Jazz, it was a love he shared with Rose. Hopefully, Jillian would be able to find a liking for music, as well.
When she described how the pouch worked, Nikolaus blinked. There were MANY kindred who would kill to have something like that... as well as many kine smugglers of contraband. He was surprised such a thing was legal under Ministry law. He and Rose were well aware that, just like muggles, the Ministry had a list of controlled substances, including kindred vitae. Not only was it highly addictive and caused euphoria in kine, he'd heard that several witches and wizards have found just how potent of an ingredient it could be in certain potions, which was why it was such a highly coveted (and expensive) commodity on the black market. Unless... this pouch wasn't exactly legal?
Interesting.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2017 9:51:09 GMT
"Yes, I'm strongly considering it." The Tremere confirmed. "I'm actually planning on sending an application to Headmistress Mc Gonagall within the next days." She knew that her violin skills gave her good chances, as long as other teachers wouldn't be opposed to it. If so, she would have to make sure at least some of them would be on her side. Like Aisha. And maybe that other teacher they'd met a little while ago, Dristan Adamson. Always be prepared, that was Rose's motto. "I won't mention the fact that I am your Mentor. I think this should stay between us for now," a pause and a small smile, "and Professor Kestrel, of course. But I doubt she'll mention it either."
As Jillian started to explain what the pouch could do, Rose leaned in, visibly interested. She'd heard about those pouches but it was the first time she got to see one up close in a long time. "That'd be the perfect way to carry the mirror." To smuggle it in and out of Hogwarts, to keep in her room in the dorms without her roommates noticing. "How did you get this pouch? Was it a present from your parents?" The Tremere didn't really mind if the artifact was borderline legal as long as she was sure Jillian didn't get in trouble to get it.
But she could definitely see it was Jillian's way of returning the favor, and showing her own trust in them. And she was really pleased by it.
"So your idea is to use the mirror while keeping it inside the pouch, right? Shall we try it now, then?" The blonde got up, because obviously if she stayed right next to Jillian, the experiment wouldn't be that convincing.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2017 12:04:06 GMT
Jillian looked quite impressed at how confident Rose looked about applying to the prestigious school. She nodded her agreement that her mentorship would remain private, though she had begun to wonder how formal the arrangement was. The pair had talked of acolytes and apprentices before, but she did not feel she was either at the current time. There had been not talk of only having one master like there had been with Maria either.
She was not surprised at the interest the pouch drew, she had only told her parents half of what she knew about it. "It was a gift," she replied, wondering if she should leave it at that. She certainly had no intention of saying who had given her the gift. She had found out later that the woman had been involved in David's recovery after all. "There had been talk of it leading to my recieving private lessons on enchanting items like it myself, but my summer has taken a rather different turn." she smiled at that. It was a shame she had not recieving that training, but she had no regrets where her summer had led her.
Taking up the mirror and making sure it remained open, she slipped it into the pouch. Sure enough there was no difficulty with it fitting at all. She had removed the carpet that had been in there when she got it in any case. She could feel herself almost buzzing with curiousity, eager to see how the power would work. She watched Rose intently, having no idea how blood magic would work. Did her new mentor have to actually cut herself?
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