A meeting of opposites - 22nd May

Exo listened to them both and then shook his head as he looked at Rose. "You misunderstand me. What is the main magical significance in that area? The Wizards have their own places within these places, do they not? Much like we do. So..." he walks over to the map, and traces a line around all of the monuments and buildings that she expressed interest in. "Tell me what is the specific significance here when it comes to the mortal Wizards? What ends up being in your territory versus ours? What is gained? What is lost?"

Exo was definitely an interesting individual. He looked at things in a different way compared to what most people did. The Tremere Regent liked that about him, and to think he was Salubri made it kind of ironic. She snorted softly at Nikolaus' sarcastic retort. Obviously her Whip didn't share her opinion about Exo. "The fact that you're asking means you're already forming your own interpretation of the reasons behind my choices. So tell me what you think. If you happen to be correct, I'll tell you." She was willing to be honest if he was perceptive enough. As a student and later as an apprentice, Rose had noticed you never learned if you were given the answers upfront. Only if you had tried to find them on your own first.

Rose looked back at Mary, pondering what she just said. "Let's say I agree on having the government buildings remain neutral... But the religious sites as well?" Her eyes drifted to the map and she pointed at one spot on the map. "That would de facto mean for me to give up on Westminster Abbey." She frowned slightly at the thought. "If it's just the Abbey but that Westminster School and the College Garden remain as Camarilla territory, then I guess, it's acceptable. Now, the British Museum and Library, and University college?" The corner of her mouth twisted slightly as if to say 'let's not get ahead of ourselves here'. "Your business have you interested in Camden, King's Cross and Soho. I believe Saint Pancras can be ours without interfering in the least though University College would remain yours. If you need to have a sure access to the Thames, I can agree to add Temple Disctrict to your list but like I said, the area framed by Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, Charring Cross, the Embankment and King's College remains ours."

The Tremere placed a strand of light blond hair behind her ear and leaned back. "That's where we could be on compromise. As for your invitation..." Rose was not much of a nightclub person, and most people who knew her would be able to confirm that. "A truce like this one is something that deserves to be celebrated. I assume the Underground does have a V.I.P. corner, now doesn't it?"

Rose tilted her head and studied Exo for a bit, as if she was debating how much she should reveal. She had promised to tell what was correct. But he was quite a bit off. Eventually she said: “Chantries wouldn't have been a bad guess, though a Chantry we already do have and it is not in this very area. But like I said before, if the Camarilla community was to grow and a Prince was to be chosen, Westminster is an ideal place of residence because of the location and the spiritual and magical energy that lies within it. It’s not the strongest place in terms of magical potential, just one with which Tremere have more affinity.” And that alone should allow Exo to understand that Rose intended to be the future Camarilla Prince.

“As for the rest, it is as much based on magical potential as on the fact that there are people who live in these locations and with whom we wish to have frequent contacts with and to be able to protect without any kind of limitation.” Said people included Nikolaus’ and her own ghouls but she was not going to say that. “That is part of the businesses we have and that I feel no need to elaborate on, right now. We already know about some of each other’s businesses. It’s a good start.” Trust is gained and fed over time. Besides, willingly offering too much information would seem just as suspicious from Rose. Either that or it would make her look weak.

The blond quarter-veela turned back to Mary. “So?” Her eyes drifted towards Erskine for the briefest moment, as if she was reminded of something. “Also, if this is the Grand Opening of your Club would you allow me to do something that will show anyone present that this truce goes beyond an oath and blood signatures?”

That last offer was bound to surprise them. Even Nikolaus wasn’t aware of what she was about to offer, which is why, knowing how professional her Whip always was, Rose told him telepathically. ‘Do not worry. I’m only willing to give something that is mine and not Tremere’s. None of our secrets will be put at risk.’

Mary looks at Rose.

"The Abbey itself holds a long history, and part of that is mine, not being native to these shoes you see only strategic locations, not places where you belong. The abbey should remain neutral, like the government. Which, of course, includes the Monarchy. But if you want the College and gardens, then I insist on the Museum,, Library, and University College, since all three squarely lie in our territory."

She watches Rose carefully, letting Exo watch Nikolaus.

"The rest we can agree to for now. Perhaps we should .... see how it goes, as they say, and agree to meet again, say a year from now, to iron out any unforeseen issues?"

Mary nods. "I think so. As you have said, there will be many opportunities. We may just be entering a new age where war does not have to be the nigntly pasttime between us."

She stands, and offers Rose her hand. "Nice to see you again. Don't be a stranger, as they say." And she smiles.

This was... quite an interesting experience. His actual interactions with Sabbat had been few and far between - his position in the Tremere had him mostly interacting with other Tremere, and with occasional meetings with other Camarilla kindred - but they'd always left a bad taste in his mouth, and occasionally their blood on his finely-tailored outfits. To him, they were mostly unliving reminders of why the Traditions were necessary.

Those guys? They almost had him believe there could such thing as 'agree to disagree' instead 'kill on sight' between Camarilla and Sabbat.

As if they shared some kind of connection, Nikolaus turned and left the moment Rose herself turned, following in lockstep behind her after offering one last collective nod to all of the Sabbat kindred in the room, something he honestly never thought he would do without them being staked and left out for the sun.

Witches and wizards as our neighbors and customers, truces with the Sabbat... there's truly never a dull moment with you, he said to Rose telepathically as they made their way out to their waiting car. Good thing the Twins knew how to drive. As he opened the door for her, he wondered what was next on the Regent's agenda. Maybe Caine would invite them over for cards?