#(talking some only-thinly-veiled shit about a few of his peers in the process)

[ereborne]

Song of the Day: March 27

"Long Time Gone" by The Chicks

[ll-underestimated-ll]

There a few common themes that come across from the kindred that Fina talks to. Frustration of hunting restrictions. Mysterious disappearances of their younger peers. Public transport is annoying. Housing and rent prices are ridiculously high. The whole debate on whether to intensify the inner city or expand it over a greater area. General public issues really seem to mingle into to kindred ones here given they’re not worrying about warring with their surroundings. 

The attitude towards the domain as a whole is fairly positive. It’s the major business center. There are a lot of people. The nightlife is lively in comparison to everywhere else. 

The Caitiff express that despite their night to night issues of just getting by - general life stuff kine would have as well - that being there is preferable to being out in the wop-wops. Unless they wanted to content themselves with feeding off of livestock. Plenty of that around. They do seem to press focus onto the matter of disappearances and express that it’s the reason they’ve been sticking together. 

The Caitiff and Ms. Walker both make sure to express that Leo is a spoiled coddled brat and a hypocrite. There are some differences in how they see him. 

Ms. Walker seems to have pity for him but also a deep sense of frustration. There is a clear sense that she thinks he has cheated his way to the top and causes problems just for entertainment. It’s that sort of contempt people target to those they see as having been born with a silver spoon in their mouth. But there is no true ill will to be found.

The Caitiff however seem to characterize Leo as being this cold vicious figure that delights in having a chance to harm others. They see him as someone dismissive of requests and prone to making threats to keep everyone in line. Branding coupled with hefty fines is apparently the common punishment for trouble makers. Or at least that’s what the younger ones think. From a couple of the older ones there seems to more disappointment than anything - they think that ‘despite everything Vindr put him through here he is turning into just another version of him’. 

As for the groups opinion on Barty- ‘Oh high and mighty Bartholomew~’. He’s apparently a stubborn piece of shit that thought that he was next in line for Vindr’s position. He’s more or less the stock standard sociopathic big-business man with a charming grin capable of schmoozing his way through parties with the top 1% in the country. That sort that thinks everyone else is below him but will hide it behind smile. Talented at what he does - sure. General prick outside of those he doesn’t want favour from - absolutely.

Outside of people vanishing, strange things noticed includes; the arrival of Antyllus a few years back, ‘Mitchell’ being shifty, and ‘The Triad’ (Leo, Alex, and Theodora) being more secretive about their law making processes.

------

The social gathering in question is one of the cities regular community meetings. Something apparently held somewhat regularly and are meant to provide all the cities kindred a chance to bring up any recent issues they’ve had. This time around it’s being held in a small community church ‘out west’, and sadly, the only drinks being served tonight are bagged. Not everyone is there and things seem to go relatively smoothly. 

Fina will observe that the Auckland kindred are fairly casual, but their way of talking is all very performative. There is a lot of calculated snark, jokes, and insults - making for an environment which walks along a tightrope of tension and comicality. Leo’s attitude is different here than what she had dealt with in private. He’s a lot colder and more reserved. Sarcasm keeps his thinly veiled threats palatable when people try to touch on topics he doesn’t want to discuss. 

Some stirrings of Fina’s meddling become evident wen talk of some neonates pushing boundaries comes up - a discussion which Leo shuts down quickly once Jani starts going on for a bit. 

All n all there is little official business to be had that night and things are soon dismissed to allow everyone to chat among themselves and Leo will end up making his way to Antyllus’ side in order to discuss something while the doctor hands out drinks to those desiring them - though he will split away upon seeing Fina’s approach.

Head will be bowed slightly to help allow her reach, he could have sworn she was shorter than him last time they spoke, though site of heels clears up that mystery quickly,  “I am glad to hear that you have been enjoying yourself, cousin. Have you been getting to relax without the sabbat breathing down your neck?” 

@ll-underestimated-ll

It has been a little over two weeks since Fina first arrived to Auckland. The place is a far cry from home; the streets meander strangely. The stars hang in wrong places. There is a comfort in no one rushing to her for aide. There is joy in passing unknown and unknowing through the late night crowds.

She's spent her status as 'tourist' taking in the sights. Why, she's even made the effort of seeking the other Kindred out! Vanyar had been first. She'd tracked him down as his dossier had suggested. The courier was slippery, as most of his clan was. A few enthusiastic compliments, a handful of stories about the birth of the blues, and a shy request for a beloved song had established a rapport.

Milly- No, Ms. Walker. Ms. Walker had been easier to find than Vanyar, though harder to connect with. Fina was content to let Ms. Walker speak, offering a sympathetic ear foor the younger Ventrue. Eventually the conversation would somehow wander into difficulties Ms. Walker is having. Strange, that.

Last, she had started moving among the caitiff. The only information given was her name. If the caitiff thought her young and in need of instruction, well... who was she to correct them?

All the conversations would eventually have questions slipped in. How is the domain faring? What did they think of the Prince? What's up with Barty? Notice anything strange lately?

Games are well and good, but she had come here at least in part to see Leo. She attened one of the 'social gatherings', making note of who spoke to who and how.

Once the groups had formed and the cliques solidified, Fina would drift over to Leo. She waits for him to acknowledge her before speaking.

"Buonaséra, Prince Lehman." She steps in the place a chaste kiss to his temple. "I must say, your domain is proving delightful."