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The room was tense; like a court ordered rehab program with a bunch of occupants that weren’t sure what to expect and an unvetted social worker leading the way with blind optimism that only added to the tension. The plain looking man pressed his hair back with his right palm, a subconscious tick left over from before conditioning, though it didn’t seem to denote nervousness. His eyes scanned those sitting in front of him and he seemed in control, well, he seemed like a person told to appear confident; a little off, a little forced. The scene was awkward, even from a vampiric standpoint. Usually thralls, even those conditioned to be calm, would be exhibiting some reaction (sweat, shaking) when surrounded by a group like this. There were a few present that had a nature in and of itself that seemed to facilitate anxiety, especially in humans; but not these thralls. The well dressed man stood in the middle, encircled by the desk filled with individuals that could each remove his head from his body without even trying. He exhibited the nervousness of a CEO in a board room holding all the cards for a takeover. It was all topped with the unfaltering sociable smile stuck to his lips as though his master had painted him like a stiff doll. It eerily remained even as those same lips parted to speak.

“First, on behalf of my proprietor I would like to genuinely thank you all for coming; we are fully aware of the danger. You may have noticed this group is rather eclectic, for lack of a better word. There isn’t a living or dead person who would gamble on placing you all in the same room, but isn’t that part of the fun?” He paused to chuckle, but it seemed rehearsed. When no one else shared the laugh he cleared his throat and continued on. “There will be questions I’m sure. Please hold off and we will do our best to answer them.”

He seemed to attempt a serious expression, but was unable to suppress the smile implant as well as he hoped. “As you may know the Monarch and his Barons have maintained control of the Charleston area for two centuries and have implemented laws that, in all truth, are used to enslave and disenfranchise their own kin. You don’t remember a time before these laws and restrictions, but my proprietor does. He sees a need for change and he is not alone in this. Some of you may hear whispers of dissension. They have always existed, no matter who the ruler, no matter the location, but the whispers are growing as the times change and the rulers do not. While the Barons seem to hold a strong front this is all for show. They have as many cracks, secrets and bias as any human; compounded by centuries of time to expand and dwell on them.”

“We are not expecting you to take on the Monarch or the Barons head on; but you are in a unique position of being invisible in a world where age blinds the elders to your abilities. You may be unaware of the tribulations between the Barons, but my proprietor has information that will help guide you into actions that will benefit yourselves, as well as them. You see, there is always discord amongst the Barons, discord which you can fuel and stoke to a greater flame and purpose. The plan is to use their own vices against them.”

“I’m sure some of you are thinking that if it was so easy, why hasn’t it been done? It isn’t easy, but it has been done. Before we continue with the information provided I feel inclined to tell you that if you would like to bow out, that is acceptable. You can simply walk out the door right now. It would be remiss for me to fail to inform you that the blood pact only covers the events and discussions of tonight. My proprietor suggests that a blood pact is formed between those of you who wish to carry on, for your own protection of course.”
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