[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=firebrick]Vladimir Alexandrov[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/3068ada6-2525-4e47-b1a8-14d98dfb6177.jpg[/img][h3][color=firebrick][b][i]"[u]The Great Bazhooli[/u]"[/i][/b][/color][/h3][/center][hr][hr][center][color=firebrick][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park): Big Top -> Main Entrance [color=firebrick][b]Skills:[/b][/color] [i]Fal'shbort[/i] (Passive), [i]Tretiy Glaz[/i] (Passive) [/center][hr] The surety that Vladimir had seen this woman before reached a pitched scream in the baxk of his brain. He did know of this woman, as did any Alexandrov or Circus member who has slent any time in his family's holdings in Carpathian Moldova. There was a masterfully painted portrait of her hanging in a place of prominence therein. There could be no mistaking it. He had so many questions. So many indeed. It was not a common occurrence for a long since passed ancestor to materialize physically and give blessings for their family's endeavors. His many questions would have to go unanswered, unfortunately, as the woman blinked out of existence as quickly as she appeared. He may never set eyes upon her again, let alonenhave time for a pressing conversation about their origins. Perhaps it was for the best. Vladimir had pressing family duty which required his attention, no matter what his personal wants might have been. Truth be told, he did want a great many things. He wanted to rest and relax. He wanted to clean up, then join in a celebration of life and living with his beloved Circus. Vladmir wanted a cup of chilled wine and warm company with whom he may participate in the little [and not so little) indulgences that made life truly worthwhile. Instead, he found himself striding purposefully from the Grand Pavilion to the main entrance just in time for the changing of the guards, his very tall hat perched upon his head, his coat hanging loosely about hus shoulders, and a saber now sheathed at his waist as accompaniment to his collection of fine knives. Such was the responsibility of The Great Bazhooli; service to his people with grace and style before personal wants. There would be time for rest and celebration later. For now, something potentially threatened the safety of his charges. That simply would not do. Vlad offered the occasional word of salutation to some of the people that he passed on his way, congratulations to others, but as he neared the main entrance his demeanor became very businesslike. The guards understood what this meant and acted accordingly. A brief conversation in Russian followed as the old guards, new guards, and Vladimir went over events, giving the occaaional glance in thw direction of their would-be guest for the evening. The Great Bazhooli stayed on after the guards switched, taking a moment to peer down at the man near their gate. He cleared his throat and spoke. [color=firebrick]"I knov you. From last night at Almack. You and sister. I read sister's eyes - spoke much about her people. Did not like vhat they say."[/color] He took a step back from the gate and spoke a little louder, gathering the attention of the guards stationed nearby. [color=firebrick]"Private show. Have been told no admittance. Family gathering after. You have not invite. Vill be very long vait for you."[/color] [hr][hr][center][h1][color=c0c0c0][i][b]Sister Mary Ignatia Hale[/b][/i][/color][/h1][/center] [center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/474x/82/54/0d/82540d6136ce1f6f809735b7e793127b--redhead-makeup-molly-quinn.jpg[/img] [sub][color=c0c0c0]"In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all."[/color][/sub] [hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park): Big Top [/center][hr][hr] The representative from Japan had made mention that Mary was being awfully quiet, while the representative from the West Indies was extremely vocal about her opposition to the admittance of both parties presenting this evening. Well, the young Dame Commander was about to leave an impression upon them both. Whether it was a good impression or bad one, she was not overly concerned. They could get in line behind her or they could take steps to oust her from her position, but this was the decision of the evening. Mary stood to her full height and looked upon the Grand Duchess following her fiery and impassioned ultimatum. She knew that this was going to happen. She was present in the tent earlier when all of this was discussed. Finally, Mary was fully ready to break off from the Graveolase if they rallied against the decision and ally herself with the Russians. She was even under orders from the Vatican, before her sudden catapult into the position of Arch Graveolase, to learn from these people. Her path lay with these colorful and powerful people. Not to mention that the little piece of politics that she had seen within the Graveolase was provoking her ire. Power struggle? It sickened her. [color=c0c0c0]"Indeed, Madame Del'ataunt."[/color] Her body turned from Elizaveta, eyes locking with the more experienced and possibly more powerful representative of the West Indies. [color=c0c0c0]"They have been hiding within the borders of their empire, doing the work of the Graveolase because they will not venture to assist. They train only within the Circus because they take in those displaced and orphaned by the Soulless, and give them purpose. Many that were once helpless have become a sword against the darkness because of these people."[/color] That term, Sword Against the Darkness, was one used to describe the Venators of Mary's knightly order. She felt it was fitting in this instance. [color=c0c0c0]"And the fact that they can teach their abilities to those who are already Trained makes them valuable allies. It is a friendship to cultivate in these dark times, though some within this council would rebuke them."[/color] Mary spoke with the surety of the righteous; her mild accent of the Scottish border and midlands pronouncing itself with slightly more emphasis, marking the point that today of all days, Mary Ignatia Hale, Dame Commander and Apostolic of the Papacy, was most assuredly wearing her ovaries on the outside. There was no suffering of fools nor blind acceptance of others' judgement, and politics be damned. Mary turned fully to the remaining Graveolase present, giving her voice volume and clarity. [color=c0c0c0]"It matters not what might happen decades from now. For those of you who do not know, the attack upon Almack's Assembly Rooms that took the previous Arch Graveolase, Lord Buckingham, was not isolated. It was one of a concerted effort, executed simultaneously across many places in the civilized world. I shall say this differently: The Soulless have [i]organized[/i], and are attacking with directed intelligence. We are at war. [i]War[/i]. While individuals squabble over what power may or may not be theirs to claim, the truth exists that unless we all come to unprecedented accord, including the acceptance of those who may help us, we are all dead; men, women, children all. Whomever 'wins' this numbing game of politic will sit upon a grand throne, surrounded by ash and decay. The world our Lord created for us will become a carcass for the Soulless to feed upon."[/color] Mary turned her head to face Veta, but kept her body positioned toward the assembled dignitaries. [color=c0c0c0]"Grand Duchess Elizaveta Romanova: Upon my authority as the Arch Graveolase in interim, I invite you to join the Council, or appoint a representative in the manner of your people's choosing."[/color] This indeed was a formality. But time was of the essence here, as they did have a journey ahead of them that evening. She needed to finish this event decisively. She looked to Ludwig next. While not quite as convinced by him as she was the Circus, Mary was impressed by his abilities. [color=c0c0c0]"Ludwig [i]Zimmer[/i], correct sir?"[/color] she spoke, making it a point to check on Adam while addressing the off-kilter Teuton. [color=c0c0c0]"You are impressive, and your skills noteworthy. But I hesitate. People of strength may be found in every culture, and from unexpected sources. But tell me more about your organization. Specifically, tell me what your people may contribute to the Graveolase for the cause of protecting humanity from the Soulless."[/color]