Ernst Hirschler

[Dronaw]

<Well, well, this is not too valuable information. I counted in this. It will be better continue this talking after I wake up.>

*I try to pay attention to Irene but I feel more and more tired. She works good but unfortunately most of her find-outs worth only a little. I start my answer with a smile.*

- /Ger/ Of course you are not boring. Like as you said yourself every little piece of information might be useful. So I want to hear everything you've found out but after I wake up. Now I only interested about those who weights a lot. If you have none of this then we should continue this after sunset.

*Just before she leaves the wagon something comes into my mind.*

- /Ger/ Oh, Irene! An important thing. I realised that our Hungarian comrades are not Christians. So take care if you are talking to them. I make them believe that we aren't part of the crusade only protecting my Sire's interests. Keep up this appearance for them. I really proud of you! You do a great job!

*After she leaves I finally go to sleep into my coffin.*
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*Despite his heavy cursing and foolhardy attempts to fight back, this "Endre" is easily overwhelmed. A bash from a sword's hilt and a stake through the heart quickly resolves the matter and Karl drags the paralyzed body out.
As he's taken, the peasant vampire's now-frozen eyes are stuck in a hateful, defiant, accusing glare, fixed right at Ernst. Then he's gone as quickly as he came.
Irene, not being overly fazed by the little commotion, sits right where the prisoner was shoved just a minute ago. She crosses her legs and idly begins to clear the dirt from under her nails.*

-/Ger/ Weeell...

*A horn is sounded on the outside, signalling the imminent coming of the dawn. New, fresh ghouls take their places on the guard posts as one by one, their masters succumb to the ever-strengthening urge of sleep.
Needless to say, Ernst himself is more and more dazed.*

-/Ger/ Not sure what you'll make of it, so excuse me if I'll seem to be babbling, but like you said, any piece of gossip could potentially be a weapon.

*She nods with her head to the outside.*

-/Ger/ Most of your fellow Ventrue, and of course the Toreador are bloody flamboyants. They deeply look down on us small folks - younger vampires like yourself included -, but will keep making a show of how "generous" they are, and how up-to-date they are with the customs and fashion of our time. This is especially true for the real oldies like Decimus. Heck, some of his ghouls are centuries old while others are younger than me. He seems to be trying to charm that obnoxious Toreador, and not without any success. They're way too alike. The bodyguards of Eufemia aren't as pathetic as you'd expect though. They're French knights of the finest stock, some of them ex-crusaders, or Parisian Templars. More than a match for the Black Cross rank-and-file, I'd say. Poor guys, stuck with such a domitor. Anyway! Want to hear about the rest, or am I already boring you to death? Heh. No offence.
_________________

[Dronaw]

*I feel the growing anger in Endre and prepare myself. As he cries out I quickly move my hand towards my sword. Maybe because of my move maybe because of his perfect training, Karl does what he must.*

<He won't tell more but this is enough for now. We will no more need him.>

*I nod to Karl to stab him from behind and in the same time I draw out my sword to overwhelm him.*

- /Ger/ Stub that stick through his heart and bring him outside, the sun will handle the rest.

*I don't have to say more to them, they know their duty during my sleep. As they leave the wagon I call Irene for a moment.*

- /Ger/ Irene! Could you find out anything useful about the others? If you have any important information, you may tell me now.

*After they both leave the wagon I begin my daily sleep. I feel thirsty and know that soon I have to refresh myself.*
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*Confused. Agitated. Angry. And perhaps ashamed that he pays so much attention, Endre hisses and growls the more Ernst speaks. The Discipline might be useful, but certainly not omnipotent, especially since it deals with emotions and reactions, instead of the mind itself.*

-/Hun/ I... I don't believe you! You try to pose in your friendly guise, but in reality, you're a wolf in sheep's clothing!

*Such a... timely insult.*

-/Hun/ I won't tell you anything! And you better hide well under that fuckin' woman's skirt, because the master himself will come and destroy you all in fiery glory! HAIL Havnor, Lord of Thunder!

*Irene takes a step back. Karl takes a step forward. His hand on the hilt of his sword. Ah, fanaticism.*
_________________

[Dronaw]

*I relax a little when I see that the discipline has done its duty. Though I remain alert for any unsuspected I continue the conversation in polite tone. As Irene arrives I can concentrate more in the young vampire - or at least young in body - trying to get out of him everything he might known.*

- /Hun/ Welcome Endre. I'm Ernst but maybe Ernő is more familiar to you.

*I give him a little smile as telling the Hungarian name for me to show that I know the Hungarians well.*

- /Hun/ Don't bother about that woman. She is surely more powerful than most of the vampires here. I understand that most of you don't like the crusaders. But attacking them is not the good way to cause them headache. They are good fighters and many more will come after them burning everything down to the ground if they will be attacked. If I wasn't here our Komtur would already burn the surroundings for the previous ambush we had.

*I pause a little to give him time to think about what I've just said.*

- /Hun/ I have to know everything to be able to save you and the locals. Please, tell me everything you know. Who told you that there will be no vampire in the camp? Where can I find him or how can I speak with him? I have to know whether he is just stupid or he moves against this country.
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*The prisoner, as feisty and defiant as he is, continues hissing and glaring, but the Discipline, as per usual, has its blissful effects. The fledgeling vampire's pupils widen, his jaw slightly drops, as he looks and listens on inmore awe than he should.
Finally, he speaks in a much more confused manner.*

-/Hun/ I, uh... the fuck... okay then, I was sent here to kill these cross-loving fools, obviously! We were told the vampires were away and they'd be easy target! And then, that bitch came and... oh, fuck, beaten by a woman, the shame!

*He obviously has more respect in his tone now - at least towards Ernst -, but he's still agitated, perhaps even more so than before.
Meanwhile, Irene arrives as well. Both the ghouls inspect the interrogation with mild curiousity.*

-/Hun/ Damn. Blast. Piss. Curses. My name is Endre, by the way...
_________________

[Dronaw]

<Hmm, so I got his attention and he is willing to speak. Very good. Much more easier than having a silent dog.>

- /Hun/ I am the only one who speaks your language and belongs to the same clan as the Komtur. So they trust me. But my only loyalty lies to my Sire who has great interests in this country. I myself used to come here as a merchant and I earned the locals trust and I don't want this to be changed.

*I speak slowly and calm. I watch every little move he does for each of my word to try to get as much information from his body language. I try to earn as much trust from him as I can.*

awe

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 6d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 10, 1, 5, 10, 7, 10 (Total = 43)

10s again

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 2d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 2, 4 (Total = 6)

*I hope my calm voice doesn't misdirect Karl but he is well trained he will know his duty.*

- /Hun/ So I don't want to hurt you. Please tell me who you are and what you are doing here.
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*The other crusaders move away, hastily tending to their last businesses before their descent into slumber.
Anselm nods in thanks.
Lucretia hops off the boy's body and walks away with him.
Csongor turns his head towards Ernst as he proposes him to join the interrogation, and spits a good mouthful before nonchalantly riding away.
Knowing him, it might not even be personal...*

-/Hun/ Curse you!

*The ghouls are visibly relieved when their master returns to the now-prepared carriage, leading a prisoner no less. Karl rushes forward and offers to take over the boy's dragging.*

-/Ger/ Sire! What happened?! Are we at war with the locals?!

*Irene tends to the horse, but also cannot resist bombarding her domitor.*

-/Ger/ Master, we were attacked! But the Frau Komtur defeated them all! She was like a whirlwind! It was amazing!

*After the trio settles in the secured wagon, and the questions are asked, the defiant little lowlife, apparently driven by little more than mindless rage, spits the words back.*

-/Hun/ You aren't?! Then why the fuck did they throw me to you?!
_________________

[Dronaw]

*The view of the dead bodies pull me back into the real word out of my imagination about Nature and God. I swiftly look around to realise that the bodies belong only for the attackers. As we approach Lucretia von Hartz I remain silent and wait for our Komturs to discuss what happened.*

- /Ger/ As you wish.

*I nod a little, dismount and walk to the guy*

- /Ger/ So, you little skunk, what do you know?
- /Hun/ Don't worry, boy, I'm the friend of the Hungarians. Now, let's go into my wagon. And stay calm.

*I stoop to the guy, grab his arm, set he on his legs again and start to walk with him to my wagon. I see my ghouls near the wagon so I call Irene to handle my horse. I look at Csongor to see his reactions.*

- /Hun/ You may join me, if you want to.

*Though I think he won't but this gesture might ease him towards me. Either way we settle down inside and I order Karl to be also in the wagon and be very watchful. If the guy stayed calm I release him to sit down.*

- /Hun/ Don't be afraid, I'm not a crusader, I'm here to protect my Sire's interests in Hungary. Could you tell me what happened? Are you just against the crusaders or you have other business?

*I stay alert if he makes anything unusual and I know that Karl does the same. I also try to read his motions.*

int+sub+spec(weakness detection)

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 7d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 4, 1, 6, 2, 7, 5, 7 (Total = 32)

_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*There is no time to waste. The entire group spurs its horses into full gallop, practically flying back towards camp, outrunning the very dawn. Such irony, such artistic irony. Not only was Ernst able to take a momentary glance at the "sun's" light in his undead existence, he's also this close to be turned to ash by the actual luminary.
But for all the panic of some Kindred, in reality, they still have more than enough time. Still, one doesn't like to gamble with immortality.
As the group reaches the encampment, the string of surprises doesn't exactly end. While the mortals are busying themselves like the diligent little bees they are, erecting tent after tent, flagpole after flagpole and barricade after barricade, there seems to be a number of dead bodies scattered all over the perimeter, culminating in an entire pile of four or five of them in the middle of the camp.
With the other Komtur, Lucretia von Hartz casually sitting on top of them. Holding only a dagger in hand. A very bloodied dagger.*

-/Ger/ Oh, we had a little company to keep us entertained while you were gone.

*She says to the approaching - and rather confused - Anselm. Before raising the head of one of the "corpses" by the hair. He's still alive.*

-/Ger/ But why don't you question this miserable cur, with one of the mercs...

*Glancing to the Gangrel's company, still a bit further away. And then straight to Ernst.*

-/Ger/ ...or the merchant-knight? The creature speaks nothing but Hungarian, I presume.

*The prisoner is little more than a peasant boy, appearance-wise, sixteen, perhaps seventeen years old. His clothing is barely more than rags, and as his head is lifted, he defiantly bares his vampiric teeth at the hated crusaders.
Another life wasted.*

-/Ger/ What the Devil is this? Could this night possibly be any more insane?

*Anselm sighs, turning to Ernst.*

-/Ger/ Interrogate him at your discretion. Let's see who sent them and where they came from. Use every means at your disposal.
_________________

[Dronaw]

*I'm sure that my words will soften the Gangrel. Nothing else could be as I am the master of words. I only hear snatches from the grumbling of Von Schmitt and Von Heidenauer.*

<So stupid! They are lack of politics. "If you want to reach the king you have to start with the peasants" as my merchant master always said.>

*As the shattering voice roars up, I quickly turn my head towards the sound to see the huge explosion. The power of it makes me frightened but it also flashes the surroundings with a daylight. I stand there for a little time being engaged. It's beautiful. The shouting and the orders draw me back to the present. I follow the others back to the camp.*

<This little interact ruined my plan to shake down with Csongor. But this might come to my favour as now he has time to think about what I said and not just woof back something first comes to his mind. What happened to our special comrades and Albrecht? If they were near to that explosion... well, I wouldn't bet on them. But there is always good in bad, we don't have to care about Sophia anymore. That explosion strengthened my resolve that I have to see Nature in sunlight again. This little event showed my what I fight for but it was depleted. This could also be a sign from God that I'm heading in the right way towards him.>
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*At first, there comes no reply from the Gangrel and his entourage, they merely stare at the young Ventrue with hostile frowns. It would appear that none of the other vampires understand the tongue of local commoners, but it doesn't prevent Von Messer from grumbling something under his nose to Von Schmitt and Von Heidenauer.*

-/Ger/ Cohorting with the Low Clans, like a true lapdog...

*As fate would have it, right after uttering the word "Hund", the dogs of Buda, or rather, the entire general area erupt into furious barking, almost simultaneously, prompting Friderich to fall silent with a stunned expression.
Then, just as Csongor would be about to reply, everyone's gaze is drawn to a distinct point up somewhere in the mountains to the southwest. In a great flare of red-orange flame, a shattering voice roars up, causing a minor tremor and devastating part of the forest.
Just like that. A pocket of day in the darkest night.
"Sorcery!" "Magic!" - cry out the Kindred present, while trying desperately to control their horses - or get up in their saddles again.*

-/Lat/ It's been quite enough waiting for those four, good Komtur, for that might very well have been their end!

*Shouts the Roman Ventrue, pointing to the mountainside that now rapidly turns dark again. He, much like everyone else, is quickly back in the saddle.
Eufemia adds.*

-/Lat/ Dawn will be here any moment now!

-/Lat/ I concur. *says the Komtur* We ride back to camp now; and we pray we find them coming back on their own, instead of as satchels full of ash. What the Devil could have befallen them?
_________________

[Dronaw]

* As I see the rise of Csongor's temper, I realise that I made a big mistake. I took for granted that they are also Christians.*

<Ho, holy shit... I greatly misunderstood Csongor's growl during the mention of the Pagan cult. Tho' I watched everyone in the room I neglect my comrades and focused on Vencel's court. I have to redeem my mistake.>

- /Hun/ Oh, calm down, brave warriors, true protectors of the Hungarian life style. I never said that I have any problems with the Pagans. I'm only here to protect my Sire's interests. No more, no less. I was only asking about this special group which - according to Vencel - also attacks the locals.

*My tone is calm as if I just want to clarify a foolish misunderstanding, I also give them a little smile.*
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

*The dog would keep barking and Ernst sees it fit to leave. His wounds sore, his undead body hungry, it is a tough decision to make, but the only one that prevents killing. In addition, time is short, and the cold night will soon give way to the light of dawn. Already, the sky is starting to turn less dark and the first signs of fatigue begin creeping into Ernst's limbs and mind.
What a rare feeling...
When he makes it back, nothing has changed, except the group is even more anxious now, changing glances between the forest and the eastern horizon every few moments.
On the other hand, the Hungarians...*

-/Hun/ What's this tough speech about "crushing", huh?! Stop talking down to us "Pagans", you lil' Christian, before I crush you!

*...are positively furious. This, of course, draws the attention of quite a few others, while the seven local pair of eyes are all glaring at the young Ventrue.*

-/Hun/ We've agreed to fight and kill for you, but don't think we'll ever like you, your God, or the shithole this land has become! Understand?!

*After a few moments of silence following yet another Csongor outburst, the rest of the Kindred simply go back to their previous topics... dawn being chief amongst them.
Sophia and Albrecht must surely be dead by now...*
_________________

[Dronaw]

<Not good. Not at all.>

*I'm sure that the locals will be awakened in seconds. I could stay and try to persuade them, but then I couldn't drink from them undetected. It took long to find this settlement and I feel I have no time to find another. But I won't confront with the locals! There are so many things in the hills wherefore the dog might bark. I turn around and ride back to the gathering point. If they are still there, I speak with the Hungarians, if not, I continue to the camp hastily*
_________________
Sunny Black