This senator thing sure as hell keeps a man busy. Wouldn’t it be nice if the rest just did their job too? Yeah, I know, keeping your clan quiet is a good thing. But up to now Friar Jean never really involved himself in politics during one of the official gatherings. Which is all swell to me, yet not quite so good for his standing within the domain and senate. Why? Because people will start thinking I’m the one doing the work and he’s just being the person I occasionally use to type up my messages.

Getting carried away again. Time for some structure.

The introductions of the night went quite well. People decided it would be best to present themselves clan by clan. Keeps things nice and efficient. Some where a little confused because I was the only one to shake hands. But I did that last time we received them. Can’t see why I’d stop now. Besides, if I had pissed the prince of with that little gesture I’m sure she would have let me know. She’s good at letting people know what she thinks. Found that out the hard way, somewhat.

First thing I got to do was hand Raphael his little plaything. I think he liked the thought, though the item itself is useless as it is. Was a bit of a joke between him and I. He talked to me again some time later that evening and showed some genuine concern about my condition by that time of night. As much as he’d hate to admit it, but I do think he likes me. In your face, person who claimed not to have a heart at all!

For some reason the Countess fanciend a private conversation her and I had. She gave me a bit of a warning about not getting emtionally attached with the prince in any form or way. I’m surprised to find her worried about my spiritual wellbeing in that way. But with her and her husband being who they are they should have known that I’m already way over board. I am attached. Otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed here in the first place. She gave me fair warning though, telling me that I’d be cut deep on an emotional level. Since I decided to stay that’s not going to require much consideration. I will get cut, one way or another. Might as well make my own choice about it. So if it’s snarls and what have you – fine. I can handle those. As for the rest… Her ladyship was right in telling me that I’m lucky for neither being her and therefore of the blood of kings – nor am I her husband, hampered by her presence. In my small world she’s not giving herself enough credit. Or perhaps the scars she has from the prince run so deep that she’s not always able to hold back the pain. Coming from a Ventrue that tells you a lot… And that scares me. But the decision has been made. I’ll stay put. I told her I know how this story will end.

Then there was this one conversation with Alena where she told the prince all about her visit at Saarbrücken. Fortunately the prince seemed displeased enough to consider measure as a ban from visiting that domain. However, she will wait until she has been in contact with their lord again. Yeah, well – I guess she feels she has to go through the motions. During that conversation the prince kept approaching Alena in a fashion I didn’t like much. So I tried to wedge myself in between. Worked the first time, only that had me pressed against the wall a split second later. She is a strong old lady, I can tell you that! If I am to believe in what the Brunis say that is some sort of affection. Bloody hell. For a moment I thought she’d go for my throat… And it’s a really odd thing to find part of yourself practically asking her to. Not that I did, mind you. Despite the prospect of being undone part of me would have wanted her to take that bite. Makes me sick to think about it as well as full of regret… Of course she kept trying for Alena as well. When I tried to get her attention away from the girl it just didn’t work. Seems to me not all elders are as easily manipulated as Freienfels. Such a shame! The old lady has a very odd taste for blood… I’ve been informed that Alena left the place in a hurry at some point. Thomas must have felt the sudden urge to scold her for what happened. As if she wasn’t suffering enough already. Not a good move, my friend.

Boy, I have to say. I think I’ll have to do some serious bitching towards my fellow senators. First of all Jean told the rest of the domain about the Toreador involvement in the whole ghoul matter even though I asked him not to. It makes sense – but he could at least ask before he does something like that! However, the man is spent. He needs to find his own center. Being the likeable guy I am I’m trying to push him a little. Because if he doesn’t find his happy place soon he’ll be of no use to any of us. Not that he’s being of much political use right now. His clan keeps him way too occoupied. A bunch of lunatics these days. And by involving him they keep him from doing his actual job. Which is bad, because the rest of the domain does notice. As for Thomas? Barely saw him last night. And from what I hear all he did, politically speaking, is redirect people in my direction. Which is all nice and shiny if I wanted total power. But then the prince would have my head for it. So I need to spread the load a little while they need to accept their share. While I’m perfectly willing to do their work for them it must never appear that way to the domain. Sad but true, right now it does.

What can I say. Who caused the whole trouble in Clan Brujah? A Nosferatu named Paul, formerly known as the Brujah named Philipps. Confusing, yet strangely funny! I like the notion. And even if I didn’t I’d still have to like it because a Nosferatu elder thinks it’s a good idea. Now, I’m not one to pat Philipps’ back for abandoning his clan. But I do see the humor in him turning out to be Nosferatu. The old man must have quite the sense of humor.

Myself, I’m somewhat disappointed that Bruni must have been here for a single night. I don’t know to what purpose. But I know he was here. And he didn’t say hi. I think I should feel hurt, if I wasn’t so sure that he was involved in my appointment. It’s best to assume that he had good reason to be in a hurry.

What is also most irritating to behold is that Coraline is seriously making an effort to work with her clan. Give her some time and she might even come up with useful information. Right now she’s blabbering stuff she picks up that I already know or that isn’t of much importance. However, at least she’s trying. One has to give her some credit for that.

And Jason? He worries a lot about how unfit he is for the tasks that might be expected of him. That man worries more than I do while at the same time presenting a perfectly bright smile to the world. Last night he said something along the lines that Thomas mentiond he might be next in line to receive some sort of promotion. That would please me endlessly. But I don’t think Brückner would do this without informing all of her senators…

Then there was this lengthy conversation with Karsten, Euler, Harkon, his kid and Phelan… Reassigned people two both task forces.

Other than that? People mainly got on my nerves… Sam for not shaking hands when she should have… Rottenmeier for upsetting everyone with semi-mystifying poetry… Beaucaire for missing our appointment when I asked her to wait for just a minute and her disappearing on me… Man. I hope the next evening will be a bit better than this one.

“Dee, I really need you to attend.”
“But why? You know how I hate funerals! I’ll be sobbing all day!”
Das ging nun schon seit einer Zeit so oder ähnlich hin und her. Nathaniel hatte sich die ganze Zeit nicht vom Sofa erhoben, lag noch immer darauf und starrt die Decke an. Diese Diskussion überhaupt führen zu müssen strengte an. “I know that. But they’re my parents.”
“Yes, they are! Which is why you should be going, not me, Nate.” Seine Freundin stemmte schmollend die Hände in die Hüfte.
“I can’t go.”
“Yes, you can.”
“No, Dee, I can’t. I’m telling you I can’t go, so I won’t go.”
In ihren Blick schlich sich etwas strafendes. “You promised me you would stop using.”
“Here we go again…”, brummte er leise vor sich in, fuhr dann lauter fort. “And I did. It’s just – right now the sun is hurting my eye. I must have – I don’t know. Anyway, going outside in daylight just hurts too much.”
“You don’t know.”, wiederholte sie anklagend und ungläubig. “You always know. Everything! That’s the whole point of you being – well – you!”
“Can you just go there, please?”