Another gathering night, this time with the prince attending. More of a sociable guy than one would think of a Brujah. But it’s hard to mingle with the ordinary folk for someone like him. People are too afraid of loosing their heads by just talking to a high ranking person like him. Just because he’s like to throw a tantrum or two.

And then there’s politics. Being a Gangrel people don’t think you’d get involved. That you’d just stay at the side lines and watch what happens. They don’t think you’d be influencing anyone at all. It’s just not what we do. Well then, lo and behold, there are some of us with a brain and a mouth, willing to use ’em for more than just biting and snarling. Though that always does come in handy as well.

The prince has set a deadline for his domain. Held a real nice speech about the subject, trying to prompt people into action. Worked with some. Others are being too dull to notice. I say those can be had by the rats. I’m not about to move a finger to save someone not willing to work their share. They’re quick to complain alright. Not much else than that. They’re making their own beds.

Later in the night the prince became a bit more approachable after shooing me off twice. I think he does appreciate straight forwardness. That I can give. And I don’t buy the whole “I’m gone for a year” thing. He’s stetting his second in command. Will be the kid’s making or undoing, depending much on how he treats his clan. For now he has their support. But to keep it is an entirely different matter. For that he will have to shed part of his pride. Maybe I should point out that pride is one of the cardinal sins.

Pride really is the key to von Hassel’s actions. He could be good. He sure as hell is trying. But it’s a fine line to be walked when you try to lead people and maintain a straight face in doing so. The next couple of months will tell everyone a lot about the stuff he’s made of. Last night, however, he even proved to be useful at times. Now let’s see whether he actually sticks to his word. I wonder whether Michaelis ever told him who’s out to get him.

Said guy also told me about Doc Kropotkina’s imminent career. Not a bad thing with her. Could be worse. Though she does appear to be somewhat naive about most things. Pretty sure the blue bloods will beat that out of her soon enough.

Meanwhile Michaelis is standing by, smiling his annoyed smiles, listening here and there, commenting quietly, watching. Most of the domain doesn’t seem to even notice him. They never pay attention who in turn actually is talking to him and what importance that someone may have – or soon have. For some reason he seems to be happy watching things happen. For now. Wonder what he’ll do once that little game is too boring for him. A couple of people’d better watch their backs then.

Don’t have the slightest idea why the Tremere ancilla would be nice to me. Yet he’s being very courteous, tries to cover up what he has to do to force my kin into line and even asks for my opinion. An odd thing, really. Bet my brethren won’t like it much, seeing as they share the stereotypical distaste for the warlocks. But then, bills have to be paid. Can’t always choose your clients. Can’t always say you should.

His younger clan brother, Delgaro, made one minor slip after the other – and even a big one. As keeper of the elysium he should have told everyone that the prince had an announcement to make. But he didn’t. Not a very smart move on his part. And not attending his prince when he called for him wasn’t too smart either. Lordly patience is so soon exhausted.

Exhausting can be said for another guy at that gathering. The Malkavian Adrian is just that. Sometimes wise. Mostly confusing. Not sure what to make of him yet. Everyone is wary of is kind. I think sometimes they’re thought to be wiser than they actually are. But every now and then there’s someone worth listening to. Might be that’s him, as annoying as he is. Never judge a book by its cover, right?

Unlike that idiot of a Ventrue who had his mind set on stumbling into every misery he could find. The idiot had the guts to smile at the famine, way back then. Had this night not been under the protection of Elysium, I swear I would have torn him apart limb by limb. He’d better not cross my path when said protection won’t be his cover. Might just be I remember that urge of last night and still do it. Unlike most Gangrel I don’t forget a grudge easily.

The Brujah primogen is hardly more than a note on the side. Thinks he’s a bit of a big suit. Truth is nobody really seems to give a damn about what he says or does. Thinks he has quite the career in stow. Will be a mighty cruel awakening to him.

Same is true for Falk. I tried warning her about how her worth has gone from zero to squat. Not that she’s listening. Managed to convince everyone that she’s the new omega. Also bought me some points with the Wagners. Might come in handy later on. That lady, however, is about to fall with a very hard landing. She can either retreat out of her own accord or the rest of the clan is bloody likely to just make her. Or tear her to shreds, just in case we’re in the mood.

As for the brothers themselves… While one of them was hostile at first last night I think they by now figured out that I’m not just talk. Still, they also think I’m an unimportant guest. Those faces will be fun to look at come a month or two. For now they’ve picked their leader of the pack. Let’s see how far stupidity and yet more pride gets them. I’ll be there to watch them fall and offer assistance once they’re ready to accept real leadership.

Leaves me with the Toreador. One of them, Fräulein Winter, is rather irritated by the fact that a guy in a coat wearing a hat actually asks questions about what interests her. She seemed pleased, confused and revolted at the same time. Funny.

And then there’s the Greek. She’s gaining ground on her boss swiftly. Wonder whether he even notices. For now she, like Michaelis, seems happy and content where she is. But I’ll be damned if she’s not busy building her own agenda as it is. And I’ll be glad to help. Good business. Pretty, that one.