Them Trolling Tremere

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle heard it and he has a look full of questions. Left speechless too, even stopping in his tracks as he was removing his shoes as expected in Kamilah’s room. He came only dressed in pants and a long sleeved shirt, no jacket or vest.

Truth is he wasn’t exactly rich “himself”, he just used assets which he didn’t own. Which for all intents and purposes was the same. He could also mention he wasn’t technically a man anymore. But the jab was just too unexpected for him to bother correcting, detailing, or just talk back.

Instead he shook his head and accepted the seat Abioye installed for him. “I’ll take care of her later. I suppose it means she feels relaxed.” That was the only thing his brain could consider mentioning as his eyes followed Wilhelm carried her off. He wouldn’t mention last night’s test either, but he gathered the sass was to prove it. Instead he extended his hands accross the table to Kamilah.

“I cleaned them for you,” he smirked.

The silence felt like a victory, something Saaleha held in her eyes as she was escorted out of the room, and victory felt good.

Kamilah massaged her temples for a second or two as she tried to focus on Lyle, “She gets feisty sometimes, but I assure you she would not make this mistake out in public” 

Kamilah figured what happened inside private walls may be fine enough, but outside, reputation was on the line and things became so much sterner. Well, at least this was evidence that Lyle had not blood bound her sister behind her back if the girl was ready to take jabs at the man who held the key to her cage.

The older woman sighed before carefully taking Lyle’s hand into her own, turning them before inspecting the nails, “Did you now?” She asked almost amused. Sure, he cleaned them, but were they Kamilah brand clean?

Evidence even pointed that she had expected him to come here with shit hands considering the cleaning products she had set aside for this event…But this would do just fine for now and soon she got to work via placing his hand on a piece of dark purple, almost black velvet cloth.

“You’ll need to stay still for a moment while I make the outlines”

[trollingtremere]

Lyle’s short but clearly not manicured nails were ok. He washed and brushed but truth was he didn’t tend to put his fingers in dirty places and the curse tended to make him look on the finer side of hygiene. Nothing underneath. Better for hunting. Nails could use a little polishing, and skin could be more hydrated but that problem was also cures-related.

“I’ll have to have a talk with her later,” truth is he was bothered by the jab, and wasn’t about to let that slide, even amongst trusted intimacy circles.

He offered no resistance and sat his hands down as asked, parting his fingers a little and letting her do as needed. Lyle’s hands were proportional to his height. There was a slight muscular difference between the right and left one, as a good right-handed would have. Years of holding weapons and physical activity gave him some muscles on both of them.

“Gloves?” He didn’t really take a risk with such a wild guess.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle confirmed that even the lectures were accepted with just a slight “mh” approving sound. It was worth it. Or rather he had good use out of it.

Once Night was back to awake him and after taking the time to have something to drink, mixed with serious liquor, Lyle showed up at Kamilah’s room and let himself in, directly and without much warning. Back to his old habits it seemed. He did warn of his presence by the door.

“It’s me”

“Oh lordy loo, it’s a rich respectless white man come barging into our little abode.”

All eyes were quickly drawn from Lyle to Saaleha who was apparently feeling rather sassy today, that along with comfortable enough around Lyle to throw shade.

Her words weren’t made with malicious towards Lyle of course but they did jab, then again she felt that with evidence of past conversations that he did fit the bill and even hinted at helping tHE NAZI’S, she had room to poke and prod at him at least once a month.

Aboiye damn near dropped the cup he had been washing while the other brother just staring at a corner. Both lived the ghoul life so knew the dangers of making such a comment, they also knew of a kindreds pride to add on top of that.

One brother felt this was a death sentence only Saaleha could throw onto herself while the other thought that she was right, and this was a taaad funny…But this was also a death sentence if made too carelessly.

“Saaleha.”

Finally pulled out of her stupor, Kamilah sternly called out her sister’s name, a sister who now sipped away at her tea and held no apologetic look what so ever.

In seconds Saaleha was being lifted by Wilhelm, being physically escorted to the next room while the little ‘ghoul’ just kept eye contact with Lyle, soon hiding a little smug smirk behind her tea mug. She imagined punishment would come later from all sides but this was worth it and she fully felt that Lyle deserved this.

“I am so sorry about her, she’s not usually like this” Kamilah started.

“I don’t usually make rich white friends as Lyle” Saaleha commented in almost a mumble behind her mug as Wilhelm was trying to open the door between their rooms with one hand while the other kept Saaleha held up.

Kamilah simply stared at her sister as Abioye cleared the rest of the things off the table for Kamilah and pulled out a chair for Lyle across from his ‘master’ before going back to dishes.

[trollingtremere]

Lyle heard it and he has a look full of questions. Left speechless too, even stopping in his tracks as he was removing his shoes as expected in Kamilah’s room. He came only dressed in pants and a long sleeved shirt, no jacket or vest.

Truth is he wasn’t exactly rich “himself”, he just used assets which he didn’t own. Which for all intents and purposes was the same. He could also mention he wasn’t technically a man anymore. But the jab was just too unexpected for him to bother correcting, detailing, or just talk back.

Instead he shook his head and accepted the seat Abioye installed for him. “I’ll take care of her later. I suppose it means she feels relaxed.” That was the only thing his brain could consider mentioning as his eyes followed Wilhelm carried her off. He wouldn’t mention last night’s test either, but he gathered the sass was to prove it. Instead he extended his hands accross the table to Kamilah.

“I cleaned them for you,” he smirked.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

He had to glance with mischief when being called old and needing to go to bed early, and thought of a million ways to return the spike to her. Ask her to read him a bedtime story, to put him in his sheets, handle a late tantrum, help him wash his back in the shower prior to getting to bed, and help him in his PJs for the day… but no. He said none of it, even if his eyes didn’t hide he wanted to reply. “I’ll be good,” he kind of reassured, even if it sounded like a childish dare than an actual promise. But at least he said it.

Their first meeting being the first thing she mentioned made Lyle smile; to him it was a fond memory, to a certain point. It established something, and it had served a purpose. He listened to everything she had to say, to how he treated her and her sister (do not mention the mistletoe…), starting negative and critic and then his good actions. He’d expect those to be what she valued but instead she mentioned what he actually was. He looked at her as if she’d grown a second head all of the sudden, but then looked away and kept walking.

“I’ll take that as a “yes with reserves” then,” he more or less concluded more to himself than to start a discussion. He liked his shell and the comfort of being perceived as an obnoxious and ruthless ass. It meant people stayed put, attentive, afraid, and he could make sure things went in the direction he wanted. Without being vulnerable or even at risk of being understood.. and manipulated in return.

“I’m glad I got to meet you both.” He just affirmed with a faint but genuine smile and led her to her room, not intending on entering. He’d go off for the day and come back the next night as promised for the measuring session.

Her head nodded in approval, pleased with his answer even if it could use some more gusto, despite tone she would trust him to hold his word. She felt too much rested on this Holiday for both her and her sister.

The topic did allow her mind to wander, had Lyle ever participated in Eid before? He seemed devoted to his religion but she felt there were still things he could do to celebrate this as well. Such as giving to the poor or allowing yourself to forgive others and yourself. Despite not looking directly at him she saw how he looked at her, she would keep assumptions to herself on this matter though something in her heart ached for the Tremere. She figured many would comment on his wealth and power as if that was all there was good to him but had no one commented on the man himself? Did he even allow more than a handful of others to see what she had seen? No…No probably not. “Despite the lectures and rash behavior?” Kamilah teased, speaking of sister and herself. Sometimes it still amazed her that someone as old and jaded as Lyle even gave either of them the light of day. Especially her dear sister who was naive at best and reckless at worst. Once the door opened the toreador would give a small bow of the head and then slip inside the darkroom. There were still so many things to do and for the time being, all the light she needed was that shinning in from the city outside her window. – By the time night rolled around again everyone had somehow curled into Kamilah’s room while she tried to clear away all the clutter from breakfast off the table. This was her workspace you food eating monsters, eat somewhere else! Even her most responsible ghoul was having troubles keeping up with his brother and Saaleha, he had to clean the mess left behind from cooking, try and help his master with clearing the table and soon attempt to herd the two bickerings over nonsense into the living room area so that he could get back to work, nooo don’t use the coffee table for arm wrestling!! To say the least, it was going to be a tad chaotic by the time Lyle made his way around.

[trollingtremere]

Lyle confirmed that even the lectures were accepted with just a slight “mh” approving sound. It was worth it. Or rather he had good use out of it.

Once Night was back to awake him and after taking the time to have something to drink, mixed with serious liquor, Lyle showed up at Kamilah’s room and let himself in, directly and without much warning. Back to his old habits it seemed. He did warn of his presence by the door.

“It’s me”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

He wasn’t going to be pushing it, even if he wanted to do it, but he didn’t run his mouth further and took his time to stand up after her. “I wouldn’t be so fun if I didn’t spew some nonsense every now and then, would I now?” He had to ask with a sly smile, and guided her back inside once she’d recovered her cloth piece she used to sit on.

“We’ll have a few more. Hope you won’t mind me being around during Eid.” He kind of invited himself, regardless, he wanted to be present, even if he didn’t really intend in participating. Sitting quietly and observing and feeling their energy was worth the rudeness. Well everything was worth being obnoxious, anyway, but truth was it was calculated.

He walked with hands in his pockets, casual as always, but he didn’t really look at Kamilah again. Probably lost in thoughts, as his body language reverted to a lack of humane gestures and expressions, he just didn’t put in the effort.

“.. Mh. Kamilah? Are you happy you met me?” he eventually had to ask out of the blue.

“I will tolerate the correct type of nonsense Mr. Kersten” Oh, he did it now. “But I shall not entertain the thought of shrewd nonsense. Now come, the night is not as young as it used to be and someone of your age should be getting his rest”

Politely, go fuck yourself.

“Only if you are on your best behavior. You shouldn’t let that mouth of yours ruin my family’s holiday, but I trust you already had this in mind.” She couldn’t stop him after all, all she could do is give him a small lecture and hope that he would act as what was expected of him when the time came.

The Toreador soon riffled through her purse, checking a few things off before pulling out her keycard ahead of time. She had to be prepared for a swift retreat if the Regent had not taken her blunt hints to heart.

She had expected his next words to be ones to further pick at her patience but instead, they stopped her in her tracks, causing her to look confused as her gaze traveled to his lips. Next best thing to eye contact in her book.

“What an odd question…” She wondered if he was feeling alright if he was being too hard on himself again. Drawing himself down. “Sometimes I really must wonder, especially given that during our first meeting you had taken a promise from me and forced me to soil it.”

Her words were stern but soon she sighed, her facade of being strong and stern herself fading.

“And yet you have given so much back all the same. You shielded me when my Haven was broken into, you took in my sister when our world came crashing around her for near to nothing and you continuously invite me away from a world I’m drowning in for a moment of peace.

But more than that, more then everything you’ve done with wealth or power it is the glimpses of you that I see that swayed my mind the most. Past your crude words and lewd actions I see in you someone that I am happy to have by my side.”

Somewhere in there, she felt that he could be a good person, even if the intent was not purely whole. It was in there and it could be brought to the surface, tended to. She had seen glimpses of times where the time between them was gentle and for a moment she was at peace, those were the moments she kept close. That allowed her to ignore much of what that mouth of his blather.

[trollingtremere]

He had to glance with mischief when being called old and needing to go to bed early, and thought of a million ways to return the spike to her. Ask her to read him a bedtime story, to put him in his sheets, handle a late tantrum, help him wash his back in the shower prior to getting to bed, and help him in his PJs for the day... but no. He said none of it, even if his eyes didn’t hide he wanted to reply. “I’ll be good,” he kind of reassured, even if it sounded like a childish dare than an actual promise. But at least he said it.

Their first meeting being the first thing she mentioned made Lyle smile; to him it was a fond memory, to a certain point. It established something, and it had served a purpose. He listened to everything she had to say, to how he treated her and her sister (do not mention the mistletoe...), starting negative and critic and then his good actions. He’d expect those to be what she valued but instead she mentioned what he actually was. He looked at her as if she’d grown a second head all of the sudden, but then looked away and kept walking.

“I’ll take that as a “yes with reserves” then,” he more or less concluded more to himself than to start a discussion. He liked his shell and the comfort of being perceived as an obnoxious and ruthless ass. It meant people stayed put, attentive, afraid, and he could make sure things went in the direction he wanted. Without being vulnerable or even at risk of being understood.. and manipulated in return.

“I’m glad I got to meet you both.” He just affirmed with a faint but genuine smile and led her to her room, not intending on entering. He’d go off for the day and come back the next night as promised for the measuring session.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Some part of him wanted to protest. He didn’t need help, he could dig himself deeper on his own thank-you-very-much. He had to swallow a chuckle at their pragmatism, that the two of them were aware he couldn’t be saved.

Instead he couldn’t resist the urge to be a jerk for a chance, the temptation was too much, the opportunity too brilliant. “Well I have been working to get into her pants, that would make me feel human again,” he had to laugh and taunt shamelessly. It was meant as a joke in poor taste, even if there was a hint of truth to it, and he denied it with a shake of the head. He was prepared to be hit for it and didn’t have any regrets.

“I value what you’re trying to do. Both of you. I’ll try not to abuse your kindness else I’d taint you, what would be something I wouldn’t forgive myself for.” He had to add honestly, with a from-within genuine smile. “I’ll be free tomorrow. I’ll walk you back to your room, it’s getting late.”

There her fingers went, searching deeper into her purse with purpose until her nails could be heard clicking against her phone case. Somewhere in her mind she had yet again forgotten that her kit was in her little sister’s room. Mayhaps this was fortune shinning on Lyle as she had been subconsciously going for the scissors she carried inside that kit.

Small, but very sharp.

“Lyle, why do you not save yourself now. You know well that I detest these little jokes of yours. Please reframe from spewing forth such nonsense in the future my dear”

Her tone was less than pleased but as he took on a more honest tone she sighed, allowing her annoyance to leave with the breath. What an annoying man, truly. She really did like him better when he was being more honest with himself. She figured he’d gain much from being mute.

“Tomorrow sounds perfect.” As she spoke she began to rise, taking a moment to carefully fold up her safety tarp for proper cleaning later. “It won’t take long, as all I need to do is outline your hand on a piece of cloth.” Simple stuff, she just needed his measurements.

“A shame the night does not last long, we so rarely get peaceful moments such as these”

[trollingtremere]

He wasn’t going to be pushing it, even if he wanted to do it, but he didn’t run his mouth further and took his time to stand up after her. “I wouldn’t be so fun if I didn’t spew some nonsense every now and then, would I now?” He had to ask with a sly smile, and guided her back inside once she’d recovered her cloth piece she used to sit on.

“We’ll have a few more. Hope you won’t mind me being around during Eid.” He kind of invited himself, regardless, he wanted to be present, even if he didn’t really intend in participating. Sitting quietly and observing and feeling their energy was worth the rudeness. Well everything was worth being obnoxious, anyway, but truth was it was calculated.

He walked with hands in his pockets, casual as always, but he didn’t really look at Kamilah again. Probably lost in thoughts, as his body language reverted to a lack of humane gestures and expressions, he just didn’t put in the effort.

“.. Mh. Kamilah? Are you happy you met me?” he eventually had to ask out of the blue.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle thought Kamilah’s need to adopt every other lost cause was an oddity, and it was fascinating.

“It’s a dangerous take on life that she has, and that you’re joining.” He had to act cold, distant even. “Isn’t it arrogant to believe salvation would come from a mortal? Or a young neonate even? I don’t need saving, nor do I need pity.” He grumps out looking straight ahead. He was lying, deep down he knew it, but he didn’t want to share the burden of his personal journey. Whatever it was.

“Kamilah. I’m an Elder in positions of power. My soul was claimed a long time ago, and I don’t fear for it, for it was already Saved. I do the rites when needed. My job is now to get my hands dirty so the ones I care for don’t need to taint their own. I’ve chosen this fate. It will only stop when I die by the sword. Understood?”

It was a mystery why a woman who did not desire children decided to adopt so many adult children. Yes, they were certainly cleaner but they were also more work.

At least she only had two at this very moment as for as kindred she looked after.

Kamilah simply chuckled, as if finding this cold act to be rather amusing.

“My dear, I do not believe Saaleha nor myself is truly foolish enough to think we can save you from whatever pit you’ve fallen in. We simply wish to help the man who’s given us so much back. Even if it is a nice little hobble dug out in the wall of that pit”

Kamilah now paused to let this set in and think over her words.

“We offer you a moment of peace, she can offer what it’s like to be mortal. A glimpse back into it all while I can offer you the mundane. I find both of these things to be vital to the mind, you may dirty your hands as you see fit but that does not mean that you shouldn’t come back to us and allow us to clean off those hands even if but for a night.”

As she spoke she began to search through her purse.

“Speaking of hands, please clear your schedule when you can so that I may take measurements. Luckily for you, it seems that I have left my kit back in the room, spared for the night”

What were the sisters? Stubborn, extremely stubborn. And it seems that they have made up their minds about the dear Primogen. Here comes the care.

[trollingtremere]

Some part of him wanted to protest. He didn’t need help, he could dig himself deeper on his own thank-you-very-much. He had to swallow a chuckle at their pragmatism, that the two of them were aware he couldn’t be saved.

Instead he couldn’t resist the urge to be a jerk for a chance, the temptation was too much, the opportunity too brilliant. “Well I have been working to get into her pants, that would make me feel human again,” he had to laugh and taunt shamelessly. It was meant as a joke in poor taste, even if there was a hint of truth to it, and he denied it with a shake of the head. He was prepared to be hit for it and didn’t have any regrets.

“I value what you’re trying to do. Both of you. I’ll try not to abuse your kindness else I’d taint you, what would be something I wouldn’t forgive myself for.” He had to add honestly, with a from-within genuine smile. “I’ll be free tomorrow. I’ll walk you back to your room, it’s getting late.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Kamilah “allowing” it to happen was just laughable, but Lyle just accepted it’s how she dealt with the lack of agency. If he had been a little more light hearted he would have made a joke about it. Instead the length of her stay would give him a better opportunity.

“You’re working hard at making yourself indispensable. A shame, I’ll have to be more direct and efficient to get you to want to stay by my side.” He tensed his fingers on her gloved ones briefly, and had that smug grin on his face a moment. “Your sister wants to save me. Can you believe that.”

Time to pay for choice of words later. Kamilah let out a snort when he said this. Indispensable, huh? All she did was make clothes, baby others and slowly rolling on her way to becoming an Emassary. Which was highly debated if such a job was even needed or not, or just the hallow wishes of those with too soft hearts and hopes. “Is it such a bad thing to want?” Kamilah soon asked as she moved her hands so that she could better take Lyle’s in her own. “She has hopes for people like us, and I find that rather reasuring. If she thinks she can save you, then I beleive she just may be able to do just that” Kamilah couldn’t help but smile now, proud of her sister. Such high hopes and yet she also held those same hopes. To save a man who had in ways given them everything. “Allow me to stand by her side then and give her all she needs to fullfill this little wish of hers. It’s the least an older sister could do”

[trollingtremere]

Lyle thought Kamilah’s need to adopt every other lost cause was an oddity, and it was fascinating.

“It’s a dangerous take on life that she has, and that you’re joining.” He had to act cold, distant even. “Isn’t it arrogant to believe salvation would come from a mortal? Or a young neonate even? I don’t need saving, nor do I need pity.” He grumps out looking straight ahead. He was lying, deep down he knew it, but he didn’t want to share the burden of his personal journey. Whatever it was.

“Kamilah. I’m an Elder in positions of power. My soul was claimed a long time ago, and I don’t fear for it, for it was already Saved. I do the rites when needed. My job is now to get my hands dirty so the ones I care for don’t need to taint their own. I’ve chosen this fate. It will only stop when I die by the sword. Understood?”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“I made sure I had a reputation of dealing promptly and efficiently with people trying to be a bother; I’d say the aura of “don’t fuck with the Tremere Regent or he’ll slay you” tends to work quite well.” Casual shrug accompanied his words. He was content letting his hand in hers, showing just about no tension; despite it all he was quite relaxed.

“How long do you intend on staying? Even if just Eid, it’ll be good for her.” Lyle would never voice his own enjoyment of having the two sisters around, it tended to distract him in a way he enjoyed.

“A messy way to deal with things but if it will keep trouble off my sister I shall allow it” As if she had any say in how the Tremere dealt with anything and honestly she knew this. She just got used to speaking more confidently with Lyle.

Kamilah’s attention seemed to fall upon his hands, her gloved fingers tracing invisible little lines she saw in her head. She was glad to be here for this city seemed oh so much calmer than her own.

Especially up here.

“I was hoping to stay up to a week after Eid, unfortunately, I cannot stay for much longer as people need me back at home and I wish dearly to avoid a repeat of the last time I spent so long here” She didn’t want anything like what happened to the Anarch Chantry to happen again, plus she had adopted Childe to look after.

She had to be responsible for them.

[trollingtremere]

Kamilah “allowing” it to happen was just laughable, but Lyle just accepted it’s how she dealt with the lack of agency. If he had been a little more light hearted he would have made a joke about it. Instead the length of her stay would give him a better opportunity.

“You’re working hard at making yourself indispensable. A shame, I’ll have to be more direct and efficient to get you to want to stay by my side.” He tensed his fingers on her gloved ones briefly, and had that smug grin on his face a moment. “Your sister wants to save me. Can you believe that.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“You can make the assumption and it would be as correct as risk-free is never possible,” Lyle stated with a slight smug smile, the kind he has when discussing technicalities.

“I have absolutely no intentions of getting her involved in our society for those exact reasons. It’s a life I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I am only keeping her close to me so my trouble repelling aura can counter her trouble magnet one, at least until she regains autonomy and becomes more aware of her limits.” 

He reached slowly, and set a hand briefly on Kamilah’s arm, a way to communicate he consider it all extremely important.

“Do me a favor, and make sure she keeps that mug. It needs to remind her of her strength.”

“Do you really have such an aura?” Kamilah asked, almost teasingly for with his personality it almost seemed the opposite. She assumed he was lucky that he had the power he had. Her eyes trailed down to where he had touched her arm, unsure if he just figured this was where their relationship was or if he was just being Lyle. Sometimes she felt like she should remind him of the Muslim thing but at the same time she felt he would ignore this as he had in the past. Ah what a nuisance, one bundled in temptation for sweeter things. Like hugs under heated blankets with watching the night sky. Good thing her willpower on such things. She allowed her fingertips to lightly brush against his, a moment of contact before removing his hand and simply holding it in her own gloved ones. This felt like a fair compromise. “That will be a difficult task you understand and while I will do what I can for her I cannot watch that mug 24/7.” But she could at least clean it out for her sister, knowing that if she did it herself even after the cleaning it already got it would put her sister’s mind at some ease.

[trollingtremere]

“I made sure I had a reputation of dealing promptly and efficiently with people trying to be a bother; I’d say the aura of “don’t fuck with the Tremere Regent or he’ll slay you” tends to work quite well.” Casual shrug accompanied his words. He was content letting his hand in hers, showing just about no tension; despite it all he was quite relaxed.

“How long do you intend on staying? Even if just Eid, it’ll be good for her.” Lyle would never voice his own enjoyment of having the two sisters around, it tended to distract him in a way he enjoyed.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“Run errands, mostly. Watch. Report.” Lyle shook his head. He had no desire to get Saaleha more deeply involved, as long as she remains unseen…

“I’m getting her to be a reliable secret agent. When I needed to confirm an hypothesis, I sent her to observe a minute, from afar, and report. I haven’t given her more information than absolutely necessary and have indulged in some of her curiosity as well as access to my accounts as payment.”

He straightened up on his seat, and looked back at Kamilah a brief instant with a smile, “Danger isn’t an option.”

“Even running small errands can be dangerous, though as you’ve stated that danger is not an option can I make such an assumption that you are not sending her to watch anyone who may bring too much risk, correct?” She still didn’t like this, especially as someone who knew even the smallest mission could get you burned. Much less a secret agent, was Saaleha even subtle? She surely didn’t think so…So perhaps it was something in one of her sister’s new abilities that graced her with the ability. “I just don’t want to lose anyone else to this drabble we call a society. Especially not family”

[trollingtremere]

“You can make the assumption and it would be as correct as risk-free is never possible,” Lyle stated with a slight smug smile, the kind he has when discussing technicalities.

“I have absolutely no intentions of getting her involved in our society for those exact reasons. It’s a life I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I am only keeping her close to me so my trouble repelling aura can counter her trouble magnet one, at least until she regains autonomy and becomes more aware of her limits.” 

He reached slowly, and set a hand briefly on Kamilah’s arm, a way to communicate he consider it all extremely important.

“Do me a favor, and make sure she keeps that mug. It needs to remind her of her strength.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

What she described sounded like validation of some sort. See the result of one’s handywork. It was strange, and he fundamentally couldn’t understand her motives. But he listened, trying to get it, and even turned to look at her on the bench of the roof of the Hotel he had claimed for his kin.

“I see.” Was all Lyle could seriously comment. There was nothing he could hang onto, to discuss, understand even. He looked back at the theater on the other side of the street. His natural chaos tried to get a word in, but he fought it.

“I’ll be keeping her a while longer then. She’s good company, has proven useful, and if that eases your burden then I can’t ask for more.”

“Useful?” Kamilah questioned with a raised brow as she leaned back in her seat. Her mom voice was on. “That does remind me, what have you had her doing all this time and what exactly do you plan to have her do down the road. I understand giving her small jobs but I do hope that you are not pushing her deeper into our society” Yep, super mom voice. Awesome.

[trollingtremere]

“Run errands, mostly. Watch. Report.” Lyle shook his head. He had no desire to get Saaleha more deeply involved, as long as she remains unseen...

“I’m getting her to be a reliable secret agent. When I needed to confirm an hypothesis, I sent her to observe a minute, from afar, and report. I haven’t given her more information than absolutely necessary and have indulged in some of her curiosity as well as access to my accounts as payment.”

He straightened up on his seat, and looked back at Kamilah a brief instant with a smile, “Danger isn’t an option.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle kept quiet. Of course she’d sacrifice herself instead of staying safe. He wanted to tell her they were already dead, it was better to mourn, but she probably wouldn’t hear it. So it didn’t matter.

“Protecting humans doesn’t mean they get to be involved. Two very different things. Unless you need the validation?” From his point of view it was just pride. Helping and never being seen or recognized..

“.. It doesn’t matter, but the more you give the less you’ll have. Your sister seems to feel the same.”

“I wouldn’t say validation as those I care for never need to thank me, but being there and being able to instantly see the change and support I bring, to keep others from sinking as I have in the past…The ones under my care do not deserve what has happened to them. They cannot be helped the same way mortals can, I cannot donate to their cause and expect to see any change but if I am there physically for them I can properly guide them and keep them from making the same mistakes I have” Kamilah’s ‘mistakes’ still hung heavily with her, even if not all of them were her fault. She felt like she should have done more, been wiser, listened even a second longer. Perhaps everything dealing with the Anarch Chantry hanging the heaviest. She should have been there for Sebastian and the others and now all she had was what that event left behind. Dexters ghoul and the Tremere now playing Toreador. “Physically perhaps, but mentally I will leave with more. Forget not the house I was brought up in. We have always given what we could while making sure it did not sink us in return. After all, what more can I do these nights. I offer no real support to the court, nor do I fight. Though there is an opening for Emissary perhaps sourly needed among the Anarchs. Someone to carry the olive branch between the factions.” She’d have asked of this territories Emissary but somehow she felt a place like this didn’t have one. She’d heard nothing of the Anarchs or Sabbat in the area for one to be needed.

[trollingtremere]

What she described sounded like validation of some sort. See the result of one’s handywork. It was strange, and he fundamentally couldn’t understand her motives. But he listened, trying to get it, and even turned to look at her on the bench of the roof of the Hotel he had claimed for his kin.

“I see.” Was all Lyle could seriously comment. There was nothing he could hang onto, to discuss, understand even. He looked back at the theater on the other side of the street. His natural chaos tried to get a word in, but he fought it.

“I’ll be keeping her a while longer then. She’s good company, has proven useful, and if that eases your burden then I can’t ask for more.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle had to have a quiet laugh about her growing well. Yeah right. But her envy, her adopting needs, Lyle had to disapprove.

“You can’t save them all, and they’re going to hurt you. Don’t put yourself in such a vulnerable position, Kamilah.” He warned in all seriousness.

“Focus on mortals, make sure they get the best life they can. Ghouls, Us, we all live on borrowed time. Humans are more important.” He stated, certain of himself.

“We were all once human” Kamilah reminded, “And those young, those who still have humanity within them are still worth saving. I may get hurt but if that means saving even one of them” Kamilah sighed, thinking over one of her adopted childe. A Ventrue named Frankie who worked at a corner store. A weenipire if she had ever seen one and someone she felt truly needed proper guiding. If possible she wished to transfer his care from his Sire to herself, properly. “I would rather keep mortals away from this life, for there is too much risk that they would end up like Saaleha. That something, anything could go wrong.” She’d rather herself get hurt than others.

[trollingtremere]

Lyle kept quiet. Of course she’d sacrifice herself instead of staying safe. He wanted to tell her they were already dead, it was better to mourn, but she probably wouldn’t hear it. So it didn’t matter.

“Protecting humans doesn’t mean they get to be involved. Two very different things. Unless you need the validation?” From his point of view it was just pride. Helping and never being seen or recognized..

“.. It doesn’t matter, but the more you give the less you’ll have. Your sister seems to feel the same.”

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“I’m sorry,” he mentioned without meaning a hint of it. Truth was weird, he couldn’t really control the mindboggling roller coaster.

“That’s about all the information I have. I can make educated guesses, and extrapolate more or less accurately from my observations, but this territory is as new to me as it is to you. And to a certain extend, to her.” He had one idea, one sole, dirty, but maybe worth testing idea. He would need to mention it to Kamilah later, much later.

“You’ve grown as well,” he redirected instead.

“Yes, but have I grown well” Kamilah softly countered as she turned her eyes to the night sky. There was once a time where she thought she had done all the growing up, only to be thrown into this unlife a baby yet again. She could only hope that through those around her that she had grown well, that she had learned from all she had seen properly and could only hope that for all the lessons to come that she’d be intact by the end. “You know, I still envy what I had. Children are filthly and yet a part of me still wants a family. I suppose adoption isn’t out of the question but…Why bring anyone into this life. I might as well stick to adopting ghouls and other peoples Childe” Speaking of which, she had two adopted childe and three adopted ghouls. Living the life here. The adopting adults life.

[trollingtremere]

Lyle had to have a quiet laugh about her growing well. Yeah right. But her envy, her adopting needs, Lyle had to disapprove.

“You can’t save them all, and they’re going to hurt you. Don’t put yourself in such a vulnerable position, Kamilah.” He warned in all seriousness.

“Focus on mortals, make sure they get the best life they can. Ghouls, Us, we all live on borrowed time. Humans are more important.” He stated, certain of himself.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“You’re her sister, you were predisposed to fail in such endeavors. But you succeeded in reassuring her and giving her love.” something he knew he was totally inapt at.

The whole voices she was hearing was another sign of divine intervention of some sort. But that sign was a sign he would keep quiet. “Back in Venice I crossed paths with an inquisitor with some sort of gifts that protected him against kindred influence. I would guess not all of them heed the calling to cull the devil.” But clearly, Lyle hasn’t had a chance to encounter vampire hunters who weren’t hunting. As much as ER doctors have little chance of meeting the large percentage of non-sick population of their city.

“She night not be hunting vampires, but her skills would make her good at it.” No wonder he wants to keep her handy.

“It is astonishing how your words can be equally disheartening as they can be encouraging” It was never fun to hear that all of her efforts were doomed from the start. That nothing she could do would persaude the younger one to a different path but all the same it was nice to hear that she could still do something for her sister. “This is distressing news still, though perhaps it is what I do not know that holds my mind so. I know nothing about what this means for her or us, so if you would be so kind so share any information you have on her kind i beg of you to lend it to me”

[trollingtremere]

“I’m sorry,” he mentioned without meaning a hint of it. Truth was weird, he couldn’t really control the mindboggling roller coaster.

“That’s about all the information I have. I can make educated guesses, and extrapolate more or less accurately from my observations, but this territory is as new to me as it is to you. And to a certain extend, to her.” He had one idea, one sole, dirty, but maybe worth testing idea. He would need to mention it to Kamilah later, much later.

“You’ve grown as well,” he redirected instead.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

“Been a long while since I’ve forgotten what food tastes like. Pretty sure any flavor I had doesn’t exist anymore either.” Potatoes are a fucking mystery.

Truth was he didn’t mind being the 24/7, or rather 12/7 trouble-repellant for Saaleha. Well he was technically a bigger trouble himself, but better one that she knew how to deal with. He felt like a moth at times, trying to test danger. He groaned in disgust at the image he created for himself. “I’m teaching her ways to stay safe and control her curiosity. Hopefully some of it made it through her thick skull.” Then again her stubbornness was something Lyle was encouraging.

“She’s an inquisitor, a vampire hunter,” he said with a half shrug. “She’s still mortal, but as far as I’m concerned, the divine has reached through her. Angels perhaps. The exact details I have no idea, it’s not exactly my area of study.” But at least she wasn’t a mage, which explained Leopold’s sudden loss of interest. That and Léopold had a terrible attention span.

Now that was a thought to think about, being so old that the tastes you once knew no longer existed. She wondered if she’d ever get so old or if she even wanted to. His groan brought her out of her thoughts before they could spiral into fears. “Curiosity will always be her double-edged sword and hardest for you to teach. I’ve tried myself countless times over but perhaps the fault was mine and my methods not apt. You may very well succeed where I fell” When a student wasn’t getting something the best method was to go about it a different way, Kamilah knew this and she hoped it was true in all situations. Or at least Saaleha’s. “Wh?” Kamilah started, obviously thrown back by what Lyle had said. As if her mind was having trouble processing this new info. “I don’t understand…How does one being graced with a gift translate into a vampire hunter?” She sounded so unsure of this all. This wasn’t exactly an answer she thought she’d get and with little to no knowledge on the Imbued, she was left with so many more questions. How did this happen to start with?

[trollingtremere]

“You’re her sister, you were predisposed to fail in such endeavors. But you succeeded in reassuring her and giving her love.” something he knew he was totally inapt at.

The whole voices she was hearing was another sign of divine intervention of some sort. But that sign was a sign he would keep quiet. “Back in Venice I crossed paths with an inquisitor with some sort of gifts that protected him against kindred influence. I would guess not all of them heed the calling to cull the devil.” But clearly, Lyle hasn’t had a chance to encounter vampire hunters who weren’t hunting. As much as ER doctors have little chance of meeting the large percentage of non-sick population of their city.

“She night not be hunting vampires, but her skills would make her good at it.” No wonder he wants to keep her handy.

[lostfledgling]

trollingtremere‌:

Lyle had the decency to push himself a little away to give Kamilah enough room for her protective fabric.

“You underestimate the home made ice cream of this fine establishment.” He had to believe Saaleha was able to find comfort and feel better with quality food; after all he’d seen some of her orders. Not that he’d tell her sister about the strange diet.

“The price is uncertain for now as I’m not done with her. I’d rather let the boon run some interest over a few decades anyway..” He didn’t feel like he needed anything from Kamilah right that instant, he was too clouded to manage.

“She’s à trouble magnet but as long as she sticks to someone who’s in a powerful enough position to deter stupid ideas, she’ll be protected. If. If I need to keep her until her natural death, I will.” He could only whisper the last sentence.

“I fear I underestimate all foods these nights” Kamilah retorted as she allowed her eyes to travel up to what little she could see of the stars if any at all. She hoped that food would bring enough comfort to the young woman to move past this. But so help her if that young lady took another bowl of curry into the bathtub for the ‘ultimate relaxing’ she was going to flip. A glass of wine and a fine book was one thing, a full course dinner was another. Kamilah sighed a little, he was right. She was a magnet for trouble, always had been. In the end, the Toreador supposed it was only a matter of time before the girl found herself here. “We can’t be around her forever.” Kamilah finally spoke. “Something will always happen, she’ll slip through the cracks of her cage or something in.” What a serious night, this wasn’t exactly how she planned for her first night here to go. “Speaking of which, what discovers have you found on what she is. I remember last time I saw her we were unsure if she could have been a mage.”

[trollingtremere]

“Been a long while since I’ve forgotten what food tastes like. Pretty sure any flavor I had doesn’t exist anymore either.” Potatoes are a fucking mystery.

Truth was he didn’t mind being the 24/7, or rather 12/7 trouble-repellant for Saaleha. Well he was technically a bigger trouble himself, but better one that she knew how to deal with. He felt like a moth at times, trying to test danger. He groaned in disgust at the image he created for himself. “I’m teaching her ways to stay safe and control her curiosity. Hopefully some of it made it through her thick skull.” Then again her stubbornness was something Lyle was encouraging.

“She’s an inquisitor, a vampire hunter,” he said with a half shrug. “She’s still mortal, but as far as I’m concerned, the divine has reached through her. Angels perhaps. The exact details I have no idea, it’s not exactly my area of study.” But at least she wasn’t a mage, which explained Leopold’s sudden loss of interest. That and Léopold had a terrible attention span.