A new construction on Elysian Fields Avenue would bring a new storefront to the Dillards area of New Orleans. The owner was a new guy in town, coming over not from any other big city in the United States, but a small town in Italy. The small town of Abruzzi was a neighbor to Naples, and was as many other small towns in southern Italy known as a farming village. From Vineyards to Olive Groves and animals, that was their venue. In the modern world, many products were mass produced and just shuttled around the world till few knew what genuine taste was.
This man though, named Santino, wanted to bring back the home made flavor that seemed to be lacking no matter where you went. Now granted, with the French influence, New Orleans was probably not the best of choices to launch an Italian cuisine company of any sort, but as history had dictated, there was a lot of association between the French and the Italian, and much of their cooking had been blended between eachother. So, why not offer the best of both worlds. From shipping into Bywater, Santino brought over his own home made produced Olive Oil and Wines, as well as some other cuisine options. Downstairs, they'd bake pastries and breads to sell to the public, as well as offering cheeses and other home made products such as Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil, and the sweetest of Italian Red Wines, as well as some delectable french choices.
Upstairs was the office floor, where Santino handled his end of the business. He was dressed in a pure white business suit, with a black oxford shirt underneath, and a black tie. That night, he was getting things settled in. He was alone for the time, walking along marble floors to the filing cabinet next to the window. He looked out to the night time scene of the french quarter in the distance, as his fingers rifled through the files. Without even looking at the writing on the folder, he extracted the one he wanted, and closed the drawer. He would step away from the window, and sit at his desk, propping his feet up on the desk, as he began to flip through the pages, wrought with photographs.
"Interesting people in this town. I wonder what they're like." He muttered to himself, as he continued to flip through the photograph filled files within the folder. "And it's so droll in this office. Perhaps I'll check out that club I heard about. It's been a long time since I've heard some good Jazz."
And so, with that, he closed the folder, and stuffed it into his suit jacket, before slipping out of the room, down the elevator, and to the Jazz club he had heard of, "All That Jazz."
Business as usual, he attended to business and so talk was cheap. Anytime he used simple, small talk is when there is a need for it which he was more up to some entertainment that most of his kind sought. Being "dead" was the new trend to those that no longer enjoyed the precious sunlight, but the night was crisp and the intense smells through the Frenchman's nostrils was enticing, foul, stale, and everything his olfactories collected in such a wide smelling sensors. His dark blue hues looked around for the club he has been in once or twice, probably more than that but his memories faded with all the sword training and boost his fighting skills in an open room where it was large enough to regain what his knowledge of a real warrior such as himself stood for, as of right now he put his weapons away knowing that the man definitely was become dull, such dull person never did make the best host or guest around any of those looking to the black, haired fellow.
He would have liked to stick around more in his domain, but sanity beckoned him to be released for the night in the middle of Spring air. He stuffed his free hands in both sides of his pocket, it was tempting to want to send his fist into a bystander just cause he spoke to him wrong or gave him that cocky eye look. Well, he kept his eyes on what was in front of him. Loud noises came from inside the Jazz club, the one that struck a familiarity to him. Did he really want to go into a club right now? It was a decision that he needed to make. Choices, choices, choices. The soles of his feet tapped the gravel beneath, low echoes of his footsteps reverberating through the silence of New Orleans, sound of barking was heard in the alley further from where he stood. He continued to stand outside the Jazz Club, he wore his colorful wardrobe because it suited his sense of style. If some vampires spotted him not donning for black like most of his species is known for, then he'll accept that cause he chose his own colors and tastes. As for white, little of that. His raven-colored hair was combed, and pushed back from an elegant face.
A red, button down shirt was worn about his torso with a light, brown vest covering his upper and middle torso and sported some khaki, brown pants. The shoes completed his normality, didn't think to go out making him appear exactly what he is. Vampire, the bloodsucker. His flesh was flushed, there was a bit of color that was brought out along his low, cheekbones. Standing at 6'1, his skin tone a bit tone with a pale coloring. Finally, his mood rose a little, his sub-conscious whispered to him. Go inside, have fun. Well, if there is one thing he may meet someone he can connect to if he's lucky, if not there was always some poker or blackjack going on at the tables but that was on some evenings. Walking deeper in the throng of the crowd, a lot of the dancers shook their asses while another grinded their hips to the sound of the beat through the soundspeakers. He blended into the mass, keeping hidden until there was something that struck out more than all the others.
-- Edited by JOSEPH BODINE on Saturday 23rd of April 2011 12:15:02 PM
Jazz, as he was used to, was certainly not what he heard the moment he walked in the door. Yet still, the Jazz as it was known out in New Orleans was still good music. Santino would find himself a booth, and sit down. He didn't order any food or a drink, for he of course didn't need it, and instead lounged in the booth, and listened to the music as he would pull that folder out of his jacket, and begin looking over the notes and pictures yet again. His foot tapped to the music, as he read it all over, grinning all the while.
"The people and places out here sure are interesting, I think I might like it here."
He'd close the folder, and stuff it back in his jacket, and begin to look around the place. He'd note all the faces of the musicians, the dancers, the people drinking and laughing at the other tables and booths, and even the working staff. Of course, as he looked over the crowd, he'd keep that inner eye open for anyone with extraordinary presence. He was anxious most of all to meet those kind of people. In his efforts throughout the night to meet such people, he would mingle with anyone and everyone that would let him, allowing himself to appear as one of the normal crowd for at least tonight.
Speaking of normal, he was the wolf among the sheep except he was blending into the pile. A few patrons walked pass him, one almost spilled their drink on his clothes but luckily it hadn't. How would the French vampire feel if his outfit was ruined, drenched in liquid and it might be difficult to take the stain out. His ears listened to the voices, eavesdropped on a man and his woman talking about sex, the kind that would move when they get home later afterward. Joseph did not bother becoming interested in another's love or sex life so continued walking until he spotted a guy at the table sitting alone, his eyes lurking the crowd.
Joseph's shields dropped some, his power sweeping through and around the crowd until it found the vampire. Another vampire? His luck, not sure how long he's been here but it did not hurt meeting others that was like him. The soles of his black boots(the only black he'll ever wear cause it went with every color) clicked the ground at the bottom of his feet, he wanted to meet his fellow undead. Nevermind that the man was probably in his comfort zone being in such solitude. But, it was still decent to meet any of his kind in a suitable fashion. Joseph was loyal to his race, probably more than most of the vampires he's met and seen thus far. Where had their community fallen since London?
Oh, how he wanted to see Natasha again, hear the voice of the woman that made his heart soar every second. Now, he was alone in New Orleans almost thinking of returning to Munich, but part of him knew it shows how much he has given up. Josep stepped toward the other man, his shields moved in place back where it protected him and his energy from making things to haywire. "Greetings."He stood over the man's table, looking down at him with those dark blue hues. His voice was noble, carefree when he spoke to the stranger.
He tilted his head, and glanced over his shoulder to see the other that had approached him. And here, he was about to get up and wander the crowd. At first, he'd wonder what this chance meeting was about. He could tell he was a vampire, feeling that push of power. He would shift in the seat of his booth, and give his body a better position to look upon this new meeting. He would nod, and smile.
No chance meeting. Not here, it was that Joseph wasn't keen to American soil so there was a constant reminder that American standards wasn't his standards. He just haven't met a lot of people in this town, if he had come to see him in a business direction then he would be in busy posture, he was only greeting the man seeing as he was sitting there and all. Joseph figured how much the vampire society has broken a little around here.
What really was needed is a Master of the City, then the race can learn to adapt in their world much better than they are right now. "I have met others, but I have yet to get out more. My name is Joseph."He extended a right hand out to the other man, even if he does not take it that really did not matter. He would respect the man's wishes, vampire or not, he still had his noble etiquette that his mother taught her boy better than that.
The night at the Masquerade made him less of a noble after the unusual happenings the befell such awful things such as the kissing of that French girl, forgot her name but a bitter taste was always left in his mouth whenever he thought of how such actions occurred. It did not matter if it had been a spell casted on him, it was the fact he violated rights, doubt those two vampires he met would speak to his ass again after that scenario. Now, he was meeting someone he has not met before other than Ramsey who was also in the city.
-- Edited by JOSEPH BODINE on Sunday 24th of April 2011 11:29:23 PM
Santino would slip out of the booth he was sitting in, and would take the man's hand, giving it a firm shake. In that shake, he'd let his power loose a little, to test and see what sort of person this way. He probed the mind, and gazed into the man's eyes. All the while, a smile remained etched across his lips. "A pleasure to meet you, Signore Joseph. I am Santino."
He too had noticed the lack of a Master of the City here. That was why he could afford to be lounging in a Jazz club on his first night in town, rather than kissing toe to earn favor. Nevertheless, he had also noticed that a Master of the City wasn't the only position in town that had been lacking, and that was his purpose for the time being, researching that phenomenon.
"And what brings you to the club this night, Signore Joseph?"
He wasn't invited to sit with the man, which is why he was still standing. Santino was the new vampire he met. When he meant he met others, it was others like them that was scattered all over the city of New Orleans. Not too sure about those twins since there was no indication if they were kindred, but then he seen and met up with Ramsey as well as another whom he met at the wrong times when he could have done it until he was not doing anything else. Forgot his name but it started with an "N" as for non-vampires he's met up with some of those too. Joseph knew that it pays to know whose around you at times. As Santino grabbed his hand, his spine danced when he felt that small jolt of energy.
He released the hold of his hand upon the other and put it back along his side. A few girls walked past them, then Joseph thought better of it feeling he was interrupting Santino when he came over earlier. Though, he was hoping to not ruin the chances of actually getting to know Santino. "I was bored actually, I did not want to be a couch potato all day. I know a vampire who spends her time under ground, she does not get that much night air."He did not speak Natasha's name out loud, but he knew her, but her presence has not been found lately.
A light smile crossed his lips, he looked around the room before returning to Santino, giving his full attention. An apologetic tone swept from between his lips. "If I interfered with your night, don't let me stop you Monsieur. I am usually in solitude, think too much so I meant to change from such ways that I can find time to have a little fun once in awhile."It was that or he'd spent time training some more of his weaponry and fighting skills so he can be prepared for when the real thing appears his warrior blood will be ready to meet the enemy. Not sure what bloodline Santino was, but didn't sound as if he shared his bloodline from looking at him. Then again, looks can always be a deceiver.
Santino grinned, and waved an arm outward towards the table he had been at. "Feel free to join me, Signore. Though I do plan to do a bit of mingling tonight. Of that, you are welcome to join as well." He gave a short bow, then stood upright. "I am eager to meet those of this town. I am new here, you see."
He didn't know names, but names were not necessarily important for the time being. Given people didn't keep their shields locked tight 24/7, he could feel them out, and get a sense of their power to recognize them by. And though he was not of the Dragon line, he had seen his time in war, but that was many years in the past, now. The only names and occurances he recalled now were all in the past, and being in a new town, he would do his best to cover up those memories with the knowledge of new people and places. He had many plans for his time in this city, and he wished to get right to it.
Well, the one thing he was expecting was to be rejected or brushed away from the man. If he was, he'll perhaps have returned another day and conversed with the man when he wasn't busy. The saxophones were played as the dancing bodies swayed to the beat of the music played in various instruments to entice the ears and the beverages can quench the thirst of the customers who came to join on such an event of a century. Joseph did admire the music, he loved music as much as the next person except he chose classical, broadway, and opera as his most exquisite tastes.
As he lowered his form into the chair opposite of Santino, joining the man as there was much to catch up on. He started with the other vampires he met, he wanted to see Santino's thoughts. "Our society is ....how do I say, like a broken glass. If only we had a Master it can be fixed."He shared some of the concerns of New Orleans, the lack of a Master could be the sign of lot of the vampires who did not lean toward their own kind as much as the other cities, it became an issue so what was causing such creatures to ease away from their own people and be among others? A good question, Natasha was one who believed the same with him literally as she once lead an army of their race, there just wasn't any of those here.
Could it be New Orleans may have their own kindred hierarchy that just did not see such things. "Welcome to city of weird."He tried for humor, his was often dry, but he did not cease to give it a go. "I am also new here still. Even if I been here awhile, it feels as if I am a stranger to this land."He heard talk among the people at a nearby tale, another set of patrons was drinking, the sound of glass clinking after another.
Santino listened carefully to the other's words, and they rang true. Indeed, these were worries that plagued Santino's mind. It would be a shame if matters had to be taken to quiet the supernatural in this town, should they cause trouble. It would mean devestation here in New Orleans, though he couldn't help but think as well on the repercussions it would have across the world. Their kind were known, and their activites more or less legalized in the modern world, but he still couldn't risk anything happening that could endanger their world. There were still prejudice humans out there. Santino would take his seat once more, and lean back with a grin.
"Yes, a Master-less city can prove to cause trouble the world over. I would hate to see the Council have to get involved in anything out here. That is, in and of itself, the main reason I chose to come to this city, and not some other one in this country." That was the extent of which he'd reveal for now. He would wait to hear the response to those words before he'd decide to reveal any more.
Santino's gaze would wander the club over and over, yet his attention was completely on the other vampire. He would peer here and there at the humans about, yet was also still searching for other supernatural beings in the vicinity. He could sense them about, but he couldn't exactly pinpoint them.
The supernatural world was a mystery, there were groups that bonded extremely well while others stranded away from what they considered a damnation, a taint that plagued them. Broken races were less likely to survive as bonded species. The loose vampires in New Orleans were without a MoTC to lead them, allow them to be among a family of night walkers but that was far from a wishful thinking.
Joseph did not quarry over such matters, he watched a skinny woman come by with a tray of flutes, she looked down upon the two gentleman as she held the tray in the right hand, balancing it. "Would you like anything boys?" Looking up at her, he reached for a flute with golden liquid in it. No sense in drinking it, he couldn't, but there were other uses for it. He may have responded to Santino's response to his last question, but the waitress had come over just when he was about to say something.
-- Edited by JOSEPH BODINE on Monday 25th of April 2011 04:33:16 PM
He would decline with a smile, sending the waitress off about her way to other guests of the club. He would lean back in his seat, eyeing the other vampire carefully. The smile remained, as he anticipated, as well as calculated the coming response to what he had to say. He was anxious to set his plans in motion, yet at the same time, he couldn't be over-anxious and make enemies. But such was no worry, as he had plenty of experience being the patient observer.
Now, to the part where Santino commented on his statement about what has been happening in the city, the party town that never sleeps and if they did, it was in the daytime. He tilted the flute in his right hand, playing with the liquid inside the cup. He then sat the glass down, it would make any eyes suspect him to be one of the drinkers. He smiled softly, his ears opened to whatever the other needed to say, had to be someone right? He spoke of the Council getting involved, kind of makes you think about that horrible Twilight film, the part where vampires sparkle.
Come to think of it, such imaginations of the writer made him chuckle for each time he heard the title or seen it. His own thoughts was searching for a word, a phrase that will come out appropriately. He definitely agreed with his notice of such race driven to do whatever suits their needs, the fire that is needed that'll extinguish. After his first master, doubt he could easily lean toward a new as swift and let the memories be bygones just like that in the snap of a finger. With Joseph, his loyalties laid on someone who he felt deserved to be treated with an utmost respect, he had given Natasha that when he was under her monarch.
Now, it wasn't the same as it had been before. The response came through his opinion. "Well, I am not too sure a master is up my alley. Though, it is to say that if there was a chance one should appear then I probably will not past the chance to present myself to them. As for the Council, I hope not. The last thing we want is their presence. If they do, then someone did the ultimate sin for them to get involved."If he said that wrong, then he apologized. One good thing about Joseph is he wasn't afraid to speak of his opinions and views.
Santino was careful to listen to all he had to say, to take it all in, and even pay attention to the mannerisms. Joseph was an interesting vampire, not one like he had ever met before. He wasn't quite sure yet if that was a good thing or not.
"In such a situation as this, where it is unsure if someone may come out of the shadows to cause trouble for us all, it is in my opinion imperative that a master be found, even if it must be chosen amongst those that are present in the city already. If his power is to be challenged later, then that can be handled in the appropriate manner, but for now, order needs to be set in motion. That is what I desire. Not just for us, but for all the groups of supernaturals in the city. What do you think of that, sir?"
He wasn't afraid to speak his mind either, yet at the same time he was still cautious. He didn't want enemies, he wanted friends, compatriots, and those that would help see out his plans. Those that would get in the way he would have to no doubt deal with in his own way, but it was all for the benefit of the supernatural community.
Joseph was always surveyed by those in his presence, this wasn't the first time someone other than his new acquaintance had pondered about his status as someone who spoke of politics and diplomacy. When it comes to diplomacy, you can be sure he is right there. He watched mortals, picked one he liked most out of all the rest in case he needed to find a snack or two if he was going to do some hunting. An unneeded breath, while vampires do not need to release air they can if they wanted to but it wasn't necessary.
A wisp of air expelled lightly from his lungs, the thought of hunting made him realize how much their race has dispersed in different angles. Could not hunt together, could not form a gathering. He was going to get his theater together so he could start the Grand Opening. It was re-scheduled for next week. A master will be found? It's going to take more than a single person to accomplish such tasks wouldn't it?
The Frenchman had not count on looking for someone who can fill the seat of this city and bring the vampires to be more civilized, there really is no discipline and discipline should be set too along with everything else. Santino was right, Joseph listened and nodded cause what he said rang true nonetheless. "I am with you on this Santino. Not just us, but every single group."He looked up at a short, blond haired woman in the crowd, his eyes watched her pulse and heard her heart pumping strongly.
It reminded him how much he lost track between meals as of late. For the time being he was pretty much going about making sure his new business is set in motion. "Santino. I will be opening a theatre downtown. There will be a grand opening and I will very much like it if you can come by and check it out sometime. It is up to you."Yes, while he was here and they was on the subject of the scattered supernaturals who did seem to be lost at times, but in the end all will eventually work out if there was all of them working alongside those who wanted the same.
Santino knew one person could not accomplish all he set forth to do, but it had been in the past, and would be in the future, that one person could make the difference when a group set to its task. He grinned to hear Joseph would be with him, and so he would smile a more comforting smile as he nodded softly.
"I would be glad to see your theatre, and it would please me as well to see you visit my shop, once it's up and running. It will just be a little deli and bakery shop, but I'm sure you would enjoy it." Vampires didn't require food, that was true, but it was hard for Santino to let go of that part of his family's past. Even if he could no longer eat the food he had grown up loving, he still wanted to be around it, and to offer it to new generations, so they could fall in love with it too. There was a soft side to Santino after all...
He no doubt made a possible ally, it showed when there was room for growth between the two vampires speaking of the future yes? This is what their race ought to be instead of breaking away, but he knew there will be others whose going to need them for a helping hand when the time comes no matter what the species. It will be nice to go hunting like the days of old when vampires can form a group or at least three or more. It would be rather interesting if he can invite the man on some nights, it's good example and a fresh start at that. Grabbing a napkin from a dispenser on the left of him, he took a pen from side pocket he kept with him then scribbled his cellphone number then extended it across the table. "Here is my phone number. Call me. I'd like for us to hunt sometime, I am sure there is a good place in New Orleans."It was up to him whether he wanted to or not, Joseph was pulling what is truly missed in their society for the most part. Why did he not think of it? "I will be honored. Though, I doubt I could take anything in. However, part of me miss eating the foods I loved since I was a young lad. I sometimes want to go back in time again, savor every bite of the dishes my mom made."He could only dream of setting his tastebuds on such delicacies again.
Whenever he waltzed past a shop with cakes and pies, smelling it through his sensitive olfactory nerves part of him was tempted, but in the back of his mind he knew there wasn't a place for it now that he is not alive nor was he capable of ingesting anything in a body no longer functioning. Vampirism came with side effects.
Santino took the card, and would inspect it for a moment, before putting it in a pocket. "Thank you Signore Joseph." He took out a business card of his own, and handed it to him. It didn't have his cell number on it, but he hadn't figured out his cell phone yet. It did have his number for his office in the shop he was opening up, though. From there, in time he would reveal his cell number, should he figure out the cell phone's operation. "I shall look forward to it, I still need to find some safe hunting spots in this city."
Doesn't he mean napkin with writing on it? It wasn't a card, but close enough to one so either way he wanted to keep in contact with him. He made a promise the minute Santino opens the shop, he'll no doubt jump at the first chance and probably would join him if he see him in the area then there be a chance for some more time spent yes? Joseph was a keeper and in the past before he was turned there was a desolation, a world where he did not accumulate many allies other than he dated a red headed woman whose fair skin, dark blue eyes, and that sweet velvet voice will haunt him even when it was hard breaking up with her when deep down he did not want to. While vampirism washed half of his memories, it did not ambolish the most tragic events in his past life.
Memories were something to be cherished. Both good and bad. Nothing was left out of his memories, though there would be choice events he simply didn't dwell on any longer. Such memories as a certain Tiger he knew from London. That memory was something he left behind him. It was more of a pride issue than anything else, but still it was left behind.
In the silence that extended between them, his eyes began perusing the dance floor of the Jazz club once more, reaching out to see if any one else interesting had wandered in while he had been distracted by the conversation.
All his life there was neglect in his family, his father has never saw him for the man he will grow up to be but his mother saw he will grow into something more in his future. Caroline was a German-Chinese descendent who still remained in Germany where she had sent him on a mission somewhere in New Orleans and had given him a rapier to use instead of the samuari blade he equipped during his stay in London. If he had kept his first sword, that would make his ego out of control and it so happens that his maker knew him the way others did not.
She advised the choice, thinking it was a good idea to start a fresh path down a road of the unknown into America of all places. Joseph was still nervous, nervous that living under Americans who he was trying to get use to. As the silence between them grew, he surveyed the gentleman through dark blue hues, humanly ones and gave a respectful tone to the man who he accompanied. "I am still gripping on New Orleans soil. I am an alien you see, so I am usually not myself in places that I am not familiar with but I am trying."Meeting Astrid and now this man, Natasha was another, and there were many at the Masquerade he met through a pass or under bad timing. Let's not even go there. Telling Santino about the night at the ball did not seem relevant, Joseph like to keep it clean and straight to the point. He looked down at his wristwatched strapped to his right wrist, then thought how long he's kept his servant waiting at the home he occupied. It was rundown, no one claimed it and there wasn't anyone else looking to take it over so he renovated the place the minute he was scheduled to head on down to New Orleans.
