Into the Mamba's nest (Leila)

The travel throught the subway was nothing but light and selfassuring, still for an experienced vampire as Leila all the night's perils were easy to avoid. From drunk to jonkies, including bugglers and molesters, doing their own against the naive lambs that were too shy or too weak per haps to step out against them. Fortunally, nothing really came out of hands, just minor struggles between the predators and their victims.

Finally Leila got to Manhattan Island, arriving to the northest shore where Elie's complex was, right to Harlem ST subway station. Looking around there were several residential buildings, comercial stores and others that seemed more like the industrial type. She was aware that Elie's buildings were a few blocks away, may be a 15min walk. As usual Manhattan had movement: party enthusiast going to or from one to another, at least one NYC patrol going around and some other vehicules in the street. As well there were some people walking, standing and doing their own shows in the streets making this side of the city more active that Brooklyn or The Bronx.

Leila wandered for a few minutes around locating the complex, it was big and easy to locate by the signs. Eventually she managed to get to the security cabin guarding the main entrance, there, as she recalled, there was two guards uniformed and alert. One of them approached to Leila with a look of cautioness in his visage but when he got closer seemed to recognize Leila, rapidly looking back to the TV screen to double check her identity, for someone else that would be a surprise still this guard seem to know about Obfuscate enough to be aware of its decive.

After walking to the first of the outter buildings Leila found herself in the usual alley, the one conecting the external compound with the central building. The main lobby there was, as usual, very luxurious.

Once again a probably insignificant detail bothered Leila in her way in, the absence of security cameras and personel, except for the two guards in the front gate and the one at the basefloor of each building. Very strange. Nevertheless she arrived to the main lobby of the central building, everything was paceful and silent except for the static noise from the guard's radio everytime in while.

The guard was a few yards away from Leila, as she approached he said to her.
"Good evening Ms Sorayya."

After a short pause he continued.
"I've notified your arrival to The Keeper, he's at the Master's Chambers awaiting for you."

Another short pause and then the tone in the guard's voice changed to a more solemn one.
"They sent a message for you:
...We are in a meeting with foreing guests. You're welcome to join us in stealth and secrecy..." he concluded.

Throught elevator, Leila finally made it up to the sixth floor of the building. The mirror doors opened to a smaller lobby. The room was lighted with dimmed pale light, some changes had been made since Leila's last visit for one all the art pieces of the decoration where swapped, some to a different places and other replaced by new ones, still there was some painting and sculptures just like before. The floor was made in wood, covered with a new carpet, it was very furry and brown, black colored with some unsettling images of beastiality between mythological creatures and humans, mostly.

Beyond the first chamber the door was wide open, from there an even less illuminated room showed before Leila, mostly in darkness except for two spotlights located near the center of that room. Inside the spotlight were two men sitting, one caucasian, other african in race, somehow the black man visage seemed familiar to Leila, at least for his color. Leila knew none of these two strangers but something in them made obvious that both were vampires.

Aside from these two guys Leila could hear Elie's voices talking to this men in a cordial tone.

Spoiler:

Once inside Leila was able to see Pillar and Elie sitting in a couch in front of the two vampires, the scene before her was very similar to a theater play, or most likely similar to an interrogation room. The two followers were in the darkness womb, while the two foreings one were in a light oasis, surrounded by shadows.

Although blinded by this strong lights, the dark vampire's eyes moved following Leila's whereabouts, uncertain of her exact location but regardless of his hesitation, he seemed to have very sharp senses. In the mean while the other pale vampire started talking to confident with his hosts.
"This party is very important to us Maese Elie, I hope you understand the meanining of social relationships among of kindred. The whole family has sent their dearest kin to represent each Clan in that special night."

Elie seemed upset, unconfortable and challenged by these words. He wasn't behaving as usual, showing emotions that were obvious, even to Leila who was a not so experienced vampire. With certain insecurity in the tone of his voice, he said:
"My understanding is secondary in this, Monsieur Pieterzoon. Your vitae requirements have been increasing since a few years ago, you should have warned us about this, special requirement, long time ago. With only two days ahead of us there's nothing we can do to supply that amount of Thy."

Pillar on the other hand seemed calmed and in control.

There was a tense silence, then the young seeming white vampire said, replying to Pillar.
"My Lord Pillar, we don't come before you bare handed... we're simply not aware or what you'd require for this special service, I ho-" interrupted by Pillar.

"It's not a service." Pillar sentenced, yelling over the guest to shut him out. The tension grew, the two foreing vampires curled in defensively for an instant.

Elie said then.
"Please gentlemen, this tension is bothering me. I'll not enter in a dispute with the Camarilla for such a little thing. You may try to dialog as civilized monsters are we are, or I'll ask my assistant to show you the way out. It's your call."

The two foreing vampires seemed very confused for a second. Then the white one said.
"We're ready to negotiate. Please forgive our manners Maese Elie... what can we do to make it up for your Clan in return for this Favor you're doing for us" is he were human, he would be sweating.

Silence.

Elie said.
"We will provide Thy Blood but I want you to understand this." dramatic pause.

"It's another demonstration of my respect and appreciation for your Prince, my friend Michael. Of how we Followers are always reliable providers even in these circumstances.

I'll require a payment for the logistic expenses of course but that doesn't cover the personal appreciation I'm expecting in return for our generosity. I want our friendship to grow and prosper."

Pieterzoon face lighted up with a smile and said.
"Only a good friend would help us in a time like this Maese Elie. Thank you."

"Don't mention it" Elie said. "At least not until you hear what I expect from this new friendship." another pause.

"I'd appreciate if you invite a couple of my Clan to your party. It's a good opportunity for bussiness and pleasure alike. There's no need for anyone to know we're not Toreador, of course. We can appreciate discretion very well. Other than that I'm going to need Ten millons american dollars for the inconvenience before the Party, in return I'll offer a portion of my personal reserve."

The two foreing vampires looked at each other and then the black one said.
"We can agree to that Maese Elie, we just would require to meet these two Clan mates you mention, at least a day before the party. In a dinner per haps, to get to know eachother and set a base of understanding about our customs. Does it sound O.k. to you?"

"Sound just perfect." Elie said "It's all settled then, we have come to an agreement"

Elie made a hand sign allowing Leila to stand up, when she stood up, saw a shy smile in his lips, trying to comfort her, like the loving father Leila never had. He said.
"I've heard about your behavior. I must say I'm disappointed Childe in the same measure that I'm confident about your talent and will to mend things right."

A short pause and after he said.
"Fortunately, Pillar doesn't seek your destruction or exile, you're still safe among us Leila but you must redeem yourself at all costs, he's famous for his treacherous ways when it comes to teaching a lesson. You can expect more suffering and humilliation as long as you are still fallen from his 'grace'."

The tone in his voice was harsh and intimidating. Making Leila realized the severity of her transgression. Then he added.
"I've been advicing Pillar as well, Leila, now he has more perspective on the situation. He will allow you to return into the Lair, if you accept your mistake and show him how much you care about our Clan's assets."