The Gathering Storm

Michael wanted more. It pissed him off. Everyone underestimated him. He wanted to prove them all wrong. Dammit, he wasn’t just some weak kid. He could take a hit, he’d been beaten up before. Plenty of times, at clubs and raves. He grew up an out of the closet, flamboyant fag, he’d been in more fights than most anyone he knew, but yet everyone doubted it. Well, that’s fine, he’d show them It was time for all these vampires to take him seriously. He left a note for Mandy:

“Outdoing something stupid, be back soon”

Then he went to his dad’s shop. He had a plan, and he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him. He was determined, but he had to get past his dad, so he put on his nicest smile and his most pleasant face. Stopped first at the ATM to withdraw some money from the account he managed for Mandy. Then he headed to his dad’s store to make a purchase.

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Charles was indeed flattered by the offer. It was quite unexpected. He traveled first to Endrik’s home, to speak to him. They greeted each other pleasantly, then Charles explained the situation. He requested from Endrik some brief tutelage in the require ritae for the vaulderie and other low-level pack mechanics. Endrik was more than happy to teach him; Charles was an accomplished sorcerer in his own right, and though his magic differed greatly from Endrik’s own, these were simple rituals that almost anyone could do. They were made that way intentionally, and Charles seemed to grasp them for the most part already, he just wanted help on the nuances. Charles wanted it to be perfect, as he was joining such prestigious members, he didn’t want to look the fool.

After a quick study with Endrik he went home and started searching through his library for some accoutrements that would help embellish the ritual a little, the proper vessel, a dagger to cut with, maybe even something to bless the goblet with. Once he found what he wanted, he just wasn’t satisfied. He went shopping until he found something he liked finally he ordered and paid extra for the immediate shipping .

There now everything was good. He hoped they all liked it. It was going to be interesting that was for sure. With his work completed he set off to bed, tired from the evening excursions.

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 Endrik Was happy. His pupil was coming along nicely, her work showed real promise. Already she was trying to incorporate Vicissitude and Kuldonic sorcery together, normally something reserved for more advanced practitioners. She was also starting to make the sort of mental disconnect he was hoping for. Her tools were just that, tools, not people. It was time to reward her. He had to be careful though. He wanted their romantic relationship and their teacher/student relationship to remain separate. If the two bled into each other it could make things complicated and messy.

He called his tailor and had a dress specially made for her; some matching gloves, and a headpiece.

 Once completed, he found an appropriate box, wrapping paper, and accessories. He took his time, three hours in fact, making sure every fold, and every line in the wrapping was perfection itself. He knew it would simply be ripped off, but it was his way. He wanted everything to be just right for her.

Once all was ready he added a small card, with a simple “To Mandy” on it and “Love Endrik” on the inside, then ordered Wadsworth to deliver it to her home post-haste.