CHAPTER TWO - SUNSET OF FLAMES
SCENE ONE - THE SCEPTER

The Shard building was an enormous modern high rise - host to several mortal businesses. It was so tall it reached over a thousand feet high. It was newly completed about two months ago, and is a multi functional building containing a shopping arcade, hotel, viewing deck, and an array of business offices. It commanded quite a spectacular view over most of London.

Located Southwark on the south bank of the Thames in the financial hub of London, the building was open twenty four seven. As you enter the building from the lobby, it was easy to notice a bank of elevators with the Camarilla symbol above them. Security guards monitored this particular area, and it seemed like our destination was on the 66th and 67th floors. We were asked to show our credentials, and we took out the business card we got from Shirazi. The ghouls radioed in we were coming up, and they let us pass. We walked through a metal detector, and Gabriella set it off. She had to leave her dagger at the door, much to her displeasure, but she wasn't stupid enough to make a scene. There were plenty of elevators available, and at the moment we were the only group waiting for one.

Connor pushes the up button on whichever elevator is closest to the group, then pushes the button that'll take them to the 66th floor. "Let's try to behave, shall we? I don't think that the Queen will tolerate it if we all decide to kill each other at her party." 

“Mhmm.” Gabriella said, as if this was old news. As everyone entered the elevator, she gently grabbed Olivia by the upper arm. “We’ll take a different one. We have something to..discuss. It’s a personal matter.”

Not waiting for a response, she led Olivia to a different elevator and when it opened, she pushed her somewhat roughly into it. She waited patiently for the doors to close.

Connor shrugs. "If it keeps you two from killing each other, talk away."

Olivia didn’t expect Gabriella to grab her, though with it being relatively gentle, she didn’t automatically pull away, at most giving the Lasombra a confused look. Her brow arched at the mention of a ‘talk’, a scoff making it past her lips, following by a scowl on her face when she’s roughly pushed into the other elevator, stumbling over her two feet.

”Hey, watch it,” She seethes, turning to meet the others gaze. When the doors finally close, she opens her mouth again. “What do you want?”

Gabi hit the button to the 66th floor. As soon as the door closed, the Lasombra spun around in a haze of shadow and made the whole elevator dark, but not totally. She grabbed Olivia by the jaw with one hand and pinned her to the elevator wall with the other. She spoke through grit teeth, as if barely able to contain the frustration inside her. She looked at Olivia's lips as she spoke. "I..am SO ******* sick of your snark." she growled. "You make me so mad I could rip you in half right here." Her face was close, close to your cheek, like an animal about to devour a kill. "Give me what I want." She leaned in, pressed against Olivia, cornered. Her lips pressed against her cheek, wanting to bite you, moving them down to your mouth. Suddenly her attitude changed and she kissed you slowly and deeply.

Olivia swallowed thickly when the Lasombra darkened the small elevator, half sure that this would probably be her final resting place to a point where she didn't even try to resist her pinning her up against the wall. She had nowhere to run or hide off to, and no matter how hard she pressed herself against the wall, Gabriella would simply inch closer to get more in her face, even tilting her head to the side wasn't enough to avoid the others lips against her cheek, and even though her mind was filled with fear, her body grew warm. Gabriella's aura reeked of frustration, her voice was filled with annoyance, but the raw dominance coming off her was almost suffocating. God above, this scene alone was the biggest turn on for her and she found it such a shame she couldn't revel in it before death.

Then she kissed her.

Just seconds ago, she was set and sure this would be it, that the others threat would be sought through, but then she kissed her. It took a moment for it to fully register through her once fear filled mind, and when it finally clicked she said to herself '**** it, I'm gonna enjoy this while it lasts' and kissed right back. Her hands ran up Gabriella's sides, urging the other to continue as much as she pleased, even rolling her hips forward into hers, practically telling her to take whatever she wanted.

"You have a minute," Olivia warns when there was a break in kisses. "Take what you can."

Caught in the heat of the moment, Gabriella's urge to murder Olivia right there and now in the most messy fashion in the elevator was quickly snuffed out by the raw sensation of Olivia's sensuality. Gabriella wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was because Olivia was so much better academically than she was and she seethed with jealousy over it, maybe it was the fact she was so easily dominated, or maybe it was her sarcasm that made her want to gut her like a pig - Gabi couldn't figure it out. Whatever it was, to Gabi's surprise, it drove her to feelings she normally didn't feel at all. So she kissed her one last time and sucked on her lower lip, pulling at it to the point of it almost hurting and she snarled, opening her mouth, wanting to bite into Olivia's neck but instead licked it from top to bottom in one long stroke, as if she was marking her territory. Olivia could feel the sexual tension in Gabi's as she breathed against her neck. They were pressed tightly together.

Taking advantage of the minute, she got on her knees and buried her mouth someplace deep - deciding to, instead, murder something else.

A minute simply wasn't enough to fully satisfy the two of them, but heavens above did Gabriella use what time she had to give Olivia just a taste of what she could do with her mouth, just enough for her to crave more. The doctor was reluctant in pulling the Lasombra away from her, but some cleaning up needed to be done before those doors opened. If anything, the hungry look that Olivia gave Gabi as she helped wiped her face of her lipstick (and a lot of something else) should have been enough for the other to know this wasn't over by a long shot. 

With the ding signifying they were at their floor, Olivia stopped reapplying her lipstick and closed her compact, slipping it back into her purse just as the doors opened and revealed the two women looking just as they did when they entered. (Assuming the others made it there before them) Olivia gives a smile to the rest of the group as she steps out of the elevator. "See? We behaved very well on that little trip on the elevator. I think we'll be fine meeting the queen. Let's get to it then, shall we?" Without waiting for an answer, she pushes forward and leads them to where they needed to go.

Connor follows behind, asking zero questions, blissfully unaware of what just occurred and satisfied that they were able to ride an elevator without fighting.

Gabi followed, a smirk on her face.

Simply delicious.

CHAPTER TWO - SUNSET OF FLAMES
SCENE TWO - THE PARTY

The lift took us to the 66th floor. As we stepped out, the view was nothing short of spectacular. All of London was laid out before us - it almost granted a feeling of power and supremacy. Clearly run by the Ventrue, both the 66th and 67th floors were completely rented out and for the most part both floors were combined to create a large atrium surrounded by shaded glass. Elegant glass staircases lead to several different mezzanine levels at different heights. Kindred were congregated in groups across the levels to enjoy the view and the society. A number of doors led to meeting rooms and private chambers.

A woman approached us.

"Good evening. I am lady Scarlett Churchill. I welcome you." she bowed slightly, clearly the majordomo of the party. "If you wish to speak to Queen Anne, you will have to wait. She is busy this evening. I will add you to the list, if you'd like, and will call you when she is free tonight." she smiles sweetly in a way that indicates to you that this is not optional. "Please. Mingle, and enjoy the party while you wait. Several vessels are available if you are hungry."

Connor takes a seat and waits for the Queen to call them. He made sure to get something to eat for arriving. He preferred to drink animal blood and he knew that Ventrues didn't keep any about them. They were far too picky and elitist to do that.

Nilrem immediately smiles charmingly to the woman and bows his head slightly, "Pleasure to meet you~ Might I say, you have a most fascinating name~" Raising his head, he scans the surrounding people's auras in an attempt to pick out people of interest.

(8 critical success on Scry of the Soul, room scan)
(can ask 6 questions)

1. Who here is/isn't a vampire? (if they're something else supernatural, I would know that to apparently)
2. Is anyone here under the influence of a Blood Ritual?
3. What's the mood of the room?
4. Who has the most powerful aura here?
5. What Resonance is our hostess/Scarlett?
6. Is the seal in this room?

1. Who here is/isn't a vampire? (if they're something else supernatural, I would know that to apparently) The guards, and the vessels.
2. Is anyone here under the influence of a Blood Ritual? Not that you can tell
3. What's the mood of the room? 75% relaxed, 25% nervous
4. Who has the most powerful aura here? Queen Anne
5. What Resonance is our hostess/Scarlett? Melancholy
6. Is the seal in this room? No

Here are some optional things you can do while you wait for Queen Anne:

MINGLE - SOCIAL CHALLENGE
- Queen Anne's party is open to all the Kindred of London. You can engage in conversation or listen for rumors and hot topics. Lots of Kindred are mingling around. If you're discrete and listen, or talk to some of them, you might learn something. Wits + Subterfuge (Rumors) or Charisma + Insight (Casual talk) vs. DV4.

FLASHBACK - ROLE PLAYING
- Time for a flashback. This party brings back memories. But why here? And how? (Will make a post for each of you shortly)

FEED - REDUCE HUNGER
- The whole party is full of mortal willing, and eager to offer their blood. There are plenty to go around as long as you maintain your self control. The vessels are a very diverse group, covering pretty much every nationality, body type, style, and gender. All they have in common is that each is extremely attractive by conventional standards, and wearing clothing that keeps their neck and arms bare. Some are very willing, through domination or seduction, others are on so much medication they don't quite know where they are. If you decide to feed on a mortal, you can barely get into a room without one of them offering a taste, and other assembled Kindred are not shy about partaking in this veritable banquet. VESSELS ARE TO BE TASTED, NOT KILLED. An elegant sign declares.

TRADING STORIES - SOCIAL CHALLENGE 
- Some kindred around are trying to impress each other with stories of fighting hunters. Kindred in this day and age are fighting Operation Antigen, and some are boasting of the tale. You cannot tell if these stories are true or not, but one thing is certain, they are trying to build up their reputation. You are welcome to join the crowd and watch, or perhaps offer a tale of your own to try and gain some cred yourself. One thing is clear - this is a snake put of reputation jockeying. You can do one of two things. Join in and tell a story of your own, or try and poke holes in someone else's story. Currently, there are three other Kindred boasting stories. You can try and one up some, or all. Whether you pass or fail, your actions will have consequences.

TELL A TALE: Roll Charisma + Performance. The number of successes you get (not margins) abstractly describes the result of your tale. The higher the better. I have a secret number for each Kindred boasting that you're trying to beat. If you chose this option, you can only roll once.
POKE HOLES: Roll Intelligence + Insight. Count your successes (not margins). You are trying to beat a number I have secretly for each other tale teller. If you chose this option, you can roll for each Kindred to pole holes.

McKade: One of the few remaining Camarilla Brujah who is telling an impressive tale of brutally taking on a group of five hunters and tearing them to pieces.
Patience: A Nosferatu dressed in rags who describes cleverly sneaking past several different hunters, and getting them to shoot each other with clever misdirection.
Saint-Claire: An elegantly dressed Toreador who details talking her way past a hunter, and even seducing one of them.

SOLVING A RIVALRY - SOCIAL CHALLENGE
As you attend the party, you observe a heated argument between two Kindred and their supporters. If you get close enough to hear what is going on, you suddenly attract the entire groups attention and the arguers shout, "Then we should ask them!" point towards you. The next thing you know, you are placed in the position of referee - you are a neutral party, after all. You are free to decline the invitation. If you don't, here's the mechanics. 

Two rivals, a Nosferatu names Caleb and a Ventrue called Natasha are arguing about a hunting ground they seem to share. Natasha claims a wealthy neighborhood in St Johns Wood (North West London) as her hunting ground. But Caleb has the rights to the tunnels and sewers underneath it. This includes the disused Lord's Underground station, which serves as a terminus for subterranean electricity cable inspection works by the National Grid. Natasha believes Caleb has been hunting above ground. Caleb has accused Natasha of using her influence to close sections of the tunnels off during the building of a new apartment block where the Lord's station entrance used to stand. Both believe their hunting ground rights are being contested. Really it is a matter for the Queen, but she has told them to work it out themselves and not bother her with trivialities. Choose a tactic below and make your roll. If you pass, the answer will be revealed to you by me, so you can offer your advice.

- Who has more right in terms of status in Kindred society? (Intelligence + Etiquette or Politics, DV2)
- Which of the rivals has more people on their side? (Wits + Insight, DV4)
- Who is legally right? (Intelligence + Investigation, DV5)

Nilrem, as if being drawn for the chance to annoy people, silently appears near the boasting contest of people and grins. "Fascinating stories~"

(first roll 5 success)
(second roll 3 success)
(third roll 4 success)

Olivia arched a brow when the kindered pointed at her to help settle their argument once and for all. Once caught up with each others side of the story, it takes a lot out of Olivia to figure out who was legally right in this case, stretching her brains limits to finalize her answer. "Well, to be honest, both of you pushed your legal limits, but," She points to Natasha with a lopsided frown. "You've crossed more lines by interfering with his territory so..." She shrugs. "Do with that what you will."

SOLVING A RIVALRY - SOCIAL CHALLENGE
Olivia manages to explain who is legally in the right. Well done. Here is your flashback. Caleb is grateful, and satisfied. He will be a boon to you and the group later on.

FLASHBACK ONE - YOUR MORTAL LIFE - OLIVIA(?)
Suddenly, you become light headed, but only for a moment. You remember something.

You are sitting on the filthy pavement of a cramped street. Around you, many others huddle together against the cold, reaching their hands out to passerby who have nothing to give. The place is dark, the tight buildings crushing together seem to close in on you. You raise your hand to a gentleman walking past in a fine fur coat and a top hat. "Tell your fortune mister? Just a penny.." you hear yourself say.

TRADING STORIES - SOCIAL CHALLENGE 
You easily debunk McKade's tale, and the look on his face tells you he is less than pleased. Even Saint-Claire's story had cracks, and have the feeling the Toreador hates to lose. She gives you a look that lets you know this isn't over. Patience, the Nosferatu, however, called your statements, and raised you one, and in the end, you were not able to logically debunk her story. She is quiet, and unassuming, but she won't forget this.

FLASHBACK ONE - YOUR MORTAL LIFE - NILREM(?)
The memorial stone in front of you is covered in blood. You can't see the blood, but you know it's there, blood you have shed, your own and that of others. The figures on the stones stand frozen in eternal strife, puppets to those who rule the constant conflict. You each out to touch the stone, tracing the words carved there with your finger "Lest We Forget". You cannot help but shed a tear for those you have lost, and those who fell. But..what does it all mean?