*a letter returned to Avalon*

[Seti Azrael]

Azrael studied the letter for a time and the marking “Seti” on its outer address. The title was not one used for him outside kindred circles, so he was relatively certain it came from a vampiric source.

The Seti retrieved his thin reading glasses from his belt pouch, placing them on the pale bridge of his nose. He had not needed them since his embrace, but the habit of their use remained even now, many long years since his death.

He carefully untied the violet cord binding the parchment and began to read the large, bold script:



My lord,

It is my honor to offer greeting to you from my Charge lady Izznet H'unar. She permitted me to request a tour of your lands. Thank you for your time. May the night find you in peace.

signed ~A~



Azrael’s pale lips curved into a very slight smile as he read the signature. He had received several reports regarding the young gargoyle woman, Avalon, and confirmed her servitude to Lady H’unar some time ago. Though, his brow arched slightly, as he did need to make certain of the sender before replying given the possible sensitivity of the contents of a letter involving kindred affairs.

The Seti removed his gloves, and gently rested a pale hand on the surface of the parchment. His chest rose as he drew in breath for the first time since waking at dusk, calling on the discipline of Auspex, and it’s spirit touch. The blood discipline would allow him to receive brief glimpses of the last humanoid to touch the parchment that had recently been delivered by pigeon.

Closing his mirrored eyes, Azrael focused on the images that began to coalesce from the darkness in his mind. He watched for a moment as the image of a beautiful young gargoyle female, matching Avalon’s description, carefully and quietly tied a violet cord around the parchment before him…

The Elder lifted his hand from the parchment and opened his pupil-less silver eyes once more, nodding slightly. The images faded immediately from his mind. With the writer’s identity confirmed, he took a quill pen, inked it, and set it to a fresh parchment. Then began writing in his usual meticulous and slightly slanted script:



Lady Avalon,

I recently received your message requesting tour of Istas. Passage into our lands by Lady H’unar, Lord Podolak, and their servants is of course granted and indeed welcome.

I wished to extend my gratitude for the Hospitality shown to both the Setess and I in the gathering organized by Lady H’unar. The opportunity to travel to the lands and holdings of another were a welcome change from the usual business meetings to which I am accustomed.

Is there a day or night in particular best suited for your visit and tour? While I can arrange for tour during the day, as I am sure you are aware, I cannot personally attend a daytime venture. Though arrangements can be made for any time that may work best for you.

I will await your reply, or the reply of your Lady, and further arrangement can be made to best facilitate your interest in seeing Istas.

Until then:

Carpe Noctem,

-Seti Azrael



Azrael sealed the parchment carefully with black wax, and impressed a waning crescent in it’s cooling surface. Several minutes later Lucif lighted to Azrael’s shoulder on the private balcony outside the office. The Elder lifted the small silver scroll case to Lucif and the crow took the tiny hook in his beak. The blue-eyed crow then waited patiently for instruction.

Azrael closed his eyes, using the bond of blood shared between them to communicate images of the gargoyle female to Lucif’s mind.

The elder said softly, “carry this message to Avalon.”

Azrael could feel Lucif’s usual confirmation and signal that he understood the images and the instructions. Moments later the crow took flight into the cold Istas night…

[Avalon]

Slowly opening eye lids, melting from stone to the soft graceful shield of the silver eyes speckled with purple, the Gargoyle began to emerge from the rock face of the tower. Spreading her wings and stretching off the last bit of her slumber she noticed an odd presence watching her movements. How long the bird had been roosting at the edge of the walkway she could not tell, but his presence was not a fright but more of a curiosity. The large black bird hopped a few paces towards her and puffed a bit to show the silver carrier. Reaching out her hand careful not to touch the bird with her talons she held her palm up uncertain how more to react. The bird seemed a bit annoyed with the ignorance in retrieving a message, but accommodated enough for her to finish his task of delivery.
“Remain a moment if you would, Bird.” she said as she began to read slowly the intricate script.
Sitting at a short table far too small for comfort she picked up a feathered pen clumsily in her hand. Writing a return trying to keep her talons out of the way of the wet ink was proving more and more difficult with each stroke. The skill in writing was proving to be as difficult as the skill of understanding the ways of Men.
~*~
Seti Azrael,
I will indeed pass the sentiment to my Charge, I know she will be pleased.
Nights and Days mingle together as one as late so the hours are a bit erratic. If Friday during the day is available I would be greatly appreciative. Thank you, milord.
~A~
Waving the parchment lightly to dry the ink before rolling it, she walked back to the large crow and reattached the carrier with the note inside. Patting the crow gently on the head she turned slightly to the vines where her own messenger pigeon sat perched.
“Off with you now, Bird, to your master.” she said to the crow.

[Seti Azrael]

*a letter returned; sealed with black wax, and bearing a crescent moon impression. Delivered by Lucif. *

Lady Avalon,

I have spoken with our museum director, Mister Xander Rayne, and he has agreed to be available on Friday to take you through a tour of the city. Is there a place and time that would be appropriate to meet him?

I will send word to him as soon as I receive it, so that the final arrangement can be made.

I hope the night finds you well, and I look forward to your being received into the city.

Until then,
Carpe Noctem,

-Seti Azrael

[Avalon]

Standing in a dark corner and watching the graceful movements of the large crow as it alighted on the edge of the walk, the other winged creature paused a moment before retrieving the note. Her silver etchings giving a kind sparkle to the dim lights around.
*ponders if the one sending can see the movements made by the one who writes the note. writing as if he stands within the same room, she stands to her full height after writing the response. rolling the page she bows with a deep curtsy as she reattaches the carrier.*

Seti Azrael,
I have had pleasure to meet your director in Britain upon more than one occasion. There will be sufficient a meeting place. We often meet in the afternoons between errands and chores. That will be acceptable as well.
Thank you.
~A~

Another soft pat to the Crows head, "You know where it needs go."

[Seti Azrael]

*A letter returned via Lucif, sealed with a usual black wax and crescent moon. *


Lady Avalon,

I have sent word to Mister Rayne that you will be available at the bank in Britain tomorrow afternoon. He has assured me that he will look for, and meet you, there.

I was not aware the both of you had already shared time, so I am pleased then that he will be the one to take you through our city. My dealings with him are confined to business ventures and his employment for Istas and myself, but I believe he is a capable young man, and will provide you with an enjoyable afternoon.

My regards to your charge, Lady H’unar, and may this letter find you well tonight.

*signed simply*

-A

[Avalon]

*releasing a small pigeon into the air with a note attached to a carrier around its neck*
Seti Azrael,
What a delight it was to visit your city. Thank you for the hospitality shown. Sir Rayne was a most gracious host! My Charge looks forward to further interactions between our clans.
May the night find you in Peace.
~A~