The Light returns

The trip had been a long and arduous one, but the sign the read 'La Crosse-5 miles' was a wonderful sight as he drove past it on the interstate. Grandfather had insisted that he learn to drive, which he did with no argument. His mind drifted back as the road stretched on, back to the last few weeks of his absence, to that which Grandfather had told him, to the truths he learned and the lies that were squashed.

'He strode up the main drive towards the main doors, anxious to speak to Grandfather. He came seeking advice as to what he should do. The last two decades had been tiring. Attempting to remain loyal to the Sabbat, but finding it increasingly difficult. Their methods and mannerisms were atrocious and savage. He didnt belong among them. His way of life called for him to walk a different path. He breached the main doorway as the doors opened before he was upon the porch, and stopped in the entry way. He looked over as he handed his coat and staff to the servant at the mirror and his reflection. +He was tall and thin, but athletically so. His long brown hair stick straight creeping down the sides of his face and back. His full moon spectacles hiding the glowing irises that he knew were there. His face was bare as opposed to his typical painted vodoun mask he wore frequently+. =The suit he wore was well taken care of, although slightly out of date, but damn it if the fifties didnt know how to craft a suit. The top hat upon his crown was wore and weathered affixed with a shrunken skull and lined with random small bones.=

"Master Johnathon, the Master will see you" the butler bowed and extended his hand down the hallway

"Thank you Gerald. Your looking well" John couldnt help but smile as he walked past Gerald the butler. "You dont look a day over 350" He was pretty sure he heard Gerald thank him as he slipped into the door of the study and silently shut it, but Grandfather knew he was there. He heard the dry cracking voice cry out "Johnny miboy!" He turned to see his Grandfather sitting in his normal chair with one of his many books in his lap, his aged skin having taken a permanent aspect of the serpent long ago. John was sure that Grandfather hadnt moved from that chair in decades. John strode forward his arms wide open to wrap them around one of the only family members he had left. "Grandfather you are looking well." He looked down at the book "Charles Dickens. You would think you had memorized that book Papa." His Grandfather smiled and motioned for the chair adjacent from his, which John sat in.

"What knowledge do you seek from me Grandson mine?" Grandfather closed his book and traded it for a wine glass that had sat on a table next to his lounge chair and stared at Johnathon with the weight and knowledge of hundreds of years. Johnathon couldnt help but look around the study, taking it all in. Wall to wall books, some modern, some ancient, some in english, and others in dead languages. His eyes finally came to rest on Grandfather, and he steeled himself for what he came to do.

"Grandfather, I wish to leave the Sabbat." Straight to the point, Grandfather preferred that. Didnt like wasting time. Grandfathers eye filled with humor as a chortle escaped his throat "Then do so my boy! Why would you think you need to ask my permission?" Johnathon was stunned. He was sure that this was going to turn into an argument, and yet Grandfather had just given him his blessing with no fight. "But Papa, i was led to believe that our family had strong ties and affliations with in the Sabbat." More humor filled Grandfathers eyes as he spoke "You let Remy fill your mind with nonsense little serpent. Our clan, and our Family has for generations stood alone. We have done our best to remain in the shadows and away from the politics of the uptight Camirilla, and the malicious Sabbat. But where your loyalties lie is your decision, as long as you always remember your family. But do not blame your uncle for attempting to show you one path you may take." Grandfather stood up and held his hands out smiling which cause John to stand and embrace him "Little Serpent you are your own creature, you do so as you wish, youve always known that. But if you would indulge an old coil such as myself, dont draw lines. If you choose one side over the other so be it, but always keep an open mind. One side isnt better than the other, and neither is perfect. Now if youll excuse me, i have an old friend coming to see me." Grandfather hugged him once more then gestured towards the door with a smile.

Johnathon removed his hat and bowed his head "Grandfather Patrique as always your wisdom is sound and well founded." Grandfather bowed his head in return and replied "Johnathon, Grandson mine, as always your council is welcome." The both raised their heads and John returned his top hat to his cap, and then gently tugged down on the left side to tilt it. Grandfather escorted him to the door and stopped short "Ah yes, speak with Billy over in the garage before you leave. I have a present waiting for you there." Johnathon couldnt help but smile and nod before slipping back through the door into the foyer. He practically glided down the hallway towards the main doors where there were three people he did not recognize waiting. The man was tall and thin, his pale skin antique attire dressed with modern taste and swirling eyes marked him as Vampire. His duster was adorned with pockets, and lipped over the holster of a pistol that was massive in size. His glasses that clung desperately to the tip of his nose were those of an early day scientist but darkened. The bowler upon his head completing his ensemble screamed British. The red headed whore and the blonde princess went unnoticed for the most part, for they practically hid behind this man. Johnathon retrieved his staff and over coat and proceeded towards the door as Gerald escorted these three strangers down the hall. He heard his Grandfathers voice boom out one word before the door silenced him 'HATTER!'.

Over at the garage Billy gingerly pulled the cover off of a 1935 Cadillac Twelve Town car*. John was speechless. Billy talking around his grin told him that the vehicle had been completely restored using modern day equipment, and had been suped up with more horsepower or some such thing. Johnathon stared at this gift and silently thanked Grandfather for the lessons he had paid for to drive.'

John breached the city limits and allowed his memory to take over, guiding him towards the Elysium grounds, where he would find Tao, the Malkavian female Prince that had some how been able to help him see the truth behind himself. How long ago had that been? Decades. Two to be exact. Twenty years. 2014 was when they had begun their adventure, and yet this would be the first time he had ever willing shown his face in her court. None but her knew his face, but all knew the name that he had been titled with 'Grymm Bones'. The winding path up the gorgeous La Crosse bluffs was familiar, and serene. The La Crosse Museum of History came into view its massive size comparing to nothing to the bluffs, lit wonderfully to show of its old rustic yet elegant craftsman ship. He pulled up to the door and a ghoul was instantly at the door holding it open "Good evening sir. Does Ms Tao know your coming?" John smiled and stepped out of the suicide door grabbing his top hat and staff. Placing his hat upon his head he said "No. I wish to surprise her. So be a good little boy, and remain silent." Staff in hand he strode for the door. There was a line of elegance and beauty waiting to enter, and he merely strode past them. The door man jumped in front of him just before he opened the door "Excuse me! You have to wait your turn!" The beast reared snickering at this little thing standing in front of him. He lowered his glasses and looked down at the boy "You will not stop me from entering that which is mine, boy" His words slithered through the air like coiling blades of ice causing the ghoul to take a step back. He looked down at his list and asked "Name please sir" "Johnathon Auvyear. Im fairly certain that i am not on your list as your Prince does not know that i am attending tonight. However, if you would kindly read that plaque behind you, im sure my credentials will be validated." The Ghoul looked over his shoulder at the recognition plaque displayed next to the door which read 'The none may ever forget where they come from, and where they are going.' Johnathon Auvyear. The ghoul flipped around and stammered his way through an apology causing John to laugh heartily and stroll through the opening doors.

As he walked through the hall leading to the main hall a man stepped out from behind a statue directly into his path. Johnathon stopped dead for he knew what clan this man was from. Setite. I fought not to bare his teeth and hiss, and kept his composure. The Setite took one step forward and barked at him "Who the hell are you!?" John removed his hat and bowed his head replying "I am Johnathon Devlin Auvyear. Propreitor and main investor in this fine establishment. Might i ask who you are sir?" John straightened up and replaced his hat all emotion wiped from his features. The setite took another step forward and practiaclly growled "I am Sheriff Joanis of the Domain La Crosse. You have no buisness here Serpent!" John cocked his head to the side "Oh quiet the contrary, as i said I am the propreitor and main investor in this building and its construction." John closed the distance between them and continued "And as far as im concerned good sir, i have done nothing to warrant such hostility so if i were you, i would check your additude before ya get hurt." The setite smiled and stepped back and made as if to turn and walk away only to lash out with a stake aimed straight for john's chest. He felt it go in, but knew there was nothing there for him to hit. He looked down at his chest and then slowly back up at Joanis. "Boy. Youd better hope your Prince likes you."

John knocked on Tao's office door and opened it before an answer came "Excuse me Madam Prince, but this one here.." He tossed Joanis's torpored body into the middle of the room "..owes me a new shirt"

+Appearance 6
=Crafts 5 tailoring
*Crafts 5 Automotive, Crafts 5 Fabrication, Crafts 5 detailing

The pale haired Malkavian was standing before a large black marble desk, leaning lightly on it's edge. In truth her appearance had not changed all that much in his absence. Tonight it was a black and red corset, over wide legged bondage pants that crisscrossed with blackened chains of various widths. Her arms were crossed over her chest, the backs of her hands sporting light bracers, each topped with half inch spikes.

In the room with her were two other individuals. One a tall slender man who stood rigidly on her right side, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit with a cerulean blue tie and no visible weapons but his grey gaze was hard as steel when it turned to view the source of the interruption. On her left was a shorter man, a long sword strapped across his back and a scowl registering on Arabic features as he too turned to look at the door.

The two men stared at John for a long moment, then simultaneously turned to look at Tao. Who had not yet taken her gaze from the Serpent, not even to look at Joanis as he landed hard on the stone floor. Her expression was schooled into neutrality, giving nothing away to the three sets of eyes upon her.

"Shall I see him out, Tao?" The grey eyed man inquired, his voice cool, tone casual. As if this John was of no consequence to him either way.

"Or I could just kill him." The shorter of the two offered, an eager edge to his voice.

The words earned him a look from his counterpart, who spoke again. "You of course remember this is an Elysium, Saif." The calm inquiry, tore Saif's gaze from John, and toward the other man.

"Yeah, Warren. We know." He shot back, as if the debate was a familiar, and tiring one that had been exchanged between them more times then either cared to count.

Saif and Warren. Lapdogs. The last time john had seen the two men standing before him they had attempted to attack him, but only succeeded in hurting each other. "Saif. Warren. If you think youll be more successful than last time then im sure we can arrange something. However, this is as much my house as it is Lady Tao's here, so you will show me the respect that i am due as an Independent Kindred!" John was staring directly at Saif as he said that and snapped the twig wrapped with a strand of Saif's hair in his pocket. As the twig snaps Saif drops to his knees clutching his head fighting not to scream. While watching Saif he spoke directly to Warren "Im not an idiot Mr Warren. After what you two hot heads tried to do the last time we saw each other im a little pissed off. so if i was you, i would walk over there and sit your ass down and remain silent that i may speak with the prince here." He reaches into his left pocket and pulls out another twig strangely enough in the shape of a stick man. Pulling his right hand out as well to show that he's holding a stick man with the head being almost snapped in half. "Do you boys know the story of Grimm Bones?!" He released the one stick mans head causing Saif to recede from the pain he was feeling "Grimm Bones, the lord over death, he that lays with lady luck!?!" His anger and rage were dripping from his words "They call me Grimm Bones because most who saw me, saw nothing but a skeleton. And all who crossed me often met with grim fates." John flashed forward with Fleetness grabbing Saif and firmly planting him in a chair before stopping nose to nose with Warren "Now i dont know what you boys heard the last time, but i am no threat to Tao. Nor am i a threat to this domain that i have called home for the last twenty years. But as far as i am concerned as an Independent you two have got a lot to learn regarding your tempers and your patience!" His voice lowered to just above a whisper "Do i make myself clear, boys!?" he pulled his glasses off of his face and glared into Warren's waiting for him to be stupid.

(Saif suffered no damage, but would be incapacitated for about five minutes)

Not so much as a finger was lifted to defend either Warren, who was glaring daggers at Jonathon, or Saif, who now sat unmoving in the chair in the corner.

She answered them both in that same smokey alto that had been hers since she'd awoken oh-so-long ago. "That won't be necessary." The words were clipped, sudden as a crack of thunder, as she portrayed a sliver more authority then at least John had ever seen her claim.

"Tao, he just..." Warren gave her an incredulous look, choosing it seemed, to ignore Jonathon for now.

"I'm aware. However, being independent it is not like we can take status for his misconduct." Garnet eyes glittered at the Serpent. "Besides. He isn't staying." As she spoke aloud, her thoughts reached out to her unexpected guest. ~What do you want?~ Even mentally her tone wasn't especially hospitable.

John stepped back from Warren his anger subsiding he placed his glasses back onto his nose as he thought "For you to keep your promise. You told me to go and fix my one flaw and come back. Its not my fault that these two bumbling idiots stumbled onto something they had no business in. Do you mean to tell me that the last two decades were for nothing? That I let you in just to be turned away when I try to atone?" He looked up and over at Tao looking into her blank face searching for something that might be there as he spoke aloud "I didn't mean to hurt you. I almost didn't tell you where I was going, but you deserved to know. I owed you that much. If your Domain is no longer my home then say the word, and Ill disappear. But you cant say that I didn't stick to my word." John stepped back further and reached around to grab his staff that was now leaning against the door jam. He righted himself and faced Tao. His mind was racing. Warring. He was so confused. So lost. He had gone on a journey to better himself for someone else because he didn't want anything between them, and now it seemed he was being turned away. Nothing but a grave dweller.

~I've told you before, Serpent.~ John was in her peripheral, allowing her mental link with him continue. ~Your changes, whatever they were or are, have to be for yourself. Or they truly mean nothing.~ Mentally her tone was softer, the sharpest part of that edge lost.

"I see." Warren replied stiffly, glancing between Tao, Saif, Joanis, and finally back to Johnathon. "You know how to reach me, should you need my service." He turned and departed the room without another word.

She traced his departure with her dark eyes, waiting until he was out of sight before her gaze shifted over to a slender, well dressed, but relatively delicate looking young woman. "Mercia." Tao greeted her quietly, unflinchingly meeting the rage in the Setite Citizens golden orbs.  "Please take Joanis to the Sheriff's office. Make sure Kefeli is there when he is unstaked." The woman's anger flickered briefly to confusion before her eyes narrowed for an instant at the Malkavian.

"Of course, Tao." She replied finally.  Her voice like silk wrapped lovingly around a newly sharpened dagger, and she moved to glide into the room. If left undisturbed from her goal, she reached Joanis's side, and crouched down beside him. Keeping her balance perfectly on the stiletto heels that she wore.

Johnathon was aware of the second Setite that had appeared, but paid her no mind. He still spoke out loud rambling on about the basics of his trip, and some well oiled lie about why he had left, while mentally speaking what he truly wanted to say to Tao. "Tao, you would think after twenty years of friendship, after so long that you would understand that I rarely go out of my way to change for anyone. This was my decision, and I made it happily. Not for you, but because of you. I made it for me, but had it not been for you showing me, the thought wouldn't have even crossed my mind.". Johnathon stepped over to one of the chairs and gracefully sat, twirling his staff in the air and placed a cane's end on the ground instead. Still rambling he spoke mentally once more "I am sorry about your court member and your citizen. But I will protect myself when I must. Even if it were from you, my friend. But I said protect, not destroy. You and your citizens, even the ones here now, have nothing to fear from me, you've always known that, but now is different. I want to help the Domain as best I can. Not for your Camarilla. But because this is my home." He continued to talk out loud, saying something about visiting the west coast and that L.A. wasn't all it was cracked up to be, but remained silent mentally waiting for her to respond.

His words earned him a pained look while Mercia's back was turned, a look that was gone by the time the wiry woman had picked up her clan mate. Jonathon was given an unfriendly look by the golden eyed girl, and she too took her leave. Now it was just the two of them and the Assamite in the corner.

Turning Tao motioned for Jonathon to follow her. "Lets discus this elsewhere."

Her pace was steady, even, as she opened the doors that led out onto the best view in the city of Lacrosse, and walked outside. All it's lights layed out below like a sea of fallen stars. Strolling up to the railing, she placed her hands lightly on it and gazed out over the heart of her Domain.

Johnathon followed her gladly, and closed the doors behind him. He strolled over to the railing and looked out over the city wondering if this was going to be the last time he would be able to gaze upon it. His mind seemed to solidify and he spoke quietly "I have laid out everything, I haven't hidden anything from you. I could have kept everything secret, but I didn't. Doesn't that say something. As I said if I am no longer welcome here I will go with no quarrel, but know this. I will miss this place. This home that I have been able to make for myself with your help." He turned his head to look at Tao hoping that the next words that were going to come out of her mouth were words of praise, pride, or even just acceptance.

The wind played with the strands of her hair, the opalescent brilliance of Lacrosse dancing in those garnet eyes of hers. "How quick you are to pull off your mask, Johnathon." her formerly distant tone fading into something softer, more familiar. As if she was talking to an ally, and not a tolerated acquaintance. "So confident, and then so fragile. One hardly knows what to do with you."

Tilting her head she looked at him past the half curtain of ivory hair. "Truthfully, your recovery seems surreal." She smiled a little sadly. "Success is hard to recognize sometimes, old friend. Especially ones own. I am happy for you." Leaning closer she lightly bumped her shoulder against his own.

"Stay here as long as you wish. I however, am bound for Venice in the next couple nights." Her porcelain expression turned serious, but the silent concern limited itself to a subtle tightening at the corners of her mouth.

Her words rippled through him like a tidal wave. He was allowed to remain. And she wanted him here. A sense of belonging filled him up and gave him a sense of pride. But the last of her words echoed distantly through his mind. Venice? "Why for Venice? Not that i mean to butt into your buisness lady Tao. I am merely curious." His curiosity seemed to be getting the better of him. I couldnt possibly be that famed Carnival. The one hosted by the mysterious Enlightened one that noone could name. "If you possibly need an escort i would be happy to lend my arm." He hid the eagerness he felt, not wanting to seem to desperate. Part in wanting to see and meet this mysterious Malkavian, part wanting to spend some time with Tao.

Quirking a pale brow, as if the idea hadn't occurred to her, she was thoughtfully quiet for several long seconds following Johnathon's offer. "Kefele would be very upset with me if I took you." Her tone was quiet, as if she were more talking to herself then to him. Interestingly, the idea of Kefele being upset, didn't seem to weigh that heavily upon her. "Though, he also refuses to join me at Carnival." A mischievous glint flickered in the depths of her gaze, though closer inspection might spot the shadow of resentment that came along with it, lurking quietly on the edges of her expression.

"That depends." Came her answer finally as she turned to actually face him, lips curving into a smirk that was hopelessly lost in the no man's land between teasing, and taunting. "Are you asking to go to Carnival with me, or are you asking me to take you to Carnival?"

Her question stung slightly, but he had to think. What was his real reasoning. His thoughts seemed to spill out from him without realization. "As much as i would love to go to Carnival to discover the answers to the questions i have, I could do so on my own should i choose. However i wish to go with you as i have suggested, as your escort. No hidden agendas, no secrets." He looked at her about to say what he was just thinking, just then realizing he already had. He couldnt help but smile "Oh the things you do to me Tao. I cant help but speak my mind when im around you"

"I believed you. Against my better judgement. Then again, that's an effect that you've always had on me too. So I suppose were even." Her smile was wistful, almost knowing. "Alright, escort mine. Meet me at the old private air strip tomorrow, a couple hours after sunset. Pack well, we will be gone for at the very least a month."

Pushing off the railing, she took one last look at the city at their feet, before looking back at him. "Be sure Johnathon. I have a feeling this wont just be a vacation."

He bowed his head to her with a gleeful smile on his face. He would escort her then. He turned to walk with her back into her office "I do not need much, nor do i have much. I look forward to the adventure that lies ahead." With a quick movement he took her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles, before heading for the door "Until tomorrow night Milady. Oh, before i forget" He waved his hand towards Saif lifting the curse that had been placed on him. "I really dont like doing that to citizens Saif. Next time get your answers before you leap to conclusions" He couldnt help but smile on his way out. The balcony ahead of him showed the many Kindred below gathering, socializing. They all seemed to quiet and still, looking upward at him. None of their gazes were friendly. He met everyone of them with pride. He tipped his hat and stepped off heading down the stairs towards the front doors where he was met by a group of younger kindred. Brujah, Gangrel, and a Ventrue. All three seemed to be waiting patiently for him. He slowed as he approached them waiting for one of them to attack. The Ventrue stepped forward "Mr. Auvyear. We are here on behalf of our city to properly welcome you, as Members of the the Independent Kindred. I understand that you are recently scizimed from the Sabbat. You'll understand if we are...wary...of your presence"

Johnathon chuckled at this "And your name would be Sir Ventrue?" The ventrue seemed stunned that John was able to tell his clan. "I dont think my name is all that important at this moment. For now you can call me Smith." Johnathon burst out with laughter. This boy was amusing. "Alright Mr Smith. If you'll excuse me, i have some engagements that require my attention. Have a good evening" Johnathon made for the doors and when none of them moved to stop him he made his exit and was off to pack. Venice. This was going to be wonderful.