<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/53/Sebastian_Richter-small.jpg)</div><strong>Sebastian D. Richter</strong>, Tremere Apprentice<br/><em>Charisma 3, Appearance 2, Status 1</em><br/>Tagged: Joanna Kyleson<br/><br/>The old fox listened, his expression calm and giving the impression that he judging every single word and change in posture that accompanied it. "You needn't worry on account of me advertising my abilities, I was merely giving inventory in response to your question." He had noticed that she didn't seem obviously interested in any of the things he had mentioned; if any of it was something she desired, the brunette hid it well.<br/><br/>He steepled his hands together and placed the index fingers against his chin, a gesture that he obviously employed habitually. "But it appears you have an ear for detail, to notice a potential flaw so quickly; a very important skill when it comes to arcane craft. But rest assured, the location is of lesser concern, as when cut the hair will restore itself to its original length again. One can only trifle with permanency so much." The notion seemed to amuse him, if his tone was any indication, though his expression failed to change along with it. Being able to cut the hair and lose the extra inches again actually was more of a feature than a flaw as far as Sebastian was concerned, otherwise one would have to eventually find ways to permanently trim it and taking away from a body that habitually restored itself to its original condition upon the Embrace was much more difficult than adding to it.<br/><br/>He paused for a moment, then, switching the subject. "For once, the impetuousness of youth has proven useful, rather than having to visit your establishment in the coming nights, you have come to me. I'll delay no further and make you my offer. You are a Follower of Set, despised and mistrusted by many for your clan, something I am well aware you are not satisfied with. Your choice of business does little to dissuade prejudice, but it is a business and one that will always find its audience and have use. Very few kindred in history have gained respect for their kindness, if you want respect you need the power and resources to command it. Say, if your business was to expand, not just your own club but others garnering to different social groups? Naturally the market is well saturated and many kindred involved, but there are always ways. The local industry is obviously not a domain granted by the Prince so far, the evidence of which sits right before me, so there is no true monopoly."<br/><br/>"As you have illustrated, a passive income can be exceedingly useful. I propose an alliance with such a purpose. I invest my own money in your business in exchange for suitable returns … and assist in its expansion, assuming this is of interest to you."<br/><br/>For someone so eloquently abrasive, his offer was coming rather quickly, after only speaking to Joanna once. Perhaps he had researched Joanna for awhile already and was simply making use of the opportunity presented? Perhaps he was overeager and not nearly as confident in his own position and abilities as he seemed? It was a combination of both, in actuality, but between the cold hatred and ambition burning in his stomach he didn't have nearly as much patience as he wanted other people to think.<br/><br/><strong>Sebastian D. Richter</strong>, Tremere Apprentice<br/><em>Charisma 3, Appearance 2, Status 1</em><br/>Tagged: Calrond/Helena Taylor<br/><br/>"Until the time comes," he acknowledged, a tense look on his face due to the gravity and implications of what she implied. He was certain that his Sire would make for an excellent Prince, at least in theory -- she had all the traits one might want for such a position and had the power and support of House Tremere to call upon, a far more efficient machinery than the slow politicking of the Ventrue. Time would show how she did in practice, if her plans were successful.<br/><br/>Once they pulled up to the chantry, Sebastian exited the vehicle as well. "Thank you for your time," he added, a slight smile on his lips despite himself. "I shall gather the necessary documents to research the ritual immediately."<br/><br/>Returning any goodbyes or well-wishes in kind, he immediately made for his study to consult their indexes and notes on warding rituals and corresponding tomes (or digital files, as loathe as he was to make use of such things practicality usually won him over) he might need to prepare.<br/><br/>Some time into his preparatory research, a text message on his cell phone would interrupt him. An unannounced visitor had arrived at his store, someone he had intended to seek out on his own next week. If he took an hour or two for this, away from his study, it might well be worth it. With a sigh, he replied with a message of his own, then quickly set about instructing one of the lower apprentices to gather the materials he already knew he would need.