InsaneJournal

a man on a mission, changing the vision
Who: Antoine Savoy [NPC] & David Malvot.
What: David visits the Bourbon Orleans to invite the FQ's head honcho to mass.
Where: The Bourbon Orleans.
When: Early evening.
Warnings: None.
Progress: Gdoc, complete.

The Daeva stood with his back to his office door; the jasmine growing in long tendrils from a planter box along the edge of his window filled the small space with a fragrant smell, and he allowed himself to wallow in memory for a moment while waiting for his next appointment. He seemed to muse on some stray thought -- perhaps the desire to relax for a short time, or a business venture not yet complete -- when a knock on his door interrupted him.

The ghoul that leaned in was a biracial man dressed in a suit and wearing an ear piece. Savoy arched one brow, waiting for his report.

"Someone to see you, sir," Gerald explained quickly and succinctly. "Father Malvot from the Church of St. Bartholomew?"

Savoy's other brow joined its brother on his forehead. A swift nod and a word of thanks for Gerald's prompt handling of the situation had him seated in his chair by the time the other Daeva had been brought into his office. He rose, extending a hand as cordially as he could manage toward the man dressed in black.

"Good evening, Father Malvot. I'm sorry to say that we don't see too many of your ilk in my territories, especially not as of late."

David gave Savoy's hand a firm, brief shake. His smile was small and somber, and just as quick as his touch had been. "And we see too few of your number in our pews," David said. "In light of recent events, it might be beneficial to present a more… if not united, then at least a more cooperative, collaborative working relationship. That's actually why I've come. If you don't mind?" He gestured to a chair in front of Savoy's desk, a wordless question in the motion.

"Please," Savoy answered, motioning to the chair before taking his own. He sat back, looking more at ease than he felt. "What exactly did you... or I suppose, Camille, I should say, have in mind?"

To his credit, David did not flinch at the mention of Camille. This was neither the time nor the place for him to show his own ambition. He was here as an agent of his holy mother, and no more. "She is organizing a Requiem Mass to honor our fallen brother. We would very much like you to attend, as an honored guest. We will of course be inviting Laveau as well. Dubois deserves a proper memorial, and we believe it would calm the city to see its leaders united in this trying time."

"Generous," Savoy replied, one brow softly arched. "But Dubois was not of the Sanctum, and I think Laveau might find it slightly offensive that one of her own was...memorialized in such a way. A donation of some sort would be more welcomed, in this trying time."

"Mm." David nodded. His hands folded neatly in his lap. "We do understand how it might be read that way. This is in no way meant to dishonor Dubois. We will not be posthumously baptising him, as has been occasionally practiced in the past. This is merely our show of solidarity with those who share our nature, if not our faith." He smiled softly. "But that is a conversation I will have with Laveau herself. I had anticipated finding you more receptive to our intentions."

"Believe me, thought I would love nothing more than a show of solidarity, Father, I'm simply not sure this is the way to go about it," Savoy replied, letting his hands fall into his lap. "And I'm afraid I have my hands full investigating the poor man's death. If you and yours are offering help on that front, I would more than gladly accept." Savoy smiled at the man seated across from him. "Any information would be most welcome."

After a moment, David inclined his head. It was not agreement; such was beyond him, at least for the time being. But it was not dismissal, either. He rose from his seat, smoothing a hand over his cossack. "The invitation stands, whether for you or a proxy. I'll take no more of your time."

Savoy rose with the other man. "I know that wasn't the answer you were looking for, Father, but I appreciate you taking the time to come all this way. A phone call might have been simpler."

David chuckled. "Call me old fashioned," he said. "But you and Laveau both deserve better than a phone call or a Facebook invitation." He extended his hand. "Have a restful night, Savoy."

Savoy took the priest's hand, giving him a firm shake. "It's nice to know there're still some of us who value face to face discussions. Have a good night, Father." He paused, standing at his desk and watching the other man go. Even after the door had closed behind the Lancea et Sanctum lackey, he didn't feel comfortable enough to resume sitting. Picking up the phone receiver on his desk, he instructed that the man's movements were to be carefully observed and later reported to him once Father Malvot had completely left the French Quarter.