I don't know why you say goodbye Who: Marie Laveau [NPC] & William Rothschild. What: Will makes another introduction. Where: The upper Ninth Ward. When: The first week of William's stay in New Orleans Warnings: None Progress: Gdoc, complete.
Light evaporated as William descended into the bowels of a warehouse lining the Mississippi. The structure was unremarkable as the rest of the dock, which was to say it was functional first and unpleasant to the eye second. There were few signs of life in restless birds that wheeled above the factory in the dimming evening sky, landing to nest before the darkness fell utterly. Rats scurried beneath garbage, barely noticeable to those with only human senses. As the Daeva went deeper, only the thrumming of machinery was present to keep him company until he was abruptly greeted by an entity that moved out of the shadows to reveal a scarred and rearranged face leering at him.
"Help yah? Yah know borders closed before, after, and durin' dusk, stranger? Or did yah not get the memo?"
If William was alive, he would have taken in a deep breath then sighed. But he wasn’t alive, so there wasn’t a breath to give. He only gripped his cane more tightly with his pale hand, standing all the straighter, and offered the creature a kind smile. “I have no interest in crossing the black magic woman; I only wish to greet her and show my respect,” William said, his voice clear as a bell over the hum of machinery. He didn’t flinch or pull his gaze from the creature’s but held the look, allowing his companion to study him as he saw fit and determine if William was any kind of a threat. Dressed in fine dark pants, shined shoes, and a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, William looked the poster child for officeware and not so much a danger.
The sewer rat's expression didn't waver; after a beat, it nodded, and motioned for the Daeva to follow. Together they paced into the dark hallways of the building's innards; the Nosferatu moved silently, only its outline in the shadows giving away its presence. Even then, it was likely that the thing was allowing itself to be seen. The echo of William's cane reverberated off of the walls.
Mixing in with the scent of oil and the moisture from the river no more than a stone's throw away came the scent of burning herbs and what was more than likely flesh of some kind or another. A right turn put them into a small, dark room. The walls were lined with candles that flickered despite no draft, and a table surrounded by four chairs filled most of the space. Another Nosferatu -- this one clearly an elderly black woman -- sat at the head of the table, her hands working slowly and methodically with a knife to cut up items that were not immediately clear in the dark. She did not look up from her work as William and his escort entered; after a full minute of forcing them to wait, she finally put the knife down and lifted weathered eyes to look at them.
"Thank you, Pierre. Would you do me a kindness and check on Stefanie?"
The Nosferatu at William's side nodded and then disappeared; it did not turn and walk away, or depart. It was, quite simply, there one moment, and gone the next. William held back from frowning--he had always found nosferatu a little unnerving by their comings and goings and the way they looked. Marie Laveau turned her gaze onto William, one dark hand resting on the table opposite her knife; the other had been taken down to her lap.
"Bon nuit, Monsieur Rothschild. Your visit is unexpected in these days."
William offered a weak smile. “When I arrived to New Orleans, these days hadn’t quite come yet. But I still wanted to introduce myself to you and say personally that I am sorry for your loss. It’s to my understanding the Kindred who died was a vodouisant.” He glanced down at her desk and the items there, his gaze traveling to the chairs that sat empty, still he didn’t take a seat--it would be impolite until she offered--so he remained where he stood with both hands resting on the top of his cane.
No such offer came. Laveau's heavy- lidded gaze regarded the Daeva; when she spoke, her voice carried a musical quality, its Creole heritage clear.
"What brings you to Naw'lins, Monsieur Rothschild? I can't imagine there's much that could interest someone of your stature, comin' from New York 'n all."
“New York is cold and it can get tiring,” William admitted. “I’ve lived there for years and I’ve grown weary. I’d like to move, find a new city to live in. I’m a lawyer in New York, I help with legal documents and land ownership for Kindred, I keep everything correct and legal in the eyes of the government so Kine do not have any cause for suspicion. So, really, my job can go anywhere.
“I’ve never visited New Orleans before, though, so I thought it would be appropriate to come visit for a span of time and see how I like it.”
The Nosferatu leader's head bobbed slowly up and down as she absorbed his explanation.
"I hope you find our city entertaining then, Monsieur Rothschild. It certainly aims to be so." Whether or not she believed him was debateable, but it was clear something else was on her mind as gnarled fingers rapped gently against the table. "How long will we have the pleasure of enjoyin' your company?"
“Ah, I am not sure,” William replied with a small shrug. “A month, maybe more? Possibly less. At the very least, for the next fortnight and then I’ll decide.” He didn’t want to point out that if there were continued deaths of kindred he would quickly pack bags and leave, it was likely assumed. But if the deaths became common, it would surely be something that the Invictus wouldn’t want to deal with and he would have to tell them as much.
Laveau gave another, slower head bob. "I find it interestin' that, with such a short stay, you're introducing yourself aroun'. Did you already say hello to Antoine and Camille?"
“I did meet Mr. Savoy already,” William said with a nod. “But I’m staying at his hotel, so it worked out rather well. I have yet to meet Ms. Meunier though.” He didn’t have much else to say in regard to the duration of his stay. He didn’t want to ruffle feathers in the turmoil of New Orleans by arriving, being the age he was, and ignoring those who oversaw the city. So he returned to silence and held the eyes of Laveau, but just barely.
"But why, Monsieur Rothschild?" She pressed. "We have so many come through who never observe politeness. It smells like you might want somethin'."
William smiled kindly and gave a slow nod. “I’ve always been taught to be polite. The south isn’t the only place known for hospitality. This city has a lot of movement, a lot of powerful kindred. I don’t want any of you to assume that I’m interested in a position of power by coming here and ignoring you all, particularly since I’m considering moving here. I’m simply visiting, for now, and have the utmost respect for you all. I’d rather make myself known to you.”
Her brows rose a little on her craggy forehead.
"Vacationin' and decidin' to stay for more than a spell are two different things, monsieur. I wish you'd started with the latter, then I'd not be doubtin' every word that came out of your mouth."
“Can it not be one and the same?” William asked clearly, his voice not indicating any irritation or worry, although internally he felt a twinge of panic. William believed fully that his visit was innocent, even if it was for an ulterior motive. Of course, if the Invictus wanted to take New Orleans, he’d be moving to the area, so it was still true and he knew full well that he could snuff out the Invictus interest by giving a poor report. The danger didn’t come from his visit, it came from his return to New York.
“If I ultimately choose that New Orleans is not a fit for me, then this will be only a visit. If I do intend to pack my belongings and return, then certainly it's something different.” He smiled shyly, honestly hoping he had not offended her, but desperately hoping there would be no other questions.
A hard frown settled over Laveau's mouth; after a beat, it was clear she was going to acquiesce to William's unspoken desire.
"As you will, Monsieur Rothschild. I will have you note that my territory is not open fer business at present. If you need to speak to me again, I trust you'll be able to find the proper channels. I understand you're popular among the sewer rats of New York." The hand on the table rose and waved, dismissive.
"I'll ask you to not take anymore of my time, tonight; there are more pressing concerns than polite introductions."
“Of course, completely understood,” William said quickly. He gave his head a bow, his body dipping slightly and his weight pressed onto his cane before taking a step back. “Thank you for meeting with me, I truly appreciate it. Have a good night.”
He backed out of the room and only allowed himself to let out a sigh once he was well out of earshot of Laveau. She was, by far, the most unnerving person he met in New Orleans as of yet.