The last remnants of winter were felt with-in the walls of the old church building in York, as the snow fall began to slowly thin on the surrounding land. Simon's team, although not particularly well versed in academia, had performed adequately in their research into vampirism. Rauf's temporary posting the the church had reached its conclusion, and was due to return to his regular duties. The scholar had apparently left a good enough impression on the vampire that she had dipped into her own funds to send him of with a farewell dinner at a local tavern, with some of the clergy of whom she had grown to like.

The arrangement between them was in a temporary state of continuum, with both parties acknowledging that she would likely leave them soon for some unknown destination. It was Simon's turn to escort Victoria to the Carpenter Guild's warehouse on her near-weekly check of rumours and messages intended for her. Unlike the previous trips, this time she was given a sealed letter from one of her benefactors, which was quickly read and secreted away from his curious eyes. As they returned to the church she announced her intentions, “I have been summoned to a house up north, as such I will be leaving once the weather becomes more suited to travel. Thank you for the hospitality that you have show over the winter months, but it is time for our arrangement to end.”

During the following days, Victoria became more active as she coordinated with Leo to gather supplies for their trip north to the Scottish borderlands. She would request the company of a clergyman to accompany her when visiting various stores in broad-daylight. Even though their arrangement was effectively over, she still upheld the terms of their agreement until it was officially completed.

This pattern continued until Victoria noticed something at one of the more obscure merchants which inhabited the square. As she walked down the dirt-worn street, her normally calm and measured composure had faltered momentarily. This subtle change in expression was not missed by Simon who was her assigned warden for the trip. “I seemingly need to do a few things tonight. Can you trust me enough to let me go without an escort? There are some special circumstances.” Whatever she had seen was enough to put Victoria slightly on edge, “I assume that whatever you are doing is merely exploratory and will not cause any trouble for us.” Beneath her heavy cloak she nodded, “I do not seek to damage the small amount of trust we have build, nor do I wish to cause ripples in places which I stay. I will pass on information once I can understand what it means.” Whatever she had seen was enough for her to want additional information, but due to circumstances she did not wish to reveal what it was. “I will accept your word for now. Where are we going next? For some reason I feel like your shopping list has expanded.”

-

Regardless of the weather or time of year, you can always find beggars, cripples and other unwanted outcasts inhabiting the cold back alleys of York. In the cold night air they are often found huddled around a small fire, lit with whatever kindling they could scavenge from their surroundings. Tonight one particular group of vagrants was huddled near the dying forge of a local blacksmith who had taken pity on them, although they had wisely moved their equipment and product inside away from sticky fingers.

Usually, the only ones who approached the assembled homeless were the occasional night patrol or the odd drunkard. On this particular night a woman wearing a thick cloak seemed to approach the huddled group. She seemed to be looking for someone in particular, evidently they weren't there. “I am looking for someone, they are a male who seems to have a distant expression on their face.” After getting directions, she tossed a few pence toward the group as thanks for information before disappearing into the night from where she came. Over the course of the night: sightings of this cloaked woman were spotted around the various clusters of the outcast of the town, eventually ending when she was lead away by the person she was looking for.

-

From the depths of house Geoffrey an authoritative command echoed through the halls, “A guest will be arriving shortly, be ready to greet them.” The owner of the voice sat in the lord's chair, surrounded by the various nobles who fell under House Geoffrey. “A guest? You never said anything about a guest!” the cries of the younger nobles were quickly silenced by their senior. “One of my servants was identified in town, seemingly they just want an audience. Just have a few servants greet them, there is no need for extravagance as they may just become food.” The vampire readjusted their position on their cold throne, pointing to one of the nobles to show their favor, “I believe it is your turn to receive my blessing.” Raising a knife, the vampire slit his finger over the goblet before him, his dark blood mingling with the rich wine. Lord Ode bowed to his benefactor, savouring the feeling of power from drinking vampiric blood.

-

From under her hood Victoria observed the old castle as she walked in, despite the late hour several servants were lined up at the door. She noticed the stark contrast between the more senior members of the house, who held an air of authority and pride, and the lowest members that failed to conceal their fear. Each step through the dimly lit halls confirmed her suspicions: the vampire who dwelled with-in this manner controlled it through either: fear or rank. In short they were likely a liability. If the house-staff were already this afraid at the idea of a guest of their master, any ongoing relationships would likely develop similar circumstances if Victoria was to fall below equal footing.

Once she had stepped foot in the hall, she could see what had come of house Geoffrey. The once grand windows which had illuminated the halls had now been covered by think cloth, forcing the large hall to be illuminated by various braziers. Lining the sides of the house were the puppet-like corpses of humans, now serving their vampiric master in death. Sitting at the helm of the main banquet table was the cause of it all, a youthful vampire wearing decorative plate armour adorned with whatever items that he felt added to his intimidating visage. Upon reaching their table Victoria bowed, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Geoffrey.”

-

From his vantage point, Lord Piers Geoffrey observed his new guest. The subtle arcane aura she emitted confirmed that she vampire like him, albeit an inferior specimen who had not yet fully embraced their potential. “What is your name, Vampire?” his words echoing throughout the halls, inspiring both fear and greed at the notion of a second vampire joining their house. “Victoria Worm, Lord Geoffrey.” The name reminded him of someone, although he could not remember from where he had heard the name. “So what is business with me, Lady Worm?” “I noticed one of your ghouls roaming the back-streets of York and decided to investigate. When a vampire has enough confidence and ability to send their ghouls to collect information, it means that there will be a commotion in the near future which will change my movements.” The hushed murmurs from here statement reverberated around the room, only to be silenced by the master.

“You are indeed correct. Me and my new found family have designs on the city of York. The citizens are all but ripe for the harvest. You must have seen them: young, old, strong, weak and all of them delicious in their own way. You are more than welcome under our banner and would, of course, be entitled to share of the blood.” The vampress before him, stood unphased before him, “Unfortunately, I will have to decline your offer.” Several of the young nobles stood up, shouting out various phrases such as: “Do you know what you are rejecting?” She remained mostly quiet, “I do understand the offer, and I do not wish to take part in this endeavour.” Temporarily refraining from anger, Piers opted for more information: “Explain yourself, as your newfound knowledge might have earned you a death sentence. Loose ends tend to talk.”

“I belong to the neutral faction of Vampires,” her words silencing the hostilities in the room. “Subjugation of humanity is something which we hold little interest in. Revealing your designs here also does not benefit me and would surely drag me into conflicts, although I do have contingencies in place if I am captured or killed.” The response to her statement sent waves of derisive laughter across the halls. “Those are some bold words, what do you have to back them up?”

Only Piers and his cowering attendants was paying any attention when his guest rolled back her sleeve, infusing her arm with her own life force. From her shoulder an intricately drawn tattoo formed, illuminating the room with its golden light. All derision had now left the room, returning their attention back to the vampress. “Due to some rather unique circumstances, I have been staying with a band of Night Hunters over the course of the winter. At this point they only know I am investigating something, if I do not return I have ensured that word of this estate will reach them. I think we are clear as to what that means.” The news that there was a combat proficient team of humans that specialised in dealing with supernatural foes with-in travel distance was a blow to their plans. “It seems we are at an in-pass, Lady Worm.”

“I already have plans to leave this city for the north and the church's agreement with me will be completed. I do not wish to be dragged into the inevitable battle, as long as I can leave in peace your desires on York will remain hidden.” A smile grew on Piers' face, “Fine, you may leave... however I am sending that ghoul you found with you. If it survives to see you off, you are free to go. If not we will have to accelerate our plans and you will be a liability to them. I trust you understand what that means” With a curt bow, she left with a ghoul in tow. “Yes, I understand.”

In truth, Piers had no intention of letting her go free. Ultimately she could be captured and used as a living source of blood for his dependants and a durable source of pleasure for himself. Vampires who do not exert their right to rule over the low ranking humans are weak fools, if they want to live as humans; they shall receive the same treatment as humans. The main problem Piers faces was: how many allies she has with-in the city. As capture with-in the city walls might expose them to some level of risk they would have to take her as she leaves. A “routine” inspection of her goods would give enough of an excuse as to warrant her capture by the honourable house of Geoffrey.

-

As Victoria left, with the living collar in tow, her mind was constantly trying to re-assess her circumstances and how she should proceed. Piers Geoffrey was arrogant and lacked the ability judge his own strength, the pack of werewolves they had fought months ago would likely win on a neutral arena. The only redeeming quality he held was some sense of self-preservation to hide his activities until he was in a position of strength. She would have to consult with Simon with the ghoul present, she was certain that Piers had both the experience and power required to listen to conversations via his ghouls. Piers was not likely to abide by their word and further entwining herself with the church would create problems in the long term. Rose would need to be sent ahead of time with an explanation ahead of time. Even with their established trust, showing up with a ghoul in tow would only cause trouble.