You want to put me where?

[frenchmoney]

Okay, let me get this straight. You want to put me, Dimitri Montagne, owner of Montagne Industries and Senechal of Cincinnati, one of the newest elite of the Ventrue, to be taken from all that to be placed in Bete Noire? Isn't part of my charm the fact that I have access to money, power and prestige? How would this work in this new city?

Well, if you were wanting to play with a different circle that does make some sense. It's not like Julian, the tattoo urchin and I would have anything in common. I may have New Money, but the Montagne line has been a wealthy Aristocratic family since Bonaparte. I'm pretty sure we're even related by blood in some manner.

Anyway, if you don't mention my age, I won't mention yours. Does that sound like a deal?

Comments

[frenchmoney]

A pleasure to meet you, Orpheus. Are you by chance the actual Greek music man of legend?

Whatever you are most comfortable with. However, when I see someone who deserves a compliment I try and give it. It costs me nothing and hopefully is pleasant for you as well.

[golden_lyre]

I am, yes.

I appreciate the effort, I suppose.

[frenchmoney]

I am honored to meet your acquaintance.

Well, it is my most humble apologies if I failed to flatter your properly.

[golden_lyre]

I'm hardly offended. I just don't put all that much effort into my appearance.

[frenchmoney]

[This gets his eyebrows to raise]

A Greek unconcerned with his appearance? That is unique. Although, if you really were trying to make yourself appear unattractive by most people's standards, I regret to inform you that you have failed miserably.

[golden_lyre]

These things become much less important over time.

And I'm not actively trying to do anything. Just not spending too much time on it.

[frenchmoney]

I shall have to agree to disagree. I know of many older than you who still care for the power that a good appearance gives them.

There are... benefits to being pleasing to the eye.

[golden_lyre]

Am I not?

[frenchmoney]

We weren't discussing whether you were attractive or not, I believe I already told you that you were. We were speaking of the importance and usefulness of this look of yours- and mine.

[golden_lyre]

The point is, my not caring about my appearance hasn't hurt me any in that area.

[frenchmoney]

Yes, but what have you achieved? Are we merely measuring the fact that you haven't done anything with your looks so therefore you haven't lost them along the way? Are you using these looks just to get laid or to succeed in some goal?

That is the true measurement here. What have you done with the gift of good looks? Then we shall talk about if your lack of effort has harmed you.

[golden_lyre]

I have other gifts to make up for whatever I lack in appearance. They have always served me better.

[frenchmoney]

In what way have they served you? You have a legend and it is an impressive one. But is that your whole goal? Why has there been no new stories of the Father of Music in the modern age? Perhaps your lack of care has been preventing you from continuing to gain the continued prestige you deserve.

The moment you lose ambition is the moment people start to forget you. And there goes your power. Are you really so content with people only knowing the you from Legend?

[golden_lyre]

My power is not dependent on other people, nor do have any desire for fame. If my story passed into legend and was forgotten entirely, I would be only too happy.

[frenchmoney]

Well there is a difference between power of persuasion and politics and your innate powers. I was referring to the former.

What has made you feel bitter towards your story? I hope you understand I was intending for a good-natured debate and not a personal insult.

[golden_lyre]

What need have I of that? I have all I need and more, and the power you speak of is nothing I would wish to have on my shoulders.

[He won't answer the question. If this man doesn't know what reason he has to dislike his story, then he doesn't know his story.]

[frenchmoney]

Well, true. Your legend hasn't been the happiest. It'd been a while since I read through Greek Mythology so I had to consult my mun on that one.

[Thinks for a moment.]

I will have to concede my point then. I cannot argue against that when given your circumstance.

[golden_lyre]

If I'd wanted the sort of power you speak of, I'd have taken over my father's kingdom.

As it is, I'm content to be little more than a memory.

[frenchmoney]

I suppose that can only mean the stories of your legend are true. I am sorry you have had such a hard life.

I'm going to be leaving a wife behind in Cincinnati when I come to Bete Noire, but I still don't think I can understand the level of dedication you showed.

[golden_lyre]

No one can. No one else has done as much, gone as far, waited as long.

[frenchmoney]

You need to find a way to be happy again, Orpheus. You must have faith you will see her again once you have reached your end. In the meantime, you should find things that spark your interest and fill your life with meaning again.

It is not a betrayal to her memory. She would probably want that for you.

[golden_lyre]

I won't meet my end. That opportunity has passed. Even if I did, I would not be allowed in the underworld again.

[frenchmoney]

You are not an easy one to cheer up, you know that right?

Well, if you cannot have this woman in your life because of all these other circumstances why haven't you found love elsewhere? Surely someone else could be worthy of your affections.

[golden_lyre]

I've had a companion or two, but it can't last.

[frenchmoney]

Why is that?