10

Darius, now aware of the gravity of his task, scrutinizes the printout. His mission is clear: to deliver the sobering news of Jasper Knowles' demise to Invidia Caul, a scholar in precarious circumstances, and to handle the unpredictability of her reaction.

The Prince's words are a stark reminder that this is not a negotiation but a directive. The weight of his responsibility is as unmistakable as the chill of the nocturne air—a mission not simply couriering messages but also negotiating the delicate threads of Kindred politics in the wake of tragedy and instability.

Darius accepts the letter, masking any apprehension with a nod. The success of his assignment relies on both his diplomatic acumen and his capacity to remain composed in the face of what might unfold as Dr. Caul confronts her new, destitute reality.

Well aware of the volatility of the situation, Darius formulates a strategy—not only to deliver the message but also to extricate himself from what promises to be a maelstrom of emotions. With a last glance at the Prince and Dove, he heads out to undertake the task, the night cloaking him in its shadowy embrace.

"If you can't survive a grumpy witch," Dove says, crossing her strong arms over her chest, "you don't belong in this job."

Lettow points to the next face. "Pattermuster is one of the Rabble—a Brujah. He lurks in St. Basil's Hospital in Phoenix, looking after the lost lambs of our flock—other Rabble, the Clanless, thin-bloods, the Mad Ones…maybe even Gangrel!" Lettow chuckles at his own wit. "But he actually keeps them in line, though they are dangerously lax. In fact, I would like you to, hmm, encourage a bit more tidiness from the Kindred at St. Basil's. No open feeding, no drug-running, no unauthorized Embraces, that sort of thing. This is not a formal mission, you understand. But if you can make our dissatisfaction known, I would appreciate it. But more important, with Knowles gone, the hospital will be up for renovation. Those renovations will compromise St. Basil's usefulness as a haven. I'll write instructions for what Pattermuster needs to do."

Dove's words resonate with a stern warning, underscoring the gravitas of the Kindred world where Darius finds himself. Her stance, unyielding and authoritative, leaves no room for vulnerability or mercy—an axiom that Darius surely must internalize to navigate through his tasks successfully.

Prince Lettow shifts the conversation towards Pattermuster, an unconventional figure pivotal in the Kindred societal fabric. He holds sway in a domain less rigid, yet his influence is undeniable, maintaining a semblance of order among those who linger on the fringes—a ragtag congregation of disparate beings from Brujah rabble to outliers with tenuous lineage.

Lettow's chuckle belies the seriousness of the message he subtly conveys to Darius: while the assignment may lack formality, its significance is profound. The prince's whimsical tone does not diminish the urgency for a tighter rein at St. Basil's—a need disguised as a mere preference for 'tidiness,' yet the implications of failing to meet this covert directive could unravel the threads of discretion and control vital to the Kindred's concealment from the human world.

Furthermore, the imminent renovation of St. Basil's Hospital is a harbinger of change, potentially threatening the refuge it provides. Prince Lettow's instructions will undoubtedly involve a meticulous and strategic approach, ensuring that Pattermuster not only comprehends the necessity for action but is also adequately equipped to orchestrate it without shaking the fragile stability of his charges.

Darius must now convey Lettow's 'appreciation' for order with a delicate balance of firmness and subtlety, instilling a sense of urgency without inciting rebellion. His role is to be the harbinger of Lettow's discontent, yet be the diplomat that forges compliance—another testament to his role within the intricate politics where the line between messenger and manipulator blends into the shadows from which he emerges.

Darius notes Dove's skepticism about his involvement due to his Giovanni heritage, which he doesn't contest. In this delicate ecosystem of ancient bloodlines and modern alliances, he's now Clan Hecata. He acknowledges the complexity of his task, balancing political sensitivity with the execution of his duty to the Prince.

Prince Lettow's instructions highlight how deeply intertwined Kindred and mortal politics are. Darius is to deliver this sensitive message to Elin Olivecrona, whose business is a lifeline to many and is vulnerable to human politics' whims. Darius prepares for a delicate mission, aware of the potential for chaos in Jasper Knowles's wake and the critical importance of Elin's operations. He must navigate the situation with precision, informing Elin without catalyzing the predicted instability.

The directives from Prince Lettow are clear, providing Darius promises and restrictions alike, but all with the purpose of maintaining control within his domain. The opportunity to feed in many cities for a year is advantageous, but it comes with the stipulation to follow the local rules for neonates. This underscore the emphasis on hierarchy and compliance within vampire society.

The tools provided—a prepaid flip phone and a collection of SIM cards—coupled with the caution to use them only in emergencies, suggest that the missions may involve unforeseen dangers. It's a reminder that every favor among the Kindred comes with strings attached.

As the Prince busies himself with letter writing, Darius acts with essential caution, manipulating the phone to ensure his anonymity. His knowledge of technology contrasts the ancient practices of the Kindred, marking him both a creature of the night and a man of his times.

Darius's growing Hunger is a pressing concern. The need to hunt is a constant reminder of his nature. It nudices him that despite the evolved politics and complex social structures of vampire society, the primal need for blood is an ever-present drive that must be satiated. It's a stark reminder that despite all the power plays and intricacies, Kindred are still bound by their basic instincts.

In this moment of reflection and preparation, Darius would likely be weighing his next moves, both immediate and long-term, while remaining keenly aware of the unforgiving balance he must maintain between his own needs and the demands of the Prince.