A Rose By Any Other Name

Times are changing in the Jewel, sinta.
 
Portia called me over to the Succubus Club tonight with a curious request. Apparently, Isabella has gotten in over her head, and it is causing concern for our "beloved" Annabelle. In light of this, Portia felt it might be good for me to get out more and keep an eye on her during this delicate transition. I must say, she keeps very interesting company. It seems we have two new Primogens for the Tremere and Hecata, both members of Isabella's coterie. She really has done well for herself. I am more than happy to extend my congratulations to our new Primogens, Dr. Quinn and Arlo Dunsirn. The other members of the coterie also show some promise; a delightful Malkavian named Sophie, and a "Toreador" architect by the name Sasha Volkova. The former seemed a bit put out at the lack of a Malkavian Primogen, and the latter... Well. I think we both can guess at what's eating her. She seemed to not be terribly thrilled with my presence, which is appreciated. I think we're going to be seeing a lot of each other.
 
Motley crew introduced, we set out for their new bar Bram Smoker to meet with Isabella. (A quaint moniker, by the by.) When we arrived, the atmosphere was tense. In no small part due to the loud argument Isabella was having with a particularly ostentatious member of the Ministry, Phaedra. A truly rude and outrageous character. Eventually Phaedra left, and after briefing Isabella on the circumstances of my arrival she seemed put out. Apparently a lot of people are interested in her new venture, believing she is keeping secrets. Sadly we couldn't reminisce more, as Phaedra to leave a little gift on her way out; a hedge of singing, lethal roses. Can you believe the gall of this woman? To not only endanger the Masquerade by attracting swarms of mortals, but to do so co-opting the very symbols and trademarks of my own clan?! The nerve! Thankful, the mortals were not to difficult to coax away from the scene, and our Malkavian friend helped clean up the mess and alert the Sheriff. The Sheriff seemed more put out with Sophie than with Phaedra, oddly enough. Nonetheless, it seems this is far from the first time Phaedra has pulled this little stunt. Once we cleared the weeds, I had a charming conversation with Sophie about their garden, and become better acquainted with the new Primogens. The seemed very enthusiastic at the potential of this new courier service. A service which was put quickly to use, as we received word that the Prince has placed a Blood Hunt on our flamboyant Ministry member.
 
There is a shifting in the power structure, sinta. Secrets unearthed, limits tested, and new seats filled. I am only too content to watch these events play out. No need to show my hand just yet. Rest assured though, I have every intention on making sure the new power structure leans in favor of the Roses, Lilith, and the Summer Capital. For now, I am only too eager to join my new companions in hunting down this new prey.
 
After all, it would be in poor taste to keep any faux roses in our garden, da?