Rage Across Tampa - Episode 105: "Diplomatic Relations" - Werewolf: The Apocalypse - SPbN

prepared to have a peaceful and surprisingly private dinner with Charles as you get settled in to the Mourningkill estate when the door opens and a third participant enters.

This is when Elias introduces Katerina Volkova, a deed named Gilded Resolve, the betrothed of the heir.

Now, Katarina is a tall woman standing at about six foot two with long white hair that is done up in a braid that seems to go down the side of her hand-stitched clothing, which appears to be a A fancy affair, but not a gown.

She very much still wears pants in these manners, but there is a nice filigree around her clothing, and she seems to be wearing the same insignia that Iron Oath wears as well, with the symbol of the silver wolf upon a necklace that she wears around her neck.

She has very ice-cold blue eyes that seem predatory and empty at the same time, guarded even, without giving any hint of emotion behind them.

Her skin is extremely pale.

Even if she is exposed to sunlight, it seems to have no effect to take away the chill that seems to force through her veins.

Charles, upon the interruption, politely stands from his seat at the table and gives a nod to Elias and then to Katarina as Elias excuses himself, closing the door to the dining hall, leaving just the three of you behind.

So Jester, before we even get into any kind of conversation, what is going through your mind at this moment?

At this moment, it's a mix of, one, I'm completely stunned by her, like, she's really the prettiest person I've ever seen, but also, like, when Charles stands, I'm thinking, like, am I supposed to stand, and I will just stand automatically, kind of, like, uncomfortably, because I'm not sure if this is supposed to be right, but I'll do it anyway.

As you rise out of your seat, Katarina... strides over to one of the chairs on the opposite side of the table from you, but not directly next to Charles.

She in fact sits a seat over, leaving one space in between the two of them as she says, I'm sorry I'm late.

At which point she sits down.

Charles looks over and says, Miss Volkova, it's good to see you.

Please, Charles, you do not need to bother with the formalities.

You've already done a fantastic job of that so far, haven't you? How many years has it been, Mr.

Albrecht? Many years.

Yes, many years indeed.

While there were those of us who stayed behind to fulfill our obligations, I hope you had a nice outing.

Welcome home.

Charles just sets his jaw, his lips in a hard line as he stares down at the food in front of him.

Katarina then looks to you, Jester, and says, Apologies, where are my manners? Catarina, and she extends a long arm with long, nimble fingers that have calluses in the palm of her hand, likely from possibly hard labor or wielding weapons, potentially, but her fingernails are still manicured.

It's clear that she takes a great deal of effort in tending to her hands.

and she extends one out towards you.

I'll take her hand.