First Meeting- Clanmaster Helgison

[Dietrich Schäfer]

  As he was lead through the halls by one of Clanmaster Helgison's slaves, Dietrich's gaze absently took in the status of the clan.  Of course, the condition of the halls, and what few inhabitants he passed only said so much, but from what he could see, things where settling, if not settled in the clan that was now run by the man in question.  Dietrich hadn't forgotten that he was to pay special mind to the condition of his host, as Klaus was wanted for such information. If this hadn't been a matter of business, the German might have allowed himself a bit of a grin, unaccountably pleased at the thought of the ancient. It was, however, a matter of business, so he remained serious. 

   On this occasion he had chosen a lighter grey suit and a light blue tie. Honestly, Dietrich wasn't so sure about these lighter colors, he was still very much German, and no matter how good he might look in the thing, he had a definite preference for his darker colors.  Still, it occurred to him that he should at least attempt to wear things those that typically worked in the southern states did... Something told him he wouldn't be wearing this suit any more than he had to to ensure he hadn't wasted his money.  Regardless, he held his head high, knowing it wouldn't do to give in to such preoccupations.  Vampires were quick to pick up on distractions, so it was vital he was prepared to behave completely professionally even if he had nothing but a trash bag to remain decent with. 

   Carefully handling his briefcase bag, gripping it by the shorter handles on either side of the parting in the bag, he kept his business gift for the other, the bottle of meed nestled safely between the two straps.  Klaus had given him some ideas on what was appropriate to offer herr Helgison, further confirming to him that this vampire meant a great deal to him.  As the slave lead him to the meeting with her master, Dietrihc found himself considering the matterof Klaus once more. What was his master's connection to this other vampire. It was odd how the title slipped so casaually to his mouth.  

   Lead through the library to a place that Gunnar had decided would do for their fist meeting, He kept his thoughts to himself for the time being.  It was interesting that they would be meeting in the clan's library, but he hardly minded.  Besides it was best if the Clanmaster was comfortable ith the location of the meeting. 

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[Gunnar Helgison]

Perhaps he should have been more...considerate of the business-like intent behind this meeting, but the facts were, Gunnar rarely wore a suit if he didn't have to and he wasn't about to change that up just because some human assistant liaison or whatever decided to be a good samaritan and come visit him. It didn't help that he was all too aware of the fact that this human was one Dietrich Schäfer - a human that his maker favored most highly. Now, he wasn't jealous per se...certainly not of a human that Klaus only saw fit to make a Pet rather than progeny, but he wasn't sure he much cared for the fact that it was likely Herr Schäfer was here as much to check on him for Klaus as he was to talk matters of business. Time would see on that score though. 

The shuffling of footsteps along the floor announced Dietrich's arrival likely far before the other was actually in the room, and Gunnar stood from his seat - a place taken at one of the nearby chess tables - and took a few steps forward to politely greet the taller man (as everyone seemed to be taller than him, such was the way of his life). The expression he wore was one of polite neutrality, as he truly meant it when he said he was going to give Dietrich the benefit of the doubt. Besides, it was perhaps lucky for the German that he had come on a day when he wasn't particularly feeling the effects of the depression that tended to swarm him around this ridiculous holiday season.

"
Guten Abend, Herr Schäfer." , he said in easily spoken, entirely unaccented German. In fact, if one didn't take into account that when he spoke English it was also with little accent one might believe that Gunnar was a native speaker of the language. As he spoke, he of course held out his hand in greeting, disregarding the fact that he was in jeans and a simple T-shirt...and bare feet as well and performing what was expected and obligatory task of greeting a guest properly. As they shook hands, he continued. "Sie kam mit dem Taxi?"

Of course, some might find it odd that he asked such a thing, but if the other had traveled by some means that required fare of any sort, he fully intended on seeing the man re-imbursed. Certainly he had not asked for this meeting, but he'd had millenia to come by his riches, and it didn't feel proper to allow such a thing to be paid out of the man's own pocket. Likely Klaus had already taken care of this...but just in case, he thought it couldn't hurt to ask. 

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[Dietrich Schäfer]

   If it bothered him that the other wasn't wearing a suit, Dietrich certainly didn't demonstrate such. Truthfully, it hardly concerned him in the slightest. As far as personal taste in apparel went, Vampiric hosts could vary widely in preference.  Even in cases where insult was actually meant on the part of vampires he had dealt with, it was best to ignore such matters, unless it actually interfered with the matter at hand. As it was, Dietrich merely assumed that the clothing the other wore were what he preferred and what made him comfortable.  That was good enough for the German, the Clanmaster feeling at ease was far more useful to him than the other feeling put upon to impress him.

   "Guten Abend, Clanmachthaber Helgison. Wie geht die Nacht für dich?", he returned in a tone that was appropriate for business, but neither cold nor unwelcoming, as it held what warmth came with a naturally ingrained politeness. His own hand took that of the vampire's offering no insult in the gesture as he neither tried to dare the other with a demonstration of 'strength', nor did he show any reluctance to preform such a gesture opposite of the other. 

   "Ja, Die Fahrt war angenehm, und ich habe noch in die Pünktlichkeit ihres Dienstes enttäuscht sein", he offers easily.  Indeed, it was a matter he had had some concern over, as it was said some in this part of the country were not as concerned with punctuality as others. Still, so long as they didn't fail him, and got him where he needed to be on time, Dietrich had no reason to take exception to the taxi drivers of this country. "Vielen Dank für Ihre Bereitschaft, mit mir zu treffen."

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Word Count: 298
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Notes: XD yet another time when half the translators tell me the exact opposite of what the other two tell me it says. Just in case he said he has yet to be disappointed XP

[Gunnar Helgison]

"It's no trouble." , he offered calmly - his gaze trailing off somewhere behind Dietrich as a slave approached to take his master's coat. Even now, Gunnar still took issue with seeing slaves under his roof as he generally had a disdain for such things. Or rather a strong sense of disapproval towards them as, really, he did not care for any race trying to claim ownership over another living person. But then where would that leave the humans that had existed in this house before him? In an alley somewhere, likely, or up on the slaver's block to be sold for worse than dusting shelves or cooking in the kitchens. 


Still, a faint sigh escaped his lips as he gave the slave a wordless nod - at which point the slaves arms merely extended in patient waiting for Dietrich's outerwear to be deposited. Once it was, a leather bound ledger was also produced and handed over to Gunnar - the vampire accepting it with a rather casual, thoughtless grace. Once the book was in his hand, he'd nod again by way of dismissal and then turn his attention back to Dietrich - handing the book to the human.

"This is for your travel expenses. I'd appreciate it if you could record what you spend on taxi service to and from my lands each time you visit so I can see you properly recompensed at the end of the month." And though this was a request, much like in the ways of most vampires, it really wasn't. It was a demand. It went against the grain to allow someone to have to pay simply to get to him so they could do their job. Perhaps it was a bit of his maker in him...but regardless of what the cause, Gunnar fully intended on making certain that his wishes be met in this instance. 


Once the book was safely in hand or safely in keeping of the human, Gunnar would turn and lead them to a small seating alcove - a place where Gunnar himself preferred to be when he was alone so he could hide without actually hiding. Social interactions, thus far, had proved to be disastrous...and he was absolutely positive that this one would go no differently. Especially because Schäfer wasn't just here for social reasons...but for business as well. Another sigh slipped out as he settled in a chair, and them motioned graciously for Dietrich to as well. A slave approached, a small tray set up with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and some fresh fruit placed on a table beside the other along with a pitcher of obviously cold iced water with lemon slices floating in it and a glass. There was also a beer stein and a room temperature bottle of brew from one of Klaus's breweries back home - just to cover all of the bases for seeing his guest refreshed. Once the slave was moving on quiet feet towards the door, Gunnar would look back at Dietrich - a single brow raised. "I assume you came with an itinerary of what would need to be discussed, yes?" 

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Word Count: 521

[Dietrich Schäfer]

   Vampires were subtle people, more so when they were older, and the one before him was an ancient. Still, there was something different about the way the other responded to his slaves. Subtle as it was, it would take Dietrich some time to pinpoint exactly what he was picking up on, but he had worked with enough of them that he could at least identify that something was a little different from what was most typical. Still, he expertly shifted his things, and removed his jacket to give it to the slave, as was appropriate since the vampire had had his slave offer to take it. 

    There was another matter of propriety to deal with. Reaching forward, Dietrich did politely take the offered log. Now, he really didn't feel the other was obligated to compensate him, nor did he wish for the other to.  However, one did not refuse when a vampire offered a gift, or payment, however one would perceive this.  It would be insulting in most cases, and what exceptions there were to this rule, didn't apply to him. 

    "Of course, and thank you Clanmachthaber Helgison", he offers politely, but genuinely. Making much of such a thing was not his way, nor was it likely to go over well with the other anyway. Still, accepting a gift didn't just mean taking it. "I must inform you, I am already compensated for travel expenses.  If you still wish to extend your generosity, is it acceptable that I arrange for my contributor to be compensated in my stead?"  

   It was a great deal to say by Dietrich's count, but there was also a far more to the purpose for it then some might realize. For one, it didn't due to reveal political movements of vampires unduly. There was some leeway in his case, but to just offer up which vampire supported him without any prompting was bad form.  Officially, he didn't belong to Klaus, still in this case it was quicker, and expected that he would treat this matter as such.  If he were officially recognized as Klaus' pet, and were on business on his account, any desire to compensate for time or inconvenience would be offered to the master, not the pet. While he offered this information because he was an honest, and rigidly moral 'business man', Dietrich also did recognize that it was an indicator for the other to take into consideration when judging his character.

   He waited for the ancient's response. Such a revelation allowed Gunnar to retract his offer without insult being meant or given.  The premise of the offering was that Dietrich was put out; this new information changed that matter, and as such the other, by rights, was allowed to alter his decision. Once he had his answer, then he could proceed with matters accordingly. First on the agenda, offering over the bottle of meed. 

   "In gratitude of allowing me into your home", he offers easily. It went without saying that he had been told this was an appropriate gift, guessing something so specific was nearly impossible. Once either the other accepted it personally, another was called forth, or a simple gesture as to where he would have Dietrich place it was given, he would comply and then business could more officially get under way. 

   "Yes. For our first meeting though, it is a simple one. I would like a chance to know your views on important agendas within the relations between your people and the humans of this country. For this, I will, of course, need to defer to you for much of our discussion." He paused, waiting for the other to consider what he had said, and to decide whether he approved, as well as just how much he was willing to discuss. Rushing him wasn't only rude in this case, it was completely counterproductive. 

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[Gunnar Helgison]

A bit of a chuckle escaped his lips, the look he leveled on Dietrich distinctly amused - though perhaps not unkindly so. "Well, you're more than welcome to discuss that with him...but assure you. He will simply laugh at such a suggestion. I'd much rather you were compensated directly. And if it becomes a problem, I've no issue with speaking with Herr Brauer myself." He allowed a moment's pause so that his words might sink in along with the fact that he was, at the very least, quite familiar with the human's situation. "My maker...well, he doesn't much care to take money from me. And I don't much care to have someone travelling to meet with me spend his own or my maker's money to do so." 


And once that was said, Gunnar was almost certain that the matter would be settled - and that any questions Dietrich might have about why Klaus was sending him on his little 'spy' mission were answered as well. After that, all there was to do was settle in a nearby chair and wait for Dietrich to do the same - the ancient vampire slouching down into it for comfort's sake. As the bottle of mead was offered, he did graciously reach out to receive it and set it casually by the side of his seat. "Danke." He smiled faintly with the word, and then allowed the other a further moment to settle himself comfortably and then continued in silence as he listened to the other speak. 


A faint frown furrowed his brow by the time the other man was finished, his lashes lowered just a bit. The Treaty? What did he think of it? It was garbage - a blatant placation of the American Government so they would get off the precious Council's back - that was what it was. Of course, it hardly did to say as much...especially since his own failure to prevent such a thing was still all too fresh in his mind. So he took his time about answering, and when he finally did - he kept it succinct, the clan master's demeanor gradually shifting into the territory of business rather than pleasure. "Of course. What point of the treaty would you like to go over first?" A bit of a glance was given to the refreshments he'd had a care to have laid out on the small table nearby and absently waved a hand towards them. "And please, if you are hungry or thirsty...feel free to help yourself. I've already eaten myself and I'd hate to think you were going without for politeness' sake." 

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[Dietrich Schäfer]

   There was no arguing. With the other's insistence, Dietrich quickly realized, that at this point, any further resistance on his part would be insulting. So, he dipped his head just a bit, and offered his thanks graciously.  He still didn't really approve of the situation before, but the fact was, in this case, Clanmaster Helgison was the one to be deferred to.  As the other asked for his own indications in what he thought would be best for them to discuss, the German took a moment to consider the other. 

    Who the other was stuck in his mind a bit. He hadn't really guessed that the reason Klaus had wanted to hear about the clanmaster was because the one before him was the ancient's progeny. Given the other referencing Klaus as 'maker', and the fact that there could be a situation in which Klaus might ask him to see how the other was doing, it was fairly obvious. 

    Returning to the matter at hand, Dietrich found himself thanking the vampire once more.  He wasn't in need of much, but also in the spirit of being polite he did help himself to the offerings appropriately.  Though, honestly, he found himself a bit, ill at ease.  It wasn't the clanmaster precisely.  Maybe it had a lot to do with recent events, and the conversation at hand.  

     "Actually, I would like to discuss what points of the treaty you find to be, most urgent to be dealt with.  I have my own opinions of course, but it is important that I concern myself with your agendas and desires. " As he waited, Dietrich continued to consider the clanmaster closely.  So far, there was nothing too telling about the other being distressed. Perhaps he might be a bit, on edge because of his presence, but that would be fairly normal, all things considered. 

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[Gunnar Helgison]

The treaty, as a whole, was garbage. At least it was in this vampire's mind - and coming from the person that had been responsible for negotiating it, that was saying something. It was his honest opinion that the council had been severely lax, and simply allowed the American government to walk all over them , and he was ashamed to admit to having been a part of that. To be fair though, he /had/ spoken against every single point they conceded on, and had told them point blank they were making a huge mistake in simply allowing the President to dictate how vampires would be 'handled' rather than allowing him to negotiate a true treaty...but what should he have expected from a group of people that had looked so down upon him anyway? Sure, he'd been surprised when Klaus had said nothing...but to be honest he'd chalked it up to Klaus simply having his mind on other things. Germany needed to be put back in order then, so he imagined his Vater had far too much on his mind - so he harbored no ill will. 


But now, there was this human...delving into vampiric issues. And worse, he was /Klaus's/ human, whatever that meant. Thanks to centuries of life, his expression betrayed not a single bit of his worries, concerns or thoughts about the other, and remained in that perfectly cold neutrality that so many found themselves faced with. After all, he didn't know this Dietrich yet...so he wasn't about to become all warm and friendly with the man. But that didn't mean he couldn't take his questions seriously, as he was sure Klaus would only bring him here to help. And from what he'd been able to dig up on Herr Schafer's past, it was likely he'd be very helpful indeed as - admittedly - the human was very good at his job. 


"There are far too many...flaws...in the treaty to begin discussing them all at once. It is practically a farce, with the way it is currently written." There. That was as close to his honest opinion on the thing that Dietrich was going to get, but Gunnar was sure that wouldn't surprise the German in the least. "So I will touch upon the most concerning bit. To me at least." He shifted in his seat, eyeing Dietrich with absent thought before continuing. " I find the pugnitive system imposed on vampires in this country appalling. The crimes for which a vampire may be tried are far too broad in definition for anyone to really understand what exactly they've done wrong or may be doing wrong - and in most cases, the punishment does /not/ fit the crime." 


He sighed a bit, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. " Death is the /only/ punishment offered for any crime. It could be something as simple as petty thievery - and the next thing you know the judge is calling for a vampire's head. In some cases they are staked out in the sun. In others, they are burnt like witches in the days when such things were acceptable, and then the rest of the time someone simply comes along and beheads them." He arched a brow. "Are you aware of the statistics in regards to vampiric trials by human law? That, in ninety-nine out of a hundred cases, a vampire will be found guilty simply because of the fangs in his mouth? And that even that one in a hundred chance is likely only because they want a retrial due to a verdict that failed to satisfy the bloodthirst of the humans in the courtroom? And they call this justice." 


Gunnar chuckled, the sound unpleasant. "It isn't justice. It's an excuse. And it's disgusting. Certainly the government did allow that the treaty state that the explicit 'hunting of vampiric kind' be considered murder - but how often do they try the human responsible? Once out of every one hundred, and always they are allowed to walk free. But a newly made vampire accidentally drains what started out as a willing victim, and they must die instantly. The scales are horribly misbalanced, and honestly, I would like to see them evenly weighed again. Have you any suggestions how that might occur?"

Again, he sighed...fingers pinching lightly at the bridge of his nose as he realized how his words made him sound. No, Gunnar did not hate humans. On the contrary - he was rather fond of them. And for more reasons then simply because they provided him with a food source. " You must understand. I do not find fault in every human that lives in this country - as there are a great deal of them that feel we have as much a right to live here than anyone else. Some might say we even have more of a right as a good deal of the American based clans have been here for centuries. I myself have lived in this country since well before it was even an established colony, never mind a country in and of itself. It is simply that the humans that have been put in charge are making some poor choices. Choices that are making it difficult for vampires to live within the constraints that have been put on us - except we are not even remotely allowed to cry discrimination. Even though it is blatantly the case in almost all of these circumstances. And it doesn't just extend to vampires - but to lycans as well. It is still legal in this country for humans to hunt lycans like they are nothing more than big game. There is nothing to protect them, and most of my kind could care less. I would like to see them included, and given actual rights as well - and make it so they don't have to work so hard to hide what they are from the world for fear they'll run into some mad man looking to put their pelt on their wall." He arched a brow. "Do you understand?"  

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Word Count: 1008 holy cow. He had a /lot/ to say. 

[Dietrich Schäfer]

   By far, this clanmaster had more to say on the matter of the treaty than any of the other's he'd talked to thus far.  For his part, Dietrich kept his expression mostly neutral, but receptive and attentive.  Indeed, he definitely got the sense that this meant a great deal to the other, and not just because he had to live with it.  Perhaps it wasn't even just because of the life it meant for his vampires, though it was clear, both these were factors as well. No, this meant something far more to the other.  Dietrich was aware the other had been a member of the council, but the other's precise role wasn't exactly something he was privy too.

    "I'm afraid the statistics... like most of the details on the judiciary system, are not readily available to me ", he admits easily, before settling back in to continue listening. Finally, as the other asked him if he understood, his brows raised ever slightly, as he considered how he should respond without coming across as cheeky. 

   "Ja... I understand the importance of these issues, and the position it puts your people in. If you'll forgive me, but I do need to ask. What compromises would you most be willing to make?", he asks carefully. He didn't care to switch the course, but he needed this answer as well, and he needed with the least amount of influence he might accidentally exude over the other's answer to him.  

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Word Count: 253
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