2026-03-12 10:49 - 13:15 PST
Calimastia went to meet with Neres Zauvasi. The Ministry was currently aligned with the Anarchs, but times were changing, and the Prince had made good on his end of the bargain1. She offered her services, to prove the Camarilla was not her enemy.
“The ritual you ask for, I possess. What are you willing to do to earn it?”
“Nearly anything that would not see me betray the traditions or Camarilla. I am certain I can put an end to one of your troubles.”
“For one, I believe in their authenticity. For two, I suspect the primary thing you would want from me would be the return of your relics, something I unfortunately, cannot provide at this time.”
Neres walks around Calimastia. “I see in you a woman of honor and duty. Someone dedicated to their creed and those who enforce it.” She then delivers a verdict. “The one thing you claim you cannot do, question your dedication, is the one thing I would ask. You are aware of my clan and what it represents, I assume?”
“My sources on what your clan is, and what it represents, are spawned of jealousy and anger. I would rather you tell me what you represent.”
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain.” Neres says, satisfied. “The Setites are rightfully maligned as doers of evil for its own sake. They engage in corruption, subversion, and vice with no deeper motive, believing this is enlightenment. They are blinded by the searing light of utter darkness.” Neres says with regret. “What the Setites should, truly, strive for, is the right to question and choose. Let’s speak of your traditions. Why do they exist? Why choose to follow them? What is to be done with those who choose not to follow them? All of this questioning, followed by the exercise of choice, is what pleases Set.” “Do you follow what I speak of, so far?”
What followed was a discussion unpacking why Calimastia chooses to support the traditions she does, and why her boundaries are where they are. She spoke of the Anarchs defined and redefined weekly, and the Sabbat marching towards oblivion. She said that she defended the Camarilla because it defended all who fall within it, and because when the war is finally over, only the Camarilla has the capacity to change.
Then, Neres asked about Calimastia’s demotion from Sheriff to Hound of the Sheriff.
“Structures may deceive you. How often is it that the one speaking with authority actually holds that authority? I speak with the authority of the Sheriff, and when that fails, I make up the difference myself. Prince Sterner speaks no commands to me. And my voice is that of his Sword nonetheless. It hardly seems lesser to me.”
Swayed by her words, Neres decided to grant her the ritual as an advance, but would require seeing proof of her conviction through action. Calimastia pointed her toward the fledgelings she’s spared and sent to be fostered2. Then, Neres seized an opportunity.
Neres’ tongue flits out, forked at the tip. She seizes an opportunity, reason tossed aside for the moment. “Choose this, and our deal is sealed. You shall not bring harm to the fledgeling known as Kingsnake. Choose this, and my eyes will see full proof of your claims.”
“I will bring this fledgling no harm, and seek only to aid in her becoming.” She recites, with eye contact.
Then, the ritual was hers. It would be sent to a PO box belonging to a member of her herd.