4/15/02 The Essence of Ghouls

I've never met a ghoul that wasn't tethered, at least not until I met Bukowski (Christian Jones). There was a tether there, but it was a loose one, a tether designed of ribbon rather than iron. His benefactor was absent most of the nights I saw him, left him begging for handouts from the resident Kindred, he became rather good at this after a time. I indulged him on more than one occasion, though it would only be fair to include that I also indulged myself. His blood tastes of the impetuousness of the youth, with hints of an evolving rebellion gone past the amateur antics of adolescence - and shades of alcohol and whatever the drug of the night was. Indulgence has always been a vice of mine. The cord frayed even further, and it was only a matter of time before someone of import took notice of an unclaimed, unmanaged ghoul in our midst.

Now there are demands regarding the independent ghoul. Demands that involve someone taking responsibility. A way to insure that trade secrets are kept secret, tying up loose ends. I'm not entirely sure this is the best course, I'd take him for sure, just for my own indulgences, but in the end it won't do him much good. There's certainly no future for him in the Ventrue clan, though my suggestions to see him embraced Brujah haven't been received well. And it doesn't appear as though the Malkavians will consider him either. Though he doesn't actually do a good job of "selling himself". I should ammend that, he sells himself quite well as a blood doll, but that doesn't quite endear people to the idea of embracing him. Maybe he wants it that way, I can certainly accomodate.

Meanwhile, I've acquired another retainer, this one just as flighty, dangerous, and unpredictable as Bukowski, if not more so. I know people probably wonder what my attraction is, honestly couldn't explain it myself. I'm sure my therapist would have many words to describe it, but none of the words would really mean anything, just more psychobabble. Marshal Pieper, also known as Pipe. The beginnings of that relationship have been fairly rocky, partially due to bukowski's sabotage. Even now, the future is rather uncertain, but I'm not giving up. Pipe has seen a lot, been quite a few places, and has some skills that will be a definite aid in times of war. He is also very strong willed and thick-headed. Maybe Robert is right - I do have a thing for bad boys