(2206) Eternal Court

[Jacque]

Steel eyes survey the room as he enters court proper. His presentation is immaculate with his suit pants, fresh pressed and sharp lines. His vest was also without defects, overlapping a long-sleeved dress shirt. His tie was a dark purple with an amethyst tie bar keeping it in place. His cufflinks were cabochon cut amethysts, barely taking the attention from the Rolex at his wrist.

The rile of his beast was different this evening. Confident. The ebbs and flows, the pushes and pulls felt almost like a thing of the past. There was only one reaction, one focus of his beast and so the Lord kept a tight leash to heel it.

He gave a nod to Jennifer- an appreciation to the ally before floating between social circles. He had intended on engaging the new presence in the Domain, but he figured since she asked the question she would be led his way in good time.

Continued in (2206) Jacque's Orbit...

[Helen Kingsley]

"Good evening, Dr. Baker. How's things been ?"

What more to say for the time being ?

"Meticulous, a lot of attention to detail, boorish for folks not too much into the subject. It mirrors Mr Northbridge pretty well, in hindsight. But you see the problem, without some written statement, your or my guess as to the intended message is as good as any."

Helen doesn't think Milton would support a notion of himself as an artist, but you never know...

"A ship can be a symbol for a group of people kept together and motivated by a shared purpose or a shared fate perhaps." Because if that bucket goes down, so does everyone on board. Looks like it makes for some social commentary on fanger domains after all... "But you ask me, some military boat also implies rigid hierarchy, chain of command and unquestioning obedience. Which can also be a symbol for how a city can be run, but it's a less quaint for most people smart enough to know a place can't be all bosses and no followers. Doesn't mean the first impression is wrong, it just glosses over a few of the less generally attractive things."

Not necessarily negative, but something some people like to take for granted, really. Frisco, eh ? Well, talk about keeping things more or less local, then... The Mekhet Priscus ? Well...this it where it gets interesting !

"Technically, I guess. You're looking for Reeve Quinn Durant, but I haven't seen her yet." Another look around to check. Nope, not in sight by far, but then, it is pretty empty still. Technically, she might want to point the newcomer to the ranking person in the room, who would be non other than-

Ah, well, scratch that ! She spots Jack entering and curtsies to acknowledge his station in the domain.

"For the time being, you might want to speak to Seneshal Jack, the man who just entered over there." She indicates him with a nod. She has top think a little, how did Jennifer like to phrase it usually ? "He is respected in the domain. Another kindred of note is the Lady Notary Jennifer Hazelton over there." Another indication, followed by another a little longer thinking pause. "She is a valued member of court."

Hah, see ? She's paid attention in a few courts !

Feel free to join Jack in the sidethread for acknowledgement thingies whenever you're ready !

[R Quartermain]

The night found his feet carrying him into the Elysium, a dark grey suit and vest over a deep purple tie over a black formal pressed shirt. Business, as was said, had begun to take off in earnest and the nights had been filled with arranging paperwork, companies, and the like. The activity had been stimulating, if more or less monotonous. As such, he desired the company of those who understood the night as he did.

Slate grey eyes roamed the room as he entered, offering a bow to the Seneschal of the domain and then a lesser one to the Lady Notary, before taking up a perch at one of the railings, his eyes noting the newcomer curiously.

[Alessandra]

Court had always been a good way to get a feel for the pulse of the Domain. Which had its ebbs and flows, Kindred numbers in constant fluctuation.

And seemed this evening was one of those time periods. Sacramento had always been a hot spot, Kindred coming and Kindred going. Sometimes it took a couple months for the numbers to rise once again. And when it did, only the strong and worthy would stand as one of the pillars.

Dark eyes take in the room as she walked in, who was there and who wasn’t.

It was telling.

Her Beast sensed the weaker ones, snarled and wanted to be let off its leash. It’s demand for the blood of the weaker was tiresome, but she still pulled it back, this was not the time or place.

She wore a simple black dress that showed many of her numerous tattoos, with her hair hanging in soft waves down her back. By her side was Cain, who had not been to a Court in some time. Not that he was ever far, he was always near Ale. One hundred and twenty-five pounds of supernatural muscle, he stood off to the side of his Master, watching, waiting for a commend that might not ever come.

A deep nod of respect was offered to Jacque when she saw him, another nod, more shallow was offered to Jennifer Hazelton . The new face gets a quick once over, her ears focused on that conversation for now as the rest of her hangs back and observes.

[Conner Wells]

As Conner descends into Elysium he's quick to note the changes in the air. The presence of other Kindred was, by degrees, less overwhelming than it has been in past months. Some of it he could chalk up to familiarity and his own personal journey, but perhaps there was something else to it. Something within himself responding to the flow of providence in the Domain.

But his musings are cut off by a new presence within his vision. The short, unremarkable woman nonetheless stands out to Conner's superhuman senses like a sore thumb. He navigates his way through the crowd, offering low nods of respect to the Prince, Seneschal, and Priscus Hazelton according to their stations. The hellhound's wary eyes keep Conner at a distance; it reminds him too much of the beasts in the Barrens. Only this one felt...different. Perhaps I'll learn it's story another time.

He stands at a short distance to the growing crowd of Kindred around the new woman. "Good evening, everyone. I trust you're all doing well?" He gives a brief look to Priscus Hazelton, indicating his interest in joining the conversation since she was the highest ranking Kindred involved. "Welcome to Sacramento..." He smiles in welcome to the newcomer. "...I'm Conner Wells, Clan Mekhet." ​He'll settle for Covenant introductions later. No need to overwhelm her.

[Albert Baker]

"Well, things have been well so far, if excluding the absence of both Priscus Durant and Hierophant Wood..."

Slowly the room became more crowded as people entered and spread throughout it. The first were cloaked but then the tension began and became stronger, the urge to just knock those in his way down and take the closest way out was taxing and almost overwhelming, but with a silent meditation and a lot of effort he managed to force the Beast to stay in the cage. Interrupting the conversation he turned to the door and greeted those that had arrived with a bow varied by station, with Her Grace receiving a deep bow that almost resembled a kowtow, Jacque a deep bow and Quartermain a small one. Once the courtesies had been given their due, he returned to the conversation, focusing on the question of Mrs Hamura.

"I'm a teacher and the doctorate is in French literature. Though my studies do focus more on the occult."

While he was thinking about what to say next, the Lancea approached the conversation, apparently wishing to take part. Greeting him with a smile and a nod, Al stepped a few steps aside to make room.

"Good eveing, Mr. Wells. I hope you are doing well as well."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer rose and curtseys smoothly to the Seneschal, clearly showing deep respect. As the Prince and her terrifying Beast entered Elysium, Jennifer curtseys deeply. The Lady holds remains lowered to show her clear respect. Brown eyes tick to the Beast beside the Prince, watching warily for a moment. The Nosferatu gives a nod to Alder Quartermain appropriate of an acknowledged member of the Domain. As Mr. Wells arrives, he received the same nod.
Jennifer watched the conversation around the newcomer. As a suitable Kindred of Quality was present now, Jennifer approaches the group around the newcomer. Her brown eyes were focused on Dr. Baker and Mr. Wells for a long beat. Quietly signalling that she wished to speak to them, if anyone was watching. Jennifer’s eyes move over Helen, Dr. Baker and Mr. Wells and the newcomer. The Lady held herself with dignity and respect. She was waiting for introductions to the newcomer.

Jennifer carefully did not mention a certain issue, the elephant in the room. Following the same path as the previous month, she did not highlight potential problems in open air. She had mentioned her concerns regarding the unrest in the Domain. That had been unfortunate, yet she was not conceited. Amend that. She thought herself capable, yet she knew her limits. She would likely need to enlist aid in the coming nights.
Then Dr. Baker asks about the missing Kindred.

2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-06-08 16:22:47	Jennifer Hazelton rolls 6 to Composure (10 Again)	5, 10, 2, 4, 7, 10, 5, 4	2 successes

Jennifer keeps her face smooth, carefully portraying polite curiosity. She turned and looked very clearly to Seneschal Jack. Then back to the newcomer who remained unknown to her.

[Aiko Hamura]

The corner of Aiko's mouth turns upward in bemusement at Helen's description of the ship. "You're right, of course; It does gloss over that. On the other hand, from my point of view a role of servitude can be attractive on it's own. I like rigid hierarchy... in case the signs are too subtle." Aiko winks at Helen; She knows damn well everyone and their ghoul can tell she's an Invictus the instant she opens her mouth.

The banter about the bireme had been interesting, but the information Helen offered next was sublime. Names were one thing, but this woman remembered details only of interest to Aiko and other Invictus. How lucky had Hamura been to stumble across her? Aiko also makes a mental note to remember that Helen apparently has a very sharp memory... best to be careful what kind of banter she offers in the future, lest something telling slip out and never be retrieved.

"You don't know how much that means to me, Mrs. Kingsley. I appreciate it immensely. Presuming I'm granted permission to remain in the city, I'd like to return the favor sometime in the future. And I do mean that sincerely. If you ever need a private eye... well, normally I say 'you know where to find me', but even I'm not quite certain where I'll end up, so I suppose that doesn't quite apply. But I'm sure we can arrange something."


The Prince's arrival is unmistakable. The entire atmosphere of the room shifts in an instant, like a cold wind had just rushed through the room. Another grapple with the beast, and yet another furious pang of hunger after it subsides. Court should never be attempted on an empty stomach, least of all in an unfamiliar city. Even still... Aiko pays attention to the people the Prince directs her focus to, and just how much focus she attends. No surprising results; Helen had already made Aiko aware of the same individuals.


Aiko returns her attention to the conversation, arriving back at an answer to her question towards the Doctor. She won't admit it out loud, but bias had made her assume Baker to be a medical doctor of some kind, but there really was no reason for that, was there? She debates about whether to ask whether his fascination with the occult began before or after his Embrace (a potentially touchy subject that she wasn't sure she wanted to prod quite yet) when Wells introduces himself and inadvertently makes the decision for her. Unswayed by his own, more casual demeanor, Aiko remains as stiff in her introduction as always. "Madam Aiko Hamura, also of clan Mekhet. It is a pleasure. Helen hadn't mentioned Connor, and so Aiko didn't quite know where he stood... but perhaps he holds some rank within the clan itself, seeing as he chose to introduce himself by that? Only time would tell.


Hazelton's arrival is the first not to begin with a greeting. Ah, here the dance begins... Her quite casual introduction to Court seems to be nearing its end. It is time for Aiko's best etiquette. In a way, it is almost relieving; She understood code of conduct quite well when there was little room to wiggle about within them. Aiko gives the Priscus a similar bow of the head as she gave the others, but holds it a little longer as a sign of deference. She'd save the proper acknowledgement for when the proper introductions had been made


Now... who will be the one to make those introductions?

[Helen Kingsley]

A short look and nod as she notices Bobby Quartermain enter. A curtsy for the Prince as she enters and a short hard look for what sort of looks like it was a dog some long time ago. Helen doesn't like dogs a lot, and she likes the way that thing looks at her even less.

And who're you, sunshine ?

The arrival of Conner Wells provides some distraction from that heap of muscles with the Prince. "Can't complain, how's the renovations coming along ?" She chuckles before adding a bit for Aiko. "Lucky you, got your city guide right here if Reeve Durant doesn't make it tonight." Even though with those Mekhet, you never really know if it's just luck...

Especially when Doc Baker here implies he's just another of those Shadows and maybe an Acolyte on top of that. Well, at least it makes sense, he does look the part. But then, that doesn't amount to a hill of beans, really. But if Baker doesn't know about the absence of both Mable Wood and Quinn ? Either his paygrade's too low, or something's awry. She makes a note of that for later.

Helen raises her eyebrows in amusement as Aiko speaks about rigid structures. "The rigid that bends or the rigid that simply breaks when you put on some pressure ?" Talk about some jap stereotypes coming back around ? Maybe.

So she nods as Aiko adds returning the favour. "Fair enough, I'll keep it in mind." As some thought hits her, she just quickly adds another question. "The working through paperwork and sneak through backalley kind or also the shooty or punchy kind ?"

Well, here comes the Priscus... Nothing against Jennifer, but the way she positions herself ? Helen's not an expert on Invictus etiquette far from it,, but then, does she need to be ?

Aw, fuck it, can't get any more awkward if we're just stand here playing introductions mikado.

"Lady Notary Hazelton, Aiko Hamura. Mekhet, Invictus, looking for Acknowledgement in the domain. Madam Hamura, Lady Notary Jennifer Hazelton, also Nosferatu Priscus."

Short, to the point, probably way not as needlessly complicated and elegant as it could be, but what the hell, should do the trick and if it doesn't... They'll see.

[R Quartermain]

The soldier's ears perked up at the mention of another member of the Estate, and he looked over towards Aiko, before the rushing wave of Alessandra's beast washed over him and he turned, offering a deep bow to the Prince for several long moments. Eventually, he rose, quietly observing the conversation between Jennifer and Aiko.