Night at the Theater (Private)

[Chase Ankers]

Chase Ankers stood patiently outside the ticket counter at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, blushed with the semblance of life to mask his predatory nature. Tonight's showing was to be a performance by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra known for their moving string musicians. It was a tranquil location where dignified society came to dine on acoustics and serenity. Though right now Chase was feeling a bit nervous. He was awaiting the newly appointed Priscus, Ciara Maskelyne , and he had only had two conversations with her prior to tonight. Three if you counted the Meeting of Lords. He still didn't know much about her, though strangely she seemed everything he expected, refined, commanding, with a understanding gentleness in her tone and gestures. It was haunting really, unearthly even. It was what he himself aspired to be. Chase knew himself well enough to know he was young and weak by comparison and at the end of the night he was still a neonate, a pawn in the world of monsters. But perhaps he could serve the elite with his simple charms and promises.

There was still plenty of time before the performance. Chase didn't even glance at his watch but stood still, admiring the clear evening skies. He breathed purposefully, expelling clouds of hot breath to act the part of mortals.

[Ciara Maskelyne]

*Chase doesn't have to wait long for the other vampire to arrive. An emerald green E Type Jag pulls into line for the valet parking, the beautiful young woman behind the wheel waiting patiently for the attendant to open the driver's side door for her.

One of things Ciara loved about British cars, besides the steering wheel being on the correct side of the car, was you didn't have to worry about being run over when you stepped out of them. The long black evening dress slid down her long legs as she slipped out of the vintage automobile; Ciara exchanging a few polite words with the valet before turning the vehicle over to him.

She turns towards Chase as the car drives off; the tall Ventrue sensing her Cousin's Beast even before her eyes found him. She makes her way through the sparse crowd outside the theater, giving Chase a welcoming smile as she approached. His presence was familiar enough that controlling her own Beast was an easy enough task.*

Good evening, Mr Ankers... *She says softly once she was close enough for polite conversation.*

[Chase Ankers]

Chase's eyes widen slightly at the sight of the vehicle, a classic by design. Even her method of transportation seems fashionable, he thought, smiling and shaking his head subtly as he sighed.

When she reached him he greeted her with a slight tilt of his frame, declining his head and placing his hand across his chest respectfully, though it was subtle enough not to seem extravagant in this public setting. "Miss Maskelyne, I'm pleased you could make it. You look lovely this evening, as always," he said with genuine flattery. Though his own Beast was growing accustomed to Ciara's he still shivered under its watchful gaze, as any kine might shiver out in the cold.

"Shall we then?" he asks, straightening himself and offering an arm of escort to his Priscus.

[Ciara Maskelyne]

Thank you, Mr Ankers. I hope you haven't been waiting long? *She asks, her tone friendly and conversational. She takes his arm, nodding her head in agreement to his offer to head in.*

I've been looking forward to tonight. I looked up the headlining performer, and her abilities are quite impressive. Have you seen any of her work?

[Chase Ankers]

"Not long at all," he replied as he considered her last question. Truly he hadn't heard the artist's work before that he could recall. Despite his wish to take his Priscus to a cultured event he did not frequent orchestral performances all that often. "I've not had the pleasure, but I've heard excellent reviews about her. You sound as though you're quite familiar with her work already. You follow the careers of musical talent, do you?" She may have more to say about tonight's performance than he knew himself. It seems Chase was the one to learn a thing or two from tonight's event.

They strode to the ticket counter to purchase their seats, splitting the costs, of course, as Ciara had requested. His stride was deliberately slow so that they could take in the building's design and rich setting, the lights and chandeliers above illuminating the carpet underfoot with a red glow. Lush potted plants decorated the corners and the kine patrons lingered in groups about the lobby. "Have you heard they're planning on renovating this theater soon? It was intended to begin last Summer but that's been put on hold for the moment. It's a good chance to enjoy it while it's still in this form," says the Lord conversationally.

[Ciara Maskelyne]

*Ciara nods her head softly.* Indeed, I try to stay abreast of all the city's cultural events. Though I'm afraid I've never seen this performer before; I had to look her up on the internet. From what I've seen in videos, we should be in for quite a performance tonight...

*As they walk through the lobby, Ciara listens intently as Chris mentions the stalled renovation plans.* I did. From what I understand, they were put on hold because of a ruckus about the basketball team... *From the inflection she gives the final two words, it was easy to work out her opinion of that particular sport.

As they finally drew towards the ticket window, Ciara pauses for a moment.* I arranged for a little surprise for this evening... *She gives her fellow Ventrue a sly smile, and gently directs him towards the Will Call window instead. As the two Kindred approach, the young man behind the ticket window nodded in a friendly enough way.* Hello, how can I help you?

Good evening, *Ciara says softly, giving the young man the same charming smile that usually graced her thin lips.* I've reserved a box for tonight; it should be under the name "Maskelyne" ? *Ciara brings the sentence out as a question, but she already knew what the answer would be.

The young man looks down at his computer, typing away for a few moments before looking back up to the two Ventrue.* Ciara Maskelyne? Yes ma'am, every thing is set; just tell the ushers inside when you're ready to be seated.

Thank you. *Ciara answers simply but politely, turning away from the Will Call window before addressing Chase again.*

I was worried the performance might be sold out, so I took the liberty of arranging a private box. I hope you don't mind? *If Ciara was going to do anything, she was going to do it in style...*

[Chase Ankers]

A surprise? What could she... Chase felt a sense of alarm, as if he had woken to find that he was no long behind the wheel of the car he was driving. "What do you..." he began to ask, cautiously before the ticket man began to address her. His eyes darted back between them. Chase was at a loss. The only reason he hadn't reserved seating was because she wished to purchase their own tickets. Now it seemed as though she was treating him to a night out rather than the other way around.

Chase forced a smile. "How thoughtful," he began, his eyes squinting from upturned cheeks. "No, I don't mind at all," he said, though rather wishing she had discussed it with him. He disliked surprises. Even so this was the Priscus, a Lord of refinement that would only accept the something fitting of her stature. Right, well, might as well enjoy the luxury.

"I'm glad we'll both be enjoying this performance for the first time then," he stated with reaffirmed confidence. "And from an excellent vantage it seems."

[Ciara Maskelyne]

Ciara watches Chase's reaction with interest. His facial expression betrayed his words, but she wouldn't remark on it now. She would explain her actions later, if need be; but for now she just wanted to enjoy the evening.

"Shall we head up, or would you like to look the theater over before the performance?"

[Chase Ankers]

Chase relaxed now that he was given a choice to consider, though the answer was clear in his mind straightaway. "I think I would like to get seated if that suits you, Miss Maskelyne," he answered cordially. That would provide them a time to speak to one another before the performance itself, he imagined. The sole purpose for his suggesting the outing was for an excuse to speak with her more after all. The private seating was all the better for it too, so he had even less reason to complain about the Priscus's arrangements.

[Ciara Maskelyne]

"As you wish, Mr Ankers." She answers with a polite smile.

As the two ascend to the box, she stays in step with Chase; pausing only briefly to square things away with the usher before heading into the private seating area. She takes the second seat from the right in the front row of chairs, leaving room for Chase to set next to her on the left. Once he takes his seat, she turns to her fellow Ventrue and speaks softly so only he can hear.

"I do hope you aren't too upset at my surprise, Mr Ankers. I simply wanted to forestall any... potential misconstrued political messages that might have arisen from you offering to buy my ticket in the middle of Court..." Her tone is polite, perhaps even apologetic as she speaks with her fellow Lord.