(0909) Court

[Twist]

The press of Kindred around her slowly increased, and Twist could feel the urges of her Beast crawling closer to the surface. But a fierce pleasure filled her when she realized that this time, the urges were not mainly to flee and to hide but rather to go closer, to show and drive home her strength. Granted there were still exceptions- Asa's beast had hers snarling and demanding she through up her skills and make him think she was stronger just so he didn't look this way...but she had been around Asa enough that it took little to quell the murmers.

But of course, there was always Lenny and then the Mother. It was enough to take the pompous edge of her beast and send it cringing back into her mind.

Deciding that she had spent enough time reminiscing and enjoying the decor and ought to begin acting her positions she made her way toward the first Daeva she saw - Regina.

"Buona sera Regina. Che cosa pensate al tema? O la decorazione. Credo personalmente che non potrebbero scegliere una migliore città per ricreare. Ma baised." Twist intoned pleasantly with a touch of humor, her voice carrying clearly through the mask- obviously she was quite familar with wearing wearing one.

Translation

Good evening. What do you think of the theme? Or the decoration. I personally believe they could not have choosen a better city to recreate. But I am baised.

[Joseph Hartman]

Joseph frowns when he sees Gideon and Peter react. Especially to Peter's reference to all of the new kindred. ~.....ah yes that rule about no tricks of the blood....~ His frown deepens, he hasn't turned off that trick in quite some time. Eyes losing focus for a moment as he searches for the mental lock his trick falls and the full front of the vampires around him smashes into Joseph. Towards Peter and even Gideon his beast demands blood while towards those who have thicker blood his beast wants to flee. He revels in the conflict urges for a moment or two before pushing it down back into the dark corners of his mind. A feral grin sweeps over his face before it returns to calm neutrality.
"Another of clan Gangrel interesting." His eyes sweep towards Mother Superior, her beast standing out amongst all the others. ~A nun?...really?....~

[Writer]

Obsidian parks further out than her lead car. She was not frustrated by the delays. It kept her from losing Dicky's car in traffic. On her way into the building, she steels herself for the barrage of Beasts in the area. She bypasses the cloakroom, keeping her cane with her. She feels minor challenges to her Beast, but suddenly, she senses someone almost terrifying. She pauses, letting the moment pass, hoping it fades, but the presence is steady up ahead.

Then, she sees a blind woman led by a guide dog nearby. The smell of dirt brings back memories of Katrina's passing. The unpleasant aura reminds Obsidian of her dealings with things truly dead. Others may find this woman's presence uncomfortable, but Obsidian finds herself drawn in. The aura was almost a pleasant distraction from the fear that coiled around her Beast. She adjusted her eye patch, forcing a smile.

Obsidian steps up and, as she feels the Beast coil in reaction to the blind woman, she holds it at bay and introduces herself.

"Pardon, my name is Obsidian. You seem a little underdressed for the occasion. If you wish, you may borrow my jacket. If you are not waiting for someone, I would be glad to escort you through the crowd."

Obsidian looks around for Circe, but doesn't see her at present. A comforting face would have been a good anchor, but if she made a new friend, they could weather the sea of seething Beasts together.

White Tux

Now, imagine a thin woman with black,black skin.
Oh, and a top hat and cane to match.

[West]

Asa Clarke
Mask of Tranquility

Asa made his way up to the bridge construction to wait for Walter and whomever he had brought, Masking his Beast as he made his way past other Kindred.

Looking down upon the Court, and with this slight distance easing the Lordly Beasts scrabbling for a display of dominance, he was struck by two things.

First, how much, and how quickly, the city had grown. The influx of Kindred seeking to make a name or stake a claim in the wake of the Lost Nights was staggering. He was sure there were twice as many here as had been at the trial of Gabriel Marcus -- three times as many as had been at his first Court as Prince. It would be prudent to begin considering another Hound. He wondered how thin the Reeve was stretched with a single Deputy.

The second thing brought a flash of anger to his eyes. Despite their efforts, O-Yama was still missing. Despite the man's penchant for tomfoolery, and his disgusting odor, his presence was missed. Acknowledged on the same day as himself, a part of the mandragora burning crew, guardian of the Dragon Shadow, and then Haunt Priscus, he had become -- to Asa -- a fixture of the city.

[DaevaDude]

Circe shakes her head in response to Aesop's unasked question. "It appears some were told the event was a Masquerade, and others were not."

Circe sees Obsidian approach as Dirge approaches and touches her. She waves Obsidian closer. "Someone in charge?" she responds to Dirge. "Would you mean the Master of Elysium, or the Seneschal? Or perhaps you were hoping to speak with the Prince?"

Looking her over, Circe says "I am Circe, High Priestess and servant to the Crone. With me are Jayant, a warrior in service to the Crone, and Aesop, another of her worshippers. I don't believe I know you."

**********

Walter Steele, Althea and the vampire with them arrive at the bridge construction and approach Asa. Steele bows, and Althea and the other do the same and keep their faces bowed.

"Good evening, Prince Clarke. Stunning outfit, as are several of the others." He gestures, specifically indicating Ishani and Twist. "I had not heard the event was to be a Masquerade, else we'd have dressed in that spirit. My apologies."

Gesturing to the others, Steele says, "You know Miss Monroe, of course, but may I present to you Mr. Arthur Bard, of the Invictus of the Domain of Baltimore. Mr. Bard is a Lord of mine own Blood, the youngest of my Childer. I respectfully ask that you grant him leave to reside in your city as a citizen of the Domain and as your subject."

Bard falls to one knee. "Your Majesty," he says.

Walter Steele: Striking Looks 4 (Handsome; Commanding Presence) Presence 4, Blood Potency 4

Althea Monroe: Striking Looks 4 (Exotic Beauty and Poise), Blood Potency 2

Arthur Bard: Striking Looks 2 (Classically Handsome, blonde/blue, athletic build), Blood Potency 2

[Frost]

As the room began to fill, Ishani became more uncomfortable. It wasn't that she did not like being around people, it was that she did not like having to contend with so many new beasts. Almost all of them were lesser and a few were equal, but they still clawed at the cage and made her want to snarl and lash out.

Then, suddenly a stronger beast unmasked itself and Ishani clanched her fists, digging her nails into her palms.

"If you will please excuse me." She says to Arnold, then without waiting for a response, she turns and walks away. She makes her way to the other side of the room from the stronger beast and tries to find a clear spot to stand.

Taking a few moments to gather her composure, Ishani tries to shove the rage into a deep hole for the moment and concentrates on staying calm.

*******************************

Madison shakes her head at Mariel's question. "No, I have not met Father Black, is he the local Bishop?" She looks around the room, alarmed at the number of kindred. Turning back to Mariel, she gives a shakey smile and asks quietly. "Exactly how many of us are there? It's getting a bit crowded."

[Writer]

Obsidian smiles at the sight of Circe, feeling amused at herself for not seeing Circe so nearby. She steps closer, so that others may know she is associated with Circe.